CNYSkinFan Web Log

The Chopping Block: The Axe Will Fall Tomorrow

2008-08-29T12:07:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-18T13:12:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-18T12:37:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

Discuss it in the Redskins Forum

10 Things We Know Now-Hall of Fame Edition

2008-08-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

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.

The Final 53: Training Camp Edition

2008-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well it is the start of camp so it is that time where we start to look at who will be on the redskins final roster. Usually when you get to training camp all of your picks are signed and you have the team you will go into the regular season with. Well leave it to Vinny Cerrato to say “not so fast” with a trade for Jason Taylor late in the weekend. So with that trade in place, here is a look at the final 53 as it stands today.

I think a main theme at camp will be Gibbs Guys vs. Young guys. At almost every position there are former “super smart” players that “fought their guts out” but maybe aren’t all that talented. There are young guys behind them pushing to make the squad. In the past Gibbs tended to lean towards the vets, but who knows what Zorn is going to do. Some of these guys will make the squadm, but I can guarantee you not all of them. Injuries, adaptability, and even contract issues will come into play when the final decisions are made.

Quarterback

Projected Roster Spots: 3

Projected Starter: Jason Campbell

Projected Bench: Todd Collins, Derek Devine

On the Bubble: Colt Brennan

Jason Campbell comes into camp as the undeniable starter, despite Collins heroics at the end of last season. Though Collins will be there and ready to take over for Campbell if he regresses or is injured, the real battle will be for 3rd string QB. This will be an interesting battle to watch in training camp as it is one where Jim Zorn and Vinny Cerrato’s vision for the team may be at odds. Devine was brought in by Zorn as he was 3rd QB in Seattle and knows the West Coast offense. Cerrato drafted Brennan late as a prospect. It will be interesting to see how much time each gets in the 2nd and 3rd pre season games.

Running Back

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Clinton Portis

Projected Bench: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason

On the Bubble: Eric Shelton

Once again another battle where the top 2 spots are set but the 3rd spot is where the competition. Clinton Portis is the #1 back and Ladell Betts will spell him on occasion. At third RB it is Rock Cartwright vs. Marcus Mason. Here we have one of the Gibbs Guys vs Young Guys theme I talked about earlier. Rock Cartwright resigned with the Redskins in the off season after finding no real suitors around the NFL. But young and quick Marcus Mason had a year on the PS and now a whole Training Camp to impress some coaches. For now Rock’s kick return capabilities combined with Mason’s practice squad eligibility keeps him ahead but it will be interesting to see who actually returns kicks in the pre-season. However both will probably make the squad. Eric Shelton is really interesting as he is a bruising short yardage back and can do some damage. He may be Rock’s true competition.

Tight End/Fullback

Projected Roster Spots: 4

Projected Starter: Chris Cooley & Mike Sellers

Projected Bench: Fred Davis & Todd Yoder

On the Bubble: Tyler Ecker, Jason Goode

Outside Looking In: Nehemiah Broughton

It will be interesting to see how many TE/FB players Zorn keeps. I am guessing 4 with a 5th on the Practice squad. I think at the start of the season Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers will be the starters with Cooley being the traditional TE and Sellers being the swing FB/2nd TE/H-back position the west coast offense employs. However Fred Davis, in another Gibbs Guy vs. Young Guy matchup, is sniffing on Sellers heels and could overtake him in training camp. Yoder will look to spell Cooley and be around in case of injury. Tyler Ecker and Jason Goode are most likely looking for PS eligibility. NEMO’s long rid eon the opine will probably end without a massive injury to Sellers or Davis.

Wide Receiver

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El

Projected Bench: Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, James Thrash

On the Bubble: Anthony Mix,

Outside Looking In: Horace Gant, Maurice Mann, Billy McMullen, Burl Toller

A lot of flux in this position. About the only sure thing I see is Santana Moss will be starting at one end. Right now you have to give the edge to Randle El over the rookies lining up on Game 1 as a starter, but it is only a matter of time before he moves to his natural position as a slot receiver. Malcolm Kelly seems to have the edge here but Thomas could take it as well. Thomas looks more like an eventual replacement to Randle El and could steal kickoff return. And for the 5th spot we have another Gibbs vs. Young situation with James Thrash holding off Anthony Mix and Burl Toller. Right now edge goes to the vet until we see games, but Mix could easily take this from him, and with no practice squad eligibility the Redskins have a real decision here.

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

At first glance this looks like one of the more stable positions on the team. The starters are entrenched and the bench are veterans with 1 highly drafted rookie. The problem is that we have only one natural Center, Casey Rabach (who is actually a converted guard), I would look for a late camp signing here unless Rinehart can make an adjustment inside. If that happens Todd Wade could be in trouble as he is expensive and can only play one position, right tackle.

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

On the Bubble: Matthias Askew

Outside Looking In: Ryan Boschetti, Kevin Huntley,

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

Already this unit is looking thin with 3 players looking to not start the season with the rest of the team, but the addition of Jason Taylor pairing with the improved Andre Carter, young Montgomery, and healthy Griffin should finally give the Redskins a decent starting defensive Line. Golston and Evans look to be solid backups and sure bets to make the team. Matthias Askew will make a push for a spot and it looks as if Wilson and Alexander are the most in danger. Askew will be directly competing with Alexander but the powers that be may find they have no need for Wilson since they have 2 DEs in Taylor and Carter who are already pass rushing specialists. Rob Jackson will most likely start with the team and then move to PS once Erasmus James is healthy enough to play.

Line Backers

Projected Roster Spots: 6

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

Projected Bench: Khary Campbell, HB Blades, Matt Sinclair

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

The Redskins made no moves to shore up the weak side in the case of Rocky not recovering from injury, and by all accounts this gamble paid off. Fletcher and Washington should combine with Rocky as a decent starting unit. HB Blades, Sinclair, And & Campbell provide decent short term backups and have great special teams purpose. Everyone else is hoping for A PS spot.

Cornerbacks

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter: Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot

Projected Bench: Carlos Rogers, Justin Tryon, Leigh Torrence

On the Bubble: Byron Westbrook,

Outside Looking In: Cedrick Holt, Matteral Richardson

Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot will once again start on the corners. One can only hope Blatche will eliminate the 15 yard cushions on 2rd and 5, but we will see. Carlos Rogers is in Training Camp and I don’t think he will start PUP, but he most definitely will be inactive. Tryon will also show value by returning kicks and punts. So this may come down to a battle of Torrence and Westbrook for the 5th spot. Neither are great and Westbrook has PS eligibility so for now Torrence gets the nod. The rest are looking for injuries or PS.

Safety

Projected Roster Spots: 5

Projected Starter: Laron Landry, Stuart Schweigert

Projected Bench: Reed Doughty, Kareem Moore, Chris Horton

On the Bubble: Vernon Fox

Landry is the only certainty in this group. He will be starting and hopefully not lining up in the next zip code. Schweigert has the edge over Doughty for the other starting spot an Doughty was exposed at times in pass coverage and is more of a special teamer then NFL safety. This is another case of Gibbs guys vs. young guys and we have a two-fer with draft picks Moore and Horton challenging Gibbs guys Doughty and Fox. My odds are on the draft picks with Doughty and Fox fighting for the last spot on the roster.

Special Teams

Projected Roster Spots: 3

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

On the Bubble: Derrick Frost

Welcome back Big red, one fo9 the best Long snappers in the game. Totally underrated because you only notice him when he does something wrong, and he never does something wrong. Sean Suisham came on last year to secure the kicking spot. However in the punting position we have the last of our Gibbs Guys vs. Young Guys competitions. The punting battle will be waged all camp long but there is a reason the Redskins selected Durant Brooks in the 5th Round. The boy can kick and he has to be the favorite over the erratic and often inaccurate Frost.

Projected Practice Squad:

Byron Westbrook (CB), Danny Verdun-Wheeler (LB), Curtis Gatewood (LB), Taveres Washington (OL), Kerry Brown (OL), Burl Toller (WR), Horace Gant (WR), Colt Brennan (QB)

That’s it. I will update this after the Hall of Fame game in the beginning of August.

Vision Quest: 2008 Redskin Cap Cuts & Free Agent Review

2008-02-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

Now that the Redskins have a complete coaching staff, including brand new coach Jim Zorn, it is high time that we can turn our eyes towards the Redskin free agents. At the time of writing this article, the Redskins have an amazing 18 free agents. What is amazing is that none of them can really be described as anything more then role players at best.

This is a good thing. Our cap situation is still pretty bad. And although we have had a few restructures, some cuts will have to come as the Redskins are currently $13 million over the NFL Salary Cap of $116 million. However this is not a time to panic either. About 75% of the over cap amount is because of a large roster bonus due to Chris Cooley.

However before we address the Free Agents we need to look at cutting a few players. Here are my nominations (figures in parenthesis are post June 1 cut savings):

Salary Cap Savings

Cut List

Brandon Lloyd, WR Savings: -2.929 (2.405)

On the face of it Lloyd’s cut would actually be a salary cap hit, however under the new NFLPA labor agreement the team will be allowed to designate two cuts per year as post June 1 cuts yet do it at the beginning of the year. Mr. Lloyd, your time has come. A West Coast offense depends on precise routes and sure hands, two things Lloyd does not do well. A post June 1 like cut will give us salary cap space for our draft picks.

Phillip Daniels, DE Savings: 2.986 (3.100)

I know there are once again rumblings on the Defensive staff about keeping Daniels and moving him inside. I still think we are better off just cutting him period. He is ineffective, overpaid, and old. Three things that add up to Cap cut in my opinion.

Todd Wade, OT Savings: -.546 (1.686)

The second post June 1 cut should be Todd Wade. Stephon Heyer’s emergence as a reserve OT has made Wade expendable. Also Wade’s inability to stay healthy and effective will not help his cause.

Honorable Mention

These players will either need to restructure or could possibly be cuts.

Shawn Springs, CB Savings: 2.516 (5.000)

Shawn is always a tempting target because of his cap figure, and entering the last two years of his contract he becomes even more tempting. However circumstances (such as Carlos Roger’s injury) will most likely keep him in DC. I hope the Redskins offer him a true restructuring deal and not the pay cut they tried to force down his throat last year. Otherwise Shawn will most likely make them cut him and he can get paid somewhere else.

Marcus Washington, LB Savings: 2.404 (4.425)

Another tempting target, but once again will get saved because of injury to a young star. The injury to McIntosh means Washington is not as expendable as he once was thought to be. Unlike Springs though, Washington’s play has seriously declined.
Washington will not get a big contract somewhere else and is in less of a negotiating position.

Jon Jansen, OT Savings: -1.770 (4.980)

Jansen has a large $1.25 million roster bonus due this year and is in danger of not seeing it. 2 out of the last 4 years he spent most or all of the season on IR. Stephon Heyer’s emergence could put him in jeopardy as well, but most likely not yet. Jon gets one more year to prove he can be a viable consistent option on the right side of the line.

The Redskin Free Agents:

Once the cap cuts have been done here is how I would treat our free agents.

UFAs

Ethan Albright, LS

This is a must resign, and most likely will be redone soon. Usually big Red will go into Dan Snyder’s office and sign a 1 year contract for Vet minimum or a little above. However he deserves a decent raise since he was in the pro-bowl this year. He simply is one of the best at his position and underappreciated. Don’t break the bank but give him a 3 year contract with a $1 million bonus.

Ryan Boschetti, DT/De/Waterboy

How this guy keeps making the squad year in and year out makes my head hurt. 4 years on the team and not worth a dang. Let him go onto his next career.

Reche Caldwell, WR

I would love to see him in from training camp on. I think he will make plays and can be a decent NFL 3^rd or 4^th WR. But only at vet minimum would I bring him back.

Rock Cartwright, RB/KR

Rock Cartwright has no bigger defender on the web then yours truly. Each of the last 4 years some of the fan base fell in love with some flashy running back and I stuck with Rock. In 2004 it was Sultan McCullogh, 2005, Nemo Broguhton, 2006 Jesse Lumsden, and in 2007 Derrick Blaylock, none of whom could take the 3^rd RB spot from Rock. Rock also was a force on special teams and the last two years in kick returns. So it my come as a surprise for some of you to read that I do not think the Redskins should re-sign him. He simply will cost too much and wants to be involved in the offense. Neither of which the Redskins can offer. Also rock is roughly the same age as Betts and Portis, and the Redskins need youth to back them up. Rock has had 7 good years, more then most 7^th round draft picks could ever hope to have. It is time for him to find greener pastures elsewhere and time for the team to get a young RB to learn the new offense under Zorn.

Mark Brunell, QB

Brunell got 4 years at the end of his career here in DC. It has been a nice ride. We have an open QB coach position, maybe we could offer it to him. I wouldn’t be opposed to a vet minimum signing but Brunell is not a West Coast QB and really serves no purpose under the new regime.

Todd Collins, QB

Thank you for the playoff run Todd, but Papa Al awaits you in St. Louis. Perhaps you can teach the system to Bulger and then try and take his job there as well. Buh Bye.

Rick DeMulling, OL

Never could get on the field even with all the injuries we had on the line. Cya.

Jason Fabini, OL

Jason stepped in for Randy Thomas when he went down, and although he wasn’t horrible, he is not an NFL starter. If he wants to sign for vet minimum fine, but I rather get younger OL guys that can learn the new offensive system and have fresh legs out there.

Derrick Frost, P

Inconsistency, thy name is Derrick Frost. I have no problem with resigning him because he does show flashes of brilliance, but please bring in real competition for him this summer if for no reason other then to save his leg for the season.

Randall Godfrey, LB

Just too old to be of service anymore. We need youth on the defense, especially at LB. I don’t see him coming back.

Brian Kozlowski, TE/Lump on a Log

The best thing Zorn could do is lose this guy’s phone number. Let some youth get a chance at being the worst player on the team. Koz has held this title each of the last 4 years under Gibbs.

David Macklin, DB

We need depth at CB but Macklin never showed anything on the field. Vet minimum resign only.

Keenan McCardell, WR

The WR position needs to be made over and there is no room for an ancient Wide Receiver like Keenan on our squad right now.

Pierson Prioleau, S

If we did not lose Taylor I would risk letting Prioleau go. But we will need depth and though P-squared did not play well, the injury he was recovering from may not get better till this year. Vet minimum and let him compete for a spot in camp.

Mike Pucillo, OL

I like Pucillo but the emergence of Lorenzo Alexander took away his goal line TE role. Right now he is just a backup center and maybe guard. I say resign him, but only at vet minimum.

Omar Stoutmire, S

Omar is the red-headed step child of the Washington Safety corp. He was re-signed and cut so many times last year I think Charlie Brown feels sorry for him. Let’s not torture him anymore and let him go find work somewhere else.

RFAs

Nehemiah Broughton, FB

I wouldn’t mind tendering the absolute minimum one year deal to Broughton and letting him compete for a backup FB spot. Sellers is not getting any younger and Broughton was a draft pick and showed flashes of potential. But if someone else wants to sign him, let him go and get our 7^th round draft choice compensation.

Shaun Suisham, K

Suisham was undrafted so no compensation for him if he is signed by another team and we tender him at the lowest option. However that is exactly what we should do. If another team tries to sign him we could always match their offer. I am not totally sold on Shazaam though he did kick a few game winning kicks this year. I would still like training camp competition for him as well.

So that is it, as Free agency approaches I will take a look at some of the expected free agent targets of the Redskins. Until then may the Zorn be with you.

Hail to the Redskins!

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Vision Quest: Give Me Spags!

2008-02-04T09:26:00.001-08:00

It’s been well over a month since my last Vision Quest article. I admit that I have been in a funk with all things Redskin related. It was a hard season with brief moments of optimism. But I have to admit even the most fervent optimist had to be down at the way the Redskin season ended. It was not just the loss once again to Seattle after riding a 4 game winning streak into the playoffs. It was the realization that 2 of our young stars on defense Rogers (injury), McIntosh (Injury), will not be back with the Redskins in top form and Sean taylor will never come back being the victim of a senseless crime. And lastly, iIt was the sudden and shocking retirement of our coach Joe Gibbs.

Say what you want about Joe Gibbs, and many of us did just that during his 4 year return, no one could argue that the loved the Redskins and wanted to bring glory back to this franchise. He brought our team to the playoffs in 2 out of the 4 years he returned. In the 13 years he was gone the Redskins managed to get into the playoffs just once. On that basis alone his return was a success, or as much a success as anyone could hope for with this flawed organization.

At the end though it was time for Joe to go, He just could not coach at the level he wanted to. The death of Sean Taylor and the obvious coaching mistakes, especially the two timeout debacle against Buffalo weighed on his heart. Age was also taking a toll and the constant threat of his health deteriorating from his Diabetes. And the cold hard fact is the NFL Head Coaching gig is a young man’s game. The pressures and the constant round the clock schedule is just not meant for a 67 year old grandfather of six.

Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Joe and this was the day I was dreading for several years. Sure Joe’s coaching talents had waned in the final days, but his mere stature and legendary presence was all that was preventing the manipulative and incompetent hands of owner Daniel Snyder and lackey Vinny Cerrato from taking over the franchise in every way, shape, & form. Coach Gibbs was the thumb in the dyke of incompetence and not that water is flowing freely, and we are drowning in it.

Look at what has happened in the last month during this coaching search. First there was the press conference where Snyder all but ruled out ever getting a GM with his now infamous “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” routine. Then there was the promotion of Vinny Cerrato to vice president and de-facto general manager. As if that was not bad enough a poorly worded press release revealed that Vinny would be given “roster” control. The Redskins quickly issued a clarification on the subject however it remains to be seen whether that clarification was only meant to detract from the immediate negative reaction that such a duty would be given to anyone other then the head coach.

Though Gregg Williams, the Assistant Head Coach Defense, was widely thought to be the front runner and heir apparent, he was eventually passed over. Though that made this blogger personally happy, as I do not hold Williams in as high esteem as some Redskin Fans, the way in which the matter was handled. Snyder had 3-4 interviews (depending on what you believe) to determine whether someone who has already been in the organization for the last 4 years. Finally after several “leaks” indicating possible reasons (Williams was arrogant, disrespected Gibbs) the redskins would not hire Gibbs they finally decided to release Williams from his contract and officially deny the leaks from earlier.

Then there was the Mora & Fassel mess that was in the middle of the Williams mess. That is right we are so incompetent that we can actually balance 3 head coaching messes at the same time. Widespread rumors were abound that the Redskins were going to offer Jim Mora Jr. the HC spot. So widespread were the rumors that Mora felt he had to officially withdraw his name from the process to avid confusion. And then it looked as if Jim Fassel was going to be hired, so much so we were talking to his 2 top choices for OC (Jim Zorn) and DC (Rex Ryan). But when the latter seemed to fall through, so did Fassel’s candidacy, apparently.

But hold the phone, because flash forward a week and Jim Zorn was hired anyways to offensive coordinator and Greg Blache was promoted to defensive coordinator. Al Saunders and Gregg Williams were dismissed and the only thing that could come next would be a head coach signing…yet the Redskins announced that they would wait until after the Super Bowl to decide, a full two weeks later. Then rumors went to Steve Mariucci who just happened to have a contract ending with the NFL network after the Super Bowl and wanted to return to coaching, and just interviewed last Sunday.

And thrown away in all of this is Jim Schwartz (DC Tennessee) and Ron Meeks (DC Indianapolis) who were also interviewed by the brain trust that is Snyderrato (not my term but an apt description of the amorphous 2-headed form that now runs the Redskins). Bill Cowher was wooed both publicly and privately. Pete Carroll was brought in for nine hours before he then declined to be interviewed.

So among all those names who do I want to be the next HC of my beloved but troubled football team?

None of them. Give me Spags.

Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl XLII Champion NY Giants, is simply the best choice to launch a new era for the Washington Redskins. I admit this is largely in reaction to his Super Bowl performance, as I had reluctantly been for Mariucci before this column. Yet, the more I analyze this move, the more In hope that after his interview on Tuesday he will be announced as a member of the Burgundy and gold family. And here are just a few reasons why:

Spagnuolo is the hot assistant HC in the NFL. Just for once I would like to be ahead of the NFL then reacting from behind. No I know we have been burned here before, yes Norv I am looking at you. Yet this is different. Spags is a player’s coach but also a tough SOB. He knows what to expect from his players and pushes them to excel. We need that with the talented yet underproductive players we have on contract here.

His biggest asset is our biggest need. Spags understands that winning football games starts on the line, especially the defensive line. Sure he had talent, but Usi and Tuck were there last year and did nothing before Spags came on board. The Giants leapfrogged to the best sacking team in the NFL from one of the worst in just one year. Our defensive line needs a makeover and a HC who understands that.

He understands the importance of developing a young QB. Sure he is a defensive coach, but he saw the growing process of Eli Manning this year. The NY Fans were ready to kill him as late as 7 weeks ago. However he witnessed what can be done when you give a young QB the freedom to grow and learn; sometimes they rise to the challenge. Jason Campbell will benefit from that more then anything.

The game and season is not over until it’s over. Spags was the leader of the defense that not only won the Super Bowl for the Giants, but got them into the playoffs and through the playoffs as well. This is despite being on the road the entire time. This despite playing icons like Romo, Favre, and Brady. It was the defense that bottled up Dallas. It was the defense that got the interception to set up the game winning FG in Green Bay, and it was the defense that held the record setting Patriot offense to 14 points. I want the guy in charge of that defense to be in charge of our team.

Addition by subtraction. I admit it; I am scared of the looming problem that is the NY Giants. They are relatively young and Eli Manning is blossoming. Taking away one of their best assistants will not only give us insight to their organization but perhaps hurt them as well. And since Spags started his NFL coaching career as an intern to the Washington GM office in 1983, let’s bring him back home.

He has a history of not choosing assistants. Spags inherited the entire defensive staff and many veterans when he became DC of the Giants this year. He focused on making them better then on demanding wholesale changes. We need a HC who will do the same with the redskins if we hope to be competitive at all next year or beyond. Will changes be made eventually, probably, but with this late start this may be the best opportunity for Spags to step in and start picking up the pieces.

Danny and Vinny, I implore you not to let Spags leave Redskin Park without a contract offer tomorrow. The very future of our franchise depends on it.

Give us Spags!!!

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Vision Quest: Playing With House Money

2008-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

When you walk down the street today there is pep in your step. The food tastes better. The air smells sweeter. The girls look prettier. The traffic lights on the way to work all seem to be green. Your wife and family are nicer to you. Your clothes fit better and you could swear you have grown an inch over night.

All this because your Washington Redskins are in the playoffs.

Normally just being in the playoffs would not excite me so much. Granted it is only the third time in 15 years, but this the Washington Redskins. We don’t play football just to be in the playoffs, we want that fourth Super Bowl trophy. However for this team to make the playoffs with the adversity and tragedy that they have faced is nothing short of amazing. Losing 6 starters to season ending injury and multiple games from the remaining starters and backups would easily take a team out of playoff contention. Throw into that the tragic loss of their best player and emotional leader Sean Taylor at the very apex of the season and no one, not even me, would have blamed the team for playing out the string and looking toward next year.

But this team quietly and definitively was on a mission. Even after the Buffalo loss and losing starting quarterback Jason Campbell the next game, they had decided to will their way into the playoffs. There were no t-shirts made, no big parades. No banners were unfurled and no press conferences and high profile player only meetings. Sometime after burying their friend and teammate the Redskins collectively and perhaps subconsciously decided that it was time to make good on the talent that God gave them. Not for themselves. Not for their families. Not for the Redskins. Nor for the Fans.

They did it for Sean.

So one opponent after another came up and the Redskins took care of business. Against Chicago they lost their starting quarterback and lost hope that Randy Thomas would be back on the offensive line. Yet they won 24-16. Against the NY Giants they not only had to the loss of their starting OLB Rocky McIntosh but Mother Nature who unleashed a virtual tempest on the field. Yet they won 22-10. Then the Vikings, one of the hottest teams in the league with a 5-game win streak. No one gave the Redskins a chance to win on the road and yet again they won 32-21.

