****OFFICIAL**** Washington Redskins Offseason Thread (1 Viewer)

Furthermore, the players right here at The Park think the duo of Golston/Montgomery might be ready to step up. Montgomery is the best athlete and has the most natural talent of any lineman here, I have heard from many in these parts, but he needs to dedicate himself 100 percent to his craft and give an honest effort on every snap of every practice.

He's been making good strides to that end this offseason, Montgomery's teammates say, and should he ever put the mental side of this game with his physical gifts, he could be a quality player in this league for a long time. Cornelius Griffin is looking like his old self, too, they say. A year ago shoulder problems kept him from tearing up the weight room, but he's been a workout warrior they say and is deadest on proving that his poor form in 2006 was a blip due to a health problems, and not an indication that his best years are behind him.

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Sidewinder16 said:

From La Canfora's "D-Line Update" yesterday:

Furthermore, the players right here at The Park think the duo of Golston/Montgomery might be ready to step up. Montgomery is the best athlete and has the most natural talent of any lineman here, I have heard from many in these parts, but he needs to dedicate himself 100 percent to his craft and give an honest effort on every snap of every practice.

He's been making good strides to that end this offseason, Montgomery's teammates say, and should he ever put the mental side of this game with his physical gifts, he could be a quality player in this league for a long time. Cornelius Griffin is looking like his old self, too, they say. A year ago shoulder problems kept him from tearing up the weight room, but he's been a workout warrior they say and is deadest on proving that his poor form in 2006 was a blip due to a health problems, and not an indication that his best years are behind him.

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The bolded part surprised me a bit. Has anyone ever heard this before? Or have I just had my head in the sand re: Montgomery?

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Clinton Portis and director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer both said that he is recovering well from a bout of tendonitis in his knee and will be full-go for the start of training camp. He'll miss this month's mini camp.

Marcus Washington, who had all kinds of medical work done to him this offseason including hip surgery (the most serious of the procedures) was back to practice for the first time Tuesday. He was full go and able to take part in drills, a welcome sight for teammates and coaches, who praised his unwavering positive attitude and work ethic during what has been a trying few months for him.

Mark Brunell told me that he's going to be able start practicing fully on Wednesday. Brunell, coming off of labrum surgery on his throwing shoulder, had been limited to short throw this offseason thus far (he good naturedly joked that the short stuff was all he could throw at this point in his career, anyway), but will be able to throw all routes and start stretching his arm in drills today.

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buster c said:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

More Depth At CB - Jerametrius Butler Signed And Other Stuff

Skins add former Rams CB Butler. They tried to get him three years ago when Coach Joe returned, but their $15-million offer sheet was matched. Since then Butler has been oft injured - knee and hamstring problems - and was no longer in the Rams plans and he was cut Tuesday.

ALERT - Felt like I should add this after checking my email. Don't take this as a Shawn Springs replacement move. No freaking out, people. It's just depth. No one thinks Butler could replace Springs and they want the best backfield possible. It's just another guy to push for a roster spot.

Okay - back to the original blog.

Coach Joe said the Skins acted quickly to get Butler. despite already adding Smoot and Macklin this offseason to go with Springs (still excused today to tend to his pregnant wife) and Rogers. Obviously, the defensive backs were a major area of concern this offseason, and the Redskins want strength in numbers.

"When you get a chance to add there (at corner), we're going to do it," Gibbs said.

As for Butler, he just hopes to make the team and realizes that special teams is his best bet off the bat (unless a bunch of other corners get hurt). Butler, 28, missed all of 2005 due to injury and appeared in just six games last season. If healthy, he might be a good depth guy and would maybe push Ade Jimoh for a spot on teams, but it's been a long time since he's played regular football. Certainly worth taking a shot on.

The plethora of other quality CBs on the roster did not deter Butler, and he said the Redskins' attempts to sign him to an offer sheet three years ago made them his desired destination.

"I think here I might get a chance to play special teams," Butler said. "I just want to do whatever I can to make the team ... I've just got to stay healthy."

The Skins cut DB Chip Cox to make room for Butler on the roster.

they continue to add to the secondary. who will get cut?

Landry

Taylor

Springs

Rogers

Smoot

Macklin

Prileau

Fox

Stodamire

Jimoh

Doughty

Westbrook

that's 12, so at least 3 don't make it.

