The Redskins offensive line was dubbed the "Dirtbags" by Joe Bugel, the de facto offensive line coach. Bugel concocted the name after seeing right tackle Jon Jansen soiled and scraggly during an off-season practice. Jansen, perhaps the best right tackle never named to the Pro Bowl, was "Dirtbag No. 1." Chris Samuels was the gifted left tackle who has been a perennial Pro Bowler after being drafted no. 3 overall in 2000. Right guard Randy Thomas is considered one of the best at his position and Derrick Dockery is a potential beast at 6-foot-6, 345 pounds. Under Bugel, best known for molding the "Hogs" during Coach Joe Gibbs's first stint in Washington, the line was supposed to flourish this season.
But the Dirtbags, hindered by injuries, have been inconsistent since Jansen suffered a season-ending Achilles heel injury in the preseason opener.
"We've been spotty. We've had great games and really poor games," conceded offensive lineman Ray Brown, 41, who has started all but two games after signing during training camp as a reserve. "I'm not sure why. We're doing the technical stuff. Right now it becomes just flat out getting it done, winning your matchups."
The left side of the offensive line has performed best behind the strong play of Samuels, who has been on a mission to redeem himself after a shaky 2003 season. Samuels has played recently with a sprained right ankle. The right side of the line has had the most trouble, causing the Redskins to give it extra help from H-backs and tight ends.
Kenyatta Walker initially replaced Jansen before the Redskins signed Brown, who moved into the starting lineup in Week 2. Brown has been a remarkable story, the oldest offensive lineman in the league, playing his best against top pass rushers: Michael Strahan of the New York Giants, Adewale Ogunleye of the Chicago Bears and Jevon Kearse of the Philadelphia have combined for one sack against the Redskins.
But Brown has been inconsistent, inexplicably having a tougher time against mediocre defensive ends. Brown this Sunday will switch to right guard, his natural position, because of a hamstring injury that will keep Thomas out for at least the next two weeks. Rookie right tackle Mark Wilson will make his NFL debut starting against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
-- Nunyo Demasio
