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

[T Bell]

5 WR: 1 of 64 snaps

I don't think that one is right. I think they only dressed 4 WRs with Kelly inactive. Portis was lined up out wide a couple times. Maybe he mistakenly thought there was a 5th WR on one play?

I think he's saying the formation was a 5 "WR" formation (empty backfield; 5 "receivers" along the line). Not that there were 5 players that are designated as WRs on the field. He mentions later in that post that Portis lined up as a WR a few times.

I might agree except that he also points out the following:4 WR/1 TE: 5 of 64 snapsThis looks to me like he's identifying personnel, not where players line up, so he probably just got that one wrong.

 

[dgreen]

5 WR: 1 of 64 snaps

I don't think that one is right. I think they only dressed 4 WRs with Kelly inactive. Portis was lined up out wide a couple times. Maybe he mistakenly thought there was a 5th WR on one play?

I think he's saying the formation was a 5 "WR" formation (empty backfield; 5 "receivers" along the line). Not that there were 5 players that are designated as WRs on the field. He mentions later in that post that Portis lined up as a WR a few times.

I might agree except that he also points out the following:4 WR/1 TE: 5 of 64 snapsThis looks to me like he's identifying personnel, not where players line up, so he probably just got that one wrong.

Right. If he only meant 5 guys spread out like WR, then the number of snaps is more than 1.

 

[dgreen]

5 WR: 1 of 64 snaps

I don't think that one is right. I think they only dressed 4 WRs with Kelly inactive. Portis was lined up out wide a couple times. Maybe he mistakenly thought there was a 5th WR on one play?

I think he's saying the formation was a 5 "WR" formation (empty backfield; 5 "receivers" along the line). Not that there were 5 players that are designated as WRs on the field. He mentions later in that post that Portis lined up as a WR a few times.

I might agree except that he also points out the following:4 WR/1 TE: 5 of 64 snapsThis looks to me like he's identifying personnel, not where players line up, so he probably just got that one wrong.

Right. If he only meant 5 guys spread out like WR, then the number of snaps is more than 1.

Actually, I can remember plays (the Cooley screen) where there were 4 players spread out like WR and on (Cooley) lined up in a 3-point stance next to the tackle. So, maybe he is just referring to how they lined up.

 

[Sidewinder16]

5 WR: 1 of 64 snaps

I don't think that one is right. I think they only dressed 4 WRs with Kelly inactive. Portis was lined up out wide a couple times. Maybe he mistakenly thought there was a 5th WR on one play?

I think he's saying the formation was a 5 "WR" formation (empty backfield; 5 "receivers" along the line). Not that there were 5 players that are designated as WRs on the field. He mentions later in that post that Portis lined up as a WR a few times.

I might agree except that he also points out the following:4 WR/1 TE: 5 of 64 snaps

This looks to me like he's identifying personnel, not where players line up, so he probably just got that one wrong.

Right. If he only meant 5 guys spread out like WR, then the number of snaps is more than 1.

Actually, I can remember plays (the Cooley screen) where there were 4 players spread out like WR and on (Cooley) lined up in a 3-point stance next to the tackle. So, maybe he is just referring to how they lined up.

Pretty sure this is what he's doing.

 

[dgreen]

While attending the game last week vs NO, I noticed that they switch personnel almost every play (possibly even every play).

 

[dgreen]

From PFT:

LA CANFORA ACCUSES CERRATO OF SLANDER

Posted by Mike Florio on September 23, 2008, 9:21 a.m. EDT

It’s not yet quite as interesting as Herrera-Kawakami I, but the verbal slugfest between Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post and Redskins Executive Vice President Vinny Cerrato is nevertheless entertaining.

By way of background (for those of you who didn’t check the site last night and prefer to get the story without having to exert the effort of, you know, scrolling down the page), Cerrato said during his Monday radio show that La Canfora had called the league office regarding comments Cerrato made on Friday about Raiders coach (for now) Lane Kiffin.

“Jason La Canfora, he called the NFL to ask them, are they not gonna charge the Washington Redskins with tampering,” Cerrato said on Monday.

At one point on Monday, Cerrato was imprecise (inadvertently or otherwise) in his description of the situation, and he suggested that La Canfora had actually “charged” the Redskins with tampering.

Later on Monday, the Post responded to Cerrato’s accusation via an entry from sports editor Emilio Garcia-Ruiz.

Garcia-Ruiz explained that La Canfora called the league office only to generally ask whether tampering rules could be implicated if Cerrato were to answer questions about persons under contract with other NFL teams, and that the Kiffin situation was mentioned only to “provide context.”

But then Garcia-Ruiz offered a quote from a league spokesman, which painted a somewhat different picture, in our view: “Jason LaCanfora called our office and said that Vinny Cerrato was talking in specifics on his radio show about the Raiders’ coaching position. Jason wanted to know if that could possibly be a tampering issue.”

Despite the tap-dancing from Garcia-Ruiz, the reality is that La Canfora specifically called about the Kiffin comments, and not part of a general inquiry into what Cerrato can and can’t say about persons under contract with other teams. The reasonable inference that can be drawn from this is that La Canfora was hoping to blow the whistle on Cerrato and the Redskins.

