The Chopping Block: The Axe Will Fall Tomorrow

Here are the 10 Things We Know Now after the Pre-season:

1.) Albert Fincher played his way onto the squad last night. He was one of the few guys who came to play last night and he did so because he knew his job was on the line. Too bad about Sinclair's injury taking him out of the running but that is football my friend.

2.) Marcus Mason will not survive a cut to the PS. I rarely care about cutting a player and having them go to another team and not our PS. But Mason is the exception to this rule. We need to keep him if onyl as ijury protection against Betts and Portis who tend tio get dinged up.

3.) Jason Goode will not be back. I thought he might be a good candidate for a ps spot, but teams dont let iplayers go in the first round of cuts and bring them back to the PS. Another young TE could get put there from another roster cut.

4.) Colt Brennan can play. Once again he throws all wrong but seems to make good decisions. I am nto a memebr of the Cult of Colt but I can understand why some are.

5.) The Pre-season sucks. The pre season is easily 2 games too long. And when your team plays 5 games it is really killing me to get back to real football. Next Thursday Can Not get here soon enough.

More Things we Know Now and a Final Roster Guess after the jump:



6.) So does our offense. I don'tm care if we are playing scrubs. 6 points in two games does not amek a good feeling going into the season opener in a week. Maybe I can wait.

7.) The defensive depth is not great either. I truly believe our defense is very good when healthy and we have missed alot of great players this preeason. However our scrubs, even when playing against other people's scrubs. Missed tackling and poor coverage are never a good combination.

8.) Durant Brooks should be our Punter in 2008. I full admit that Derrick Frost on a whole was a tad better then Brooks, but Brooks has upside that Frost does not. We are probably not winning the superbowl this year and grooming a nice young punter to pair with suisham is the right way to go.

9.) Ryan Boschetti should not make the roster. Look I have made of bioschetti alot through the years, but seriously, with the injury to Taylor and the need for a pass rush Chris Wilson and Erasmus James need roster spots. evans can play DT in a pinch.

10.) Catch the damn Ball. Seriously I have not seen so many drops by supposed receivers in my life. Someone get out the sticky glue.

Final Roster Guess:

Tomorrow we will get our final roster for our 2008 Washignton redskins. 24 hours later 8 men will win a reprieve from the execution of their football careers and go onto the Practice squad. So here is my guess at what the ropster and PS will look like:

QB (3) Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan
RB (4) Clinton Portis, Ladell betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason
FB (1) Mike Sellers
TE (3) Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, Todd Yoder
WR (6) Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El, James Thrash, Devin Thomas, Billy McMullen, Malcolm Kelly
OL (9) Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach, Randy thomas, Jon Jansen, Stephon Heyer, Jason Fabini, Chad Rinehart, Justin geisinger
DL (9) Jason taylor, Cornellius Griffin, Kedric Golston, Andre Carter, Anthony Montgomery, Erasmus james, Demetric Evans, Chris Wilson, Lorenzo Alexander,
LB (6) Rocky McIntosh, London Baker, Marcus Washington, Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Albert Fincher
CB (5) Sean Springs, Carlos Rogers, Fred Smoot, Leigh Torrence, Justin Tryon
S (4) Laron Landry, Reed Doughty, Kareem Moore, Chris Horton
P (1) Durant Brooks
K (1) Sean Suisham
LS (1) ethan Albright

PS (8): Rob Holloway (LB), Maurice Mann (WR), Tavares Washington (OL), Andrew Crumney (OL), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Matteral Richardson (CB), Rob Jackson (DE), justin Hamilton (S)

That's it have a good Labor Day weekend and Hail to the Redskins.!!!!!

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The Final 53: Final Guess

For so many the dream of professional football will end tomorrow. The final cut down will come and most will be polishiong their resume. A lucky feew will be asked back to the Practice squad, and I am sure some will end up going to the great white North or the Arena League. But some will never play a down of organized football again.

And some have already fallen, the Redskins released S Vernan Fox, TE Jason Goode, LB Matt Sinclair, WR Burl Toler, & DT Babatunde Oshinowo. No real surprises here. I thought Goodewas a candidate for the PS and Sinclair had a shot at a roster spot, but they both got injured and thus the Redskins moved on. I doubt highly any of them will be back for the opening day roster, even on PS. You don't get cut ion the first day of roster cuts and go back to your original team, it just does not happen.

So here is my final guess at a roster



Quarterback

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter: Jason Campbell

Projected Bench: Todd Collins, Colt Brennan

Outside looking in:Derek Devine

The top three spots are cemented. Campbell will open the season as the starter. Collins will be there as a backup in case of injury, and Brennan will be the project QB inactive on game days. Devine did not even get to throw in yesterday's game, so I doubt he will even get a shot at the PS

Running Back

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter:Clinton Portis

Projected Bench:Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason

Another position that is pretty much set. Portis is your starter and Betts will come in to spell him on occasion. No kick returner emerged so rock will be the third RB/KR on game days. Mason will make the squad but will be the 4Th Rb, inactive on most game days, only activated if an injury happens to the top 3.

