Redskins, Kendall look like a nice fit

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

Redskins, Kendall look like a nice fit

By David Elfin - Pete Kendall has been a Washington Redskins player for less than two weeks, yet he's already remarkably at home.

Kendall and his wife, Michelle, have rented a furnished house in Ashburn, Va.. Sons Andrew and Peter and daughter Madison started school today after three falls in which Kendall commuted between the New York Jets' facility on Long Island and the family home in suburban Boston.

And Kendall is already set as the starting left guard between four-time Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels and reliable center Casey Rabach.

"I'm really excited," Kendall said. "I haven't spent an autumn with my family since 2003. [Virginia to Massachusetts] was undriveable. [If] we weren't able to secure something as quickly as we did, I would've been Jet Blue's [most] frequent flyer.

"What I went through the last three years was very hard. It was easier my first two years because I was free to go Sunday night and I didn't have to be back until Wednesday morning. [Last year] I had to work on Mondays, so I was only home on Monday nights."

Yet another reason why Kendall, who had been embroiled in a contract dispute with the Jets, was glad to be traded to Washington on Aug. 23 for a conditional second-day draft choice. The Redskins, having failed to effectively replace departed free agent Derrick Dockery with career tackle Todd Wade and journeyman Mike Pucillo, are thrilled to have Kendall, a starter at left guard for nine of his 11 NFL seasons.

"Pete's a great fit for us," offensive line coach Joe Bugel said. "He's been in the same system [at Boston College and, to an extent, with Arizona from 2001 to 2003] and he's super-smart. If he had been on the streets for a year, it would be a tough adjustment, but he had been in training camp with the Jets. One of Pete's ex-coaches said he either wins or ties; he very seldom loses [when battling defenders]."

Rabach said that Kendall's aggressive style is meshing well with that of his new linemates even if at 6-foot-5 and 292 pounds he's an inch and 38 pounds smaller than Dockery.

"Pete's not the biggest guy in the world, but he plays big because he has good technique," Rabach said. "He's a tenacious guy. He really likes to attack. Usually it takes you a while to build that cohesiveness with a new guy, but it's so far, so good. This is Pete's fourth team. He's kind of seen it all, done it all. He'll be fine."



Link (http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/SPORTS01/109050078/1023)

[CarMike]

Rabach said that Kendall's aggressive style is meshing well with that of his new linemates even if at 6-foot-5 and 292 pounds he's an inch and 38 pounds smaller than Dockery.

"Pete's not the biggest guy in the world, but he plays big because he has good technique," Rabach said. "He's a tenacious guy. He really likes to attack. Usually it takes you a while to build that cohesiveness with a new guy, but it's so far, so good. This is Pete's fourth team. He's kind of seen it all, done it all. He'll be fine."

Good lord, i'd hate to see what Rabach would consider big...lol

[hail2skins]

Good lord, i'd hate to see what Rabach would consider big...lolWell, Dock was a big guy. I'm surprised it's on an inch taller.

[CarMike]

yeah, but saying someone that's 6'5" and weighs 292 is on the small side....lol

[MONK_in_HOF]

He won most of the battles I saw in his only preseason action with us. I am thinking he will be an upgrade over Dockery due to his awareness and experience. Excited to see our whole line play together.

[shally]

Redskins, Kendall look like a nice fit





Link (http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/SPORTS01/109050078/1023)

good fit ? you bet.. the o line should regain their swagger

[Biggie]

he's super-smart

Oh God.

[firehawk157]

Oh God.
And plays his guts out.

[LATrueRedskin]

Oh God.


:lol1:

[Campbell2Moss13]

I think that he is the perfect size for a pulling guard. I am really happy that the redskins traded a draft pick for someone that actually fits our system.

[IowaSkinsFan]

Hopefully we can draft a guy next spring to start working on Kenall's replacement so we don't get ourselves in this predicament again (Assuming Lefotu is not the guy).

[JoeDaSchmoe]

One thing Kendall should be better than Dockery at is pulling. In the past few years, when we wanted to pull a guard, it was Thomas about 90% of the time. Dockery just didn't have the goods. Kendall, on the other hand, can get to the other side.

I still worry about losing some straight-ahead push, but we haven't been good in short-yardage situations i nthe past couple of years anyway, so I suppose we can only go up.

[colkurtz]

The Jets are really going to regret losing this guy. This is an excellent pickup in an emergency problem area......