And now that we’ve fully summarized the situation via ten minutes of typing in order to save our fine audience from two seconds of scrolling, here’s the latest. In an e-mail sent by La Canfora on Monday afternoon regarding the situation, La Canfora offered this stinging assessment of Cerrato: “He is a making a mockery of fact and reality and trying to play people for fools. . . . Its [a] pathetic attempt to slander me, but not surprising in the least given who it is coming from.”

Ouch.

On one hand, we’d love to see this thing further disintegrate into allegations of pot-smoking and threats of litigation and/or physical violence. On the other hand, it needs to end.

We think that La Canfora had every right to ask the question that he posed to the league office, but he should not be surprised that Cerrato reacted negatively. And Garcia-Ruiz shouldn’t try to apply D.C.-style political spin to the apparent fact that La Canfora was trying to agitate.

That’s what we do. We look for ways to legitimately stir things up. But when an effort to do so requires us to pick eggshells out of our eyebrows, the better approach is to move on.

And if we choose not to move on, we need to at least acknowledge that, yeah, we were thinking that maybe we’d get someone in trouble for doing something they shouldn’t have been doing, and thus fully deserve to get into trouble for. If the media declined to take such chances for fear of periodically being incorrect, then lots of wrongdoing would never be exposed.

In this specific case, however, we’re still a bit troubled by La Canfora’s apparent personal bias against Cerrato. It’s an issue that surely will affect La Canfora’s relationship with Cerrato, and possibly others in the franchise, and it’s something about which the readers of the Post should be aware as they assess La Canfora’s reports and opinions about the team.

 

[dgreen]

And this is supposedly an email an extremeskins poster got back from JLC:

Good luck with that. Sounds like a worthy life's callingI called the league for a request for a policy as is my jobI alleged nothing ; I just wanted infoCerrato is lying and missrepresenting what was a sinple, weekly conversation between me and the leagueYou can never lose a draft pick for this sort of statementOnly a team can charge someone with tampering, not a media memberHe is a making a mockery of fact and reality and trying to play people for foolsI request policies on rule changes, code of conduct, suspensions, statement about officials, etc.This was no different.Its pathetic attempt to slander me, but not surprising in the least given who it is coming from.Thanks for your timeCheers

 

[T Bell]

And this is supposedly an email an extremeskins poster got back from JLC:

Good luck with that. Sounds like a worthy life's callingI called the league for a request for a policy as is my jobI alleged nothing ; I just wanted infoCerrato is lying and missrepresenting what was a sinple, weekly conversation between me and the leagueYou can never lose a draft pick for this sort of statementOnly a team can charge someone with tampering, not a media memberHe is a making a mockery of fact and reality and trying to play people for foolsI request policies on rule changes, code of conduct, suspensions, statement about officials, etc.This was no different.Its pathetic attempt to slander me, but not surprising in the least given who it is coming from.Thanks for your timeCheers

Yup, that's definitely JLC's spell checker.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I'm starting to agree with some of the posters on some of the other message boards and blogs that have been covering this. It's probably time for JLC to leave the Redskins beat. He's become too involved on a (negative) personal level for readers to ever believe he can report objectively. The Post now has Jason Reid and this guy, Barry Svrluga, covering the 'Skins. LaCanfora should probably just move on to something different.

 

[dgreen]

And this is supposedly an email an extremeskins poster got back from JLC:

Good luck with that. Sounds like a worthy life's callingI called the league for a request for a policy as is my jobI alleged nothing ; I just wanted infoCerrato is lying and missrepresenting what was a sinple, weekly conversation between me and the leagueYou can never lose a draft pick for this sort of statementOnly a team can charge someone with tampering, not a media memberHe is a making a mockery of fact and reality and trying to play people for foolsI request policies on rule changes, code of conduct, suspensions, statement about officials, etc.This was no different.Its pathetic attempt to slander me, but not surprising in the least given who it is coming from.Thanks for your timeCheers

Yup, that's definitely JLC's spell checker.

For the longest time, I refused to read his blog because of the spelling and grammar errors.

 

[T Bell]

This is essentially what JLC claims is not "charging" the Redskins with a crime:

I call the local police station and say the following, "Hey, I was just wondering whether what I'm about to describe to you is a crime. I just saw my next door neighbor, through his open window, repeatedly hit his wife across the face while yelling, 'I'm going to kill you #####!' Is that a crime? I was just wondering."

The point here is that if you know if by asking a question, and by naming names, you're tipping the league off as to possibly improper action by a Redskins executive, and you know that the league will investigate this in response if it is indeed improper, then how is it not charging the team with a rule violation even if it was phrased as a question?

Like I said before, this is a classic case of a reporter making a story instead of reporting upon it. I too am starting to wonder whether JLC needs to move on.

 

[DCThunder]

This is essentially what JLC claims is not "charging" the Redskins with a crime:

I call the local police station and say the following, "Hey, I was just wondering whether what I'm about to describe to you is a crime. I just saw my next door neighbor, through his open window, repeatedly hit his wife across the face while yelling, 'I'm going to kill you #####!' Is that a crime? I was just wondering."

The point here is that if you know if by asking a question, and by naming names, you're tipping the league off as to possibly improper action by a Redskins executive, and you know that the league will investigate this in response if it is indeed improper, then how is it not charging the team with a rule violation even if it was phrased as a question?

Like I said before, this is a classic case of a reporter making a story instead of reporting upon it. I too am starting to wonder whether JLC needs to move on.