Tight End/Fullback

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Chris Cooley & Mike Sellers

Projected Bench:Fred Davis, Todd Yoder

Outside Looking In:Nehemiah Broughton

Cooley will be the main TE and Sellers the main fullback. but in some sets you will see Fred Davis come in and pair with Cooley, especially in the end zone. Todd Yoderhas the versatility to back up both FB and TE and will do just that in case of injury.

Wide Receiver

Projected Roster Spots: 6

Projected Starter:Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El

Projected Bench:Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, James Thrash, Billy McMullen

On the Bubble: Maurice Mann, Anthony Mix,

Outside Looking In:Horace Gant,

Santana Moss will start at Split End, Randle El will also at Flanker and thrash will be the thir wide revceiver. Thomas will also get some looks in 4 WR packages. The team may decide to IR Kelly but I think they will keep him around for a bit and let McMullen assume the 5th WR role. MAnn has a chance at a PS spot. MIx did nothing this pre-season to warrant roster consideration. Horace Gant could also get some PS looks.

Offensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 9

Projected Starter:Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen

Projected Bench:Justin Geisinger, Chad Rinehart, Jason Fabini, Stephon Heyer

Outside Looking In: Devin Clark, Andrew Crumney, Todd Wade, Taveres Washington, Fred Matua

The starting five is set and with Heyer healthy he may see some snaps for Jansen who is not playing all that well and is also injured, again. Fabini, Rinehart, and Geisinger will round out the bench. I doubt Wade will be kept. He is expensive and can not stay healthy. Devin Clark and Andrew Crumney have great shots at PS spots.

Defensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 9

Projected Starter:Jason Taylor, Kedric Golston, Cornelius Griffen, Andre Carter

Projected Bench:Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander, Demetric Evans, Erasmus James, Chris Wilson

On the Bubble: Rob Jackson

Outside Looking In:Matthias Askew, Ryan Boschetti,

Injured reserve/PUP:Phillip Daniels, Alex Buzbee

The starting front four is set with Golston winning over Montgomery and Taylor, Carter, and Griffin rounding it out ...when healthy. and that is the key. With Jason Taylor's injury Speed rushers like James and Wilson now get a leg up over DT guys like Boschetti and Askew for that last roster spot. I still don't see either Rob Jackson or Ryan Boschetti getting final roster spots. Jackson will go on the PS and Boschetti will probably not make the squad. Then again I have been saying that for 4 years.

Projected Roster Spots: 6

Projected Starter: Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher-Baker, Marcus Washington

Projected Bench:Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Alfred Fincher

Outside Looking In:Curtis Gatewood, Danny Vernun-WHeedler, David Holloway

The starrtersare set with Rocky, Marcus, and London. Blades and Campbell will be the main backups. With Sinclair's injury and the monster game Fincher had, he played himself onto the squad last night. Gatewood, Wheeler, and Holloway have shots at 2 ps spots as well.

Cornerbacks

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter:Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot

Projected Bench:Carlos Rogers, Justin Tryon, Leigh Torrence

On the Bubble:Matteral Richardson, Byron Westbrook

Outside Looking In:Cedrick Holt

Join me in prayer that our top 3 CBs stay healthy because we are lost outside of them at this position. Torrence is just OPK and Tryon is horrible. Tryon should not make an NFL roster but a team needs 5 cbs and there is no one underneath him that is worthit. Possibility of a vet getting signed that is cut from another team exists highly. Westbrook and Richardson could go on the PS, mainly for numbers for practice.

Safety

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Reed Doughty, Laron Landry,

Projected Bench: Kareem Moore, Chris Horton

On the Bubble: Justin Hamilton,

Outside looking In: Patrick Ghee,

Doughty had a nice game and probably will start the season opener but I find it interesting that Moore did not play last week. Usually it is starters that are given the week off and I wonder if the team is looking at Moore in to be paired with Landry at some point. Horton is raw but he is athletic as well. Hamilton has a great shot at the PS as the 5th Safety in case of injury.

Special Teams

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter:Sean Suisham (k), Durant Brooks (p), Ethan Albright (ls)

On the Bubble: Derrick Frost

Frost had the better pre-season but Brooks has more potential. And you don waste a draft pick on a punter to put him on the ps (and you don't put punters or kickers on the ps).

I think Brooks gets the edge as frost has shown he really chokes in the clutch.

Projected Practice Squad:

Rob Holloway (LB), Maurice Mann (WR), Tavares Washington (OL), Andrew Crumney (OL), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Matteral Richardson (CB), Rob Jackson (DE), justin Hamilton (S)

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Vision Quest: The Final 53 Post Jets

The second (third in the case for the Redskins) preseason game is where we normally see the rookies and UFAs who are going to make the squad separate themselves from the scrubs who are going North to Canada or to the Arena league to play football. Many of those bubble players will get their last chance to make an impression as the next pre-season game is used to give the first team extended time and first cut down looming right after. Many guys were quite literally playing football for the last time in their lives last game.

So with all that in mind, here is The Final 53 projections with the jets game in the record books.



Quarterback

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter: Jason Campbell

Projected Bench: Todd Collins, Colt Brennan

Outside looking in:Derek Devine

The only thing new here is that Derek Devine could have played himself out of even a PS spot last game. He just looked horrible throwing a goal line interception and never recovered. The top 3 are set here.

