****OFFICIAL 2008 Washington Redskins Thread**** (1 Viewer)

[Sidewinder16]

I'm not sure what I think.

I'm disappointed at the lost, but I was somewhat pleased by how the game progressed.The D, most notably, adjusted and stepped up. For about 1 1/2 quarters it looked like the Giants would be able to move the ball at will, but the D adjusted and played pretty stout after that.The O obviously struggled, basically the entire game. But as the game went on, I felt you could see a few things start to click. Unfortunately they couldn't really get anything to click on consecutive plays, but I think there was some progress.I don't know why Campbell isn't trusting his arm and his receivers more, but he just needs to throw the dang ball. There were a couple plays early (as well as in those last preseason debacles) where you could tell on the replay he could have zinged a ball to a receiver even though there were a couple of defenders nearby. He just has to be willing to pull the trigger.

 

[buster c]

7-16 - I'm actually surprised they kept it this close

keep plugging away Zorny, I have faith in you

 

[T Bell]

I'm not sure what I think.

I'm disappointed at the lost, but I was somewhat pleased by how the game progressed.The D, most notably, adjusted and stepped up. For about 1 1/2 quarters it looked like the Giants would be able to move the ball at will, but the D adjusted and played pretty stout after that.The O obviously struggled, basically the entire game. But as the game went on, I felt you could see a few things start to click. Unfortunately they couldn't really get anything to click on consecutive plays, but I think there was some progress.I don't know why Campbell isn't trusting his arm and his receivers more, but he just needs to throw the dang ball. There were a couple plays early (as well as in those last preseason debacles) where you could tell on the replay he could have zinged a ball to a receiver even though there were a couple of defenders nearby. He just has to be willing to pull the trigger.

While everyone's focusing on the Eli-Plax connection, the bizarre truth is that Eli threw more questionable passes than Campbell did. Campbell looked tentative, which is not how he's looked in the past overall. I don't think that the conclusion to draw here is that "he sucks", but rather that "he's adjusting". This looked like a team playing in the preseason still. I think they're going to get better, and Zorn should improve at his play-calling and adjustments. I'm not as upset as one would think I should be I guess, though that performance was anything but glorious to watch. We'll see how it plays out.

 

[Bizkiteer]

We're in trouble boyz! I said during pre-season, our defense is VANILLA. Add a bad outting by our offense and it a recipe for disaster.

Well, that is what happened tonight. They were 4 for 4 on their first 4 drives in scoring. That is just not going to cut it! They only thing that stopped the Giants was the Giants. THey did what they wanted, when they wanted.

Anytime a Pro-Bowl TE get his first catch of a game w/ approximately 3 minutes left in the game...SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG!!! Either the QB or the play calling or a mix of the two.

Disappointed doesn't sum it up enough for me, but it is one game. Here's hoping they had opening night jitters, problem is...I think we all know better.

 

[avoiding injuries]

As a Skins fan I couldn't even enjoy the start of the NFL season becasue of how BAD they looked in the first Qtr. Only one first down by our special teams because of a penalty. Couldn't stop Eli, Plaxico or Jacobs. Thank goodness they had to put ward in on that 3rd and short. Otherwise, we're looking at 14-0 instead of 10-0.

The final drive was painful to watch. It reminded me of all the Ravens offense's I've been forced to watch here in Baltimore the past decade. We needed to move the ball downfield and were calling plays that are designed for a few yards with the hope to break one.

Not impressed at all.

 

[dallas428]

LOL...tatum...let it go...jason wont be around 2010...tote him if ya want...he isnt top 15 nor will he be....oh yea...skin fans...............

OHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE....OHHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE....horrible display...no more opening games for at least 10 years....horrible...simply horrible...good grief...

 

[dallas428]

I'm not sure what I think.

