Vision Quest: Roster Wars Final Guess on the Eve of Cut Day

Well I was going to let my last Roster prediction stand for the entire season. But then they put Blaylock and McAddley on IR and cut Salave’a and Butler in the opening round of cuts. Seriously we have more people on IR right now then the Bengals have non-felons on their team. And after last night’s game we have the real possibility of a few more people who might have made the roster on the IR like Eubanks. I swear someone on the team is doing their best Tonya Harding impression trying to get on the final roster.

I also don’t think the Redskins are done. They could add a few players to either their PS or final roster at positions they are short. Like Corner, Wide Receiver, Fullback, and Tight End. This could mean guys who get a spot on Saturday may lose it by Sunday. So with no real confidence in its accuracy here is my latest…and last…prediction for the final 53 and Practice Squad come the end of the weekend.

Quarterbacks
Projected Roster Petitions: 3
Projected Starter: Jason Campbell
Projected Depth: Mark Brunell, Todd Collins
On the Bubble: Jordan Palmer

Analysis: Unless Brunell gets traded, no way Jordan Palmer makes the top 53. He looks to be every bit the busted draft pick many of us feared. The one good thing that came out of his performance on Thursday was that we don’t have to worry about anyone trying to steal him to sign to their roster. Question is who is #2. I think it is Mark Brunell. I still maintain that Collins passes were not as crisp as Brunell’s and Brunell has the game day experience.

Running Backs
Projected Roster Petitions: 3
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Depth: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Marcus Mason
Camp Fodder: Dee Brown

Analysis: Wow Marcus Mason looked great. I am a believer in the hype now. This kid is going to be something special. But I think numbers will keep him on the PS still. The top 3 are safe and with Blaylock out of the mix Mason may be activated during the season if one of our backs gets injured.

Fullback
Projected Roster Petitions: 1
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
On the Bubble: Brian Bell
Camp Fodder: Fred Beaseley

Analysis: Last year the Redskins only kept 1 FB on the roster and I think that is what they will do this year as well. Beaseley has done absolutely nothing to warrant a PS spot and Bell looks to be too raw and probably is looking at a PS spot. During games if needed Yoder and Cooley can both back up the FB spot

Tight Ends
Projected Roster Positions: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Depth: Todd Yoder, Eric Edwards
Camp Fodder: Jake Nordin,

Analysis: Cooley is a stud and if we do not resign him soon I may be visiting RedskinsPark with a 2x4 and dealing out justice old style. As noted above Yoder and Cooley in addition to the TE duties will backup the Fullback spot. Edwards got hurt but nothing serious and should be able to fill the third TE spot adequately.

Wide Receivers
Projected Roster Positions: 4
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle_el
Projected Depth: Brandon Lloyd, James Thrash
On the Bubble: Carl Berman, Ryan Hoag,
Camp Fodder: Burl Toller, Corey Bradford

Analysis: I just don’t think our 5th WR is on our squad right now. We could easily cut someone in favor of signing a legitimate 5th WR after the other teams make their cuts. Hoag is impressing me a lot and I look forward to his growth on the PS.

Offensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 10
Projected Starters: Chris Samuels (LT), Pete Kendall (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Depth: Mike Pucillo, Stephon Heyer, Taylor Whitley, Todd Wade
On the Bubble: Calvin Armstrong, Kili Lefotu, Jason Fabini,

Analysis: Nothing changes here from before. I look forward to see our starting 5 on the field and healthy for the first time on the 9th. If we need our backups at some point I am not as panicked as other years with Wade, Pucillo and even Heyer on the bench. Lefotu makes the squad due to injuries and the need to keep an extra Oline guy around.

Defensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 9
Projected Starters: Andre Carter (RE), Cornelius Griffin (DT), Kedric Golston (DT) Phillip Daniels (LE)
Projected Depth: Renaldo Wynn, Lorenzo Alexander, Anthony Montgomery, Demetic Evans, Chris Wilson
On the Bubble: Alex Buzbee
Camp Fodder: Ryan Boschetti, Martin Askew, Justin Hickman

Analysis: I think both of the young guys in Lorenzo Alexander and Chris Wilson make the squad. I see no reason for us to keep Boschetti or Askew at this point over them. Alex Buzbee may benefit from a year on the PS.

Linebacker
Projected Roster Positions: 7
Projected Starters: Rocky McIntosh (WLB), London Fletcher-Baker (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Depth: Randall Godfrey, Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Anthony Trucks
On the Bubble: Dallas Sartz
Camp fodder: Matt Sinclair


Analysis: Ok I am officially on the Anthony trucks bandwagon. This reminds me of 2005 where McCune a 5th round draft pick went on the PS where a UFDA in Zach Kelsay went on to make the active roster. Sartz is in the dreaded McCune position this time around. He just has not done much and Trucks seems to be around the ball a lot.


Corner
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Sean Springs, Carlos Rogers
Projected Depth: Fred Smoot, David Macklin, John Eubanks
On the Bubble: Ade Jimoh, Leigh Torrance
Camp Fodder: Byron Westbrook


Analysis: Say it ain’t so Jimoh, say it ain’t so. I know Eubanks got hurt; but I don’t think Jimoh is not here come tomorrow. If the medical staff thinks Eubank’s injury is grave enough perhaps they will put him on the final IR. Leigh Torrance played well enough to overtake Byron Westbrook for the PS spot.

Safety
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Sean Taylor (FS), Laron Landry (SS)
Projected Depth: Omar Stoutmire, Pierson Prioleau, Reed Doughty
On the Bubble: Vernon Fox


Analysis: The Redskins have kept 5 safeties every year since Joe Gibbs came back. I think they do so again, especially with Eubanks going down. Prioleau may be called upon to play corner from time to time and they will need a backup. Doughty has not looked horrible and he does not have PS eligibility. So I think he sneaks on the team.

Special Teams
Projected Roster Petitions: 3
Projected Starters: Sean Suisham (K), Derrick Frost (P), Ethan Albright (LS)


Analysis: The three safest guys in DC are the Redskins special teamers. These guys aren’t going to make the pro-bowl anytime soon (though Albright should because he is the best at what he does) but they will be serviceable, which is more then I can say for just about any other year that I can remember.


Practice Squad Projections


1.) Marcus Mason (RB). Young kid, probably will be on the roster some time before the end of the season. He has quickness and a knack for finding openings and holes. You can’t teach that. Once he learns the system backward and forward he could be the Rock of the future.


2.) Brian Bell (FB/TE). A decent TE and FB who will be learning the system if he is needed for injury coverage.

3.) Jordan Palmer (QB) And the award for worst draft pick of the 2007 season goes to…..you guessed it. He looked horrible. Seriously, it made me wish for Danny Wuerfel, that bad.


4.) Dallas Sartz (LB) If for some reason Jordan Palmer can’t fulfill his duties as Worst draft pick of the year, Dallas Sartz will assume the title and crown. He got hurt early in camp and just never showed any reason to get excited about his wearing a Redskin uniform. And now he is hurt again.


5.) Calvin Armstrong (T) A lot of scouts seem to think he is a decent player and could really develop with one more year on PS.


6.) Leigh Torrance (CB) I guess it is possible they put Eubanks here but I think he is going to the IR or to the top 53. So I am bettingTorrance gets a shot at the PS for a year and will be immediately called upon in case of an injury.


7.) Alex Buzbee (DE) He is a nice young prospect and probably the guy that benefits most from Salavea’s cut. He needs to bulk up a bit and learn the nuances of playing on the DL but can be a good player


8.) Ryan Hoag (WR) No one made more of his chances on the filed, save Mason, then Ryan Hoag. His catch should have won us the Steeler game and his TD againstJacksonville should give him a shot at the PS.