Finally the Dallas Cowboys. Our hated rival came to Fed Ex on the last day of the season. With the playoffs hanging in the balance the Redskins took the field and immediately showed that they wanted this game more. There was an air of confidence all week long. And on the field the Redskins showed that it was deserved. They played like warrior poets and took it to the #1 seed in the playoffs.

Can we dispel the notion that the Cowboys were not going to play to win this game? They played their starters well into the third quarter and did not sit them until after the Redskins put up a 3 possession lead. And if there was any doubt the Cowboys were playing to win this game, the fracas caused by Wade Phillips at the end of the first half ends it. Instead of going into halftime content with getting the ball back, Phillips argued with the Refs to allow for 1 play with no time left. He put his star quarterback out there to attempt a desperation throw. Chris Wilson made them pay by hitting Romo like he was Nick Lachey.

Why would Phillips risk such a move if they were not trying to win? The Cowboys had the first round bye and the top seed in the playoffs. Why not play like Tampa & Seattle did on the final game of the season? The answer is simple; they don’t want to face the Redskins again. And with them playing with a purpose, who would? The Cowboys knew that it is likely if they didn’t beat us last Sunday we will see them again in two weeks.

But first up it is Seattle and as chance for revenge from 2005. It is easy to draw comparisons to the 2005 club and this one. Both followed up losing seasons to make a run on the playoffs. Both had their backs against the wall, needing improbable winning streaks at the end of the season. Both teams recommitted to the run to keep their streak alive. Both teams played inspired defense down the stretch to protect leads.

That is where the comparison ends. The adversity this club has endured has given them an incredible will to win. The 2005 club was playing to make the playoffs and achieve personal glory. They were talented and though had nagging injuries to some contributors, relatively healthy. The 2007 club is less talented & less healthy, but they have more heart and will then any team in the NFL right now. They are playing for something more then themselves right now.

And one other thing this group has is an identity. They are a team in every sense of the word. Sure there are individuals who are doing but this team is watching each other’s back. When one guy goes down, another is stepping into their place. No excuses are being given, though there are plenty of reasons. Bad plays happen and they get right back up and get on to the next one.

No one expects anything from this team. Just making the playoffs is a major accomplishment. If the season ended today, we in Redskin nation would be happy and look forward to next year. But I have a feeling this team is not quite done yet. I have a feeling that this team has a will in them that we are just scratching. Playing for a fallen teammate and a coach’s honor, they are going to take the field Saturday with a sense of pride and determination of will that few 9-7 teams ever possessed.

They are playing with house money right now and the sky’s the limit.

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Playoff Rooting Card: Week 17

2007-12-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for it? I know I am. I have been waiting to write this line in the Playoff Rooting Card feature since I started writing these columns just before Thanksgiving. So get your reading glasses out and ready your mouse and scroll down for some truly wonderful words to read.

The Redskins control their own destiny!!!

Simply amazing that the Redskins, seemingly dead just over a month ago, are now in a position to actually make the post season. And I know the critics (myself being amongst that group at times) will point to the 8-7 record and say this is an indicator of a weak NFC. And of course, they would be right.

However that does not lessen the accomplishments that these Redskins have done. A 3 game winning streak, beating playoff contenders in each of them, twice on the road, is nothing to sneeze at. This team has saved their season when everyone, including most of us Redskin fans, had counted them out. And you can credit one man for that, Joe Gibbs.

After the Buffalo loss, even the most ardent supporter of Joe Gibbs had thought that he was in danger of losing the team. You saw the start of those anonymous quotes in the paper about the two timeout ending. Gibbs could have just decided right then and there that the game had passed him bye and just finished out the season and retired. And if he did that, could anyone have blamed him? But true leaders don’t quit, they endure.

And endure is what Gibbs and the redskins have done. In Week 1 we lost our starting Right Tackle Jon Jansen for the year. In week 2 we lost our starting right guard Randy Thomas for what was essentially the year. In week 8 Redskins starting corner Carlos Rogers went down for the season and possibly half of 2009. In week 10 Redskins Starting Safety Sean Taylor went down with a knee injury and was tragically shot in his home and killed a few weeks later. In week 14 Starting Quarterback Jason Campbell was lost for the rest of at least the regular season with a knee injury. In week 15 starting linebacker Rocky McIntosh went down for not only the remainder of this season but most if not all of next. And of course there were the normal missed games and injuries in an NFL franchise with key contributors like Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El, Casey Rabach, Todd Wade, Pierson Prioleau, Cornellius Griffen, and Marcus Washington all succumbing to injury at points during the season.

Now with one more week to go the Redskins host their hated rival, the Dallas Cowboys, for a regular season finale with much on the line. I for one do not buy that Dallas will roll over and play dead for the Redskins. Every down, every yard, will be hard fought. Even if some of the starters are ruled out of the game, the backups are all NFL Vets. Vets like Brad Johnson who would love to enact revenge on a franchise that spurned him. More importantly the Redskins don’t know who to game plan for and will not have tape on their opponents. Lastly Dallas will face the Redskins again in the playoffs if the Redskins survive round 1, and if I am Dallas I rather get rid of us now.

After all, they are still Dallas and we are still the Redskins, they will bring their best, and so should we.

So the only thing the Redskins can do on Sunday is come out and line up across the field and will their way to a win. Do whatever it takes and play perfect football, just like they have done the last three weeks. Defy expectations and once again do the fan base proud. To the winner of the game goes glory, and for the Redskins, a chance to continue fighting back the night.

So with that in mind, here is how we stand:

NFC East: Dallas (13-2)
NFC North: Green Bay (12-3)
NFC West: Seattle (10-5)
NFC South: Tampa Bay (9-6)
Wildcard #1: NY Giants (10-5)
Wildcard #2: Washington (8-7)

The Pack:
Minnesota (8-7)
New Orleans (7-8)

Slots 1-5 are locked and set. Everyone else has been eliminated from playoff contention in the NFC. The Redskins can get in with a win (Dallas), or a loss by Minnesota (@ Denver) & New Orleans (@ Chicago). The Vikings need to win and the Redskins to lose to get in. The Saints need to win and the Vikings & Saints both to lose.

So here is your last rooting card for the 2007 season in order of kickoff:

New Orleans Saints (7-8) @ Chicago Bears (7-8). If we lose to Dallas, we need New Orleans to lose for us to make the playoffs. Go Bears!!!

Minnesota Vikings (8-7) @ Denver Broncos (6-9). This game wont matter at all to the Redskins if New Orleans wins, but if they lose and the Vikings lose, then we are in, regardless of the outcome of the Dallas game. Go Broncos!!

Dallas Cowboys (13-2) @ Washington Redskins (8-7). Regardless of the outcomes above, a win over Dallas is always sweet. Go Redskins!!!

So on to the game. One last week for playoff glory or an off-season of “what ifs”.

As Always HTTR!!

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Playoff Rooting Card: Week 16

2007-12-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

And then there were five.

As the dust settles on this weekend’s contest the NFC playoff picture has come into focus. Sharp focus for the Washington Redskins. With the Minnesota win last night, Philadelphia, Arizona, & Detroit, all sheik pre-season playoff picks, have been eliminated from playoff contention. The five teams that remain alive are the NY Giants (9-5), Minnesota Vikings (8-6), New Orleans Saints (7-7), Washington Redskins (7-7), & Carolina Panthers (6-8).

By virtue of their win over the NY Giants the redskins have put themselves in decent position to make a playoff run. However these last two wins have not come without a heavy price in blood. Jason Campbell was lost for most likely the rest of the year in our win against Chicago and Rocky McIntosh was lost for this season, and perhaps next. Add this to Season ending injuries to starters Jon Jansen, Randy Thomas, Carlos Rogers and the untimely tragedy of Sean Taylor and that makes 6 starters down for the season. Currently the Redskins have more players on IR then wins, and that is never good. Add in the nagging injuries to other players and it is a miracle this team is currently at .500.

No one would blame this team if they had quit playing after Taylor’s death and subsequent heartbreaking loss to Buffalo the following Sunday. However this team continues to play hard each week. That is a credit to Coach Gibbs. I know a lot of us can get on him for some of the stupidest game management in modern sports history, but as a leader, Joe Gibbs is beyond compare. His players really want to win, not just for himself, but for him. And only coach Gibbs could keep this team together after the tragedy and injuries this team has suffered.

So remarkably the Redskins are still in the hunt for the last playoff spot; however they do not control their own destiny. Let’s take a look at the standings:

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys (12-2)
NFC North: Green Bay Packers (12-2)
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks (9-5)
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5)
Wildcard #1: NY Giants (9-5, 7-5)
Wildcard #2: Minnesota Vikings (8-6, 6-5)

The Pack
New Orleans Saints (7-7, 6-4)
Washington Redskins (7-7, 5-5)
Carolina Panthers (6-8, 6-4)

Though the Redskins do not control their own destiny, they aren’t total long shots either. Here are the scenarios that need to happen for the Redskins to make the playoffs.

If the Redskins win out and receive a 9-7:

New Orleans to lose one of their last two (PHI, @ CHI) OR NY Giants to lose both of their last remaining games (@ BUF, NE)

If The Redskins Beat Minnesota but lose to Dallas and finish 8-8:

New Orleans must lose both its last games (PHI, @CHI) AND
Minnesota must lose its last game of the season (DEN) AND
Carolina must lose one of its last two games (DAL, @TB)

If the Redskins lose to Minnesota, they will be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Not the worst odds in the world, but not the best. If this was poker The NY Giants and Vikings would both have three of a kind, the Saints would be drawing to a flush draw, the Redskins to an open ended straight, and Panthers need one card to get a straight flush. The flop has been dealt and the turn and river are about to come. We have two chances to get what we need, but there are cards in the deck that would kill us there and then. It’s anybody’s hand, but some have better shots then others.

So with that in Mind, here is your rooting Card for this week:

Dallas Cowboys (12-2) at Carolina Panthers (6-8). Those pesky panthers have been hanging around, and their NFC record would be our undoing. I rather not have them face a Tampa team with nothing to win for in the last week of the season so as much as I hate it, I got to root for the Cowboys. Go Cowboys!!

Philadelphia Eagles (6-8) at New Orleans Saints (7-7). Probably the best hope we have for a Saints loss is this game. I hate to root for the Eagles, but if that means we get in, so be it. Go Eagles!!

NY Giants (9-5) at Buffalo Bills (7-7). I also hate to root for the mullet head, muscle shirted, flannel wearing, stubble faced, and toothless fans of Buffalo. And the male fans are worse. But I honestly think the Giants losing two straight is more of a probability then the Saints losing one. Go Bills!!

Washington Redskins (7-7) at Minnesota Vikings (8-6). After spending two days rooting for the three teams I hate the most, if the Redskins lose this game I may just have to go purge my body of all memories by banging my head into a rock. Go Redskins!!

That is it. 4 games this week. The time for excuses ends. We either win or start planning our winter plans and look forward to draft positioning. However I will leave you with this hopeful thought. It is quite possible that if things fall the right way (Redskins, Buffalo, Dallas, all win this week) that we could be playing the Dallas Cowboys next week, in Fed Ex, with a ton on the line. With one win we could eliminate the Giants and take away home-field advantage from the Cowboys. I can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year.

But first things first, let’s hope the Redskins give us an early Christmas present and win against the Vikings.

As always. HTTR!!!!

http://www.hailredskins.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=44289

Playoff Rooting Card: Week 15

2007-12-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

It is nice to finally write one of these things after a Redskins win. The last 4 or so have been written after losses, and to make it worse I had to watch just about every other team lose as well. After this last week’s win the redskins are really in position to make a serious run at the playoffs over the next 3 weeks. Unfortunately that run will be on the strength of Todd Collins Arm. Jason Campbell went down with a dislocated knee cap and may be available in the playoffs.

That is if we make it. The redskins have three remaining games left, @ NY Giants, @ Minnesota Vikings, and then we host Dallas for the final game of the year. Despite winning and having a lot of match ups go our way, the Redskins do not quite control their own destiny. Even if we win out, we need help to get in. However the situation is not quite as bleak as it was last week.

So here is how it stands right now:

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys 12-1
NFC North: Green Bay Packers 11-2
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks 9-4
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-5
Wildcard #1: NY Giants 9-4 (7-4)
Wildcard #2: Minnesota Vikings 7-6 (5-5)

The Pack

New Orleans Saints 6-7 (5-4)
Washington Redskins 6-7 (4-5)
Arizona Cardinals 6-7 (3-6)
Detroit Lions 6-7 (4-7)
Carolina Panthers 5-8 (5-4)
Philadelphia Eagles 5-8 (3-7)
Chicago Bears 5-8 (2-7)

Here are the likely scenarios for the redskins making the playoffs:

If the Redskins win out and have a final record of 9-7, the following must happen: Either the New Orleans Saints must lose 1 of their last 3 games (AZ, PHI, @ CHI) or the NY Giants must lose all of their last 3 games (WAS, @ BUF, NE). The Redskins own h2h tie breakers over Arizona & Detroit, and if they win out they will own one against Minnesota (who till also drop to at most 9-7). New Orleans has a better NFC Record and we need them to lose one more game. However if the Giants lose all of their last games (not out of the question since besides us they play a surging Buffalo team and unstoppable Patriots) then we own a tiebreaker over them in common games (GB, NYJ, MIA, DET, MN, CHI, BUF, NE) because we will have beaten Minnesota and they didn’t..

If the Redskins finish 8-8 then all of the following must happen: In addition to losing to the Redskins, Minnesota must lose one of its other two games (CHI, @ DEN). New Orleans (AZ, PHI, @ CHI) would need to lose 2 of their last 3 games. Arizona (@NO, ATL, STL), Detroit (@SD, KC, @GB), & Carolina (SEA, DAL, @TB) would each need to lose 1 more game. The Redskins will have h2h tiebreakers over Chicago and either Division Record or Common Game tiebreakers over Philadelphia.

The Redskins have the luxury of playing on Sunday Night the next two weeks and we will know some of our situation going into the games. So it is quite possible the Redskins will control their own destiny at the time they take the field on Sunday night. Here are the match ups to watch this week:

Arizona Cardinals (6-7) @ New Orleans Saints (6-7). This is the most important game on the schedule this week besides our game. In my opinion this is the hardest game on New Orleans remaining schedule and our best hope to control our own destiny. Go Cardinals!!

Seattle Seahawks (9-4) @ Carolina Panthers (5-8). I doubt Carolina can run the table but if we stumble I don’t want to have them to worry about. Go Seahawks!!

Detroit Lions (6-7) @ San Diego Chargers (8-5). If we go 8-8 I rather have Detroit out of the picture. Come on Norv; do us some good for a change. Go Chargers!!

Chicago Bears (6-7) @ Minnesota Vikings (7-6). This happens on Monday night and we will know the outcome of our game by then. Either way I want Minnesota to lose to give us some breathing room. Go Bears!!

Washington Redskins @ NY Giants A win by the giants assures them a playoff spot, a win by us gives us a great chance to get in. Go Redskins!!

I have figured out that each week I do this thread I am doing myself mental harm. The permutations are so taxing I end up losing stuff I learned long ago. Last week I lost the ability to conjugate Spanish verbs in the past tense. This week I strangely can’t remember the name of my first pet. This much is for certain, I will be doing another one of these next week.

As always HTTR!!

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Playoff Rooting Card: Week 14

2007-12-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Ok I admit it. After four straight losses and the death of Sean Taylor I was sick of doing this feature. Especially considering that when I started it the Redskins were 5-3 and in position to not only challenge for a wildcard, but possibly the NFC East. At 5-7 the team was going nowhere fast; they played with little life and little confidence. I seriously wondered whether the Redskins would win a game again this season. And my frustration grew when I saw that each week almost every other game went the way we needed it to break.

So I decided to cheat. I decided that if the Redskins won on Thursday against Chicago, only then would I continue this column. Its times like these I really hate being a Redskin fan. And especially one who likes to write about his team the following week. First the Redskins torture me be flirting with wins for four weeks and finding the most amazing ways to lose games. Now they finally win and most likely Jason Campbell goes down for the season. And of course the unspeakable tragedy of Sean Taylor being taken from us.

It is pure masochism being a Redskin fan.

And part of that torture is the false hope of a playoff run late in December. Because once again we are in position if a few breaks go our way to be in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the NFC. Here is how it stands right now (including last night’s results):

NFC East Champ: Dallas (11-1)
NFC North Champs: Green Bay (10-2)
NFC West Champs: Seattle (8-4)
NFC South Champs: Tampa Bay (8-4)
Wildcard #1: NY Giants (8-4)
Wildcard #2: Detroit (6-6, 4-6)

The Pack:

Minnesota (6-6, 4-5)
Arizona (6-6, 3-5)
Washington (6-7, 4-5)
New Orleans (5-7, 4-4)
Philadelphia (5-7, 3-6)
Carolina (5-7, 5-4)
Chicago (5-8, 2-7)

Washington has head to head tiebreakers over Arizona, Detroit, & Chicago. Washington has the opportunity to get a head to head victory over Minnesota in two weeks. The Redskins are in a good position if they can run the table, but still need losses from New Orleans and Carolina due to their better NFC record.

Now I know many of you will say that Washington does not deserve a playoff spot. But I defy you to point to a team fighting for the last spot that does. Detroit has lost 4 straight and look like they might now win another game all season. Minnesota is a one note team with a horrible defense and quarterback. Arizona is a constant disappointment and underachieving team. New Orleans is the Cybil of the NFL up one week, down the next. Philadelphia is a plain horrible football team. Carolina’s best QB is older then Methuselah. And of course Chicago, we saw them last night.

So here is the Rooting card for this weekend:

Dallas Cowboys (11-1) at Detroit Lions (6-6) Ok it is hard to root for the Cowboys, but Detroit is a streaky team. We need them to get a loss, and I rather it be sooner then later. And Cowboy fans were some of the best in the nation when Taylor passed. I will save my hate for them week 17. Go Cowboys!!

Carolina Panthers (5-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) I get a little scared with Carolina’s good NFC record, so putting them at 8 losses helps Go Jacksonville!!

NY Giants (8-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-7). Only a total collapse will get the NY Giants out of the playoffs. So I am hoping that they win against the eagles so we can catch them sleeping next week. Go Giants!!

Arizona Cardinals (6-6) at Seattle Seahawks (8-4). Ok we need a Cardinals loss here and this is the most likely on their schedule. Go Seahawks!!

Minnesota Vikings (6-6) at SF 49ers (3-9). Though we have a game against them, I wouldn’t mind them getting another loss here. Go 49ers!!

New Orleans Saints (5-7) at Atlanta Falcons (3-9) We need a NO loss. Their schedule is easy and they have a better NFC record. Go Falcons!!

As always HTTR!!

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Playoff Rooting Card: Week 13

2007-11-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

First off let me say, that in the first time as a fan of the Washington Redskins, I don’t mind if they lose this Sunday. Of course I will be rooting for them to win. Of course I want to see them win. But this tragedy that hit our team this week is beyond measure. In the span of 5 days the Redskins players and coaches will not only have to deal with the unthinkable loss of a friend and teammate and his funeral, but play 2 games with teams in the middle of a playoff run.

However there is not much I can do as a fan but be supportive of the team and it’s players. So I will continue to support them in every way possible. One of those ways is to root for them to make the playoffs. I have come to the conclusion over the last few days that I want the Redskins to finish the season strong. Not for me, but for them and the memory of Sean Taylor. In years to come the annals of Sports history will write about the murder of Sean Taylor and I would hate the post script for this saga to be the redskins failed to put together a strong playoff run because of the loss. Sean’s memory deserves better.

But our guys are going to need help to get in. That is why I am going to continue writing this rooting card feature. After losing three straight the Redskins still have a better then normal chance to get into the last playoff spot because just about everything else went their way last week. However winning out was an unlikely task even before the tragic events earlier this week. The Redskins are going to need help.

So with that in mind here are the standings for week 13:

NFC East Champion: Dallas Cowboys (10-1, 7-0 Conf, 4-0 Div)

NFC North Champions: Green Bay Packers (10-1, 7-1 Conf)

NFC West Champions: Seattle Seahawks (7-4, 6-2 Conf)

NFC South Champions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4, 6-2 Conf)

Wild Card #1: NY Giants (7-4, 5-4 Conf, 2-2 Div)

Wild Card #2: Detroit Lions (6-5, 4-5 Conf)

The Pack
New Orleans Saints (5-6, 4-3 Conf)
Washington Redskins (5-6, 3-5 Conf, 1-3 Div)
Philadelphia Eagles (5-6, 3-5 Conf, 1-3 Div)
Arizona Cardinals (5-6, 3-5 Conf)
Minnesota Vikings (5-6, 3-5 Conf)
Chicago Bears (5-6, 2-5 Conf)
Carolina Panthers (4-7, 4-4 Conf)

The Washington Redskins have head to head tiebreakers over Detroit and
Arizona. Tampa Bay, NY Giants, & Dallas Cowboys all have head to head tiebreakers over the Redskins, though the Redskins can eliminate that fact against the Giants and Dallas with wins later in the year. The Redskins have the opportunity to get head to head tiebreakers over Minnesota and Chicago.

The team I am worried about the most is the surging New Orleans’ Saints. I am worried about them on a two fold basis. First we do not have the opportunity to play them and their conference record is currently better then ours. Also if they catch up to Tampa
Bay and get the South division, the Bucs have a head to head tiebreaker against us due to their victory last week. The NY Giants and Detroit Lions are both slumping and despite the Eagles close game against the Pats I am not worried about them either.

We are definitely going to see some separation in the pack this week as almost all of the Playoff contenders are playing another playoff contender. So with that in mind here is the rooting card for this week’s games:

San Francisco (3-8) at Carolina (4-7)

Carolina actually has a decent Conference Record and if they go on a run could get into the playoffs at 9-7. Rather have the 49ers take them out now and not have to worry about that. Go 49ers!!

Seattle (7-4) at Philadelphia (5-6)

I rather see Seattle win the west and beating the Eagles helps us out. Go Seahawks!!

Buffalo Bills (5-6) at Washington Redskins (5-6)

Of course I will root for our boys to win. But most importantly I want them to play with pride for Sean. Go Sean!!!

Detroit Lions (6-5) At Minnesota Vikings (5-6)

We get a chance to play the Vikings and get a head to head and we need to gain ground on the Lions. Go Vikings!!

NY Giants (7-4) at Chicago (5-6).

We get to play both of these guys but like above we need help to catch up to the NY Giants. Go Bears!!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) at New Orleans Saints (5-6).

Probably the biggest non redskin Game of the weekend. A win by the Bucs goes a long way for us on so many levels. Go Bucs!!

Cleveland Browns (7-4) at Arizona Cardinals (5-6)

Arizona is doing it's best imitation of ...well Arizona. Every year they fall all over themselves to find a way out of the playoffs. Lets give them some more help. Go Browns!!

Ok that is the rooting card for this week. As always until next time, Hail to the Redskins!!!

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Vision Quest: In An Instant

2007-11-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

We have all had those moments in our life. We have gotten laid off out of the blue. We have failed at a home improvement project. A child has been hurt and must go to the hospital. A divorce from someone you thought you would grow old with. These moments have been hard and life defining and become bookmarks in the chapters of our lives.

Not many of us have had to deal with the sad news that the Taylor family must deal with this morning.

Last night Sean Taylor, starting Free Safety of the Washington Redskins, but more importantly a loved father and son, passed away after a valiant fight for his life. A victim of a senseless crime just over hours before, his wounds proved to be too much for him to overcome. At the young age of 24, he is survived by his 18 month old daughter Jackie and his fiancé.

We don’t know much about the crime itself but this we do know. Sean Taylor was shot in his home, outside of his bedroom as he went to investigate an apparent robbery attempt. He died while doing the most instinctual of all human behavior, a father’s desire to protect his family and loved ones from harm. He was shot in the leg and it severed his femoral artery. He was airlifted to a nearby trauma center and endured 6 hours of surgery. The news throughout the day looked bleak as he remained unresponsive after surgery, however by the end of the day there was some hope for recovery.