I'm disappointed at the lost, but I was somewhat pleased by how the game progressed.The D, most notably, adjusted and stepped up. For about 1 1/2 quarters it looked like the Giants would be able to move the ball at will, but the D adjusted and played pretty stout after that.The O obviously struggled, basically the entire game. But as the game went on, I felt you could see a few things start to click. Unfortunately they couldn't really get anything to click on consecutive plays, but I think there was some progress.I don't know why Campbell isn't trusting his arm and his receivers more, but he just needs to throw the dang ball. There were a couple plays early (as well as in those last preseason debacles) where you could tell on the replay he could have zinged a ball to a receiver even though there were a couple of defenders nearby. He just has to be willing to pull the trigger.

While everyone's focusing on the Eli-Plax connection, the bizarre truth is that Eli threw more questionable passes than Campbell did. Campbell looked tentative, which is not how he's looked in the past overall. I don't think that the conclusion to draw here is that "he sucks", but rather that "he's adjusting". This looked like a team playing in the preseason still. I think they're going to get better, and Zorn should improve at his play-calling and adjustments. I'm not as upset as one would think I should be I guess, though that performance was anything but glorious to watch. We'll see how it plays out.

yea, we will see how it plays out...lol...an old rb...portis has miles on him...sure cooley seems like a poor mans jason wittin but he has to stay in and block...horrible front 5...horrible....couple rooks at wr and that moss dude...not the good moss the lil one...who is on defense?...oh yea...jason taylor...lol...good luck with that.....seriousy...they finish 4th out of 4 in the nfc east...can anyone put um higher....ohhh...im soooo f-in ZORNNNNIE!!!!!

 

[scoobygang]

yea, we will see how it plays out...lol...an old rb...portis has miles on him...sure cooley seems like a poor mans jason wittin but he has to stay in and block...horrible front 5...horrible....couple rooks at wr and that moss dude...not the good moss the lil one...who is on defense?...oh yea...jason taylor...lol...good luck with that.....seriousy...they finish 4th out of 4 in the nfc east...can anyone put um higher....ohhh...im soooo f-in ZORNNNNIE!!!!!

Have you suffered a stroke? Should we call we for help?

 

[fatness]

"Hey, let's go play the defending world champions without an offense!"

 

[fatness]

I'm not as upset as one would think I should be I guess, though that performance was anything but glorious to watch. We'll see how it plays out.

I'd say the first half season is going to be rough. The offense clearly looked ineffective tonight, and that's not surprising with a new offensive system. It has to take at least half a season to get it all learned, execute it without thinking, etc.

 

[Sidewinder16]

OHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE....OHHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE

This gets funnier every time I read it.Dallas bandwagoners sure are funny.

 

[fatness]

Worst performance last night: Redskin receivers. They were never open.

Second-worst performance: Jim Zorn. Miserable clock management. Bad playcalling when time was ticking down. Calling too many predictable plays (how many draw plays were stuffed?).

 

[DCThunder]

Worst performance last night: Redskin receivers. They were never open.Second-worst performance: Jim Zorn. Miserable clock management. Bad playcalling when time was ticking down. Calling too many predictable plays (how many draw plays were stuffed?).

You know, I never thought I'd see clock management done as poorly as Coach Gibbs did it in his first season back, but Coach Z is coming close. At least he didn't cal back-to-back TOs. Anyway, I missed the two-minute drill TD to end the first half. Did they move down the field crisply or was it a big play that set up the TD by Santana?Finally, Durant Brooks kicked much better I thought once old Frostie was gone. He should have gotten a game ball for last night's performance. As for the D, the loss of Shawn Springs hurt big-time and the G-men do have one of the best O-lines in the game. And they need to stop getting scheduled to play Big Blue on emotional games. First the one after Wellington Mara died, and now the one where they get their rings. Enoughs enough, NFL.Oh, well, at least they've got 10 days to work on things before the home opener.

 

[Bankerguy]

It was a bit ugly no doubt.

One positive....I was impressed with the Defensive adjustments made in the 2nd Quarter. It was looking like a blowout in the making. Obviously you guys are a little concerned over the questionable clock management and Zorn looking a little lost at times, rightly so. This does look to be a middle of the pack team in transition mode. Just my $0.02.