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Bizkiteer said:

The bottom three...JimohDoughtyWestbrook

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buster c said:

they continue to add to the secondary. who will get cut?

Landry

Taylor

Springs

Rogers

Smoot

Macklin

Prileau

Fox

Stodamire

Jimoh

Doughty

Westbrook

that's 12, so at least 3 don't make it.

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Defensive backs

2004: 10

2005: 9

2006: 10

This year's givens: Sean Taylor, Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, Fred Smoot, LaRon Landry, Pierson Prioleau, David Macklin and Omar Stoutmire with two spots open.

Analysis: Reed Doughty, Vernon Fox and Ade Jimoh are competing for two roster spots. Jimoh has somehow lasted this long because of his special teams play. If they keep him, Doughty and Fox are vying for the remaining safety spot.

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fatness said:

I think Jimoh will stay on the team, mostly by working hard and playing special teams, kind of like James Thrash does.

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I hear that Rocky is being looked at as a real weapon, someone who can be deployed in multiple ways, and is thriving under the tutelage of new LB Coach Kirk Olivadotti And has been a stud this off season. He has essentially lived at the facility, getting up to speed on the defense and all of his responsibilities after struggling to get a grasps of it last year after being picked in the second round. Also, Olivadotti is a more of a "luv 'em up," kind of guy and more touchy-feely than Dale Lindsey was, and the new approach is working well from what the players and others can tell out there.

Bottom line with this defense last year was that nobody made plays. Nobody. Short of Kedric Golston, you tell me who surpassed expectations on that D last season. It was a down year all around, from the coaches to the players; starters through the backups. But Rocky is definitely a guy who has the ability to change games - he provides another athletic presence missing a year ago and is a sure tackler.

On top of all of that, the dude plays with an edge. He hates the opposition for those four quarters on Sundays, and when he hits, it hurts. That physicality was lacking a year ago, too. Rocky has the wheels to do things in coverage now - his struggles learning the system limited his role greatly last season - and he will be allowed to get after the passer some as well, from what I gather.

I know the Bears had really high reports on him and thought he would be an upgrade over Briggs in time in their system, and the Redskins are utilizing a whole lot of Lovie Smith's stuff this season, so make of that what you will. Of course, the one red flag has always been Rocky's knees.

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Bizkiteer said:

buster c said:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

More Depth At CB - Jerametrius Butler Signed And Other Stuff

Skins add former Rams CB Butler. They tried to get him three years ago when Coach Joe returned, but their $15-million offer sheet was matched. Since then Butler has been oft injured - knee and hamstring problems - and was no longer in the Rams plans and he was cut Tuesday.

ALERT - Felt like I should add this after checking my email. Don't take this as a Shawn Springs replacement move. No freaking out, people. It's just depth. No one thinks Butler could replace Springs and they want the best backfield possible. It's just another guy to push for a roster spot.

Okay - back to the original blog.

Coach Joe said the Skins acted quickly to get Butler. despite already adding Smoot and Macklin this offseason to go with Springs (still excused today to tend to his pregnant wife) and Rogers. Obviously, the defensive backs were a major area of concern this offseason, and the Redskins want strength in numbers.

"When you get a chance to add there (at corner), we're going to do it," Gibbs said.

As for Butler, he just hopes to make the team and realizes that special teams is his best bet off the bat (unless a bunch of other corners get hurt). Butler, 28, missed all of 2005 due to injury and appeared in just six games last season. If healthy, he might be a good depth guy and would maybe push Ade Jimoh for a spot on teams, but it's been a long time since he's played regular football. Certainly worth taking a shot on.

The plethora of other quality CBs on the roster did not deter Butler, and he said the Redskins' attempts to sign him to an offer sheet three years ago made them his desired destination.

"I think here I might get a chance to play special teams," Butler said. "I just want to do whatever I can to make the team ... I've just got to stay healthy."

The Skins cut DB Chip Cox to make room for Butler on the roster.

they continue to add to the secondary. who will get cut?

Landry

Taylor

Springs

Rogers

Smoot

Macklin

Prileau

Fox

Stodamire

Jimoh

Doughty

Westbrook

that's 12, so at least 3 don't make it.

