{"id":99436,"date":"2020-12-12T08:47:29","date_gmt":"2020-12-12T13:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=99436"},"modified":"2022-02-02T18:43:32","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T23:43:32","slug":"washington-football-team-offensive-line-strength","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/12\/12\/washington-football-team-offensive-line-strength\/","title":{"rendered":"The Washington Football Team Offensive Line Is Turning Into a Strength"},"content":{"rendered":"

It wasn\u2019t a pretty scene for the Washington Football Team<\/a> on October 11th as <\/span>Alex Smith<\/a><\/b> was pummeled by <\/span>Aaron Donald<\/a><\/b> and the rest of the Los Angeles Rams<\/a> pass rush after<\/span> Kyle Allen<\/a> <\/b>went down with a shoulder injury. Smith was sacked six times in the game, including Donald leaping onto his back for one. Throughout the game, Donald dominated second-year guard <\/span>Wes Martin<\/a><\/b>. However, with the return of <\/span>Brandon Scherff<\/a><\/b> and the additions of <\/span>Cornelius Lucas<\/a><\/b> and <\/span>Wes Schweitzer<\/a><\/b>, the Washington offensive line has played exceptionally well in their three-game winning streak.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In his last five games (four starts), Smith has been sacked just 12 times, with a few due to holding the ball too long. For the most part, Smith has had a clean pocket to move to his second or third read. More impressively, the offensive line has been superb in the run game and on screen passes, showing off their mobility and physicality. Standout rookie running back <\/span>Antonio Gibson<\/a> <\/b>has rushed for 5.0 yards per carry in his last four games (not including this past Monday\u2019s) and has taken advantage of holes created by the line with his development at the running back position. While the line may be one piece away from being a top ten group, Washington\u2019s line has been a crucial piece to their recent success.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Washington Football Team\u2019s Offensive Line is Becoming a Strength<\/h2>\n

The Revamped Left Side of the Washington Offensive Line<\/h3>\n

Heading into the season, the left side was the biggest question mark on the offensive line. The former third-round pick <\/span>Geron Christian<\/a><\/b> was the starting left tackle for Washington and Wes Martin was in at left guard. Christian started just two games prior to 2020, struggling for the most part, and Wes Martin filled in well for the injured Brandon Scherff in 2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Martin struggled throughout the season and was benched for Wes Schweitzer after Brandon Scherff returned. While Christian held his own at left tackle, he missed the Week 7 game against the Dallas Cowboys<\/a> with a knee injury. Cornelius Lucas came in at left tackle and did not allow a sack in his first two games. He became the full-time starter at left tackle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wes Schweitzer has been superb in the run game, playing with physicality in space. Although he hasn\u2019t been perfect in pass protection, he has held his own to allow Alex Smith to step up into the pocket.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Not the biggest gain here, but watch Schweitzer at left guard doing work! \ud83d\udcaa pic.twitter.com\/7oAB7GE9j0<\/a><\/p>\n

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) November 24, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n