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Riggo’s Rag Redskins Mailbag: Veterans vs. youth, left tackle battle, more

By Jacob Camenker

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Runningback Antonio Gibson #24 from Memphis of the South Team during the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The North Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Runningback Antonio Gibson #24 from Memphis of the South Team during the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The North Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Veterans vs. Youth in position battles

Lenny S.: If a youngster clearly outperforms a veteran during camp and preseason, does the youngster win the job or does he get lip service about how hard he worked during those phases?

JC: The Redskins have a lot of positions up for grabs this offseason. From tight end to the left side of the offensive line to the linebacker corps and secondary, very little is settled for the team.

So, it’s natural to question what the Redskins will want to do this season. Will they throw their young talent into the fire or will they give them time to develop until they are ready? Either path could be taken.

That said, Rivera doesn’t figure to just give out lip service to a player for no reason. If he believes that a player has done well enough to see the field, he will get them on the field. You may hear him praise the progress of some young players in backup roles, but rest assured if a young guy outperforms a vet, he should see the field.

At this point, it seems likely that the ‘Skins will play young players if they prove that they’re ready. They’re not expected to post a very good record this season, so they will want to focus on player development this year. And one of the best ways to develop players is on the field (again, provided that the players are at least ready to compete on the field).

So, for now, I’ll say the youngster wins the job.

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