 

[dgreen]

It was a bit ugly no doubt. One positive....I was impressed with the Defensive adjustments made in the 2nd Quarter. It was looking like a blowout in the making. Obviously you guys are a little concerned over the questionable clock management and Zorn looking a little lost at times, rightly so. This does look to be a middle of the pack team in transition mode. Just my $0.02.

You are one of the few Cowgirls allowed in this thread.

 

[dgreen]

I'm not as upset as one would think I should be I guess, though that performance was anything but glorious to watch.

That's kind of why I said I'm not sure what I think. Usually I'm pissed after a loss. For some reason, I wasn't last night. I certainly wasn't happy, but I wasn't my usual pouty self after a loss. I didn't even and snap back at my wife when she asked annoying questions about the game.

 

[dgreen]

Anyway, I missed the two-minute drill TD to end the first half. Did they move down the field crisply or was it a big play that set up the TD by Santana?

Rock, one of the few bright spots, returned the KO to about midfield, Portis had a nice run, and Campbell finally completed his first pass on a decent gain to ARE.A couple highlights from Zorn's PGPC:1) He said part of Cooley's lack of production was from false starts. They had some plays called for Cooley and they just happened to be plays where someone moved early. I can remember one where it looked like they were going to set up a screen to him.2) Zorn said the first play was supposed to go to Moss. At first Campbell couldn't see Moss so he was trying to move to a spot where he could see him. Zorn said he told Campbell he can't do that; he just has to go somewhere else with the ball. On the replays, you can see Yoder just sitting in the middle for what would have been a nice little 5-yard gain if Campbell had just looked somewhere else.

 

[dapunisher]

It was a bit ugly no doubt. One positive....I was impressed with the Defensive adjustments made in the 2nd Quarter. It was looking like a blowout in the making. Obviously you guys are a little concerned over the questionable clock management and Zorn looking a little lost at times, rightly so. This does look to be a middle of the pack team in transition mode. Just my $0.02.

I agree. And I also agree with an earlier point about how little attention seemed to be given to the poor decisions that Eli made. If the Washington defensive backs could catch, there should have been three or maybe even four picks in the game. If Rogers or Smoot make just one or two of those picks, the Skins, despite being blown off the field in the first 27 minutes, would have had a decent chance in the game.Campbell looked tentative, but I give the guy a little slack because this is perhaps his 7th different offensive system, dating back to college, that he has had to learn in the past eight years. I also have to think that the Giants' defense contributed to that. They're no slouches on that side of the ball - just ask the Patriots.

 

[dgreen]

Campbell looked tentative, but I give the guy a little slack because this is perhaps his 7th different offensive system, dating back to college, that he has had to learn in the past eight years. I also have to think that the Giants' defense contributed to that. They're no slouches on that side of the ball - just ask the Patriots.

I don't know. When it was all said and done, I don't think Campbell was under that much pressure and there were certainly plays where he could have found an open man. He didn't use his check downs very well (as a Portis owner, I know this ).

 

[Marvelous]

I am very concerned about the offensive line.

On many running plays, the Giants were all over Portis in the backfield. On pass plays, there was some initial protection, but Campbell never had all day to throw.

Campbell needs to get rid of the ball quicker.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Worst performance last night: Redskin receivers. They were never open.

That was exactly my impression as well. In addition, Burress was tightly covered a number of times where the ball wasn't perfectly thrown but he made the catch. The Redskins WR's couldn't.They need a big WR with hands. Somebody like, maybe, Kelly.

 

[Bankerguy]

It was a bit ugly no doubt. One positive....I was impressed with the Defensive adjustments made in the 2nd Quarter. It was looking like a blowout in the making. Obviously you guys are a little concerned over the questionable clock management and Zorn looking a little lost at times, rightly so. This does look to be a middle of the pack team in transition mode. Just my $0.02.

You are one of the few Cowgirls allowed in this thread.

