Once again we are reminded of the importance of

[Redskinfan28]

Chris Samuels. He goes unnoticed, in large part, but he may be the most important player on the OL because left tackle is the most important position. Heyer is suited for RT but not LT, like so many lineman.

[SimplyZ]

Most teams lack a backup LT that can start. Samuels is incredibly important tho. I don't disagree at all. I thought bad omens when i saw him on the sideline

[3Taylor6]

how about the importance of a good punt returner, if randel el was in he gets tackled for a loss

[colkurtz]

Griifin. We need him in the middle.

Horton. This rookie still has some growing and learning to do, but i think he's going to be a long-term ball hawk on this defense.

[give_portis_the_rock]

Samuels is a monster and an anchor on our OL
We saw two fumbles as a result of Jason getting blindsided (one of them was recovered by Detroit and led to a touchdown). So obviously we need him on the field.

[jaylen]

if Samuels plays Portis might have rushed for 200 yards, he's that important and of course pass blocking.

Glad we were able to rest him and get a win.

Samuels might be a Hall of Famer when its said and done.

[Biggie]

I was saying this to someone in the first half. Samuels and Horton were both obviously missing, and that first Lions touchdown doesn't happen if Griff is in.

[shally]

Chris Samuels. He goes unnoticed, in large part, but he may be the most important player on the OL because left tackle is the most important position. Heyer is suited for RT but not LT, like so many lineman.

no question... both fumbles came from pressure by heyers man

[GloryHog]

Hopefully this was only an unofficial by week for a lot of key players and they will all be back for Pittsburg.

[give_portis_the_rock]

Hopefully this was only an unofficial by week for a lot of key players and they will all be back for Pittsburg.

Bounties on...

Portis? Tana? Campbell?

[guess88]

Hopefully this was only an unofficial by week for a lot of key players and they will all be back for Pittsburg.

That's what I'm hoping for. We're going to NEED Samuels, Horton, and Griffin for Pitt. Harrison, Woodley, and Farrior are beasts who can pass rush, and though it seems like they're more pass happy this season, they can still run tough. They might even have FWP back too.

[greatest2]

missing a pro bowl LT is always noticeable no matter who comes in for him.

we were lucky to have a average starting caliber RT that we could put there.

[shally]

got to be tough going from right side to left for heyer.. still, he was rusty at the least

[saviour]

missing a pro bowl LT is always noticeable no matter who comes in for him.


This goes without saying and it shows how much he is taken for granted around here at times. He is a 5 time probowl player at on the the most important positions on the field.

He is not the "Cowboy" type probowl offensive lineman who gets in because stupid fans play the popularity game. He gets in because his peers (players and coaches) feel that he belongs.

There is nothing overatted about the man and we should be thankful to have him.

[NCskinsfanatic]

I was saying this to someone in the first half. Samuels and Horton were both obviously missing, and that first Lions touchdown doesn't happen if Griff is in.

Exactly my thoughts on the game...

[skinsfan36]

Exactly my thoughts on the game...

ill third that.

samuels is a top 2 left tackle when i heard he was inactive i got worried about this game and worried for campbells health

[smoak]

Without big #60, I don't see that we have a chance against Pittsburgh.

[shally]

Without big #60, I don't see that we have a chance against Pittsburgh.

no doubt he is key to both running game and pass protection...

[ihatedallas]

Can anybody fill me in on what "personal" means? why was he out this week?

[greatest2]

Can anybody fill me in on what "personal" means? why was he out this week?

family issue for practice and then when he warmed up for the game they said his knee inflammed a little bit.

[Meatsnack]

Heyer was an OLT al through college, I think. We got him to switch sides because of Jansen's recent injury history. Given a couple of games to relearn the LT reflexes, I think he would be substantially better than he showed vs. Detroit. Hopefully, we will not be required to find out if I am right, however. Samuels is an amazing tackle given how Buges doesn't even shade the OLG help to him but leaves his iso-ed on everyone. I don't think any other OLT in football does this game in and game out like Chris.

[shally]

Heyer was an OLT al through college, I think. We got him to switch sides because of Jansen's recent injury history. Given a couple of games to relearn the LT reflexes, I think he would be substantially better than he showed vs. Detroit. Hopefully, we will not be required to find out if I am right, however. Samuels is an amazing tackle given how Buges doesn't even shade the OLG help to him but leaves his iso-ed on everyone. I don't think any other OLT in football does this game in and game out like Chris.

still think that heyer is better suited for the right side.. the types of DE's he will have to deal with there are likely not quite as quick as those seen on the left..

