Grading Redskins Offensive Tackle Tom Compton

Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) celibates with tackle Tom Compton (68) after a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi

Offensive Tackle Tom Compton has waited most of three seasons for an opportunity to get a chance to play significant minutes for the Redskins. With Tyler Polumbus getting hurt and generally being ineffective, Compton has finally gotten his chance.

Compton was seeing playing time during the first half of the season mostly as a third tackle/tight end on short yardage running plays. Then, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, gave Compton the start against the Dallas Cowboys on October 27th. Compton has been an immediate improvement over Polumbus.

Compton played well against the Cowboys. He did allow one sack but only had a few negative plays overall.  Compton scored a 54 on 63 graded plays for a 0.86 rating.

My rating scale gives a +1 to +5 on positive plays and a -1 to -5 on negative plays with a 0 given on no impact plays. Level of competition is not factored into the grading scale. Dallas doesn’t have top-level competition on its defensive line and that helped Compton score well in his first start.

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Minnesota was next in line for the Redskins and Compton. Compton did even better in his second start. He scored a 59 on 64 graded plays for a 0.92 rating.

Compton did not face top-level competition against Minnesota either. Everson Griffen is an elite pass rusher but he lines up at RDE and had his success against Redskins LT Trent Williams. Most teams put their best pass rusher on the right side of the defense  so that they can rush to most QBs blind side.

Compton again gave up a sack against Minnesota. This could be troubling if it continues to happen. The Redskins do seem to have success running behind Compton when they get near the goal line.

The Redskins had a bye the next week before facing Tampa Bay in Compton’s third start. Compton’s performance dropped significantly against the Buccaneers as did many other Redskins. Compton scored a 48 on 69 graded plays for a 0.70 rating.

The first 2 games were a B- and B for Compton while he scored a C against the Bucs. Compton gave up two sacks and had a few other negative plays. The Redskins anemic performance may have contributed to Compton’s down game.

The Buccaneers were a much better defensive line than what Compton had faced previously. They featured William Gholston, Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald and Michael Johnson from left to right. McCoy and Johnson are pro bowl level players and Gholston and McDonald are also good players.

Tampa Bay generally stifled the Redskins offense so Compton’s lower rating was understandable to a point. Next up last Sunday was the San Francisco 49ers and their fearsome defensive front and pass rush.

The Redskins will seek to improve their offensive line during the off-season

Compton had a consistent game facing an elite defense. His only struggles came in the 3rd quarter when he allowed another sack to Aaron Lynch. Lynch was called for roughing the passer however and the play was negated.

Compton had three major negative plays in the first two series of the third quarter. After the negated sack, he settled down and did not have another negative play for the rest of the game. Compton scored a 41 on 52 graded plays for a 0.79 rating.

Considering the level of competition, Compton had a decent game against the 49ers. The troubling thing about him is his pace of giving up one sack a game. If he can cut down on the sacks, he may have a chance to be the Redskins RT beyond this season.

The Redskins will seek to improve their offensive line during the off-season. RT is a spot they will look at to see if they can upgrade.

Morgan Moses started his first game in relief of the injured Trent Williams against the 49ers. For now, he is considered the front-runner to take over at RT for the Redskins. Coming soon, I will take a look at Moses’s performance so far this season.