Thanks (I think....lol). I try to keep it "real" and like to talk to fans of other NFC teams without the whole troll thing. While I don%t see great things in store for the Skins this year. There are plenty of teams who would switch rosters and situations with you. This sure looks like a 8-8 type team that will have great weeks and then leave you guys scratching your heads the very next week. I thought Campbell was impressive during pre-season and seemed to have a handle on the offense. That was not apparent last night. He just seemed gun shy or wasn%t seeing things he was used to seeing. My biggest concern would be Zorn. When it appears that your players are coaching you during a game, that does not install confidence and "buy in" to the system. With this being a mostly veteraan group, Zorn runs the risk of losing the players confidence. Zorn has to display and evoke command of this team even if he has to fake it.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Worst performance last night: Redskin receivers. They were never open.Second-worst performance: Jim Zorn. Miserable clock management. Bad playcalling when time was ticking down. Calling too many predictable plays (how many draw plays were stuffed?).

You know, I never thought I'd see clock management done as poorly as Coach Gibbs did it in his first season back, but Coach Z is coming close. At least he didn't cal back-to-back TOs.

Rightly or wrongly, I don't think Zorn was playing to win the game on those last two drives. I got the strong feeling that he was just trying to get the offense to string together some positive plays. Like he wanted to come away from this game with something to build on next week.This team, offensively, is still trying to come together and gel within the system (by all accounts the WCO isn't something players can pick up overnight, if they've never been exposed). Added to that is the fact that you have an offensive coaching staff that is making it's first attempts at being responsible for a game plan and in-game playcalling. The struggles we saw last night should have been expected.

 

[Sidewinder16]

My biggest concern would be Zorn. When it appears that your players are coaching you during a game, that does not install confidence and "buy in" to the system. With this being a mostly veteraan group, Zorn runs the risk of losing the players confidence. Zorn has to display and evoke command of this team even if he has to fake it.

Are you referring to the shot NBC had of Portis and Zorn on the sideline? If so, I didn't take that shot like Madden and Michaels seemed to represent it. I simply saw a RB talking to his coach about what he's seeing on the field. I'm not sure why it would be worrisome to have your head coach and your star runningback trying to communicate effectively during a game.

 

[dgreen]

Worst performance last night: Redskin receivers. They were never open.Second-worst performance: Jim Zorn. Miserable clock management. Bad playcalling when time was ticking down. Calling too many predictable plays (how many draw plays were stuffed?).

You know, I never thought I'd see clock management done as poorly as Coach Gibbs did it in his first season back, but Coach Z is coming close. At least he didn't cal back-to-back TOs.

Rightly or wrongly, I don't think Zorn was playing to win the game on those last two drives. I got the strong feeling that he was just trying to get the offense to string together some positive plays. Like he wanted to come away from this game with something to build on next week.This team, offensively, is still trying to come together and gel within the system (by all accounts the WCO isn't something players can pick up overnight, if they've never been exposed). Added to that is the fact that you have an offensive coaching staff that is making it's first attempts at being responsible for a game plan and in-game playcalling. The struggles we saw last night should have been expected.

Something else he mentioned in his PGPC was that he just didn't want to give the ball back to the Giants quickly on that next-to-last drive. He called some running plays because that's pretty much all that was working. That enabled them to pick up first downs and not have yet another 3-and-out. But, once they reached about midfield, they should have picked up the pace.

 

[Bankerguy]

My biggest concern would be Zorn. When it appears that your players are coaching you during a game, that does not install confidence and "buy in" to the system. With this being a mostly veteraan group, Zorn runs the risk of losing the players confidence. Zorn has to display and evoke command of this team even if he has to fake it.

Are you referring to the shot NBC had of Portis and Zorn on the sideline? If so, I didn't take that shot like Madden and Michaels seemed to represent it. I simply saw a RB talking to his coach about what he's seeing on the field. I'm not sure why it would be worrisome to have your head coach and your star runningback trying to communicate effectively during a game.

Call it what you like. I just didn't come away with the feeling Zorn was on top of things. Did you?

 

[Sidewinder16]

My biggest concern would be Zorn. When it appears that your players are coaching you during a game, that does not install confidence and "buy in" to the system. With this being a mostly veteraan group, Zorn runs the risk of losing the players confidence. Zorn has to display and evoke command of this team even if he has to fake it.

