****OFFICIAL**** 2008 Washington Redskins Off Season Thread! (1 Viewer)

[Sidewinder16]

Zorn pleased with progress.

Zorn said he was pleased with what his team accomplished this offseason and is eagerly awaiting the start of his first season as an NFL head coach. He'll back away from the game for the next few weeks -- "I want to relax a bit with my family because I know what's coming," he said -- but will have his mind on the game as Redskins Park goes quiet for the next four weeks.

Zorn, who is instituting the West Coast offense, said the running game has been fully installed, as well as "a really good portion of the passing game." Zorn praised the effort of his players, saying there has been "no complaining" and "no moaning," and urged them to act professionally while away from the team these next few weeks, asking them to "be careful."

I'm not sure he would come out and say something like "They aren't picking it up as quickly as I had hoped" (if that were true), but I guess a positive quote about the progress of the new offense is better than no quote.

 

[Sidewinder16]

News about Rocky McIntosh

LB Rocky McIntosh, recovering from knee surgery, was working with the first-team defense in the walk-through portion of practice and continues to do more work. Zorn remains enthused about his progress; though McIntosh is not cleared for contact drills yet it continues to appear that he is on target for a return during training camp.

McIntosh update: scheduled to be cleared for full participation next week.

Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El (knee), linebacker Rocky McIntosh (knee), safety Vernon Fox (knee) and rookie quarterback Colt Brennan (hip) are making strides and all should be fully participating at the start of camp, Zorn said.

McIntosh is also recovering from knee surgery but is scheduled to be medically cleared June 19, Zorn said.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Fourth round pick, Justin Tryon, is signed.

The Skins signed Justin Tryon, their fourth round pick in April.

UPDATE: Tryon signed a four-year deal, sources said, in the standard form for later-round picks (nominal signing bonus; veternal minimum salaries).

Tryon is a corner out of Arizona State who has good speed and cover skills but lacks size. He also is a big-time trash talker in the Fred Smoot mold; we'll see if he's that kind of safety.

To make room for Tryon on the roster the Skins released safety Patrick Ghee.

Washington signed 7th round pick Chris Horton on Thursday and has eight players left to sign. The Redskins are scheduled to exchange proposals with their three second-round picks next week.

 

[fatness]

Rich Tandler

The two wide receiver spots on the Washington Redskins (and, generally, around the NFL) are labeled the Z, or flanker position, and the X, the split end. In most two-receiver formations, the Z lines up on the same side of the field as the tight end while the X is alone on the other side.

The X receiver has more room to operate and can generally use his speed more to his advantage. The Z is the more physical spot, the one that has to work in traffic.

In 2005, when Moss set the Redskins team record with 1,483 yards receiving, he played the X spot. When the Skins acquired Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd, they put those two in the X and moved Santana to Z.

In his two seasons in that position, Moss has just over 100 more yards combined (1,598) than he did in that one Pro Bowl year.

I'm sure that Joe Gibbs and Al Saunders had their reason for moving Moss, listed at 5-10 but in reality not that tall, to the more physical flanker spot. But moving him back to the X certainly doesn't qualify as an act of genius on the part of Jim Zorn.

 

[dgreen]

Rich Tandler

The two wide receiver spots on the Washington Redskins (and, generally, around the NFL) are labeled the Z, or flanker position, and the X, the split end. In most two-receiver formations, the Z lines up on the same side of the field as the tight end while the X is alone on the other side.

The X receiver has more room to operate and can generally use his speed more to his advantage. The Z is the more physical spot, the one that has to work in traffic.

In 2005, when Moss set the Redskins team record with 1,483 yards receiving, he played the X spot. When the Skins acquired Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd, they put those two in the X and moved Santana to Z.

In his two seasons in that position, Moss has just over 100 more yards combined (1,598) than he did in that one Pro Bowl year.

I'm sure that Joe Gibbs and Al Saunders had their reason for moving Moss, listed at 5-10 but in reality not that tall, to the more physical flanker spot. But moving him back to the X certainly doesn't qualify as an act of genius on the part of Jim Zorn.

Some good info for when the Santana Moss Player Spotlight thread is posted.So far, I've projected 306 completions in the Campbell thread, 70 receptions in the Cooley thread, and 45 receptions in the Portis thread. That leaves 191 receptions for Moss, ARE, the 3 rookies, Betts, Sellers, etc..

 

[dgreen]

Just a random observation while looking Sean Taylor's career stats.

In the regular season and the playoffs, Taylor had the ball in his hands 15 times (12 INT, 2 FR, and 1 block FG return). On those 15 touches, he gained 362 yards and scored 2 TDs. So, he averaged 24.1 yards per touch and scored 1 TD every 7.5 touches (yes, I'm aware it's a small sample size).

Sigh.

 

[Meast21]

Just a random observation while looking Sean Taylor's career stats.In the regular season and the playoffs, Taylor had the ball in his hands 15 times (12 INT, 2 FR, and 1 block FG return). On those 15 touches, he gained 362 yards and scored 2 TDs. So, he averaged 24.1 yards per touch and scored 1 TD every 7.5 touches (yes, I'm aware it's a small sample size).Sigh.

W-O-W, great post dg!