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The bottom three...Jimoh

Doughty

Westbrook

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Williams's system has been pared down for 2007, players say, still emphasizing the principles of speed, aggressiveness and discipline but relying more on individual talent than collective obedience. There are fewer schemes for players to memorize and more alignments are designed to accentuate key players' strengths. There will be less of a burden on Williams and his staff to out-scheme the opposing offense every week.

"We've definitely simplified things," said linebacker Marcus Washington, one of the players who could benefit most from the changes. "And I think that was Gregg looking at us last year, all of us in it together, and nobody likes to be at the bottom, especially when we're used to being at the top.

"That was Gregg being the sharp mental guy he is, and being smart about it, saying, 'I'm just going to let these guys play. We have some talent here, and when I put them in the right position, I'm going to let them play and sit back.' And that's what we're going to do."

Williams, who declined to comment for this story, told players this offseason that he plans to get his best players to the point of attack as much as possible and give them more freedom, they said.

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Williams gave the linemen less pass-rushing support from safeties and corners than usual in 2006 -- the lack of talent at those positions was a huge factor in that decision -- and opposing quarterbacks enjoyed too much time to pass the ball. With Fletcher, a stalwart on Williams's defense when both were with the Buffalo Bills, anchoring the interior as middle linebacker now, the Redskins believe they will be more stout against the run. Also, Williams is more willing to overload the line of scrimmage to stop the run, players said. Concerns about the woeful secondary prevented that last year.

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Starting end Phillip Daniels anticipates playing inside much more this season to help against the run. "That gives Gregg the opportunity to put more speed on the field" outside, he said. Tackle Cornelius Griffin, by far the Redskins most accomplished lineman, is healthy after playing last year with a surgically repaired shoulder and significant knee injury.

Griffin is being used as what in football parlance is called a three-technique, players said, giving him more opportunities to rush the passer. A three-technique player lines up opposite the outside shoulder of the offensive guard and is charged with disrupting the offensive pocket by attacking the line and getting into the backfield. Tommie Harris played this role for the NFC Champion Chicago Bears last season, player said. The Redskins defense will adopt many of the Bears' tactics this year.

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McIntosh, with good speed, will be used to cover tight ends and running backs downfield, players said. Fletcher also excels at pass coverage, which will allow the Redskins to toggle between him and McIntosh, leaving offenses wondering which linebacker will be dropping back on passing plays.

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The Redskins expect to use significantly more man-to-man coverage in 2007 -- with their corners no longer stationed five yards back but jamming receivers at the line. The cover-2 has been relegated to only some passing situations.

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The Redskins also are using what is called a cover-1 alignment, with safety Sean Taylor the lone man back, playing the football equivalent of centerfield. The coaches want to find a way to get Taylor, a natural ballhawk who has just three interceptions the last two years, to the ball more often. Landry, the No. 1 draft pick, has the size and tenacity to play close to the line of scrimmage to rush quarterbacks and help on run defense, similar to how Chicago uses safety Mike Brown.

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Washington Redskins rookie safety LaRon Landry will miss the team's three-day minicamp because of a groin injury suffered during a team paintball contest this week.

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Coach said Clinton's extra work was due to him feeling well. His recent check ups were good and some anti-inflammatory drugs have helped. He'd still on very limited work but things look good for training camp.

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In the personnel department, Jason Campbell looked very sharp in team drills, moving the ball and threaded tough passes in the red zone. It was pretty impressive.

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Jason Campbell is far and away the captain of this offense. His throws have more zip, accuracy, and authority than the other QBs. I know I will be asked so will tell you up front that his mechanics look very sound - he does not crouch as much, seems to be more of an over-the-shoulder passer, has a quick release, makes good decisions, and overall looks money. At one point Murf noted that he had not seen Campbell miss a throw yet. He did throw a pic later in practice but there is some question as to if the receiver ran the correct route.

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I also watched the offensive line, specifically left-guard to see how Todd Wade is coming along. My early read on him is that he is a big guy who needs to get his feet moving a bit faster. Although non-contact it looked to me that he got beat a time or two today. For the record we will say he is a work in progress at guard.