Are you referring to the shot NBC had of Portis and Zorn on the sideline? If so, I didn't take that shot like Madden and Michaels seemed to represent it. I simply saw a RB talking to his coach about what he's seeing on the field. I'm not sure why it would be worrisome to have your head coach and your star runningback trying to communicate effectively during a game.

Call it what you like. I just didn't come away with the feeling Zorn was on top of things. Did you?

I came away feeling like he just coached his first real NFL game. Ever. Not sure what everyone was really expecting. The team is still trying to learn the system. He's still learning how to be a head coach. I'm pretty sure they are still using a pared down playbook. There are going to be growing pains early.For some crazy reason, everyone is having this knee jerk reaction that this game has to define the entirety of the 'Skins '08 season (as evidence by all the "Fire Zorn", "Bench Campbell", "Dump Portis/Cooley" posts in the dozen or so threads that have sprung up since last night) . I think that's a pretty absurd assumption given the situation.

 

[Bankerguy]

My biggest concern would be Zorn. When it appears that your players are coaching you during a game, that does not install confidence and "buy in" to the system. With this being a mostly veteraan group, Zorn runs the risk of losing the players confidence. Zorn has to display and evoke command of this team even if he has to fake it.

Are you referring to the shot NBC had of Portis and Zorn on the sideline? If so, I didn't take that shot like Madden and Michaels seemed to represent it. I simply saw a RB talking to his coach about what he's seeing on the field. I'm not sure why it would be worrisome to have your head coach and your star runningback trying to communicate effectively during a game.

Call it what you like. I just didn't come away with the feeling Zorn was on top of things. Did you?

I came away feeling like he just coached his first real NFL game. Ever. Not sure what everyone was really expecting. The team is still trying to learn the system. He's still learning how to be a head coach. I'm pretty sure they are still using a pared down playbook. There are going to be growing pains early.For some crazy reason, everyone is having this knee jerk reaction that this game has to define the entirety of the 'Skins '08 season (as evidence by all the "Fire Zorn", "Bench Campbell", "Dump Portis/Cooley" posts in the dozen or so threads that have sprung up since last night) . I think that's a pretty absurd assumption given the situation.

Well I agree with that. My only point or observation is that with a Veteran team, Zorn needs to be better across the board or he could lose this group quickly.

 

[dgreen]

I'm pretty sure they are still using a pared down playbook.

Speaking of this, Madden made a comment last night implying that they haven't installed a hurry-up (or 2-minute) offense yet - or at least that they haven't worked on it much in practice. I find that hard to believe. It's something you use in almost every game. Could it be that they haven't worked on it much or was Madden just saying that since they showed a reluctance to go to their hurry-up offense?

 

[Bankerguy]

One other observation. I didn't think Moss was down on the 3rd down juggling catch. He was hit to the ground prior to securing the ball. Anyone else?

 

[Sidewinder16]

Well I agree with that. My only point or observation is that with a Veteran team, Zorn needs to be better across the board or he could lose this group quickly.

Maybe. I'd hope a veteran team would be veteran enough to understand that they're all still learning to work together in a new system, though.My only point is that all the future doom and gloom everyone is assuming based on last night's game is typical week 1 overreacting. It's predictable and, again, absurd. You can't judge the future of a head coach, or an entire team, on the results of their first game together. Even Bill Walsh was 2-14 in his first attempt/season at being a head coach.

 

[Sidewinder16]

One other observation. I didn't think Moss was down on the 3rd down juggling catch. He was hit to the ground prior to securing the ball. Anyone else?

Agreed, although it was close. I couldn't quite tell when contact ended.

 

[dgreen]

One other observation. I didn't think Moss was down on the 3rd down juggling catch. He was hit to the ground prior to securing the ball. Anyone else?

Agreed, although it was close. I couldn't quite tell when contact ended.

I thought it was pretty clear that there was no contact after he finally had possession. The ref who blew the play dead was behind Moss and couldn't see the ball. I don't know why refs don't let the play go then discuss with other refs before blowing it dead. If there's doubt in the ref's mind, they should let the play go before making a call.

