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

[Steady Mooobin]

I like Jim Zorn and think he looks like he's going to be a very good coach. With that being said, listening to him talk is as frustrating as watching a quadriplegic attempt to solve a rubik's cube. I just wanna punch him in the temple. Spit it out!

I love listening to Zorn talk. The guy actually thinks before he speaks and provides substantive answers. It's a huge breath of fresh air after four years of Gibbs' close-mouthed cliches, two years of Spurrier's ignorance, one year of Marty's wrong-headed declarations, and seven years of Norv's feckless mumbling, thank you very much.

I'm not talking about the things he says, I'm talking about the 2 second pauses before each and every word. I also love the things he says. I think Jones and Snyder are really on to something with the hiring of former non-stud QB's. I think they tend to be more cerebral because they had to be to make it in the NFL. I also think they know what will work in the NFL, but just not have been given their shot.He does say some weird stuff sometimes like when referring to Jason Taylor and if he'll play this weak. (Something like this)" I won't say it, but I think he won't play." I really love his candor, but he speaks so slo o o o w l y it's frustrating.

 

[Ripleys]

whether he plays or not, the Redskins will give the Eagles all they can handle.

 

[southeastjerome]

Gotta love the unintentional comedy of Snyder at the beginning of this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=735BgQC7fXQ

 

[thayman]

Jason Campbell is the only QB with at least 60 passing attempts with no INTs so far this year.

 

[dgreen]

Byron doesn't think Brian will play:

Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook said he would be very surprised if his brother Brian played for the Eagles this weekend. Byron Westbrook said he speaks to his brother, whose presence completely changes the effectiveness and productivity of the Philly offense, nearly every day.

"I don't think he'll play," Byron Westbrook said. "The ankle injury is more serious than what the Eagles put out. You know how Andy Reid is about injuries and giving out information. Just watching him on the sidelines after he turned his ankle [against Pittsburgh two weeks ago], it didn't look good.

"He's a warrior and it's an NFC East game and he wants to play, but its also early in the season and it's not a playoff game. If he goes out and plays at 75 perecent, you could end up making it a lot worse. He would want to get to 90 percent to really be able to play."

Westbrook said he and his big brother, who is getting treatment but, according to the Eagles, is scheduled to practice today, last talked on Sunday.

As he usually does when the Redskins are preparing to face the Eagles, Byron Westbrook will continue to act as his brother on the scout team all week. The Redskins will still prepare in case Brian Westbrook plays.

"We still have to prepare for him regardless," Byron Westbrook said. "And if he can"t play, then we'll just be over-prepared."

I have to think Andy Reid would be none to happy to hear that Brian Westbrook was talking to next week's opponent about his playing status, no matter what the relation. Some of it seems like Byron's speculation as opposed to him quoting his brother, but this still doesn't seem like it would sit well with a HC like Reid.

I had the same initial thought about Reid being pretty upset if Brian is mentioning any of this to Byron. But, I think this makes me think it's just Byron's speculation:

Byron Westbrook said he speaks to his brother...nearly every day. Westbrook said he and his big brother...last talked on Sunday.

I think I remember last year Byron saying they don't talk during the weeks they play each other. According to this, they haven't spoken since Sunday so I don't think Byron would have any indication directly from Brian about what's going on.

 

[dgreen]

Rich Tandler says Philly is overrated:

Prediction—Eagles working, Skins having fun

Last Sunday, the Redskins faced the task of going into the house of one of the NFL's elite teams and they came out with a victory.

This Sunday, the Redskins are again are going on the road to face the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles are not one of the league's elite teams.

I'm going to go there and use the O-word on them.

As in overrated.

They've been mired in the NFL's mass of mediocrity for the past few years. They went 6-10 in 2005. The next year they won their last five games to get into the playoffs at 10-6. They followed that up in 2007 with an 8-8 performance.

So that's one bad year followed by a pretty good year followed by a mediocre year. That kind of reminds me of what the Bengals have done in the same time span, only in a slightly different order. It kind of reminds me of the Panthers. It's not unlike the Redskins' performance over the last three years, only not quite as good. Does anyone talk about the Bungles in a conversation about the league's elite teams? The media finally gave up on the Panthers. And if the Redskins were 2-2 would they be in the top half of anyone's power rankings?

But the Eagles are still talked about as a force to be reckoned with.

They're not.

Don't get me wrong, they're not bad. Andy Reid is a very accomplished coach, although his message may be wearing thin in his 10th year in the same place. They field very good players in many positions, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. Their top three corners could start for most teams in the league, including the Redskins.

