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

[thayman]

Said it before, will say it again...Redskins dont make playoffs.

I think the Giants are going to be the only NFC East team in the playoffs.

 

[buster c]

Said it before, will say it again...Redskins dont make playoffs.

ma'am, you also said that the Cowpies would beat the Skins in Dallas. how'd that work out?oh, and with the Skins at the #8 spot, your "predictions" are as weak as your sportsmanship.

 

[dgreen]

Springs is hurt again and we have the beginnings of a QB controversy brewing. All is well in DC

I hope the QB controversy is just a talk radio creation. As a fan, I don't really care if Todd Collins is better right now than Jason Campbell. That's irrelevant. We have to determine what we think Jason will be. To me, the only play right now is to continue the maturation of Campbell. If he isn't what we want him to be by the end of next season (Zorn said it took Hasselbeck three years to be completely comfortable), then the move should be made to Colt or some other young QB. But, regardless of Campbell's play, Todd Collins should only see the field because of injury. There is absolutely no reason to change QBs to Collins right now. You risk sacrificing the future for a possible wild card appearance by benching Campbell for Collins. No thanks.Honestly, I don't have too many warm and fuzzies about Campbell. I just don't have much faith in his ability to win a game. He's an efficient QB when the run game is working and he has time. But, really, those guys grow on trees. I'm in no way putting all, or even the majority, of the blame on Campbell for the offenses recent struggles. But, he's also done very little during these tough times to make me think he's going to become what we hope he will be. Either way, I'd much rather see them play it out through next season with Campbell rather than go to Collins.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Springs is hurt again and we have the beginnings of a QB controversy brewing. All is well in DC

I hope the QB controversy is just a talk radio creation. As a fan, I don't really care if Todd Collins is better right now than Jason Campbell. That's irrelevant. We have to determine what we think Jason will be. To me, the only play right now is to continue the maturation of Campbell. If he isn't what we want him to be by the end of next season (Zorn said it took Hasselbeck three years to be completely comfortable), then the move should be made to Colt or some other young QB. But, regardless of Campbell's play, Todd Collins should only see the field because of injury. There is absolutely no reason to change QBs to Collins right now. You risk sacrificing the future for a possible wild card appearance by benching Campbell for Collins. No thanks.Honestly, I don't have too many warm and fuzzies about Campbell. I just don't have much faith in his ability to win a game. He's an efficient QB when the run game is working and he has time. But, really, those guys grow on trees. I'm in no way putting all, or even the majority, of the blame on Campbell for the offenses recent struggles. But, he's also done very little during these tough times to make me think he's going to become what we hope he will be. Either way, I'd much rather see them play it out through next season with Campbell rather than go to Collins.

For those of us not able to listen to local radio, who's calling for Collins and why do they think he's better?

 

[T Bell]

Said it before, will say it again...Redskins dont make playoffs.

I think the Giants are going to be the only NFC East team in the playoffs.

Exactly. What's so funny here is that the Cowboys likely won't make the playoffs either. What's lost on the mentally challenged like Syrus is that that's a far greater failure on the part of the "Super Bowl favorite" Cowboys than it is on the part of the Redskins.

 

[T Bell]

Springs is hurt again and we have the beginnings of a QB controversy brewing. All is well in DC

I hope the QB controversy is just a talk radio creation. As a fan, I don't really care if Todd Collins is better right now than Jason Campbell. That's irrelevant. We have to determine what we think Jason will be. To me, the only play right now is to continue the maturation of Campbell. If he isn't what we want him to be by the end of next season (Zorn said it took Hasselbeck three years to be completely comfortable), then the move should be made to Colt or some other young QB. But, regardless of Campbell's play, Todd Collins should only see the field because of injury. There is absolutely no reason to change QBs to Collins right now. You risk sacrificing the future for a possible wild card appearance by benching Campbell for Collins. No thanks.Honestly, I don't have too many warm and fuzzies about Campbell. I just don't have much faith in his ability to win a game. He's an efficient QB when the run game is working and he has time. But, really, those guys grow on trees. I'm in no way putting all, or even the majority, of the blame on Campbell for the offenses recent struggles. But, he's also done very little during these tough times to make me think he's going to become what we hope he will be. Either way, I'd much rather see them play it out through next season with Campbell rather than go to Collins.

For those of us not able to listen to local radio, who's calling for Collins and why do they think he's better?

People are idiots. Campbell and Portis have been the bright spots this year. It's the line and the WR corps that's killiing them.

 

[TankRizzo]

Springs is hurt again and we have the beginnings of a QB controversy brewing. All is well in DC

I hope the QB controversy is just a talk radio creation. As a fan, I don't really care if Todd Collins is better right now than Jason Campbell. That's irrelevant. We have to determine what we think Jason will be. To me, the only play right now is to continue the maturation of Campbell. If he isn't what we want him to be by the end of next season (Zorn said it took Hasselbeck three years to be completely comfortable), then the move should be made to Colt or some other young QB. But, regardless of Campbell's play, Todd Collins should only see the field because of injury. There is absolutely no reason to change QBs to Collins right now. You risk sacrificing the future for a possible wild card appearance by benching Campbell for Collins. No thanks.Honestly, I don't have too many warm and fuzzies about Campbell. I just don't have much faith in his ability to win a game. He's an efficient QB when the run game is working and he has time. But, really, those guys grow on trees. I'm in no way putting all, or even the majority, of the blame on Campbell for the offenses recent struggles. But, he's also done very little during these tough times to make me think he's going to become what we hope he will be. Either way, I'd much rather see them play it out through next season with Campbell rather than go to Collins.

