The Hogs played well into their mid 30s. It's been done at this level before. Jansen on more than one occasion has been called a throwback to a former era or an old school offensive lineman. He must now learn a new role as a back up and the position of guard for the Skins. Jansen was quoting as saying he was "disappointed." He appeared to be playing his way back into form from injuries. You put the best players out there that give you the best chance of winning. Doesn't this include starting Jansen for at least another year?

Jansen's pass blocking was called into question. How much of a young Heyer with youth and exuberance played a factor has yet to be seen. Heyer's infusion of energy and talent may have contributed to the change in the starting offensive line. Where Jansen's absence will be most notable is during running plays. Thomas may be one of the better pulling lineman, but it's Jansen that Portis and Betts ran behind. When you needed a push to gain a yard or a yard and a half for a first down or break the goal line it was Jansen's side that received the call and not Samuels. Who will the Redskins run to now?

Samuels has been beaten by edge rushers and bull rushers this pre-season to so why the emphasis on Jansen. For nearly a decade the Redskins defensive line has survived without the likes of Mann, Manley, or Harvey and has relied upon the back seven. The hogs used to practice against some of the best defensive lineman in the league which made them even better during games. Carter is far from the likes of Mann, but with the addition of Taylor the offensive line will once again be able to practice against some of the best which would only have helped Jansen.

No reports have surfaced regarding the lack of technique or foot speed about Jansen. How could pass blocking regressed so far for Jansen is unclear. In the west coast offense the passes should come out of the pocket after only a three or five step drop. This should mean that blocks have to be held for a shorter period of time and not longer. The burden is placed on the quarterback to make a read and throw the ball quickly.

If youth and energy was needed to be inserted into the lineup, it would have made more sense to send Kendall to the reserve role and allow Rhinehart to concentrate on one position. Anyone talented enough to play tackle and guard besides withstanding the mental and physical challenges seems like the more likely candidate to replace a veteran.

Kendall was a last minute replacement for the departed Dockery. Kendall provided stability along the inside of the line, but lacked the speed and physical play that Rhinehart can provide. Kendall relies more on experience at this point in his career. Lessons he could pass along to Heyer and Rhinehart from a reserve role. Heyer would certainly gain a larger opportunity to play as injuries occur in the season. What's interesting about the change is the late breaking notice and the decision made by the head coach which is a marked change from Gibbs.

Time will tell whether this was the appropriate time for such a change. Keep an eye out on short yardage plays where the Redskins run behind and how successful they are as well as how Heyer can hold a block on obvious long distance downs.