But something always seems to go awry. In Dallas their offense showed up but their D couldn't stop Romo and company. Their defense was utterly dominant against Pittsburgh but they couldn't put the Steelers away until the fourth quarter. Last week in Chicago both sides of the ball had issues. Kyle Orton—Kyle Orton!—threw three touchdown passes in the first half. The defense tightened up in the second half but Philly couldn't punch it in after driving to a first and goal at the four. They had three shots from the one and they didn't get it done.

All of that being said, this will not be an easy game for the Redskins. They are going on the road to face a division opponent. Jason Campbell's newfound confidence will be tested by a defense that blitzes, confuses, and features the aforementioned stud corners. Bryan Westbrook's ankle appears to be healing well enough to give him a shot at playing and he's a certified Redskins killer. Donovan McNabb also frequently finds a way to give the Redskins fits.

But, right now, the Redskins are the better team. Right now it seems like every active player with the exception of Todd Collins every week does something to help out. Rookie Chris Horton makes a veteran play to intercept Romo, Kareem Moore is downfield on kick coverage, Todd Yoder slips into the end zone to make a touchdown grab, H. B. Blades performs well in a starting role when Marcus Washington is hurt, Demitric Evans excels when Jason Taylor goes out. I could go on but you know what I mean.

Back in the late '60's and early '70's when the NFL had 40-man roster limits, the Minnesota Vikings liked to use the slogan "40 for 60", meaning 40 players fighting together for 60 minutes. Something like "45 (plus Colt) for 60 (plus as many overtime minutes as may be necessary)" wouldn't flow quite as smoothly, but it would fit the '08 Redskins.

And don't forget Jim Zorn, who right now is giving the Redskins an edge over 60 minutes, keeping the opposition off balance with his play calling. And he's keeping his team on an even keel.

Sometimes you don't have to go down through the player matchups to figure out who has an edge in a particular game. Instead of looking at Team A's right guard vs. Team B's right tackle, you can look at the mindset matchup.

The Redskins are having fun. The Eagles are going to work.

The Skins will be having a lot more fun on Sunday at about 4:15 when Zorn is leading another three cheers for the Redskins.

Redskins 24, Eagles 10

 

[dgreen]

Chris Horton = Defensive Rookie of the Month

 

[Assani Fisher]

Rich Tandler says Philly is overrated:

Prediction—Eagles working, Skins having fun

Last Sunday, the Redskins faced the task of going into the house of one of the NFL's elite teams and they came out with a victory.

This Sunday, the Redskins are again are going on the road to face the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles are not one of the league's elite teams.

I'm going to go there and use the O-word on them.

As in overrated.

They've been mired in the NFL's mass of mediocrity for the past few years. They went 6-10 in 2005. The next year they won their last five games to get into the playoffs at 10-6. They followed that up in 2007 with an 8-8 performance.

So that's one bad year followed by a pretty good year followed by a mediocre year. That kind of reminds me of what the Bengals have done in the same time span, only in a slightly different order. It kind of reminds me of the Panthers. It's not unlike the Redskins' performance over the last three years, only not quite as good. Does anyone talk about the Bungles in a conversation about the league's elite teams? The media finally gave up on the Panthers. And if the Redskins were 2-2 would they be in the top half of anyone's power rankings?

But the Eagles are still talked about as a force to be reckoned with.

They're not.

Don't get me wrong, they're not bad. Andy Reid is a very accomplished coach, although his message may be wearing thin in his 10th year in the same place. They field very good players in many positions, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. Their top three corners could start for most teams in the league, including the Redskins.

But something always seems to go awry. In Dallas their offense showed up but their D couldn't stop Romo and company. Their defense was utterly dominant against Pittsburgh but they couldn't put the Steelers away until the fourth quarter. Last week in Chicago both sides of the ball had issues. Kyle Orton—Kyle Orton!—threw three touchdown passes in the first half. The defense tightened up in the second half but Philly couldn't punch it in after driving to a first and goal at the four. They had three shots from the one and they didn't get it done.

All of that being said, this will not be an easy game for the Redskins. They are going on the road to face a division opponent. Jason Campbell's newfound confidence will be tested by a defense that blitzes, confuses, and features the aforementioned stud corners. Bryan Westbrook's ankle appears to be healing well enough to give him a shot at playing and he's a certified Redskins killer. Donovan McNabb also frequently finds a way to give the Redskins fits.

But, right now, the Redskins are the better team. Right now it seems like every active player with the exception of Todd Collins every week does something to help out. Rookie Chris Horton makes a veteran play to intercept Romo, Kareem Moore is downfield on kick coverage, Todd Yoder slips into the end zone to make a touchdown grab, H. B. Blades performs well in a starting role when Marcus Washington is hurt, Demitric Evans excels when Jason Taylor goes out. I could go on but you know what I mean.