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I came into today hoping to focus on several different players, but every time I looked up the same guy was repeatedly stealing the show. Sean Taylor was everywhere – making acrobatic one-handed catches one second, diving for a interception the next. Taylor even played running back … if only for a few plays when the defensive line was working on some drills. I tell people all the time, Sean Taylor has only one speed, and today that was clearly the case.

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This may be a coincidence and it may not be, but Fred Smoot was the first player to go through every drill the defensive backs ran. Carlos Rogers was always the second guy in line. Now, as you could tell if you listened to my interview with them both, they were having a blast and jawing back and forth for the entire two hours. I think Smoot will help Rogers because they’re both going to push each other to be better. They’re not looking at each other as enemies fighting for the same spot – but they are playfully trashtalking and trying to one-up each other. If nothing else it should make for solid entertainment the rest of minicamp and into training camp.

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’ll say that the quarterbacks, Jason Campbell in particular, looked good today. One of the media types guessed that Campbell’s QB rating was over 200 on the day because he was absolutely completing anything and everything. I’m no Chris Mortensen, but his mechanics (and release in particular) look great. He’s quick with his decision making and even quicker with his throwing motion. Plus, he’s gotten away from the silly looking squat he did last year. He just looks natural back there.

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Another player who had a very strong showing was wide out Brandon Lloyd. His play stood out today, as he always found a way to get open and caught whatever Campbell threw his way. I know Lloyd turned down an interview request or two today, so maybe he’s getting everything together and focusing on his on-the-field production instead of his off-the-field meltdowns.

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fatness said:

Good lord.

Brandon Lloyd laughing at Chris Cooley

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But after yesterday's second day of this weekend's three-day minicamp, McIntosh is now an important member of a defense intent on regaining its swagger. Assistant head coach Gregg Williams singled out McIntosh prominently, and while Williams does not often like to place labels on his players, McIntosh is the expected starter.

"Everything they're telling me sounds good to me, just being out there and able to play," McIntosh said. "They expect a lot out of me, and I want to show them what I got."

For the first time in McIntosh's brief Redskins career, Williams has acknowledged he is quickly growing into the player they hoped would line up across from strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington.

"If I had to choose a person that has worked almost as hard a Jason Campbell, it's Rocky," Williams said. "He's been here on weekends, and every single day of the week. The things I thought he had approached with hesitancy last year, he has a better understanding of. We're only in shorts, but his speed and anticipation of the opponent's offensive concepts has been outstanding."

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But equally important is the change in linebacker coaches from Dale Lindsey to Kirk Olivadotti. McIntosh did not appear to thrive under the gruff Lindsey, who could be withering in his constant criticisms.

Olivadotti is "a younger type, and we can go out there and relate to him a little bit more," McIntosh said. "He's a student of the game, and he knows a lot of stuff and loves to teach us."

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Sidewinder16 said:

Good news on some 'Skins injuries:

Clinton Portis and director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer both said that he is recovering well from a bout of tendonitis in his knee and will be full-go for the start of training camp. He'll miss this month's mini camp.

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Tailback Clinton Portis (knee) took part in limited action for the second straight day.

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With the overload at CB, could this be Ade Jimoh's last stand? I say he still makes it as the 5th guy over Butler, based on his special teams play. They really love him there.

Reed Doughty, for all he's been through, will be a real fight to stick around. Vernon Fox will be tested, too. If other younger guys show they can bring it on special teams, then Vernon might be in trouble.

Joe Salave'a needs to stay healthy and get back into form. But that's hardly certain and could see him on the outside looking in. Given the lack of upgrades at D Line, I think Renaldo Wynn and Phillip Daniels make it, but they too need to be in full health.

I still think Todd Collins is a few weeks from getting his chance to find a place where he might actually play, at least as a backup. If such a place exists. I keep hearing the Skins won't keep Brunell and Collins, and Coach Joe seems pretty satisfied with Mark's recovery from the shoulder surgery.

A lot of people are thinking Rock Cartwright might be on the hotseat with Derrick Blaylock here now, but I don't see it. They carried four tailbacks last season when there were some health concerns with Clinton, and I figure they do it again. The love Rock's work on teams and to me Blaylock fills that depth RB spot that Duckett filled last year (sorry for bringing that name up round here).