 

[T Bell]

Just a random observation while looking Sean Taylor's career stats.In the regular season and the playoffs, Taylor had the ball in his hands 15 times (12 INT, 2 FR, and 1 block FG return). On those 15 touches, he gained 362 yards and scored 2 TDs. So, he averaged 24.1 yards per touch and scored 1 TD every 7.5 touches (yes, I'm aware it's a small sample size).Sigh.

W-O-W, great post dg!

It still pisses me off that I won't get to see him playing anymore.

 

[fatness]

It still pisses me off that I won't get to see him playing anymore.

I'll be pissed about that forever, I honestly will. And I'll always remember the Defense-With-10-Players vividly. Indelible stuff.

 

[fatness]

Some good info for when the Santana Moss Player Spotlight thread is posted.

Actually if we're really smart we'll keep it to ourselves. Moss is valued very little fantasy-wise this year, and I don't want to disturb that.

 

[Sebowski]

Some good info for when the Santana Moss Player Spotlight thread is posted.

Actually if we're really smart we'll keep it to ourselves. Moss is valued very little fantasy-wise this year, and I don't want to disturb that.

I hope Moss has a great year, but I won't be drafting him unless he falls very far. His drops last year had nothing to do with what side of the field he was playing on. I am optimistic that he will bounce back and play as well as we have seen him play, but I don't want to count on him anymore than I already am as a Redskins fan and a Moss dynasty owner.

 

[dgreen]

Just a random observation while looking Sean Taylor's career stats.In the regular season and the playoffs, Taylor had the ball in his hands 15 times (12 INT, 2 FR, and 1 block FG return). On those 15 touches, he gained 362 yards and scored 2 TDs. So, he averaged 24.1 yards per touch and scored 1 TD every 7.5 touches (yes, I'm aware it's a small sample size).Sigh.

W-O-W, great post dg!

It still pisses me off that I won't get to see him playing anymore.

:( He was one of the few players that I realized how much I enjoy watching him play while he was still playing. Personally, that list is pretty short and only includes guys of stature like Barry Sanders and Dan Marino. When they were playing, you just knew you were watching greatness and you didn't want to change the channel. That's pretty rare for a safety; someone who you rarely see while watching a game on tv. There are guys like John Riggins and Art Monk that I can now look back on and think, "Man, I didn't realize how closely I should have been watching them." For some reason, they didn't capture my attention like Taylor did. While attending games, sometimes I'd just follow Taylor and ignore the ball. It was always cool when I would just follow Taylor and I'd end up at the ball anyway.As someone I know once said, "Taylor makes me smile at least once every game." Pretty much every game, he made at least one really good hit or pass deflection or turnover or just intimidated the crap out of someone. Often it was more than once.Part of me wants the Redskins to keep Landry at FS because his game towards the end of the season and in the playoffs reminded some of Taylor's.

 

[fatness]

A short critique of Joe Bugel by Rich Tandler: Link

I thought that it was a forgone conclusion that when Gibbs left, Buges would go back into retirement as well. For his first couple of years back, I was thinking that he should have stayed retired. He was given two 2004 draft picks to develop in Mark Wilson and Jim Molinaro. Neither one panned out. Jon Jansen went out during the first preseason game with an Achilles tear and the team had to pull Ray Brown out of retirement to play right tackle. The nickname he came up with for his charges, The Dirtbags, never took hold because they didn't accomplish anything worthy of gaining a moniker.

Bugel had failed to do what a coach is paid to do, develop talent and make things work when things aren't going well.

The last couple of years, however, he has regained his form. Ladell Betts was able to gain 1,000 yards rushing in a little more than half a season when Clinton Portis was injured in 2006. Last year he coached up rookie free agent Stephon Heyer to the point where he filled in ably for an again-injured Jansen. Jason Fabini moved inside to guard to replace injured Randy Thomas and held his own.

This year, Bugel has the highest rookie o-line draft pick he's had since he's been back in Chad Reinhart plus some rookie free agents with potential in Kerry Brown and Andrew Crummey. A couple of years ago, my confidence that he could make players out of the potential would have been very limited. Now, there is hope.

 

[fatness]

Chris Cooley interviews Jason Campbell

3. Jason, have you ever smelled the back of your left hand (the one that's securely lodged under the center's sweaty butt crack the entire game) after a game? I would imagine that hand would have to go through a thorough decontamination process after every game and practice.

For everyone to know if you don’t take a bath your butt crack stinks and I think that's what Rabach does to me. Imagine sweating for 2 hours and you're Casey Rabach and you're really hairy and stinky. Rabach has even farted on my hand which is a feelin that never really wears off. I can actually feel it while we’re doing this interview right now. After each practice and game the first thing I do is wash my hands of all that chaotic stuff running off his sweaty, nasty body.

 

[T Bell]

Chris Cooley interviews Jason Campbell

3. Jason, have you ever smelled the back of your left hand (the one that's securely lodged under the center's sweaty butt crack the entire game) after a game? I would imagine that hand would have to go through a thorough decontamination process after every game and practice.

For everyone to know if you don’t take a bath your butt crack stinks and I think that's what Rabach does to me. Imagine sweating for 2 hours and you're Casey Rabach and you're really hairy and stinky. Rabach has even farted on my hand which is a feelin that never really wears off. I can actually feel it while we’re doing this interview right now. After each practice and game the first thing I do is wash my hands of all that chaotic stuff running off his sweaty, nasty body.

God I love Cooley.