We shall see what happens come 4pm tomorrow. I literally have no idea as the injuries and flurry of roster moves over the last two weeks are more information then this fan can process.

Vision Quest: Help & Hurt post Jacksonville 2007

Well the pre-season is over. Thank God. Now all that is left is the final roster cuts and the preparation for Miami. But before the coaches make their decisions, let’s take a look at who helped themselves tonight and who hurt themselves.

Players Who Helped Themselves

Anthony Trucks This guy was all over the place tonight. With Dallas Sartz not playing at all you have to think that he is making a serious play at the #7 LB spot. IN fact he might be playing as high as #6 and be the primary backup for Rocky.

Marcus Mason I still am not sure if he makes the roster but if anyone deserves a shot at it, he does. He is a nice shifty back and a real gem of a find. Blaylock’s injury may earn him a shot a roster spot, but at the very least he should be on the Practice Squad.

David Macklin He had several nice blitzes and several good plays on the ball. I doubt he was in danger of not making the final 53, but he solidified himself in the #4 CB role tonight. A good solid game and I am not so worried about depth at corner.

Reed Doughty He started the game and seemed to be around the ball. He had a couple of good blitzes and a couple of good hits. Didn’t see him do much in the way of pass coverage, but he definitely put himself in the #5 safety spot. The question is do we keep 5 safeties?

Mark Brunell I think he won the #2 job tonight. His passes were tight and accurate and he took shots downfield. Collins may have better stats over the pre-season but Brunell is my choice to backup JC. And I hope I never have to see either of them throw another pass ever ever again.

Players Who Hurt Themselves

Jordan Palmer Oh I feel a rant about 2nd day picks coming on. THIS is the guy who we hoped could take a roster spot from Brunell or Collins? Heck I don’t even want him on the practice squad. I really hope he is a slow learner otherwise we will be looking at QBs again next off season.

Brian Bell You don’t drop balls in the pre-season finale. You just don’t. Plus the dread dude…cut the dreads before someone pulls them out of your head.

Byron Westbrook Ok it is fourth down right before half, all you need to do is tackle your guy but you go for the interception instead and give up a long TD. Looks like it does take more then pedigree to play in the NFL.

Ryan Boschetti You had your chances Ryan. Too bad it does not look like you will be back for a third term of duty. Don’t worry we always have the memories of you fetching Gatorade for the guys who actually played in the games.

Corey Bradford He needed a big night for the Redskins to keep him as their 5th WR. He did not get it. 1 catch for 4 yards. I can’t see that doing him any good come Saturday.

Tomorrow I will try and post a final roster prediction once some of the injuries are known. It should be interesting and the Redskins have lot of tough decisions to make.

Vision Quest: Cuts and Battles Loom at Jacksonville Thursday

The first round of cuts are here and they contained some mild surprises as well as a bit of a shocker. The Redskins trimmed their roster to 75 yesterday and will have to trim their roster to 53 by 4pm Saturday, A lucky 8 young players can be signed by the team 24 hours later and those will be the Redskins that we will go to battle with come opening day.

Before I go into my thoughts on the initial round of cuts let me just remind you, these players are gone. Don’t hope for them to come back; don’t hope for them to be signed to the PS. If the Redskins released these players now they simply do not see a role for them at all on the team. History has proven this the case, and even I have to accept this as I predicted 2 of these people to be on the 53 man roster and 2 to go to the Practice Squad.

So here are my reactions to each of the cuts for what it is worth:

Jerametrius Butler, CB The Redskins signed him to an RFA tender just three years ago and now when they finally get him he is out the door with the trash. Though he has been injured most of camp and less then stellar in the one game he got to play in most of us thought the Redskins would give him at least one more game to get a spot. No player got hurt by the final rainout of the ravens more thenButler. But I take solace in the improved play of Eubanks who I think will take his spot on the roster.

Jamaal Green, DE Getting hurt late in the pre-season hurt him and the emergence of Chris Wilson, Lorenzo Alexander and the presence of healthy young ends like Hickman and Buzbee made his presence on the roster superfluous. See a pattern yet? Want to stay on a roster…stay healthy.

Kevin Jones, LB I am a little surprised by this cut as Gregg Williams had been praising his work ethic and he had a few good series against Tennessee. But when Godfrey was signed the team had too many weak side linebackers. Trucks and Sinclair will now battle for the PS spot

Jerel Myers, WR Camp Fodder. Back to the arena League

Todd Pinkston, WR Old Alligator arms never even made it into a pre-season game. Much to the collective relief of most Redskin Fans. The Redskins always sign some washed up receiver in the off season hoping for a miracle. Despite that there is no truth to the rumor Lynn Swan is signing with us next year. He has not been out of the NFL long enough.

Joe Salave’a, DT Biggest surprise of the pre-season so far, even bigger then Lemar Marshall’s release. Like Marshall, Big Joe started the year as a starter and has been replaced in the off season. Unlike Marshall, Joe was having a great camp and looked to provide veteran depth. While I hope this means that some of our youth is finally developing, the DT spot after Griffen now becomes a bunch of young players who have not yet proven themselves. Surprising move to say the least.

Pete Schmitt FB I am mildly surprised at the release of Schmitt. He was second on the depth chart at FB. Hopefully Beaseley can prove that he belongs in the NFL this year otherwise we are getting rid of youth for an aging vet. That is fine sometimes, but when that Vet was out of football for a year and has not played a pre-season game yet, that is another thing all together.

Bryant Shaw, DE Blame it on Paris. At least he had a European Vacation before getting the Axe. Too bad the NFLE is no longer in existence.

To get down to 75 the Redskins also put WR Jason McAddley and OG Ross Tucker on the Injured Reserve List. Only time will tell whether these will become injury settlements. I would imagine Tucker may be, but the Redskins liked McAddley and if he did not get hurt he could have been a gunner on special teams and make the 53 man roster.

Roster Battles for Jacksonville

With the roster moves over the last two weeks it has become clear that there is no position on this team that is set going into the final game of the season. We may have starters in place but most of the backup positions are up for grabs. This of course will determine who has a job on Saturday and who is spending Labor Day filling out resumes.

Quarterback. The battle here is for the #2 spot. Collins is in the lead and Brunell will have to have a nothing less then stellar game against Jacksonville to keep the #2 spot. We may also see our first look at Jordan Palmer, however the smart money is he is playing for a Practice Squad spot. However if Brunell does drop to #3 you have to wonder if the Redskins will part with him and his salary.

Running Back While I have often said this is a set position, and I still think it is, you have to wonder if Derrick Blaylock will make the squad. He has not really shown anything in the pre-season that will justify keeping 4 running backs, but with Portis & Betts injury history and Cartwright being injured right now, it will be wise to open with 4 RBs. Mason still needs a strong camp to justify a practice squad spot for yet another running back.

Tight End/Full Back Normally Gibbs teams keeps 4 of these guys on the active roster and maybe one more on the PS. With Cooley, Yoder, & Sellers locks it seems Eric Edwards is the guy for the fourth spot. Beaseley has to convince the coach to keep an extra guy here and possibly cut a Running back. Bell has to hope for a PS spot.

Wide Receiver Two consecutive pre-season games has seen the leading candidate for the 5th WR spot end up on IR (Espy & McAddley). With Pinkston being cut it sure seems as if the table is set for Corey Bradford. However the Redskins may decide to keep 4 here and a PS guy or two. The next group of receivers (Berman, Hoag, & Toller) all have PS eligibility and that is what they are hoping for.