That hope was dashed as he lost his grip on this world early this morning. Football seems so distant right now, so meaningless. But it is through football that we as fans got to meet this humble misunderstood kid. He was born on April fools day in 1983, but on the football field he was no one’s fool. His athletic talent was evident at a very young age. In high school he started at running back and defensive back and linebacker. In 2000 he rushed for over 1300 yards, and rushing twice for over 400 yards in his the state playoffs. He also racked up over 200 tackles in that same season. He was ranked the #1 skill athlete and an All American by SuperPrep.

In 2001 Taylor enrolled in the University of Miami at the Apex of that powerful schools football dominance. During his time there he changed the way a Safety played in college football. His 3 Interception returns for touchdowns in 2003 is a single season record for the University of
Miami. In addition he returned punts and blocked kicks, many times for scores there as well.

However we will remember him for his career in Burgundy and Gold. Taylor’s selection in the 2004 draft in the fifth spot was the subject of much debate amongst Redskin Nation. However shortly after his signing he proved all critics wrong as he displayed a combination of speed and size never before seen at the safety position. He had 89 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack in his rookie season.

In 2005 despite a tumultuous off season Taylor turned in one of the best years of his now too short career. Stat wise he only recorded 70 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 sack, however he solidified his place as the hardest hitter in the NFL. Wide Receivers now feared crossing the middle of the field. Alligator arms was now a term that was commonly used during Redskin broadcasts as receivers routinely refused to lay out for balls across the middle for fear of a hit from Taylor. And in our only playoff win this millennium; Taylor had a key touchdown return that helped propel the Redskins to victory.

In 2006, Taylor was one of the lone bright spots in a struggling injury depleted Redskins defense. He recorded 129 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception during this season. Despite the poor play of the Redskins Defensive unit, Sean was selected to his only Pro-Bowl. However he made it memorable as he leveled out punter Brian Moorman on an attempted trick play.

In 2007 Taylor was putting together his best season as a pro. In just 9 games he had already racked up 42 tackles, 5 interceptions, & 1 forced fumble. Playing a true free safety for the first time in his pro-career he had the ability to take away the deep ball single handedly. He was just starting to scratch the surface of his ability when a knee injury sat him down for the last two games. All signs though pointed to a triumphant return, perhaps as early as this Sunday.

However that will never come. We will never know how good Sean Taylor was going to be and the Redskins, in fact the entire NFL, are the lesser for it. Superstar athletes are increasingly becoming targets of crime because of their fame and wealth. We simply do not know at this point why this senseless tragedy happened. And in the weeks to come the investigation into this matter will no doubt answer many of our questions.

But for now we all must deal with the fact that this star athlete, this promising young man, this father, son, and soon to be husband is no longer with us. He was struck down in his home defending his family in the prime of his life. Now his family and friends must find a way to move on. And we as fans must find a way to say goodbye. We will never see the #21 and his bone-jarring hits, game changing speed, and pure athletic ability except in our memories.

And it is there I will remember Sean Taylor. I will remember Todd Pinkston absolutely refusing to catch a ball because Taylor was bearing down on him. I will remember him matching up against the opposing team’s best wide receiver and taking him out of the game. I will remember Brian Moorman digging his way out of the 6 foot hole Taylor planted him in. And I will remember him diving into the end zone in Tampa.

But mostly I will remember how I felt the day we drafted him. I felt proud to be a Redskin fan. I felt that we were drafting the Lawrence Taylor of the new century. I still feel that way, and always will. Sean will forever be in our memory and hearts, and in our collective consciousness he will gain immortality as he goes on to his next defensive assignment; to look down on his daughter from heaven and protect her.

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Vision Quest: Giving thanks

2007-11-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

After the Redskins loss yesterday I contemplated many things, but the main was was this: How much has my life been shorted being a Redskin fan? The fact that we continually come up short in the 2^nd half of games this year is beyond frustrating. It would be one thing if this was the Spurrier or Norv Years. Sure we failed then, but I pretty much expected late game and season collapses. We could talk about the talent gap, or the coaching gap, or the Strahan’s tooth gap…there were plenty of gaps to blame.

What is so frustrating with this team is that we have the talent on both the coaching staff and the player side to not just compete in this league, but to win. Yet they are mired in mediocrity. First the offense was sputtering this season and the Defense was able to mask it’s inefficiencies. Now the offense is awakening but the league has figured out our schemes and the Defense is not adjusting. The only time we have put together a complete game was Detroit.

However I have decided that I can not do a blog full of vitriol and hate this week. Though we lost this last week, I truly expected a Patriot like blow out. We took the NFC’s best team, down to the wire and the outcome was in doubt until the last play of the game. Our offense has finally found a leader and identity and our defense, though horrible, will get better with Taylor back in a week or two.

So I have decided to take in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season and list the things that I, and the redskins, should be thankful for:

Jason Campbell. This kid has to be at the top of anyone’s list. He is growing each and every game. It is no longer a question of whether Jason Campbell is going to be a good quarterback in the NFL, it is now a question of how good. Sure he may fumble a little too often and has yet to give us the signature comeback win (though yesterday was close), but he is going to get a few in his time here in DC. Mark it down.

Clinton Portis. He may not be the CP of 2005 and had a bad game against
Dallas rushing wise, but he is still the heart and soul of this Redskin team. He makes hard runs and gives us consistency on offense. And when he is not running he is pound for pound the best blitz pick up in the league.

Chris Samuels. Easily the most reliable offensive linemen we have had during his tenure. He rarely misses a game to injury and is routinely asked to block the best defensive end on the other team without much help as all available help has been designated to the right side of the line. I for one appreciate one of the longest serving Redskins.

Parity in the NFC. Thank god because if it wasn’t for the mediocrity of this conference we could not be even thinking about a nplayoff run. But 9-7, maybe even 8-8 may get into the playoffs this year.

Sean Taylor’s Super Human Healing abilities. A man can hope can’t he? We need him back more then ever…soon. Without him the uncover-2 Williams likes to employ is more suspect then an email from the Bank of Nigeria.

Joe Gibbs: He may be slow to change. He may decide to kick Fgs with inches to go. He may not know how to call a TO properly. He may be too old and the game may have passed him by. But watching Gregg Williams arrogantly refuse to change his schemes makes me appreciate Joe Gibbs change in the offense as of late. Whether it was Saunders taking over, or Joe taking over, I am thankful for hope on the offensive side of the ball.

Mini Playoff Rooting Card

I usually reserve doing this until After Thanksgiving. But WTH, lets start it early on. To review here are the current standings for the Playoffs in the NFC:

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys 9-1

NFC North: Green Bay Packers 9-1

NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-4

NFC West: Seattle Seahawks 6-4

Wildcard #1: NY Giants 7-3

Wildcard #2: Detroit Lions 6-4

The Pack:
Washington Redskins 5-5
Philadelphia Eagles 5-5
Arizona Cardinals 5-5
Carolina Panthers 4-6
Minnesota Vikings 4-6
New Orleans Saints 4-6
Chicago Bears 4-6

The bad news is the Redskins are 1 game behind the last Wildcard spot. The good news is that currently they own head to head tiebreakers over Detroit & Arizona and none of the wildcard contenders have head to head tiebreakers on them, yet. The Redskins also get a chance at getting head to head tiebreakers on Tampa, Chicago, & Minnesota in upcoming games. All NFC games are must wins for the rest of the season because virtually all wildcard contenders have 3 or 4 wins in the NFC.

So here are the relevant games to scoreboard watch this weekend:

Green Bay (9-1) atDetroit (6-4)

Gotta go for Green bay here. Allows us to control our own Destiny. Go Packers!!

New Orleans Saints (4-6) at Carolina Panthers (4-6)

Interesting Matchup. Carolina has a better NFC record right now so I am going to root for New Orleans. Go Saints!!

Seattle (6-4) at St. Louis (2-8)

Seattle has a great conference record and I don’t want them in the mix for the playoffs, especially with us having a head to head tiebreaker against Arizona. Go Seattle!!

Washington (5-5) at Tampa Bay (6-4)

Though I want Tampa to win the South due to their better NFC record, they can do it next week. Go Redskins!!

Minnesota (4-6) at NY Giants (7-3)

We have a must wn game against the Giants coming up, might as well get them feeling bad before we go tho their house. Go Vikings!!

San Francisco (2-8) At Arizona Cardinals (5-5)

We may have a head to head onArizona but I want some cushion. Go 49ers!!

Denver (5-5) at Chicago (4-6)

Might as well knock Chicago down a peg or two as well. Go Broncos!!

Philadelphia (5-5) at New England (10-0)

Let New England be New England and put Philadelphia away. Go Patriots!!

If we win and Detroit loses we catapult into the top Wildcard spot. However with tough games at the Giants and with the Cowboys we need as much cushion as we can get. If we can get a handful of these to go the right way we can put ourselves in a good position to take the last wildcard spot.

As always HTTR!!!

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Vision Quest: A Tale of Two Halves

2007-10-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

Only the Washington Redskins can inspire as much frustration from its fan base when they are winning. Perhaps the fan base is too picky, remembering former glory. I concede that we have high expectations for our team. We believe that our team is more talented then the team we watch each Sunday. We believe our coaches are better then they display each Sunday. And we believe our roster moves are more solid then they are.

I think the truly frustrating part is that we are most likely right. The proof of that is also on the field each Sunday, but more often then not it only sticks around until half time and decides to take the rest of the game off. Quite plainly the team seems to get out coached, out played, and out hustled in the second half by almost every opponent this year. No lead is safe and no hope for a comeback is reasonable.

Those who want to say a win is a win is a win I am with you. At the end of the day it is the scoreboard that matters. However with over a third of the season done the Redskins have provided a blueprint for any decent NFL team to beat them. One that works to perfection almost every time. Just hold on till the second half and the redskins will hand you opportunities to win the game.

The Redskins are playing not to lose on both sides of the ball this year and it shows.
Only the Miami game did the redskins actually trail at halftime this year. Ironically they cam back and won that game but only after a late collapse that allowed Miami to extend it into OT. Against Philadelphia they were an errant throw by McNabb and a bone jarring hit by Landry away from allowing Philadelphia to tie the game. Against the Giants they allowed 21 unanswered points while the offense failed to produce anything and lost a winnable game at home. Against Green Bay the offense imploded in the second half and gave the game to Favre and company. And last week against the cardinals the Redskins did everything they could to lose the game yet got lucky they were playing the most cursed franchise in the NFL and escaped with the closest of victories. Only the Detroit game was a blowout, with the Redskins winning 34-3.

But we don’t have to rely on subjective interpretations of the games to see just how futile we are as a team in the second half. The statistics in this case bear this out as well.

The offense bears the brunt of the blame in most fans minds, and rightfully so. Their play has been anemic overall. And in the second half of games they have been downright retarded. The Redskins have scored a mediocre 112 points this season. However their first half performance of 72 points have given them the lead going into half time in all but one of their games. However the redskins have only scored 40 points after halftime, a drop off of over 45%. Don’t think points are a good stat, what about yards gained. First half 1009 yards gained, second half 818 (almost 20% drop-off). How about first downs? 59 in the first half, 44 in the second (over 25% drop-off).

The Defense is having its problems as well. The Redskins have only allowed 88 points, not bad. But in the first half the Redskins have only surrendered 29 points. Compare that to 59 in the second half (that’s over 100% more). Yards allowed? 721 yards in the first half, 940 yards in the second half (almost 25% more). First downs? 39 first downs allowed in the first half, 59 in the second (over 30% more). Some of it can be attributed to the poor play of the defense keeping them on the field more, but it is a fact they are letting teams back into the game when they sit on a lead is apparent.

So in summation while the Redskins outscore their opponents 72-29 in the first half of games, they get beat 40-59 in the second half. While the Redskins out gain their opponents 1009-721 in the first half, the second half they are out gained 818-940. They gain 59 first downs to their opponents 39 in the first half, but only get 44 to their opponent’s 58 in the second half.
Looking at these numbers head to head surely shows the coaches are not making the adjustments they need to make at half time. This used to be Gibb’s forte in his first reign here but it has been a liability his entire second tenure. In game and at the half adjustments just seem to never be made. Sure we may have a good game plan going into the game but once there the opponent makes a change (unless you are Mike Martz and think max protect is your deodorant strength).

There is still time to right this hip. We have the talent and can play with just about every opponent we have on the schedule. So here are a few suggestions that I hope the redskins implement in the next few weeks:

Turn Jason Campbell loose. Sure the line is patchwork, but all three of our replacements have started for other teams. Maybe they do not have the nuances of the run game down, but pass blocking is easier. Especially with a healthy Rabach coming back to make the calls. Campbell has legs so roll him out a couple of times, let him win games for us, not just manage them. He has the talent, let him prove it.

Get Cooley in the game. Right now we resigned Cooley to a multi-year extension to use him like a blocking TE. As much as I see the need to help the offensive line out, we need him in space creating havoc more then anything else. I love seeing Sellers knocking over Defensive backs but I much rather have Cooley finding a seam and turning a 10 yard seam into a 40 yard score. Line up Seller at TE and split out Cooley as a third WR. Use more two TE sets and keep Yoder in to block. Get this boy into space and pass the ball to him.

Stop playing the uncover 2. Ok you can play it a little, just not exclusively. Against even an adequate offensive line our front four can not generate a pass rush. We need to blitz once in awhile just to keep the opponent honest. This defense is built on the blitz, you cannot abandon it. I rather die playing our brand of football then have our lead whittled down to nothing and die anyways.

Go for the kill. Whether on offense or defense. When you are up 14 points throw a bomb once in awhile. If the opponent is on his 5 bring the house and try and get a safety. At the end of 2005 Gibbs said he put the game in the hands of his players. It is time to do that again. Gamble once in awhile and play to win, stop playing not to lose.

If we start doing some of that I hope we will win more games then we lose and make a serious run at the playoffs. If not well that is why I am a hack writer and not a pro-football coach.

5 Things We Know Now

We won, barely. So here are the 5 Things We Know Now, maybe.

London Fletcher is the heart of this defense 10 tackles, 3 assists, an INT for a touchdown. Wow. Give credit where credit is due. The Front office and the defensive staff saw one of the major problems with last year’s team and decided to fix it. This may be the signing of the off season and big credit to new LB coach Olivadotti who has the entire corp. playing at a high level, even when Washington is out of the lineup.

Sean Taylor is the soul. I miss seeing Taylor on the line of scrimmage but he has become one of the biggest ball hawks in the NFL. He leads the league with 5 interceptions. Not only are opposing players now afraid to go over the middle, the QBs are afraid to overthrow it there. He is having the season of his career this year and is earning a big payday in the near future.

Carlos Rogers can’t catch but he can still beat up a kicker. It wouldn’t be a Redskin game without a possible interception for a TD misplayed by Rogers. He had one again but mistimed his jump and could not get over to get it. But don’t worry he beat up Neil Rackers and that is why he missed his 55 yard FG. Well that is what I am going with anyways.

You can’t run when the defensive line is 2 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Pucillo and Fabini were in the backfield more then Sellers and Portis this last game. They got blown up more then a Michael Bay movie. These guys were once starters in this league. They better man up and play or if not the Redskins need to replace them with young raw offensive linemen next year. Never mind, they need to do that anyways.

Redskin games are not for the faint of heart. A few weeks ago I laughed at Buffalo and cursed their fans for their gift to Dallas. Now that comes back to haunt me. Thank god we pulled it out, but that leaves me thinking. How in hell am I going to survive this season? Throw out the Detroit game and our average win is less then one score, and even the Detroit game was in doubt until the middle of the 4th quarter. We find more ways to make it close, but give me a good old fashioned blow out win sometime.

Looking Ahead.

Now we know what it must have been like to be King Henry V on the field of Agincourt as the thundering horde of the French Army coming to bear on his rag tag group of English Soldiers. Alas I think his odds were greater then ours this next Sunday.

If this team wants a chance to win we need to throw caution to the wind and execute brilliantly on Sunday. They need to act like it is a pre-season game. And I am not talking about a Joe Gibbs pre-season game. I am talking about a Steve Spurrier drunk on Saki let-er rip pre-season game. Try things that they would never do in a regular game, like passing down the field.

After all someone has to beat the Patriots sooner or later or we all are playing for second place.

Vision Quest: Turning Point or Fluke

2007-10-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

One of the more exciting things about being a Washington Redskins fan is also one of the most frustrating. And that is the anticipation of what team will show up on Sunday. From week to week and sometimes even from half to half we just don’t know what incarnation will take the field. Will the defense be effective like in the Miami and Philadelphia games? Or will they flounder hopelessly like the second half of the NY Giants game? Will the offense click and control the clock like the first half of the Giants game? Or will it stall out and barely produce, like every other time this season?

Rarely in the last 4 years have we seen a performance like what we got this last Sunday. All phases of the game seemed to click as one. The defense generated pass rush and shout down a decent offensive team. The offense had long drives that for the most part resulted in scores. The Special teams had long returns and decent coverage throughout the game. The coaching staff went for the jugular and never let the opponent off the floor. All of this resulted in a 34-3 drubbing of the Lions was the biggest win in two years.

With all the inconsistency over the last 5 years the question still remains, was this performance a turning point in our season, leading to a playoff run. Or was it a fluke performance and the Redskins will slide to a mediocre or losing season?

At 3-1 the Redskins are now 2nd in the NFC East (Dallas is 5-0 and the luckiest team in the western hemisphere. Jerry Jones must have sold his soul to the devil. And why do you need a soul if all your other body parts are replaced already?). The first quarter of the season is over and looking at this impartially, we are about where we expected our team to be. I know I figured to lose in Philly, but beat the Giants at home. We flipped the outcomes of those games.

The hardest part was the way we lost to the Giants after dominating them for an entire half of football. Many of us, including yours truly, took this as a sign this team would not take the necessary step forward to deliver on the promises made by the return of Joe Gibbs 3 years ago. This was not a reaction to one game but more of a series of decisions both on the field and off that have left us with sub-par football on Sundays.

That is until this last week. I don’t want to make too much of one win, because truly there are a lot of caveats to the win. Sure we got pressure from our front four but the offensive line for Detroit is pitiful. The Redskins scored the most points in a game in over two years, but this same Detroit team gave up 51 to the hapless Philadelphia Eagles (who are averaging just over 9 points in their other three games). The Redskins even had an interception return for a touchdown, but it came late and they also failed to fall on 5 previous fumbles by the Lion offense.

But at least there is hope this week. The coaching staff, for the first time since 2005, put together a complete game plan and executed it with precision. The defense totally dominated the Detroit high ranked offense while suffering through injuries to Marcus Washington and Phillip Daniels. The offense moved the ball with efficiency allowing Jason Campbell to have his best day as a pro. Even Mike Sellers got into the Act grabbing 2 TDS and a whole bunch of hits on hapless Lion defenders. He hit Kenoy Kennedy so hard he dislocated his soul.

But if this team is truly going to make the next step and become a true contender, then the next four games are important. The NFL season can be broken up into four quarters. If you win each quarter (3-1) you will win your division and get a home playoff game. If you want to get to the Super bowl, then you have to start there. The Redskins won their first quarter, so 1/4th of the job is done.

Unfortunately I think the next four games is our hardest quarter of football this season. First we travel to Green Bay who will be looking to avenge their first loss of the season last week. Then we host the Arizona Cardinals whose offense is starting to Gel now that the QB shuffle has stopped. We then travel to New England to face the best team I have seen play in my lifetime, and no, I am not kidding. Last we finish up against the Jets in the Meadowlands, where we have not won in Gibbs II.

If we are to go 3-1 this quarter that means a win in Title Town. Then hold serve againstArizona and the NY Jets. I doubt highly we can beat New England. But then again I doubt Jesus coaching the 11 disciples (Judas is on the Inactive list) can beat the Patriots. And if you have seen St. Peter you know he throws a hell of a Hail Mary.

But for right now, this second, there once again remains hope in Landover. Hope that we are headed in the right direction and that instead of the mediocrity of most of the last 16 years we can see the start of something special.

5 Things We Know Now

1.) That Jason Campbell Trade was pretty good. At the time of the trade in 2005, many including me, wondered why we were trading our future for a QB from Auburn when we had the future of our franchise, Patrick Ramsey, scheduled to start. My, how wrong we were. Jason Campbell is developing into not just a competent, but a very good professional quarterback. Each game he is getting better and he put up career numbers (23-29, 248 yards passing 2 TDs) against Detroit. This kid is a gamer and has a chance to be a Redskin for a long long time.

2.) That Brandon Lloyd Trade was not so good. A 3rd and a 4th, $10 million in guaranteed cash for what? 24 catches, 374 yards, and 0tds. And that includes his incredible 1 catch for 9 yards last week. If it was not for the Adam Archueletta he would already be gone. Now he is in the press admitting to loafing on the field getting him benched. Well Lloyd it is going to get you released next year. Brush up on the rap skills.

3.) Joe Gibbs coaches better when he is pissed. Mid week Coach Joe blew up at a reporter when asked about Detroit’s 0-20 (now 0-21) mark in DC against the Redskins. Is this the reason the redskins did so well? Probably not. But just in case Dan Snyder should hire a lackey to follow Gibbs around and taunt him every few seconds.

4.) Keenan McCardell can still play. 4 Days in the offense and he came in for an injured Moss and Randle-El to get 2 catches for 39 yards, both critical first downs. With Randle-El still hurt the old man may get the #2 job this upcoming weekend. In one game he has more then doubled some other high paid bench warmers.

5.) Hell has frozen over. The last time a Redskin has returned an interception for a touchdown was Iffy Ohalete in 2002. On Sunday Carlos “Stone hands” Rogers took one to the house late. Seriously, I saw Satan, he was wearing long johns.

Looking Ahead

Many saw the Detroit game as a make or break game. Not me. Quite simply if we had lost to Detroit then we are, to borrow a phrase, what most people thought we were, pathetic. By beating Detroit the Redskins have silenced some of their critics, even if their critics were many of their fans. But at the end of the day all they really did was beat up on a fatally flawed team in their house.

Nope the real make or break game for me is this one. If the Redskins are a legitimate playoff team and want to contend for the division, then we need to go on the road a few times this year, and win in a hostile environment and hold serve at home. We won inPhiladelphia, but since we lost at home to the Giants, we have to make it up on the road.

Green Bay is essentially a one-dimensional team, unable to run the ball relying on the pass. But that passer is future Hall of Famer Brett Favre who is still lighting up defenses around the league. Putting pressure on Favre will be key, but hard to do. Favre is still a mobile QB and the offensive line is one of the best in the league.

As Always until next time Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Vision Quest: Getting Hit On Both Sides

2007-09-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

I admit it. And if you are honest with yourself you will admit it. And if you’re a member of the Redskin organization right now you better admit it, because you did it too.

We all believed the Redskins Press Clippings.

Leading up the Giants game we all felt this was a different team. We were led to believe this 2-0 start was just the beginning. We were told our defense rebounded and are now back on top. We believed the Saunders offense was just a few timing issues away from breaking out into a full fledged NFL offense. And we thought finally the promise that was made to us in 2004 with the re-hiring of Coach Gibbs.

So far, we are all wrong.

It is not often that one loss can put such a dour mood on the state of Redskins nation. But it is not the fact that we lost that is killing us. It’s not that every other tem in our division won. It is not even the fact that we lost at home for the second straight year to n inferior division opponent. We are used to that. That is life in the NFC East, there are no easy games.
No we could shrug all that off and look forward to Detroit. But like so many things it is not the fact that a devastating loss happened, it is the way in which it happened that is killing us.
Did you think we were good at defending on third downs? Well the Giants went 9-16 for 565. Many of those conversions were on long third downs, the kind the defense gave up in 2006 but we thought we had finally found a way to handle this year.

Did you think we were good at converting on third down? How is 5-16, 31%, feeling right now? Keep in mind that 2 of those third down conversions were late in the 4th quarter after we got desperate to come back. So you thought that if we won the turnover battle we could win any football game? Well we won that battle 3-1 on Sunday but still lost by a touchdown.