That's pretty much exactly the way I feel. Colt isn't getting the 2nd team work, so talking about him is pretty much pointless, it's not realistic to think he can come in at this point. It has to be Campbell for the rest of this season and at least half of next. But yeah, I also think he's hit the wall as far as his potential goes. He's a game manager, he hasn't lost us any games and he hasn't stepped up to win us any games either. He's good for whatever Portis and the D get.

 

[TankRizzo]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

 

[T Bell]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, yes.

 

[dgreen]

Springs is hurt again and we have the beginnings of a QB controversy brewing. All is well in DC

I hope the QB controversy is just a talk radio creation. As a fan, I don't really care if Todd Collins is better right now than Jason Campbell. That's irrelevant. We have to determine what we think Jason will be. To me, the only play right now is to continue the maturation of Campbell. If he isn't what we want him to be by the end of next season (Zorn said it took Hasselbeck three years to be completely comfortable), then the move should be made to Colt or some other young QB. But, regardless of Campbell's play, Todd Collins should only see the field because of injury. There is absolutely no reason to change QBs to Collins right now. You risk sacrificing the future for a possible wild card appearance by benching Campbell for Collins. No thanks.Honestly, I don't have too many warm and fuzzies about Campbell. I just don't have much faith in his ability to win a game. He's an efficient QB when the run game is working and he has time. But, really, those guys grow on trees. I'm in no way putting all, or even the majority, of the blame on Campbell for the offenses recent struggles. But, he's also done very little during these tough times to make me think he's going to become what we hope he will be. Either way, I'd much rather see them play it out through next season with Campbell rather than go to Collins.

For those of us not able to listen to local radio, who's calling for Collins and why do they think he's better?

I heard some talk either last night on the postgame show or this morning. That would mean the discussion was probably between Andy Polian and John Riggins. Polian's somewhat of an idiot and Riggins says stuff just to say stuff. Riggins could very well say next week that Jason Campbell is the best QB in the NFL. And Polian constantly tries to build up a QB controversy that doesn't exist. Basically their argument was, "Look at what Collins did last year." Luckily, another radio personality, Kevin Sheehan, talked about how Collins was in a pretty good situation last year. He knew the offense like the back of his hand, didn't have the most difficult schedule, and was just kind of along for the emotional ride at the end of the season.I can't imagine anyone in the lockerroom, other than maybe Collins, thinking Campbell should be benched.

 

[fatness]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, no.How about Jansen? Big pay cut next year or gone? Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.Here we are, where we always are. It's Groundhog Day.

 

[T Bell]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, no.How about Jansen? Big pay cut next year or gone? Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.Here we are, where we always are. It's Groundhog Day.

I think Griff's back for one more go-round, as part of a DT rotation. He's still a difference maker, but he just can't stay healthy playing more than 20 snaps per game. Jansen is either a backup with a pay cut or gone. He's not even close to what he used to be. As for the team, their draft needs to be filled with linemen. I'll except a BPA approach with one LB, and maybe on Day 2 also with a RB, but they need linemen plain and simple, on both sides of the ball. The only two linemen who are worth a damn are Samuels and Kendall, and the latter guy is the oldest OL on the team. They need to replace fully 4/5 of the starting o-line between now and the start of the 2010 season (I think they can squeeze one more year out of Kendall). I'm praying that Reinhart and Heyer are worthy replacements because if they're not, this could be a very painful process. I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

 

[TankRizzo]

Maybe, no, no.How about Jansen? Big pay cut next year or gone? Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.Here we are, where we always are. It's Groundhog Day.

I think Jansen will take the cut and stick around. Reading that paragraph just made me feel so helpless. It's that same feeling you get watching Saving Private Ryan where the German goes upstairs and kills that guy with the knife and the typewriter guy just watches and does nothing. You know how it ends but you still get pissed and after it's over you're resigned to "that's how it is".

 

[TankRizzo]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

the 2nd round flurry of receivers we don't need is what killed me. I wanted Groves or Calias Campbell instead of Davis. That pick still leaves me scratching my head.

 

[T Bell]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

the 2nd round flurry of receivers we don't need is what killed me. I wanted Groves or Calias Campbell instead of Davis. That pick still leaves me scratching my head.

Groves is an undersized speed rusher, even smaller than Carter is, and Campbell is a 3-4 DE. I don't see how either of those guys is something to be upset about. Granted, we already have Cooley, but I still believe that two-TE sets with Davis and Cooley could present some big problems for defenses. The big mystery to me is why we haven't seen more of Davis thus far, as that would be a nice way to change up the offense now that we see defenses adjusting to what we're doing.

 

[dgreen]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

I, too, am not as down on the WRs as others are. I think we've seen Thomas has good hands and can do some good things once he has the ball in his hands. Apparently the problem with him so far has been knowing what to do. Also, he hustles on teams and has shown he can be a good downfield blocker. I know it was late when the game was over, but he drove a NYG CB back 5+ yards on a Campbell scramble yesterday. Kelly is still basically playing his first few NFL games. His nagging injuries have him way behind. The fact that he's getting pt over Thomas, though, says they really like what he can do. Davis is the one they all rave about in practice. I think he's just been caught in a numbers game as far as his pt is concerned. I heard Springs say, "Davis is the one guy in practice we can't cover. The only time we cover him is when he's not there and is still asleep." I think these three along with Moss and Cooley should create a solid passing game next year. The problem this year is that neither Thomas nor Kelly were able to contribute. If one of them could contribute at a solid WR3 level, I think we'd see a better passing attack, which would mean more points.

