Quote:
Originally Posted by SmootSmack
Ok, this has been great the past month talking about how all aspects our team (passing, running, defense) have stepped up during our winning streak. But as hot as we are right now, there must be something that could hold us back. Some area of our team that opponents could expose to our disadvantage.
So, what's our biggest weakness going into the playoffs?
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Well, that's easy. The offensive line.
Chris Samuels isn't really playing his best football right now, but he's still got pro bowl skill. Pete Kendall hasn't been good this year, and Rabach has looked downright terrible at times, while average at others. Fabini has been a consistent performer, but the Redskins have really given him a lot of help on interior linemen in the passing game. Our coaching staff really doesn't trust him and it's hurting everyone else. Heyer has been playing...maybe the best out of anyone, but he's still a rookie and can be overwhelmed at the point of attack.
Our interior offensive line has been brutal, and it has cost us a pretty significant part of our running game. That's huge, because Portis leads the NFL in carries, and on the whole, has been downright terrible in effectiveness.
However, as usually happens when the defensive opposition starts to wear down late in the year, Portis manages to keep himself healthy into December, and he's looking like a man amongst boys out there. Portis' running style throughout the year is very conducive to strong playoff running, and I expect him to produce. On top of that, Betts is healty. So we have no excuse not to get everyone blocked up for these guys.
It's just that even with the late season advantage at RB, it's still going to be tough to run on anyone with the line up there. These guys as a unit just aren't very good.