[sportscurmudgeon]

The offer the Skins made to Eric Beverly is an important indicator. Beverly is a solid if unspectacular interior offensive lineman who has played center and guard.

One interpretation is that he would provide the needed depth on the offensive line because of his flexibility.

The other interpretation is that the coaching staff has looked at the tapes from last year and they think that either Dockery or the incumbent center is not starting material in the NFL.

I suspect the second interpretation is more correct and signing someone like Beverly who can play multiple positions and can get the job done without any flair or hoopla surrounding him will be very important to the team in 2004. Stay tuned...