 

[T Bell]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

I, too, am not as down on the WRs as others are. I think we've seen Thomas has good hands and can do some good things once he has the ball in his hands. Apparently the problem with him so far has been knowing what to do. Also, he hustles on teams and has shown he can be a good downfield blocker. I know it was late when the game was over, but he drove a NYG CB back 5+ yards on a Campbell scramble yesterday. Kelly is still basically playing his first few NFL games. His nagging injuries have him way behind. The fact that he's getting pt over Thomas, though, says they really like what he can do. Davis is the one they all rave about in practice. I think he's just been caught in a numbers game as far as his pt is concerned. I heard Springs say, "Davis is the one guy in practice we can't cover. The only time we cover him is when he's not there and is still asleep." I think these three along with Moss and Cooley should create a solid passing game next year. The problem this year is that neither Thomas nor Kelly were able to contribute. If one of them could contribute at a solid WR3 level, I think we'd see a better passing attack, which would mean more points.

That's my thinking as well. Again, I just don't understand how a team that is having problems both pass blocking and also with guys making plays catching the ball doesn't have Davis in that lineup with Cooley.

 

[DCThunder]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, no.How about Jansen? Big pay cut next year or gone? Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.Here we are, where we always are. It's Groundhog Day.

I think Griff's back for one more go-round, as part of a DT rotation. He's still a difference maker, but he just can't stay healthy playing more than 20 snaps per game. Jansen is either a backup with a pay cut or gone. He's not even close to what he used to be. As for the team, their draft needs to be filled with linemen. I'll except a BPA approach with one LB, and maybe on Day 2 also with a RB, but they need linemen plain and simple, on both sides of the ball. The only two linemen who are worth a damn are Samuels and Kendall, and the latter guy is the oldest OL on the team. They need to replace fully 4/5 of the starting o-line between now and the start of the 2010 season (I think they can squeeze one more year out of Kendall). I'm praying that Reinhart and Heyer are worthy replacements because if they're not, this could be a very painful process. I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

If it was me, I'd bench Jansen NOW because otherwise Campbell is going to get killed by the Raven's pass rush. After they lose that game, I'd also give Rinehart some snaps down the stretch. He's gotta play sometime, might as well be now.The guy I wonder about is Portis. Sooner or later he's gonna wear out and I'd rather they traded him a year too soon than a year too late. I know he's the soul of the team and all that stuff, but he's like Larry Brown. He went from league leading rusher and MVP candidate to out of football almost overnight and he was a very similar style player to CP.

 

[T Bell]

If it was me, I'd bench Jansen NOW because otherwise Campbell is going to get killed by the Raven's pass rush. After they lose that game, I'd also give Rinehart some snaps down the stretch. He's gotta play sometime, might as well be now.The guy I wonder about is Portis. Sooner or later he's gonna wear out and I'd rather they traded him a year too soon than a year too late. I know he's the soul of the team and all that stuff, but he's like Larry Brown. He went from league leading rusher and MVP candidate to out of football almost overnight and he was a very similar style player to CP.

I wouldn't object to benching Janson; playing Rinehart (for Rabach or Thomas, not for Kendall), but Rinehart is a natural LG unfortunately, which is of course Kendall's spot, so that would be tougher to do. I agree regarding Portis. He's a stud but I have to wonder about the future. He's got some huge mileage on him, and especially so given his physical play and the hard use that Gibbs and even Zorn have put him to. That's why I said above that I wouldn't mind seeing the team draft a RB on a BPA approach as his heir apparent. There should be some good RB talent in this draft, including some that's available early on the second day.

 

[Marvelous]

there's d hall keepin' it real. enjoy wash.

He's been an unexpected bright spot. The guy has a nose for the ball and has (I think) won a starting cornerback spot already since he seems to be on the field on most defensive plays. I'm happy they signed him, he's been no trouble so far and has played unexpectedly well.

So far so good. Given the relatively benign nature of his past sins, I'm willing to give him a chance to succeed, and he seems grateful for the opportunity to not only play again, but to play for what amounts to his hometown team.

His play has certainly been solid. He appears to be CB1 right now since he was the only CB on the field when the Giants had only 1 WR on the field. Rogers had a rough game. He was consistently beat on slants. I will say, though, that Rogers kept looking over to the sideline and putting his hands up when he was beat on slants as if to say, "I'm doing what I'm told. Maybe we shouldn't give them that route?" I just can't believe Hixon would routinely beat Rogers that much.I heard on the postgame show that a player was in the lockerroom after the game saying he was pleased with his own performance. The 980 beat reporter, Frank Hanrahan, wouldn't out the player but mentioned it and said that kind of attitude is obviously a problem. My first thought was he was talking about Hall.

Rogers was able to cover TO tightly, yet he was consistently giving Hixon a 10 yard cushion. The positioning did not make much sense to me. Rogers did not have a good game, but I think it may have been more because of the defense that Blache called.

 

[Marvelous]

Springs is hurt again and we have the beginnings of a QB controversy brewing. All is well in DC

I hope the QB controversy is just a talk radio creation. As a fan, I don't really care if Todd Collins is better right now than Jason Campbell. That's irrelevant. We have to determine what we think Jason will be. To me, the only play right now is to continue the maturation of Campbell. If he isn't what we want him to be by the end of next season (Zorn said it took Hasselbeck three years to be completely comfortable), then the move should be made to Colt or some other young QB. But, regardless of Campbell's play, Todd Collins should only see the field because of injury. There is absolutely no reason to change QBs to Collins right now. You risk sacrificing the future for a possible wild card appearance by benching Campbell for Collins. No thanks.Honestly, I don't have too many warm and fuzzies about Campbell. I just don't have much faith in his ability to win a game. He's an efficient QB when the run game is working and he has time. But, really, those guys grow on trees. I'm in no way putting all, or even the majority, of the blame on Campbell for the offenses recent struggles. But, he's also done very little during these tough times to make me think he's going to become what we hope he will be. Either way, I'd much rather see them play it out through next season with Campbell rather than go to Collins.