It's also interesting to note that Vinny has managed to shift the conversation away from whether or not it's stupid of him to devote at least 4 hours a week to being on the radio with George Michael during the season, especially on Mondays and Fridays. His "feud" with JLC is a classic way of changing the subject. And the fact that Larry Michael is coming to his defense is too funny for words, since he owes his doing the radio play-by-play to Vinny and Little Danny.

 

[T Bell]

This is essentially what JLC claims is not "charging" the Redskins with a crime:

I call the local police station and say the following, "Hey, I was just wondering whether what I'm about to describe to you is a crime. I just saw my next door neighbor, through his open window, repeatedly hit his wife across the face while yelling, 'I'm going to kill you #####!' Is that a crime? I was just wondering."

The point here is that if you know if by asking a question, and by naming names, you're tipping the league off as to possibly improper action by a Redskins executive, and you know that the league will investigate this in response if it is indeed improper, then how is it not charging the team with a rule violation even if it was phrased as a question?

Like I said before, this is a classic case of a reporter making a story instead of reporting upon it. I too am starting to wonder whether JLC needs to move on.

It's also interesting to note that Vinny has managed to shift the conversation away from whether or not it's stupid of him to devote at least 4 hours a week to being on the radio with George Michael during the season, especially on Mondays and Fridays. His "feud" with JLC is a classic way of changing the subject. And the fact that Larry Michael is coming to his defense is too funny for words, since he owes his doing the radio play-by-play to Vinny and Little Danny.

And I still think it's stupid to have your GM doing a radio show for 4 hours a week. I'm not defending Vinny at all in that regard.

 

[Bizkiteer]

JLC seems to be removed from being impartial. I'd imagine that can happen easily when you cover something day in and day out.

It's not a right that he's allowed on Redskins property and he should remember that too. I believe his press credentials could be pulled and he could be considered a trespasser.

Anyway, another day in the life of being a Redskins fan.

 

[fatness]

I'm starting to agree with some of the posters on some of the other message boards and blogs that have been covering this. It's probably time for JLC to leave the Redskins beat. He's become too involved on a (negative) personal level for readers to ever believe he can report objectively. The Post now has Jason Reid and this guy, Barry Svrluga, covering the 'Skins. LaCanfora should probably just move on to something different.

I completely disagree. JLC covers the Redskins pretty objectively. That is their beef with him, in fact. We need more reporters who do that, not sports PR statements from people on Snyder's payroll.

 

[T Bell]

I'm starting to agree with some of the posters on some of the other message boards and blogs that have been covering this. It's probably time for JLC to leave the Redskins beat. He's become too involved on a (negative) personal level for readers to ever believe he can report objectively. The Post now has Jason Reid and this guy, Barry Svrluga, covering the 'Skins. LaCanfora should probably just move on to something different.

I completely disagree. JLC covers the Redskins pretty objectively. That is their beef with him, in fact. We need more reporters who do that, not sports PR statements from people on Snyder's payroll.

I generally agree with you, however in this incident he crossed the line, even if you take his version of the events. I don't think he should be fired or taken off of the beat, but the abuse he's taking for this incident is justified.

 

[fatness]

I don't have a problem with anyone taking abuse when it's justified, either with or outside the Redskins organization.

Any by the way, your socks are mismatched, you bum.

 

[fatness]

Jason Taylor just informed us that the surgery he had to relieve a blood mass in his left calf Monday morning was of critical importance. Taylor is on crutches with his left calf wrapped, and said that, at the time the emergency surgery was performed, he was told by doctors that with any further delay "you would be done forever." Taylor said at the time the surgery was performed he was told he could have lost his foot. Waiting beyond that could have produced even more dire results.

"I was a little scared about that, and didn't quite understand why it had to be done so suddenly, and wanted to wait," Taylor said. "I actually wanted to wait till the sun came up ... But they kept stressing how important it was to get it done right away."

Taylor said he was told to sleep as much as possible and stay off his feet, with no timetable for a recovery. The injury, which Jim Zorn described Monday as "compartment syndrome," could have caused nerve damage and tissue necropsy and, if untreated, even death. He said he could miss from anywhere from a week to several months as his body heals.

JLC

 

[Sidewinder16]

As much as the obvious increase in the offense's comfort level with the new offense has been promising to see, I think something more important has renewed my optimism for this team, this year. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until I read Rich Tandler write this in his blog the other day:

Most of what the Redskins did right couldn't be described as "huge", but a lot of little things that added up.

...and JLC bring this up in an article today:

Washington's plus-5 turnover margin is the best in the NFL, and the Redskins are the only club in the NFL without an offensive giveaway this season.

This team seems to be taking care of the basics, the fundamentals. I have to think Zorn has to be given some credit for that, which, if true, should speak volumes to how successful he can be as a head coach. He's apparently made sure to set the foundation before building on top of it.

 

[T Bell]

I don't have a problem with anyone taking abuse when it's justified, either with or outside the Redskins organization.

Any by the way, your socks are mismatched, you bum.

I'm not wearing socks.

 

[Sidewinder16]

He said he could miss from anywhere from a week to several months as his body heals.

JLC

Yikes. Here's hoping for the former and not the latter.