What is killing us most today is the feeling that our Franchise is never going to overcome the indecision that permeates everything in and around Redskins Park. This indecision is manifesting itself in everything from the draft, to off season contract negotiations, to play calling on game day.

We can’t decide between building for the now or trusting our rookies, so we spend three years with Mark Brunell at QB with brief glimpses of success. We can’t decide whether we are going to be an attacking defense or a bend but don’t break defense, so we draft players like Landry and McIntosh that are meant to attack the ball and drop them in zones. We can’t decide whether we are a running or passing team and so we have no offensive rhythm and we can not develop linemen suited to either style.

But in no other example is this indecision more detrimental Gibbs decision to distance himself from his own team.

In 2004 he anointed Gregg Williams as the Assistant head Coach Defense. Now we all know Joe Gibbs has never really cared about the defensive side of the ball. In the old days he just let Richard Pettibone do whatever he wanted. Gibbs was wearing a different hat this time around, and that is of Team President, a de-facto General Manager. Richard Pettibone was allowed to scheme as much as he wanted, but Bobby Beathard for the most part was making the decision on the talent he had to scheme with.

This time Gregg Williams has gone out and monopolized our first round picks for defensive backs and late rounds with linebackers who never make the team. Each year he assures us our defense will be more aggressive and we will simply not lay back and let the other team dictate to us. And each year without addressing the defensive line he expects them to actually generate a pass rush.

The Defense’s second half performance on Sunday made Brittany Spears call in and say “Are they even trying out there?” We laid back in a cover-2 zone while our front four for the most part failed to generate a substantial pass rush. 21 points in a half is pitiful, period. And for a healthy defense with upgrades around the ball should not let this happen.

However Gibbs most fatally flawed decision may be the decision to hire Al Saunders as Associate head Coach – Offense in 2006. Gibbs has always been an offensive coach, acting as his own offensive coordinator. With sub par offenses in 2004 and a mediocre at best offense in 2005, Gibbs brought in a guy who was supposed to ramp up the offense to unknown heights. Unfortunately that has not worked.

The Saunders offense has been nothing special and at times looked worse then even the 2004 offense. And much of it can be blamed on a lack of identity. At times we are a passing offense, at times a running offense. Gibbs has stated Saunders does the play calling but admits that he makes the call to go for it on 4th down and at times it has been reported he has taken over the offense and exerted his will. By not just deciding to either give Saunders total control or wrest it away and take back the offense the Redskins have been in limbo for 1 season and 3 games. We change quarterback and receivers but the play calling remains the same.

If Gibbs wants to succeed in his second go around he has to DECIDE. He needs to decide he really wants to be GM and fire Cerrato, realign the Scouting department and make the decisions himself on defensive draft picks based on the schemes Williams employed. And if he can’t or does not want to do that, he needs to hire a GM.

And on offense Gibbs needs to decide whether he wants to take control. I for open don’t care which way he goes. In the last half of 2005 with inferior talent at QB and WR we put together a decent offensive football team. I would not fault him one bit to go back to this. Let Saunders perch on the roof and give suggestions but if Gibbs wants to call the plays, call the damn plays. Or hang up the head set and be the cheerleader in chief he seemed to desire to be at the start of 2006.

Otherwise the Redskins are like a guy standing in the middle of the road, and getting hit from both sides.

5 Things We Don’t Know Now

Ok we lost….so here are the things we don’t know now.

1.) When will Gregg Williams understand the Cover-2 defense does not work in the modern NFL? Besides Andre carter we have not developed a pass rush from the front four at all. A Cover-2 scheme is murdered unless you make the QB throw the ball early or put him on his back. Combine this with our Line backing corp which is better at attacking and not covering and we got picked apart in the 2nd half Sunday. Burress and Shockey exploited the middle of our defense like Home Simpson going after a cream filled donut. Please dear God drop the Cover 2 and go man to man in crucial situations.

2.) Why does a hall of fame Coach and the highest paid coaching staff in the league continue to have play clock management issues? Every freaking game a timeout is being burned, or worse a delay of game penalty incurs, because the play call is not in. With over 15 million in coaches’ salaries on that sideline, this is just not right. Why does Campbell not have quick calls he can make after making a first down? Where are the audibles? If the Redskins want to work on something in the off week, the two minute offense is it. If they want to play the ball-less close game strategy, fine. But you better count on having to run this every game or most games.

3.) Will the Saunders offense ever emerge from the mediocre 10-20 point per game lethargic sloth it has become? Only four times has the Saunders offense scored over 23 points under Saunders, and 2 of those were losses where we were trying to catch up at the end. And so many games have been in the dreaded teens range. We need to continue attacking each and every play and save the play it safe strategy for the end of the 4th quarter.

4.) If we are a running team and Portis is our best runner how does he only get 14 attempts in a game we are up by two scores? Pathetic excuses are being given for Betts running the ball not once but twice in the closing seconds attempting to score the game tying touchdown. Betts has a role on this team, but goal line back when the game is on the line is not it. Betts should spell Portis in the early parts of the game, but come to the 4th quarter, barring injury; Portis is the back we need. And it is what he is paid for.

5.) Is this team going to respond properly to this loss and make some adjustments before it is too late? This is the biggest thing we don’t know. This is a devastating loss at home and can ruin the whole season. They have two weeks to stew in their disgrace. Will they get mad and go out there and make Matt Millen’s Lions wish they never came to DC? Or will they fold up and give the same half hearted effort they gave last week. The 2005 team, after the San Diego loss at home went on a 6 game winning streak to make the playoffs and give us our first playoff win since 1999. The 2006 team, after losing to Tennessee at home limped to a 3-7 finish and a disgraceful 5-11 record, the worst ever under Joe Gibbs.

The only thing to look ahead to is a long bye week. Full of more questions then answers. Hopefully we are a stronger team after it, but the hard part is definitely ahead of us, not behind.

Vision Quest: U….G….L…Y… this is how we live or die.

2007-09-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder what is going through the mind of my fellow Redskin fans. Over the last two weeks while our team fought to maintain leads and win games late against tough defensive squads. Yet some fans this is not enough. Personally I think it is a testament to our squad that we are 2-0 right now, and the goes especially for Monday night’s win in Philly.

I am not calling for every fan to be Kool-aid drinkers and swallow whatever comes out of Redskins Park. Far from it. I am one of the bigger critics of the front office and its structure. I also don’t think that fans should not question play calling and questionable defensive play during the game. I do it…often. Second guessing is what being a sports fan is all about. We all are living our lives with the realization we will never do the things we see on the TV in front of us and part of the fun is thinking you could maybe do better if given the chance.

But through all that I think we need to be realistic. This is not the Redskins of the early 90s who can throw the ball downfield with abandon. Nor are we the Redskins of the mid eighties where we can run the ball with consistency and play nasty defense all the time. We are the Redskins of 2007. One thing is very clear about these Redskins.

They are UGLY.

Now some of you may say that I am putting this team down. Let me reassure you right now that is not the case. I love this squad right now, warts and all. I liken our team to the Ugly Friend that everyone has. The loyal hardworking friend that means well, but doesn’t always succeed. He is not the squeaky clean guy at the bar with all the cool pick up lines that drives a Porsche. No he is wearing flannel and may have a stain on his shirt from the drink he spilled on himself when he tried to talk to a girl. He drives a 15 year old sedan that barely runs. And he always leaves his wallet at home.

As I said everyone has an Ugly Friend like that. And if you don’t know who that is, then you are someone else’s Ugly Friend.

Every now and then you have to wonder why do you keep hanging out with this guy? Why do you pay his light bill for him when he is facing disconnection? Why are you always buying the beers when you go out? Why do you listen to his endless excuses of why things aren’t going better for him?

And then it happens. You’re alone at night and your tire is flat and you forgot your jack. It is your Ugly Friend that is the one you call to help you change your tire and get you home safe. Or you need to take down a tree in your yard. It’s your Ugly Friend who gives up a Saturday to help you out.

The Redskins are that Ugly Friend for DC right now. Sure they sign a ton of Free Agents hoping to win the lottery of the NFL and it never comes true. Sure they waste draft picks and make questionable personnel decisions. And yes they bleed you dry making you pay top dollar for everything from beer to merchandise.

But they are the same group who gave us the 2005 playoff run and are right now 2-0. And they are the reason we are pretty damn happy at the office today as well.

So yes they run the ball inconsistently. And yes Jason Campbell is a young QB who makes a ton of mistakes. And yes the bend but don’t break defense is bending an awful lot late in the 4th quarter.

But what did you expect? We have a marginally talented team that is aging and past prime. And in the one area where experience often trumps youth, QB, we have a young guy with less then a full season of NFL game experience. We have a secondary which is inconsistent and Safeties who are athletic but raw.

This is Redskins football this year. We are going to be ugly, but we are also going to work hard. We may not win games by 20 points, but we will be in almost every game with a chance to win late. We have to improve in allot of areas to make the playoffs, but if last night is any indication we have just enough moxy to get us there.

Because sometimes, just sometimes, the Ugly Friend gets to go home with the girl. And Right now our Ugly Friend is on his way to just that.

5 Things We Know Now

Ok you know the drill. We won in Philly so it is time for the 5 things we know now:

We will have to hear about our Offensive Line Depth, or lack thereof, all season long. Ironically we heard about it all off season as well. At the time of this article it is believed that Thomas has a torn tri-cep. That is easily a season long injury. With Jansen done for the year our whole right side of the line is exposed. Wade filled in for Jansen and I have no real worries there. But I watched Fabini play guard all pre-season and he got blown up by the opposing team’s 2nd string defensive tackles, let alone their first string. I expect Pucillo to get some time there, but he and Heyer are now our only real depth on the line. If I am Brad Badger or Adam Timmerman’s agent I am calling Redskins Park right now and offering my client’s services.

Brandon Lloyd, the bell tolls for you on Sunday. Caldwell was inactive on Monday, but that won’t last. With a bye week coming after the Giants game on Sunday, Brandon Lloyd has exactly one more game to prove he is going to be an NFL receiver this year. He had a chance for another TD this week and could not make it happen. The ball was a little overthrown and Lloyd did try for it unlike last week. But we are beyond ‘try’ now. Lloyd either puts up or shuts up next week. Otherwise he will probably be inactive for the remainder of the Redskin games.

Jason Campbell is going to struggle, but also progress, all season long. It seems JC has a case of the nerves early on in the season. And who can blame him. Though he has been on our roster for three years he never started an opening day game and he has never started a Monday Night game. Now he has had to do those in successive order. So he has been inconsistent early in both games, but he has calmed down and been real sharp late in games. Coming back home will help him next week and the bye week will help him even more.

Only being on Monday Night Football once is a blessing in disguise. Not for the players mind you, but for the fans. There are less camera shots in the booth at an adult video store then on Monday Night. If I wanted to see three old guys sit around and talk instead of watching the game I would go watch a Neil Simon Play. And when Barkley joined the booth it got even worse. Never mind the fact they were blathering incoherently it was like the producers of MNDF wanted the audience to know that Barkley was really in the booth….every two seconds. SHOW THE DAMN GAME!!!!!! That is why I am watching TV and not listening to the radio. Bone heads.

This team has character and guts, and that is what the big difference from last year is. We can talk about the improvement at the skills positions. We can talk about the improvement in the game planning. We can talk about improvement in the defense. But the very fact is the last two games are games the Redskins would have found ways to lose last year. They are fighting their guts out, to borrow from our Coach. They are willing themselves to the win. We will see if it can last but right now I am proud of them.

Looking Ahead to the NY Giants. The team comes home on Sunday to face the NY Giants. This can be a big test to the character of our team. The NY Giants are 0-2 and reeling right now. We need to put our boot to their neck. More importantly going 3-0 right before the bye is a big win for our guys. Also NY is an inferior team coming into our house. Overconfidence is what has killed us in the past here, but we have pretty much owned the Giants when they play under our roof. A win here and we can send them on a tailspin they will never recover from.

That is it for now as Always HTTR!!!

Vision Quest: It’s A Good Start

2007-09-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I do not have the good fortune of living in the DC area. I can only justify one trip to see my beloved Redskins live every season. And I am all too aware of how lucky I am to be able to do so. I know many out of town fans can go a whole lifetime without seeing their teams play live. So I have cherished each of the last 5 years trips, even when we lost.
This year was pretty special for me though as I was going on opening day. I had never been to an opening day game and the excitement in the air was amazing. Each of the last 5 years I have gone to a game where the Redskins were already having a mediocre or losing season. Even in 2005 when we made the playoffs I had the unfortunate experience of going to the Oakland game which brought our record to a paltry 5-5.

But this year the sense of hope in the air of the season opener was electric. Only in the NFL does every team have a reasonable hope of success in the upcoming year. The parity in the league is why it is so popular. On opening day you can actually have dreams of the Super Bowl if everything goes your way. Add to that the hR tailgate, the opening of the 75th Anniversary season, beautiful weather, and a thrilling overtime win and you have the recipe for a great day.
As the wave of euphoria over the win started to pass I could finally start to figure out what this game means in the big picture. And what I finally came to was simply this:

It was a good start.

I am not sure how much we can get out of the game yesterday that will let us spy into the future with this team. For every positive there was a hint of worry. For every negative there were silver linings.

In short we just don’t know what kind of team we have yet.

I do think we are on a whole a better team then at this point last year. The offense seems to have picked up where it left off at the end of last year. At least the rushing offense did. And with Clinton Portis back on the field it is even clearer then before we are going to be a very good running team.

However JC took a step back this game. He was not very accurate and also had two interceptions. He also failed to produce a passing TD in the first time in his career. His receivers did not help him with dropped passes either.

On defense we seem to actually stop the run for the first time in recent memory. Also for the first time someone other then a defensive back led the team in tackles. Rocky McIntosh and London Fletcher are huge upgrades on defense and they will make or break the run defense all season long.

However the pass defense was pitiful. If it wasn’t for a case of the dropsy’s by the Miami Dolphins it would have been even worse. Fred Smoot was abused more then Michael Vick’s dogs. Despite one Andre Carter sack the front four still could not create reasonable pressure on its own and the cover 2 broke down repeatedly.

The Coaches seem to understand their players better then they did last year. The decisions to lift Montgomery and Randle_El to the starting lineups at DT and WR respectively were very wise decisions. Randle El exploded for his best game as A Redskin and Montgomery clogged the middle on the run defense. And the two back rotation of Portis and Betts worked to perfection most of the day.

Yet for most of the third quarter Saunders abandoned the run in favor of the passing game. After promising a more aggressive defense with a variety of blitz packages, and showing that in the pre-season, Williams went conservative laying back in a cover 2 and hoping not to get beat.
And in what can only be described as a Lindseyesque move someone made the decision to relegate Sean Springs to the third cornerback position. Springs quite simply is the best defensive back on the Redskins and should be starting. No one is buying Williams explanation that he was in a rotation scheme since Fred “Toast” Smoot was playing 2 times the number of snaps Springs did.

One thing I will not fault Coach Gibbs for though is the decision to kick the FG on first down in overtime. At the time of the kick I thought it was odd, and I would have much preferred at least 2 runs up the middle. But the probability of a holding penalty or false start was just too high. Samuels was playing his first action in months, Kendall his first start as a Redskin, Heyer was playing out of position. Anything could have happened and Suisham definitely did not need the 5 yards. With Campbell having accuracy problems it was too risky to take a shot into the end zone or pass down the field.

Kicking the ball was the right choice and at the end of the day a successful choice. You can’t fault the coaching staff for that.

So at the end of one game in the regular season the Redskins showed moderate offensive ability against an aging but thought to be superior defense and showed moderate defensive ability against what is thought to be a horrible offense. Definitely an improvement over 2006, but is it enough for a playoff run in 2007? Only time will tell if this good start is good enough.
But we can always hope.

5 Things we know now

Well it is time now for the return of the “What We know or don’t know Now” feature. For those of you who don’t remember after each Redskin win I list 5 things we know now and after a loss 5 things we don’t know anymore. I much prefer writing the former and it did not happen enough last season. So here we go:

Antwaan Randle_El was not a mistake to sign. Many who questioned the Lloyd signing of two years ago did so because we already had Randle_el on the sideline. I thought at the time Randle_El was the perfect slot receiver and may not work as a #2. I was wrong and I learned that for certain on Sunday> Randle_el has great chemistry withCampbell and more performances like Sunday will open up Santana Moss downfield.

Sean Suisham has ice water in his veins. For those of us who wondered why the Redskins never brought in competition for Suisham in the off season, we just found out why. 3-3 on FGs is one thing. But he hit each one under pressure. The first one was to give us the first score of the game. The second to go ahead in the fourth quarter and then of course the last the game winner after two timeouts with the game on the line. Ladies and Gents we have a kicker in DC.

The Dynamic Duo of running backs is a force to reckon with. Many pundits and analysts surmised that there weren’t enough carries for both Portis and Betts. They said that it would never work. They said Portis took too much time off. They said Betts won’t be happy as a backup. They were wrong. These guys are everything they were billed to be so far.

Rocky McIntosh should have been playing all along. 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble. McIntosh did more in one game then Warrick Holdman could ever dream of doing. The fact that he was benched for so long last year should be a crime worthy of sterilization. He is quite simply a stud and for the first time in the Gibbs II era there are no question marks in the LBer unit.

The Real Derrick Frost has arrived. No one was more critical of Frost then this writer. But his punts all pre-season and yesterday have made me a believer. When punting with his back against the end zone in a crucial moment in the third quarter the old Derrick Frost would have shanked it out of bounds. This new improved Frost gave us a 63 yard punt and when you tack on the penalty it was a field changing event. If he remains consistent this kid has a real good leg and can be a big time player in this league.

Looking ahead

The Redskins take on the Eagles on Monday night. The Eagles will be chomping at the bit to avenge their opening day loss to Green Bay. However their secondary will be hurt with the recent news of Lito Shepard’s absence. Campbell will need to improve on his accuracy and the receivers need to hold onto the ball to take advantage of this.

Defensively this will be the first real test of the defense. McNabb may not be the pro-bowl McNabb of the past but he is still mobile with an accurate arm. Westbrook is the most underrated running back in the NFL this year as he continues to produce. Gregg Williams needs to bring his full playbook to Philadelphia next week and resist playing the Un-cover 2 that he played last week.

As Always Hail To The Redskins!!!!

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

2007-08-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Vision Quest: Roster Wars 2007 Week 1

2007-07-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Training Camp is here and now the real work starts. Players are fighting for Every is signed and in camp with Landry being a late appearance the Redskins will report to training camp with virtually the same players listed on the roster right now. Over the course of the next 5 weeks the list of 84 players will be reduced, week by week, until the magic number of 53.

So here we go a position by position look at the Roster, including the projected starters and depth of each position. I will also list people On the Bubble as having a chance at taking out some of the Depth guys, and the camp fodder who dread the first day of cuts like Michael Vick dreads his date with destiny in October. (BTW his destiny…jail bars).Quarterbacks

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

Analysis: Jason Campbell is the man. The season squarely rests on his shoulder. Mark Brunell’s contract and experience make him uncuttable this season. Not to mention a decent safety valve in case of emergency. The fight here will be for the 3rd QB. You have to give Jordan Palmer the edge since the Redskins used a draft pick on him. Sure he could be signed to a practice squad spot, and that is Todd Collins & Casey Bramlet’s only hope. But the Redskins have never wasted a PS spot on a QB under the Gibbs II regime, doubt they will start now.

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

Analysis: Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts will get the lion share of carries during the season. But since both have injury histories the team will look to shore up its third RB position. As much as I love Rock, he fumbles too much to be relied on in anyway. Thus Derrick Blaylock was brought in. Rock will make the squad as a special teams guy. It is possible that Blaylock may not make the team if he cant perform in the pre-season, or if another return guy emerges Rock could see his job in jeopardy, but that won’t help Marcus Mason. Marcus is hoping for A PS spot or an injury call later in the season.

Fullback
Projected Roster Petitions: 1
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
Camp Fodder: Pete Schmitt

Analysis: Mike Sellers is the prototypical bruising FB that the Saunders offense needs and a locker room leader. Only an injury changes this. Pete Schmitt is hoping to win a PS spot but I would not hold out hope if I were him.

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

Analysis: It While right now I am predicting Randle-El starting over Lloyd, it could change easily by end of camp. Lloyd looks to have taken the off season seriously and with Randle-El’s special teams duties he could overtake him by end of camp. Lloyd is much more talented then he has shown and perhaps he can get it together in the off season. Ole reliable James Thrash will assume the 4th WR spot fill in where needed and play special teams. Much like QB the fight will be for the last spot. Mike Espy has the first shot at the 5th WR spot. However the signing of Corey Bradford could spell another year on the PS for the young WR if he can’t show he has improved significantly from last year. Virtually every other receiver on the roster is camp fodder, a pitiful bunch of undrafted free agents or journeyman WRs who could not win jobs in other NFL teams. I doubt someone else will rise beyond first cut down.

Tight Ends
Projected Roster Positions: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Depth: Todd Yoder, Tyler Ecker
On the Bubble: Brian Bell, Jake Nordin

Analysis: Chris Cooley is the unquestioned starter and possibly the second option in the passing game after Moss. The only real question that remains is why in hell have we not signed him to an expansion yet? Todd Yoder will assert himself as the main backup to Cooley and be used in 2 TE sets and goal line formations. Tyler Ecker it is presumed will make the squad as the third TE, but his injury could give some of the Bubble guys a chance to take it over from him.

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, Jason Fabini, Will Whitticker, Taylor Whitley
On the Bubble: Calvin Armstrong, Stephon Heyer, Kili Lefotu, Ross Tucker,

Analysis: My initial analysis was GOD I hope no one gets hurt. Then Randy Thomas started missing practices, and now Chris Samuels will miss 4 weeks. Not good, not good at all. Depth on the oline is quite putrid, same as it ever was. I just pray the Todd Wade experiment at guard works. The starters are more then likely set, if Wade struggles it is possible Pucillo or Fabini could make a push at guard. After Pucillo and Fabini the last two roster spots are wide open. Tucker and Whitley have the edge but any of the 4 players on the bubble can overtake them. Don’t rule out a late camp sign if injuries continue to pile up and some vet becomes available.

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, Ryan Boschetti
Camp Fodder: Bryant Shaw, Justin Hickman, Alex Buzbee, Lorenzo Alexander, Jared Clauss,

Analysis: Most of us, including me, expected an overhaul of the defensive line. Unfortunately that was not to be. The starting four and significant depth stays the same. Unless Ponce De Leon stops by camp sometime, that is not really a good thing, I for one am not buying the Montgomery hype, and I think Golston will settle as the second starting DT. Chris Wilson has a chance to make the last spot but with no NFL experience he equally has a chance to become this year’s version of Jesse Lumsden. Boschetti & Green are in the mix for the last roster spot as well. I doubt the rest will do much more then look to be injury replacements or PS spots.

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: With two new starters in McIntosh and Fletcher-Baker, they are instantly more athletic and faster. Lemar Marshall becomes the first LB off the bench, especially on the outside, and special teams play and knowledge of the Defense will keep Khary Campbell on the roster as well. I think Blades and Sartz are fighting for the same Roster spot with the loser going to the PS. If there is a significant injury here it is likely we could keep 7 lbers, but usually we only keep 6.

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

Analysis: This group promises to be the deepest we have been at corner in years. Carlos Rogers will remain the starter opposite Springs, for now. But he has a short hook and Fred Smoot will be breathing down his neck. Macklin and Armstrong are strong corners and will be decent nickels and dimes, especially if there are injuries to the top 3. The bell may toll for Ade Jimoh whose special teams play will probably not be enough to keep him around. Eubanks, Westbrook, and Torrance are looking for PS spots.

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: Despite his late arrival in camp Landry will be the starter come opening day. GW has too much riding on this pick for him to be sitting on the bench. Taylor and Landry could be one of the best combos in the league, potentially. Prioleau will be the first safety off the bench while Stoutmire and Fox add veteran help in case of injuries. Reed Doughty will have to show a lot to avoid another year on the PS.