Mike Espy might give a real push to show he belongs (looked good this offseason). I think they still keep Thrash for his size and teams ability and to be that possession guy in the slot or over the middle when need be, and can't see him getting cut, but you never know for sure.

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redman said:

Sidewinder16 said:

From La Canfora's "D-Line Update" yesterday:

Furthermore, the players right here at The Park think the duo of Golston/Montgomery might be ready to step up. Montgomery is the best athlete and has the most natural talent of any lineman here, I have heard from many in these parts, but he needs to dedicate himself 100 percent to his craft and give an honest effort on every snap of every practice.

He's been making good strides to that end this offseason, Montgomery's teammates say, and should he ever put the mental side of this game with his physical gifts, he could be a quality player in this league for a long time. Cornelius Griffin is looking like his old self, too, they say. A year ago shoulder problems kept him from tearing up the weight room, but he's been a workout warrior they say and is deadest on proving that his poor form in 2006 was a blip due to a health problems, and not an indication that his best years are behind him.

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The bolded part surprised me a bit. Has anyone ever heard this before? Or have I just had my head in the sand re: Montgomery?

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Montgomery was thought of by some at draft time last year as a 1st or 2nd round athletic talent who needed for the proverbial "light to go on", so yes I've heard this or something like it before. He's supposedly been improving, but I don't know what that means in terms of getting on the field. Golston was more NFL-ready entering the league, which may explain why he was able to have some immediate impact last year. We'll have to see.

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Based on talent and athleticism, Anthony Montgomery should be the Washington Redskins' top defensive lineman. Most inside the team's locker room would not debate that statement.

...

While no one is proclaiming that Montgomery completely changed or calling him a finished product, he has shown improvement and maturity during the offseason. He was one of the 39 players to participate in every aspect of the offseason training at Redskins Park, dropping weight and adding muscle. His approach to the game has been more focused and there are signs that Montgomery might finally realize what it takes to achieve success in the NFL, though even he admits that it is too early to proclaim victory over his fitness and inconsistency issues.

...

"God gives some people more attributes and talent than others, and when you see guys who don't utilize and maximize their talent, it's tough," defensive end Reynaldo Wynn said. "And you know they can probably just dominate if they did, and that's the type of ability he has. I think he gets it now. He gets it this year with the type of work he's put in this offseason. It's good to see at an early age that he does get it, and we're looking forward to seeing some great things out of him this year."

Wynn believes Montgomery could become a player like Jacksonville defensive tackle Marcus Stroud; Wynn was his teammate with the Jaguars early in Stroud's time there and sees lots of similarities in build, mobility and speed. It will take a huge progression to reach that point, however, and nothing is assured at a position as demanding as tackle.

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His attention to detail in the classroom is improving as well. The Redskins figure that if anyone can convert Montgomery's raw power, it is Blache, and the overall defensive scheme has been simplified this year. Players are asked to read and react much less often and linemen in particular are being freed of other responsibilities in order to attack the passer. They want Montgomery to perform at a high tempo on every snap, and he believes his mind and attitude are finally catching up to his body.

"With the scheme and everything last year," Montgomery said, "some plays were called that I had to play it over and over in my head to make sure I was doing the right thing, whereas this year every play I know what I'm doing. I can just play the snap full speed now and go."

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Norv Turner, newly hired head coach of the San Diego Chargers, is being forced to defend his lousy track record just one day into his new job. Addressing criticisms of his 58-82 record in stints with the Washington Redskins and the Oakland Raiders, Turner claimed there were extenuating circumstances in both cases, namely that he was a ####ty coach.

“Obviously when you see '58-82' you think ‘okay, this guy can coach to save his life,’” Turner said. “That’s understandable. But try to remember that things aren’t always what they seem. Oftentimes a coach can be victimized by poor players, injuries, or just plain bad luck. That wasn't the case with me, though. I just wasn't a good coach. Luckily we have a lot of great players here who are capable of overcoming that, and I'm going to make it a priority to stay out of their way. So if we don't go to the Super Bowl, it's really just a matter of our players being unable to overcome adversity.”.......................

..............“Unfortunately, A.J.’s comments are simply not true,” Turner said. “I actually had some pretty decent talent in Washington and I couldn’t coach for ####. In Oakland, sure, I had some personnel issues, but I did nothing to improve the situation. I actually made it worse. So thanks, A.J., for the compliments, but let’s be real here: I’m a ####ty coach, and you’re a ####ty GM............