 

[southeastjerome]

Just a random observation while looking Sean Taylor's career stats.In the regular season and the playoffs, Taylor had the ball in his hands 15 times (12 INT, 2 FR, and 1 block FG return). On those 15 touches, he gained 362 yards and scored 2 TDs. So, he averaged 24.1 yards per touch and scored 1 TD every 7.5 touches (yes, I'm aware it's a small sample size).Sigh.

Every now and then I'll just think about his situation and feel so sad. It is really such an awful story. He was really on his way to be the best football and his life was cut short. More significantly he was really becoming a better person and his life was cut short.

 

[southeastjerome]

A short critique of Joe Bugel by Rich Tandler: Link

This year, Bugel has the highest rookie o-line draft pick he's had since he's been back in Chad Reinhart plus some rookie free agents with potential in Kerry Brown and Andrew Crummey. A couple of years ago, my confidence that he could make players out of the potential would have been very limited. Now, there is hope.

I am really interested to see what Kerry Brown does. Especially after the draftguys video profile in which Bloom and Cecil proclaim that if he stays focused they think he'll be a pro bowler.

 

[Sidewinder16]

A short critique of Joe Bugel by Rich Tandler: Link

This year, Bugel has the highest rookie o-line draft pick he's had since he's been back in Chad Reinhart plus some rookie free agents with potential in Kerry Brown and Andrew Crummey. A couple of years ago, my confidence that he could make players out of the potential would have been very limited. Now, there is hope.

I am really interested to see what Kerry Brown does. Especially after the draftguys video profile in which Bloom and Cecil proclaim that if he stays focused they think he'll be a pro bowler.

It seems that more is being made of the Crummey signing, but Brown is the one I'll be keeping my eye on.

And I agree with Tandler. Buges seems to be back to his "old self" and the hope for developing both Brown and Crummey, like he did Heyer, is pretty great.

Redskins.com recently had a Q&A interview with Bugel. Here is what he said about Reinhart and Crummey:

Q: What are your first impressions of third-round draft pick Chad Rinehart?

A: "He is going to be a good player. We really liked him at the Senior Bowl when they moved him from tackle to guard and he played both guards. He can pull. He looked real good in there. We were real fortunate to get him where we did [in the draft] because there were a lot of teams that liked him. He is playing on the left side right now."

Q: Andrew Crummey is an undrafted rookie out of Maryland who is coming off a fractured fibula. What are his prospects?

A: "I think he is going to be okay. He is a big kid--and tough. We are going to try him at both center and guard when he gets well for training camp. He has a great attitude. We thought he was going to get drafted and I think his agent did, too. He was playing real well in the East-West Shrine Game and unfortunately he had broke his fibula again, so that was a real setback. I think if he was healthy, he would have probably been a fourth or fifth rounder. Those kids from Maryland--I'll tell you what, if we can keep getting the free agents from Maryland, we will be all right. Heyer--nobody wanted him, but he is going to end up being a good football player. Crummey is the same way. We had him on our draft board as a draft-able prospect."

 

[T Bell]

Q: What are your first impressions of third-round draft pick Chad Rinehart?

A: "He is going to be a good player. We really liked him at the Senior Bowl when they moved him from tackle to guard and he played both guards. He can pull. He looked real good in there. We were real fortunate to get him where we did [in the draft] because there were a lot of teams that liked him. He is playing on the left side right now."

Q: Andrew Crummey is an undrafted rookie out of Maryland who is coming off a fractured fibula. What are his prospects?

A: "I think he is going to be okay. He is a big kid--and tough. We are going to try him at both center and guard when he gets well for training camp. He has a great attitude. We thought he was going to get drafted and I think his agent did, too. He was playing real well in the East-West Shrine Game and unfortunately he had broke his fibula again, so that was a real setback. I think if he was healthy, he would have probably been a fourth or fifth rounder. Those kids from Maryland--I'll tell you what, if we can keep getting the free agents from Maryland, we will be all right. Heyer--nobody wanted him, but he is going to end up being a good football player. Crummey is the same way. We had him on our draft board as a draft-able prospect."

:wood:Interesting that Rinehart is on the left, though not surprising. I wonder if it's even a possibility of him beating out Kendall for the starting job in training camp.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Q: What are your first impressions of third-round draft pick Chad Rinehart?

A: "He is going to be a good player. We really liked him at the Senior Bowl when they moved him from tackle to guard and he played both guards. He can pull. He looked real good in there. We were real fortunate to get him where we did [in the draft] because there were a lot of teams that liked him. He is playing on the left side right now."

Q: Andrew Crummey is an undrafted rookie out of Maryland who is coming off a fractured fibula. What are his prospects?

A: "I think he is going to be okay. He is a big kid--and tough. We are going to try him at both center and guard when he gets well for training camp. He has a great attitude. We thought he was going to get drafted and I think his agent did, too. He was playing real well in the East-West Shrine Game and unfortunately he had broke his fibula again, so that was a real setback. I think if he was healthy, he would have probably been a fourth or fifth rounder. Those kids from Maryland--I'll tell you what, if we can keep getting the free agents from Maryland, we will be all right. Heyer--nobody wanted him, but he is going to end up being a good football player. Crummey is the same way. We had him on our draft board as a draft-able prospect."

:wood:Interesting that Rinehart is on the left, though not surprising. I wonder if it's even a possibility of him beating out Kendall for the starting job in training camp.