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

Analysis: How sure am I of these picks? Well the Redskins have nobody else signed even on the training camp roster. Uh yeah. These are your special teams players for 2007. Suisham showed potential last year and Frost was not horrible and showed flashes of consistency (yes I know it is an oxymoron but what else can you use to describe his play?). Albright as always will snap the ball perfectly every time he is called upon and will always have a roster spot on the Redskins as long as he wants it.

Practice Squad Projections

1.) Marcus Mason (RB). The Redskins always seem to want a RB on the PS to help run the scout team and e there in case of injuries. Mason is fast and could be a decent depth guy in the league. He also is the only back who could effectively simulate a speed back for the defense besides Portis, and Portis won’t be running scout team practices anytime soon.

2.) Keli Lefotu (G). It will be hard for Keli to break into the Redskins Roster and the former 7th round draft pick looks destined to develop one more year on the PS.

3.) Calvin Armstrong (T) With Jansen and Samuels’s injury history it would be nice to have a true tackle on the PS to be activated for depth in case of injuries.

4.) Dallas Sartz (LB) Another low round pick can’t quite make the squad. I was never sold on this guy and he has Robert McCune written all over him. Early injuries aren’t going to help him either.

5.) Reed Doughty (S) Again another young 2nd day pick is going to be wasting away on the PS. But at least he will be around learning the system. Due to the age of the depth S having a young one on the PS will help.

6.) Byron Westbrook (CB) His pedigree will get him a one year shot to prove he can be a decent NFL CB.

7.) Jamaal Green (DE) Another return to the PS. Having depth on DL is only prudent and Jamaal can get another year to grow and learn the system.

8.) Carl Berman (WR) Lets face it some WR will get here. IF Espy does not make the squad, he will take this place. Otherwise Berman has as good a chance as any of them.

So that is it for now. Let’s see how our boys do over the next week.

Vision Quest: Just Say No to Briggs

2007-04-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Redskin off season thus far has been abnormally quiet. Sure we have had a couple of signings on defense and even solved the Archueletta problem, but there has not been the signature big move that almost every off-season under Daniel Snyder has brought. The relative calm of the Redskins front office was supposed to reflect the fact that this team was only a few small pieces way from success. We were told we were only a few injuries away from success last year and one or two role players were enough to get us back into the playoffs.

Apparently that has all been a façade.

Once again the Lance Briggs deal is rumored to be back on the table. Going into the draft weekend Daniel Snyder has made it clear that he wanted to make a big splash in the off season. It is now clear having exhausted all options of moving up to get Calvin Johnson we will settle on Lance Briggs as that big move. Not satisfied with playing with the talent we have or picking with the draft picks are left with the redskin FO is poised to make another big flashy, unnecessary move.

This is Daniel Snyder’s brain…this is Daniel Snyder’s brain on Briggs.

I understand the argument from the Pro-Briggs side and to be fair parts of me agree with them. Briggs is a Pro-Bowl player, proven at his position. He is a talent upgrade over last year’s starter, Holdman, and a safer play then the potential of Rocky McIntosh. No one else wants to trade down and this could be the best deal we get value wise.

Sorry but I just can’t buy this move. Dan Snyder, and now it seems Joe Gibbs as well, are addicted to the big flashy move. It is time for an intervention.

So here is my 7 step program for kicking the Briggs addiction.

1.) Realize the Draft Value of this trade is inferior. The Draft Value chart places the value of the 6th pick at 1600 points, and the value of pick #31 at 600 points. The value difference is 1000 points, equal to a mid first rounder. In essence we are saying that Lance Briggs straight up is worth trading a mid first rounder for. Keep in mind Briggs status (holdout) for the Bears and the redskin paltry draft situation (I.E. no picks) and I can’t say we would or should do this trade. And this is just straight up, Chicago actually wants more back.

2.) Believe in Rocky McIntosh. Just last year we used the equivalent of two second round picks to get this guy. And now we are willing to trade the equivalent of a mid first rounder to sit him on the bench. Briggs addicts will tell you that the coaching staff must understand that rocky can not play. If that is the case why are they supposedly unwilling to throw him into the deal? Rocky looked very good in pre-season and decent during the few times he got to play at the end of the season. Rocky needs to be given a chance to show what he can do in games. We paid too much to sit this guy on the bench,

3.) Do not forget the importance of Leverage. The Briggs addicts will tell you this is the best deal we can get so we should just take it. Well I submit to you we do this each and every year, and each and every year we are taken advantage of. Briggs has already threatened to sit out the year in Chicago, why are we willing to let Chicago off the hook and give them more then they should get in their situation? Our lust for other people’s talent has made us the league’s sucker every time a deal goes down. There is a reason why Denver keeps calling us on Draft Day; it is the same reason why you call your ex-girlfriend late at night for a hook up. We are easy and it won’t cost a team much. Time to start keeping our pants on during draft day and gain some respect around the league.

4.) Remember we should address what we need, not what we want. Going into the off season the biggest reasons for the defensive failure was at Defensive Line. We have done nothing to address this, and trading for Lance Briggs will do nothing to address it either. Trading down this far in the draft will almost assuredly mean more risk that our pick will be able to adequately address this need as well. The studs of the draft, Okoye, Adams, Anderson, will all be gone. We will be left hoping that our scouting department can get the best of what’s left. Do you trust the scouting department? I didn’t think so.

5.) Beware the system stud. Lance Briggs could very well be a product of a system and not necessarily the super stud player that Snyder thinks he is. He has played his entire career in the same NFL system suited to his skills. That system, a straight cover-2, is very different then the system Gregg Williams has employed the last thee seasons. Can Briggs adjust? There is not a shred of real evidence showing he can, so the risk for the Redskins should be reflected in the price we are willing to pay. It is not. Remember Archueletta & Trotter …how did they work out for us?

6.) Great teammates can pump up your reputation and stats. Briggs entire career he has played behind a stud defensive line and next to one of the best linebackers in football in Brian Urlacher. Is Briggs as good as we think, or does he look it because of all the help he got? In DC he will be behind an aging defensive line that will generate very little pass rush and next to a decent but nowhere near as versatile middle linebacker in Fletcher. He will not be the same player for us as he was in Chicago, almost guaranteed.

7.) Be true to yourself on your abilities. This might be a good trade for a team on the verge of a Super Bowl. One more piece to put them over the top. However we are not that team. It is a long shot whether we can rebound enough to get into the playoffs, and one guy at a position we already have depth and talent at is not going to make that difference. This is a desperation move, and we all know how those work out don’t we?

It is time we send the three headed monster of Gibbs Cerrato and Snyder to rehab. You have the players you have wanted in the past. You have the picks that you have left for yourself. Time to earn the money that you are paid. If we are just a few players away, prove it on the field and stop trying to find the magic fix in the off season.

Vernon Fox is resigned, Thomas and Sellers Extended

2007-03-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

According to Redskins.com Vernon Fox, a key contributor to special teams and the defense last year, was resigned today. Also the Redskins announced extensions for Mike Sellers and Randy Thomas.

This is good news if nothing more then rewarding people who played well last year and contributed. Vernon Fox is an average NFL safety but is a key contributor on special teams. Mike Sellers is our starting full back and has a mean nasty streak when opening up running lanes for Portis and Betts. Randy Thomas has been our most consistent lineman over the past three years.

The Redskins did not release details of any of the contracts but could the extensions be part of further cap space clearing to resign Dockery, and pay for London Fletcher, Fred Smoot, and/or Nate Clements? One thing is for sure the Redskins will hit the ground running this weekend as Fletcher and SMoot are rumored to be in DC at this very moment.

Brunell is Back

2007-03-01T07:32:00.001-08:00

Jason LaConfora at the Washington Post is reporting that Mark Brunell has signed a new deal taking a substantial pay cut to stay with the team for at least one more season.

This deal essentially reduces Brunell's expected cap hit by over $3 million. And unlike other "restructuring" that has been done in the past, Brunell is giving up real money here to stay with the team. You have to give credit to the front office and Mark Brunell on getting this done and it could help resign Derrick Dockery or his replacement. At the very least we should applaud a team first move by Brunell.

I was not in favor of his original signing in 2004 and was one of the many clamoring for his replacement by Ramsey. However like many i was won over by Brunell in the second game of the 2005 season and the miracle comeback against the Cowboys. After having a pro-bowl worthey season in 2005 Father time and injuries though caught up to the old man and he succumbed to our new #1 QB Jason Campbell after a dismal 2006 season.

Throughout all though Mark Brunell was a consumate pro. While he and ramsey were playing flip flop as starting quarterback, he continually praised and even helped coach Ramsey and stayed professional throughout. Even after Jason Campbell took over for him virtually assuring then end of his starting career, he was the first one congratulating and encouraging Campbell on the sidelines. There is no doubt that the Redskins will benefit from his leadership throughout the 2007 season.

Vision Quest: Off-season Game Plan 2007 The Redskin Free Agents

2007-02-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Just days away from Free Agency and still the Redskins have yet to resign some of their free agents from last year. Normally this time of year the fans are excited and awaiting the new arrivals that Redskins one will bring in. However with 3 starters and some key reserves among the Redskin free agents the tone of free agency seems a little subdued.

The obvious question is why have the Redskins only been able to sign perennial long snapper Ethan Allen to a contract? Certainly there are some players (Dockery, Pucillo, Frost) that seemed to be no-brainer resigns and others who either want to leave (Duckett) or are being shown the door (Holdman, Wright). And of course the rest of the free agents are replaceable players but may be resigned for consistency’s sake.

However the Redskins have been quiet all the way around. Besides an extension with Jansen, other off season moves have failed to materialize yet. Lloyd and Arch, the biggest busts of last off season, are still on the roster. Have the Redskins decided to keep both or one, or are they waiting to see who they can sign in FA to release them? Major restructures with Brunell and Springs have not happened and the question of whether they will be cut or kept at their current salaries remains as well. And only Troy Vincent has managed to get released despite some other obvious cap related releases available (Wynn, Daniels, Collins).

While the quiet remains so do the questions. Later this week some answers will be found and some new questions will arise. But before that happens lets take a look at those that may be departing us via free agency this year.

UFA

Ethan Albright Long Snapper

Ok Big red is already signed but I wanted to weigh in on this. This guy is the ultimate in blue-collar football player. He represents himself in negotiations and always signs a contract in the off-season for a little above vet minimum for the upcoming year. All he does is snap the ball and snap it very very well. If everyone on the team did what was asked of him as perfectedly as Albright we would still be playing this week. I personally wish Big Red could provide some other use then Long Snapper, but he is a valuable asset to this team and I am glad he was resigned.

Derrick Dockery Starting Right Guard

This is obviously the biggest priority of the off season. At the end of the last two years the offensive line looked like a cohesive unit and Dockery was a big part of that. He is still a little too inconsistent and does not particularly pull well or block well in the open field, but he is getting better in pass blocking and straight ahead smash mouth football. I do urge a word of caution here, Dockery is bowling for dollars as they say. Last year he voided his contract to become an RFA so he could test the market, forcing the Redskins to tender him at the 1st round rate. Now he is going to be a FA. This will either be a very expensive resigning, or another homegrown Redskin running for greener pastures.

TJ Duckett Reserve Running Back

Oh how I hated this trade, let me count the way. TJ’s stats last year: 38 rushes, 132 yards, 2 Tds, 9 First Downs. For that we gave up our third rounder this year and our fourth rounder next. With the resigning of Ladell Betts, the redskins should try and forget the whole Duckett trade. Perhaps then I can get some peace.

Vernon Fox Reserve Safety

Vernon actually started a few games due to injury and the ineffectiveness of Arch last year, but he is undoubtedly a reserve safety in the NFL. He is a special team standout and should be given a one year vet minimum contract to come back, but nothing more then that. Vernon would be a great reserve and special team player as we try to rebuild the secondary next year.

Warrick Holdman Starting Weak Side Linebacker (emphasis on weak)

Besides Dale Lindsey and Warrick Holdman’s mom, nobody in America understood the obsession with starting Holdman the past two seasons. First the redskins benched LaVar Arrington last year in favor of Holdman, and then kept Rocky McIntosh on the bench after spending in essence 2 2nd round picks on acquiring him. There is a reason that we were able to resign him last year with a signing bonus of 25k, slightly more then a used Toyota Camry. The Redskins should save the money this year and let Holdman and Lindsey star in a reality show together.

Ade Jimoh Reserve Cornerback

Ade is a special team guy and that is about it. Even with all the injuries last year he could not find a way to contribute to the defensive side of the ball. However Jimoh along with other guys like Thrash, Fox, and Rock team up to make our special team coverage units one of the best in the game. I would love for him to come back on a one year vet min contract and I am pretty sure he eventually will.

Brian Kozlowski Reserve Tight End

Another guy that the Redskins keep bringing back that I am totally mystified by. All Koz has done in his years of service is give away the Dallas game in 2004 and give the equipment manager fits ironing his name on the jersey. There has to be a young tight end out there able to learn the offense with a bigger potential then the ancient Kozlowski. Time to move on.

Mike Pucillo Reserve Offensive Line

Pucillo was one of the better free agent singings last year, ably filling in as a reserve offensive lineman and also serving duties as the 3rd TE in goal line situations. Pucillo, who has starting NFL experience, could be considered the favorite to inherit starting duties if Dock does leave. A modest resign contract should be offered to him to entice him to come back to DC.

Todd Wade Reserve Offensive Line

This is the kind of one year rental that most NFL teams dream about. Todd Wade was a starter in the NFL and because of injury had to accept a reserve role here in DC. He showed in the NO game when he filled in for Jansen that he is a starter in the NFL. With the extension of Jansen this off-season, and Samuels the year before, the chance to start will not come in DC. I would love Wade to come back, but he most likely will move on looking for a starting opportunity elsewhere.

Kenny Wright Reserve Cornerback

Kenny showed us why Jacksonville let him go last year with very little fanfare. Despite starting every game for the Jaguars the year before the Redskins were able to sign him to a humble one-year contract to be our nickel. Injuries to Springs and Rogers forced Wright to make more starts then originally thought and that showed Wright’s weakness. He was slow to pick up coverage in man to man and zone. And the Redskin weak safety position allowed opponents to pick on him all day long. I can’t see the point of bringing him back, but if they did no more then another one year vet minimum contract should be offered.

Todd Yoder Reserve TE

Yoder came out of nowhere to become the primary backup for Chris Cooley. HE has size, speed and decent hands. He is the proto typical backup TE in the NFL, can do a lot of things well, but nothing exceptionally well. A nice 3 year contract with moderate signing bonus should be offered to lock up potential depth, especially if Cooley bolts us next year. The Redskins should use the Force to lure Yoder back to DC (sorry way to easy).

RFA

Ryan Boschetti Reserve Defensive Lineman

Just a guy. Seriously, tender him at the low offer and allow him to compete in training camp. Boschetti Will find it very hard make any team’s roster, including the Redskins, but could be a good camp body.

Derrick Frost Punter

The bright side of the Washington Defense was the punter. That probably says more about the Defense then the Punter, but Frost had a decent year. He finally found his consistency for the most part though he still will frustrate you in tight games and hitting shanks when punting from his end-zone. Alas there are signs that he may be getting better. Punters don’t deserve anything more then the minimum tender, especially Frost. Although I hope real competition is brought in, I could see Frost starting for us next year and not being all that upset about it. I hope.

Jim Molinaro Reserve Offensive Lineman

Again, just a guy. Molinaro was drafted with the hope he could backup both guard and tackle spots. Despite significant injuries at those positions in each of the last 3 years, Molinaro has not seen the field. Starting ahead of him were guys old enough to be his dad (Ray Brown) or guys brought onto the team after him (Todd Wade). It can’t hurt to tender him at the minimum, but if he makes the roster again this year it is more a statement at how bad our depth is then how good Molinaro is.

That’s it. Until Next Time: Hail To the Redskins

Vision Quest: Off season Game Plan 2007 Salary Cap Cuts

2007-01-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

As the Redskins prepare for their annual grocery shopping spree in the free agent market. However because of the Redskins philosophy of back loaded contracts and using the free agent pool to replenish leaving or unproductive players each year, they find themselves with a cap management issue. Of course they always find themselves with a cap management issue, and they always find a way out of it. For all their faults Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato are the masters of cap management. They backload contracts, give large signing bonus, have roster bonus’ strategically placed they can later convert to singing bonus, restructure contracts, & all kinds of other tricks to dodge the salary cap implications of the free agent splurges.

Cerrato and Snyder are the duke boys jumping the General Lee over the NFL’s Salary Cap broken bridge.

The current state of the Redskins is not dire, but not great either. Currently the Redskins are about 3 million over the cap figure for next year. Not a horrible number considering the propensity for restructuring and contract shuffling the redskins do annually. In fact last year at this time the skins were looking at an 18 million dollar overage and we all know the kind of spending they did last off-season. And unlike previous years the dead cap money (money reserved for players no longer on the team) is less then a million dollars.

Despite this juggling, there still is a price to pay. The Redskins may never be in Salary Cap hell, but they are in a permanent state of heck. By trading away draft picks and misusing the ones they have left they have limited the opportunities to find cheap and talented depth and rely on more expensive veterans. This means that some veterans will have to go in the off-season to make room for the draft picks and any free agents the Redskins want to sign.

So here they are without further delay:

The Players the Redskins Can Do Without 2007

1.) Renaldo Wynn
2007 Salary Cap #: 4.028 million
2007 Savings if released: 2.5 million

The bell may toll for old Renaldo this off season. He is in the last year of his contract and also will be 33 at the start of the next season. With Carter usurping his starter’s position and a relatively high cap figure he is the most likely to be cut for cap reasons this off-season. I personally love Wynn and hope he can be brought back at a reduced rate, but the redskins must reduce the average age of the defensive line.

2.) John Hall
2007 Salary Cap #: 1.965 million
2007 Savings if released: 1.5 million

Whether Sean Suisham kicked well during the last half of the season, the redskins were going to release Hall this off season. His release may be due to his inability to be injury free this last season, but his salary cap number is the kicker (pun intended). In other words we won’t have Hall to kick around anymore (ok ok I know too easy).

3.) Troy Vincent
2007 Salary Cap #: 1.458 million
2007 Savings if released: 1.291 million

You have to wonder if the Redskins were joking when they gave this contract to Troy in mid season last year. I can’t imagine why they would set up a 35 year old player with this kind of cap charge the very next year. I guess it was a good gamble if Vincent turned out to be the starter we all wanted, but with his poor overall performance and the return of Prioleau, Vincent has become a luxury we can no longer afford.

4.) Todd Collins
2007 Salary Cap #: 1.475 million
2007 Savings if released: 1.25 million

Todd will be permanently entrenched as the 3rd string QB this next season. This is a very large cap number for an extra layer of insurance. Campbell is the starter and Brunell the backup for the foreseeable future. We can pay a guy about half as much to hold a clipboard on game days.

5.) Christian Fauria
2007 Salary Cap #: 1.095 million
2007 Savings if released: 1 million

With the emergence of Yoder it is likely Fauria would be reduced to the third Tight end role. This last year Pucillo worked fine at blocking in goal line situations and Fauria is a much more developed pass catcher then blocker. The Redskins will look for a youth candidate to fill the third TE position.

6.) Joe Salave’a
2007 Salary Cap #: .887 million
2007 Savings if released: .72 million

Big Joe has been a warrior the last few years and his cap number is not overly high. But most likely his role will be reduced to 4th string Defensive Tackle (with the likely selection of a draft pick and Golston & Montgomery’s progress last year). Even if we don’t draft a young Tackle, Salavea’s age and probable depth chart location suggest he is a prime candidate to be replaced by a UFA.

Honorable Mentions

These players most likely will not be cut but are prime candidates for restructuring and possible alternate cuts.

1.) Mark Brunell
2007 Salary Cap #: 6.715 Million
2007 Savings if released: 2.086 Million

Brunell is having shoulder surgery in the off season and his age (37 at start of next season) is definitely becoming a factor. However the fact remains that he is the only one of two Redskin quarterbacks in the last 14 years that has led our team to a playoff victory. That means something to Gibbs and most fans. However he has lost his starting job to Campbell now and is not the QB he was in 2005. Most likely he will be competing with Collins for one spot between them. It is unlikely the redskins cut both and revamp the QB position all together, but one is likely to go.

2.) Phillip Daniels
2007 Salary Cap #: 3.1 million
2007 Savings if released: 1.9 million

Again another either or candidate here. Daniels was the starting DE this year and right now he enters the 2007 off season as the likely starter. However his cap number and age (34 at start of season) are both too high for his production on the field. It is doubtful that the redskins will let go both Daniels and Wynn in the same off-season, however if they draft a DE at #6, it could be possible. More then likely the Redskins will choose between Daniels and Wynn.

3.) James Thrash
2007 Salary Cap #: 1.425 million
2007 Savings if released: 1.3 million

James Thrash has been an honorary member of this list each of the last two years. He continues to make the team because of his outstanding intangibles. His cap number keeps growing though and now he is in the last year of his contract. Most likely Thrash stays, but if the Redskins incur any big cap hits (Arch or Lloyd) or some vets refuse to reduce their contracts, Thrash may be a tempting target.

4.) David Patten
2007 Salary Cap #: 3.012 million
2007 Savings if released: .725 million

David Patten’s status really depends on the Brandon Lloyd situation (see the end of this article for my take on that). If Lloyd is released Patten’s veteran leadership and relatively small cap savings will keep him in B&G one more season. If not Patten may not be able to get on the roster this year.

Those are in my opinion the most likely salary cap cuts in February. All together they represent a possible savings of over 14 million dollars, giving the Redskins 11 million to sign their few draft picks and any free agents they wish to pursue. This number will most likely increase as the redskins restructure contracts, possibly from some of the players I listed.

Lloyd, Arch, & Springs

No article about cuts can escape the questions surrounding Adam Archueletta, Brandon Lloyd, and Sean Springs. I wanted my selections to focus on salary cap savings cuts and not those that would not significantly benefit, or actually hurt the cap situation. There has been rampant speculation about Brandon Lloyd, Adam Archueletta and Sean Springs though. In each of the cases a normal February release would actually be a hit on the Salary cap and not a savings.

Of the three Sean Springs is the least likely to fall under the axe despite having the largest cap number on next year’s roster (7.358). Cutting Springs would actually be very close to a wash cap wise as a slight charge to the 2007 cap of less then 100k would be added to his cap number. However then we would be without Springs performance and need to sign a player to retain him. Springs likely has one more year as a corner here in DC and will move to Safety. Next year he may have to restructure or get cut, but not this year,

Lloyd and Arch are pretty much in the same boat. Both players were signed to essentially the same contract and expected to start last season. By the end of the season both had been marginalized and their futures are in jeopardy. However the radical nature of their contract is what is hurting the Redskins. Both players got a $5 million dollar SB and a $5 million dollar roster bonus for 2007. Normal logic would say cut them before the Roster bonus is due and move on with a minimal hot. The problem is they both have a clause in their contract that if the Roster Bonus is not paid then the next three years of their salary is guaranteed. Guess what they equal? $5 million. To cut either Lloyd or Arch you are looking at a 7.572 million dollar hit …for each.

It is not impossible though that one or both may be cut this year, just not advisable. The current CBA allows for the club to cut one player a year in February and shift his cap hit replicating a post June 1st cut. That means that one of these two mistakes can be off the books for about a $1 million dollar savings this year and a $7.5 million dollar cap charge next year. So the Redskins could actually reap some benefits from cutting one of these guys this way. They could also hold onto the other guy (and his cap charge) until June 1 and cut him then, using the savings to help sign the draft picks. But $15 million in dead cap in 2008 would hamstring the team right when Cooley and Taylor will be looking for contract extensions.

My bet is one of them will be gone using the CBA provision described above and the other will get one year to prove themselves. Considering we gave up 2 draft picks for Lloyd and that Arch was essentially benched the entire last half of the season, my guess is Arch will not be back. Lloyd will then have a year to prove himself or suffer the same fate the following year.