 

[dgreen]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

 

[DCThunder]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

OK, here's something to talk about regarding Dallas. Everybody is feeling pretty good about the Redskins right now after two solid wins. Just two weeks ago, however, we all thought Zorn was a total idiot who was in way over his head after the loss to the G-men. I'm assuming that even if the Skins lose to the Cowboys, everybody will still feel OK with the Skins so long as they keep it close. But if the final score is something like 35-3, with Campbell getting sacked 5+ times and thowing 3 picks, a CP fumble and TO catching two long TD bombs, will every one STILL feel as confident in Coach Z as they do now.Dallas has the capacity to really bring the optimism back to Earth in a big hurry. I hope I'm wrong, but...

 

[T Bell]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

OK, here's something to talk about regarding Dallas. Everybody is feeling pretty good about the Redskins right now after two solid wins. Just two weeks ago, however, we all thought Zorn was a total idiot who was in way over his head after the loss to the G-men. I'm assuming that even if the Skins lose to the Cowboys, everybody will still feel OK with the Skins so long as they keep it close. But if the final score is something like 35-3, with Campbell getting sacked 5+ times and thowing 3 picks, a CP fumble and TO catching two long TD bombs, will every one STILL feel as confident in Coach Z as they do now.Dallas has the capacity to really bring the optimism back to Earth in a big hurry. I hope I'm wrong, but...

That sort of a result would make it tough to feel good about much of anything, but I certainly agree it could happen. Still, the combination of Zorn's in-game adjustments and Campbell's increased ability to manage the game situation confidently and go through his progressions making accurate reads and good throws has me believing that they won't be the problem. I'm more worried about Heyer than I am about Campbell right now, and that's a good sign.

 

[dgreen]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

OK, here's something to talk about regarding Dallas. Everybody is feeling pretty good about the Redskins right now after two solid wins. Just two weeks ago, however, we all thought Zorn was a total idiot who was in way over his head after the loss to the G-men. I'm assuming that even if the Skins lose to the Cowboys, everybody will still feel OK with the Skins so long as they keep it close. But if the final score is something like 35-3, with Campbell getting sacked 5+ times and thowing 3 picks, a CP fumble and TO catching two long TD bombs, will every one STILL feel as confident in Coach Z as they do now.Dallas has the capacity to really bring the optimism back to Earth in a big hurry. I hope I'm wrong, but...

I think they're going to run it straight down our throats. If the Skins aren't careful, that could lead to the deep passing game and TO killing us.Despite our D playing fairly well, I don't this as a low scoring game. I think we'll be able to score some, just not sure if we can enough. I'll say 31-20 Dallas.

 

[fatness]

It's going to take at least 30 points to win the Dallas-Washington game. For that reason I think the Redskins will take more risks on offense. So there's the chance of being blown out and a chance of a "holy ####! did you see that?" game. I don't envision timid play or coaching.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I was surprised to see Dallas -11 in the week 4 wagering thread. I suppose the prevailing opinion is that Dallas will force Washington to abandon Portis.

I like the Skins and the points in a division matchup.

 

[Sidewinder16]

'Skins v Girls gets primetime-like TV coverage.

The only people not seeing the game this week are the St. Louis and San Fran markets.

 

[T Bell]

'Skins v Girls gets primetime-like TV coverage.

The only people not seeing the game this week are the St. Louis and San Fran markets.

Poor bastages.

 

[Bankerguy]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

OK, here's something to talk about regarding Dallas. Everybody is feeling pretty good about the Redskins right now after two solid wins. Just two weeks ago, however, we all thought Zorn was a total idiot who was in way over his head after the loss to the G-men. I'm assuming that even if the Skins lose to the Cowboys, everybody will still feel OK with the Skins so long as they keep it close. But if the final score is something like 35-3, with Campbell getting sacked 5+ times and thowing 3 picks, a CP fumble and TO catching two long TD bombs, will every one STILL feel as confident in Coach Z as they do now.Dallas has the capacity to really bring the optimism back to Earth in a big hurry. I hope I'm wrong, but...

I think they're going to run it straight down our throats. If the Skins aren't careful, that could lead to the deep passing game and TO killing us.Despite our D playing fairly well, I don't this as a low scoring game. I think we'll be able to score some, just not sure if we can enough. I'll say 31-20 Dallas.

dgreen...I think you are right about the run.My randow musings on the game:1) I could see the Cowboy game plan being closer to what we saw against Green Bay then say Philly. Lot's of Barber and Felix. 2) Washington is going to have to play agressive and I would not surprise to see a trick play (Flea flicker, surprise on-sides kick or a fake punt type of play).3) From what I have seen (the last 2 Wash games) the run game has been solid but very dependant on the left side of your line. Against the Cowboys, that is going to mean running at Ware which is not a good idea....imo. You guys need to pound our interior line and get yards up the gut. I was impressed with some your power run formations which would net you decent gains against the Cowboys defense. It will all depend how patient you can be with that approach especially if Dallas is scoring TD's.4) You have to attack LG Proctor as I mentioned earlier in the thread. I would also attack our A gaps and take some chances on blitzes in hopes on Romo throwing you guys a couple of picks. Gurode can get off his game when facing constant pressure. I strongly believe you'll have to win the turnover battle to have any shot.5) Teams make the mistake of taking away Owens. I believe you have to take away Witten first. He is what keeps the chains moving. 6) I hope Newman is on Moss, because he one of the only Corners I trust to read the WR screen you guys run so well. He also has the speed to beat the blockers and get up Moss who has been fabulous after the catch.7) Go deep with whoever you have on PacMan. He is still too agressive and is a sucker for double moves.My mind says Dallas 30-14My heart says Dallas 28-27So...I am going with Dallas 27-21 in a very sloppy ugly game. I think the Skins hang with us until the 4th quarter and we ultimately tire your D out with heavy doses the run game.Here's hoping to an injury free game for both sides.Pardon my terrible grammar...wrote this in a hurry and I'm too lazy to go and fix.