Back in the late '60's and early '70's when the NFL had 40-man roster limits, the Minnesota Vikings liked to use the slogan "40 for 60", meaning 40 players fighting together for 60 minutes. Something like "45 (plus Colt) for 60 (plus as many overtime minutes as may be necessary)" wouldn't flow quite as smoothly, but it would fit the '08 Redskins.

And don't forget Jim Zorn, who right now is giving the Redskins an edge over 60 minutes, keeping the opposition off balance with his play calling. And he's keeping his team on an even keel.

Sometimes you don't have to go down through the player matchups to figure out who has an edge in a particular game. Instead of looking at Team A's right guard vs. Team B's right tackle, you can look at the mindset matchup.

The Redskins are having fun. The Eagles are going to work.

The Skins will be having a lot more fun on Sunday at about 4:15 when Zorn is leading another three cheers for the Redskins.

Redskins 24, Eagles 10

The Redskins very well may win, but this guy is an idiot like many sportswriters. Footballoutsiders currently has Philly as the 3rd best team in the league:However, there is no big fat asterisk for Philadelphia's rating at number three. Yes, DVOA sees the Eagles as a top three team despite the fact that they are 2-2. In particular, it thinks the Eagles dominated last night's game despite losing it. Philadelphia has 31.2% DVOA for the game, while Chicago has -15.0% DVOA. Look closer at the standard numbers and it seems pretty obvious why. The Eagles outgained the Bears 4.5 yards to 3.0 yards on the average run. They outgained the Bears 5.4 yards to 4.7 yards on the average pass. They turned the ball over twice while the Bears turned it over four times. They were doomed by bad red zone efficiency, the fact that Chicago's turnover returns were much longer then their turnover returns, and Correll Buckhalter's inability to put the ball in the end zone.

As we often say, every team would rather come out of the game with a win instead of a higher DVOA rating, but going forward DVOA is the better predictor of how teams will play. The Eagles are not a 2-2 team, not in terms of quality.

 

[thayman]

Chris Horton = Defensive Rookie of the Month

If this keeps up you might be hearing DROTY

 

[fatness]

The one player whose absence would hurt the Redskins the most is Santana Moss. Polian and Czaban were discussing that today and they're right. When that guy's healthy they're a threat to go deep and to score all game long. A lot of DB's just cannot keep up with him.

 

[T Bell]

The one player whose absence would hurt the Redskins the most is Santana Moss. Polian and Czaban were discussing that today and they're right. When that guy's healthy they're a threat to go deep and to score all game long. A lot of DB's just cannot keep up with him.

Completely agree. He's simply no coverable 1:1 with a DB when he's healthy, and he forces coverage to shift his way, which opens things up for others. He made Terrence Newman look like Laraine Newman on Sunday.

 

[dgreen]

New Eastern Motors commercials.

 

[Sidewinder16]

New Eastern Motors commercials.

@ Ali-ark and Chris Cooley climbing into the back with his short shorts on.
(now I can't get that out of my head)

 

[dgreen]

New Eastern Motors commercials.

@ Ali-ark and Chris Cooley climbing into the back with his short shorts on.

I like Girelephant. I get the feeling there was no script for those commercials and they were just allowed to do whatever.

 

[T Bell]

New Eastern Motors commercials.

@ Ali-ark and Chris Cooley climbing into the back with his short shorts on.

I love Randle El yelling at traffic when the background isn't moving.

 

[T Bell]

Chris Horton = Defensive Rookie of the Month

If this keeps up you might be hearing DROTY

I loved this play. Pretty awesome that Horton runs right out of bounds into the Redskins sideline where Blache was, and Blache was going nuts congratulating him.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Chris Horton = Defensive Rookie of the Month

If this keeps up you might be hearing DROTY

I loved this play. Pretty awesome that Horton runs right out of bounds into the Redskins sideline where Blache was, and Blache was going nuts congratulating him.

I'm just your average fan, so I could be talking out my butt, but I think that coverage look they gave is going to be one of the next "big things" in the NFL, a la the zone blitz. In that NFL.com clip Cosell talks about how the 'Skins don't have a safety over top of Torrence to give help on that side of the field. I think that's wrong (although I could be the one wrong about this). Torrence is the safety help on that play and Horton is the CB. It's just set up to look like Horton is playing the run and Torrence is in man coverage. It's really quite brilliant, IMO.Can't quite remember where it was but someone wrote something this week about how the safeties were participating in the CB drills with the CBs giving them pointers and advice. At first I figured it was simply because Springs and Smoot are banged up, but now I'm thinking it's because of this new look.

 

[T Bell]

Chris Horton = Defensive Rookie of the Month

If this keeps up you might be hearing DROTY

I loved this play. Pretty awesome that Horton runs right out of bounds into the Redskins sideline where Blache was, and Blache was going nuts congratulating him.