For those of us not able to listen to local radio, who's calling for Collins and why do they think he's better?

I heard some talk either last night on the postgame show or this morning. That would mean the discussion was probably between Andy Polian and John Riggins. Polian's somewhat of an idiot and Riggins says stuff just to say stuff. Riggins could very well say next week that Jason Campbell is the best QB in the NFL. And Polian constantly tries to build up a QB controversy that doesn't exist. Basically their argument was, "Look at what Collins did last year." Luckily, another radio personality, Kevin Sheehan, talked about how Collins was in a pretty good situation last year. He knew the offense like the back of his hand, didn't have the most difficult schedule, and was just kind of along for the emotional ride at the end of the season.I can't imagine anyone in the lockerroom, other than maybe Collins, thinking Campbell should be benched.

Todd Collins was in Al Saunders offense for 10 years and knew it inside out. His performance was awesome last year, but I personally have no confidence in him with a new offense. I actually thought it made little sense for him to re-sign with the Redskins. It made a lot more sense for him to follow Saunders to St. Loius if that was possible.

 

[Marvelous]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, yes.

I doubt Springs is back next year. I believe he is a free agent. He is injured a lot. And Hall, if he works out, is basically Springs replacement. I actually thought Dallas could sign Springs. Try to keep him healthy for the playoffs and get a few good games out of him. And Springs could be near his dad.

 

[Marvelous]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, no.How about Jansen? Big pay cut next year or gone? Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.Here we are, where we always are. It's Groundhog Day.

Zorn is definately safe. He has done a credible job.They need offensive linemen. They are old and apparently not as good as they used to be.Jansen probably isn't a starting RT anymore. So he can either be a backup here or somewhere else. Rabach and Thomas have had some problems too. I have not heard too much about Kendall, which means he may be doing ok. I thought he was the weakest link last year.I am concerned that Reinhard has been inactive every game. Is he still viewed as a future starter or a bust?

 

[T Bell]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, no.How about Jansen? Big pay cut next year or gone? Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.Here we are, where we always are. It's Groundhog Day.

Zorn is definately safe. He has done a credible job.They need offensive linemen. They are old and apparently not as good as they used to be.Jansen probably isn't a starting RT anymore. So he can either be a backup here or somewhere else. Rabach and Thomas have had some problems too. I have not heard too much about Kendall, which means he may be doing ok. I thought he was the weakest link last year.I am concerned that Reinhard has been inactive every game. Is he still viewed as a future starter or a bust?

Nobody's called Rinehart a bust to my knowledge. He's the least experienced OL on the roster, and as you know the inactives tend to be governed by team need and injuries. We've not had many OL injuries, so he's been an odd man out so far.

 

[Marvelous]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

the 2nd round flurry of receivers we don't need is what killed me. I wanted Groves or Calias Campbell instead of Davis. That pick still leaves me scratching my head.

I thought we needed wide receivers. And I still do. Our receivers are definately struggling. How are Groves or Campbell doing? I think the Redskin front office is allergic to drafting DL. They haven't drafted a DL higher than the 5th round since 1993 (Sterling Palmer in the 4th). That is 15 years of no DL in the first 4 rounds of the draft.

 

[T Bell]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

the 2nd round flurry of receivers we don't need is what killed me. I wanted Groves or Calias Campbell instead of Davis. That pick still leaves me scratching my head.

I thought we needed wide receivers. And I still do. Our receivers are definately struggling. How are Groves or Campbell doing? I think the Redskin front office is allergic to drafting DL. They haven't drafted a DL higher than the 5th round since 1993 (Sterling Palmer in the 4th). That is 15 years of no DL in the first 4 rounds of the draft.

You're forgetting Kenard Lang in 1997 in the first round. A better way of looking at it is that they've not drafted a starting DL of any level of significance or accomplishment since Charles Mann in 1984. That's simply astounding that we've neglected 4/22 of our starting lineup that much for that long.

 

[southeastjerome]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

the 2nd round flurry of receivers we don't need is what killed me. I wanted Groves or Calias Campbell instead of Davis. That pick still leaves me scratching my head.

I thought we needed wide receivers. And I still do. Our receivers are definately struggling. How are Groves or Campbell doing? I think the Redskin front office is allergic to drafting DL. They haven't drafted a DL higher than the 5th round since 1993 (Sterling Palmer in the 4th). That is 15 years of no DL in the first 4 rounds of the draft.

Its too bad, next year is shaping up to be a terrific year for WR's. I think both lines seriously need to be addressed though.

 

[Marvelous]

Springs, Marcus Washington and Griffin....are these guys on the team next year?

Maybe, no, no.How about Jansen? Big pay cut next year or gone? Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.Here we are, where we always are. It's Groundhog Day.

Zorn is definately safe. He has done a credible job.They need offensive linemen. They are old and apparently not as good as they used to be.Jansen probably isn't a starting RT anymore. So he can either be a backup here or somewhere else. Rabach and Thomas have had some problems too. I have not heard too much about Kendall, which means he may be doing ok. I thought he was the weakest link last year.I am concerned that Reinhard has been inactive every game. Is he still viewed as a future starter or a bust?

Nobody's called Rinehart a bust to my knowledge. He's the least experienced OL on the roster, and as you know the inactives tend to be governed by team need and injuries. We've not had many OL injuries, so he's been an odd man out so far.