[skinsfan36]

The Jets are really going to regret losing this guy. This is an excellent pickup in an emergency problem area......

agreeded our line should be beast again go dirtbags!

[The Skinsinator]

His predecessor's latest review:

Buffalo
Aug. 31, 2007

High-priced O-line acquisitions struggling to open holes


It's not yet time to press the panic button, but the Buffalo coaching staff is growing increasingly worried about its rushing attack. The team's top two running backs, first-round rookie Marshawn Lynch and seventh-year veteran Anthony Thomas, have combined for just 46 yards on 26 carries in four preseason games. Lynch, the second running back taken in the 2007 draft (the first being the Vikings' Adrian Peterson), is being counted on to replace the departed Willis McGahee as the No. 1 back, with Thomas expected to receive his fair share of carries. But the way we hear it, the running backs are not the real cause for concern. Rather, the problem lies in a retooled offensive line. The Bills opened up the cash drawer in free agency, spending $75 million to mend the Achilles' heel of an offense that ranked 30th in the league in yards per game in 2006. But the two additions who received the bulk of the bankroll, OG Derrick Dockery (Washington) and OT Langston Walker (Oakland), have spent most of the preseason justifying the consensus that the Bills overpaid for them.

They disgustingly overpaid for Dock and Royal's services. With the oline we have I'm confident Kendall will be a better fit with us drafting his replacement in the next couple years.

[colkurtz]

His predecessor's latest review:

Buffalo
Aug. 31, 2007

High-priced O-line acquisitions struggling to open holes


It's not yet time to press the panic button, but the Buffalo coaching staff is growing increasingly worried about its rushing attack. The team's top two running backs, first-round rookie Marshawn Lynch and seventh-year veteran Anthony Thomas, have combined for just 46 yards on 26 carries in four preseason games. Lynch, the second running back taken in the 2007 draft (the first being the Vikings' Adrian Peterson), is being counted on to replace the departed Willis McGahee as the No. 1 back, with Thomas expected to receive his fair share of carries. But the way we hear it, the running backs are not the real cause for concern. Rather, the problem lies in a retooled offensive line. The Bills opened up the cash drawer in free agency, spending $75 million to mend the Achilles' heel of an offense that ranked 30th in the league in yards per game in 2006. But the two additions who received the bulk of the bankroll, OG Derrick Dockery (Washington) and OT Langston Walker (Oakland), have spent most of the preseason justifying the consensus that the Bills overpaid for them.

They disgustingly overpaid for Dock and Royal's services. With the oline we have I'm confident Kendall will be a better fit with us drafting his replacement in the next couple years.

No way we could have paid that much for Dockery, nor did he deserve it - Kendall may end up being the FA deal of the season for us.

[Moe]

In between watching Kendall in (albeit limited) action and reading stuff like this, I'm feeling much more secure about the o-line. I suspect they'll suffer a few growing pains but not only has he improved the starters but allowed the coaches to improve the quality in the depth guys.
Now if the receivers not named Moss can step it up, this offense might light it up.

[bergiemoore]

In between watching Kendall in (albeit limited) action and reading stuff like this, I'm feeling much more secure about the o-line. I suspect they'll suffer a few growing pains but not only has he improved the starters but allowed the coaches to improve the quality in the depth guys.
Now if the receivers not named Moss can step it up, this offense might light it up.

If this article is accurate, and the OLine is gelling, this will allow Cooley to run free, and terrorize defenses. I would also like to see WR not named Moss catch a few passes, but I'm comfortable with Cooley as the big play TE, especially now that he's signed here for another 7 years!

I like the Kendall acquisition, but I'm kind of disappointed that neither Wade nor Pucillo were able to step up and make this a non-issue. Here's to hoping that Kendall plays as long as Ray Brown did!

:beer:

[Patrick]

Just wish Kendall was 5 years younger. But still, if he can give us 3 more years as a starter, he'll be a great aquisition.

[RedskinRyan]

Oh God.

haha, i was beginning to wonder if i was the only one who caught that from reading the first page of replies. i woulda thought it'd stand out.

i sure hope this is a good fit for both sides. even if he's "small", you can't underestimate 11 years of experience.

[shally]

Just wish Kendall was 5 years younger. But still, if he can give us 3 more years as a starter, he'll be a great aquisition.

probably end up giving us one more year of service than dockery gives the bills.. he will get dumped after 2 years because he does not play up tohis salary

[Hr fan]

IMO Kendall, though shorter and less weighty than Dockery, is a better fit for our O. Portis will love him because he is a Shannahan type OLman. Dock could block straight ahead, Kendall can adjust to create a hole. Also on blocking in short yardage or goal line situations Dock tried to overpower and that just doesn't work against a 7-10 man DL. A quick hole opened briefly by technique, which was Dockery's weak point, will do better. Besides Kendall is known for at least neutralizing his man and not getting penalties, and Dock is not quite as good in these regards.

[shally]

IMO Kendall, though shorter and less weighty than Dockery, is a better fit for our O. Portis will love him because he is a Shannahan type OLman. Dock could block straight ahead, Kendall can adjust to create a hole. Also on blocking in short yardage or goal line situations Dock tried to overpower and that just doesn't work against a 7-10 man DL. A quick hole opened briefly by technique, which was Dockery's weak point, will do better. Besides Kendall is known for at least neutralizing his man and not getting penalties, and Dock is not quite as good in these regards.

no more false starts...

[Hr fan]

no more false starts...

or holding or plowing straight ahead while LBs close in on the RB behind him...

[Redskinmayhem]

here's to hoping our O-Line regains some of that nasty streak from the Hogs hayday!!!! Man what I wouldn't give to have Jake back on the line throwing guys around like ragdolls.

[Redskinmayhem]

IMO Kendall, though shorter and less weighty than Dockery, is a better fit for our O. Portis will love him because he is a Shannahan type OLman. Dock could block straight ahead, Kendall can adjust to create a hole. Also on blocking in short yardage or goal line situations Dock tried to overpower and that just doesn't work against a 7-10 man DL. A quick hole opened briefly by technique, which was Dockery's weak point, will do better. Besides Kendall is known for at least neutralizing his man and not getting penalties, and Dock is not quite as good in these regards.

yup, Kendall seems to be the more athletic lineman too. I guess that's why Betts' style worked better with Dock in there. Hopefully, Portis' style fits better w/ Pete.

[youngestson]

Good lord, i'd hate to see what Rabach would consider big...lol


Well Dockery was what, 328 or some such thing? All the guy had to do was fall on someone and it was injury time.

Really, if a man can play he can play and a few pounds here and there won't matter. From the indications we have from the NY media, it seems as if Kendall can play and play well regardless of Peter Kings assessment of him as a stiff.

[youngestson]

probably end up giving us one more year of service than dockery gives the bills.. he will get dumped after 2 years because he does not play up tohis salary


The cost of interior linemen has really gone up all over. Do you really think Dock is that bad a player? I really of thought of him as an inmature but talented guy who needed time to develop.

[James F. Quinn]

The cost of interior linemen has really gone up all over. Do you really think Dock is that bad a player? I really of thought of him as an inmature but talented guy who needed time to develop.

Oh, you know how it goes. Anyone who leaves here is usually reviled and belittled. It's the sour grapes syndrome. DD was getting better with experience. The $$ is a fan issue. As long as he continues to improve and play well, Buffalo will have what they wanted. They went into the FA market with their eyes open.

[Biggie]

Oh, you know how it goes. Anyone who leaves here is usually reviled and belittled. It's the sour grapes syndrome. DD was getting better with experience. The $$ is a fan issue. As long as he continues to improve and play well, Buffalo will have what they wanted. They went into the FA market with their eyes open.

And came out with their pockets far too light.

haha, i was beginning to wonder if i was the only one who caught that from reading the first page of replies. i woulda thought it'd stand out.

That phrase needs to be banned. The only time I've heard it is when Gibbs is trying to explain why Robert Royal or Warrick Holdman was still on the field.

[Brokenstriker]

regardless of Peter Kings assessment of him as a stiff.

that flamer ... I swear Snyder could sign Tom Brady to a 7 year contract and pay him $150K per victory ... and only for victories ... and King would say Snyder was a lousy owner with a Napoleon complex, that Tom Brady is a stiff ... and Joe Gibbs wasn't able to realize the obvious all-pro potential of Jason Campbell

[youngestson]

that flamer ... I swear Snyder could sign Tom Brady to a 7 year contract and pay him $150K per victory ... and only for victories ... and King would say Snyder was a lousy owner with a Napoleon complex, that Tom Brady is a stiff ... and Joe Gibbs wasn't able to realize the obvious all-pro potential of Jason Campbell


The odd thing is that King is not a hack. He knows the NFL but with regards to the Skins he is just nuts. It's gotten to the point where I like to read that he hates this or that guy or move just so I can feel that "the whole world never thought we could pull it off" or any other classic sports cliche.