I'm just your average fan, so I could be talking out my butt, but I think that coverage look they gave is going to be one of the next "big things" in the NFL, a la the zone blitz. In that NFL.com clip Cosell talks about how the 'Skins don't have a safety over top of Torrence to give help on that side of the field. I think that's wrong (although I could be the one wrong about this). Torrence is the safety help on that play and Horton is the CB. It's just set up to look like Horton is playing the run and Torrence is in man coverage. It's really quite brilliant, IMO.Can't quite remember where it was but someone wrote something this week about how the safeties were participating in the CB drills with the CBs giving them pointers and advice. At first I figured it was simply because Springs and Smoot are banged up, but now I'm thinking it's because of this new look.

You nailed it. It was essentially a role reversal with Horton acting as the CB and Torrence as the S. What's especially cool about it is that not only did they reverse roles, they also lined up in a run set, showing "8 in the box". Essentially it was a pass defense with two twists to it. Very clever.

 

[dgreen]

Chris Horton = Defensive Rookie of the Month

If this keeps up you might be hearing DROTY

I loved this play. Pretty awesome that Horton runs right out of bounds into the Redskins sideline where Blache was, and Blache was going nuts congratulating him.

I'm just your average fan, so I could be talking out my butt, but I think that coverage look they gave is going to be one of the next "big things" in the NFL, a la the zone blitz. In that NFL.com clip Cosell talks about how the 'Skins don't have a safety over top of Torrence to give help on that side of the field. I think that's wrong (although I could be the one wrong about this). Torrence is the safety help on that play and Horton is the CB. It's just set up to look like Horton is playing the run and Torrence is in man coverage. It's really quite brilliant, IMO.Can't quite remember where it was but someone wrote something this week about how the safeties were participating in the CB drills with the CBs giving them pointers and advice. At first I figured it was simply because Springs and Smoot are banged up, but now I'm thinking it's because of this new look.

You nailed it. It was essentially a role reversal with Horton acting as the CB and Torrence as the S. What's especially cool about it is that not only did they reverse roles, they also lined up in a run set, showing "8 in the box". Essentially it was a pass defense with two twists to it. Very clever.

I believe Matt Terl referred to it as Blache punking Garrett. Horton said they had run that D a couple times earlier in the game but Romo wasn't throwing outside on those plays.Horton has displayed some good hands. One of his INTs against NO was a diving catch and the one against Dallas required a quick reaction because was right there when he turned his head.

 

[dgreen]

Injury updates:

Zorn injury updates! It’s “not looking good” for either Stephon Heyer or Jason Taylor, although he wasn’t ruling either of them completely out. He did rule out Malcolm Kelly, although more for understanding the offense than for injury. “What he has done,” Zorn said of Kelly, “he’s been able to go full speed.” Shawn Springs is a question mark, with Zorn noting that he’d consider playing him without the practice reps, and Marcus Washington is another gametime decision — one that Zorn expects to be a go.

 

[fatness]

Is that Campbell in the back with Cooley in the commercials? The video is really blurry.

 

[dgreen]

Is that Campbell in the back with Cooley in the commercials? The video is really blurry.

 

[thayman]

I don't root for injuries....but I was really hoping Westbrook would be a no-go this week. Looks like he is going to play.

 

[buster c]

Chris Horton = Defensive Rookie of the Month

If this keeps up you might be hearing DROTY

I loved this play. Pretty awesome that Horton runs right out of bounds into the Redskins sideline where Blache was, and Blache was going nuts congratulating him.

I'm just your average fan, so I could be talking out my butt, but I think that coverage look they gave is going to be one of the next "big things" in the NFL, a la the zone blitz. In that NFL.com clip Cosell talks about how the 'Skins don't have a safety over top of Torrence to give help on that side of the field. I think that's wrong (although I could be the one wrong about this). Torrence is the safety help on that play and Horton is the CB. It's just set up to look like Horton is playing the run and Torrence is in man coverage. It's really quite brilliant, IMO.Can't quite remember where it was but someone wrote something this week about how the safeties were participating in the CB drills with the CBs giving them pointers and advice. At first I figured it was simply because Springs and Smoot are banged up, but now I'm thinking it's because of this new look.

You nailed it. It was essentially a role reversal with Horton acting as the CB and Torrence as the S. What's especially cool about it is that not only did they reverse roles, they also lined up in a run set, showing "8 in the box". Essentially it was a pass defense with two twists to it. Very clever.

