| After seven Pro Bowls and 10 years protecting Dan Marino's
blind side, Richmond Webb left the Miami Dolphins to bolster the offensive line of the
Cincinnati Bengals. In his short time in Cincinnati, he is quickly making an impression on
his teammates. Willie Anderson, who anchors the Bengals’ ORT position, grew up
watching Webb dominate for the Dolphins when Anderson was in high school, before he was
selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1996 draft. He sees Webb as a great resource.
"You can never get to the point in this league — I don’t care how good
you are — where you can’t learn from somebody," Anderson said. "My
thing is that I always wanted Cincinnati to get a talented tackle in here because I want
to be as good as our two tackles are. It’s good just having him in here to talk to
— he’s as good as anyone in the league."
Webb’s presence means Anderson will have to compete for OL publicity. It also
means he has a quality veteran role model to watch. As for the publicity, Anderson felt a
story should be written about him instead of his new teammate. As for the example the
Bengals’ new offensive tackle sets, Anderson has been impressed with Webb’s
receptiveness to coaching.
"The one thing you could see, is that even though he has been successful before,
he is still willing to be coached," Anderson said. "There are some guys who tell
coaches, ‘I did it this way before, and I’m going to do it again.’ He lets
coaches coach him. He’s a humble guy, very humble, and I think he’ll bring a lot
of stability to the offensive line."
At age 34, Webb brings a wealth of experience to Cincinnati, having started 163 of 164
games in his career. Although Webb is adjusting to a new system, his fundamental grasp of
the game has eased the transition to Cincinnati. For rookies like OG Victor Leyva, it is
more difficult ingesting the girth of an NFL playbook. Webb has helped Leyva sort through
the confusion.
"He helps me out there communicating, making sure I get some of the calls,"
Leyva said. "That’s a big help because at times, I get lost out there, so it
helps to have somebody who knows exactly what you’re doing to help you out with all
the calls."
His veteran presence has also delighted the Bengals’ backfield. After expressing
discontent with the Bengals commitment to winning in the offseason, RB Corey Dillon was
encouraged that the Bengals brought in a veteran Pro Bowler to block for him.
"We’re going to run the football, and we’re going to get better at
passing, and he’s going to help us do that," Dillon said. "You don’t
get to seven Pro Bowls by not doing your job. So he’s been there — he’s got
a lot of experience. He knows what the game is about. It’s just an honor to have him
on our squad."
The Bengals gave up 52 sacks last season, many of which came through or around the OLT
position. C Rich Braham is hopeful that number will decrease this season with the addition
of Webb.
"He has the left side of the line secured off," Braham said. "Playing in
the league so long and being as dominant of a player as he is, it’s great having him
on the line. He knows what it’s all about to win and that’s what we’re
trying to change around here — winning ball games."
While his teammates have certainly felt his presence, Webb downplays the importance of
his role and says he is just looking to do his job.
"I just hope I can add to the offense, help open up holes and give the quarterback
time to get the ball down the field," Webb said.
After visiting a recent Bengals practice, veteran NFL reporter Peter King wrote,
"The Bengals are thinking of renting out (Webb’s) derriere for billboard
space."
Anderson said Webb has caught a lot of flak for his large rump.
"Guys are ragging him about his backside, but he is one of those guys that allow
himself to be joked on," Anderson said. "He’s a really funny guy. He’s
the captain of the offensive line. He does a good job of talking to guys. He’s in
guy’s heads. He joking around with guys. It helps. It brings a lot to the team.
That’s why you need your veteran players. That’s why I like a guy like him
around." |