 

[T Bell]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

OK, here's something to talk about regarding Dallas. Everybody is feeling pretty good about the Redskins right now after two solid wins. Just two weeks ago, however, we all thought Zorn was a total idiot who was in way over his head after the loss to the G-men. I'm assuming that even if the Skins lose to the Cowboys, everybody will still feel OK with the Skins so long as they keep it close. But if the final score is something like 35-3, with Campbell getting sacked 5+ times and thowing 3 picks, a CP fumble and TO catching two long TD bombs, will every one STILL feel as confident in Coach Z as they do now.Dallas has the capacity to really bring the optimism back to Earth in a big hurry. I hope I'm wrong, but...

I think they're going to run it straight down our throats. If the Skins aren't careful, that could lead to the deep passing game and TO killing us.Despite our D playing fairly well, I don't this as a low scoring game. I think we'll be able to score some, just not sure if we can enough. I'll say 31-20 Dallas.

My randow musings on the game:1) I could see the Cowboy game plan being closer to what we saw against Green Bay then say Philly. Lot's of Barber and Felix. 2) Washington is going to have to play agressive and I would not surprise to see a trick play (Flea flicker, surprise on-sides kick or a fake punt type of play).3) From what I have seen (the last 2 Wash games) the run game has been solid but very dependant on the left side of your line. Against the Cowboys, that is going to mean running at Ware which is not a good idea....imo. You guys need to pound our interior line and get yards up the gut. I was impressed with some your power run formations which would net you decent gains against the Cowboys defense. It will all depend how patient you can be with that approach especially if Dallas is scoring TD's.4) You have to attack LG Proctor as I mentioned earlier in the thread. I would also attack our A gaps and take some chances on blitzes in hopes on Romo throwing you guys a couple of picks. Gurode can get off his game when facing constant pressure. I strongly believe you'll have to win the turnover battle to have any shot.5) Teams make the mistake of taking away Owens. I believe you have to take away Witten first. He is what keeps the chains moving. 6) I hope Newman is on Moss, because he one of the only Corners I trust to read the WR screen you guys run so well. He also has the speed to beat the blockers and get up Moss who has been fabulous after the catch.7) Go deep with whoever you have on PacMan. He is still too agressive and is a sucker for double moves.My mind says Dallas 30-14My heart says Dallas 28-27So...I am going with Dallas 27-21 in a very sloppy ugly game. I think the Skins hang with us until the 4th quarter and we ultimately tire your D out with heavy doses the run game.Here's hoping to an injury free game for both sides.

I can't disagree with anything you wrote. You think Newman will be assigned to Moss, or to a particular side of the field? I ask because I agree with you about PacMan, which would mean that Randle El and Thomas might be in for a big play as I'm sure Zorn has noted PacMan's proclivities for giving up the big play on double moves. Thomas, though raw, happens to be running fly patterns well, which might work out, though I don't know what kind of double move he has. With regards to Ware, why not run at him? Isn't that what you're supposed to do with guys who are quicker rather than larger on the edge?

 

[Bankerguy]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

OK, here's something to talk about regarding Dallas. Everybody is feeling pretty good about the Redskins right now after two solid wins. Just two weeks ago, however, we all thought Zorn was a total idiot who was in way over his head after the loss to the G-men. I'm assuming that even if the Skins lose to the Cowboys, everybody will still feel OK with the Skins so long as they keep it close. But if the final score is something like 35-3, with Campbell getting sacked 5+ times and thowing 3 picks, a CP fumble and TO catching two long TD bombs, will every one STILL feel as confident in Coach Z as they do now.Dallas has the capacity to really bring the optimism back to Earth in a big hurry. I hope I'm wrong, but...

I think they're going to run it straight down our throats. If the Skins aren't careful, that could lead to the deep passing game and TO killing us.Despite our D playing fairly well, I don't this as a low scoring game. I think we'll be able to score some, just not sure if we can enough. I'll say 31-20 Dallas.

My randow musings on the game:1) I could see the Cowboy game plan being closer to what we saw against Green Bay then say Philly. Lot's of Barber and Felix. 2) Washington is going to have to play agressive and I would not surprise to see a trick play (Flea flicker, surprise on-sides kick or a fake punt type of play).3) From what I have seen (the last 2 Wash games) the run game has been solid but very dependant on the left side of your line. Against the Cowboys, that is going to mean running at Ware which is not a good idea....imo. You guys need to pound our interior line and get yards up the gut. I was impressed with some your power run formations which would net you decent gains against the Cowboys defense. It will all depend how patient you can be with that approach especially if Dallas is scoring TD's.4) You have to attack LG Proctor as I mentioned earlier in the thread. I would also attack our A gaps and take some chances on blitzes in hopes on Romo throwing you guys a couple of picks. Gurode can get off his game when facing constant pressure. I strongly believe you'll have to win the turnover battle to have any shot.5) Teams make the mistake of taking away Owens. I believe you have to take away Witten first. He is what keeps the chains moving. 6) I hope Newman is on Moss, because he one of the only Corners I trust to read the WR screen you guys run so well. He also has the speed to beat the blockers and get up Moss who has been fabulous after the catch.7) Go deep with whoever you have on PacMan. He is still too agressive and is a sucker for double moves.My mind says Dallas 30-14My heart says Dallas 28-27So...I am going with Dallas 27-21 in a very sloppy ugly game. I think the Skins hang with us until the 4th quarter and we ultimately tire your D out with heavy doses the run game.Here's hoping to an injury free game for both sides.