Running Back

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter:Clinton Portis

Projected Bench:Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason

Rock Cartwright is a bad mother (shut your mouth). rock haters look to that 73 yard run and get used to seeing him in a Redskin uniform this year. Mason is doing well also and if you want to know why I keep saying we will keep 4 RBs, Betts going down with a knee sprain is exhibit A. We need 4 RBS to keep continuity in case of injury.

Tight End/Fullback

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Chris Cooley & Mike Sellers

Projected Bench:Fred Davis, Todd Yoder

On the Bubble:Jason Goode

Outside Looking In:Nehemiah Broughton

Jason Goode just about sealed his place on the PS this last game. That catch was the result of blown coverage but the run after was all Goode.

Wide Receiver

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter:Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El

Projected Bench: Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, James Thrash,

On the Bubble: Billy McMullen, Maurice Mann, Anthony Mix,

Outside Looking In:Horace Gant, Burl Toller

With two rookies demanding roster spots and 3 accomplished vets ahead of you, you can't take a game off. Mix did because of injury and McMullen though solid was not spectacular. Chris Cooley and even Portis can be split out in a pinch so I see us going back to 5 WRs.

Offensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 9

Projected Starter:Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen

Projected Bench:Andrew Crumney, Chad Rinehart, Jason Fabini, Stephon Heyer

Outside Looking In:Kerry Brown, Devin Clark, Justin Geisinger, Todd Wade, Taveres Washington

Geisigner's injury is goign to put him on the PS. Wade's injury may put him on the unemployment line. He won't be back until the final pre-season game and if Rinehart and Heyer shine (or even Clark) then we may have to Wade good bye. (that last joke brought to you by Fozzy Bear).

Defensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 9

Projected Starter:Jason Taylor, Kedric Golston, Cornelius Griffen, Andre Carter

Projected Bench:Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander, Demetric Evans, Erasmus James, Chris Wilson

On the Bubble: Rob Jackson

Outside Looking In: Matthias Askew, Ryan Boschetti,

Injured reserve/PUP:Phillip Daniels, Alex Buzbee

back to 9 for this unit and it has to help Chris Wilson who showed some great push last night and the same pass rushing skills that got him 5 sacks last year. Jackson is on his heels but his low draft status and PS eligibility may work against him getting a roster spot. And I don't care what Ryan Boschetti did playing against guys collecting garbage next year. This is his 5th year in the league, I want more then a beast vs. nobodies. the guy brings nothing to the table but a hard to spell last name.

Projected Roster Spots: 7

Projected Starter: Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher-Baker, Marcus Washington

Projected Bench:Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Matt Sinclair, Alfred Fincher

Outside Looking In:Curtis Gatewood,

Not much change here. The only thing that could change is if a vet weak side LBer comes available Alfred Fincher could be in trouble, but this uni looks pretty tight.

Cornerbacks

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter:Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot

Projected Bench:Carlos Rogers, Justin Tryon, Leigh Torrence

On the Bubble:Matteral Richardson, Byron Westbrook

Outside Looking In:Cedrick Holt

Another week, another sign that Tyron may be a bust. Too bad 4th round picks should make the squad, and Tyron probably will, but if Matteral Richardson makes another move Tyron may be ps bound.

Safety

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Reed Doughty, Laron Landry,

Projected Bench: Kareem Moore, Chris Horton

On the Bubble: Justin Hamilton, Vernon Fox

Outside looking In: Patrick Ghee,

Fox could have played his way right off the squad Saturday by missing not one but two tackles on the Jets final drive. They say he has the smarts to play both safeties...too bad he does not have the skills. Moore has easily supplanted him at the backup FS position and Horton at the backup ss position, Fox is trying to make the case to be a 5th S and not doing very well doing it. Speaking of Horton I really hope we let him come in early against Carolina so we can see what he looks like versus NFL talent. Archueletta is calling saying Doughty can't cover ...that is saying something. Justin Hamilton is making a strong case for a PS look.

Special Teams

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter:Sean Suisham (k), Durant Brooks (p), Ethan Albright (ls)

On the Bubble: Derrick Frost

Brooks had another solid night and Frost is punting for his life next week. I would not be putting a down payment on a house anytime soon Derrick.

Projected Practice Squad:

Jason Goode (TE), Maurice Mann (WR), Tavares Washington (OL), Justin Geisinger (OL), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Matteral Richardson (CB), Rob Jackson (DE), justin Hamilton (S)

We will see what this week's practices and this weekend's game shapes the roster.

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Chopping Block: 10 Things We Know Now After NY Jets

Ok boys and girls here we go with another incredible edition of the 10 Things we know now.

10) Brett Favre is still pretty good. Well why not start off the column with a little love for the media Darling. Still under tremendous pressure and less than two weeks of pressure Favre steps in and wings it around like he did late last season. Nice to see the old timer land on his feet….and not in the NFC.

9) Vernon Fox can’t tackle. Coaches like this guy because he can understands the mental aspect of both Safety positions, too bad he can’t play either of them. He missed three tackles on that closing drive that put the Jets in position to try and tie it. (On a side note WTH was Mangini thinking? I thought at least he tries the fake FG). Fox is clearly in trouble of not making the squad with Moore and Horton showing that at the very least they are not afraid to knock someone down and Landry returning from injury.