The Redskins backup OL are Fabini, Heyer, Geisinger, and Reinhart. The fact that Reinhart is inactive every game means that right now, if they need an in game fill in due to injury, they would rather have Heyer, Fabini, and Geisinger over Reinhart. Now maybe Geisinger gets the nod because he plays center and Reinhart does not. But Reinhart is definately behind Fabini in the pecking order. Reinhart also plays tackle, and added bonus when designating backups. And he is still inactive.

 

[Marvelous]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

the 2nd round flurry of receivers we don't need is what killed me. I wanted Groves or Calias Campbell instead of Davis. That pick still leaves me scratching my head.

I thought we needed wide receivers. And I still do. Our receivers are definately struggling. How are Groves or Campbell doing? I think the Redskin front office is allergic to drafting DL. They haven't drafted a DL higher than the 5th round since 1993 (Sterling Palmer in the 4th). That is 15 years of no DL in the first 4 rounds of the draft.

You're forgetting Kenard Lang in 1997 in the first round. A better way of looking at it is that they've not drafted a starting DL of any level of significance or accomplishment since Charles Mann in 1984. That's simply astounding that we've neglected 4/22 of our starting lineup that much for that long.

You're right on Lang.I actually think it is amazing how good the Redskins D is given how little pass rush there is. With Carter, Taylor, Evans, Golston, Griffin, and Montgomery, they should be able to produce more of a pass rush than they do. They do defend the run well though.I realize Taylor has been hurt. I thought they could make Evans the starter and use Taylor on passing downs. Maybe that could help Taylor, especailly while he is healing.

 

[T Bell]

I'm still not down on last year's draft like some people are - this year has shown as much as any other that they don't have enough playmakers catching the ball and making plays for them, even with the benefit of an elite running game. They needed to draft guys to help that, and Thomas and Kelly (and Davis) now have a year under their belt to build on. They take longer to mature anyway.

the 2nd round flurry of receivers we don't need is what killed me. I wanted Groves or Calias Campbell instead of Davis. That pick still leaves me scratching my head.

I thought we needed wide receivers. And I still do. Our receivers are definately struggling. How are Groves or Campbell doing? I think the Redskin front office is allergic to drafting DL. They haven't drafted a DL higher than the 5th round since 1993 (Sterling Palmer in the 4th). That is 15 years of no DL in the first 4 rounds of the draft.

You're forgetting Kenard Lang in 1997 in the first round. A better way of looking at it is that they've not drafted a starting DL of any level of significance or accomplishment since Charles Mann in 1984. That's simply astounding that we've neglected 4/22 of our starting lineup that much for that long.

You're right on Lang.I actually think it is amazing how good the Redskins D is given how little pass rush there is. With Carter, Taylor, Evans, Golston, Griffin, and Montgomery, they should be able to produce more of a pass rush than they do. They do defend the run well though.I realize Taylor has been hurt. I thought they could make Evans the starter and use Taylor on passing downs. Maybe that could help Taylor, especailly while he is healing.

Blache has been a wizard for five years now with this D-line. I don't know of another D-line coach who's gotten more out of less over that time than he has. That doesn't change the fact that it's a relatively weak unit overall that very much needs to be upgraded.

 

[fatness]

I can't imagine anyone in the lockerroom, other than maybe Collins, thinking Campbell should be benched.

I can't either. JLC has a good blog entry about it: There's No Quarterback Controversy

Predictably, Coach Jim Zorn spent a good deal of his press conference fielding questions about Campbell, including one from a reporter who asked if a quarterback change was in order. Zorn is tuning out the noise. He knows Campbell isn't perfect - Zorn called the passer's performance against the Giants "very average" - but the problems run much deeper than the one position that draws the most attention (judging by talk radio and my inbox today).

Zorn, to the surprise of none of the schlubs who cover this team on a regular basis, dismissed any notion of a QB controversy and hasn't considered a change. His best quarterback is on the field for every snap, and will continue to be as long as he is healthy.

There are numerous reasons why the offense isn't scoring, most of which we have covered. There are only a few receivers who can really be trusted to run the right route, make the catch, and not put the team in peril (Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and Chris Cooley). There were too many times when receivers failed to get open, Zorn said, and some crushing drops by James Thrash, Malcolm Kelly and Randle El. And I'll add that opposing teams have figured out that if you double Moss on first down and double Cooley on third down, no one else is really going to beat you.

The pass protection is often spotty and, especially when Campbell tries to survey the field and make multiple reads on deep patterns, he usually ends up running for his life before he can even look to the secondary targets (that's killing the vertical presence). And then, when Clinton Portis is really banged up and the Redskins fall behind by even a few scores early and have to chase the game, everything gets magnified because they lose the play-action threat, Campbell gets crushed because he has to drop back too much and the offense implodes.

I asked Zorn about having few receivers to trust, pass-protection breakdowns, drops, having to get too one-dimensional when falling behind, and the cumulative impact that has on anyone's ability to be an effective quarterback. "All of those things are very true," Zorn said.

But, sure, there is room for improvement. Campbell made a short throw on the interception. He missed his reads a few times. He could have made a few better decisions. But he also protected the football well, made some great throws that were dropped and was elusive in the pocket against the rush.

I find it odd that a team that has over-achieved in terms of its record in the eyes of many, is allegedly being held back by the same QB who was among the top eight in the NFL at the midpoint of the season. I'm not buying it. Not even close. Fundamental issues of personnel and scheme adjustment are overarching principles, and no one player is going to overcome that.

To ####### the development of Campbell, again, just to hand the team over to Todd Collins strikes me as absurd. This season, realistically, was never about winning the Super Bowl, or even winning the division. They weren't built for that. It's about building a solid program and growing into an offense and identity on that side of the ball that could stand up over time, and developing a quarterback who has the physical and mental tools to be very good for years to come.

