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Is the Washington Football Team offensive line the best in the NFC East?

By Jonathan Eig

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins in action against the New york Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins in action against the New york Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team celebrates his touchdown with teammates Morgan Moses #76 and Cornelius Lucas #78 as they play against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 25: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team celebrates his touchdown with teammates Morgan Moses #76 and Cornelius Lucas #78 as they play against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Conclusion

Sure, numbers only tell part of this story. But at the very least, we can say that so far, Washington’s offensive line – predicted to be the worst in the division – has at least held its own with every other NFC East line. To think that they have accomplished this with virtually no contributions from prized rookies Saahdiq Charles and Keith Ismael, and very little from free agent acquisition Cornelius Lucas (who filled in nicely for the injured Christian in Week 7), makes this even more surprising. And encouraging.

Looking ahead, Dallas and Philadelphia may get a player or two back and see their line play improve. Even if they do, Washington has established that its line, though still a work in progress, may be in better shape than many assumed before the season.

The team will have to reach decisions on Scherff and Roullier after this season. Both are set to become unrestricted free agents, and it seems unlikely that the Washington Football Team will be able keep both. Ismael and Charles could be playing in their spots in 2021. And there is a very good chance the team will bring in new talent, either through the draft or through free agency, to compete on the left side of the line.

Washington Week 8 mock draft - Bye week edition. dark. Next

But that’s for next year. For now, enjoy the unlikely run. If this pattern continues, we may have to give major kudos to John Matsko, the very definition of a journeyman, now coaching the offensive line for his eighth different NFL team. His unit is far from dominant. But they are not the liability that many feared they would be prior to the season. And, at least for now, they may well be the best offensive line in the NFC East.

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