I believe Matt Terl referred to it as Blache punking Garrett. Horton said they had run that D a couple times earlier in the game but Romo wasn't throwing outside on those plays.Horton has displayed some good hands. One of his INTs against NO was a diving catch and the one against Dallas required a quick reaction because was right there when he turned his head.

thanks for posting that link. definitely a key play in the game. Blatche is doing a nice job continuing the solid D that I worried that Greggg was packing up and taking with. I am worried about #53 and Aikman called him out - if he's not injured, he's pretty much done. Blades may need to play more.

 

[nittanylion]

So, I've got a few close friends who are big-time Cowboys Fans, and I mean BIG TIME...

...heard a story from one of them today, and frankly, if it's true, I find it really surprising that it wasn't discussed amongst us here at the Redskins Brain Trust...

...according to him, after the final gun sounded, Rock Cartwright grabbed himself a football, and headed to midfield, and began spiking it on The Star. A lil bit of mayhem ensued, led by one Tank Johnson. Apparently he was so incensed by this that it took over 1/2 a dozen of Dallas' Finest (Police) to restrain him from trying to beat the crap out of Rock...

...according to my buddy, there were post game interviews in the Dallas locker room where this was discussed, and those interviewed were saying that it was going to be pretty much 'ON' when they came to JKC (on principle, I don't call it FedEx, just like the Wizards will always be the Bullets to me), that Rock was pretty much going to be a marked man and be held accountable, and that they had plenty of real life thugs on their Team, and if the Redskins wanted to meet somewhere off the field and handle it like men, they'd be willing to engage in a group fistfight.

Sounds like plenty of hyperbole mixed in here, but the guy who related this to me is a pretty solid and level-headed buddy of mine, and definitely is 'in the know' regarding all things Cowboys. I'm just looking for some verification here, as I would have thought someone would have brought this up had it occured as it was related to me. Perhaps some of our Cowboy Fan visitors could shed some light on this? Seems like something, that if true, would be fun to dissect...

 

[T Bell]

So, I've got a few close friends who are big-time Cowboys Fans, and I mean BIG TIME......heard a story from one of them today, and frankly, if it's true, I find it really surprising that it wasn't discussed amongst us here at the Redskins Brain Trust......according to him, after the final gun sounded, Rock Cartwright grabbed himself a football, and headed to midfield, and began spiking it on The Star. A lil bit of mayhem ensued, led by one Tank Johnson. Apparently he was so incensed by this that it took over 1/2 a dozen of Dallas' Finest (Police) to restrain him from trying to beat the crap out of Rock......according to my buddy, there were post game interviews in the Dallas locker room where this was discussed, and those interviewed were saying that it was going to be pretty much 'ON' when they came to JKC (on principle, I don't call it FedEx, just like the Wizards will always be the Bullets to me), that Rock was pretty much going to be a marked man and be held accountable, and that they had plenty of real life thugs on their Team, and if the Redskins wanted to meet somewhere off the field and handle it like men, they'd be willing to engage in a group fistfight.Sounds like plenty of hyperbole mixed in here, but the guy who related this to me is a pretty solid and level-headed buddy of mine, and definitely is 'in the know' regarding all things Cowboys. I'm just looking for some verification here, as I would have thought someone would have brought this up had it occured as it was related to me. Perhaps some of our Cowboy Fan visitors could shed some light on this? Seems like something, that if true, would be fun to dissect...

With the exception of some of the flourishes about a fist fight and payback, yes I heard this story too and yes it's true. I have no doubt that the Cowboys will be motivated when they return to Washington anyway, so whatever.

 

[valhallan]

Hip hip!!

....

 

[fatness]

I have no doubt that the Cowboys will be motivated when they return to Washington anyway, so whatever.

That would be an improvement for the Cowboys over last week's game.

 

[Swing 51]

Come on 'Skins!

Posted at 11:36 AM ET, 10/ 5/2008Springs, Heyer, Taylor, Washington OutShawn Springs, Stephon Heyer, Jason Taylor and Marcus Washington all out with injuries.Rob Jackson, Chad Rinehart and Justin Hamilton are also out. Colt Brennan is the third QB.Demetric Evans starts for Taylor, Fred Smoot starts for Springs, Jon Jansen starts for Heyer.Posted by Jason La Canfora

 

[TeddyKGB]

Wow. Nothing else to say. Wow.

 

[fatness]

A very quick 14-0 deficit in Philly and they dominate the rest of the game and win?

Yes, I am impressed!

This team still isn't playing up to its potential yet (4 missing starters, 4 FG's instead of TD's, several bonehead mistakes) and they're 4-1.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Nice win over the Eagles, Skins. Very very impressive on the road so far this year.....hopefully you guys don't look as good at home, but I'm sure that won't be the case.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

One thing that needs to be pointed out amidst the euphoria, our pass rush is non-existent without Taylor. It may have been a good tradeoff given how well the team shut down the run, but the fact is that Romo felt very little pressure even accounting for his amazing sense of pressure and ability to elude it in the pocket, which he displayed at times yesterday.

