- Joined
- Jul 24, 2009
- Messages
- 3,198
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 66
- Location
- Cumberland, MD
- Military Branch
- Rival Allegiance
- Alma Mater
I had a facebook chat with a good friend the other night, during which I asserted that Raleigh McKenzie is the Redskins' best offensive lineman of all time.
As I told him, I believe we've had better players than Rollo at each of the individual line spots, but when you talk about versatility, strength, and the ability to play at a Pro-Bowl level at each position, I think it's tough to make an argument against him.
The guy had an uncanny ability to master the footwork required to play both sides of the line. He could get low and get leverage against a defensive tackle, and he could dance outside to close off the quickest of pass-rushing ends. To play center too is just unheard of. He could slam the ball back, and have his feet and hands in perfect position without missing a beat. Rarely do you see a guard who can move to center well, let alone a guy who could play tackle too.
Raleigh wasn't just a fill-in or a stop-gap either. He was a Pro-Bowl caliber player at EVERY position on the line. And frankly, I think he was easily the most underrated player on his teams; despite the credit we diehards give him.
I had the privilege of speaking with him several times while I was covering Skins camps as a sports reporter for my local news paper. He was very soft-spoken, incredibly polite, and very gracious to this small-town punk kid who was attempting to cover an NFL team.
Does my personal experience sway my judgment in his favor a bit? Probably. And I fully expect some serious argument to the contrary, as far as the pedestal I've placed him on. But let's have the discussion. Where does he fit on your list of the Skins' best lineman? Maybe we could even come up with an All-Time O-Line Depth Chart or something. Regardless, let's take a moment and discuss the unit that's always been a strength for us...the big boys up front.
As I told him, I believe we've had better players than Rollo at each of the individual line spots, but when you talk about versatility, strength, and the ability to play at a Pro-Bowl level at each position, I think it's tough to make an argument against him.
The guy had an uncanny ability to master the footwork required to play both sides of the line. He could get low and get leverage against a defensive tackle, and he could dance outside to close off the quickest of pass-rushing ends. To play center too is just unheard of. He could slam the ball back, and have his feet and hands in perfect position without missing a beat. Rarely do you see a guard who can move to center well, let alone a guy who could play tackle too.
Raleigh wasn't just a fill-in or a stop-gap either. He was a Pro-Bowl caliber player at EVERY position on the line. And frankly, I think he was easily the most underrated player on his teams; despite the credit we diehards give him.
I had the privilege of speaking with him several times while I was covering Skins camps as a sports reporter for my local news paper. He was very soft-spoken, incredibly polite, and very gracious to this small-town punk kid who was attempting to cover an NFL team.
Does my personal experience sway my judgment in his favor a bit? Probably. And I fully expect some serious argument to the contrary, as far as the pedestal I've placed him on. But let's have the discussion. Where does he fit on your list of the Skins' best lineman? Maybe we could even come up with an All-Time O-Line Depth Chart or something. Regardless, let's take a moment and discuss the unit that's always been a strength for us...the big boys up front.