I think the current situation with the older players on our team, he's the backup. If our window of opportunity were not closing, then it could be possible. Kendall should be the starter for that reason.It's nice to hear that we might have a few nice prospects that could play better than their draft position. Add players that were taken as UDFA's, like Heyer, that play as though they should have been drafted...it makes me feel positive about our future.

 

[fatness]

OK, it's June, and it's time for this.

Redskins vs. Cowboys: Breakdown



Long article, position-by-position breakdowns. Here's the summary.

Since there was no particular advantage on either line, those easy turnovers: the bad decisions forced by immense pressure, the sack strips that change football games, really aren’t more likely to occur to one team than the other. Both teams should have immense success throwing the football against each other, especially in the middle of the field.

The Cowboys will have more success in these matchups if they stay patient and try to grind out the Redskins. Meanwhile, the Redskins will have the best chance to win if they get the ball to their playmakers in the open field, and let them turn big throws by Jason Campbell into spectacular touchdowns.

In football, the team that executes more consistently generally has an advantage. There is no doubt in my mind that when these teams meet in Dallas, that consistency advantage is held by the Dallas Cowboys. Clinton Portis always struggles in Dallas, and Marion Barber has the potential to run right at London Fletcher for 5 yard chunks of yardage.

Because of the dominance of the Redskins’ passing game at home, this series seems destined for a split. I just don’t think the Cowboys’ defense is capable of keeping the Redskins off the scoreboard.

At home, I predict that the Redskins will beat the Cowboys at FedEx Field for the fourth straight year, on the road, the Redskins are probably in for a little tougher of a time. Unless Portis can get going on the ground, the Skins could be in for their 3rd straight defeat at Texas Stadium.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins, 14-point underdogs, pulled off one of the great shockers in pro football history as they bested the undefeated Bears, 14-6, in the 1942 NFL championship game.The 11-0 Bears entered the game as the single most dominant team in the history of the NFL, outscoring opponents 376 to 84. They were unstoppable … or at least it seemed that way. The Redskins (who were 10-1) not only shut out the juggernaut Bears offense (the only Chicago points came off a fumble forced by the defense), they produced one of the great goal-line stands in history: the Redskins stuffed the Bears on four straight plays after Chicago had reached 1st-and-goal at the 2.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Rogers Eyes Training Camp For Return

Carlos Rogers expects to be back at practice be back near the end of Redskins training camp in mid-August.

For now, the fourth-year cornerback continues to rehab a knee ligament injury suffered in Week 8 against the New England Patriots last season.

This offseason, Rogers worked with physical therapist Larry Hess to rebuild strength in the knee. He ran through some drills during mini-camp and OTAs, but otherwise sat out on-field work.

"I am not sure whether I will actually be practicing by the start of training camp, but more likely towards the end of it," Rogers said. "I feel good. I have been running, cutting and doing all of the drills for months now, so it's only a matter of time."

Training camp opens on July 20 and runs through mid-August.

Rogers is not expected to play in the first couple preseason games, including the Hall of Fame Game against Indianapolis on Aug. 3 in Canton, Ohio.

He has targeted the regular-season opener for his return to game action.

If he's not ready for Week 1, then he could be placed on the physically unable to perform list. Under that designation, Rogers could be re-activated midseason.

If he were placed on injured reserve, he would be lost for the season.

Sounds like Carlos is doing well in his recovery. It would be great if he was able to take part in some of TC, and amazing if he sees time in a preseason game.McIntosh was supposed to get cleared by the doctors for full participation this week but I've yet to see anything on that.

 

[T Bell]

Rogers Eyes Training Camp For Return

Carlos Rogers expects to be back at practice be back near the end of Redskins training camp in mid-August.

For now, the fourth-year cornerback continues to rehab a knee ligament injury suffered in Week 8 against the New England Patriots last season.

This offseason, Rogers worked with physical therapist Larry Hess to rebuild strength in the knee. He ran through some drills during mini-camp and OTAs, but otherwise sat out on-field work.

"I am not sure whether I will actually be practicing by the start of training camp, but more likely towards the end of it," Rogers said. "I feel good. I have been running, cutting and doing all of the drills for months now, so it's only a matter of time."

Training camp opens on July 20 and runs through mid-August.

Rogers is not expected to play in the first couple preseason games, including the Hall of Fame Game against Indianapolis on Aug. 3 in Canton, Ohio.

He has targeted the regular-season opener for his return to game action.

If he's not ready for Week 1, then he could be placed on the physically unable to perform list. Under that designation, Rogers could be re-activated midseason.

If he were placed on injured reserve, he would be lost for the season.

Sounds like Carlos is doing well in his recovery. It would be great if he was able to take part in some of TC, and amazing if he sees time in a preseason game.McIntosh was supposed to get cleared by the doctors for full participation this week but I've yet to see anything on that.

There's still 2.5 months between now and the start of the season (that thought makes me sad ) so there's lots of time for setbacks, etc. This sounds optimistic to me given the severity of the injury and seems motivated by the player's hope to not miss any games (and to avoid IR or PUP) rather than anything specific relating to his recovery. I hope he's right, but I'm skeptical. We heard the same thing from Shawn Springs two years ago when he had that hernia surgery.

 

[fatness]

Cooley's blog is great.

