5 players to watch in Redskins Week 8 matchup vs. the Cowboys
By Ian Cummings
No. 5 – C/G Chase Roullier
With both Spencer Long and Brandon Scherff listed as likely DNP’s in Wednesday’s walkthrough, Chase Roullier is in line for an increased role on Sunday. The sixth-round rookie played well in preseason, but until now, he’s scarcely seen the field, as the unit has largely been able to remain healthy. Now, he’ll be called upon when they need him most. Is the rookie up for the challenge?
One would think he may be. He’s had a good amount of time to sit and soak in the schemes, as well as learn a thing or two from his superiors. Roullier showed immense promise as a run blocker in preseason, dominating second and third string opponents like theoretical first string players should. Now, on Sunday, with Long and Scherff ailing, it’s likely that Roullier will see his first extensive action on the lineup. The team did sign veteran Tony Bergstrom on Wednesday, but Roullier should see the field ahead of him, simply because he’s been on the team longer.
Roullier doesn’t draw a tough matchup. Aside from Demarcus Lawrence, the Dallas Cowboys’ front four isn’t scaring many people. It’ll certainly be a bit of a respite after last week’s decimation of the Redskins’ offensive line at the hands of the Eagles. Nevertheless, in the NFL, there are no true breaks except for bye weeks, and the Redskins are far past that.
Roullier has to come to play if the Redskins are to win and maintain an upper hand in the wild card race. With the season almost halfway over, time is running out for teams to find a rhythm. Against the Cowboys, at home, the Redskins have an opportunity to do that. But they’ll need good, solid play in the trenches. And Chase Roullier will have big shoes to fill, no matter where he lines up.