.............“His track record as an offensive coordinator is pretty impressive,” Smith said. “Just look at what he accomplished last season in San Francisco. He made Alex Smith into a halfway decent quarterback. And how about the Dallas Cowboys? Remember Troy Aikman? Emmitt Smith? They would have sucked ### if it wasn’t for Norv. They owe their careers to him. Marty Schottenheimer, on the other hand, is an embarrassment as an offensive coach. He’s clueless. He is to offensive coaching what Norv Turner is to…head coaching. Okay, bad analogy.”

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dgreen said:

My first attempt at 2007 offensive projections:

Code:

REC   RCYD RCTDCooley	 68	775	7

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Sidewinder16 said:

dgreen said:

My first attempt at 2007 offensive projections:

REC RCYD RCTDCooley 68 775 7

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Out of curiousity (since I have yet to attempt this exercise), why do you expect Cooley's YPR to drop? In 7 games with Campbell last season Cooley was 30/411 for a 13.7 YPR avg. He was 27/323 (11.96 YPR) with Brunell. You're predicting him with 11.4. Off the top of my head I would think he should end up closer to the 13.7 he achieved with Campbell than to 11.4, but I wanted to see what your thought process was.

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dgreen said:

Sidewinder16 said:

dgreen said:

My first attempt at 2007 offensive projections:

REC RCYD RCTDCooley 68 775 7

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Out of curiousity (since I have yet to attempt this exercise), why do you expect Cooley's YPR to drop? In 7 games with Campbell last season Cooley was 30/411 for a 13.7 YPR avg. He was 27/323 (11.96 YPR) with Brunell. You're predicting him with 11.4. Off the top of my head I would think he should end up closer to the 13.7 he achieved with Campbell than to 11.4, but I wanted to see what your thought process was.

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I had to make everything balance somehow. His career YPR is 11.0. He had that big 66-yard TD against CAR last year. I don't see that happening too often. He is good at breaking tackles, but I just don't see him making any 50+ yard plays. If that play was held to a 15-yard gain as it should have been, his YPR w/Campbell is down to 12.4. Still above what I'm predicting right now, though.

I might rethink this. But, as I said, I had to make everything balance somehow. In the Cooley Player Spotlight I predicted 75-850-7. That's 11.3 YPR. I did that without any consideration to the rest of the team. I'll tinker with it some, but I doubt I'd go over 12 YPR.

I started with a basic prediction of approximately how many plays I expect them to run this year. In 2004 they ran 1016 plays, 1045 in 2005, and only 979 in 2006. So, I started my predictions with something close to the 2005 mark since I'm pretty optimistic, compared to last year, about this team.

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Sidewinder16 said:

For my money, assuming a full season from him and Campbell, I'd think Cooley could avg at least a 12.5 YPR. He had a long of 34 and essentially a 12-yard avg with Brunell, and that was with one game where he ended up with negative yards. I'd call Cooley's Brunell-generated stats his absolute basement. Also, IIRC, Saunders has said he wants to get Cooley the ball downfield in this offense. So, if 68 catches is his share of the passing completions, I'd put him at 850 yards.

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Sidewinder16 said:

dgreen said:

Sidewinder16 said:

dgreen said:

My first attempt at 2007 offensive projections:

REC RCYD RCTDCooley 68 775 7

Click to expand...

Out of curiousity (since I have yet to attempt this exercise), why do you expect Cooley's YPR to drop? In 7 games with Campbell last season Cooley was 30/411 for a 13.7 YPR avg. He was 27/323 (11.96 YPR) with Brunell. You're predicting him with 11.4. Off the top of my head I would think he should end up closer to the 13.7 he achieved with Campbell than to 11.4, but I wanted to see what your thought process was.

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I had to make everything balance somehow. His career YPR is 11.0. He had that big 66-yard TD against CAR last year. I don't see that happening too often. He is good at breaking tackles, but I just don't see him making any 50+ yard plays. If that play was held to a 15-yard gain as it should have been, his YPR w/Campbell is down to 12.4. Still above what I'm predicting right now, though.