He's going to be doing a commercial for Eastern Motors apparently. Link

Whatever we choose should be pretty funny. I'm sure I'm going to look like a ####### and I'm gonna take a lotta #### for it, but who wouldn't do it for that Mercedes.

 

[dgreen]

I've posted projections in the Campbell, Portis, Moss, and Cooley threads. Here's what I have so far:

Campbell

Passing - 306-510-3417-19-14

Rushing - 45-225-1

Portis

Rushing - 345-1415-12

Receiving - 45-360-1

Moss

Receiving - 72-1080-6

Rushing - I didn't put in a prediction, but I'm sure he'll have a couple carries.

Cooley

Receiving - 70-809-7

So, I'm left with only 119 receptions, 1168 receiving yards, and 5 receiving TDs to split among ARE, Thomas, Kelly, Davis, Betts, Sellers, and probably a couple other players.

 

[fatness]

You can't have a Redskin season without a tacky Eastern Motors commercial.

Are you listenin' man?

 

[fatness]

Article on the D-line by Rich Tandler

Daniels is capable of moving inside and, in fact, he did so last year in some passing situations when Marcus Washington moved up into a three-point stance to rush the passer. Evans also can hold his own at tackle. It would make more sense to keep an extra end and cover any injury situations that may pop up during the season by moving someone inside. That's good news for Wilson and Buzbee, bad news for Askew and/or Boschetti.

No matter who stays or goes, there is a decided lack of sizzle about the unit. Somehow, some way, however, the Redskins finished the 2007 season fourth in the NFL against the rush with most of those same guys on the front line. It should be a solid, blue-collar unit again this year.

 

[fatness]

Redskins vs. Eagles position-by-position breakdown

Whereas the Redskins and Cowboys are close in skill, with the Cowboys have the slight edge, the Redskins are giving a talent edge to the Eagles at a great many matchups. When the Redskins have an edge, it seemed to always be a close call for me (save Cooley). But when I was doing a matchup and the Eagles got the edge, I just imagined how the Redskins could really struggle in the real game against the Eagles.

For these reasons, I have to think the Redskins are going to struggle more against the Eagles this year than the 3-3 record over the last three seasons would indicate. Does this mean I’m picking the Eagles to sweep the Redskins? Not necessarily. I would be very surprised if the Redskins swept the Eagles however, compared to only being mildly surprise if the Eagles swept the Redskins.

I do think the most likely outcome is a split: but when is that not true? What’s clear through this breakdown is not that the Redskins are totally overmatched and don’t belong on the same field as the Philadelphia club, it’s that the Eagles, on paper, have a clear edge in June.

 

[T Bell]

Redskins vs. Eagles position-by-position breakdown

Whereas the Redskins and Cowboys are close in skill, with the Cowboys have the slight edge, the Redskins are giving a talent edge to the Eagles at a great many matchups. When the Redskins have an edge, it seemed to always be a close call for me (save Cooley). But when I was doing a matchup and the Eagles got the edge, I just imagined how the Redskins could really struggle in the real game against the Eagles.

For these reasons, I have to think the Redskins are going to struggle more against the Eagles this year than the 3-3 record over the last three seasons would indicate. Does this mean I’m picking the Eagles to sweep the Redskins? Not necessarily. I would be very surprised if the Redskins swept the Eagles however, compared to only being mildly surprise if the Eagles swept the Redskins.

I do think the most likely outcome is a split: but when is that not true? What’s clear through this breakdown is not that the Redskins are totally overmatched and don’t belong on the same field as the Philadelphia club, it’s that the Eagles, on paper, have a clear edge in June.

I can't disagree with this at all. The Redskins have benefited from some very fortuitous matchups against the Eagles when McNabb and/or Westbrook have been injured. When they're healthy, that team always seems to give us fits.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins seem to have particular trouble against the Eagles defense over the years. If they're playing the Eagles, you pretty much expect their offense to be grinding to a halt. I don't know why they match up better against the Cowboys each year but they seem to. Redskins/Giants never seems to develop a pattern --- their games seem to be all over the place.

 

[Meast21]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

 

[fatness]

From the "things that get little attention" department: Malcolm Kelly Leads Charity Trip to Liberia

After his involvement in college with the East Texas based charity, located only 25 miles from his hometown of Longview, Texas, Malcolm named Mercy Ships as his charity of choice soon after declaring himself eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft.

"I'm honored and humbled to play a small part in this effort to bring both hope and healing to the people of Liberia," said Kelly. "As I have come to know the history and spirit of the Liberian people through Mercy Ships, I feel a real connection to the country. I admire the way they are rebuilding their future and I want to do everything I can to help. My folks always taught me that giving is better than receiving...unless of course it is on the football field."

 

[Sidewinder16]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

That's probably only true to the extent that Zorn will copy what Holmgren did. IIRC, from everything I've read about Zorn's stint in Seattle, he had basically zero influence on the game day play calling.Also, O'Halloran mentions at the end of that post to "Expect this to change with Zorn because of the presence of Chris Cooley and the expectation to get rookie Fred Davis on the field. Since Cooley is an every snap player, whenever Davis is on the field, he'll have to be moved around." The point being, Zorn has some different tools to work with in Washington and he seems smart enough to be able to play call in a way that optimizes the talent he can get on the field.