True, but they also played him a lot like they play McNabb. They seemed to worry more about coverage than pressure.Notice how 153 of their 344 yards came on the final drives of each half against a 3-man rush and soft coverage. The rest of the game, they only gained 191 yards against what was mostly a 4-man rush and tighter coverage.

What I've noticed defensively is how poor they are to start a half. Week 1, NY took the opening KO and marched down for a TD. Week 2, NO took the 2nd half KO and marched down for a TD. Week 3, Arizona took the 2nd half KO and marched down for a FG. Yesterday, Dallas took the second half KO and marched down for a TD. 24 of the 81 points they've given up have been on drives to start a half.

Along the lines of "the other guys get paid too", keep in mind that the beginning of halves is when you are either first seeing a game plan with new twists (1st half) or you're first seeing halftime adjustments (2nd half). What I like is that Blache always stabilizes his defense after those moments. Blache has done as well of a job as Zorn has, though nobody's really paying attention to that.

Did it again.

 

[southeastjerome]

After the first quarter, I really did think we were in for a long afternoon. Another game and another drive that the Skins have a long drive to run out the clock on a team in the 4th quarter. Hopefully there are no letdowns next week.

 

[thayman]

After the first quarter, I really did think we were in for a long afternoon. Another game and another drive that the Skins have a long drive to run out the clock on a team in the 4th quarter. Hopefully there are no letdowns next week.

I was really worried about a letdown this week against the Eagles....nice to see them pull it out. 2-1 on the road in the NFC East is pretty bad assed.

 

[T Bell]

Wow. Nothing else to say. Wow.

A very quick 14-0 deficit in Philly and they dominate the rest of the game and win?

Yes, I am impressed!

This team still isn't playing up to its potential yet (4 missing starters, 4 FG's instead of TD's, several bonehead mistakes) and they're 4-1.

I don't know how this season will end, but the Redskins have played the best month of football since they were winning Super Bowls with Gibbs, and yes, that includes the 5-game and 4-game win streaks they had in 2005 and 2007 to make the playoffs, among other stretches during that time.

That this has happened both with a brand new head coach (and play-caller, and offensive system) and with all of their division road games in the first five weeks is simply mind-boggling.

 

[Ripleys]

this team is for real, and I expect them to have a home game in the playoffs.

 

[buster c]

to me, once they started running the ball -even being in a 2 td hole- they took control of the game. the OL is playing incredibly this year and I must take my hat off to JC, too. he is playing far better than I thought he was capable of. guy has such a nice arm. the rope he threw out to Portis in the flat -awesome catch- was what I'm talking about. not sure what he was thinking on 3rd & 1 with 3mins to go throwing it out of bounds stopping the clock when a qb run would've been the play, but they made the 4th down conversion & the game was over.

on the Horton INT from last week - Zorn said on his show last night that it was not by design and it was luck as Horton ran out onto the field late and began the play out of position

 

[dgreen]

I can't imagine what McNabb saw when he audibled to that run on 3rd and goal in what would turn out to be their final offensive play. To the left of the C, Philly had their LG, LT, and a TE. The Skins had 6 guys over there. Add in the Philly FB and they were still outmanned 6-4. That play didn't have a chance.

 

[T Bell]

to me, once they started running the ball -even being in a 2 td hole- they took control of the game. the OL is playing incredibly this year and I must take my hat off to JC, too. he is playing far better than I thought he was capable of. guy has such a nice arm. the rope he threw out to Portis in the flat -awesome catch- was what I'm talking about. not sure what he was thinking on 3rd & 1 with 3mins to go throwing it out of bounds stopping the clock when a qb run would've been the play, but they made the 4th down conversion & the game was over.

on the Horton INT from last week - Zorn said on his show last night that it was not by design and it was luck as Horton ran out onto the field late and began the play out of position

First of all, Thrash got mugged and should have gotten the flag. As far as Zorn's thinking, though, I believe he'd already decided to go for it on 4th down and Campbell was told to either complete the pass or throw it out of bounds. If that's your mindset, why not take a shot downfield on 3rd down?

