A long time coming

• Article
• Comments ()
• Click-2-Listen
• Videos

By

On consecutive plays last week, Sean Considine drew the short straw. The 6-foot, 212-pound Philadelphia Eagles safety was matched up against Mike Sellers, the Washington Redskins' 6-foot-3, 277-pound fullback-tight end-enforcer.

First play: On third-and-4, Sellers was in pass protection. Considine blitzed and -- pow! -- got stood up by Sellers. Jason Campbell threw to Antwaan Randle El for the first down.

Second play: Ladell Betts ran to the left side, and Sellers, with a six-stride head of steam, lowered his right shoulder and -- bam! -- planted it into Considine's chin, knocking him backward and allowing Betts to gain 4 yards.

Considine became the latest player to have an unpleasant encounter with the Redskins' battering ram that is Sellers.

Defensive end Renaldo Wynn doesn't go against Sellers often in practice, "and that's good because it means I can save myself for the games."

After finding favor with Joe Gibbs early in the 2004 season, Sellers has played a variety of roles for the Redskins since returning to the team. His first stint was from 1998 to 2000.

Last year, he was a tight end/H-back and became a go-to receiver in goal-line situations. Seven of his 12 receptions were touchdowns.

This year, Sellers has more receptions (16) and rushing attempts (nine, compared to one last year) but still is looking for his first touchdown.

Not that Sellers minds. Undrafted out of community college, cut by Cleveland in 2001 and two stints in the CFL make a player willing to do different things.

"It was an adjustment, especially because it came in a new offense, but it's one that I've enjoyed," said Sellers, who continues to play on special teams. "I haven't had the opportunities [for touchdowns], but that's just the way things have worked out this year."