I can't disagree with anything you wrote. You think Newman will be assigned to Moss, or to a particular side of the field? I ask because I agree with you about PacMan, which would mean that Randle El and Thomas might be in for a big play as I'm sure Zorn has noted PacMan's proclivities for giving up the big play on double moves. Thomas, though raw, happens to be running fly patterns well, which might work out, though I don't know what kind of double move he has. With regards to Ware, why not run at him? Isn't that what you're supposed to do with guys who are quicker rather than larger on the edge?

I am totally speculating on Newman's assignment this week. It's not fact, so I should be up front with that. I would have T-New on Moss all day and Henry chase Cooley around. Leaving us to take our chances with Randle El/Thomas on Pacman and one of our rookie corners.T-New is adept at moving around and plays the slot in our nickle and dime, he is not married to one side of the field "usually". He also plays that particular screen play well (Buffalo ran it a ton at us last year too). As far as Ware goes, yes it conventional wisdom to run at pass rusher to neutralize them some what. In Ware's case, he is excellent against the run and does not tire. In fact, I don't think he came out for a single play in the GB game. You said something above that is very true Red. *IF* you guys get blown out, I would really hate to see your fan base rip on Zorn and Campbell. I have been really impressed with Campbell so far, especially for this early in the season with a what his third offense in 4 or 5 years. The jury is out on Zorn for long term, but at the very least has his players playing hard and within the system. All of which have to be encouraging for you guys.Anyway...I'm suppossed to be "hating" you guys right now, or my fellow Cowboy breathern are going to black ball me.Should be fun to watch as always.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I can't believe it's Dallas Week and we're spending most of our time talking about JLC.

OK, here's something to talk about regarding Dallas. Everybody is feeling pretty good about the Redskins right now after two solid wins. Just two weeks ago, however, we all thought Zorn was a total idiot who was in way over his head after the loss to the G-men. I'm assuming that even if the Skins lose to the Cowboys, everybody will still feel OK with the Skins so long as they keep it close. But if the final score is something like 35-3, with Campbell getting sacked 5+ times and thowing 3 picks, a CP fumble and TO catching two long TD bombs, will every one STILL feel as confident in Coach Z as they do now.Dallas has the capacity to really bring the optimism back to Earth in a big hurry. I hope I'm wrong, but...

I think they're going to run it straight down our throats. If the Skins aren't careful, that could lead to the deep passing game and TO killing us.Despite our D playing fairly well, I don't this as a low scoring game. I think we'll be able to score some, just not sure if we can enough. I'll say 31-20 Dallas.

dgreen...I think you are right about the run.My randow musings on the game:1) I could see the Cowboy game plan being closer to what we saw against Green Bay then say Philly. Lot's of Barber and Felix. 2) Washington is going to have to play agressive and I would not surprise to see a trick play (Flea flicker, surprise on-sides kick or a fake punt type of play).3) From what I have seen (the last 2 Wash games) the run game has been solid but very dependant on the left side of your line. Against the Cowboys, that is going to mean running at Ware which is not a good idea....imo. You guys need to pound our interior line and get yards up the gut. I was impressed with some your power run formations which would net you decent gains against the Cowboys defense. It will all depend how patient you can be with that approach especially if Dallas is scoring TD's.4) You have to attack LG Proctor as I mentioned earlier in the thread. I would also attack our A gaps and take some chances on blitzes in hopes on Romo throwing you guys a couple of picks. Gurode can get off his game when facing constant pressure. I strongly believe you'll have to win the turnover battle to have any shot.5) Teams make the mistake of taking away Owens. I believe you have to take away Witten first. He is what keeps the chains moving. 6) I hope Newman is on Moss, because he one of the only Corners I trust to read the WR screen you guys run so well. He also has the speed to beat the blockers and get up Moss who has been fabulous after the catch.7) Go deep with whoever you have on PacMan. He is still too agressive and is a sucker for double moves.My mind says Dallas 30-14My heart says Dallas 28-27So...I am going with Dallas 27-21 in a very sloppy ugly game. I think the Skins hang with us until the 4th quarter and we ultimately tire your D out with heavy doses the run game.Here's hoping to an injury free game for both sides.Pardon my terrible grammar...wrote this in a hurry and I'm too lazy to go and fix.

I can't disagree with what you've sasid either. I too think the 'Skins want to make it a game like DAL had with GB, opposed to the gun-slingging game with PHI. Redskins just are ready for a gun fight yet, they are still trying to master the knives. Logic would dictate that the Redskins should get beat. Of course it's the NFC East and anything can happen...hey, it's what makes this division so great for so long, right? I'd just point out that for some reason of late, we have better luck at beating DAL in Dallas, while the Cowboys beat us at our home. Don't know if it's the underdog part that makes a team rise in those occasions or what, but I thought it was worth mentioning. As a realistic 'Skins fan, I realize that we are going to have to play our "A" game, while the Cowboys play a sub-par game to pull out a win. Stranger things happen and for some reason the teams always have trouble beating the other at home. Here's hoping the 'Skins at least bring their "A" game, so that it can be a GREAT rivalry matchup worth watching from kickoff to the final whistle.