 

[fatness]

A 7-minute drive to run out the clock, against a very good defense, including two 3rd down conversions and a 4th down conversion:

 Washington Redskins at 07:18
2-D.Akers kicks 69 yards from PHI 30 to WAS 1. 31-R.Cartwright to WAS 20 for 19 yards (56-A.Jordan).
1-10-WAS 20 	(7:12) 26-C.Portis left end to WAS 21 for 1 yard (97-B.Bunkley).
2-9-WAS 21 	(6:31) 26-C.Portis left tackle to WAS 26 for 5 yards (55-S.Bradley).
Timeout #2 by WAS at 05:50.
3-4-WAS 26 	(5:50) (Shotgun) 17-J.Campbell pass short middle to 82-A.Randle El to WAS 37 for 11 yards (24-S.Brown).
1-10-WAS 37 	(5:15) 26-C.Portis left tackle to WAS 35 for -2 yards (58-T.Cole).
2-12-WAS 35 	(4:33) 26-C.Portis up the middle to WAS 38 for 3 yards (98-M.Patterson).
3-9-WAS 38 	(3:53) (Shotgun) 17-J.Campbell scrambles up the middle to PHI 47 for 15 yards.
1-10-PHI 47 	(3:07) 46-L.Betts left end to PHI 40 for 7 yards (98-M.Patterson, 96-O.Gaither).
Timeout #2 by PHI at 02:59.
2-3-PHI 40 	(2:59) 46-L.Betts left end to PHI 38 for 2 yards (58-T.Cole).
Timeout #3 by PHI at 02:53.
3-1-PHI 38 	(2:53) 17-J.Campbell pass incomplete short right to 82-A.Randle El.
Timeout #3 by WAS at 02:48.
4-1-PHI 38 	(2:48) (Shotgun) 26-C.Portis up the middle to PHI 35 for 3 yards (98-M.Patterson).
Two-Minute Warning
1-10-PHI 35 	(2:00) 17-J.Campbell kneels to PHI 36 for -1 yards.
2-11-PHI 36 	(1:20) 17-J.Campbell kneels to PHI 37 for -1 yards.
3-12-PHI 37 	(:38) 17-J.Campbell kneels to PHI 38 for -1 yards.
END GAME
WAS 23    PHI 17    Plays: 13    Possession: 7:18

 

[T Bell]

A 7-minute drive to run out the clock, against a very good defense, including two 3rd down conversions and a 4th down conversion:

Washington Redskins at 07:182-D.Akers kicks 69 yards from PHI 30 to WAS 1. 31-R.Cartwright to WAS 20 for 19 yards (56-A.Jordan).1-10-WAS 20 	(7:12) 26-C.Portis left end to WAS 21 for 1 yard (97-B.Bunkley).2-9-WAS 21 	(6:31) 26-C.Portis left tackle to WAS 26 for 5 yards (55-S.Bradley).Timeout #2 by WAS at 05:50.3-4-WAS 26 	(5:50) (Shotgun) 17-J.Campbell pass short middle to 82-A.Randle El to WAS 37 for 11 yards (24-S.Brown).1-10-WAS 37 	(5:15) 26-C.Portis left tackle to WAS 35 for -2 yards (58-T.Cole).2-12-WAS 35 	(4:33) 26-C.Portis up the middle to WAS 38 for 3 yards (98-M.Patterson).3-9-WAS 38 	(3:53) (Shotgun) 17-J.Campbell scrambles up the middle to PHI 47 for 15 yards.1-10-PHI 47 	(3:07) 46-L.Betts left end to PHI 40 for 7 yards (98-M.Patterson, 96-O.Gaither).Timeout #2 by PHI at 02:59.2-3-PHI 40 	(2:59) 46-L.Betts left end to PHI 38 for 2 yards (58-T.Cole).Timeout #3 by PHI at 02:53.3-1-PHI 38 	(2:53) 17-J.Campbell pass incomplete short right to 82-A.Randle El.Timeout #3 by WAS at 02:48.4-1-PHI 38 	(2:48) (Shotgun) 26-C.Portis up the middle to PHI 35 for 3 yards (98-M.Patterson).Two-Minute Warning1-10-PHI 35 	(2:00) 17-J.Campbell kneels to PHI 36 for -1 yards.2-11-PHI 36 	(1:20) 17-J.Campbell kneels to PHI 37 for -1 yards.3-12-PHI 37 	(:38) 17-J.Campbell kneels to PHI 38 for -1 yards.END GAMEWAS 23    PHI 17    Plays: 13    Possession: 7:18

Campbell made both of those 3rd down conversions with his legs, one with a scramble, and the other working to his right out of the pocket to buy time for ARE to get open. He's been such a heady and steady QB I just can't tell you how impressed I've been.

 

[fatness]

Zorn's postgame press conference and other videos.

Portis called the 4th down play keeping the final drive alive, according to Zorn. Said with utter respect for Portis's effort.

Zorn says the NFC East is the toughest division in the NFL.

Portis complimented the offensive line, and said that opponents can't keep a safety in the box any more due to the passing attack.

Campbell said going for it on 4th and 2 was the biggest play of the season.