There is more in the article. It is one of his better ones, well worth reading.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I think the turning point in the game was when Suisham missed that relatively easy fg at the end of the 1st half. That killed all of our momentum.

There were a few critical drops too, especially the one by Thrash.

The bottom line is that you can't make those mistakes and expect to beat the world champs, especially when they have such a big advantage with their lines on both sides of the ball.

 

[fatness]

Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.

On the other hand, if they finish the season winning-but-dissatisfied, if this year's draft picks are held on to like last year's, if they're used on help for both lines, then maybe Vinnie will have finally grown in his job and there will be some hope. Maybe this year's draft of skill positions will be followed by another draft of linemen, and maybe the team will be building a young core for the future. Vinnie has much more power now than he had, but he's also more accountable. And if they need linemen and he continues to fail to get them there will be nowhere else to place the blame.

 

[dgreen]

Cooley staying focused on football

 

[DCThunder]

Also, my unscientific prediction for the rest of the year: The Redskins lose to the Ravens, amassing less than 200 yards of offense in a defensive struggle. At this point they're 7-6, Zorn is getting questioned, and the "circle the wagons, do or die, us against the world" mentality begins its yearly appearance. The team rallies to win 3 close games to close out the season at 10-6. They either just miss the playoffs (but consider it a "victory" because of the late surge) or lose their first playoff game (but consider it a "victory" because of the late season surge). Zorn is safe for next year, Vinnie and Dan decide they only need to tweak a few things to get one step further next year, and as the draft approaches they slowly but surely change their grading of players to move offensive players up their draft board.

On the other hand, if they finish the season winning-but-dissatisfied, if this year's draft picks are held on to like last year's, if they're used on help for both lines, then maybe Vinnie will have finally grown in his job and there will be some hope. Maybe this year's draft of skill positions will be followed by another draft of linemen, and maybe the team will be building a young core for the future. Vinnie has much more power now than he had, but he's also more accountable. And if they need linemen and he continues to fail to get them there will be nowhere else to place the blame.

Remember, they don't have a 2nd rounder in the next draft. Or a 6th. Those went for Taylor. So unless they somehow can get a 2nd back, and they miss the playoffs (or are one n' done) they'll be picking between 15-22 in the1st and then not until the mid-late 3rd. They better make those picks count, that's all I can say. Since Vinnie loves to trade 1s for multiple 2s, then maybe the best we pick is in the mid 30s. Yikes.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Yes or No? If Cowher kept Zorn would you go for it?

 

[T Bell]

Yes or No? If Cowher kept Zorn would you go for it?

No way. I don't think Cowher's committed to coaching (I'm not a huge fan of head coaches in their second, third, etc. stints anyway), and I like what Zorn has done and is doing. Plus, this is the last organization that needs a quick trigger at the head coaching position, and Zorn would never go for that anyway, nor should he.

 

[fatness]

Yes or No? If Cowher kept Zorn would you go for it?

No. So far Zorn has a brain, and at least half a clue. The team is more disciplined than last year, he's more creative offensively, the defense is improved. It'll take time to figure out if Zorn can figure out what to do now that the league has him figured out. I'm willing to give him that time. Got that figured out?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Losing to the Chiefs will make you bitter.

dhall still sucks ###. i watched him live this year & could not believe how bad he was,

 

[thayman]

Losing to the Chiefs will make you bitter.

dhall still sucks ###. i watched him live this year & could not believe how bad he was,

As the Raiders #2 he sucks, as the Skins #3 I'm not unhappy.

 

[dgreen]

Losing to the Chiefs will make you bitter.

dhall still sucks ###. i watched him live this year & could not believe how bad he was,

As the Raiders #2 he sucks, as the Skins #3 I'm not unhappy.

I think he may have become the Skins #1. Against the Giants, it was Rogers who was leaving the field when NY went to 1 WR sets. Springs is still struggling with injuries and plays more safety now.

 

[T Bell]

Losing to the Chiefs will make you bitter.

dhall still sucks ###. i watched him live this year & could not believe how bad he was,

As the Raiders #2 he sucks, as the Skins #3 I'm not unhappy.

I think he may have become the Skins #1. Against the Giants, it was Rogers who was leaving the field when NY went to 1 WR sets. Springs is still struggling with injuries and plays more safety now.

Hall makes plays and they're using him to the best advantage. Plus, when you've got a safety with the range of Laron Landry, you an afford a risk-taking CB like Hall. So far I've seen nothing I've not liked about him. Again though, it's his attitude that most concerns me and that sort of thing tends to play out over time.

 

[Bankerguy]

Losing to the Chiefs will make you bitter.

dhall still sucks ###. i watched him live this year & could not believe how bad he was,

As the Raiders #2 he sucks, as the Skins #3 I'm not unhappy.

I think he may have become the Skins #1. Against the Giants, it was Rogers who was leaving the field when NY went to 1 WR sets. Springs is still struggling with injuries and plays more safety now.

Hall makes plays and they're using him to the best advantage. Plus, when you've got a safety with the range of Laron Landry, you an afford a risk-taking CB like Hall. So far I've seen nothing I've not liked about him. Again though, it's his attitude that most concerns me and that sort of thing tends to play out over time.

Definately a boom/bust type of player from play to play. I'll say this...he has an excellent opportunity in Washington with a secondary that can cover some up of his weaknesses. If he bombs out with you guys his career is toast.

 

[T Bell]

Losing to the Chiefs will make you bitter.

dhall still sucks ###. i watched him live this year & could not believe how bad he was,

As the Raiders #2 he sucks, as the Skins #3 I'm not unhappy.