 

[dgreen]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

 

[T Bell]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

 

[Bizkiteer]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

On the flip side, think of the impact that could have been made if we had a return game for kicks and punts. I like Rock because of his effort & heart, but he's avg if not below avg returner. Add ARE on punts and we have absolutley no threat or excitement in the return game.

 

[dgreen]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

On the flip side, think of the impact that could have been made if we had a return game for kicks and punts. I like Rock because of his effort & heart, but he's avg if not below avg returner. Add ARE on punts and we have absolutley no threat or excitement in the return game.

I disagree about Rock. I'd say he's an above average kick returner. Yes, he does lack excitement and likely won't break many for TDs, but he regularly gives the team better-than-average field position.ARE is a disaster, though.

 

[southeastjerome]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

I noticed that, but I never really thought much about it.

 

[dgreen]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

I noticed that, but I never really thought much about it.

Steroids.

 

[T Bell]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

I noticed that, but I never really thought much about it.

Steroids.

We were all thinking it.

 

[T Bell]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

On the flip side, think of the impact that could have been made if we had a return game for kicks and punts. I like Rock because of his effort & heart, but he's avg if not below avg returner. Add ARE on punts and we have absolutley no threat or excitement in the return game.

I disagree about Rock. I'd say he's an above average kick returner. Yes, he does lack excitement and likely won't break many for TDs, but he regularly gives the team better-than-average field position.ARE is a disaster, though.

The "disaster" may be going a little far (of course, the fumble vs. the Saints is fresh in our minds), but his decline as a PR is definitely dramatic and, for me, inexplicable. We need more from him.

As for Rock, he's not dramatic like Felix Jones has already been, but he has sneaky speed and he's very efficient at choosing the right lane to run through, and using his blocks to get return yards. He always seems to rank in the top 25-40% or so (without checking) in return yards. I'll take that kind of reliable efficiency any day, especially now that our offense is developing and able to move the ball successfully from wherever they start on the field.

 

[Bizkiteer]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

On the flip side, think of the impact that could have been made if we had a return game for kicks and punts. I like Rock because of his effort & heart, but he's avg if not below avg returner. Add ARE on punts and we have absolutley no threat or excitement in the return game.

I disagree about Rock. I'd say he's an above average kick returner. Yes, he does lack excitement and likely won't break many for TDs, but he regularly gives the team better-than-average field position.ARE is a disaster, though.

The "disaster" may be going a little far (of course, the fumble vs. the Saints is fresh in our minds), but his decline as a PR is definitely dramatic and, for me, inexplicable. We need more from him.

As for Rock, he's not dramatic like Felix Jones has already been, but he has sneaky speed and he's very efficient at choosing the right lane to run through, and using his blocks to get return yards. He always seems to rank in the top 25-40% or so (without checking) in return yards. I'll take that kind of reliable efficiency any day, especially now that our offense is developing and able to move the ball successfully from wherever they start on the field.

Disagree gentlemen! Rock is nothing special. He received absolutely no offers when he was a FA , that was a clear sign that he's not valued outside of Redskin Park. He's a great guy and a type of player every team could use, but that is off the field. If we did not have B & G glasses on the view of his return ability would change. He has no wiggle what so ever, he's a straight line runner (the complete opposite of ARE). So, if his blocking is not just right...he runs into someone. He doesn't make a return happen, his blockers make it happen for him. Great guy, but low on the totem pole regarding talent wise. Rock strikes absolutely no fear into opposing teams. Of course, there are only a few players like Hester, but anything between Rock and Hester and we'd see a significant difference.

 

[T Bell]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

On the flip side, think of the impact that could have been made if we had a return game for kicks and punts. I like Rock because of his effort & heart, but he's avg if not below avg returner. Add ARE on punts and we have absolutley no threat or excitement in the return game.

I disagree about Rock. I'd say he's an above average kick returner. Yes, he does lack excitement and likely won't break many for TDs, but he regularly gives the team better-than-average field position.ARE is a disaster, though.

The "disaster" may be going a little far (of course, the fumble vs. the Saints is fresh in our minds), but his decline as a PR is definitely dramatic and, for me, inexplicable. We need more from him.

As for Rock, he's not dramatic like Felix Jones has already been, but he has sneaky speed and he's very efficient at choosing the right lane to run through, and using his blocks to get return yards. He always seems to rank in the top 25-40% or so (without checking) in return yards. I'll take that kind of reliable efficiency any day, especially now that our offense is developing and able to move the ball successfully from wherever they start on the field.

Disagree gentlemen! Rock is nothing special. He received absolutely no offers when he was a FA , that was a clear sign that he's not valued outside of Redskin Park. He's a great guy and a type of player every team could use, but that is off the field. If we did not have B & G glasses on the view of his return ability would change. He has no wiggle what so ever, he's a straight line runner (the complete opposite of ARE). So, if his blocking is not just right...he runs into someone. He doesn't make a return happen, his blockers make it happen for him. Great guy, but low on the totem pole regarding talent wise. Rock strikes absolutely no fear into opposing teams. Of course, there are only a few players like Hester, but anything between Rock and Hester and we'd see a significant difference.