Defensive Line Salavea’s cut opens up a spot at DT. Lorenzo Alexander & Martin Askew are the contenders for it. At DE it sure looks as if Wilson has put himself in position to get a roster spot, The question is do the Redskins get rid of either Wynn or Evans (or both) for Justin Hickman or Alex Buzbee? At least one PS spot will be given to a young DL guy as well. Boschetti remains a long shot to stay on the roster.

Linebacker Looks like the only competition here is between Matt Sinclair and Anthony trucks for a PS spot. I can’t imagine the Redskins expose a draft choice by putting him on the PS while signing a UFDA. But then again in 2005 they did just that by putting McCune on the PS and keeping Zach Kelsay. Sartz better have a decent game to ensure his roster status.

Defensive back The 9th DB spot is wide open. Early favorite has to be John Eubanks who is also returning kicks and playing very well. However Ade Jimoh’s will have to show that his special team’s coverage is too good to go without. Reed Doughty and Vernon Fox are also in the mix, but most likely will have to convince the Redskins to keep 10 defensive backs. Leigh Torrance and Michael Westbrook are looking for PS spots.

Ok those are the final battles for the final pre-season game. See you after the cuts on Saturday.

Hail to the Redskins

Vision Quest: Help & Hurt, Roster Wars Post Ravens game 2007

Help & Hurt

First off I have a caveat. Because of the extreme wisdom of someone at the NFL Network I was not able to see the Ravens game this week. I got up early drove 30 miles to my parent’s house who just got a new 60” plasma TV with Dish Network in time for the 8 am replay scheduled for this morning. The picture was nice but unfortunately what I saw was the KC Saints game.
So my analysis is really a combination of some information I compiled from various media sources including the most unreliable of them all: Redskins.com. I did see the limited clips on Sports center and on the Web. So if I am wrong, as always, I will blame it on someone else. This time it won’t be Vinny Cerrato … maybe.

However disappointed I might be this morning, the coaching staff and some players have to be even more disappointed. This is a critical game for the Redskins as the first cut down day is Monday. The last impression many players were going to have to actually impress the coaches and avoid what could be the end of their NFL career Monday.So here are a few players who I think helped and got hurt by the shortened game last night.

Players who helped themselves:

Todd Collins: Did he light it up? No. But he did a manageable job and if Brunell can not play significantly better against Jacksonville, he could get the #2 job.

HB Blades: He isn’t fighting for a roster spot; he has that guaranteed to him. But he does want playing time as the 4th LB off the bench in the Regular season and he earned that last night showing he can play Sam as well as Mike.

Dallas Sartz: When you are on the bubble you need a signature play that the coaches can remember to keep you on the roster. Sartz got his last night. Was it lucky, yes, but it was a defensive TD anyways.

Anthony Trucks: What people are missing on the Prioleau hit and Sartz score is that Trucks got to the QB first. Trucks is battling Jones for the last PS spot IMO. More then likely they are even now.

Players who Hurt Themselves:

I really can’t say. All bubble players were hurt by not getting a chance to play in the second half. This could cost a few people their job come Monday.

Quarterbacks
Projected Roster Positions: 3
Projected Starter: Jason Campbell
Projected Depth: Mark Brunell, Todd Collins
On the Bubble: Jordan Palmer

Analysis: As I said above, Collins helped his cause but Brunell will get his chance againstJacksonville. IN Fact Gibbs has already said Collins will not play at all and Brunell will be #2 with Palmer getting some work at the end. If Brunell wants the #2 job, he needs to play lights out, 2005 style. Otherwise if Palmer shows he could be a decent #3 Brunell could find himself out of a job all together.

Running Backs
Projected Roster Positions: 4
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Depth: Ladell Betts, Derrick Blaylock, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Marcus Mason

Analysis: There is some speculation that Derrick Blaylock could be out of a job because of a poor pre-season. However every running back has had a poor pre-season. With Cartwright having a nagging hamstring injury I doubt he is going to get cut. Mason is still hoping he has a shot at a PS spot since he was not able to play much last night.

Fullback
Projected Roster Positions: 1
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
On the Bubble: Pete Schmitt, Fred Beaseley
Camp Fodder: Brian Bell

Analysis: With the health issues at RB, WR, and OL I doubt the Redskins can afford to keep 2 FB. They didn’t last year and probably won’t this year. Pete Schmitt has shown enough in camp to warrant a PS spot, but Beasley has arrived now. If the Redskins keep 2 FBs it will be a battle between Schmitt and Beaseley against Jacksonville that will determine the backup.

Tight Ends
Projected Roster Positions: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Depth: Todd Yoder, Eric Edwards
Camp Fodder: Jake Nordin

Analysis: Back to 3 here. Cooley is the starter and Yoder and Edwards will back him up (as well as spot duty at FB if needed). We are pretty deep at this position and the release of Tyler Ecker should not hurt us at all.

Wide Receivers
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle_el
Projected Depth: Brandon Lloyd, James Thrash, Jason McAddley
On the Bubble: Carl Berman, Todd Pinkston,
CampFodder: Burl Toller, Jarel Myers, Corey Bradford

Analysis: Still possible that the Redskins keep just 4 WRs and pump up another spot, maybe FB. But every year the Redskins under Gibbs have opened with 5 WRs. McAddley in my opinion has the edge because he plays special teams and the coaches seem to like him. Carl Berman likely gets a PS spot for return duties and because he is better then any other rookie WR we have on the roster.

Offensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 9
Projected Starters: Chris Samuels (LT), Pete Kendall (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Depth: Todd Wade, Stephon Heyer, Taylor Whitley, Mike Pucillo
On the Bubble: Calvin Armstrong, Kili Lefotu, Jason Fabini, Ross Tucker

Analysis: The addition of Pete Kendall is a stabilizing move in the long run for the offensive line. However in the short term it is going to create some unavoidable chaos. With Samuels hurt and Kendall just learning it is very likely they will not play together until the opening game of the season. However that is still better then leaving JC’s blindside open with Pucillo and Heyer in there. Ross Tucker looks to be the odd man out since Pucillo is now back to backing up center and guard.

Defensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 9
Projected Starters: Andre Carter (RE), Cornelius Griffin (DT), Kedric Golston (DT) Phillip Daniels (LE)
Projected Depth: Renaldo Wynn, Joe Salave’a, Anthony Montgomery, Demetic Evans, Chris Wilson
On the Bubble: Jamaal Green, Lorenzo Alexander, Alex Buzbee, Martin Askew, Justin Hickman
Camp Fodder: Bryant Shaw, Ryan Boschetti

Analysis: Chris Wilson played against the first stringers last night in Marcus Washington’s 3rd down pass rushing position. He seems to have gotten the attention of the coaching staff. The question now is can Alexander justify giving him a spot on the roster as well. Evans has had a bad an average pre-season and could lose his spot, but he is young and versatile. More likely they will PS Alexander and release and aging guy like Daniels or Salave’a next year.

Linebacker
Projected Roster Positions: 7
Projected Starters: Rocky McIntosh (WLB), London Fletcher-Baker (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Depth: Randall Godfrey, Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Dallas Sartz
On the Bubble: Kevin Jones. Anthony Trucks
Camp fodder: Matt Sinclair

Analysis: The top 7 is set; the only question is who will get the final PS spot. Jones and Trucks have had great camps. Jones had a great game last week; Trucks had a decent few minutes of play this week. They are about as even as it can be. Edge right now flips to Trucks but it will all be about who can impress coaches on Thursday.

Corner
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Sean Springs, Carlos Rogers
Projected Depth: Fred Smoot, David Macklin, Jerametrius Butler
On the Bubble: Ade Jimoh, Byron Westbrook, John Eubanks
Camp Fodder: Leigh Torrance

Analysis: Ok I am flopping on the 5th corner again. I still think Eubanks is going to PS, but Butler is a depth guy the Redskins like to have around in case our top three corners who are all injury prone. Eubanks can return punts and will be activated if ARE gets hurt (Moss and Thrash can do it during the game).

