Washington Commanders

Added size is key to Redskins' new-look offensive line

Published Jun. 9, 2015 2:59 p.m. ET

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The Washington Redskins have undergone quite the overhaul along the offensive line this offseason. For starters, the right side of their offensive line is currently projected to feature two new starters in right guard Spencer Long and right tackle Brandon Scherff. In addition, long gone are the days of Mike Shanahan's entirely zone-blocking scheme. New offensive line coach Bill Callahan won't completely scrap the zone-blocking concepts that fit Alfred Morris' running style so well, but he is in the process of introducing a majority of power-blocking concepts to the running game.

The Redskins have high expectations for Long and Scherff. With no starting NFL experience, Callahan and crew hopes that both players can take advantage of their opportunity to man the right side of the line. This is where continuity and teamwork is starter.

“We’re just trying to help each other, and that’s what we’ve got to do as an offensive line,” Scherff said Wednesday, per The Washington Times. “You’ve always got to help each other so that all five are playing on the same level.”

Tipping the scales at over 315 pounds, Long fits what head coach Jay Gruden is trying to do by adding size to the offensive line. 2014 starter Chris Chester was only 303 pounds. However, Long will be tasked with sliding right in as a starter after taking just 16 snaps on offense as a rookie in 2014.

“I had a lot going on my rookie year,” Long said Wednesday. “I was just trying to keep my head above water really, you know? Everything [changed] — a whole new experience, a whole new place, a whole new offense, a whole new tempo, a whole new level of difficulty in competition. So much was new, and this year is just night-and-day difference walking in and feeling that your body is used to it and you know what to expect and you’re used to the speed. The transition has been a lot smoother.”

The Redskins are bigger and stronger on the offensive line, and now touted offensive line guru Mr. Callahan will be tasked with putting all the pieces together in time for the start of the 2015 season.

(h/t Washington Times)

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