If your point is that a RB3, special teams maven and above-average KR doesn't provoke a feeding frenzy on the free agent market, I don't think that that's news to anyone, especially when the guy you're talking about stands 5'7" "with the afro" and does not much fit into anyone's concept of "what a football player should look like". Nowhere did I say that he's an elite KR - that we agree upon. He's solid but unspectacular. He's also very valuable to the special teams on coverage units, which should not go unnoticed in this discussion.

 

[dgreen]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much this season but has been a nice improvement is Suisham's kickoffs. He's regularly getting the ball in the endzone and already has 3 TBs this season. His kickoffs struggled to reach the 10 yard line in the past. Basically, he's improved to be an average kickoff guy which can do some nice things with field position.

On the flip side, think of the impact that could have been made if we had a return game for kicks and punts. I like Rock because of his effort & heart, but he's avg if not below avg returner. Add ARE on punts and we have absolutley no threat or excitement in the return game.

I disagree about Rock. I'd say he's an above average kick returner. Yes, he does lack excitement and likely won't break many for TDs, but he regularly gives the team better-than-average field position.ARE is a disaster, though.

The "disaster" may be going a little far (of course, the fumble vs. the Saints is fresh in our minds), but his decline as a PR is definitely dramatic and, for me, inexplicable. We need more from him.

As for Rock, he's not dramatic like Felix Jones has already been, but he has sneaky speed and he's very efficient at choosing the right lane to run through, and using his blocks to get return yards. He always seems to rank in the top 25-40% or so (without checking) in return yards. I'll take that kind of reliable efficiency any day, especially now that our offense is developing and able to move the ball successfully from wherever they start on the field.

Disagree gentlemen! Rock is nothing special. He received absolutely no offers when he was a FA , that was a clear sign that he's not valued outside of Redskin Park. He's a great guy and a type of player every team could use, but that is off the field. If we did not have B & G glasses on the view of his return ability would change. He has no wiggle what so ever, he's a straight line runner (the complete opposite of ARE). So, if his blocking is not just right...he runs into someone. He doesn't make a return happen, his blockers make it happen for him. Great guy, but low on the totem pole regarding talent wise. Rock strikes absolutely no fear into opposing teams. Of course, there are only a few players like Hester, but anything between Rock and Hester and we'd see a significant difference.

Like Tatum said, I don't think we're disagreeing on Rock's abilities. We're merely disagreeing on where that places him in the KR rankings.He's currently 10th in AVG among players with more than one return.

Last year he was 8th in AVG among players with 20+ returns.

He had a TD in 2006 and, IIRC, would have had one last year against Detroit had he not pulled his hammy on his 80-yard return.

He's nothing spectacular. As you say, he just runs straight and, yes, his blocking is going to be a big part of his success. But, I just don't think that makes him below average.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Rock is nothing special.

Look at the league leaders in total return yardage in '06 and '07. Then look at the averages of the guys around and above Rock. There are only a couple that are significantly better than Rock. I count 2 in '07 (Cribbs and Leon Washington; maybe Andre Davis, but he's getting down there in number of returns) and 2 in '06 (Miller and McGee). He's been # 2 or 3 in number of 20+ returns each of those years. He allows the offense to consistently begin drives past the 20 yard line.

I don't see where a logical argument can be made that he's, at the very least, a better than average NFL kick returner.

 

[dgreen]

From JLC:

Greg Blache is a realist. He knows quite well that against an offense as good as the one the Redskins will face Sunday - Blache compared Dallas of 2008 to New England of 2007 - a defense is not going to take away everything all the time. Can't happen. No defense is going to do that.But the Redskins still take the same approach: Stop the run; eliminate the big play. If Dallas has a bunch of 10-15-play drives that result in TDs, and the Cowboys win, then you tip your hat to them. But you have to make them earn it. You can't give them 50-yard TDs from blown coverage. Not if you expect to win.

I remember hearing the same thing before playing NE last year.

 

[T Bell]

From JLC:

Greg Blache is a realist. He knows quite well that against an offense as good as the one the Redskins will face Sunday - Blache compared Dallas of 2008 to New England of 2007 - a defense is not going to take away everything all the time. Can't happen. No defense is going to do that.But the Redskins still take the same approach: Stop the run; eliminate the big play. If Dallas has a bunch of 10-15-play drives that result in TDs, and the Cowboys win, then you tip your hat to them. But you have to make them earn it. You can't give them 50-yard TDs from blown coverage. Not if you expect to win.

I remember hearing the same thing before playing NE last year.

2007 Pats > 2008 Cowboys because Brady > Romo. This game doesn't scare me like last year's did, maybe because we know the Cowboys so well. We'll see how it plays out.

 

[Assani Fisher]

can we please change the subtitle of the thread now?

 

[dgreen]

Awesome license plate.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Jason Taylor is walking unassisted:

POSTED September 26 2008 12:19 PM BY David Elfin

Defensive end Jason Taylor is walking, four days after having emergency surgery on his left calf on Monday morning. When Taylor left Redskin Park on Wednesday, he was on crutches. On Thursday, he had one crutch and had a Redskins staffer carrying a box for him. Taylor just walked out the building without crutches and carrying his own box. That's a hopeful sign that he coudl be back as soon as next week's game at Philadelphia.