I might rethink this. But, as I said, I had to make everything balance somehow. In the Cooley Player Spotlight I predicted 75-850-7. That's 11.3 YPR. I did that without any consideration to the rest of the team. I'll tinker with it some, but I doubt I'd go over 12 YPR.

I started with a basic prediction of approximately how many plays I expect them to run this year. In 2004 they ran 1016 plays, 1045 in 2005, and only 979 in 2006. So, I started my predictions with something close to the 2005 mark since I'm pretty optimistic, compared to last year, about this team.

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Thanks for the reply.For my money, assuming a full season from him and Campbell, I'd think Cooley could avg at least a 12.5 YPR. He had a long of 34 and essentially a 12-yard avg with Brunell, and that was with one game where he ended up with negative yards. I'd call Cooley's Brunell-generated stats his absolute basement. Also, IIRC, Saunders has said he wants to get Cooley the ball downfield in this offense. So, if 68 catches is his share of the passing completions, I'd put him at 850 yards.

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redman said:

I happen to think that even predicting 2005 numbers of plays is going to be conservative though. I think that this is going to be a pretty explosive offense.

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Bizkiteer said:

Nice projections DG! For some reason, not really sure why...I think B. Lloyd will play much better this year. The Saunder system should have sunken in more, so I think he you have ARE stats a bit too high, while Lloyd's being too low. The overall yards are pretty good and considering that you didn't stir it with the homerism stick. Good job!

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dgreen said:

Bizkiteer said:

Nice projections DG! For some reason, not really sure why...I think B. Lloyd will play much better this year. The Saunder system should have sunken in more, so I think he you have ARE stats a bit too high, while Lloyd's being too low. The overall yards are pretty good and considering that you didn't stir it with the homerism stick. Good job!

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Before trying to balance everything, I had Lloyd putting up some decent numbers. For some reason I think he might rebound, but, as I've said, everything has to balance somehow.Why do you think Lloyd>ARE in 2007?

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redman said:

Take note of the fact that you have the opposite of the Betts effect going here: when Campbell became the starter and the offense improved was precisely when Lloyd was already in the dog house and losing playing time. We really haven't gotten a good look at what he can do with Campbell.

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I think we're going to see fewer receptions to RB's this year.

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In a game of oneupmanship with the NCAA, the NFL required the Washington Redskins to forfeit eleven games of the 2006 season. The shocking penalty followed the NFL’s finding that several Redskins players were paid by a Washington, DC, area auto dealer without doing meaningful work. As a result, the Redskins 2006 record will show a 5-11 won-loss record. The NFL did not impose a 16-game forfeiture because the league could not actually find a provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that prohibits the making of bad commercials by football players.

The Redskins declined to comment on the development, but a part-time summer intern agreed to speak off-the-record since he is not paid to speak for the team. Actually, he is not paid at all. “I got nothing,” said the intern and future GM. “Besides, I liked the commercials.”

Hog Heaven brings you this story through its dedicated effort to magnify the trivial and embellish the fanciful in this no-news period before training camp. Maybe something will happen tomorrow.

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dgreen said:

Also, anyone want to take a shot at the D?

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Tckl/Ast	Sacks		FF/FR		PD/Int		TDDECarter		55/9		9		1/1		2/0		0Daniels	30/12		5		1/1		5/0		0Evans		15/3		3		0/0		2/0		0Green		10/2		2		0/0		0/0		0Wynn		10/1		1		1/0		0/0		0Total:		120/27		20		3/2		9/0		0DTGriffin		55/12		5		1/1		3/0		0Golston	50/15		3		1/1		5/0		0Montgomery	25/10		1		0/1		2/0		0Salave’a	10/3		0		0/0		2/0		0Boschetti	10/2		0		0/0		1/0		0Total:		150/42		9		2/3		13/0		0LBFletcher	105/45		3		2/2		5/2		0Washington	90/30		5		3/2		6/1		0McIntosh	55/20		3		1/1		2/0		0Marshall	25/10		1		0/1		5/2		0Total:		275/105	12		6/6		18/5		0CBSprings	45/5		0		0/0		7/1		0Rogers		45/8		0		1/0		12/1		0Smoot		30/3		0		1/1		5/2		0Butler		15/2		0		0/0		2/0		0Macklin	10/2		0		0/0		1/0		0Total:		145/20		0		2/1		27/4		0STaylor		65/15		1		2/1		10/3		1Landry		65/25		2		2/2		2/0		0Priolieu	35/7		1		1/0		3/0		0Stoutmire	20/3		0		1/0		0/0		0Total:		175/50		4		5/3		15/3		1TOTALS:	865/244	45		18/15		82/12		1