Safety
Projected Roster Positions: 4
Projected Starters: Sean Taylor (FS), Laron Landry (SS)
Projected Depth: Omar Stoutmire, Pierson Prioleau
On the Bubble: Reed Doughty, Vernon Fox

Analysis: Landry and Taylor are going to be downright scary this year; P squared is doing his job well also. Stoutmire rounds out the safety field and Doughty and Fox are more then likely looking for work a week from now.

Special Teams
Projected Roster Positions: 3
Projected Starters: Sean Suisham (K), Derrick Frost (P), Ethan Albright (LS)

Analysis: Suisham seems to have solved his Kick-off problem. Frost has been consistent. Albright is one of the ugliest guys on the team according to Smoot, but his snaps are always pretty so he stays again.

Practice Squad Projections

1.) Marcus Mason (RB). A nice young RB who can learn the offense and battle for a roster spot next year. Still needs to avoid any accidents next week to make the Coaching staff want to keep a 5th RB. With so many injuries on the line this could go either way.

2.) Keli Lefotu (G). With Wade, Heyer, Pucillo, and Whitley making the roster, The Redskins need a guard to run a full second line in practice. Lefotu looks at another year on the PS.

3.) Jordan Palmer (QB) If Brunell is cut or traded Palmer could find his way to the active roster, which would be good for Palmer. However without any pre-season snaps so far he needs to make good use of his time in Jacksonville.

4.) Anthony Trucks (LB) Jones could go here also. Trucks and Jones are going to battle it out on Thursday and the guy who wins will go here.

5.) Pete Schmidt (FB) If Sellers gets hurt Schmitt will be activated. He can also play TE and is a good young FB with nice hands. Still will the Redskins keep 7 RBs between the active roster and PS? Seems like a lot.

6.) John Eubanks (CB) Another year on PS but will battle for a roster spot next year. He has had a good camp and can return kicks. One more year on PS and he can battle some of the Vets for playing time next year.

7.) Lorenzo Alexander (DT) Look for the Redskins to take advantage in the CBA loophole to keep Alexander for one more year on PS. Next year Alexander will be rewarded for his patience.

8.) Carl Berman (WR) Need a guy who can come in and play if one of your WRs go down. Berman can do that. He also can return kicks and is very young, perfect PS guy.
That is it for now. Later this week I will be back with my reaction to the first round of cuts and the battles to look for against Jacksonville on Thursday.

Comment on this article here: http://hailredskins.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=42404

Vision Quest: Roster Wars…Post Steelers game 2007

Ok ladies and Gentlemen. It is now crunch time. The last pre-season game before the first cut date looms. Nine unlucky players will have their dream of a Washington Redskin career end on August 28th, 2007. An Additional 22 players will be cut on September 1, 2007 to get down to our roster of 53. Eight of those last cuts will be asked to participate on the Practice squad a day later.

Before I get into my predictions for this week I have to inform you of a great contest being run at hR. Roster Wars…the game. If you think that my predictions are off, then it is time to put your money where your mouth is (figuratively speaking of course). Go to this thread http://hailredskins.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=42278 . You can make your own predictions on not just the final roster but the 75 players who will survive the first cut and the 8 players who will get on the practice squad. This is a bracket-type tournament and all projections are due on noon on Sunday. Mad props to BurgundyNGold for thinking of this contest and organizing it and running it.

I will be making a prediction for the contest there as well. But I do plan on continuing to track and change the progress of the team here on the bog. Since I live out of the DC area I am not privy to live pre-season games like many of you so I have to wait until the next day to catch the Ravens game on the NFL Network. That is not bad since cut day is the Tuesday and I should be able to get an updated guess out before the official cut day. However the NFL Network won’t be re-showing the final pre-season game againstJacksonville until the morning of September 1st, so more then likely I will be guessing blind the next week.

Oh well enough complaining on my part. Here is where I think things stand as of today:

Quarterbacks
Projected Roster Positions: 3
Projected Starter: Jason Campbell
Projected Depth: Mark Brunell, Todd Collins
On the Bubble: Jordan Palmer

Analysis: Jason Campbell’s injury should highlight the battle of Brunell vs. Collins as the #2QB. The injury also solidifies the fact that neither Brunell nor Collins will be released this pre-season. Palmer is looking at a PS spot for sure. However we may get to see Palmer for a series or two Saturday if JC can’t go.

Running Backs
Projected Roster Positions: 4
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Depth: Ladell Betts, Derrick Blaylock, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Marcus Mason,
Camp Fodder: Dee Brown

Analysis: Mason is working hard and solidifying himself as a decent PS candidate. Dee Brown has done nothing to try and unseat either Rock or Blaylock. This group is set and Dee Brown should fear the reaper come Tuesday.

Fullback
Projected Roster Positions: 2
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers, Pete Schmitt
Camp Fodder: Brian Bell,

Analysis: Pete Schmitt was the only other fullback who played on Saturday and that tells me a couple of things. A.) Brian Bell is done. B.) The coaches like this kid. And so do I. He probably will make the roster as putting him on PS would be a waste.

Tight Ends
Projected Roster Positions: 2
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Depth: Todd Yoder
On the Bubble: Eric Edwards
Camp Fodder: Jake Nordin, Tyler Ecker

Analysis: Eric Edwards is playing well for sure, but I think he is now destined for the PS. Mike Sellers and Mike Pucillo can play 3rd TE in goalline formations and the need to have Edwards active on game day is not there. Nordin got cut the moment he fumbled the ball on Saturday. Ecker may be destined to be this year’s Manny White award winner for draft pick put on IR. A groin injury is keeping him out of action for over a month…a MONTH!!!! He could easily be cut as well.

Wide Receivers
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle_el
Projected Depth: Brandon Lloyd, James Thrash, Jason McAddley
On the Bubble: Carl Berman, Todd Pinkston,
Camp Fodder: Burl Toller, Jarel Myers, Corey Bradford,
Analysis: Mike Espy’s loss for the year opens up a spot on the roster for someone. Toller and Berman seemed like candidates to fill that spot but they both had horrible games on Saturday. Enter Jason McAddley. He is playing with the first team on punt and kickoff coverage units and was the 6th WR off the bench the last two pre-season games. Pinkston and Bradford have not taken the field all pre-season and if they don’t on Saturday, they should fear the reaper as well.

Offensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 9
Projected Starters: Chris Samuels (LT), Mike Pucillo (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Depth: Todd Wade, Stephon Heyer, Taylor Whitley, Ross Tucker
On the Bubble: Calvin Armstrong, Kili Lefotu, Jason Fabini,

Analysis: Pucillo did not have a great game on Saturday, but he is starting again this Saturday. I think it is likely he will now start on the left side come opening day. This has a ripple effect on the line. Ross tucker now has an excellent chance to make the roster since he in essence becomes the backup center, and Todd Wade is pushed to the bench, hurting the chances of Fabini & Armstrong.

Defensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 9
Projected Starters: Andre Carter (RE), Cornelius Griffin (DT), Kedric Golston (DT) Phillip Daniels (LE)
Projected Depth: Renaldo Wynn, Joe Salave’a, Anthony Montgomery, Demetic Evans, Chris Wilson
On the Bubble: Jamaal Green, Lorenzo Alexander, Alex Buzbee, Martin Askew, Justin Hickman
Camp Fodder: Bryant Shaw, Ryan Boschetti,
Analysis: Chris Wilson is back again on the roster and Alexander back as a PS candidate this week. These two keep flip flopping and it will likely keep flipping until the end of the pre-season. Both deserve to make the squad IMO. However will the Redskins sacrifice a vet to give them a roster spot when they can stash one on the PS? If I am Demetric Evans I need to start making major plays this week or else it will be tempting to let him go.