 

[Dexter Manley]

One other observation. I didn't think Moss was down on the 3rd down juggling catch. He was hit to the ground prior to securing the ball. Anyone else?

He clearly wasn't down. It wasn't even close, imo. By the time he actually gained control of the ball there wasn't a defender within a foot of him. We got completely hosed on that call.Madden and Michaels are terrible. They didn't even comment on the play.

 

[=Smackdown=]

With every loss the Dolphins 2nd rd pick they got for JT gets better and better.

 

[dgreen]

With every loss the Dolphins 2nd rd pick they got for JT gets better and better.

Speaking of Jason Taylor, I thought he was supposed to play last night. Was he added to the inactive list late?

 

[Dexter Manley]

LOL...tatum...let it go...jason wont be around 2010...tote him if ya want...he isnt top 15 nor will he be....oh yea...skin fans...............OHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE....OHHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE....horrible display...no more opening games for at least 10 years....horrible...simply horrible...good grief...

This is rich, coming from a cowboys fan. If giants or eagles fans want to come in here and talk smack that's fine, because they, like the Redskins, actually win playoff games. Dallas hasn't won a postseason game in 12 years. They've been less relevant the last 12 years than teams like the Raiders and Cardinals, who've actually won at least one playoff game during this span.If Dallas actually wins a playoff game then you guys can get out of the kiddie pool, and join us adults in the big one.

 

[Bankerguy]

LOL...tatum...let it go...jason wont be around 2010...tote him if ya want...he isnt top 15 nor will he be....oh yea...skin fans...............OHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE....OHHH!!!! ME SO ZORNIE....horrible display...no more opening games for at least 10 years....horrible...simply horrible...good grief...

This is rich, coming from a cowboys fan. If giants or eagles fans want to come in here and talk smack that%s fine, because they, like the Redskins, actually win playoff games. Dallas hasn%t won a postseason game in 12 years. They%ve been less relevant the last 12 years than teams like the Raiders and Cardinals, who%ve actually won at least one playoff game during this span.If Dallas actually wins a playoff game then you guys can get out of the kiddie pool, and join us adults in the big one.

Each team has their share of dumb fans. Hell, he couldn%t even spell Witten%s name right.Edit...Not sure why when I type an apostrophy " % " I get a %. Weird.

 

[Bizkiteer]

One other observation. I didn't think Moss was down on the 3rd down juggling catch. He was hit to the ground prior to securing the ball. Anyone else?

He clearly wasn't down. It wasn't even close, imo. By the time he actually gained control of the ball there wasn't a defender within a foot of him. We got completely hosed on that call.Madden and Michaels are terrible. They didn't even comment on the play.

Dex & Banker...I agree he wasn't down. Zorn could not have reviewed it as the whisle was blown, which ended the play. I was surprised that it wasn't even mentioned by madden & michaels. Of course, it might have had to do with them rushing the game along for the RNC.

 

[dgreen]

Each team has their share of dumb fans.

Yeah, but some more than others.

 

[Bankerguy]

Each team has their share of dumb fans.

Yeah, but some more than others.

Haha. I can appreciate the sentiment.

 

[Bizkiteer]

My biggest concern would be Zorn. When it appears that your players are coaching you during a game, that does not install confidence and "buy in" to the system. With this being a mostly veteraan group, Zorn runs the risk of losing the players confidence. Zorn has to display and evoke command of this team even if he has to fake it.

Are you referring to the shot NBC had of Portis and Zorn on the sideline? If so, I didn't take that shot like Madden and Michaels seemed to represent it. I simply saw a RB talking to his coach about what he's seeing on the field. I'm not sure why it would be worrisome to have your head coach and your star runningback trying to communicate effectively during a game.

Call it what you like. I just didn't come away with the feeling Zorn was on top of things. Did you?

