The Redskin Report

For years Redskins fans have been waiting for Chris Samuels to finally live up the hype. They’ve heard from commentators about how good he is and watched the Pro Bowl invites add up, all while wondering if this was really what an elite left tackle looked like. He was madly inconsistent, at times he’d be dominate and then he’d have games where he’d be constantly burned while pass blocking. But in 2006, it all came together for Samuels. He put up his best year and established himself as one of the top left tackles in the game and is The Redskin Report’s 2006 MVP.

Samuels was drafted 3rd overall in the 2000 draft out of the University of Alabama after winning the Outland trophy in 1999 as college football’s best lineman. Despite being a number 3 pick, Samuels flew under the radar in his rookie season behind the player selected just ahead of him in the draft, Lavar Arrington and the popular right tackle Jon Jansen. Samuels was immediately established as starting left tackle, a position he has never relinquished.

Samuels earned his 1st Pro Bowl invite in 2001, just his 2nd season in the league. He followed that up with another invite in 2002 and also played in 2005 (he was selected again this year as well). Samuels is one of the most durable players in the league. On a team that is plagued with constant player turnover, Samuels has started 108 of a potential 112 games in his career.

2006 was Samuels finest year. The powerful Redskins running attack was at its best when it ran behind left tackle, averaging over a full yard more per carry on runs to the left when compared to runs to the right (4.95 behind left tackle vs 3.94 behind right tackle). The play calling reflected this strength as the Skins ran 37% of their rushes to the left side vs 29% to the right (the other 34% were classified as runs up the middle).

Samuels pass blocking role became more important this year for two reasons: the usual dependable Jansen struggled on the right side this year and after the QB change he was protecting Jason Campbell’s blindside. Samuels responded to the increased responsibility. Despite facing some tough pass rushers, Campbell was rarely pressured from his behind and was allowed to grow comfortable in the pocket. If Campbell becomes a great NFL quarterback, Chris Samuels steady blocking will play a huge role in his development.

Last off-season when it came time to extend Samuels’ contract, many Skins fans felt he was over paid and only being re-signed to avoid a crippling cap-hit. Just a year later, having Samuels under contract long-term is a huge coup for the team. His offer to restructure his deal to help facilitate a deal with fellow lineman Derrick Dockery is a sign that he values his teammates and the team. It may have took a little longer than expected, but that elite tackle the Skins drafted in the 2000 draft has finally arrived.

Other Awards:
Most Outstanding Player - Offense: Ladell Betts
Most Outstanding Player - Defense: Shawn Springs
Most Outstanding Player - Special Teams: Vernon Fox
Most Improved Player - Offense: Ladell Betts
Most Improved Player - Defense: None

Related: 2005 TRR Awards (MVP - Clinton Portis)