[firehawk157]

The odd thing is that King is not a hack. He knows the NFL but with regards to the Skins he is just nuts. It's gotten to the point where I like to read that he hates this or that guy or move just so I can feel that "the whole world never thought we could pull it off" or any other classic sports cliche.
King isn't stupid, but he's definitely got his pet teams. That 500 list is just effing retarded though.

[BurgundyNGold]

I'm really glad we got another "super-smart" player. I would have been disappointed if he was just regular smart while fighting his guts out.

[IowaSkinsFan]

One thing Kendall should be better than Dockery at is pulling. In the past few years, when we wanted to pull a guard, it was Thomas about 90% of the time. Dockery just didn't have the goods. Kendall, on the other hand, can get to the other side.

I still worry about losing some straight-ahead push, but we haven't been good in short-yardage situations i nthe past couple of years anyway, so I suppose we can only go up.

I remember Dockery getting stoned in the hole by Bradie James of Dallas last year at Fed Ex, when we had 7 straight plays in side the 5 and couldn't score. When a 330 guard gets stone by a LB in the whole, he isn't all that anyway with the straight ahead push. I think we will be better off with Kendall, especially at the price.

[shally]

I remember Dockery getting stoned in the hole by Bradie James of Dallas last year at Fed Ex, when we had 7 straight plays in side the 5 and couldn't score. When a 330 guard gets stone by a LB in the whole, he isn't all that anyway with the straight ahead push. I think we will be better off with Kendall, especially at the price.

that's a really good point.. and i remember that series. it was pathetic that we could ram it in to the end zone.
for what ever dockery's plusses, he wasnt the mauler he should have been given his size.
kendall is a technically superior player rather than a brute. but he took pains to comment that when he went from zona to the jets their running game really took off..

[youngestson]

I remember Dockery getting stoned in the hole by Bradie James of Dallas last year at Fed Ex, when we had 7 straight plays in side the 5 and couldn't score. When a 330 guard gets stone by a LB in the whole, he isn't all that anyway with the straight ahead push. I think we will be better off with Kendall, especially at the price.


You do make a point against my "Dockery wasn't so bad" thesis. I bow to your evidence.

Against the flippin Coybows.......

[Hr fan]

Well Dockery was what, 328 or some such thing? All the guy had to do was fall on someone and it was injury time.

Really, if a man can play he can play and a few pounds here and there won't matter. From the indications we have from the NY media, it seems as if Kendall can play and play well regardless of Peter Kings assessment of him as a stiff.

Consider the source. Kendall a stiff (a minus) and King's known anti-Redskin bias (a minus); don't two minuses multiplied together a plus?

[Hr fan]

You do make a point against my "Dockery wasn't so bad" thesis. I bow to your evidence.

Against the flippin Coybows.......

DD was indifferent until his walk year. Maybe he is reverting? I never trust improved performance that is measured in a walk year alone.

[GWBlitzST]

Let's face it--Dock wasn't that good. He had too many penalties, not nearly enough rememberable plays (pancakes), no speed to pull, and worst of all, he was drafted when He Who Shall Not Be Named was coaching. Anyone who can move would have been an upgrade, especially considering Portis's slashing style, but Pete Kendall is a dream come true!

[GWBlitzST]

Oh, you know how it goes. Anyone who leaves here is usually reviled and belittled. It's the sour grapes syndrome. DD was getting better with experience. The $$ is a fan issue. As long as he continues to improve and play well, Buffalo will have what they wanted. They went into the FA market with their eyes open.

Maybe they should have concentrated on keeping the studs they let go on the other side of the ball before signing two basically mediocre players for their O line to protect their questionable quarterback and their rookie RB.

[hogskins]

probably end up giving us one more year of service than dockery gives the bills.. he will get dumped after 2 years because he does not play up tohis salary

What do you think LeTofu will give us? Anything? Ever?

[greatest2]

kendall will be nice, and solid if not spectacular. he will be solid, but not great.

its time to start drafting lineman fellas