Some nice Portis highlights on the page.

 

[fatness]

Game photos.

To me, the most telling photo is Zorn applauding Campbell for calling a timeout. Those 2 guys seem to understand and respect each other, and to work well together.

 

[Marvelous]

One incredibly huge difference in the Redskins:

In Gibbs II, Gibbs always wanted to establish the run first, and then take shots down the field. But if the running game got stuffed, there was no offense. And the mind set was to keep doing it and the defense will eventually soften. But it was most brutal when Gibbs would have a lead and try to play conservative to run the clock out. He would run, run, run, and if he could not keep the ball, let the defense win (or frequently lose) the game.

Zorn is much more pass oriented and passes frequently early in the game. And with the respect of the passing game, the running game opens up. When the long drives and time of possession, in the 4th quarter, they can run the ball on even very good defenses.

Also, so far, the Redskins are converting 3rd and 1 very regularly. Under Gibbs II, I think their conversons on 3rd and 1 was really poor (almost always a power running play), which is a huge drive killer.

 

[thayman]

One incredibly huge difference in the Redskins:In Gibbs II, Gibbs always wanted to establish the run first, and then take shots down the field. But if the running game got stuffed, there was no offense. And the mind set was to keep doing it and the defense will eventually soften. But it was most brutal when Gibbs would have a lead and try to play conservative to run the clock out. He would run, run, run, and if he could not keep the ball, let the defense win (or frequently lose) the game.Zorn is much more pass oriented and passes frequently early in the game. And with the respect of the passing game, the running game opens up. When the long drives and time of possession, in the 4th quarter, they can run the ball on even very good defenses.Also, so far, the Redskins are converting 3rd and 1 very regularly. Under Gibbs II, I think their conversons on 3rd and 1 was really poor (almost always a power running play), which is a huge drive killer.

Gibbs 2.0 played to not lose games. Zorn plays to win games.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Interesting stat in that the Eagles were the worst Offense we've face in the NFL this season and they were ranked #6. Considering that, I'm even more impressed with the defensive side of the ball. Someone else said it earlier, but in particular...this Offense plays to win the game and not to lose the game. I for one am very impressed, especially considering they were 14-0 in the hole and away from home, but dominated the game after that.

Hail to the Redskins!

Hail Victory!

Braves on the Warpath!

Fight for old D.C.!

Run or pass and score -- we want a lot more!

Beat 'em, Swamp 'em,

Touchdown! -- Let the points soar!

Fight on, fight on 'Til you have won

Sons of Wash-ing-ton. Rah!, Rah!, Rah!

Hail to the Redskins!

Hail Victory!

Braves on the Warpath!

Fight for old D.C.!

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Not that I've never been happy to be a Skins fan, but today I feel great.

A quick story if I may, I'm in a tD only league, Favre is my starter, so I had to choose between Campbell and Cassell. I call a few friends, I look in the coach forum, finally I decide to call my stepfather in Philly. (I lived in Philly for 12 years, and went to the Vet every year to see the Skins, I was even at the body bag game:( ) Anyways I ask my stepfather hey who would you start? Campbell or Cassell? He says why would you start Campbell? Well Orton threw 3 against the Eagles, and I belive Campbell is a better qb then him. My stepfather's reply. Well I wouldn't start any Skins because there gonna get SHUT OUT!!!!! ME. "Your pulling my leg right?" StepDad :I really don't think the Skins are that good." So I just say alright and hang up. After the game, Mrs. CCF says don't call him make him wait alnight for your call. Also noticed that noone on Fox picked us to win the game. :finger: to them as well.

Now we play the Rams at home, followed by the Brownies, then at Detroit. We then play a Monday night home game against the Steelers before a bye week. Man what that stadium will be like if we can be 7-1 going in the monday nigh game.

Hail to the Redskins my brothers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[thayman]

after 5 weeks we have zero offensive turnovers. The only one we have had IIRC is the Randle El fumble on the punt (he looked like poo back there again today) this stat, and our complete dominance in the 2nd half have me more excited than anything else.

Also I love how they are middle of the road defense after facing Dallas, New York, Philly, Arizona, New Orleans....that's easily 5 of the top 10 offenses in the league.

 

[T Bell]

after 5 weeks we have zero offensive turnovers. The only one we have had IIRC is the Randle El fumble on the punt (he looked like poo back there again today) this stat, and our complete dominance in the 2nd half have me more excited than anything else.Also I love how they are middle of the road defense after facing Dallas, New York, Philly, Arizona, New Orleans....that's easily 5 of the top 10 offenses in the league.

Middle of the road in terms of yardage perhaps, but each of those offenses has performed below its season average in every major category vs. the Redskins.