Plug and Play:
The Washington Redskins headed into the final pre-season game concerned about the left side of the offensive line, with Chris Samuels coming of injury and Pete Kendall just joining the team. Well, less than a month later the Redskins are down to two of five starters on the offensive line from the 2006 season. It’s the right side that has become a issue.
Ater losing RT Jon Jansen for the season in week one, RG Randy Thomas suffered a torn left triceps muscle on the last offensive play of the first quarter in Monday night’s victory over the Eagles. With Todd Wade (Jansen’s replacement) seeing his first action of the season, 10-year veteran Jason Fabini was inserted at RG and played the last three quarters. Fabini committed two false starts but otherwise played very well on what I now refer to as the Redskin’s plug and play offensive line.
Under normal circumstance you wouldn’t rotate offensive linemen week in and week out but this “plug and play” strategy that Assistant Head Coach Joe Bugel has been using appears to be working as the Redskin offense is currently fourth in the NFL and first in the NFC in rushing yards and averaging more than four yards per carry. They’ve been a major contributor to the Redskins converting more than 50% of their 3rd down attempts.
Randy Thomas underwent a MRI on Tuesday that confirmed the tear; he had surgery Wednesday and is expected to be out ten to twelve weeks. Thomas received a text message from Jon Jansen to make plans to rehab together (Jon has been at Redskins Park daily as if still on the active roster and attends all team meetings).
Gibbs has named Jason Fabini as the replacement for Thomas this week against the Giants but hasn’t decided if Randy will go on Injured Reserve of not. The Redskins worked out and gave Physicals to Offensive Guards Rick DeMulling and Keydrick Vincent on Wednesday; DeMulling was signed on Thursday.
The Newest Dirtbag:
To make room for Guard Rick DeMulling, the Redskins released Wide Receiver Shaun Bodiford. Bodiford was claimed off waivers after cut down to 53-man rosters, but hasn’t been active this season. The Redskins now have five WR on the roster.
Rick DeMulling was the 20th pick in the seventh round of the 2001 Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. By 2002 he was starting and remained the starter until signing as a free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2005. He played two years in Detroit before returning to Indianapolis last March.
He attended the University of Idaho and was a four-year starter, while there he was named to All-Big West first team three times. DeMulling was born July 21, 1977 in Cheney, Washington and attended Cheney High School where he played football and basketball.
DeMulling’s Vitals
Full Name: Rick Elwood DeMulling (Pronounced: de-MULL-ing)
Age: 30
Height: 6-4
Weight: 304 lbs
Up Next:
The New York Giants, who are 0-2 (0-1 in the Div.) following a loss to the Green Bay Packers 35-13, will be the next team up for the Redskins. For those not in the area you can follow the game online. The game will be played at FedEx and kickoff is at 4:15. The Redskins will be wearing their throwback uniforms to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Franchise.
The Giants are led by Quarterback Eli Manning (97.5 QB rating, 523 yards, 5 Touchdowns, and 2 Interceptions) and former Redskins Middle Linebacker Antonio Pierce (20 Tackles, 18 Solo, and 2 Assists). The New York Giants are ranked tenth in points scored with 48 points but the Giant’s defense are #1 in points allowed, giving up 80 points in two games. In addition to Pierce, other familiar faces for this game includes wide receiver Plaxico Burress who grew up in Virginia Beach, Va., and current Giants Offensive Line coach Pat Flaherty. He’s the Tight Ends coach that replaced Michael Pope who coached the Tight Ends from 1997-1999. Pope left Washington to go to New York and serves as the Giants Tight Ends coach. Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has connections to assistant head coach Gregg Williams, special teams coordinator Danny Smith, safeties coach Steve Jackson and cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray from their days on the sidelines with the Buffalo Bills (2002-2003). Defensive Tackle Cornelius Griffin was a second-round draft pick by the Giants in 2000 and played in New York until the joined the Redskins in 2004. Wide Receiver Santana Moss is the older brother of Giants receiver Sinorice Moss.
By the Numbers:
— 1. Quarterback Jason Campbell won his first NFC East game last Monday. It was also Jason’s first appearance on Monday Night Football. The defense has only allowed eight of 29 (27.6 percent) chances on third downs, ranking them first in the NFL.
— 2. The Redskins have started 2-0 a total of 13 times, four times under Gibbs (1982, 1986, 1991 and 2005).
— 3. Washington’s defense is ranked number three league-wide in the Red Zone (allowed one touchdown and five field goals in seven trips inside their own 20), and third in the NFC in points allowed with 25.
— 4. The Offense is ranked fourth in the NFL on converting third downs; they have converted 15-of-29 third-down attempts. They are also fourth in Rushing Offense averaging 160 yards per game.
Injury Report:
RG Randy Thomas Out (torn triceps muscle)
Thomas underwent successful surgery on Wednesday that repaired his torn triceps tendon.
DE Phillip Daniels Probable (Hamstring)
Daniels returned to practice on Thursday
CB Fred Smoot Questionable (Hamstring)
Smoot was limited in practiced on Wednesday and Thursday.
S Vernon Fox Questionable (Groin)
Fox was limited in practiced on Wednesday and Thursday.
Injured Reserves:
FB Broughton, Nehemiah (Knee)
TE Ecker, Tyler (Groin)
WR Espy, Mike (Knee)
WR Harris, Steven (Knee)
WR McAddley, Jason (Hamstring)
OL Tucker, Ross (Neck)
OT Jansen, Jon (Ankle)
– Bernie Marshall
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Bernie Marshall