Until we have both an Offensive line and Defensive line we will suck....

I normally don't like Michael Wilbon's articles, however this sums it up pretty darn well (and takes a nice shot at all the simpleton's who suggest benching JC is the solution).

washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/08/AR2008120803484.html)

With the offensive line, remember just how good the Ravens pass rush is.

Defensive line...I felt they played well today, but I'll reserve further judgement until I look at the tape. I didn't feel like we got outcoached on defense watching the game, that's for sure.

They ran that off balanced line effectively against us because they were attacking small DE Andre Carter. Teams are picking on him non-stop. He is the weak link.

when portis was healthy earlier in the season our o line looked good. I think his decline in carries and yards make the line look worse than it is. Coverage has been getting tighter on our recievers because teams are not fearing the run. JC needs to step up in the pocket where he can be better protected. Our D line still looks OK but we definatly need a play maker or two here.

This is true I think, but I think his play diagnosis has gotten so good at DE that he can read draw and not go upfield too far. Now that he can do that, I say more power to him if he wants to use speed moves on every play to go inside or outside the tackle instead of through him.

There's no doubt that it took some time to get him re-acclimated to Defensive End in the NFL. But if anything, he's better than last year, is all I'm saying.

What has changed in his game play from the 11 sacks he had last year to the three he has this year?

What has changed in his game play from the 11 sacks he had last year to the three he has this year?We blitz six+ players about once every three passes. 94% of the times on these plays, the Redskins cannot sack the QB. This suggests that despite the extra guys coming at the QB, offenses have adjusted to either 1) pick up the blitz, or 2) run a hot route to get the ball out quick.

Our blitzes don't surprise anyone, so teams are very prepared for them. Obviously, this limits the value of a pass rushing defensive end when #1) you force them to rush a certain gap, and #2) the quarterback isn't going to hold the ball long enough for someone outside the tackle box to be a major factor.

Is it possible for him to be better this year despite having less of a tangible impact (stats-wise)? How come the sacks are way down?See above.

If the tangible impact is limited to sacks, then his production is down, but when you consider the way he forces weaker QBs to alter their deliveries with pressure, then I would argue his tangible production is up.

They ran that off balanced line effectively against us because they were attacking small DE Andre Carter. Teams are picking on him non-stop. He is the weak link.Carter was not in the game for most of the day. And even when he was in for Taylor at the end, the success they had at the end of the game occurred, in my opinion, because of shoddy tackling by Mike Green and Rocky McIntosh more than anything.

I promise to watch to see if Carter is getting blown off the ball in the final drive of the game.

Agreed, we are right on target for 8-8.

Charles Casserly says that Stacey Andrews is the best young tackle, available. Also says will be very hard to sign because every team out there knows it and his brother plays for the eagles. Casserly say he will probably end up there. He is a mountain of a man, at 6-7 342. I am editing this, because the everything I read about Andrews is bad. Casserly never has been all that great at evaulting talent any way. Just look at the Skins and the Texans. He is also unlucky. The best move he ever made, taking Williams over Bush, probably forced him to resign