Linebacker
Projected Roster Positions: 7
Projected Starters: Rocky McIntosh (WLB), London Fletcher-Baker (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Depth: Randall Godfrey, Khary Campbell, HB Blades,Dallas Sartz
On the Bubble: Kevin Jones
Camp fodder: Anthony Trucks, Matt Sinclair

Analysis: Lemar Marshall’s release in a way solidifies the LB group. Godfrey will not be in playing shape or know the defense enough to start or replace Washington on opening day. Campbell will need to stay on to be a backup just in case. Sartz as well. All the tuck on the message boards is on Anthony trucks and I can not figure out why. Kevin Jones is my dark horse LBer candidate and a guy GW and Olivadotti have constantly sung their praises about. He is also showing up on the field. Watch for him to be a PS candidate.

Corner
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Sean Springs, Carlos Rogers
Projected Depth: Fred Smoot, David Macklin, John Eubanks
On the Bubble: Ade Jimoh, Byron Westbrook, Jerametrius Butler
Camp Fodder: Leigh Torrance

Analysis: John Eubanks turned in the best performance of his redskin career last Saturday filling in for the injured Ade Jimoh. Right now you have to put him as the 5th CB. But Butler is on his heels and could slip into that #5 spot. If he does it is another year on PS for Eubanks. Westbrook’s only hope of making the PS is ifButler is cut. So the choice may be Butler vs. Westbrook at the end of the day.

Safety
Projected Roster Positions: 4
Projected Starters: Sean Taylor (FS), Laron Landry (SS)
Projected Depth: Omar Stoutmire, Pierson Prioleau,
On the Bubble: Reed Doughty,Vernon Fox

Analysis: Neither Reed or Fox are doing anything to justify moving Omar Stoutmire out of the lineup. They are solidly with the third team and neither has come up with a game changing interception or fumble recovery to make the coaches re-think signing Omar. Once again it is not often the Redskins sign a FA to a multi-year contract and release them in their first year, no matter how small the contract. I like Reed’s story, but it may need to continue somewhere else.

Special Teams
Projected Roster Positions: 3
Projected Starters: Sean Suisham (K), Derrick Frost (P), Ethan Albright (LS)

Analysis: Suisham’s solid kicking kept the coaches from dial 1-900-get-A-leg. Then again that may have saved Coach Gibbs an uncomfortable conversation with Mrs. Gibbs when the phone bill came. Frost is having had a solid pre-season and I hope he continues to do so.

Practice Squad Projections

1.) Marcus Mason (RB). The Kid has moves. But this is not a lock. With injuries on the line and at WR piling up the Redskins could look to stash someone here like Calvin Armstrong. He needs to show he has enough talent to have the front office risk signing him.

2.) Keli Lefotu (G). He is having a nice pre-season but is in a numbers game. Still he gets the nod over Armstrong because he plays on the inside. If Wade regains the LG position then Armstrong could go here as well.

3.) Jordan Palmer (QB) This is why you don’t waste a draft pick on a QB unless you have a spot for him on the active roster. I am still hoping I am wrong on this because I think the PS should be filled with position players you need depth at. 4th string QB is not what I had in mind.

4.) Kevin Jones (LB) This kid is having a great off-season and if Godfrey washes out or was not signed he was making moves to get on the active roster. He still could overtake Sartz for an active roster spot with a good couple of games.

5.) Eric Edwards (TE) having a great camp and is getting caught in a numbers game. He will wait here in case there are any injuries and then can be called up in an instant. Pucillo, Sellers, and Schmitt can double as goal line TE in game situations.

6.) Byron Westbrook (CB) Needed to follow up his lucky TD last week with a great game to make the active roster, but did not. He is hanging by a thread here, ifButler overcomes Eubanks, Eubanks goes here.

7.) Lorenzo Alexander (DT) The Helmet less one may spend another year on PS. It will depend on whether any DT or Des get hurt in the next couple of games as to whether he or Chris Wilson get to have a roster spot.

8.) Carl Berman (WR) had a bad game and probably cost himself a roster spot. Still he can return kicks and had a decent camp until then, and probably needs a year on PS to mature. Has speed and decent hands, lacks concentration it seems to make the next step, much like Espy last year.

Battles to Watch For

As always here are some battles to watch for against the Ravens.

2nd FB or 3rd TE Pete Schmitt vs. Eric Edwards. Schmitt has the edge because he can backup FB and Sellers and Pucillo can play 3rd TE in goalline situations. Edwards needs to show up big to keep from going to the PS.

Starting LG Todd Wade vs. Mike Pucillo. This competition has not only implications in our starting offense but on the compliment of depth kept behind them. If Pucillo wins the LG spot Ross Tucker benefits as he is elevated to backup C and needed on game days in case of injury. If Wade gets it then Calvin Armstrong and Jason Fabini benefit as we will need more then Stephon Heyer on the bench who can play T.

5th WR. McAddley vs. the field. This is wide open with McAddley getting the edge because of his special teams play. The vets like Hoag, Pinkston, and Bradford have to make a play here to take this spot from him. McAddley needs to show he can be a benefit in the passing game as well. Berman, Berman, Toler, and Myers are eligible for PS and one of them should end up there.

5th CB. John Eubanks vs. Jerametrius Butler. Eubanks is in the lead here but Butler can surprise him. Butler has been hurt all camp and has been coveted by the coaching staff for the last couple of years. He is now healthy and the coaches may decide to keep both by putting Eubanks on the PS. Westbrook needs to be Eubanks biggest backer as I doubt there is room for 2 Cbs on the PS.

9Th DL Chris Wright vs. Lorenzo Alexander. I love both these guys and would not bat an eye if Evans or Montgomery are let go to make room for them. I doubt that will happen on either case though so they are likely fighting for one spot on the roster and the loser going on PS. Martin Askew could make a case here as well if he continues to have a good pre-season. The rest are hoping for either a 2nd PS spot or a vet to get let go so they can sneak on.

As always Hail to the Redskins!!

Discuss it here: http://hailredskins.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=992092#post992092

Vision Quest: Help or Hurt Post Steelers 2007

Ok I finally got a chance to watch the replay of the Steelers game on NFL Network. Before I can get into who helped themselves with the game and who hurt themselves I have to address a few things.

First off the injuries. I know all of you like me had their heart stuck in their throat whenCampbell got hurt. Luckily it looks to be only a minor injury but missing time is crucial for young QBs so let’s hope he is back for the last pre-season game, even if it is only for a series or two. Marcus Washington’s injury is a little more serious, a dislocated elbow can easily happen again later on in a player’s career. Looks like he will miss as little as two weeks and may be ready for the season opener. Mike Espy unfortunately is out for the season. The young wide receiver was having a good camp and a decent pre-season and was the favorite for the #5 spot.

These injuries will affect the roster wars for sure. First at QB, the battle for #2 almost certainly will be the spotlight of the next pre-season game. The loser could face being inactive all season or perhaps even being cut (see later on in this article). Washington’s injury almost assures the Redskins will keep at least 7 linebackers and that will come from another position. And Espy was clearly becoming the favorite for the #5 WR spot. That spot is now wide open.

Second the defense. I am very excited that the Redskins are starting to play team defense again. They look very very good. No real turnovers yet, an\d little actual sacks, but there is pressure and a real attitude again. And the youngsters are leading the way. Rocky McIntosh is turning into a beast. He is flying to the ball, showing sure tackling skills and defending the pass. Laron Landry and Sean Taylor are providing punishing hits and sure coverage. Carlos Rogers seems to have regained his 2005 form. I am not sure this is the 2004 defense reborn yet, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.