That being said, I think one thing we can count on, from that particular play breakdown and from a general knowledge of what the WCO looks like, is that we'll see 3+ WR sets often. In that game, Seattle only went with 2 WRs (or less) in 1 out of every 4-5 plays. I imagine most of those were short yardage/obvious running downs, too. Kelly and Thomas should see a good amount of PT.

 

[T Bell]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

That's probably only true to the extent that Zorn will copy what Holmgren did. IIRC, from everything I've read about Zorn's stint in Seattle, he had basically zero influence on the game day play calling.Also, O'Halloran mentions at the end of that post to "Expect this to change with Zorn because of the presence of Chris Cooley and the expectation to get rookie Fred Davis on the field. Since Cooley is an every snap player, whenever Davis is on the field, he'll have to be moved around." The point being, Zorn has some different tools to work with in Washington and he seems smart enough to be able to play call in a way that optimizes the talent he can get on the field.

That being said, I think one thing we can count on, from that particular play breakdown and from a general knowledge of what the WCO looks like, is that we'll see 3+ WR sets often. In that game, Seattle only went with 2 WRs (or less) in 1 out of every 4-5 plays. I imagine most of those were short yardage/obvious running downs, too. Kelly and Thomas should see a good amount of PT.

Rather than a literal application of the Seattle play-calling and packages, the point here is that this offense will use a lot of different sets, which is precisely what we thought given who was drafted. Zorn will alter the personnel on the field to reflect game situation (down & distance; score; time remaining; etc.). For the first time in a long time it would appear that there are 6 viable receiving targets in this offense (4 WR's, 2 TE's) other than the RB's. Moreover, the particular attributes that each of them brings seem complimentary to each other as a group. That lends itself to a high level of versatility, which I'm looking forward to seeing put into action.

 

[southeastjerome]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

That's probably only true to the extent that Zorn will copy what Holmgren did. IIRC, from everything I've read about Zorn's stint in Seattle, he had basically zero influence on the game day play calling.Also, O'Halloran mentions at the end of that post to "Expect this to change with Zorn because of the presence of Chris Cooley and the expectation to get rookie Fred Davis on the field. Since Cooley is an every snap player, whenever Davis is on the field, he'll have to be moved around." The point being, Zorn has some different tools to work with in Washington and he seems smart enough to be able to play call in a way that optimizes the talent he can get on the field.

That being said, I think one thing we can count on, from that particular play breakdown and from a general knowledge of what the WCO looks like, is that we'll see 3+ WR sets often. In that game, Seattle only went with 2 WRs (or less) in 1 out of every 4-5 plays. I imagine most of those were short yardage/obvious running downs, too. Kelly and Thomas should see a good amount of PT.

Rather than a literal application of the Seattle play-calling and packages, the point here is that this offense will use a lot of different sets, which is precisely what we thought given who was drafted. Zorn will alter the personnel on the field to reflect game situation (down & distance; score; time remaining; etc.). For the first time in a long time it would appear that there are 6 viable receiving targets in this offense (4 WR's, 2 TE's) other than the RB's. Moreover, the particular attributes that each of them brings seem complimentary to each other as a group. That lends itself to a high level of versatility, which I'm looking forward to seeing put into action.

That's certainly a rosy picture, and I am right there with you in hoping that it works out well. I worry about the passing game getting into a rhythm. Six viable targets is a stretch considering of those 6, two are coming off back to back subpar seasons and three others are rookies who have proved zilch. In the end, I do think that having so many weapons will help free up Moss and ARE since Thomas and/or Kelly are bound to give more than Lloyd did. And Cooley should find more room on those 2 TE sets. With so many guys in the passing game learning the new offense and 3 rookies learning the ropes of the NFL game and a QB trying to mesh with the new system and players, I see some sluggishness out of the gates. Luckily, the Skins are not a team that needs to throw a lot. If CP, Betts, Sellars and the Oline are healthy, you know they'll have success running the ball.

 

[T Bell]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

That's probably only true to the extent that Zorn will copy what Holmgren did. IIRC, from everything I've read about Zorn's stint in Seattle, he had basically zero influence on the game day play calling.Also, O'Halloran mentions at the end of that post to "Expect this to change with Zorn because of the presence of Chris Cooley and the expectation to get rookie Fred Davis on the field. Since Cooley is an every snap player, whenever Davis is on the field, he'll have to be moved around." The point being, Zorn has some different tools to work with in Washington and he seems smart enough to be able to play call in a way that optimizes the talent he can get on the field.

That being said, I think one thing we can count on, from that particular play breakdown and from a general knowledge of what the WCO looks like, is that we'll see 3+ WR sets often. In that game, Seattle only went with 2 WRs (or less) in 1 out of every 4-5 plays. I imagine most of those were short yardage/obvious running downs, too. Kelly and Thomas should see a good amount of PT.

Rather than a literal application of the Seattle play-calling and packages, the point here is that this offense will use a lot of different sets, which is precisely what we thought given who was drafted. Zorn will alter the personnel on the field to reflect game situation (down & distance; score; time remaining; etc.). For the first time in a long time it would appear that there are 6 viable receiving targets in this offense (4 WR's, 2 TE's) other than the RB's. Moreover, the particular attributes that each of them brings seem complimentary to each other as a group. That lends itself to a high level of versatility, which I'm looking forward to seeing put into action.