[Meatsnack]

still think that heyer is better suited for the right side.. the types of DE's he will have to deal with there are likely not quite as quick as those seen on the left..

True but Heyer did very well vs. Strahan last season and Mike s a problem on any side. I don't argue that Heyer can supplant Samuels but I do think that Heyer can play OLT substantially better than he showed filling in at the last minute.

[Patrick]

I guess I might be the only one here that thought Heyer did an outstanding job yesterday. Let's not lose site of the fact that he did not practice all week to fill in at LT. If I'm not mistaken (and I might be) - Samuels was a scratch game day or Saturday(?). Geeeezzz - for the kid to step in and do what he did - to me was awesome. Sure he missed a few plays BUT Samuels has missed a few this year too.
On the flip side - I DO want Samuels back this week though!!!!

[cal_junior]

If I'm not mistaken (and I might be) - Samuels was a scratch game day or Saturday(?).

No, you're right. Samuels didn't scratch until after pre-game warm-ups. You obviously want your Pro Bowler in at LT against this front-7, but a week of practice should make Heyere more viable.

[lorimike]

No, you're right. Samuels didn't scratch until after pre-game warm-ups. You obviously want your Pro Bowler in at LT against this front-7, but a week of practice should make Heyere more viable.<<<<

I thought Samuels was not going to have surgery?

[cal_junior]

<<<<

I thought Samuels was not going to have surgery?

My guess is that Samuels will plan on playing Monday night, but unlike last week Heyer will at least be prepared for the possibility of playing LT.

[Redskinfan28]

No, you're right. Samuels didn't scratch until after pre-game warm-ups. You obviously want your Pro Bowler in at LT against this front-7, but a week of practice should make Heyere more viable.

According to the Post, Heyer has practiced more at left tackle than on the right side the past two weeks. Although, if he knows he will be starting at LT, its easier to get prepared.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Let me throw this in... we were also reminded of the importance of Ethan Albright. Look what happened in Pitts, and imagine what would happen if that happened to us.

With that said, I'm extremely worried about Samuels.... our chances take a great hit if he is out of the lineup.

[brettsky991]

Samuels is a monster and an anchor on our OL
We saw two fumbles as a result of Jason getting blindsided (one of them was recovered by Detroit and led to a touchdown). So obviously we need him on the field.


Good observation.

[smoak]

I guess I might be the only one here that thought Heyer did an outstanding job yesterday. Let's not lose site of the fact that he did not practice all week to fill in at LT. If I'm not mistaken (and I might be) - Samuels was a scratch game day or Saturday(?). Geeeezzz - for the kid to step in and do what he did - to me was awesome. Sure he missed a few plays BUT Samuels has missed a few this year too.
On the flip side - I DO want Samuels back this week though!!!!


I love you as much as I love my brother, but I think you're allowing a smidge of your Terrapin bias creep into the equation. :D Heyer wasn't terrible (I read somewhere that he has practices at LT) but we got NO push in the running game and the couple mistakes could have cost us the game.

I love #74 and if is in there I will cheer my head off for the guy.... But I will only feel confident if Samuels is back.

[Patrick]

I love you as much as I love my brother, but I think you're allowing a smidge of your Terrapin bias creep into the equation. :D Heyer wasn't terrible (I read somewhere that he has practices at LT) but we got NO push in the running game and the couple mistakes could have cost us the game.

I love #74 and if is in there I will cheer my head off for the guy.... But I will only feel confident if Samuels is back.

Agree whole heartly. I don't want Heyer in there at all - I just thought the kid did a good job under the circumstances. I had read or heard nothing about him taking snaps at LT. I was under the assumption that he was trying to get the starting job back at RT and was working there. I know one thing - I think I'd rest Samuels most of the week and have Heyer taking most the work - JUST INCASE.

[shally]

Agree whole heartly. I don't want Heyer in there at all - I just thought the kid did a good job under the circumstances. I had read or heard nothing about him taking snaps at LT. I was under the assumption that he was trying to get the starting job back at RT and was working there. I know one thing - I think I'd rest Samuels most of the week and have Heyer taking most the work - JUST INCASE.

agree... plus, he seemed better on the right side where the only negative impact he seemed to have was in the running game