I think he may have become the Skins #1. Against the Giants, it was Rogers who was leaving the field when NY went to 1 WR sets. Springs is still struggling with injuries and plays more safety now.

Hall makes plays and they're using him to the best advantage. Plus, when you've got a safety with the range of Laron Landry, you an afford a risk-taking CB like Hall. So far I've seen nothing I've not liked about him. Again though, it's his attitude that most concerns me and that sort of thing tends to play out over time.

Definately a boom/bust type of player from play to play. I'll say this...he has an excellent opportunity in Washington with a secondary that can cover some up of his weaknesses. If he bombs out with you guys his career is toast.

 

[sinatravolta]

Saying it now. Redskins don't even make the playoffs. There. Deal with it.

It's very possible. SEA, SF, and CIN should all be wins, if they can beat one of PHI, NYG or BALT that takes them to 10-6 of course I'm not completly sold that either Washington or Dallas will be in the playoffs this year. Both teams have a very small margin of error the last 6 games.

The Redskins have the Giants, @Ravens, Eagles, @49ers and @Bengals left.The Cowboys have the Giants, Ravens, @Eagles, Seahawks and @Steelers left.

If the Redskins and Cowboys end up tied, then the Redskins have the conference wins tiebreaker. They also have the lead on the tie-breaker with the Falcons, which the Cowboys do not. Even if the Redskins go 3-2 they should end up in the playoffs at 10-6.

I don't think it's that simple. Let's say the Cowboys beat the Giants, Eagles and Seahawks but lose to the Steelers and Ravens. And the Redskins beat the Ravens, 49ers and Bengals but lose to the Giants and Eagles. Both are 10-6. Cowboys would beat the Redskins based on superior division record - even for a wildcard spot. So ultimately - I think the key for the Redskins is they've got to win their last 3 games. Now if they can beat the Giants that's a huge bonus and the Ravens are somewhat of a bonus - but that Eagles game will be key.

Of course if the 'skins can go 4-1 then they're pretty certain of making the playoffs.

EDIT: I think you meant conference record - division record is only considered if there's a 3-way tie.However, you're right that he Cowboys would win the tie-breaker with an 8-4 conference record (currently 5-4) over the Redskins (currently 6-3) if they win all 3 conference games and the Redskins lose 2 of 3.

The 49ers and Eagles are must wins for the Redskins since I don't expect them to beat the Giants.

No - I did mean division record. See the NFL tiebreaking rules. After Head-to-Head, if the teams are in the same division even for the wildcard spot - they go to division record.NFL tiebreaking procedures

 

[T Bell]

The Redskins aren't making the playoffs. It's not even worth talking about. Their losses to the Rams, the Steelers and the Cowboys have effectively ended that dream, and I don't hold out much hope for the Ravens game either. The fact is that it's likely going to take 11 wins to get a Wild Card berth, and the 'Skins are going to finish with 10 wins, tops, IMHO.

 

[dgreen]

The Redskins aren't making the playoffs. It's not even worth talking about. Their losses to the Rams, the Steelers and the Cowboys have effectively ended that dream, and I don't hold out much hope for the Ravens game either. The fact is that it's likely going to take 11 wins to get a Wild Card berth, and the 'Skins are going to finish with 10 wins, tops, IMHO.

Yes, they clearly have an uphill battle, but it doesn't take a crazy scenario for them to get in. They are currently chasing the Cowboys and Falcons. Dallas still has @ PIT, NYG, BAL, and @ PHI. I could see them going 2-2 there and finishing 10-6. Atlanta has @ NO, TB, @ MIN, and STL. I could see them going 2-2 also, making them 10-6. If the Redskins finish 10-6, 3-1 in the last 4, they could get in as long as their one loss is to either BAL or CIN (an AFC team).Right now, I'd rank the likelihood this way:

1. Atlanta - I think they have the best chance to get to 11-5.

2. Washington - They should beat CIN and SF on the road (where the Skins actually play better) and then they'd just need to beat Philly for a good 10-6 chance.

3. Dallas - Their schedule is tough. I don't see them winning this weekend and it's going to be really tough for them to beat NY. I know they are somewhat of a roll recently with Romo back, but they now have some new injuries that are going to make winning difficult with that schedule.

 

[T Bell]

The Redskins aren't making the playoffs. It's not even worth talking about. Their losses to the Rams, the Steelers and the Cowboys have effectively ended that dream, and I don't hold out much hope for the Ravens game either. The fact is that it's likely going to take 11 wins to get a Wild Card berth, and the 'Skins are going to finish with 10 wins, tops, IMHO.

Yes, they clearly have an uphill battle, but it doesn't take a crazy scenario for them to get in. They are currently chasing the Cowboys and Falcons. Dallas still has @ PIT, NYG, BAL, and @ PHI. I could see them going 2-2 there and finishing 10-6. Atlanta has @ NO, TB, @ MIN, and STL. I could see them going 2-2 also, making them 10-6. If the Redskins finish 10-6, 3-1 in the last 4, they could get in as long as their one loss is to either BAL or CIN (an AFC team).Right now, I'd rank the likelihood this way:

1. Atlanta - I think they have the best chance to get to 11-5.

2. Washington - They should beat CIN and SF on the road (where the Skins actually play better) and then they'd just need to beat Philly for a good 10-6 chance.

3. Dallas - Their schedule is tough. I don't see them winning this weekend and it's going to be really tough for them to beat NY. I know they are somewhat of a roll recently with Romo back, but they now have some new injuries that are going to make winning difficult with that schedule.