That's certainly a rosy picture, and I am right there with you in hoping that it works out well. I worry about the passing game getting into a rhythm. Six viable targets is a stretch considering of those 6, two are coming off back to back subpar seasons and three others are rookies who have proved zilch. In the end, I do think that having so many weapons will help free up Moss and ARE since Thomas and/or Kelly are bound to give more than Lloyd did. And Cooley should find more room on those 2 TE sets. With so many guys in the passing game learning the new offense and 3 rookies learning the ropes of the NFL game and a QB trying to mesh with the new system and players, I see some sluggishness out of the gates. Luckily, the Skins are not a team that needs to throw a lot. If CP, Betts, Sellars and the Oline are healthy, you know they'll have success running the ball.

This is something else to consider when looking at Seattle's lineup - they couldn't run at all.

 

[fatness]

Clinton Portis is apparently a guest analyst on the NFL Network on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Link

Rookie head coach Jim Zorn is “clearly in charge ” of the Washington Redskins, according star running back Clinton Portis who is the guest analyst on the NFL Network Monday and Tuesday.

Portis said he and a number of Skins players spoke up in favor of Gregg Williams as Joe Gibbs replacement early this year.

Portis is appreciative of what Williams did while with the team. Williams is ”a great guy” says Portis, but Zorn brings a new approach and a new attitude that will benefit the team.

In Zorn’s playbook, the offense will get a better look at what defense they are up against. In Al Saunders’ system, there were so many pre-snap shifts and movement that the players didn’t get so good a look.

He also predicted the Redskins will be one of the top 5 teams in the league this year. I'm not so sure about that, but hey, this is the time for optimism.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

That's probably only true to the extent that Zorn will copy what Holmgren did. IIRC, from everything I've read about Zorn's stint in Seattle, he had basically zero influence on the game day play calling.Also, O'Halloran mentions at the end of that post to "Expect this to change with Zorn because of the presence of Chris Cooley and the expectation to get rookie Fred Davis on the field. Since Cooley is an every snap player, whenever Davis is on the field, he'll have to be moved around." The point being, Zorn has some different tools to work with in Washington and he seems smart enough to be able to play call in a way that optimizes the talent he can get on the field.

That being said, I think one thing we can count on, from that particular play breakdown and from a general knowledge of what the WCO looks like, is that we'll see 3+ WR sets often. In that game, Seattle only went with 2 WRs (or less) in 1 out of every 4-5 plays. I imagine most of those were short yardage/obvious running downs, too. Kelly and Thomas should see a good amount of PT.

Rather than a literal application of the Seattle play-calling and packages, the point here is that this offense will use a lot of different sets, which is precisely what we thought given who was drafted. Zorn will alter the personnel on the field to reflect game situation (down & distance; score; time remaining; etc.). For the first time in a long time it would appear that there are 6 viable receiving targets in this offense (4 WR's, 2 TE's) other than the RB's. Moreover, the particular attributes that each of them brings seem complimentary to each other as a group. That lends itself to a high level of versatility, which I'm looking forward to seeing put into action.

That's certainly a rosy picture, and I am right there with you in hoping that it works out well. I worry about the passing game getting into a rhythm. Six viable targets is a stretch considering of those 6, two are coming off back to back subpar seasons and three others are rookies who have proved zilch. In the end, I do think that having so many weapons will help free up Moss and ARE since Thomas and/or Kelly are bound to give more than Lloyd did. And Cooley should find more room on those 2 TE sets. With so many guys in the passing game learning the new offense and 3 rookies learning the ropes of the NFL game and a QB trying to mesh with the new system and players, I see some sluggishness out of the gates. Luckily, the Skins are not a team that needs to throw a lot. If CP, Betts, Sellars and the Oline are healthy, you know they'll have success running the ball.

This is something else to consider when looking at Seattle's lineup - they couldn't run at all.

After Steve Hutchinson left the Seahawks they couldn't run the ball anymore, would be better put.

 

[Sebowski]

Clinton Portis is apparently a guest analyst on the NFL Network on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Link

Rookie head coach Jim Zorn is “clearly in charge ” of the Washington Redskins, according star running back Clinton Portis who is the guest analyst on the NFL Network Monday and Tuesday.

Portis said he and a number of Skins players spoke up in favor of Gregg Williams as Joe Gibbs replacement early this year.

Portis is appreciative of what Williams did while with the team. Williams is ”a great guy” says Portis, but Zorn brings a new approach and a new attitude that will benefit the team.

In Zorn’s playbook, the offense will get a better look at what defense they are up against. In Al Saunders’ system, there were so many pre-snap shifts and movement that the players didn’t get so good a look.

He also predicted the Redskins will be one of the top 5 teams in the league this year. I'm not so sure about that, but hey, this is the time for optimism.

Just last Monday on Tuesday I believe. He was his normal self (which is far from "normal" lol).One interesting thing he said after a piece on Gore and San Fran is that he always thought Gore was the best of all the Miami RBs that he played with (Edge, himslef, McGahee).

 

[thayman]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

That's probably only true to the extent that Zorn will copy what Holmgren did. IIRC, from everything I've read about Zorn's stint in Seattle, he had basically zero influence on the game day play calling.Also, O'Halloran mentions at the end of that post to "Expect this to change with Zorn because of the presence of Chris Cooley and the expectation to get rookie Fred Davis on the field. Since Cooley is an every snap player, whenever Davis is on the field, he'll have to be moved around." The point being, Zorn has some different tools to work with in Washington and he seems smart enough to be able to play call in a way that optimizes the talent he can get on the field.