8 ) Carlos Rogers & Rocky McIntosh needs more time to get in game shape. On the opening drive Rogers was burned badly on one play and never anywhere on a few others. This is to be expected as he has missed so much live game time and practice will not make up for that. Rocky is also recovering from a long layoff & looked slow in pass coverage. Both should get up to game speed by opening day, but if a surprise weak side linebacker comes up on the waiver wire they are going to look long and hard at him.

7) You too Devin Thomas. No excuse here. The rookie is plain out of shape and not concentrating at times. I am not going to pound on him too much yet. He is learning this is the NFL, no more excuses. At least he is on the field (ahem ahem Mr. Kelly).

6) Durant Brooks can flat out punt. So this is what it is like having a professional punter. The kicks are long and deep and under control. Brooks may have just sealed the deal and if Frost makes it past the first cut then someone has pictures on someone.

5) Rock Cartwright can run the ball. All of Rock’s detractors can now shut up. Rock showed why he has been able to stick with the Redskins since 2001. And guess what, he will be here this year as well. Never count Rock out, the moment you do he will run a 73 yard counter on you.

4) Marcus Mason is going to keep pushing him. I have long been an activist for keeping 4 running backs and Mason is showing us why we need to do just that. He is tough and gives us added insurance, especially with Betts getting dinged up. Keeping 4 RBs in today’s NFL is becoming the norm, not the exception.

3) Chris Horton needs time with the big boys. Can we please see whether the dreaded one can mean anything more than hair? Reed Doughty just plain looks awful in coverage out there. Time to see if Horton can step it up at Strong Safety. He looks great against other 2nd stringers; let’s see if he rises to the challenge.

2) Justin Tryon is terrible. Do I really need to say anything more? He was a reach in the 4th round and is in danger of losing his spot to a UFA. He better step it up next week or he could find out life in the NFL is fleeting at best.

1) This just in, Colt Brennan lives for game day. I am not going to wax poetic about the Hawaiian Kid, but he has yet to look horrible in an NFL game. Now some of those throws he makes against big boy defenses and he is in trouble, but the guy just keep[s digging in and finding a way to win. Twice he has lead come from behind drives. We can find room for guys like this on the squad.

Roster Guess

QB (3) Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan

RB (4) Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason

FB/TE (4) Chris Cooley, Mike Sellers, Fred Davis Todd Yoder

WR (5) Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El. James thrash, Malcom Kelly, Devin Thomas,

OL (9) Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen, Stephon Heyer, Chad Rinehart, Andrew Crumney, Jason Fabini

DL (9) Jason Taylor, Kedric Golston, Cornellius Griffen, Andre Carter, Erasmus James, Demetric Evans, Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander, Chris Wilson

LB (7) Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher, Marcus Washington, Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Matt Sinclair, Alfred Fincher

CB (5) Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot, Carlos Rogers, Leigh Torrence, JT Tryon

S (4) Laron Landry, Reed Doughty, Kareem Moore, Chris Horton

Spec (3): Ethan Albright (LS), Sean Suisham (K), Durant Brooks (P)

Practice Squad (8) Justin Hamilton (S), Jason Goode (TE), Maurice Mann (WR), Tavares Washington (OL), Justin Geisinger (OL), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Matteral Richardson (CB), Rob Jackson (DE)

What’s changed: Neither Mix or McMullen are making their case for a 6th WR. With Mann available at the PS and Cooley able to go wide, Chris Wilson, who finally had some nice pressures, gets back on the roster. Also Justin Hamilton joins the PS as Derek Devine just looks horrible and there is no reason to carry him on the PS with Brennan doing well enough to make the roster.

Next game is the last game before first cuts. Some vets like Todd Wade and Vernon Fox better be wary of that first cut date because if the team has decided to move on from these vets they may part ways early to give the young guys more reps to get ready for the regular season.

That is it for now. As always Hail to the Redskins!!!

The Final 53: Post Buffalo

Well we finally saw the first string offense all together and it looked impressive for the few series it was out there. And the defense made strides but it is still missing some important parts as 2 starters (Landry and McIntosh) and two main subs (Rogers and James) are still sidelined with injurioes. Injuries in the pre-season give rookies and bubble players a chance to shine.

So with all that in mind, here is The Final 53 projections with the Buffalo game in the record books.

Quarterback

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter: Jason Campbell

Projected Bench: Todd Collins, Colt Brennan

Outside looking in:Derek Devine

Nothing new here. Collins looked better but but not great and Brennan came back to earth. Still it looks like Devine will not get a shot at replacing him just as Brennan will not get a shot at replacing Collins.

Running Back

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter:Clinton Portis

Projected Bench:Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason

Anybody still want to trade Betts? If you saw how the offense worked with pboth Portis and Betts on the field and still want to trade either you better be a Cowboy fan. Mason had a big hiccup but he still ran the ball hard. He should get a few more looks at kick off returns but at this point it is to back rock up, not to replace him.