I came away feeling like he just coached his first real NFL game. Ever. Not sure what everyone was really expecting. The team is still trying to learn the system. He's still learning how to be a head coach. I'm pretty sure they are still using a pared down playbook. There are going to be growing pains early.For some crazy reason, everyone is having this knee jerk reaction that this game has to define the entirety of the 'Skins '08 season (as evidence by all the "Fire Zorn", "Bench Campbell", "Dump Portis/Cooley" posts in the dozen or so threads that have sprung up since last night) . I think that's a pretty absurd assumption given the situation.

Well I agree with that. My only point or observation is that with a Veteran team, Zorn needs to be better across the board or he could lose this group quickly.

Everyone knows that CP has had a special relationship in the organization since he got to WAS. He's opinionated and more so...passionate about winning. I took it clearly as him pointing out what he was seeing to the coach. Good communication! I thought madden & michaels comment was ridiculous and laughable at that.As for losing the team, I think it might be silly to talk about after one regular season game. Though, if Zorn does not improve in his management...I could see it happening and it is or would a valid concern. I'd poitn out that all signs are that Coach Zorn is a "player's coach." If true, then I think he has no problem de-fusing any situation with the players, if they occurred. All the players have commented since he took over that he really takes the extra time to coach and talk to his players.

 

[Bizkiteer]

With every loss the Dolphins 2nd rd pick they got for JT gets better and better.

Speaking of Jason Taylor, I thought he was supposed to play last night. Was he added to the inactive list late?

Hmm...I think you forgot the sarcasm icon. He wasn't supposed to play, but he did. He's still hurting and you could tell that he wasn't completely comfortable on his knee. A good example was on Eli's TD.

 

[Sidewinder16]

With every loss the Dolphins 2nd rd pick they got for JT gets better and better.

Speaking of Jason Taylor, I thought he was supposed to play last night. Was he added to the inactive list late?

Hmm...I think you forgot the sarcasm icon. He wasn't supposed to play, but he did. He's still hurting and you could tell that he wasn't completely comfortable on his knee. A good example was on Eli's TD.

Yeah, for as much as he was on the field he was essentially a non-factor. I don't even recall him getting double-teamed.On another note, did anyone else notice a lot more H.B. Blades than normal? And was it my imagination or was McIntosh in on a lot of the nickel packages?

 

[Dexter Manley]

One other observation. I didn't think Moss was down on the 3rd down juggling catch. He was hit to the ground prior to securing the ball. Anyone else?

He clearly wasn't down. It wasn't even close, imo. By the time he actually gained control of the ball there wasn't a defender within a foot of him. We got completely hosed on that call.Madden and Michaels are terrible. They didn't even comment on the play.

Dex & Banker...I agree he wasn't down. Zorn could not have reviewed it as the whisle was blown, which ended the play. I was surprised that it wasn't even mentioned by madden & michaels. Of course, it might have had to do with them rushing the game along for the RNC.

I fully understand that the play couldn't have been reviewed due to the early whistle. I was simply dumbfounded that Madden and Michaels weren't coherent enough to recognize what happened.You make an interesting point about them rushing the game for the RNC. This game had a NBA feel to it, as far as the refs were concerned. It was obvious that they were rushing the game along. It all started on the first drive when Marcus Washington got hit in the face by whathisname from the giants, right in front of the refs. Normally that's an automatic personal foul, but instead the ref just gave the players a stern talking to, because a penalty would of eaten up more time. Had this game been played under normal circumstances, the ref probably doesn't blow the whistle early on the disputed Moss play.

 

[Bankerguy]

My biggest concern would be Zorn. When it appears that your players are coaching you during a game, that does not install confidence and "buy in" to the system. With this being a mostly veteraan group, Zorn runs the risk of losing the players confidence. Zorn has to display and evoke command of this team even if he has to fake it.

Are you referring to the shot NBC had of Portis and Zorn on the sideline? If so, I didn't take that shot like Madden and Michaels seemed to represent it. I simply saw a RB talking to his coach about what he's seeing on the field. I'm not sure why it would be worrisome to have your head coach and your star runningback trying to communicate effectively during a game.

Call it what you like. I just didn't come away with the feeling Zorn was on top of things. Did you?

