Washington Football Team: Analyzing the offensive line through Week 4

The “That is not Trent Williams” Award

LT Geron Christian

Through four games it is clear that the blindside protector of the Washington Football Team’s quarterback is no longer Trent Williams. Geron Christian has not been absolutely putrid to the point that he sets Haskins up for failure, however, this team misses Williams a whole lot right now.

Christian, to put it plainly, like Martin, is just not physical enough. In the run game, he is far too tentative. In pass protection, poor pad level results in poor leverage. Poor leverage snowballs into persistent pressures on the left side of the line.

Also, Christian’s lateral foot speed seems to be an issue. There are two plays that come to mind, both of which led to strip sacks for the quarterback. In Week 1 against the Eagles, Josh Sweat blew by Christian off the line and Christian couldn’t recover. Luckily, Christian recovered the ensuing fumble.

Against Myles Garrett, Christian wasn’t so lucky. Garrett plain beat Christian off the line and ripped the ball away from Haskins. This particular turnover was the backbreaker for the Washington Football Team.

Christian has shown some improvements throughout the first four weeks. He limited the overall number of pressures he allowed against Cleveland and was better in the run game. It was just very unlucky that his worst play resulted in the fifth Washington turnover.

Against Baltimore, Christian still had similar problems. His play is slightly improving but he still shows the same flaws. Poor pad level. Not being physical at the point of attack and not having the lateral foot speed to keep up with quicker edge rushers.

Like Martin, Christian still has a considerable amount of development needed to be a quality NFL lineman. Improving his physicality, pad level and lateral foot speed will go a long way in his development.

Overall Grade: D+ (68)