Tight End/Fullback

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Chris Cooley & Mike Sellers

Projected Bench:Fred Davis, Todd Yoder

On the Bubble:Jason Goode

Outside Looking In:Nehemiah Broughton

No change here. This is about as written in stone as can be. Goode should get a shot at the PS unless there are major injuries in another position we need to stack up there.

Wide Receiver

Projected Roster Spots: 6

Projected Starter:Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El

Projected Bench: Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, Billy McMullen, James Thrash,

On the Bubble:Maurice Mann, Anthony Mix,

Outside Looking In:Horace Gant, Burl Toller

Mix's injury opens up the 6th WR spot for McMullen who is out there catching balls, and not sitting on the sideline. And Mix's injury will sideline him for another week. A strong performance by McMullen and he will be out of the ...uhm Mix. Mann and Toller are battling for the last PS spot

Offensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 9

Projected Starter:Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen

Projected Bench:Andrew Crumney, Chad Rinehart, Jason Fabini, Stephon Heyer

Outside Looking In:Kerry Brown, Devin Clark, Justin Geisinger, Todd Wade, Taveres Washington

Chad Rinehart's emergence and the need for a backup center is combining to hurt Todd Wade's chances, and his injury and salary is not going to help him any. It looks as if Andrew Crumney can climb into that 9th spot. The rest are fighting for ps spots. but you got to like the upside of Washington & Geisinger.

Defensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 8

Projected Starter:Jason Taylor, Kedric Golston, Cornelius Griffen, Andre Carter

Projected Bench: Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander, Demetric Evans, Erasmus James

Outside Looking In: Rob Jackson, Chris Wilson, Matthias Askew, Ryan Boschetti,

Injured reserve/PUP: Phillip Daniels, Alex Buzbee

Ok 8 is a little light in the roster spots but here is my thinking. Montgomery and Golston are battling for the starting DT spot next to Griffen, and Carter and Taylor are safe. Demetric Efvanas can back up both dt and DE. Lorenzo Alesxander can be an emergency DT guy and Erasmus James will be the situational pass rusher. Rob Jackson can spend a year on PS getting ready. The odd guy out is Chris Wilson but he has done nothing all camp and pre-season to warrant his inclusion on the roster.

Projected Roster Spots: 7

Projected Starter: Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher-Baker, Marcus Washington

Projected Bench:KharyCampbell, HB Blades, Matt Sinclair, Alfred Fincher

Outside Looking In: Curtis Gatewood, Rian Wallace

I think Alfred Fincher has done enough to warrant looking at him for a roster spot. he is a former third round pick who always seems to be around the ball and can play special teams. You have to like a guy like that. He is going to make a case for keeping 7 lbers.

Cornerbacks

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter:Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot

Projected Bench:Carlos Rogers, Justin Tryon, Leigh Torrence

On the Bubble:Matteral Richardson, Byron Westbrook

Outside Looking In:Cedrick Holt

Boy Tyron looks a little lost out there, but I doubt the Redskisn give up on a 4th round pick so early. Matteral Richardson will need to do more to get ahead of himn for the 5th CB spot. Byron Westbrook is trying to make a case as a kickoff returner, but it is not a very good one. Both matteral and Westbrook will fight it ourt for the PS.

Safety

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Reed Doughty, Laron Landry,

Projected Bench: Kareem Moore, Chris Horton

On the Bubble: Vernon Fox

Outside looking In: Patrick Ghee, Justin Hamilton

Fox being excusesd from this last week's game did not help his case any. Horton and Moore are both draft picks and both have played well in the one game they were in. With Shawn Springs able to play Safety the Redskins can afford to go a little light here.

Special Teams

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter:Sean Suisham (k), Durant Brooks (p), Ethan Albright (ls)

On the Bubble: Derrick Frost

Frost showed that he can still place the punts inside the 20 but you have to believe Brooks is still the odds on favorite to win the punting job and will need to implode before Frost can regain the top spot, Suisham hitting the long go ahead FG helped out his confidence...and ours.

Projected Practice Squad:

Derek Devine (QB), Jason Goode (TE), Maurice Mann (WR), Tavares Washington (OL), Justin Geisinger (OL), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Matteral Richardson (CB), Rob Jackson (DE)

We will see what this week's practices and this weekend's game shapes the roster.

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The Chopping Block: 10 Things We Know Now After Buffalo

Ok kids it is that time again. Time to discuss what we learned from the Redskins Pre-season game against Buffalo.

1.) Zorn is not your Father’s Head Coach. Whether it is going for it on 4^th and 1 on the goalline to get your first touchdown or calling a screen pass in the Red zone to get your second touchdown, Zorn showed he has some gamble in him. Will this continue in the regular season, only Zorn knows that. But You have to like seeing this after the last 4 years of Gibbs playing not to lose. Zorn plays to win.

2.) The First String offense is ready to go now. Right now the first string offense is crisper and more stable then at any pre season in the last 5 years. The only Caveat I give is that Spurrier looked good in the pre—season as well. However this group is much more talented than the Spurrier group and is running a real NFL offense. The line looks solid & the wide receivers look in shape and focused. Cooley looks to be on a terror and Jason Campbell is fulfilling his first round promise. And once Portis and Betts are given a At the very least I doubt we will be struggling to score over 18 points on a consistent basis.

