A Long Route To Center

A Long Route To Center

- Chris Russell

Spencer Long is about to embark on his first full season as the Washington Redskins starting center. While his first mostly-full season at the position was a struggle at times, his sophomore campaign at the most cerebral position on the offensive line should be a major leap forward.

Long took over the position after Kory Lichtensteiger was hurt in week four against Cleveland the first of his 12 starts on the season. He appeared in 15 games total after starting 13 games at left guard in 2015.

The Redskins tried many moves to avoid having to move Long into the middle, but nothing worked, including keeping the now retired Lichtensteiger healthy and trading for Bryan Stork from New England. Stork was injured, considered retirement and then ultimately convinced to give the Redskins a shot. Then he failed his physical and the trade was aborted. Stork announced his retirement early this year. Washington was also strongly considering drafting a center in the first round of the 2016 draft, Ryan Kelly out of Alabama, before he was selected a couple of spots before Washington went on the clock.

The Redskins were stuck with Long as their starting center. Chris Chester had been released and Josh LeRibeus couldn’t find a way to grab the position.

Now, with a full off-season, Long, who is entering his fourth year in the NFL, is comfortable. “I was lost the first two weeks of OTAs last year,” Long said.