That’s it for now. Next week I look at the Redskin Free Agents and who we should invite back. All those wanting to stay a redskin raise their hands….not so fast Mr. Holdman.

Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Vision Quest: Off Season Game Plan 2007, The Coaches

2007-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

“Too many Chiefs, not enough Indians”

It just seems that phrase was made for the 2006 Washington Redskins coaching staff. Over the last few years the Front office has spent millions on bringing in ever ex-coordinator and head coach in the league. In fact our coaching roster is a virtual whose who of NFL legends and modern day folk heroes. We, including yours truly, praised the owner Dan Snyder for finding ways to compete in the parity driven NFL and opening his pocket book for every coach out there that Joe Gibbs wanted on his staff. We thought it would bring us victory.

We were wrong.

Instead of creating a virtual think tank of NFL knowledge the players could draw from, the Redskin coaching staff looked confused and at times out of touch. On offense there were serious issues with clock management and the decision to move to Jason Campbell came about three weeks too late. And on defense there were widespread systemic breakdowns resulting in one of the worst defenses to ever wear Burgundy and Gold, and that is including the pitiful George Edwards defense of 2003.

There is hope for the future and I am not trying to pit a gloom and doom scenario, but changes need to be made at Redskin park. Every year I do a series of articles in the off-season that focuses on players; who we will resign, who we will cut, who we will draft; which free agents to pursue Etc. I think it is only fair to turn an eye to the coaching staff as well.

But this is a lot harder subject. Unlike players we don’t have a real aspect from which to judge. Unfortunately most of these will have to be subjective grades, based in part how their units played and media reports of their demeanor and decisions behind the scenes. I will simply give each coach three grades. Safe means the job should be his as long as he wants it. Hot Seat means that he should be given one year to get it right. Dump Him means just that, time to start collecting resumes

Joe Gibbs, Head Coach
Safe

Right off the bat I am breaking my own rules. In reality a head coach with a record of 22-28 after three years and only one playoff win with the highest paid coaching staff and roster in the NFL would be on the Hot Seat. But I can’t do that to Joe Gibbs. Those who want to make the case for questioning Gibbs definitely have a case to make. Whether it was going to Campbell too late, incredibly bad off season moves, or putrid time management, Gibbs certainly has looked confused at times on the sidelines. There are three Lombardi trophies and a bust in Canton that compose of the entire other side of the argument. Right now I can’t get past the gleam of those trophies and visions of past glory. Right now I blame a lot of the team’s troubles on many of his assistants. So right now his job should be Safe…right now.

Al Saunders, Associate Head coach – Offense
Hot Seat

The first year of Al Saunders revamped offense was in almost every term a failure, at least until the reigns of that offense was handed over to Jason Campbell. I would like to think this was Al Saunders finally getting the tool he needed to run his offense when JC started taking snaps, but I can’t. The reason is that the offense also went through a change when JC came in that had nothing to do with him. We started to play, in Joe Gibbs words, “Redskin Football”, and by that I mean running the ball. Did Saunders wake up or to Joe Gibbs ring his bell? Or even scarier was it a coincidence? I think he should get one more year to figure it out.

Gregg Williams, Assistant Head Coach – Defense
Hot Seat

No coach’s reputation was hurt this last year more then Gregg Williams. His defense, once mere yards away from the #1 defense in the NFL (it was ranked #3) finished the season #31. Once the heir apparent and golden boy of the organization; there are now serious questions about his leadership and arrogance. It was because of his wishes we lost players like Antonio Pierce, Fred Smoot, & Ryan Clark only to replace them with Lemar Marshall, Carlos Rogers, & Adam Archueletta. In almost every case the Redskins turned out clear cut losers in the decision. Furthermore there are reports of the coach losing his players, much like his past stint as Buffalo head coach. In Williams' latest extension he is guaranteed 1 million dollars if he is not named the next Head Coach of the Washington redskins. Another year like this and Danny will probably write the check himself.

Joe Bugel, Assistant Head Coach – Offense/ Offensive Line
Safe

Joe Bugel is proof that the old style coaches can still get it done in today’s NFL. Each of the last two years once the redskins committed to vertical running game the Bugel offensive line has played at an exceptional level. It is important to remember that Bugel has only brought in one guy, Casey Rabach, in his three year tenure. However he has taken a shoddy inconsistent line that played under Spurrier and turned it into one of the top units in the league. If Derrick Dockery is resigned the line will have another full off season together. Here is hoping to an injury free off-season and another year of growing together.

Don Breaux, Offensive Coordinator
Jack Burns, Offensive Assistant
Dump Them

I am just not being fair here, but I am trying to make a point. With Al Saunders designing and calling plays, Joe Gibbs deciding on time management and crucial 3rd down and 4th down decisions, and position coaches having the say in most positional decisions what do these guys do? I am not saying that they should be removed from the organization via armed guard (that is reserved for a certain linebacker coach below). However many times over the last few years during crucial drives I have seen Joe Gibbs literally mobbed by a mass of people on everything from when to call a timeout to when to challenge a play. I swear one time I saw Joe trying to make a decision with Gregg Williams, Don Breaux, Clinton Portis, Mark Brunell, all yelling at him and I am sure Al Saunders was in his ear on the headset as well. I would not be surprised if one of the cheerleaders came over and weighed in. How many times did we take a timeout after a failed 3rd down conversion just to go ahead and kick the FG anyway? I postulate that lightening up the sidelines will help some of the time management issues.

Rennie Simmons, Tight End Coach
Safe

The progress of Cooley in his transition to pure tight end this year was a concern at the beginning of the season. Cooley got better as he went along and Simmons deserves some of the credit for that. He needs to develop a pure blocking TE to pair with him though on crucial goal line situations. Still overall TE has not been an issue and neither should Rennie’s job stability be.

Ernest Byner, Running Backs Coach
Safe

No coach did a better job getting his unit ready last year the Ernest Byner. Despite injuries to Clinton Portis the running game continued to improve as the game got along. The development of Betts over the last two years into a legitimate #2 running back is quite an accomplishment, although it does look like he has caught his coach’s propensity for untimely fumbles as well. I am excited to see Portis and Betts healthy and back together last year. This will be a big challenge for Byner; getting both backs involved in the offense could be tricky.

Stan Hixon, Wide Receiver’s Coach
Hot Seat

No unit has been as consistently inconsistent as the Wide Receiver unit. Outside of Santana Moss, no receiver has produced in a reasonable way. This is a concern and could be the position coach’s fault. ARE, Lloyd, and Patten all produced well before coming to DC. Could this be a system issue? Maybe. But since we have changed systems almost every year you have to wonder why a #2 receiver has not yet emerged. Until one does Hixon should not buy any real estate anytime soon.

Bill Lazor, Quarterbacks
Safe

Lazor found a way to get Campbell ready to take over the starting job despite Campbell’s lack of snaps with the starting unit for most of the regular season. He also has kept harmony on a unit that could easily be incompatible. Some of that is Brunell’s leadership, but at the least Lazor does not get in the way, I can’t see any reason to get rid of him or start over so w might as well keep him.

Greg Blache, Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
Safe

Lack of a pass rush from the front four is a concern. But you have to take the bad with the good sometimes. The good in this case is solid play from Andre Carter at the end of the season and the development of youngsters like Golston and Montgomery. He will have to find a way to replace Daniels and Wynn, one or both may be gone this season, but he may get an infusion of talent from the first draft pick we select to help him.

Dale Lindsey, Linebackers Coach
Dump Him

No unit has regressed more over the last 3 years then the line backing unit. Once one of the high points of the organization; the unit is not even a shadow of its former self. They can’t over, they can’t tackle, they can’t blitz. And on top of that is the Holdman situation. Despite players with more inherent talent sitting on the bench the last two years, Warrick Holdman continues to find his way into the starting lineup. When Holdman was a free agent this last summer do you know how many NFL teams wanted him? Exactly none. Snyder gave him a 25k signing bonus. That is the equivalent of a Toyota Camry, used. The NFL has made its judgment on Holdman but not Lindsey. His continuing story of a player not knowing the scheme and that is why Holdman is starting is Rumsfeld-esque. Not to mention he seems to be the only position coach willing to give bulletin board material to opponents and act like a classless jerk in front of the media. I haven’t touched on the regression of Marshall and Washington under his watch either. Lindsey has become synonymous with liability in my book.

Jerry Gray, Secondary/Cornerbacks
Steve Jackson, Passing Game Coord./Safeties
Dump Them

If only 10 percent of Tom Friend article of ESPN is true it is more then enough to warrant the dumping of one or both of our secondary coaches. Apparently these two can’t get along; perhaps they both should be dumped. Jerry Gray has had only one year here, but what a horrible year. Rogers regressed, could not adjust to the loss of Springs, Wright seems lost. Steve Jackson’s safeties were erratic and inconsistent all year long as well. Perhaps one overall secondary coach should be brought in so there is a clear chain of command.

Danny Smith, Special Teams
Safe

Mea culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea culpa. There has been no bigger critic of Danny Smith then myself the past few years. I always felt that the kicking game was the most important job of the special teams and we were horribly inconsistent in that department. It looks….looks mind you…that we might have some stability there with the emergence of Shaun Suisham and the new reliability of Derrick frost. However real competition needs to be brought in at both positions next year just to be sure. Preferably not washouts from Australia. The coverage units have been excellent this year on both punts and kickoffs. Blocked kicks have become more frequent this year, winning a couple of games for us.

That’s it for now. Up next week I will identify the Redskins that probably should be cut for Salary cap or performance reasons as the off-season game plan continues.

Hail to the Redskins!!!

Vision Quest: Off-Season Game Plan 2007 Overview

2007-01-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

For a team that has had only 2 playoff appearances in 15 years, the off-season always seems to sneak up on Redskin fans. And this year that notion seems especially true. It seems almost a cruel joke that a team with coming off a post season run with a furious off-season and real Super Bowl aspirations to finish 5-11 and out of playoff contention for nearly 3 weeks. Remember 5 teams that finished the season at 8-8 or 7-9 were battling for the last playoff spot on the final weekend of the season. That is how far we fell.

Our once proud defense finished the season unable to defend against 2 of those teams, giving up 71 points in its final two contests. In fact all season the defense has been the Achilles heel of the Washington Redskins. They finished a year with the record for least amount of turnovers caused in a season. Not a redskin record mind you, but an all-time NFL record. They finished the season ranked #31 out of 32 teams in total defense, with only Tennessee, who suffered from an early season slump, beneath them.

If you are looking for a reason the Redskins did so bad in 2006, look no further then the Defense.

Sure the offense had its share of problems as well. Mark Brunell got old awful fast and a real case could be made that Gibbs stuck with him too long. After a pro-bowl worthy season in 2005 you can’t blame the coaching staff for sticking with him. However an argument can and should be made that they turned to him 3 weeks too late. A training camp injury slowed Clinton Portis along with Al Saunders play calling. And the Brandon Lloyd experiment seems, at this point, to be a mistake.

However by the end of the season the offense was humming and backup running back Ladell Betts was on his way to setting a Redskin record for straight 100 yard games. This is almost entirely due to the offensive line and the return of a downfield passing game with Jason Campbell. For the first time in 4 years offense won’t be the major concern in the off-season. We have a young QB, 2 good running backs, a game changing receiver in Santana Moss and an ideal compliment in Randle El, and assuming we resign Derrick Dockery a line that has played together for three years. The future is bright on the offensive side of the ball.

Not so much on defense. Just about every position needs an infusion of talent. The defensive line looked better at the end of the year as Andre Carter seemed to find his groove and surprise rookie Kedrick Golston turned in solid minutes. Cornelius Griffin is a stud but getting old and Phillip Daniels may not have much left in the tank. Linebacker is no better as Marcus Washington took a step back and Lemar Marshall looked slow and weak against the pass and run. The staff took too long in deciding to switch to McIntosh over the always ineffective Warrick Holdman. At corner Sean Springs turned in his second injury plagued season in a row and Carlos Rogers had a sophomore slump the size of the Grand Canyon, and Wright showed why he was let go by Jacksonville. At Safety the Adam Archueletta signing proved nearly fatal as he was replaced in the lineup by and old man and a guy without a team & Sean Taylor had a down year without the motivation of attempted murder charges hanging over his head.

Is the slump all the coaches fault? No, of course not. Players have to play when they are put on the field. However the Redskin defensive staff has been given every opportunity to succeed in their entire 3 year period. 11 major free agent signings were devoted to the defense (Barrow, Bowen, Washington, Griffin, Daniels, Springs, Harris, Holdman, Archueletta, Wright, & Carter) over the last 3 years. Each of the top picks the Redskins had in the draft the last three years (Taylor, Rogers, McIntosh) have also been defense. In that time period the coaching staff and front office have also decided to part with homegrown talent like Antonio Pierce, Fred Smoot, Lavar Arrington, and Ryan Clark.

Make no mistake about it, the defense on the filed this year is the defense that Gregg Williams and his staff built.

And it is a defense that has fallen each and every year. From #3 in 2004, to #9 in 2005, to #31 in 2006. If I were to run a presidential campaign against GW I would simply ask are you better off today then you were two years ago? The answer simply could not be yes.

But even the defense has its upsides. Rocky McIntosh should be able to hold down the weak-side linebacker spot and Pierson Prioleau’s return could shore up the safety position. Kedrick Golston is young and showing flashes of real talent, and Andre Carter came on at the end of the year. Sure Washington and Taylor had down years, but that could be in part because they were covering the deficiencies of others. A lot of talk around Redskin park is about talent being kept down in favor of other players; perhaps that talent will get a chance to shine through.

In the meantime the Redskin coaching staff will now sit down and chart an off-season game-plan to field a competent team in 2007. So I have a few suggestions that I hope the redskins are thinking about as they prepare to move forward.

1.) Focus on Defense. I know I made the assertion that they did this the last three years with relatively little success and nominal returns. However the only way this team will get better is by raising the talent level. In my perfect off season we would get a young defensive End to pair with Arch and push Daniels for his starting spot, a young Defensive tackle to work in a rotation with Griffin and Golston, a true middle linebacker to start over Lemar Marshall, a corner that will push Rogers for his starting spot or play nickel, and a safety to work on a rotation with Taylor.

2.) Resist the art of the Deal. I really don’t want to see us trading future draft picks for players or personnel this off-season. There is a part of me that believes this cycle needs to stop. Of course so does the cycle of free agent spending, however with only 4 draft picks this year and a lot of holes; we may have to do a little free agent shopping. Unless someone is offering a “ditka’ type deal, take the best defensive player on the board at #6 and fill holes with moderate free agents.

3.) Stop the Innovation. It seemed 2006 was the year of the gimmick that did not work. Whether it was the front office (“point Value” trade for TJ Duckett), personnel decisions (the alternate backup QB plan), or the play-calling (how many reverse’s per game can we run?) everyone was trying to be an innovator for innovations sake. I have no problem trying something new and failing, that is how Gibbs got to be great in the first place. However in the NFL innovation is most often greeted with abysmal failure. Here is a thought, if we are thinking about doing something different, so different that in the entire NFL no one is doing it, perhaps we should give it a second or third thought.

4.) Don’t over-fix the problems. Last year our offense was the issue. Many believed we needed another WR opposite Moss and a few tweaks to add a downfield passing game. Instead of doing that, Snyder and the front office went out, Signed one Wide Receiver and traded for another while hiring an offensive guru to revamp the entire system. That is what I call an over-fix. This year we need a few cogs to plug in on defense and a small alteration of our scheme. As much as it would cause great joy to see the Sword of Damocles rip through the defensive staff and GW’s office, most of them deserve one more year to get it right. Build on what we got instead of tearing it down.

5.) Get some Rest and then hit it hard. Ok I am about to delve into real amateur armchair psychology stuff so bear with me. The whole theme of player interviews on the way out of Redskin Park is a team just wanting to get away from football for awhile. While most of us, yours truly included, feel that these are the ramblings of spoiled millionaires, there are some danger inherent in their comments. Daniels and Portis both expressed reservations about the OTAs and the negative impacts of missing these over the summer. Now I am on record as saying I think OTAs should be mandatory and I hate the fact that the off season is so long because it can get young players like Taylor into enormous amounts of trouble. That being said the Redskins also risk losing the team entirely this off season. We are on the edge of a total locker room revolt. Half of coaching is football, the other half is psychology and getting a player to run through walls for you. I would urge the Redskins to ease their OTA program a bit this summer and allow for the players to WANT to come to Redskin Park again. Trade this for a longer tougher training camp and get ready for 2007.

Over the next few weeks as we watch the playoffs continue I will release a few more off-season game plan articles that will focus on the Coaches, Redskins we should cut, Redskins we should re-sign, Free Agents we should pursue, and Draft Choices we should target. All in all it is a longer then expected off season for us Redskin fans. Whether this is a bump in the road or a sign of things to come depends on the moves we will make in February, March, and April. Let’s hope they are good ones.

Hail to the Redskins!!!

Vision Quest: Dear Santa

2006-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

(I did not have time to write an article this week, so instead I am submitting a letter to Santa from my imaginary 5 year old son Timmy. Enjoy.)

Dear Santa,

My name is Timmy and I live in Syracuse, NY. I am 5 years old and like dogs, trucks, and of course football. You see football has been pounded into me by my sometimes overbearing father. Actually he is a very nice guy most of the time. You would like him; you both are jolly and probably shop in the same clothing stores. In fact maybe you could go shopping together; however the two of you won’t fit in our Toyota Camry so bring your sleigh.

Anyways I am actually writing you in hopes you can give my Dad something to make him happy on Sundays. Since you are a Redskin fan (I am assuming with the colors of your suit you are) you have noticed that the Redskins are 5-9 and probably out of the playoffs. There is no way you can give the gift of a playoff run that you did last year, I understand that. Though if you could talk to the Easter Bunny about her gift she gave the redskins in March, Adam Archueletta, I would appreciate it. He is defective and I hope she has the warranty still.

Sorry, I get off topic a little. Of course I am five, and imaginary, so I will do that from time to time.

Back to my dad. As I said he seems so down on Sundays lately. With only two games left in the season, he sits at the TV or the sports bar with gloom on his face. This year has been real hard on him, and by extension, us. He has been a Redskin fan since the 5th grade as he watched Riggins rumble over Miami. He has stayed a Redskin fan in enemy territory for years, following them along even though he could not always see the games. Back when my older sister (She is so lucky because she is real. The oldest always gets the coolest stuff) was young he would drag her every week to the sports bar even when there was hard times, just so he could watch the games. He would return bottles so she could play video games as he sipped a soda and ate stale popcorn and hoped for a winning season. Those were the dark Norv Turner years and he rarely talks about them.

He was so excited when Joe Gibbs returned to coach the team a few years ago. He skipped around the office and came home and immediately threw me in the air in joy. Of course, being imaginary, he forgot to catch me. Just because I am imaginary does not mean the pain is not real. Ooops, off topic again. The playoff run in 2005 was filled with so much promise and the 2006 season was sure to be a return to glory for the Redskins and his Coach.

Alas it was not to be. And the dismal season will start to wind down over the next two games there are few things that can make my Dad happy. However if you could see your way to making an early stop at Redskins park to talk to the staff I am sure there are a couple of things that make my dad happy and give him a little joy as the season winds down. Here they are:

Start Rocky McIntosh. I don’t know who Warrick Holdman is, but I am pretty sure his middle name is a word that I can not use. At least that is what my Dad yells out every time he misses a tackle or is blocked by people smaller then me. If Rocky Balboa can get a 6th movie, can’t Rocky McIntosh start the last two games of the season so my Dad can stop swearing in my presence?

Win both remaining games. I am not old enough to understand draft positioning. However I do understand that winning the last three games of the season will do more to help next year be a success then any draft choice will. Also it will keep him from grounding me for no reason after the loss. Last time all I did was ask him how the game went and he looked at me like he was looking right through me. Then again, being imaginary I get that a lot.

No more Bill Maas. For some reason this announcer makes my dad want to reach through the screen and strangle someone. Probably Maas. Heck I know more about football then him, and again, I don’t exist.

Have the offense score in the Red Zone. Seriously have you seen my Dad? He is a big guy. All this hope of scoring and then futility cannot be good for his heart. Why can they play so good until they cross the opposing team’s 40 yard line and then stall? I am not old enough to do CPR, so please, score more touchdowns and no more reverses and trick plays inside the 40.

Stop the defense from killing momentum. Game after game the offense has just finished a drive and made my Dad happy with a score that either put the Redskins ahead or within striking distance only to be followed by the Defense giving up hope crushing bone smashing long touchdown drives. It almost happened at the end of the Saint game last week and it has happened almost every game this year. Either they need to start playing with Pride or Gregg Williams’ brilliant defensive playbook is as imaginary as I am.

Thanks Santa and I will try to keep my dad from eating your cookies again this year. He stays up late posting on a message board to all ends of the night and he gets hungry. I will bake them in the shape of vegetables and perhaps he will leave them alone.

Merry Christmas,

Timmy

Vision Quest: Ten Things I look forward to seeing the Rest of the Season

2006-12-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

As the Redskins failed to come back against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday reality set in. The Redskins playoff hopes and 2006 season was thrown over the dock with a bunch of lead weights tied to it. And perhaps it is for the best, because thinking of what could have been is painful and depressing.

For a team that had so much hype in the off season to be reduced to 4-9 and assured last place in the NFC East. This is the worst of the three Redskin teams assembled under Gibbs II, and will rival the 2003 team as the worst Redskin team in the Snyder era. That’s the reality of the situation. All the money, all the upgrades, all the talk of vertical passing games and attacking defenses are all gone. And we are left with a redskin team that will now play out the string of games left with no hope of changing their fortunes this year.

That is why I plead with the Front Office and Joe Gibbs. Treat these next three games as the first pre-season games of 2007!!!

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating tanking games or playing all your scrubs in the second half to assure losses. I, and Redskin Nation, will be much happier if we win three in a row to end the season 7-9 then losing 3 in a row and being 4-12. Sure we will have a lower draft spot, but one player is not going to fix our team for next year. And picking at #4 or #5 as opposed to 311 or #12 will not be that big a difference.

There are things we can do to get ready for next year that will not affect our abilities to win in the present, and in fact may actually enhance them. We have already started some of them. Campbell has come in for Brunell, Golston is starting over Big Joe, and Betts was resigned to a long term extension guaranteeing the duo of Portis and Betts will be back next year.

Hope Springs eternal in the NFL and there is no doubt a team can go from worst to first in any given off season. However for that to happen changes need to be made and information needs to be gathered. In 3 short weeks the Redskins coaches will start sifting through the players to resign and the players to let go. Contract decisions will be made, free agents targeted, and draft preparations will begin. We fans will face what we have faced 12 of the last 14 years, a long winter and other teams fighting for the Super Bowl.

So the three remaining games should be looked at as a chance to forestall the long winter a few more weeks and peer into the crystal ball for what may be in 2007. With that in mind I give you 10 things I am looking forward to seeing the rest of this season:

1.) Progress of Jason Campbell. Finally the fan base is starting to see why we traded with Denver to get the ability to select this young man. Sure he will make his share of rookie mistakes, like the first interception against Philadelphia and the flip interception in Atlanta. However he has not only shown he can make every throw on the field, he has battled back from adversity each game. He has won the starting job for the foreseeable future and Gibbs is going to build the team around him. It may be a little late in coming but these last 7 games, a full off season and training camp as the #1 guy will be immeasurable in his future success.

2.) Randle El’s Role in the Offense. Finally we are starting to see Randle El emerge as a receiving threat. Up till now Randle El has been used as a gimmick by Saunders in reverses and punt returns. Not that I mind that, he excels at both, but he also excels at wide receiver. Hopefully JC and Randle El can develop a rhythm and get a healthy mix of looks between all the receivers and not just lock on Moss each play.

3.) Signs of Life from the Defense. Anything would be nice here really. This defense has not put together a consistent game all season long. They have the talent and they have relatively few injuries now. They need to produce. If not the future is bleak as we will get the same coach back next year in Gregg Williams and most of the starters will be back as well, just older. GW needs to find a way to get these guys to produce.