Third Chris Cooley is a monster. Analysts are always saying we need a possession receiver opposite Santana Moss to be effective. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Chris Cooley. The guy is a beast and becoming a favorite of all the quarterbacks, especially Campbell. On third downs he excels at moving the sticks and could have a breakout year. Message to the front office get his damn extension done now.

Fourth the offensive line. Depth is a huge issue. The very fact Stephon Heyer is in there protecting (or not protecting as the case may be) Jason Campbell’s blindside against first stringers was asking for trouble. We got lucky this time. Pucillo also did not look great at guard. In fact the times pressure came against the first unit, it was from the left side, and the Steelers took advantage of it. The Depth on this line is Achilles’ heel of the 2007 Redskins and a subject we will be discussing all year.

Ok rants and raves over. Now on to the main menu.

Guys who helped themselves:

Brandon Lloyd. As I have said before, just getting on the field in the pre-season is a big help for guys fighting for depth and roster spots. However scoring a sweet touchdown where he was dancing along the backline is cream on top. Lloyd may not regain the starting spot but he probably will be the #3 WR this year.

Chris Wilson. Two very good games in a row. He was in the backfield almost the entire time he was in and saw time during the goal line stand at the end of the first half. He is the favorite for that 9th DL spot and could push Evans for playing time all year long.

Sean Suisham. He made a very long FG, but most importantly his kickoffs were straight and deep, the way they should be. He has avoided the Redskins bringing in competition now and most likely will be the unchallenged starter for the duration of the season, something the Redskins have not had in a few years.

John Eubanks. He is currently playing in the #5 CB spot and making a serious run at a roster spot. He had a pretty good game and is showing decent coverage and tackling skills. Butler probably will win the final CB spot but Eubanks is going to push him and probably can pick up at least a spot on the Practice Squad.

Guys who hurt themselves:

Carl Berman. With the #5 spot wide open, Berman probably cost himself a shot at not only a roster spot but a practice squad spot as well. During the game ending drive he committed a false start and had a catch that would have set up a game winning field goal bounce off his head for a game ending interception. Bad day for Berman in the clutch.

Burt Toller. Much like Berman, blew a chance to not only win the game but get a roster spot. His costly Offensive Pass Interference penalty cost the Redskins valuable field position. He also dropped a pass as well. Too bad he has the type of body that could provide an interesting prospect at WR, but he can’t choke in big situations.

Jason Fabini. What a waste, two bad games in a row. I hate ex cowboys anyways, and he may not make it past first cut down at this rate. The only thing that will save him is Heyer is not looking good, and Samuels and Wade are hurt. We need some backup tackles that is true, but not ones made out of tissue paper.

Jake Nordin. Long shot to make the roster anyways, but a fumble in your opponent’s end of the field in a crucial situation will gain you a bus ticket out of town fast. Mr. Nordin, the end of August is coming soon, pack your bags.

Brunell vs. Collins

Round 1 goes to Collins, but it is not the blowout that one would have reading the paper or listening to the game. Did Collins look good coming in for Campbell? Yes he did. But Campbell set up the touchdown, not any work Collins did. In the first half Collins went against the Steeler starters and he did not have one completion for more then 10 yards. In fact all night long he only had one pass over 11 yards all night long and that was a 37 yard pass by Yoder who did most of the work on that. He kept the rhythm of the offense but all of his passes were short dump offs.

Brunell on the other hand showed a lot of zip on his passes and was working with inferior talent. Of course he was working against inferior talent as well. There were a few high passes and one inexcusable delay of game penalty but many of his balls were spot on and over 15 yards in the air.

The danger here is for Brunell. I think the backup position is now truly up for grabs and Brunell is not out of it. However if Brunell slips to #3 and Palmer gets in the game next week and does well you could see real talk of dumping Brunell. The cap savings this year and next could make room for extensions on Cooley and Taylor. I am still not comfortable with Collins as the backup, especially withCampbell now hurt, but this can go in so many directions right now it is hard to predict.

Until next time. Hail to the Redskins

Vision Quest: Brunell vs. Collins May the Least Horrible Win.

Well we are the Washington Redskins after all. We can’t go a whole pre-season without some kind of quarterback controversy. And this fan base sure loves its QB controversies. Jurgensen vs. Kilmer, Schroeder vs. Williams, Humphries vs. Rypien, Schuler vs. Ferrote, Johnson vs. George, Any of the Gator Qbs vs. a dead peanut vendor. And now we have another QB controversy brewing and it involves our old friend and Joe Gibbs’ favorite son Mark Brunell.
Brunell’s acquisition by the Redskins in 2004 has been waste deep in controversy his whole tenure here. First it was with Patrick Ramsey who he lost the starting job to in 2004, and then won it back in 2005. Then last year it was with Jason Campbell who eventually took the starting job from him in late 2006. Now just as it looked like Brunell would settle into the #2 role and look toward retiring in the next few years, a new controversy surrounds him regarding the #2 QB position.

Todd Collins, who last year split the #2 position with Jason Campbell before being relegated to the third string QB position is all of a sudden vying for the #2 job again this year. After leading the team to it’s only touchdown drive last week against Tennessee resulting in the go-ahead score, Collins is going to get more playing time against the Steelers as he prepares to assume the #2 role.

I am not a fan of Todd Collins. Ever since his arrival in camp last year I felt he was taking away valuable snaps from Jason Campbell as we went through the pointless exercise of splitting the #2 duties. While I will grant that Todd Collins knows the Al Saunder’s system better then anyone on the team not named Al Saunders (and after last year’s play calling maybe better then him too), that does not amount to much if you can’t make the throws.

Now before you start throwing around the stats from the Tennessee game let me remind you of who he was playing against. Tennessee had their third and fourth string players in the game. Collins SHOULD look good going against these players, many of whom will not be in the NFL this or any other year. Collins is an NFL veteran of 12 years; if he can’t whoop up on undrafted rookies then what good is he?

If further proof is needed all you have to do is look at last year’s pre-season. Collins and Campbell flipped flopped at the #2 spot each game. Collins was an all pro- when coming in at the #3QB when playing against 3rd or fourth stringers and incredibly pedestrian when coming in as the #2Qb when playing against players that will make an NFL roster. For example here are his stats in the games where he was #3QB (NY Jets & Ravens): 35/40 315 yards 2 TDS 1 INT. Impressive? Sure. But take a look at him against teams where he was the #2 QB and actually going against NFL talent: 7/14 79 yards 0 TDS 1 INT. Pretty underwhelming.

The question you have to ask is Mark Brunell any better? I am the first to admit that Brunell is not the player that he was in early 2005. He has lost more then a few steps, his arm is weaker and he looks unsettled on the football field. And sure Mark Brunell is old, but so is Todd Collins. In the NFL experience does count for something as well. Mark Brunell has appeared in more NFL games (35) in his tenure on the Redskins then Todd Collins has attempted passes in the NFL (27) since 1997.

So if Collins wants the support of this writer to be the #2 QB then he needs to prove it on the field. I have seen him mow down the opposition against the camp fodder of the league, if he is going to be one injury away from starting for our squad; I want to see proficiency against the second stringers and real NFL talent he will face Saturday night. Otherwise I have seen it all before and it sucked then too.

Cap Ramifications

If Collins somehow wins the #2 spot, I can’t see the team keeping Mark Brunell as the #3 QB. OF course I am of the opinion that the team should part ways with Todd Collins if he is the #3 QB as well. I see no reason to keep both aging vets as the likelihood BOTH are gone next year. Collins contract is up and he is too old to resign for long. Brunell’s cap charge of over $6.5 million in 2008 is too much for a reserve.