I understand, but I'm just not feeling it. I think Zorn has reached his limits as a play-caller and needs the offseason to upgrade. Remember, he's still a first-timer in that regard. Portis is banged up, and the WR's just aren't ready for prime time. The o-line is over the hill. The defense is banged up too.

 

[Dexter Manley]

The Redskins aren't making the playoffs. It's not even worth talking about. Their losses to the Rams, the Steelers and the Cowboys have effectively ended that dream, and I don't hold out much hope for the Ravens game either. The fact is that it's likely going to take 11 wins to get a Wild Card berth, and the 'Skins are going to finish with 10 wins, tops, IMHO.

Yes, they clearly have an uphill battle, but it doesn't take a crazy scenario for them to get in. They are currently chasing the Cowboys and Falcons. Dallas still has @ PIT, NYG, BAL, and @ PHI. I could see them going 2-2 there and finishing 10-6. Atlanta has @ NO, TB, @ MIN, and STL. I could see them going 2-2 also, making them 10-6. If the Redskins finish 10-6, 3-1 in the last 4, they could get in as long as their one loss is to either BAL or CIN (an AFC team).Right now, I'd rank the likelihood this way:

1. Atlanta - I think they have the best chance to get to 11-5.

2. Washington - They should beat CIN and SF on the road (where the Skins actually play better) and then they'd just need to beat Philly for a good 10-6 chance.

3. Dallas - Their schedule is tough. I don't see them winning this weekend and it's going to be really tough for them to beat NY. I know they are somewhat of a roll recently with Romo back, but they now have some new injuries that are going to make winning difficult with that schedule.

I understand, but I'm just not feeling it. I think Zorn has reached his limits as a play-caller and needs the offseason to upgrade. Remember, he's still a first-timer in that regard. Portis is banged up, and the WR's just aren't ready for prime time. The o-line is over the hill. The defense is banged up too.

I think Zorn's play calling the last few weeks would look a lot better if Portis had been close to 100%. It's no coincidence that once Portis got hurt in the Pittsburgh game, the offense has taken a drastic dive.My only recent gripe about Zorn's playcalling was not having the jumbo package in on the failed 4th and 1 play last week, that sealed the skins fate. I thought it was a horrible decision to have 2 wr's on the field that play, when the run got absolutely stuffed. I know the Skins had success early in the year running/passing out of non-goalline formations, but you just knew that fancy window dressing wasn't going to work against the gmen.

 

[T Bell]

The Redskins aren't making the playoffs. It's not even worth talking about. Their losses to the Rams, the Steelers and the Cowboys have effectively ended that dream, and I don't hold out much hope for the Ravens game either. The fact is that it's likely going to take 11 wins to get a Wild Card berth, and the 'Skins are going to finish with 10 wins, tops, IMHO.

Yes, they clearly have an uphill battle, but it doesn't take a crazy scenario for them to get in. They are currently chasing the Cowboys and Falcons. Dallas still has @ PIT, NYG, BAL, and @ PHI. I could see them going 2-2 there and finishing 10-6. Atlanta has @ NO, TB, @ MIN, and STL. I could see them going 2-2 also, making them 10-6. If the Redskins finish 10-6, 3-1 in the last 4, they could get in as long as their one loss is to either BAL or CIN (an AFC team).Right now, I'd rank the likelihood this way:

1. Atlanta - I think they have the best chance to get to 11-5.

2. Washington - They should beat CIN and SF on the road (where the Skins actually play better) and then they'd just need to beat Philly for a good 10-6 chance.

3. Dallas - Their schedule is tough. I don't see them winning this weekend and it's going to be really tough for them to beat NY. I know they are somewhat of a roll recently with Romo back, but they now have some new injuries that are going to make winning difficult with that schedule.

I understand, but I'm just not feeling it. I think Zorn has reached his limits as a play-caller and needs the offseason to upgrade. Remember, he's still a first-timer in that regard. Portis is banged up, and the WR's just aren't ready for prime time. The o-line is over the hill. The defense is banged up too.

I think Zorn's play calling the last few weeks would look a lot better if Portis had been close to 100%. It's no coincidence that once Portis got hurt in the Pittsburgh game, the offense has taken a drastic dive.My only recent gripe about Zorn's playcalling was not having the jumbo package in on the failed 4th and 1 play last week, that sealed the skins fate. I thought it was a horrible decision to have 2 wr's on the field that play, when the run got absolutely stuffed. I know the Skins had success early in the year running/passing out of non-goalline formations, but you just knew that fancy window dressing wasn't going to work against the gmen.

No doubt those things have affected the offense, but let's look at facts:1) Jason Campbell is athletic and throws well on the run, particularly to his right. Where are the designed roll-outs to take pressure off of him and the o-line?

2) Your two biggest problems on offense this season (at least when Portis is healthy) are that your line doesn't pass block all that well, and you don't have a lot of play-making receivers. Why not put Fred Davis onto the field in two-TE sets as he can help both problems and can disguise whether your play call is a run or a pass? Davis gets rave reviews from his defensive teammates and yet doesn't see the field at all? WTF?

3) The WR slip screens don't work anymore. Stop throwing them (much less 3-4 times per game).

4) When's the last time you saw a second half adjustment in the offensive play-calling? I honestly can't remember.

I'm not down on Zorn, nor am I blaming him for all of the team's problems. I'm actually excited because I think Zorn can improve. But remember that the bye week was supposed to be a time for introspection and self-study, and new wrinkles were supposed to appear in the offense after that. They haven't come.

I think we've seen the best the team has to offer on offense this year, and now that teams have adjusted we're feeling it. Zorn needs the offseason to upgrade the offense and himself as play-caller.