Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.sports From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Snowballing injuries on line caught Gibbs, Redskins off Date: Sun, 22 Nov 92 17:26:45 EST Message-ID: \SE C;SPORTS;REDSKINS GAME REPORT;Q&A \HD Snowballing injuries on line caught Gibbs, Redskins off guard \BY THE WASHINGTON TIMES Q: In 1988, we went through seven different offensive line combinations the year after the Super Bowl. Why didn't coach Joe Gibbs anticipate those kind of problems this time? What does he plan to do in the future? Harold Ickes, Washington. A: Heading into training camp, the offensive line was the deepest, most experienced unit on the team, having lost only guard Russ Grimm to the coaching staff. To offset that loss, the Redskins brought in an experienced Plan B signee - Steve Gabbard, Green Bay, who was a bust and was cut - and five draftees or free agents, hoping one of those six would make it to back up a solid front wall with no holes. During the opening practice of camp July 20, the club lost two guards, both draftees, to injuries and that started a snowball rolling that hasn't stopped. Grimm's replacement as the all-purpose substitute, Mark Adickes, was soon lost for the season with a back problem; tackle Ed Simmons was still rehabilitating from major knee surgery; tackle Mo Elewonibi was injured much of camp, as was tackle Joe Jacoby, who has been in and out of the lineup all season; center Jeff Bostic was lost during Week 4 with a torn rotator cuff; tackle Jim Lachey went down with a sprained knee during Week 5; Elewonibi, Lachey's replacement, went back on IR with a sprained knee. It's kind of hard for a coach or anyone else to anticipate that scenario. What are the plans for the future? There should be two draft priorities (if there is a draft): the best lineman available and a runner with fullback size to punch it in from short yardage. Q: Art Monk seems to be out of the picture this season as far as touchdowns are concerned, and he's the most talented and biggest member of the receiving corps. Does Gibbs have any plans to work him into the offense? And what about Mark Rypien's short-yardage problem; he doesn't have a quick release. Is Jeff Rutledge the answer? Peter Fourt, Washington. A: Monk has never had the speed of a breakaway receiver and, while not turning touchdowns aside, has always been used more as a possession receiver - need 10 yards for a first down, he'll get 11 - than as a guy who can take it all the way for you. He is still a major part of the passing game, but this has not been a good season for passers or receivers. Rypien's forte has always been the long game; a lack of decent mobility hampers his ability to set up quickly and excel at the short game. Rutledge is a nice holder. Q: With teams taking away the deep threat, why doesn't Gibbs put Desmond Howard in at H-back and try to hit the short pass or put Brian Mitchell in the backfield? Both know how to run in the open and make people miss them. Harry Tapp, Alexandria. A: An H-back has to fight his way through the defensive line to get free; Howard weighs 180 pounds. Mitchell has his hands full returning kicks and is a critical role player on all special team units. Q: It seems everybody is pointing to the passing game, as though it's the only way the club can win the rest of the way with the line banged up. How do you do that when Rypien's main strength is the long pass, he doesn't have a quick release, is not mobile and the line is breaking down? Does it mean Gibbs must use another quarterback, since he doesn't like the shotgun? Seymour Hersh, Washington. A: Gibbs believes the shotgun allows two additional chances for error, the bad or fumbled snap. Gibbs is convinced Rypien is the way to go, having done it a year ago. There is ample blame to go around for the poor offensive showing. The running game is also far off last season's pace, and the play calling has been ultra conservative when more imagination probably would work wonders. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM