Mark Schlereth played the first six seasons of his NFL career with the then-Washington Redskins. A 10th-round selection in the 1989 NFL draft out of Idaho, Schlereth appeared in 75 games for Washington, making 59 starts. He earned a Super Bowl ring from his time with Washington as a member of “The Hogs.”
Schlereth left Washington for Denver, where he would spend the final six seasons of his NFL career, winning two more Super Bowls. After retirement, Schlereth joined the media world, appearing on ESPN for years before moving to FOX Sports in 2017, where he remains today.
Schlereth will be on the call for Washington’s Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, something for which he is excited. Schlereth has spoken out in support of Washington’s new ownership group since Josh Harris took over as owner in July.
In studying for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Schlereth did what all good analysts do: He watched the tape. Which Washington player stood out on tape? Fourth-year guard Saahiq Charles.
Of course, Schlereth would choose a guard.
He explained what he saw in Charles, noting Charles was “absolutely freaking killing people.”
Here’s further context, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
Former Washington guard Mark Schlereth, who is calling the Commanders' opener for Fox, had some seriously high praise for current Washington guard @saahdiq: pic.twitter.com/7A5K7YABLM
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 6, 2023
Charles was in competition with Chris Paul to start at left guard this offseason. Charles missed some time with injury, but it was clear Washington wanted Charles to win the job. Head coach Ron Rivera has always praised Charles, noting his biggest obstacle has been his health.
If Charles can remain healthy this fall, he could finally solidify what has been a revolving door for the Commanders at left guard.
As for Schlereth, he knows what good guard play is supposed to look like. The Commanders enter Sunday’s game with two former drafted tackles — Charles and Sam Cosmi — now the team’s starting guards.