4.) Rocky getting some action on defense. And GW can start by putting Rocky in there for the remainder of the year. Maybe he can not beat out Holdman for a starting spot, but he should at least get 1 quarter of play each game on defense. To do anything less is either neglect by the coaching staff or an admission that Rocky may not have been a good draft choice. I am hoping against the latter, so I want him to play and show us what he can bring to a football team.

5.) Evaluate our depth on the Offensive Line & Defensive Line. On the defensive line Golston has already won a starting spot over big Joe, and that is great news. However Montgomery is inactive for most games despite earning a start a few weeks ago. Salave’a is playing his last few games as a Redskin in my opinion, his active spot needs to go to Montgomery and let the young guy get some work in on live action. Both Jon Jansen and Casey Rabach seem to be hobbled by injury. It would be the perfect scenario to sit Jon Jansen and let Jim Molinaro or Todd Wade play and see if they can earn their roster spot. Jansen needs to get healthy for next year. Rabach is a little touchy because he is a center, but perhaps Puccillo should get some opportunities there as well.

6.) Better decision making by the Coaching Staff. Clock management, play calling, and substitutions during a game have been a plague all year. This has to get better. The problems may be a direct result of too many foremen and not enough workers. This last game we got a penalty because an injury happened and two subs came in for him and took a timeout to decide to kick a routine field goal. I don’t have any solutions here because I can’t see what is going on in the coaching rooms and on the sidelines, but it amateur hour out there and this more then anything is hurting the reputation of our hall of fame coach.

7.) Is Suisham for real? Hard to tell so far. I was a Nick Novak fan but the Redskins made absolutely the right move here, if for kickoffs alone. The kid has leg and we win the field position battle each time he kicks off. He has not had many opportunities at FG kicking in pressure situations though. I would like to see what he would have done with the seconds counting down against Philadelphia but the defense could not get us the ball back. This is his 3 game audition for 2007. He should make the most of it.

8.) Find a role for Arch and use him. I am not on the blame Arch for everything bandwagon. Arch was suspect on coverage and I understand many of the fans frustrations with him. However he has not been used properly all year long and that is not his fault. He was the surest tackler in run defense when he was in there and actually led the team in tackles for the first part of the season. With this coaching staff, once you are in the doghouse, you just don’t play…ever. I don’t understand the logic of starting him one week and demoting him to 5th string or whatever the next. Arch was a good player in the league the last few years, and we gave him a huge contract with long term implications if we get out of it. A role should be found for him this season.

9.) Run Betts Run. For those of you who were stunned at the Duckett trade like I was the last few weeks has been vindication of sorts. Betts has proven he is a reliable backup to Portis and an ideal compliment for the offense. He has a realistic shot at breaking 1,000 yards this season, despite being a backup for almost half the season. It is one of the few good front office moves this season and will give us solid depth and potential 1-2 punch for years to come.

10.) Hope for the future. The last thing I want to see is this team quit at the end, like the team in 2003 did. Wins and losses don’t really matter if they are in the games and trying hard the rest of the way. The redskins still have a lot to play for, if for the opportunity to ruin the playoff chances of the Giants on the last game of the season. They could play for us, the fans. And show us why we should spend money and time following them next year. But most importantly they should play for themselves. Because no contract in the NFL is guaranteed and Snyder and Gibbs find more ways to eat dead cap space each year. I would hope players not playing hard will be let go in the off season.

Even if a few of the list above come true we can have hope for the holidays. If not next year could be just as bad.

Playoff Rooting Card: Cue The Fat Lady

2006-12-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

Ok the only reason I am even writing this blog is because I promised it to myself. I said to myself before the season that if the Redskins were in playoff contention after Thanksgiving I would start a blog and keep it going until they were mathematically eliminated. Since the redskins are not mathematically eliminated I am obligated to do this or I would feel like I left the job incomplete.

Ironically that is exactly what the Redskins did last Sunday. Having Atlanta down 14-0 and virtually running at will in the first quarter the Redskins did what they do best, find a way to lose. The defense gave up over 250 yards rushing and major mistakes on offense resulted in a 24-14 loss. At 4-8 the Redskin future looks very bleak. Many fans would say forget about the playoffs, look towards next year.

And they would be right. This team has done nothing to deserve playoff contention or even our hopes that they can do so. The frustrating thing is besides the loss to Atlanta, everything that needed to break our way last week did. Because of that the Redskins are only 2 games out of the NFC playoff picture. Of course that is only because of the pitiful competition in the NFC.

The Division leaders have all but sown up their divisions. Dallas has a 2 game lead on Philly and NY Giants for the NFC East and most likely will win the division. Chicago is assured of winning the NFC North. New Orleans has a 2 game lead on Carolina and Atlanta for the South. And Seattle, despite missing Alexander and Hasslebeck for much of the season, has a 3 game lead in the West.

That leaves the two wildcard spots left for the remaining bunch of scrubs to fight for. Amazingly none of these contenders or should I say pretenders, have a winning record. There are 4 teams at 6-6, 3 teams at 5-7, and 2 at 4-8, none of whom have been mathematically eliminated. And if you examine each of the playoff teams individually have major flaws.

Lets take the for top teams at 6-6, NY Giants, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Carolina. NY is a team who looks like they have given up. Their locker room was in disarray BEFORE the Dallas loss. Philadelphia may talk a great game, but Jeff Garcia is no Donovan McNabb and they will find it out soon. Atlanta had lost 4 straight before stealing one at Fed Ex, they could go in the tank at any time. Carolina looks to be the class of this tier but lost to Philadelphia and us in the last two games, enough said?

The 5-7 teams are no great shake either. The rob Johnson experiment in Minnesota looks worse as each game goes by. San Francisco could make a run but they seem to still get in their own way. St. Louis is a pure mess and is still trying to sort out their identity. At 4-8 are the pitiful Green Bay packers and maybe even more pitiful Washington Redskins.

The Redskins actually hold or could hold tiebreakers on most of these teams. They have head to head tiebreakers on Carolina, and could have a tie breaker on St. Louis. They have common game tiebreakers with Green Bay and San Francisco (if San Fran loses one more NFC game). Atlanta and Minnesota own head to head tiebreakers on Washington, and Philadelphia and NY Giants will have NFC tiebreakers on us even if we beat them.

Even with all those mediocre teams ahead of them the Redskins have major climb to get out of the hole they dug themselves. Even if we pretended that somehow the redskins could win the 4 remaining games on their schedule they face an improbable scenario for them to be the last playoff team. In fact 5 of the 6 following scenarios must happen for the Redskins to even pretend to have a shot:

San Fran must lose one more Game in the NFC (Green Bay, @Seattle, Arizona) a loss to Denver in the last game of the season will not help us.

NY Giants must lose 2 of its next 3 games (@ Carolina, Philadelphia, New Orleans,) and then of course lose to us on the closing week of the season

Philadelphia must lose 2 of it’s last 3 games (@ NY Giants, @ Dallas, Atlanta) after of course lose to us this Sunday

Minnesota must lose 2 of next 4 (@ Detroit, NY Jets, @ Green Bay, St. Louis) or lose 1 of next 4 and Green Bay wins ALL of next 4 (@ SF, Det, MN, @Chi).

Carolina must lose 2 of next 4 (NY Giants, Pittsburgh, @ Atlanta, @ New Orleans)

Atlanta must lose 3 of next 4 (@ Tampa Bay, Dallas, Carolina, @ Philadelphia)

(St. Louis is eliminated by us if we win out. Bolded games are the most likely losses for this scenario to play out.)

Even given all of that the most unlikely part of the scenario is for the Redskins to win 4 games straight. In fact the Redskins have not played 4 good games in a row, let alone win 4 straight games. The Schedule though looks a little Promising. This week we have Philadelphia. They man handled us in Philly, but a new Qb for us and no Donovan McNabb for them could give us an edge. New Orleans is undoubtedly the toughest game here. They will be playing at home with a chance to wrap up the NFC South. St. Louis is reeling and we won there last year when we needed to. NY Giants never play well in the last half of the season and if the last two year’s are any indication we own them when they come to Fed Ex.

So, possibly for the last time if the Redskins lose this week, here is your rooting card for the week 14 of the NFL Season:

Atlanta (6-6) at Tampa Bay (3-9) Probably the most important game besides ours. Tampa must beat Atlanta or the permutations get mind boggling. Go Bucs!!

Minnesota (5-7) at Detroit (2-10) A Lion win makes things easier for us. Go Lions!

NY Giants (6-6) At Carolina (6-6) We need NY to lose 3, Carolina to lose 2. Go Panthers!!

Philadelphia (6-6) at Washington (4-8) Even if nothing else works out we can hurt the Eagles Playoff hopes. Go Redskins!!

Green Bay (4-8) at San Francisco (5-7) Need help from Green Bay here. Go Packers!!

New Orleans (8-4) at Dallas (8-4) Push...will probably root for NO here because I hate the damn cowboys. Go Saints!!

Chicago (10-2) at St. Louis (5-7) If we win out we take care of St. Louis, but a loss here helps eliminate any weird tiebreaking scenarios. Go Bears!!

That’s it. And yes, I will be back next week if we are still mathematically alive. Why? I like punishment apparently.

Playoff Rooting Card: 1 Down, 5 to go

2006-11-29T07:15:00.000-08:00

Well a great week for the Redskin playoff chances as virtually ever thing that needed to happen, happened. Of course that started with Washington beating Carolina in one of the best all around games the Washington defense played all season. Carolina remains at 6-5 but we now own the head to head tiebreaker over them. Joining them at 6-5 are the hapless self destructing NY Giants who defied NFL history to lose to Tennessee despite having a 21 point lead with 10 minutes to go. St. Louis beat San Francisco, bringing both their records to 5-6. Joining them at 5-6 are Philly who lost to Indianapolis, Atlanta who lost to New Orleans, and Minnesota who beat the hapless Arizona Cardinals. Green Bay is the other sap at 4-7 after losing to Seattle hoping for a miracle comeback to get into the playoffs.

The only disappointments were Minnesota beating Arizona and Atlanta beating New Orleans, neither of which are major disappointments. New Orleans is at 7-4 and we will have to hope they go on to win the NFC South crown. Arizona is the worst team Minnesota plays down the stretch and more then likely will lose two more of their remaining schedule.

However the most improbable hurdle of all still remains for the Redskins, and that is winning 6 in a row to close their season. Last year’s team did win 5 in a row in the regular season and one more in the post season so we know it is possible. And for the first time the Redskins play last week actually justified a small glimmer of hope for the Redskin faithful. Finally a complete game was put together and it looks as if Jason Campbell is for real at QB. Lets hope we can get the same performance in every game down the stretch.

If the Redskins win this next week I am going to devote next week’s article to tiebreaker scenarios. With 5 games remaining there are simply too many permutations to really go into. I sincerely believe the tiebreaker scenarios are very important as the odds that we will be the ONLY 9-7 team in the NFC is just not very likely. In fact in 2005 there were 4 9-7 teams, 2 in each conference, none making the playoffs. In 2004 there was only 1 9-7 team and it was a division winner (oh the NFC West what a pitiful conference you are). In 2003 only 1 as well, and it did not make the playoffs. However in 2002 there were a whopping 6 teams and this is the last time a 9-7 team made the playoffs as a wildcard. If a 9-7 teams makes the playoffs I think there will be some ties to break.

Let’s assume Dallas (7-4) will win the NFC East, Chicago (9-2) will win the NFC North, New Orleans (7-4) will win the NFC South, and Seattle (7-4) will win the NFC West. So here is how we stack up against each of the wildcard contenders. Remember all scenarios are provided that we win out and go 9-7:

NY Giants (6-5): This is one of our biggest foes and one of the two the teams I would not want to be tied with. If we win out we will split the head to head tiebreaker. The NY Giants though have a 5-2 NFC record, compared to our 2-5 NFC record. If both of us were tied at 9-7 there is no way we would have a better record in the NFC, so the Giants would win that tiebreaker. The same goes for the division record (in case with a team in another division we are in a 3 way tie you must apply the division record first to the two teams in the same division). It is almost imperative NY goes 8-8.

Minnesota (5-6): The other team I am afraid of. Minnesota owns the head to head tiebreaker over us. We cannot end up tied to Minnesota straight up or we will end up losing. Green Bay could beat them in a divisional tie though and then we would beat Green Bay head to head.

Philadelphia Eagles (5-6): This is another team we need to go 8-8 and not be tied with at the end of the season. Luckily we can help them out by beating them when they come to our place two weeks from now. If we beat them and the Eagles win every other game to remain tied with us they will own the tiebreaker with a better NFC record (currently they are 4-3). And like the Giants they would win any division tiebreaker as well. An 8-8 or worse finish would be good here.

Carolina (6-5): We own the head to head tiebreaker against Carolina by virtue of beating them last week. We need them to lose two more games, but if they do we will own the tie-breaker over them.

Atlanta (5-6): We can take care of them this weekend by virtue of beating them. We will then own the head to head tiebreaker.

St. Louis (5-6): We can take care of them when we face them on Christmas Eve. We would then hold the head to head tiebreaker and give them the one loss they need to assure a tie at 9-7.

San Francisco (5-6): This is the trickiest team. We do not play them so no head to head record is available. They have a 4-4 NFC record but have one game remaining against Denver. If they lose that game but win all others they will beat us with a better conference record. Losing one of the other 4 games would assure us of having the same NFC record. It would then go to the common game tiebreaker (NO, MN, PHI, STL). If that one loss comes next week to New Orleans then we own the common game tiebreaker (Was 3-2 SF 2-3). If not it goes to the strength of victory tiebreaker and I have no clue how that will play out until near the last week of the season.

Green Bay (4-7): Green bay would have to win out just like us. If they do we would have an identical conference record. It would then go down to common games (NO, MN, PHI, STL) and there we would have a better record (Was 3-2 GB 2-3) and own the tiebreaker. They really aren’t a threat to us anymore but could come into play in three way ties with Minnesota.

So keeping those tiebreakers in mind here is your playoff rooting card for this week:

Arizona (2-9) at St. Louis (5-6): Don’t really care because as I said, we own St. Louis if we beat them. But just for fun let’s root for Arizona to beat them and rattle them a little. Go Cardinals!!!!

Atlanta (5-6) at Washington (4-7): Let’s show Vick where to put his finger. As always, Go Skins!!!!

Minnesota (5-6) at Chicago (9-2): Chicago can clinch its division and help us out at the same time. Go Bears!!!

NY Jets (6-5) at Green Bay (4-7): Just in case Minnesota ends up 9-7, I want Green Bay to end 9-7 with them. That would most likely result in Green Bay beating them in the division tiebreaker. In that case we would then beat Green Bay in a head to head tiebreaker. Oh what a tangled web we weave, that Minnesota loss really complicates things. Go Packers!!!

San Francisco (5-6) at New Orleans (7-4): A win for New Orleans here will help us with any head to head tiebreakers with San Francisco. Also it will give New Orleans some breathing room in the NFC South and maybe help us steal one in their place later on. Go Saints!!!

Dallas (7-4) at NY Giants (6-5): this is the most disgusting part of having to root for other teams and not controlling your destiny. It means sometimes teams you can’t stand have to win. That is the case with the Cowboys. I usually root for the meteor when our NFC East opponents play, but in reality we need the Cowboys to win here. Go Cowboys, you sons of a ***censored by Spence***.

Carolina (6-5) at Philadelphia (5-6): This is a no win, no lose situation. A win by Carolina would give us control of Philly’s destiny, but then we would need Carolina to drop 2 of its last 4. A win by Philly would get Carolina one step closer to the dreaded 7 losses, but Philly would need to lose 2 of its last 4. But since we play Philly one more time and I think Philly is the weaker team, I am rooting for the upset here. Go Eagles!!!!

So that is it, as complicated as it is. Hopefully if we win and a few of these things happen we will have a clearer picture of where we are this time next week.

Vision Quest: The Defense Lives!!!

2006-11-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Late Saturday night a solitary figure worked into the night at Redskin Park. Dr. Defenstein (otherwise known as Assistant head Coach Defense Gregg Williams) worked on his masterful game day plan. The game plan resembled more of a patchwork of discarded limbs (Vernon Fox) and dead body parts (Warrick Holdman).

“It’s an abomination” shouted the town crier Tom Friend. “Your arrogance is blinding you.”

“Don’t listen to them Master” pleaded Igor (aka Dale Lindsey) Dr. Defenstein’s long time assistant. “I know this is the week Warrick Holdman shows why he is starting.”

“Shut up I wasn’t asking your opinion” Dr. Defenstein said as he shoved past Igor and threw the switch that sent thousands of volts of electricity into the book. Thunder crashed, Igor screamed, Tom Friend prayed, and explosions rocked the lab.

As the rubble settled and the power went out a solitary voice was heard in the cold night.

“It lives. It lives. I am still a Genius”

That is the best guess I have for why the Redskins waited until the 11th game of the season to turn in one of their best all around performances of the year and defeated the Carolina Panthers. How else can a team that has been unable to stop anyone all year long out play and out coach a team that was one win away from the Super bowl last year and one of the hotter teams in the NFL? Must surprising was the defense who found away to contain the game’s most dominant playmaking receiver, Steve Smith.

The offense had showed signs in the past of coming around. With the insertion of Jason Campbell in the starting QB spot the offense showed signs of life during the Tampa game and continued its improvement this week against Carolina. Even without Clinton Portis and Santana Moss playing on one leg, the offense was able to drive when it needed too and scored 17 points, most in the second half, against a very tough defense. They even found a way to run the ball effectively with career backup Ladell Betts who gained over 100 yards rushing.

But the defense that has been the doormat of the league came to play and gave us brief glimpses of what could have been this year. Vernon Fox, a late addition to the team in the last week of training camp started at the second safety opposite Sean Taylor and came up with a timely interception as well as some good tackling all game. Carlos Rogers had his best game of this season rarely being out of position and virtually shutting down Keyshawn Johnson. Sean Springs showed why he is a top corner in the league containing Steve Smith. And the front four, mostly without the help of a blitz, generated pressure on the QB for the first time all year.

Why did this happen? Some postulated the theory that the Redskins were rallying around Williams because of an article written by Tom Friend at ESPN.com who quoted an anonymous player stating Williams is arrogant and inept. Some postulated that Vernon Fox’s play at safety over Arch’s lack thereof provided the extra boost. And still others noted that this team needs its back against the wall to respond, and that time is now. Lastly there was the much publicized rant by Joe Gibbs mid week that questioned the heart of his players and challenged them to step up.

I reject all those theories and embrace them at the same time. They all had a part in why the Defense played well this last week. But the main reason that they played well can be summed up in one word: Adaptation.

For the first time all season Williams actually adapted his base defense and played to the strengths of the players on the field. Recognizing his linebackers were playing too slowly to blitz, he put the pass rush burden on the front four who responded well. Recognizing the opponents wish to run to the right side they flip flopped Holdman and Washington on occasion to keep them honest.

The most important change though was the match up of receivers to defensive backs. In previous weeks other teams were matching their speedy receivers against Rogers to take advantage of his inexperience and poor technique. Tampa mastered that last week moving Galloway to the slot and to whatever side Rogers happened to be on at the time. GW abandoned the side of the field mentality and matched Springs with Smith almost exclusively. Rogers excelled covering the slower more physical Keyshawn Johnson.

This is the fist time all season the defense seemed to adapt to the players we have rather then the players the defensive staff thought we should have. It is a key reason we played better this last week and give us hope for the rest of the season and next. We have talented players and they should be able to put up a modest defensive effort week in and week out. It is up to the coaching staff to play to their strengths instead of letting the opponents exploit their weaknesses.

Still there are things to be concerned about on all areas of the team. Though they contained the run most of the day they did give up a huge 28 yard run that set up one of the field goals for Carolina. Jason Campbell’s timing with the receivers still seems to be off. Before the half a blocked punt gave the Panthers a gift field goal. It also seemed at times that the Redskins were looking to give away this game. Nick Novak’s kickoffs are short and low and he seems to have real trouble kicking from the hash marks at any range.

For Example, at the start of the fourth quarter after going ahead by 4 points the defense gave up a 74 yard 16 play 7 minute defense killing touchdown drives to once again be down by 3. That was immediately followed up with a team killing interception by Jason Campbell in one of his worst throwing decisions of his young career.

Right then it seemed as if the season was lost. But something funny happened. The Redskins defense came out and forced a 3 and out getting the ball back to the offense. And Jason Campbell, unlike certain young quarter backs in NY, rebounded with a perfectly thrown pass over the middle to Chris Cooley who rumbled 66 yards for a touchdown.

The Defense then came up with a great defensive stand including a brilliant one arm tackle on fourth down by Sean Taylor. And when the offense was unable to gain a first down and gave the ball back to Carolina with 1:40 to go and a timeout that same Sean Taylor picked off an errant Jake Delhomme throw in the end zone and sealed the victory.

If the Redskins can turn this season around and salvage this season, it will be this game that we will all point to as the reason things went well. We have a long way to go but for now, for one more week, hope is alive.

Looking Ahead

Up next is the Atlanta Falcons (5-6) who are going through their own controversies. They have lost 4 straight games and went from possible division champion to more then likely being out of the playoffs. The coach’s father has called Mchael Vick a coach killer on national TV, and Michael Vick responded by giving the one finger salute to some boisterous fans in Atlanta.

Washington on the other hand is coming off an emotional win and riding high on some well earned praise for the first time in weeks. This seems like a perfect opportunity for the Redskins to get a streak going to end the season strong. But this Falcons team lives and dies by their inconsistent nature. They can be horrible one week and incredibly good the next.

To win this game the Redskins must isolate and contain Vick and make him throw the ball to his receivers and away from Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler. Also containing Warrick Dunn is another task for the defense, because if we need to put 8 guys in the box to stop him Vick will find a way to burn us either on a roll out or throwing deep sometime this week.

On Defense, this is Lemar Marshalls’s week to sign. He is fast and should be able to shadow Vick all game long. Rogers and Springs should be able to contain their receivers. Taylor can also have some Vick shadowing duties if Vernon Fox is developing as good as some think. But for God’s sake please play Rocky McIntosh a little on defense. I have nightmares of Alge Crumpler rumbling down the field with Holdman 5 yards behind,

On Offense we need to test the porous defense of Atlanta on deep routes and turn Jason Campbell loose early. We can then run Betts and Ducketts after we get a few guys out of the box. John Abraham may be back from injury and Jon Jansen will need to shut him down. Atlanta has one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Give Campbell some time and we can make things happen.

The Redskins need to take it one game at a time, and every game is a must win from now on out. If we can play like we did last week we can play with any team in the league. Here’s hoping that Dr. Defenstein’s monster has enough juice left to get us through one more week.

Playoff Rooting Card: 6-0 or We Don't Go.

2006-11-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

Ok I admit. I am crazy. I am a little high on cranberry sauce and a little low on perspective. I am a big man and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Plus the wife and I hosted both of our combined families over for the holiday, so the house is a mess and we are tired as hell. But as I settled in to watch in despair as the Cowboys crushed Tampa, I drifted back to last year’s magical 5 game run to end the season and a thought occurred to me.

We aren’t that far away from where we were last year at this time.

I ran to the computer and looked at the standings and sure enough a 9-7 team is real possibility for making the last wild card spot. A good possibility? No. But still there. And last year, with their backs against the wall losing to an underperforming Raider team the Redskins reeled off five straight to get into the playoffs. Yet this is not last year’s team. A young inexperienced QB, Portis is on IR, Moss is hurt, and the defense might as well not even take the field.

Yet when you look at the teams left vying for those two playoff spots. There is still hope. Not much hope, but hope none-the-less. Here is the breakdown by division:

NFC East: The Dallas Cowboys (7-4) are going to win the east, mark it down. Their experiment by going to Romo when they still had a chance for winning this year worked. The Giants (6-4) are slumping and we do play them one more time. They could finish 8-8 easily. The Eagles (5-5) are done without McNabb and if they are a .500 team with him, they are less without, and we play them one more time as well.

