Redskins: Lichtensteiger a hidden gem

A lot of things have went wrong in Washington this season, but the performance of center Kory Lichtensteiger is not one of them. A fourth-round selection for the Mike Shanahan Denver Broncos in 2008, Lichtensteiger was reunited with Shanahan as a Redskins in 2010 where he started at left guard for the next four seasons (although he did tear his ACL in Week 6 of 2011).

When Shanahan departed this off-season, Kory stayed, and was moved to center. The results have been fantastic: Lichtensteiger's 98.2 Pass Blocking Efficiency rating among centers and has not allowed a sack. Furthermore, he has not been responsible for his signal-caller hitting the ground at all this season, conceding only 13 hurries all season, and enjoying the perfect game in this respect in five contests.

Aside from being reliable in pass protection on a maligned offensive line, Lichtensteiger has also contributed in the run game.  His +3.5 run blocking grade leads the team, and he had his best game against a stingy 49ers run defense. It should be no surprise that Washington has their best cumulative rushing grade running behind center. It's clear that Lichtensteiger has joined left tackle Trent Williams as someone the teamcan build the line around in the future.