The final preseason games will be wrapped up this week. The Redskins are scheduled to play the Ravens. Outside of the “Fight for 53” situation, the Skins have several more pressing issues at hand. It has become Trent Williams vs the Redskins.
Trent Williams is arguably the best player on the team and a top 5 talent at his position. Ironically enough, next to the quarterback, the left tackle position is one of the more important positions. Left tackle has one main goal; defend the quarterback’s blind side. It is no secret, Williams is less than pleased with the Redskins organization. Rightfully so. Who would be sunshine and rainbows after botching a condition to the point where the thought of death was considered?
No matter, Trent is now holding out and is very outspoken about his demands. The star left tackle is asking quite a bit and is stating that he will not play unless those demands are met. Essentially, he wants the entire training staff blown out, as well as the release of Bruce Allen. Quite obviously, all of the demands cannot be met. With the season imminent, the process of hiring an entire new training staff is too tall of an order for the injury prone team. Also, any Washingtonian knows, Allen, is Dan Snyder’s right hand man and he’s not going anywhere.
So what are the Redskins to do? Enter Donald Penn. Donald Penn, a seasoned vet at 36, was named starting left tackle. He is no Trent, but he is just serviceable enough that the coaching staff chose to start Penn over Geron Christian. Now here is the question; is the aging tackle just that good? Or is the younger Christian not what they thought he would be? Only time will tell.
Another matter of time is the Redskins decision on what to do with Trent Williams. A major criticism of the organization is the front office’s inability to communicate effectively. Bruce Allen some time ago spoke and said “I know what the truth is.” Exit Allen stage left, as we do not hear from the team president. In the same interview, he was confident Williams would report to the team. To no surprise he did not. To make matters worse, when Jay Gruden was asked about the possibility of Trent being traded, Gruden is feeling ‘strongly’ that Trent Williams will not be traded. The general public is feeling like the smash-hit Pillar album, wondering where do we go from here?
The Redskins need all the help they can get on the front lines especially in wake of last years quarterback fiasco. There is no sugar coating this fact; the Redskins need Trent Williams. The front office needs to be wheeling and dealing; doing everything they can to get the star left tackle happy. If not, then a trade would be the only viable option. The Skins could always use some help at reciever. Acquiring draft picks is not a bad idea either, just ask Jon Gruden who practically controlled the first and second rounds of this years draft.
It is never easy to say goodbye. In this case, it would be preferred not to be a goodbye at all. Losing Trent Williams would be a huge mistake that will be felt when the sacks allowed column starts filling up. However, if it has to be a goodbye, at least make it worth it and not leave empty handed. Though, would it ever be worth it? It’s just a matter of time until Trent Williams vs the Redskins comes to an end.