3.) This defense needs Laron Landry to really hum. Coach Blache seems to understand his defensive players a lot better than Gregg Williams, but one thing they have in common is they need a dynamic over the top safety that can make the difference on third downs. Landry is that guy for Blache as Taylor was the guy for Williams. This defense needs him back on the field and ready to go.

4.) And McIntosh too. Same here, arguably two of the more dynamic cogs in the defense last year were McIntosh and Landry. McIntosh can play sideline to sideline and blitz on occasion. Khary Campbell is a suitable backup but he is just that, a backup. Luckily both Landry & McIntosh are expected back by start of the season.

5.) Marcus Mason is human. Well it had to happen. Mason had to have a bad play sometime, and unfortunately for him it came on the very first play of the game. Mason is going to have to prove he can contribute on special teams and fumbling an opening kickoff is not going to help. However he remained poised and continued to run very well in the second half. He hurt his shot at making the roster as Rock was out last night, but he is still in the running.

6.) And so is Colt Brennan. Colt looked every bit like the project he is on Saturday. He didn’t throw horribly but he was not a game killer. Still he has to be the odds on favorite for that 3^rd qb spot. I would like to see more of Derek Devine though, just in case.

7.) Forget Mix, Billy McMullen is the dark horse Wide Receiver candidate. With mix going down for a week with an injury, McMullen has got a great shot at the 6^th WR spot. All McMullen does is catch balls. He is getting open and with the rookie WRs still having trouble getting on the field he will continue to have chances to shine. I like his chances

8.) Sean Springs will be a safety soon. Just not this year. I am sure he will play it in certain situations, but not on a full time basis in 2008. But next year look for Landry to move to SS and Springs to FS as Rogers gets healthy and perhaps we go after a corner in the draft or free agency.

9.) So Derek Frost can punt. Besides the one that was returned for 45 yards, Frost put on a decent display of getting balls down inside the 20 last week. Brooks is still the guy to beat here, but Frost did not roll over.

10.) Sean Suisham can kick also. Suisham showed off why we like him at K with a nice go ahead 46 yard FG in the third quarter. He still needs to be more consistent, but more often then not in pressure kicks he has come through. His kickoffs continue to be excellent as well, high and deep. Still would like competition next camp if only to rest his leg, but for now the job is his and his alone.

And now a quick look at my roster predictions:

Qb (3) Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt brennan

Rb (4) Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason

FB/TE (4) Chris Cooley, Mike Sellers, Fred Davis Todd Yoder

WR (6) Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El. James thrash, Malcom Kelly, Devin Thomas, Billy McMullen

OL (9) Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen, Stephon Heyer, Chad Rinehart, Andrew Crumney, Jason Fabini

DL(8) Jason Taylor, Kedric Golston, Cornellius Griffen, Andre Carter, Erasmus James, Demetric Evans, Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander

LB (7) Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher, Marcus Washington, Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Matt Sinclair, Alfred Fincher

CB (5) Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot, Carlos Rogers, Leigh Torrence, JT Tryon

S (4) Laron Landry, Reed Doughty, Kareem Moore, Chris Horton

Spec (3): Ethan Albright (LS), Sean Suisham (K), Durant Brooks (P)

Practice Squad (8) Derek Devine (QB), Jason Goode (TE), Maurice Mann (WR), Tavares Washington (OL), Justin Geisinger (OL), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Materal Richardson (CB), Rob Jackson (DE)

That’s it for now. As always until next time, Hail to the Redskins

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the Chopping Block: Roster Battles for the Bills Game

Running a little late as I was hoping to get this up on Friday, but here are the Roster Battles i am going to be looking at in tonight's game against Buffalo.

Quarterback: Sure the starting spot is all but locked up. However wth Brennan getting the nod for the backup slot tonight and Collins looking absolutely awful in camp (and old) there could be a battle here. Espescially if Devine gets in the game and does well.

Running Back: This will all be about Marcus Mason in my opinion. With Betts and Portis taking a few snaps each the rest of the load will be on Marcus as rock is on the sideline. This is his chance to do well and give Zorn a reason to keep 4 running backs, or perhaps surplant rock all together.

Wide Receiver: If Anthony Mix or any other receiver has a shot at taking the 5th WR spot they better show something this game. Right now it doesn't look likely/

Tight End: The battle here is for third TE and Jason Goode against Todd Yoder, but I don't see much happening there. Yoder should easily win that battle and Goode is fighting for a PS spot.

Offensive Line: With Todd Wade and Stephon Heyer sidelined, there is a chance for some young offensive linement to make their case for the 9th OL spot or perhaps the PS. Justin Geisinger, Andrew Crumney, & Tavares Washington must step up their game to surplant either of these vets for a roster spot and fight each other off for PS spots.

Defensive Line: This is all about the second string. Really only 5 people have assured roster spots, Carter, Taylor, GRiggen, Golston, & Montgomery. 3 or 4 spots remain. Lorenzo Alexander, Demetric Evans, Martin Askew, Ryan Boschetti, Chris Wilson, & rookie Rob jackson all need to step up and show something or they may get shown the door.