NFC North: Chicago can actually clinch the division this weekend. That is how bad the rest of the teams are. Green Bay (4-6) could go on a run if Favre plays superman, but it is doubtful. Minnesota (4-6) holds a head to head tiebreaker on us but have lost 4 straight and seam to be slumping back to where we thought they would be. Detroit (2-9) is done.

NFC South: Carolina and New Orleans (both 6-4) will battle it out for the division title. Odds are one of them will be the other Wild Card. Atlanta (5-5) could easily finish 8-8 due to Vick’s erratic nature and Mora’s inability to reign it in The good news is we play all of them and get head to head tiebreakers with any of them. Tampa (3-8) is done.

NFC West: Seattle (6-4) will likely win this as Hasslebeck and Alexander are coming back healthy. San Francisco (5-5) is troublesome because they are hot and in a weak division but they have some tough games ahead. St. Louis (4-6) have lost 5 straight and look to be a team on the ropes. Arizona (2-8) is what we always thought they were, losers.

So if the Redskins can somehow hope to actually win their final 6 games, the playoffs are not out of the question. With that in mind here is your playoff rooting card for this weekend:

Arizona (2-8) at Minnesota (4-6): An Arizona win here would make Minnesota need a miracle. Like us. Go Arizona.

Carolina (6-4) at Washington (3-7): We need a win and we need Carolina to lose. Perfect marriage in my opinion. Go Washington as always.

New Orleans (6-4) at Atlanta (5-5): Tough call here. New Orleans has the better record and the better team, Atlanta could catch fire at any moment. Since we play both of these coming up I am rooting for Atlanta to bring the whole division to 6-5. Go Atlanta.

San Francisco (5-5) at St. Louis (4-6): Ok another toughie. Either way the redskins benefit, but I think they benefit more from having both at 5-6. Go St. Louis.

NY Giants (6-4) at Tennessee (3-7): easy call. Hope that Vince Young and company can help us out and repay us for that win we gave them. Go Tennessee.

Philadelphia (5-5) at Indianapolis (9-1): The winter of the eagles Discontent starts here. Philly should unload on them. Go Indy.

Green Bay (4-6) at Seattle (6-4): Seattle should break out if it’s slump just in time to help us out. Go Seattle.

I know it would be a miracle for all of this to happen each and every week. I know it would be a miracle for our defense to just contain Steve Smith. I know it is crazy to even think about the playoffs at 3-7. And I know the redskins have shown us no signs to point to that they are even capable of doing what they need to do.

However today marks the first day of the Christmas season. And if the Redskins really want to give a gift to the fans, they can start with the gift of hope, by winning Sunday. And that would be something we would all be thankful for.

Vision Quest: Fix This Defense!!!!!

2006-11-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

For a brief shining moment it seemed as if everything was right in DC. Jason Campbell suited up and played in the first game. During the first half the team seemed to swagger a little and even came up with a much needed red zone interception to remain tied at 3. Sure we had not scored much but JC’s passes were crisp even though the receivers were dropping them. And then to start the second half the Redskins, led by their new quarterback and without their two top playmakers in Portis and Moss, put together one of the finest drives of the season and capping it off on a well executed TD pass from Campbell to Cooley. The future was all there in that last play and Redskin fans everywhere had stars in their eyes.

And then it all fell apart.

The Redskins defense, predictable as always, yielded a 14 play, 85 yard morale crushing drive that chewed up 8 minutes and 36 seconds of clock and resulted in a touchdown to tie the game. In every game this season the Redskins have been owned in the third quarter, and this was no exception despite the score being tied. In fact of the 10 redskins games played the opposing team has scored on it’s first drive of the second half 7 times, including in each the last 6 games straight. In fact overall the Redskins are losing the third quarter battle 67-24 on the season. And over the last 6 games where the Redskins have gone 1-5 with a lucky FG block and penalty giving them their only win, the spread was 60-7.

Quite simply Gregg Williams is being out coached and outclassed by every team in the NFL and has brought shame on not only the Redskins football team, but his reputation as a defensive genius.

We can’t put all the woes of the team on one coach or unit, even when that unit is as woeful as the Washington defense. Certainly the blame for our pitiful 3-7 record rests with all facets of the team. Play calling has been horrible and the need for Al Saunders to simplify our playbook has become apparent. Joe Gibbs personnel choices, including his love for Mark Brunell, are certainly fair game. Joe Bugel has had 3 seasons to put together a decent offensive line and failed for two and half of those seasons (only consistency was during the last half of last season). Lastly, our inability to have consistent special teams has been written about here explicitly, in fact I think I have a restraining order against me from Danny Smith.

The difference between those units and the defense is simple: They have gotten better as the season has gone on. Gibbs finally relented and started Jason Campbell this last week and it looks as if we have our quarterback of the future. All of a sudden Saunders play calling looks better with a live arm tossing the ball around. The offensive line seemed to protect Jason Better as well, though run blocking needs improvement. And even the special teams unit has become more consistent in recent weeks.

However the defense has not improved. In fact it has slipped. I am not just talking about the fall over the past three years where we went from a top 3 defense in 2004, to a top 10 defense in 2005, to a defense ranked in the thirties (out of a possible 32). No our defense has taken a step back in virtually every game this season. Our run defense has been horrible only to be outdone by our porous pass coverage. And what’s worse is there is no excuse for it.

On defense only 2 starters are new to the team, Andre Carter and Adam Archueletta, both of whom were supposed to be upgrades at their position. Sure Carter seemed a little too light in the run defense department and did not provide much of a pass rush, but how is that different from the last two years when Daniels manned that spot? Arch is a pro-bowl safety that seems to be misused in the Redskins D. I blame the coaches for not scheming to his strength.

The rest of the crew is not new to the defense and should have no learning curve. Yet many seemed to have regressed.

Carlos Rogers is having one of the worst sophomore slumps that I have seen. It is not just that he is being burnt like my first attempt at frying a turkey, no. It is the effort that he is giving on the field. In fact the only effort he seems to care about is his dancing, despite the fact the only time he gets to do it is when the opposing players drops a catch-able pass. His missed interceptions are frustrating, but there is a reason he is a CB and not a WR. However two plays last week, his blitz where he half heartedly rushed the QB despite having a clear lane, and where he jogged after Galloway on Tampa’s go ahead TD are indicative of a player who needs a heart transplant.

Warrick Holdman was anointed as the starter at OLB despite the drafting of Rocky McIntosh very early on. And to date he has done nothing to deserve this honor. Dale Lindsey has some kind of Man crush on Warrick because this is two straight years that we have had to watch him get blocked by a wide receiver, tailing a Tight end making a catch for a big gain, or drug along like a load of laundry by the opposing running back. In fact I think they should sell all Holdman Authentic jerseys with grass stains received giving up a third down conversion.

Sean Taylor just seems lost in the defense at time. Sure Arch gave him very little help but that should not affect his tackling or the pursuit angles he takes on runs. Marcus Washington is doing more dancing then game changing hits. Griffin and Salave’a are not occupying enough blockers to allow Lemar Marshall to be effective. Daniels has not provided enough of a push to justify his presence on the field. And Sean Springs has been a shadow of the shut down corner he used to be.

Yet Williams and the coaching staff refuse to play the youth on the team, even though we are virtually out of the playoffs. Rocky McIntosh has not seen much action that is not special teams related. When we traded up to get him he was billed as a line backer who could play all 3 spots. We heard all summer how well he was progressing and how much he has learned the defense. Why is he not starting or at least on a heavy rotation at either weak side linebacker? Holdman and Marshall are both older and failing, time to give the kid some time.

We also drafted two young defensive tackles this year in Golston and Montgomery. When Salave’a was hurt Golston got a lot of playing time and Montgomery also rotated in. But now that the season is over & Salave’a is healthy, Old Joe getting most of the reps. This just des not make sense. It is time to play the rookies and build them for next year.

The frustrating part of this is if our team, even with its offensive issues, had gotten even a partial showing of last year’s defense we would still be in the hunt for the NFC east crown. The Giants (6-4) are fading as I thought they would in the second half as injuries pile up and Eli’s weakness has shown. Dallas (6-4) is on a roll but Romo is going to hit a wall once teams have enough tape on him, in fact our defense as woeful as it is figured him out a couple of weeks ago. Philadelphia (5-5) is done now that McNabb is out for the rest of the year.

At 3-7 it is no leap to think we could have been in this race if our defense had helped us win a few. The losses to Tennessee and Tampa at the very least would have been won with an above average effort to stop the run. In both of these cases the Redskins faced average running attacks gave up big time rushing totals. Tennessee is #9 in rushing this year averaging 127.8 yards rushing, but against Washington racked up 194 yards with Travis Henry alone getting 178. Tampa is ranked #28 in rushing averaging 91.2 yards and against the Washington defense 181 yards rushing, 122 to Cadillac Williams.

These are the more extreme examples but cases can be made that the Redskin run defense cost us the Minnesota, Philadelphia, and even Indianapolis games as well. When you can’t stop the run you can’t win in the NFL. Your safeties cheat up and your corners are left on an island. All of a sudden you are going to see more sites like Rogers trailing Galloway for an unforgivable TD last week.

One can only hope that Gibbs proclamation about priorities will reverberate with the Defense for the rest of the season. In the NFL defense is not just about schemes and positioning but passion and will as well. The Redskins defense in 2004 had a swagger on it, despite losing two starters very early in the season. They exerted their will on the opponent and dictated terms to the offense. They said you main gain yards but it won’t be on the ground and you will pay for it. Time to get back to that type of attitude.

Gregg Williams has hopes of succeeding Gibbs as head coach when and if he retires. So much so he negotiated a clause in his contract that he will be paid $1 million if Gibbs is not followed by him. This used to be a given in Redskin circles and though of as a good thing. However if GW and his staff can not turn this Redskin defense around THIS season he may not only not be the next Redskin Head Coach, he may not be a Redskin coach at all next year.

Vision Quest: 10 Things We Can Still Do This Year To Get Ready For Next.

2006-11-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

Losing to a division rival is never easy. Getting blown out is even worse. And watching the 27-3 dismantling of the Redskins on TV this last Sunday was one of the worst games I have ever witnessed a Joe Gibbs team play. They weren’t just beat; they were systematically broken down and destroyed. And with 9:00 to go they just gave up and allowed the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the worst running teams in the NFL run out the clock.

As the pounding rain came down on Lincoln field and the redskins walked into the tunnel it became obvious. The 2005 season at 3-6 is now over.

I could rant and rave absolute this player or that player who has failed to show up this season, but really, what would be the point? The season is over and we still have seven games to go. No amount of raving would alleviate the fact that it will be a long painful reminder of the promise of this season and the hopes to build on the playoff performance from last year are over.

In the NFL at mid season you are either doing one of two things. You are either building toward the future or preparing for a run at the playoffs. My friends and fellow fans, the Redskins are doing neither right now. You know who else has done neither the last few years? The Arizona Cardinals. How is that working out for them?

If stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results then my friends, we qualify. We call the same plays, use the same players, and run the same defensive schemes week in and week out with one result: pitiful failure. And when we come out the next week we hope that things have changed and do the same thing.

Sure you can point to our 3 wins as obvious examples of our formula working, but is that really the case? Houston is a poor team and we barely got by. We should have lost the Dallas game but God and Troy Vincent mercifully intervened. Jacksonville, well that looked like a different Redskin team, or at least a different offense. Remember one thing, Jacksonville also lost to Houston, twice.

And please stop the comparisons to 2000. The 2000 Redskins were a talented team with horrible character flaws and a weak coaching staff. They finished 8-8 and were in the playoff hunt for most of the season. The 2006 squad would need a 5-2 run to equal their accomplishments. Not bloody likely in my opinion.

My criticism though should not be perceived as despair though. I do believe in this coaching staff and most of all Joe Gibbs. I have come to the conclusion that the front office structure and talent evaluation is not going to work. I have come full circle on this premise. In 2005 one of my first articles for hR called for a GM for Coach Gibbs. But then I drank the Kool Aid that Redskins.com was spewing. I always had a problem with our talent evaluation on the second day of the draft but thought we made up for it on first day and FA signings. I guess what I am saying is that now I appear to have been right about wanting the GM before I became wrong about it late last year. (Man John Kerry would be proud of me now)

So what can the Redskins do to build towards the future? Here are some steps I think we can do this season to prepare us for 2007. Some are obvious, some are not. Doing a few of these next week would be a good sign that the Redskins will fix the problems that they have.

1.) Start Jason Campbell now. I am a Mark Brunell apologist, but it is time for him to go. He is not the only problem with this team, but his replacement can benefit the future of the Redskins more then any other player on the field. We need to put the ball in the hands of Jason Campbell and live and die with his mistakes, which will be plentiful. We traded a 1st, 3rd, and 4th round pick for the right to select Campbell. We need to give him real game action.

2.) Start giving Rocky McIntosh real and meaningful snaps. My distaste for Warrick Holdman aside, he did have a good game against the eagles. But to be quite honest he is no longer an NFL starting caliber OLB. It is time to get rocky McIntosh some looks at either Will or at Mike with Marshall moving back outside. We traded 2 2nds for the right to select McIntosh, time for him to show he can give our defense a spark.

3.) Put Clinton Portis on IR. Unless we win every game that Clinton Portis is out, it is time to let him rest. Portis is a very young guy who has had too many carries over the last two years. His body is battered and needs a rest. With his injury he needs to sit for the rest of the season. Since his shoulder injury Portis has not been the same running back from last year. Let’s get him healthy for 2007.

4.) See what Duckett and Betts can do in his place. Betts and Duckett should be given equal amounts of carries with the victor getting a contract at the end of the season. Both are players that compliment Portis in some way. Betts is a decent 3rd down back with better hands then Portis and has a North-south style; Duckett is a pounder who can spell Portis in short yardage and time eating situations. Unfortunately both are free agents at the end of the year. Let the best man win the competition (the 3rd we traded for Duckett is gone either way) and give him the first chance at resigning after the season.

5.) Let Sean Springs try his hand at safety. Why would you take a shutdown corner and make him a safety? Because he is no longer a shutdown corner and a few years past 30. Making Springs a safety to pair with Taylor can prolong his career by a few years as well as fill a big need for a cover safety and turn Taylor loose on opposing defenses. We don’t know how Prioleau (who will be 30 next year) will recover from his injury and Troy Vincent is already 35. We can replace Springs at corner through a high draft pick (my choice) or perhaps a free agent. Arch isn’t getting it done and we need to find a long term replacement, which brings me too….

6.) Find a role for Arch. Redskin’s fans want to pound Arch but he simply has not been used in a way that plays to his strength. He is asked to do man coverage too much and is more of a run stopper and roaming hitter then a cover guy. Some have suggested playing him at OLB and devising a bastardized 4-3 (really a 4-2-5) could allow him to do that on 2nd and 3rd downs. Arch is here for two more years at least (the cap hit is low but the next few years we need as little cap hits as possible). It will be cheaper to keep him then cut him and he has no trade value at all. We need to play to his strengths.

7.) Eliminate the 15 yard cushions on 3rd and 5. GW needs to have an edict that no cushions are given beyond the first down marker…ever. I rather see a corner get beaten deep then on a crucial 3rd down fall victim to a simple hook or slant pattern. I would put this on the corners but I remember Harris giving this cushion last year as well. This is coaching plain and simple.

8.) Allow audibles. Not allowing audibles in today’s NFL is arrogant and costly. Today’s defenses are changing with every motion and every down and distance. What is the point of all the pre-snap movement if we are not trying to determine what they are running? And once we determine it why do we not take advantage of it by allowing the QB to audible? Simply puzzling and arrogant and it is leading to the lack of offensive ability, especially in the second half. We need to adjust to the defense and play to our strengths.

9.) Play the young defensive linemen more. I am glad that Kedric Golston is getting a ton of playing time; however we need to do more. Evans needs to be rotated in at end. Evans played very well last year and has been non-existent this year. Montgomery needs more playing time at DT. Salave’a is a great story and given his all playing through excruciating pain, but it it's time to let the big guy out to pasture soon. Montgomery needs to be ready for next year.

10.) Joe Gibbs needs to get more involved with the play calling and 2nd half adjustments. Only3 years in a Joe Gibbs team have the Redskins been outscored in the 3rd quarter (82,85, and this year). Joe Gibbs turning of the offense over to Saunders seems to be a mistake right now but can be fixed. Gibbs does not have to take over play calling but can make suggestions to Saunders for strategy for the second half. Our team comes out flat out of the dressing room each and every game. This is a coaching thing and he , GW, and Saunders need to get together and come up with a new and different strategy every half, whether up or down. The other teams are doing it to us, time to get Gibbs back to doing what he does best. Coaching.

Up next

We go to visit Tampa Bay (2-6 they play Carolina tonight) for the 3rd time in 2 years. This has become one of the team’s most frequent non-NFC East rival. The Redskins were eliminated by the Bucs in the 1999 season’s playoffs. The Redskins returned the favor last year. Throw on top of that the 2005 robbing on the bogus offsides and 2-point non-conversion and you have plenty of reason to watch this game. Not to mention the fact that both teams are in the middle of a slide down from last year’s performance. The loser of this game will probably be picking in the top 5 of the draft next year.

Hopefully the Redskins will start the Jason Campbell era this game. The Bucs are depleted and will be coming off a short week. It is perfectly situated for JC to start chucking the ball around. We will also see more of Betts and Duckett as Portis will be out. If we can win this game we come into a 3 game home stretch that can perhaps help us hold our heads high. We will see.

That’s all for this week. Until next time Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Vision Quest: The Super Bowl is Next Week for the Redskins

2006-10-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

I like many of you were bitterly disappointed in last week’s game. Disappointed is an understatement. I was devastated. As my friends around the Sports Bar and I made our vows to be back next week, no matter what, you could hear the doubt in many of their responses. I know many of the guys I have watched Redskin football with since this particular Sports Bar opened up would be back, but you know there will be less Burgundy & Gold in front of the big screen next week.

When I got him I could not even log into hR and post I was so mad. What a Rollercoaster us fans have had over the last two weeks. After the Jacksonville game I was as high as could be and now I was as low. I spent a couple of days piecing together an article full of bile and hatred calling out every coach, every player, and every front office person I could. I felt like I had been betrayed by the team I loved and looked forward to 10 more games of ineptitude and an off season of despair.

But after 3 pages of pure emotional I decided now is not the time for it.

We all know what is wrong with the team. Hr has plenty of articles and threads addressing what is wrong. The offense is out of synch and too complicated. The defense can not tackle or cover. The special teams are inconsistent. And the Front Office has made several infuriating trades and big signs that have just not worked out.

Quite simply the Redskins are not a very good football team. The playoffs are a distant hope. Heck just getting to .500 will be a challenge. And with a road game to Indy before the bye week on the horizon it can just get worse.

However for Many Redskins the Super bowl is next week, in Indianapolis.

At 2-4 the Redskins are on the precipice. A loss at Indianapolis will most assuredly signal the end of any playoff hopes. So our coaching staff will have the bye week to implement the changes over the Bye week and see if any of our youth will be able to step up and play NFL football.

Here are the top 5 Candidates that are playing for their jobs this Sunday.

1.) Mark Brunell. The old veteran is just not clicking with this offense. Mark is more of a West Coast outside the harsh marks passer rather then a stretch the field bomber. He has this last week to get things right. He must cut down on mistakes, stop locking on Moss, and most importantly, lead this team to victory. Brunell’s support from coaches, players, and fans alike comes from his season saving leadership last season. True leaders get going when their back is against the wall; well Brunell’s back is almost through it. If he loses it is time for Jason Campbell to show what he is made of.

2.) Warrick Holdman. We read how Holdman has gotten better and will be a bigger part of the defense this year. And in many ways he has. But opponents are running right over the right side of our defense. Holdman’s poor tackling and bad angles are a big part of that. Rocky McIntosh may be a rookie but his athletic ability should be able to overcome his defensive knowledge by this point.

3.) Andre Carter. Same as above. Not only has he produced little in the sack department but he is on his back more often then Paris Hilton. Renaldo Wynn was one of the best run stopping defensive ends in the league last year and if Carter can’t get it done, Renaldo will.

4.) Joe Salave’a. I labeled him in pre-season as the most likely starter to disappoint this year and he has done so. Big Joe is hurt a lot and while effective when he is 100%, he rarely is. Golston has been a rare find in the second day of the draft and should be given the bulk of the snaps after the bye week.

5.) Al Saunders. This is his offense after all. He calls the plays and he determines what happens on the field more then anyone else. Saunders won’t be fired if we lose in Indy, but he could get his play calling abilities reduced or redefined. The bye week would be the perfect time to scale back the playbook and add back the gut and power running that won us so many games last year. We have the same principle players on offense and we do not need to revamp much to get it done.

For those five and for the Redskin post season hopes, the Super Bowl is next Sunday in Indy. A win and good play will keep their jobs safe over the bye week. A loss and poor play will not.

5 Things We Don’t Know Now?

Losing again brings up many questions. Here are the top 5.

When we traded way our future did we know what we were getting? Over the last two years we have traded away a plethora of picks for players that just are not contributing to the team. For Jason Campbell we traded away a 1st, 3rd, and 4th and he remains the third QB on game days. TJ Duckett warming the bench cost us a third next year. Rocky McIntosh cost us a 2nd this year and next to barely get in on kickoff coverage. Brandon Lloyd cost us a 3rd this year and a 4th next to be ignored in the passing game. Now I was for all of those trades (except Duckett) but so far they all look like mistakes. Either they are disappointments or the front office is….or both.

How bad is it going to get? Unless the Redskins win at Indy, very very bad. First we host the Cowboys, then we travel to the Eagles, and it does not get much better after that. Our remaining opponents currently have record of 36-19 and include a resurgent Carolina squad and world beater New Orleans. If we lose to Indy it is time to start thinking about who we draft, not playoff scenarios.

Does this defense have any pride left? We used to be world beaters and now quite frankly get scored on more then Madonna at an NBA player’s meeting. We have the same amount of talent as last year’s squad and the squad in 2004 and arguably more depth in some positions, but we are playing without heart and courage. Tackling, coverage, turnover generation, nothing is going right. If I was Gregg Williams I would question his player’s very manhood. Time to shake things up a bit and get people to commit to stopping the other team. A lot of good defense is the exerting your will on the opposing offense. Right now we are being run over and playing soft 15 yard cushions. That just is not cutting it.

Will Saunders realize this is a running team? Our offensive line is made to pound the other team and we have a starting running back who is not afraid to lower his shoulder and pound those yards. Portis can also bounce outside for big gains turning 4 yard dives into 50 yard scampers. Behind him are Betts an adequate North-south runner and Duckett a bruising short yardage red zone specialist. If you can’t run the ball with these players, you can’t do anything. 15 rush attempts in a 3 point game is unacceptable and borderline criminal. Run the damn ball and run with guts and power and we will win, period.

Can the ship be straightened out? The hardest question to answer. The simplest answer is yes, by winning. Winning against Indianapolis and winning against the Cowboys can get us back to .500 and in essence restart the season. The odds of this are long and hard. In the long term it is time to get some youth involved like Campbell, McIntosh, Golston, and others. We may not be able to dig ourselves out of the hole this year but these youngsters need valuable game experience to help us for next year. PLAY THE YOUNG GUYS!!!!!!

Looking Ahead

It’s hard to look ahead when you have your fingers in front of your eyes. I usually write here a brief tidbit of how the Redskins win the next game but I just don’t know how we can do it. We lost to a winless Tennessee with a rookie QB in a rebuilding mode and now face an undefeated Colts squad with a vet QB perched for a super bowl run. We have not shown the ability to stop the run or the pass, and Indy excels in both. And while Indy’s defense is susceptible to the run and straight forward ball control attack, we prefer trick plays and short high risk high reward drives.

But I can’t quite bring myself to give up on the Redskins. I have to think our hall of fame coach can turn around this season before it gets too far gone. That turn around has to happen against Indy, otherwise this season so full of promise as far as two weeks ago will be a long slow crawl into oblivion.

Hail to the Redskins