So if Brunell is going to be the #3 QB perhaps then the Redskins should think about cutting him and using the cap savings on extensions for Cooley and Taylor. Releasing Brunell this year would save an immediate $2 million on this year’s cap and though there will be $3 million in dead cap charge in 2008, which is still saving over $3.5 million from what he was scheduled to charge.

Collins is much cheaper and probably not going to be released if he was the #3 QB. If for some reason he was released the Redskins would receive an immediate savings of $1.25 million on this year’s cap. Since he is contract ends after this year there is no cap Ramifications for 2008. (cap figures courtesy of Scout.com)

This is all pie in the sky thinking though as I doubt the redskins will release either of them this year, even if they should. Unless Jordan Palmer is brought into the next 3 pre-season games and does remarkably well, I doubt they will risk giving a roster spot to the rookie over 2 Vets that have supporters on the coaching staff. Not what I would do, but then again I don’t get to see these guys in practice day in and day out.

Of course talk about who is backing up Jason Campbell is all well and good, but this very sobering fact remains: If any of our reserve Quarter backs sees significant time this year then the season is in the toilet or soon will be. I for one am praying for the health of JC every night.

And you should be too

Vision Quest: Help & Hurt Post Titans 2007

For 3 and a half quarters Sunday the Redskins and their fans had to be wondering the same thing: Where did our offense go? Sure the defense looks to have improved but that could easily be explained by the absence of Vince Young. Without Young the Titans are once again a 4-12 team. So though the defense looked great, I am about to anoint Gregg Williams with the genius label. And don’t forget, the only turnover we produced was off n errant snap with 2 minutes left to play.

But the offense for the most part was pathetic. This can be attributed to one thing, the horrid play of the offensive line. For once it seemed that Saunders and Gibbs broke out a bit of the playbook, but the line could not keep the pressure off of Campbell or Brunell all night long. Sure Samuels was out but four-fifths of our starting unit was in for a whole half and still could not produce any run lanes and were in the backfield more often then not on passing downs.
But a win is a win is a win. Sure by all accounts the Redskins should have lost that game, but a last minute drive and fumble recovery turned a 6-0 deficit to a 14-6 win. Not bad for a team desperate to put points on the board and a W on their record. Instead of finding ways to lose, for once the Redskins found a way to win. Made me go home happy, not bad for the first football game in almost 9 months.

But winning is not what the pre-season is about anyways. It’s about roster spots. The fans are looking at the starters, that is for sure. But the coaches are looking at the third and fourth stringers. And that is what I was looking at as well. So with game 1 of pre-season in the books I thought I would do a quick blog giving a list of players who helped and hurt themselves in the battle for roster spots.

Players who Helped Themselves

Todd Collins Look I am not going to go crazy here. Let’s be clear, Collins highest possibility on this team is 3rd string QB. A life of holding a clipboard and being inactive on game days. But this is better then being unemployed. If Collins had stumbled in this game, Jordan Palmer could have used it to get on the active roster. For now it looks as if Collins has sewn up the third spot.

Dallas Sartz Just by playing tonight Sartz helped himself out. He also played well, always seeming to be around the ball and flowing to the ball carrier. If he continues to play well he could make the roster instead of the practice squad which he seemed destined for.

Chris Wilson This defensive End was getting praise from coaches early in camp and then the focus switched to Alex Buzbee. Wilson was in the backfield and getting great push all night disrupting several plays and being very active.

Byron Westbrook It may be only a lucky fumble recovery for a TD, but that is the kind of play that will get you by the first cut-day. The longer Westbrook stays the better a shot he has at the Practice Squad. That is his goal, and with his potential he could get there.

Players who Hurt Themselves

Ade Jimoh For one series the Titans literally threw Jimoh’s way four straight times. For four straight completions. He may be a great special teamer, but his defensive liability may be too big to look over this year. IfButler gets healthy or Eubanks continues to play well, Jimoh is not going to be around much longer.

Sean Suisham The missed FG is one thing, but the kickoff out of bounds is another thing entirely. I have been worried about having only one kicker in camp for this very reason. Suisham looked very good at the end of last year, but his performance against the Titans was about as bad as you can get. I would not be surprised if the Redskins signed a kicker early this week to come in and give him competition.

Jason Fabini Every offensive lineman had his troubles, but Fabini is a former starter in this league and looked especially bad against the Titans second & third teamers. I hate signing former Cowboys anyways, and Fabini may be looking for work soon.

Injured players: Not all mind you, but two in particular: Jerametrius Butler & Tyler Ecker. The more they are sidelined the less likely they will make the squad. If they want a spot on the roster they better heal quickly, otherwise others are going to take their spot.

That’s it for now. Later in the week I will post my updated roster projections and you can bet some of these performances will factor in.

Discuss it here http://hailredskins.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=987611#post987611

Vision Quest: Roster Wars 2007 Week 2

Ok here we are post-ravens scrimmage. The scrimmage did not unfortunately show the Redskins faithful much when it comes to hat we see in the regular season. Jason Campbell, Santana Moss, & Randle-El were held out of 11 on 11 drills. This is in addition to expected starters Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis, Randy Thomas, Brandon Lloyd all sitting out due to injury.

However the injuries to the starters do give us a glimpse into the depth chart that the Redskins seem to be working with. We saw more action from guys like Stephon Heyer, Marcus Mason, and Burt Toller and they helped themselves with bids to make the practice squad or in Heyer’s case perhaps a roster spot. On the flip side injuries to Mike Espy, Tyler Ecker, and Dallas Sartz could hamper their ability to compete for a roster spot and may end up spending a year on PS, if they are lucky.

So with all that said here is how I see the Roster Wars shaping up after the Ravens game.

Quarterbacks
Projected Roster Petitions: 3
Projected Starter: Jason Campbell
Projected Depth: Mark Brunell, Jason Palmer
On the Bubble: Todd Collins

Analysis: I am still going out on a limb here by predicting the departure of Todd Collins, especially considering reports of early struggles in camp. But he did connect for the Redskins only score against the Ravens and again logically this makes sense. Palmer is younger then Collins and has the better upside. Collins could be signed during the season any time during if needed. The Redskins don’t normally reserve a PS spot for a QB. So it makes sense. But little the Redskins do makes sense so I could easily be wrong.

Running Backs
Projected Roster Petitions: 4
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Depth: Ladell Betts, Derrick Blaylock, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Marcus Mason

Analysis: Marcus Mason showed promise in the scrimmage; however promise will only get him on the PS for now. I think this position is set in stone. We have kept four running backs on the roster in each of Gibbs years here; we will do so again this year barring injury.

Fullback
Projected Roster Petitions: 2
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers,
Projected Depth: Pete Schmitt

Analysis: Here is a surprise to some but Schmitt is getting some praise from beat writers in camp. He has been injured and can not show much, but having a young FB in case of Sellers getting injured makes sense. Still not sure the Redskins will keep 6 Rbs right now but perhaps Schmitt can get some time backing up Captain Caveman for a bit.

Tight Ends
Projected Roster Positions: 2
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Depth: Todd Yoder
On the Bubble: Tyler Ecker, Brian Bell, Jake Nordin

Analysis: 2 Tes is a little low to keep on the active roster, but seriously look at the scrubs in this group. Cooley and Yoder are miles ahead of the rest of them. Ecker’s injury may reduce him to A PS guy if he can’t get on the field. Pucillo and Sellers can also play TE in goalline situations and in an emergency during a game as well.

Wide Receivers
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle_el
Projected Depth: Brandon Lloyd, James Thrash, Corey Bradford
On the Bubble: Mike Espy, Jason McAddley
Camp Fodder: Ryan Hoag, Carl Berman, Jason Willis, Kyle Brown, Burl Toller

Analysis: Mike Espy’s injury is doing him no favors. Unless he can prove to the coaching staff he is ready for the NFL and deserves to be put in over vets like Bradford and Mcaddley he will be stashed on the PS again. He better get Mr. Miyagi in there to take care of that knee and quick.


Offensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 9
Projected Starters: Chris Samuels (LT), Todd Wade (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Depth: Mike Pucillo, Ross Tucker, Stephon Heyer, Taylor Whitley
On the Bubble: Calvin Armstrong, Will Whiticker, Kili Lefotu, Jason Fabini,

Analysis: Stephon Heyer gets a roster spot here, obviously since he is working with the first team offense in Samuel’s absence. However this is not an absolute; remember last year there was big praise for Jasper Harvey who did not make the squad come opening day. However with Heyer’s rise comes the fall of a couple of veterans. Tucker, Whiticker, Whitley and Fabini may be fighting for the last two roster spots. All vets and all are having sub par camps. Again I pray for no major injury and for Samuels to heal in time, because our depth sucks.

Defensive Line
Projected Roster Positions: 9
Projected Starters: Andre Carter (RE), Cornelius Griffin (DT), Kedric Golston (DT) Phillip Daniels (LE)
Projected Depth: Renaldo Wynn, Joe Salave’a, Anthony Montgomery, Demetic Evans, Alex Buzbee,
On the Bubble: Jamaal Green, Chris Wilson, Ryan Boschetti
Camp Fodder: Bryant Shaw, Justin Hickman, Lorenzo Alexander, Vaki Manapuna

Analysis: The Buz is with Alex Buzbee as he is doing well in camp and could be a nice young depth guy at DE. So much for Montgomery’s ascension to savior of the defensive line, he is pretty much getting owned in camp and it looks as if the front 4 that could not generate a pass rush last year will be the same front 4 next year. God help us all.

Linebacker
Projected Roster Positions: 6
Projected Starters: Rocky McIntosh (WLB), London Fletcher-Baker (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Depth: Lemar Marshall, Khary Campbell, HB Blades
On the Bubble: Dallas Sartz
Camp fodder: Kevin Jones, Anthony Trucks, Matt Sinclair

Analysis: Dallas Sartz injury is continuing to hurt his chance at making the roster. The Redskins have a history of wasting second day picks on young LBers who don’t make the opening day roster (Newberry, McCune, Simon) in recent years and Sartz better get healthy quick to avoid being another one here.

Corner
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Sean Springs, Carlos Rogers
Projected Depth: Fred Smoot, David Macklin, Jerametrius Butler
On the Bubble: Ade Jimoh, John Eubanks, Byron Westbrook
Camp Fodder: Leigh Torrance

Analysis: Butler may be hurt but he is still better at covering WRs then Jimoh., Don’t get me long I will be very happy if somehow Jimoh makes the squad. I have a place in my heart for over achieving Special Teams guys like Thrash, Jimoh, and Cartwright. However the Redskins have to look at the future in the corner position. Springs is old and will cost a lot of money next year, they need corners that can actually play corner to be on the roster. Jimoh will need a miracle to make it this year IMO.

Safety
Projected Roster Positions: 5
Projected Starters: Sean Taylor (FS), Laron Landry (SS)
Projected Depth: Omar Stoutmire, Pierson Prioleau, Vernon Fox
On the Bubble: Reed Doughty

Analysis: The team was playing Landry with Taylor a lot during the scrimmage and that probably means he will be starting come the beginning of the season. Also the switch to the dedicated Free and Strong safeties almost ensures this as instead of competing against Pierson Prioleau he is competing against Omar Stoutmire for the start. Don’t worry about the Pman though, he will be around plenty being the first safety off the bench on passing downs. Stout and Fox will compete for the backup SS position and Fox will need to show he is a good Special teams player to stick.

Special Teams
Projected Roster Petitions: 3
Projected Starters: Sean Suisham (K), Derrick Frost (P), Ethan Albright (LS)

Analysis: No change here. What can I say. They all still have a pulse so they all still have roster spots. Enough said.

Practice Squad Projections

1.) Marcus Mason (RB). He is showing promise but not nearly enough to make the roster, this year. Mason is why God (otherwise known as the NFL Brain trust) created the PS in the first place, a young kid without a roster spot who could really develop into a solid NFL player in a couple of years.

2.) Keli Lefotu (G). 2nd day draft pick? Check. Overrated reach on offensive line? Check. Little hope for making the roster? Check. Another year on the PS? Checkamundo.

3.) Tyler Ecker (TE) An injury is hurting him, the need for a practice TE and his draft choice may keep him from being unemployed..

4.) Dallas Sartz (LB) Another 2nd day draft pick? Check. Tweener Line backer without a real position in the NFL? Check. Hurt early in training camp with a nagging injury? Check. To the PS again? Checkamundo, again.

5.) Reed Doughty (S) I could do the whole check thing again, but seriously you get my point…2nd Day Redskins Draft Pick thy role is the PS.

6.) Byron Westbrook (CB) I like the potential of this young guy and I am not ruling him out of the 5th CB spot. IF Butler remains hurt and Jimoh still can’t cover a cripple marsupial the young mane may get a shot at a roster spot.

7.) Jamaal Green (DE) As good a candidate as nay other to spend another year on PS. He is young and knows the defense and could be decent depth in case of injury this year.

8.) Mike Espy (WR) If Mike can’t get on the field, he can’t win a roster spot. His potential and good camp last year will get him another tour on the PS though.

Battles to Watch for in the next Pre- Season game.

The Redskins will play their first preseason game against the Titans this week. Not all battles for roster spots are straight up position battles. Sometimes you have to convince the coaches to keep an extra person at a position by taking away from another. So with that in mind here are some battles to take a look at:

3rd Te or 2nd FB. In many ways Pete Schmitt and Tyler Ecker are battling for the same roster spot though they play different positions. In all of Gibbs years he has kept 4 players between the FB (or H-back when used) and TE spot. With Sellers ability to play TE and Pucillo’s ability to line up at TE in goalline formations the coaching staff may be tempted to keep 2 FBs instead of 3 TEs. If Bell wants a shot here he needs to step it up some over the next week or so as well.

5th WR. This is pretty straight up. Moss, Randle-El, Lloyd, and Thrash are cemented in the top 4 spots. Espy, Bradford, & McAddley are making moves for the 5th spot. Better start making catches guys, this is your chance.

5th S or 7th LB. Another weird positional battle. In my mind Sartz and Fox are battling for the same roster spot. Hurting Sartz is his injury and his age which allows for placement on the PS. Helping Sartz is his draft choice and Fox is not all that good. IF Fox goes Doughty could get into the battle here as well.

3rd QB. As I was writing this article Bramlet was cut. This leaves Palmer as the main backup and competitor for the 3rd QB job with Todd Collins. If Collins has the better camp, he will be the third QB, if Palmer has the better camp he could get it. Palmer could catch on in PS but I doubt it as the redskins have not carried 4 QBs under Gibbs.

5th CB. With injuries abundant in all of the top 4 CBs, the Redskins will probably keep at least 5 CBs.

Special teams studs A few guys can make the grade with their special teams play. Don’t get me wrong we will not keep anyone solely because of their special teams play, they will have to contribute to a roster position. However special team standouts can help break ties or overcome slight deficiencies in their roster skills. Players who will be looking to benefit from this more then others: Khary Campbell, Dallas Sartz, Rock Cartwright, James Thrash, Ade Jimoh, Vernon Fox, & Mike Espy.

That’s it for now guys. Will check in next week and see how we are doing.