Linebacker: This is as much a fight for the last roster spot an practice squad as any. The starters (McIntosh, Baker, Washington) are all set. Most likely Blades is also safe. The fight is for the last 2 roster spots and and the 1 spot on the practice squad. Khary Campbell and Matt Sinclair are in the driver's seat but Curtis Gatewood looked impressive and Rian Wallace has a strong case to make also.

Cornerback: Once again starterrs set (Springs and Smoot) and the nickle is set as well (Rogers) so the battle is for the last two roster spots and possibly a PS spot. Torence is looking surprisingly good and Tyron not so much. Matteral Richardson has a real shot at moving up.

Safety: Probably the only place where a starters spot might be up for grabs. Kareem Moore and Chris Horton are going to push Reed Doughty for his spot. Vernon Fox is looking to make case on special teams for the 5th spot or it may be given to another position as Springs can cover Safety in case of injury.

Special teams: Suisham has to have a lights out game or competition could be signed for him in camp. Frosty gets his shot at the punting battle this week but it may be his last one if he is not on the ball. Some of the fringe players like Mason, Tryon, and Toller could get a helping hand with Cartwright out of the game. They need to show some ability on kickoff returns to get a leg up on the competition.

That is it. Enjoy tonight's game and as always Hail to the Redskins!!!!!

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10 Things We Know Now-Hall of Fame Edition

Hello DC Pro Sports report. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dustin Czarny and I have been blogging about the redskins for over 4 years now with Mark and Tom. I am extremely honored that they have asked me to write a few things for their new site. I plan to be very Redskin focused in my writing as I have a passion for our football team.

So after each Redskin game, pre-season or regular, I am going to do the 10 Things We Know Now which will break down some things we learned about the team that we may not have known before. Also during the pre-season I will preview the roster battles on the Friday before each pre-season game.

So let's get right to it shall we:

10 Things We Know Now

10) Zorn knows how to manage a game. One of the biggest quesitons I have had going into this season is whether Zorn can handle going from a position coach to a head Coach. Not only a head coach, but one who is also the offensive coordinator. So with very few penalties and litle substitution issues we have to give him thumbs up on his first game. Oh yeah we won as well. Bonus!!!

9) Marcus Mason can run the rock. It is only pre-season and it was only against 3rd and 4th stringers, but Mason showed some brilliant decisions last night. His cut back vision was on display and definitely a big asset for him as he tries to make the squad.

8) Colt Brennan is not a total waste of a draft pick. And maybe, just maybe an NFL calibe QB. agian only 1 pre-season game but three very impressive drives and some decent throws. I doubt he is going to unseat Collins as #2, but he did a great job, better then what has been reported in practice. Sometimes soe players are just gamers and step it up. Maybe that is the case with Colt.

7) Chad Rinhart has a definite future in this league, and it may come soon. Rinehart was a monster against the 2nd and 3rd string defenses last night. he will be starting for Kendall by next year and will probably be the main backup at any position by the end of the year.

6) The West Coast hybrid offense is dynamic and fluid. Quick strikes and a fast pace. this is not the slow deliberate, time eating offense of the past four years. This is the offense that was promised under Saunders and failed to develop. No more watching the coaches frantically call timeout because the playclock is gettign down. Quick decisions and quick strikes. I like what I see.

5) Jason Campbell could be on the verge of a great season. If this offense is to be believed, it is tailor made for Jason Campbell. But Zorn has also worked on his delivery to shorten it up and get out from Center earlier. With mobile pockets and bootlegs Zorn is making this offense suited to Campbell's strengths.

4) Fred Davis can deliver an impact after a catch. I love the way Fred davis does not shy away from contract after he catches a reception. He will be able to be lined up at WR, FB, TE and be a very potent weapon in the Zorn offense.

3) Durant Brooks is the clear favorite in the punting competition. Frost did not take one snap in the hall of fame game and Brooks did very well. I would be surprised if Frost lasted past the first round of cuts.

2) We have great depth on the offensive side of the ball. Whether it be on the line or at the skills positions I like our depth on offense. We have talented and accomplished players in backup roles at eveyr position of the offense. For the first time there is real competition for every depth spot and the top few backups are pretty good. If one of our starters not named jason capbell were to go down, it would not mean the end of the season.

1) Not so much depth on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately on the defensive side we are in real shallow waters. The backup defensive line seems to get no push and the backup linebackers are not much better. The backup defensive backs are a little better. Tyron got burned but is young and has raw talent. Chris Horton is pretty good as well and Richardson and Torrence developing. But the front 7 is awful thin.

That is it for now. Hail to the Redskins.

The Final 53: Hall of Fame Edition

What can you take from a game where many starters did not even play and those that did were pulled after only two series? Well alot if you know what you are looking for. We got to see what the real depth chart was by the players who played and the ones who did not. We got to see not only how the offense is going to work, but what position players Zorn is going to need to make this offense work. We also got to see the players that may excel in the Blatche defense and whether we will have any depth on defense at all.

So with all that in mind, here is The Finakl 53 projections with the Canton game in the record books.

Quarterback

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter: Jason Campbell

Projected Bench: Todd Collins, Colt Brennan

Outside looking in:Derek Devine

Jason Campbell makes this offense click, it is tailor made for his skills and athleticism. As one of Colt Brennan's biggest detractors i have to say he played well, very well. Todd Collins looks a little lost out there at times, but he should be able to hold off Colt at the #2. Still Devine will be kept on the Practice Squad for next year when Collins is shown the door.