I came away feeling like he just coached his first real NFL game. Ever. Not sure what everyone was really expecting. The team is still trying to learn the system. He's still learning how to be a head coach. I'm pretty sure they are still using a pared down playbook. There are going to be growing pains early.For some crazy reason, everyone is having this knee jerk reaction that this game has to define the entirety of the 'Skins '08 season (as evidence by all the "Fire Zorn", "Bench Campbell", "Dump Portis/Cooley" posts in the dozen or so threads that have sprung up since last night) . I think that's a pretty absurd assumption given the situation.

Well I agree with that. My only point or observation is that with a Veteran team, Zorn needs to be better across the board or he could lose this group quickly.

Everyone knows that CP has had a special relationship in the organization since he got to WAS. He's opinionated and more so...passionate about winning. I took it clearly as him pointing out what he was seeing to the coach. Good communication! I thought madden & michaels comment was ridiculous and laughable at that.As for losing the team, I think it might be silly to talk about after one regular season game. Though, if Zorn does not improve in his management...I could see it happening and it is or would a valid concern. I'd poitn out that all signs are that Coach Zorn is a "player's coach." If true, then I think he has no problem de-fusing any situation with the players, if they occurred. All the players have commented since he took over that he really takes the extra time to coach and talk to his players.

I would agree with that. No one knows what was being said and Zorn is certainly known so far as a players guy. I am certainly not stating fact about losing his players, just that it is a possibilty if he does not progress as a coach as well. As I said in the Zorn thread.....I really hope in his post game speech he took most of the responsibility of this loss. The team did not look prepared, struggled with clock management and executing a hurry up offense and the play calling was questionable at best. Most of this falls on Zorn. Him saying that to his players will go a long way in helping the "team" continue with this new transition and process.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Did I miss a hire by the Redskins this off season? Is Art Shell their OC this season? That was one putrid performance.

News flash: RBs are eligible to catch a pass.

For consideration: You may want to consider installing a no huddle offense.

FYI: Each team gets 3 time outs PER HALF.

Coaching points: It is a really good strategy to have the receivers run PAST the first down marker when catching a pass on third down. If the receiver is running a hot route because of a blitz then make the according pass protection adjustment so the receiver has time to get BEYOND the marker.

Clock management: look into it.

That was down right unwatchable!

 

[dgreen]

With every loss the Dolphins 2nd rd pick they got for JT gets better and better.

Speaking of Jason Taylor, I thought he was supposed to play last night. Was he added to the inactive list late?

Hmm...I think you forgot the sarcasm icon. He wasn't supposed to play, but he did. He's still hurting and you could tell that he wasn't completely comfortable on his knee. A good example was on Eli's TD.

Yeah, for as much as he was on the field he was essentially a non-factor. I don't even recall him getting double-teamed.On another note, did anyone else notice a lot more H.B. Blades than normal? And was it my imagination or was McIntosh in on a lot of the nickel packages?

I definitely noticed Blades quite a bit. It seemed like he was playing more as the game progressed. Maybe Washington's previous injury was nagging him? As for McIntosh, I too noticed him in nickel. Overall, I thought he looked ok. But, he was atrocious on that Manning TD run.

 

[Sidewinder16]

As for McIntosh, I too noticed him in nickel. Overall, I thought he looked ok. But, he was atrocious on that Manning TD run.

Yeah, he's gonna have a hard time living down the time he was juked out of his jock by Eeyore.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Did I miss a hire by the Redskins this off season? Is Art Shell their OC this season? That was one putrid performance. News flash: RBs are eligible to catch a pass.For consideration: You may want to consider installing a no huddle offense.FYI: Each team gets 3 time outs PER HALF.Coaching points: It is a really good strategy to have the receivers run PAST the first down marker when catching a pass on third down. If the receiver is running a hot route because of a blitz then make the according pass protection adjustment so the receiver has time to get BEYOND the marker.Clock management: look into it.That was down right unwatchable!

I wish you were wrong, but... All joking aside, if you added that you can throw the ball more than once to your Pro-Bowl TE, you'd have it all about covered. Then again, the DB's couldn't cover much or catch a ball either.