Start The Redskins selected him
in the third round of the 2012 draft with plans of developing him into a
starter on the interior of their line for years to come. Washington Redskins Josh
LeRibeus showed some promise during relief duty as a rookie, Washington
Redskins and even played most of his team’s playoff game against
Seattle.
Washington Redskins But Le Ribeus regressed last season when he reported for
offseason workouts more than 30 pounds overweight. Washington Redskins
Instead of taking over at left guard, he spent the year trying to get back into
shape, and didn’t dress for a single game. Washington Redskins Now as he enters
his third NFL season, and what he describes as possibly his last chance with
the team, LeRibeus is looking to make up for lost time and facing some stiff
competition. Washington
this offseason signed free agent Shawn Lauvao, Washington Redskins and he is
penciled in as the starter at left guard. Then Washington drafted Spencer Long in the third
round. Long is expected to eventually take over as the starting right guard,
Washington Redskins although incumbent Chris Chester could hold him off for
this year. For now, LeRibeus must prove himself as a capable backup. Washington
Redskins He opened the offseason program working as the second-team left guard,
and in the following weeks, Washington Redskins flip-flopped with Long at right
guard. Coach Jay Gruden said it’s important that the young guards display an
ability to play both guard positions because on game days, teams generally dress
only the five starters and a backup swing guard and swing tackle. Washington
Redskins LeRibeus reported for duty in better shape, Washington Redskins and
coaches say he is at a better place now than he was at this point last season.
It’s important that he continues to do well in training camp, Washington
Redskins and show a strong sense of self-motivation. Otherwise, his time in the
organization could end before it ever really got started, Washington Redskins
end.
Washington Redskins We will be featuring a
different Washington Redskins player each day on this list, staying
away from rookies or some second-year players still finding their way. Washington
Redskins This will focus primarily on veterans at or near a career crossroads. Washington
Redskins Today guard Chris Chester. He is coming off a tough season,
he would save the Redskins $2.7 million in cap space and the team has two young
alternatives behind him. Chester
has never been a great player, Washington Redskins but two years ago he was
mostly solid. Then, the line benefited from multiple factors that helped their
play: the scheme, a quarterback who could fool defenses with his play fakes and
a strong running game that capitalized on the line’s ability to move. Washington
Redskins But like the others last season, Chester
struggled when it became a one-on-one game with a lot of dropbacks and few
targets capable of winning quickly. Chester
is adept at moving laterally, Washington Redskins but got himself in trouble
against stronger players. Despite his play, the Redskins did not take him out
of the lineup (he wasn’t the only one on offense having issues). But they
drafted Spencer Long in the third round and have praised Josh
LeRibeus for his offseason. It’s a lot to ask a rookie to start
immediately, let alone one who missed most of his senior season. But they do
like Long. If LeRibeus ever wants to be good, this is the year he asserts
himself. But this means Chester
must prove he’s not only better, but that he will still be that way throughout
the season. Again, Washington Redskins they could save money by cutting him. He’s
not going to get much stronger or quicker. So he has to play the savvy vet role
and hope the offense doesn’t require a lot of deep drops that take 3.0 seconds
to pass. That was part of the problem a year ago, Washington Redskins
compounded by a quarterback in Robert Griffin III who
was unable to develop in the offseason. Chester
typically plays with a good base and consistent fundamentals. He also shows
good awareness in protection. Occasionally he would try to help right tackle Tyler
Polumbus, but by doing so would knock the rusher into a better
position leading to a sack. Chester
has to return to the level of consistency he showed in 2012, especially in the
second half of that season. Again, the style of offense will help. Offensive
lines are aided greatly by Washington Redskins receivers who win quickly;
quarterbacks who make good, quick decisions and a scheme that doesn’t put them
in bad spots. They have the receivers to win that way. Griffin can help with his reads, though that
will be aided by the receivers winning sooner as well. Washington Redskins It
all works together. But Griffin
will always extend plays when possible, so not every pass will be thrown in a hurry. For
now, Washington Redskins Chester
is the starter. Washington Redskins And there could be a distinct difference
between he and the two likely challengers for his job. It’s hard to know that
not having seen LeRibeus play since last August and knowing that Long is a
rookie and has a lot to learn. Washington Redskins Both have to prove that Chester doesn’t warrant a
spot. Washington Redskins But Chester
has to prove that he’s worth keeping around after a tough season, Washington
Redskins.