That being said, I think one thing we can count on, from that particular play breakdown and from a general knowledge of what the WCO looks like, is that we'll see 3+ WR sets often. In that game, Seattle only went with 2 WRs (or less) in 1 out of every 4-5 plays. I imagine most of those were short yardage/obvious running downs, too. Kelly and Thomas should see a good amount of PT.

Rather than a literal application of the Seattle play-calling and packages, the point here is that this offense will use a lot of different sets, which is precisely what we thought given who was drafted. Zorn will alter the personnel on the field to reflect game situation (down & distance; score; time remaining; etc.). For the first time in a long time it would appear that there are 6 viable receiving targets in this offense (4 WR's, 2 TE's) other than the RB's. Moreover, the particular attributes that each of them brings seem complimentary to each other as a group. That lends itself to a high level of versatility, which I'm looking forward to seeing put into action.

That's certainly a rosy picture, and I am right there with you in hoping that it works out well. I worry about the passing game getting into a rhythm. Six viable targets is a stretch considering of those 6, two are coming off back to back subpar seasons and three others are rookies who have proved zilch. In the end, I do think that having so many weapons will help free up Moss and ARE since Thomas and/or Kelly are bound to give more than Lloyd did. And Cooley should find more room on those 2 TE sets. With so many guys in the passing game learning the new offense and 3 rookies learning the ropes of the NFL game and a QB trying to mesh with the new system and players, I see some sluggishness out of the gates. Luckily, the Skins are not a team that needs to throw a lot. If CP, Betts, Sellars and the Oline are healthy, you know they'll have success running the ball.

This is something else to consider when looking at Seattle's lineup - they couldn't run at all.

After Steve Hutchinson left the Seahawks they couldn't run the ball anymore, would be better put.

Add in the fact that Alexander got his big deal and couldn't/didn't want to run worth a poop anymore.

 

[T Bell]

Thought this article provided some pretty good insight on what we may see from our offense this season.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/red...at-seattle-ran/

That's probably only true to the extent that Zorn will copy what Holmgren did. IIRC, from everything I've read about Zorn's stint in Seattle, he had basically zero influence on the game day play calling.Also, O'Halloran mentions at the end of that post to "Expect this to change with Zorn because of the presence of Chris Cooley and the expectation to get rookie Fred Davis on the field. Since Cooley is an every snap player, whenever Davis is on the field, he'll have to be moved around." The point being, Zorn has some different tools to work with in Washington and he seems smart enough to be able to play call in a way that optimizes the talent he can get on the field.

That being said, I think one thing we can count on, from that particular play breakdown and from a general knowledge of what the WCO looks like, is that we'll see 3+ WR sets often. In that game, Seattle only went with 2 WRs (or less) in 1 out of every 4-5 plays. I imagine most of those were short yardage/obvious running downs, too. Kelly and Thomas should see a good amount of PT.

Rather than a literal application of the Seattle play-calling and packages, the point here is that this offense will use a lot of different sets, which is precisely what we thought given who was drafted. Zorn will alter the personnel on the field to reflect game situation (down & distance; score; time remaining; etc.). For the first time in a long time it would appear that there are 6 viable receiving targets in this offense (4 WR's, 2 TE's) other than the RB's. Moreover, the particular attributes that each of them brings seem complimentary to each other as a group. That lends itself to a high level of versatility, which I'm looking forward to seeing put into action.

That's certainly a rosy picture, and I am right there with you in hoping that it works out well. I worry about the passing game getting into a rhythm. Six viable targets is a stretch considering of those 6, two are coming off back to back subpar seasons and three others are rookies who have proved zilch. In the end, I do think that having so many weapons will help free up Moss and ARE since Thomas and/or Kelly are bound to give more than Lloyd did. And Cooley should find more room on those 2 TE sets. With so many guys in the passing game learning the new offense and 3 rookies learning the ropes of the NFL game and a QB trying to mesh with the new system and players, I see some sluggishness out of the gates. Luckily, the Skins are not a team that needs to throw a lot. If CP, Betts, Sellars and the Oline are healthy, you know they'll have success running the ball.

This is something else to consider when looking at Seattle's lineup - they couldn't run at all.

After Steve Hutchinson left the Seahawks they couldn't run the ball anymore, would be better put.

Add in the fact that Alexander got his big deal and couldn't/didn't want to run worth a poop anymore.

I agree with both of you, but the exact reason is irrelevant. Seattle couldn't run, and that absolutely affected their play-calling and therefore the particular formations that they chose to run on certain plays. I would expect to see fewer radical passing formations (e.g. 4-wide; 5-wide) than they ran, and more multiple TE sets which are more versatile for a team that now theoretically has two pass catching threats but that can also run the ball well.

 

[bigalgreek]

I think Zorn's offense will work well with the personnel that they have in DC. I'm looking for Moss and Randal El to have big year.

 

[DCThunder]

NEW OFFICIAL 2008 Season thread has been started. Take the talk over there.

 

[T Bell]

NEW OFFICIAL 2008 Season thread has been started. Take the talk over there.

You're not the boss of me!!!!1