Running Back

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter:Clinton Portis

Projected Bench:Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason

Let the Marcus Mason love fest begin. With Portis and Betts on the bench Cartwright and Mason had the RB load and both played very very well, however Mason showed some grit and great cut back speed. Cartwright though looks to stay on the team because of his KO return abilities. Until someone pushes him there he is safe. I still think because of Betts and Portis injury history we keep 4 RBs, and it may be a sign that Zorn likes the 4 he has since they are the only ones on the roster.

Tight End/Fullback

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Chris Cooley & Mike Sellers

Projected Bench:Fred Davis, Todd Yoder

On the Bubble:Jason Goode

Outside Looking In:Nehemiah Broughton

This is shaping up to be one of the strongest units on the Skins. Fred Davis, once he buys an alarm clock, will be lined up at WR every so often, same with Cooley. Yoder and Sellers will be used in the backfield to help Springs Portis and Betts. In many ways we are seeing the return of the h-back in it's heyday. Goode will get a year to season on the PS and replace either Sellers or Yoder next year.

Wide Receiver

Projected Roster Spots: 6

Projected Starter:Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El

Projected Bench: Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, Anthony Mix,James Thrash,

On the Bubble:Maurice Mann, Billy McMullen,

Outside Looking In:Horace Gant, Burl Toller

All that I am reading is this offense needs 6 WRs to run properly. However I do think they are discounting the flexibility we have with Cooley and Davis. For now I am upping the roster count here to six, but if One of our PUP candidates becomes healthy by the end of training camp then we could see this drop to 5. Then Mix and Thrash will be in the fight for the last spot. Toller and Mann could make the PS.

Offensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 9

Projected Starter:Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen

Projected Bench:Todd Wade, Chad Rinehart, Jason Fabini, Stephon Heyer

Outside Looking In:Kerry Brown, Devin Clark, Justin Geisinger, Andrew Crumney, Taveres Washington

Not much change here, however it is obvious that Crumney is being used as the primary backup center. But for now I am still putting him on the PS. If something happens to Rabach in game Jansen can still backup center and Crumney can be activated the next week. However a 10th OL could be kept at a cost to another position (WR or RB).

Defensive Line

Projected Roster Spots: 9

Projected Starter:Jason Taylor, Anthony Montgomery, Cornelius Griffen, Andre Carter

Projected Bench:Kedric Golston, Lorenzo Alexander, Demetric Evans, Rob Jackson, Chris Wilson

Outside Looking In:Matthias Askew, Ryan Boschetti, Kevin Huntley,

Injured reserve/PUP:Erasmus James, Phillip Daniels, Alex Buzbee

Not much change here either. Erasmus James is still looking at starting the season on the PUP, and Rob Jackson could be the beneficiary of this. If james does get healthy Chris Wilson could find himself for a roster fight with Jackson. Demetric Evans versatility will allow him to backup both ends and DTS. Lorenzo Alexander's spot could be pushed for by Askew or Boschetti, but neither of them showed much last game.

Line Backers

Projected Roster Spots: 6

Projected Starter: Rocky McIntosh, London Fletcher-Baker, Marcus Washington

Projected Bench:KharyCampbell, HB Blades, Matt Sinclair

Outside Looking In:Danny Verdun-Wheeler, Curtis Gatewood, Rian Wallace

I don't like keeping only 6 here but I think the skins will keep one or two lbers on the practice squad. Sinclair stays ahead of Gatewood for now but this could change. This could be a position where we scan other's cuts to shore up our depth.

Cornerbacks

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter:Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot

Projected Bench:Carlos Rogers, Justin Tryon, Leigh Torrence

On the Bubble:Matteral Richardson

Just Tryon looked horrible at times last night but his draft status keeps him ahead of Richardson, for now. Richardson will get several opportunities to show what he has after last night's interception for a TD. Westbrook may have played his way out of a roster spot last night in both defense and dropping a KO return.

Outside Looking In:Cedrick Holt, Byron Westbrook,

Safety

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter:Reed Doughty, Laron Landry,

Projected Bench: Stuart Schweigert, Chris Horton

On the Bubble: Vernon Fox

Injured reserve/Pup: Kareem Moore

If Kareem Moore gets healthy he will take a roster spot here, but more then likely it will come from WR or RB. Chris Horton played an incredible game last night and he should get some reps with first team. At the very least the coaches should look at packaging him with Doughty. I want to see Horton vs. top flight talent.

Special Teams

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter:Sean Suisham (k), Durant Brooks (p), Ethan Albright (ls)

On the Bubble: Derrick Frost

Frost did not punt once last night. This may eb a competition in name only. Suisham though has nice kickoffs but is still missing make-able fgs. We need another kicker in camp if only to save Suisham's leg.

Projected Practice Squad:

Matteral Richardson (CB), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Andrew Crumney (OL), Taveres Washington (OL), Burl Toller (WR), Maurice Mann (WR), Derek Devine (QB), Jason Goode (FB/TE)

We will see what this week's practices and this weekend's game shapes the roster.