During a routine round of mandatory drug testing last August, Washington's urine sample was flagged as suspicious, and by league rule he was placed in Stage One of the NFL's substance abuse program. His urine was classified as diluted -- a potential sign of a player using a masking agent to hide illegal performance enhancers from drug screens. He was subjected to random testing throughout the season, pregame urine testing and -- most humiliating, friends say -- psychiatric evaluation.

Washington never tested positive, and thus never entered Stage Two of the program, which often calls for a player to serve a mandatory four-game suspension and to have his name publicized. But people close to Washington say they watched him sink into fits of depression and anger, hurt by the rigidity of a process that treated him as if he were a criminal.

"I felt bad for Marcus," said Redskins defensive end Renaldo Wynn, the team player representative who approached the NFL Players Association on Washington's behalf. "It was a tough, tough time for him because when your name gets involved in these things, you're not sure you can get it back. You don't want people thinking you're a cheater. I reached out to him, and I know he held a lot of stuff in. I don't think a lot of the guys even knew about it, because he handled himself like a professional."

During the second day of the Redskins' three-day minicamp last month, Washington spoke for the first time about 2006, and why because of the combination of wounds to his body and his pride, he looks forward to the start of training camp on Friday more than any other player on the team.

"The problem is that no one wants to look like they're being soft on this stuff," Washington said. "I think the league needs a strong steroid policy, and I don't think there is place for drugs in football, but in my case, I'm telling you, I really didn't do anything wrong.

"For a while last season, I had to take it, and it was rough. I guess I pouted about it for a while, and had to stop feeling sorry for myself. Then I got hurt and that made a tough year tougher. This year, I'm just looking forward to getting out there and playing, being healthy and leaving everything that happened last year to last year."

Washington learned of the diluted sample after the Redskins had just begun their preseason schedule. He was subject to testing 36 hours before game time for as many times as a league medical adviser saw fit. He would have to travel to New York for intervention meetings. Missing a meeting or a testing appointment could be construed as attempting to avoid taking a drug test and Washington would be subject to a mandatory four-game suspension, his name publicized.

"The thing of it is once your name gets tossed into something like this, it's hard to get it back, even if you know in your heart you didn't do anything. People are going to think what they're going to think," Washington said. "No matter what you do, they'll have that in the back of their minds. I didn't want that for me."

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The point, according to one Redskins official, was clear.

"During this time, in this climate, this is one issue no one wants to go near," he said. "Everyone loves Marcus, but no one in the organization is going defend him if it looks like they're criticizing the league. I hate to say it, but he was kind of on his own."

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Jason just called from his car with this:

The Redskins have signed Corey Bradford, a 6-1, 200-pound wide receiver. He's a depth guy, not guaranteed to make the team, but with Santana Moss coming off injuries, it's probably prudent to pick up a guy with that kind of size.

Bradford is a 10-year veteran who appeared in nine games with Detroit last season. Before that, he'd spent four seasons each in Green Bay and Houston.

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dgreen said:

Training Camp starts today. First practice is at 5.It would be nice to see Landry there.

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DCThunder said:

dgreen said:

Training Camp starts today. First practice is at 5.It would be nice to see Landry there.

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Too bad they're not going to Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa, like they did during Gibbs 1.0. I just can't get used to training camp at Redskins Park with the players staying at the Ritz. Put 'em in dorms. It was good enough for Sonny and Riggo, it should be good enough for Campbell and Portis.

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So the Skins PR staff just came around with the first official roster for training camp. Of course, I immediately scanned down to the L and see that, indeed, LaRon Landry's name is on it. So I asked if that was a mistake, because for him to be listed there would mean he was under contract.Word came back that it wasn't official and he shouldn't really be listed as of this very moment ... but, well, it probably won't be long until Landry could officially be listed there. Again, still guessing on this being locked down by late afternoon.

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