Washington Commanders

Bill Callahan's new scheme demands a lot from Redskins' offensive linemen

Published Jun. 5, 2015 1:53 p.m. ET

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When the Washington Redskins snagged offensive line guru Bill Callahan away from the Cowboys this offseason, they meant business. Callahan was credited with turning that Cowboys line into one of the best units in the NFL, and his offensive line success stories date back to when he first started coaching. The Redskins hope he can bring the same success, but it's not going to be easy. Callahan's blocking scheme demands a lot from the players and they are ready for the challenge.

“Whenever we’re not with a team, we’re going,”newly appointed starting right guard Spencer Long said, per The Washington Post. “If you’re on special teams, that’s fine. But if not, we’re drilling and squeezing every last minute out of practice that we can, and even after practice. That’s just the kind of coach he is. When we’re working, we work hard.”

Trent Williams is missing time in OTAs with an injury, but that hasn't stopped him from observing Callahan's intense coaching style.

“He’s working the crap out of everybody," Wiliams said. "He’s getting everybody ready. He’s a very intense coach, and he’s not going to accept anything but your best efforts.”

The Redskins offensive line is going through a major transition this offseason. After absorbing the majority of Mike Shanahan's zone blocking concepts in 2014, head coach Jay Gruden has shaken up the roster in preparation for Bill Callahan's scheme that calls for more power blocking concepts. According to Pro Football Focus, the Redskins finished as the ninth-worst run blocking unit in 2014. With the additions of Callahan, Brandon Scherff and the promotion of Long, they can only go up from here.

(h/t Washington Post)

Photo Credit: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports