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