***OFFICIAL*** 2012 Washington Redskins Season Thread (2 Viewers)

[Sidewinder16]

JLC tweet:

Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall looking at fine/warning and not a suspension for his interactions w/an official Sun that resulted in his ejection

Do skins fans, in general,like Hall?

In general, it seems to me that more fans don't like him than do. Personally, up until now I didn't have much of a problem with him. He has seemed to mellow (mature? ) over the years. Loved the big play ability he provided for a little while, but those days seem to be gone. After Sunday, though, I find he's starting to wear on me.In Keim's weekly Studs & Duds feature he notes that Hall had been "doing extra things as plays end" all game. To have him get uppity with a ref because somebody decided to give back what he'd been giving is bothersome to me. And nobody outside of the locker room can figure out why he's a team captain.

 

[southeastjerome]

I normally am against big FA WR signings, but I drool at the thought of Bowe playing with RG3.

 

[dgreen]

I normally am against big FA WR signings, but I drool at the thought of Bowe playing with RG3.

Or VJax would have been nice this offseason.

 

[Marvelous]

JLC tweet:

Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall looking at fine/warning and not a suspension for his interactions w/an official Sun that resulted in his ejection

Do skins fans, in general,like Hall?

In general, it seems to me that more fans don't like him than do. Personally, up until now I didn't have much of a problem with him. He has seemed to mellow (mature? ) over the years. Loved the big play ability he provided for a little while, but those days seem to be gone. After Sunday, though, I find he's starting to wear on me.In Keim's weekly Studs & Duds feature he notes that Hall had been "doing extra things as plays end" all game. To have him get uppity with a ref because somebody decided to give back what he'd been giving is bothersome to me. And nobody outside of the locker room can figure out why he's a team captain.

Hall still represents the old way way of doing business under Snyder. Brought in mid-season, big name and lots of flash. Given a huge contract in his first off season. All although he does make some big plays, his play never really lived up to the contract. Also, Hall's contract restructuring in 2010 also lead to the Redskin cap penalties. Although Shanahan was trying to clean up the salary cap mess created by Snyder/Cerrato, there was still a price to be paid.Granted Hall is a decent player or Shanahan would have gotten rid of him by now. But he is by no means a great player. I was surprised to learn Hall is only 28 years old (turns 29 later this month). Seems like he has been around much longer than that. I am not clear if his skill really are diminishing or he just doesn't do enough good things to play this defense.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Does 5% chance of making playoffs sounds realistic?

Figure that SF, Chi, GB, NYG, and ATL are all in. That leaves one spot for:

3-4 Philly

3-5 Dallas

3-5 Washington

5-3 Minnesota

3-4 Detroit

3-4 Tampa

4-4 Ariz

4-4 Seattle

3-5 StL

2-5 NO

LOL Carolina(only team I didn't include)

5-3 Vikings might seem like the favorites, but their schedule is brutal the rest of the way:

Sun 11/4 at Seattle

Sun 11/11 Detroit

Bye

Sun 11/25 at Chicago=

Sun 12/2 at Green Bay

Sun 12/9 Chicago

Sun 12/16 at St. Louis

Sun 12/23 at Houston

Sun 12/30 Green Bay

For Redskins, 5 of their last 8 games are at home. Obviously going 6-2 to finish 9-7 is unlikely, but theres not a single game that doesn't look winnable:

Sun 11/4 Carolina

Bye

Sun 11/18 Philadelphia

Thu 11/22 at Dallas

Mon 12/3 New York Giants

Sun 12/9 Baltimore

Sun 12/16 at Cleveland

Sun 12/23 at Philadelphia

Sun 12/30 Dallas

They'll have the tiebreaker over Min, NO and TB. STL has the tiebreaker over them.

 

[dgreen]

Well, that was ugly.

 

[TxBuckeye]

hiive been beaten down since 1991i'm not too bummed out that my team was ahead of the defending champions in their home until minute 59.and ran the ball down their throat to the tune of 200-50in fact, this is top 5 most hopeful squad since '91 ('99, '05, '07...

So, how's that feelin' now? Loosing to a 1-6 team. These guys are horrible. They have a good QB, but no one to throw too and a defense that can't stop anyone. Not to mention a coaching staff that seems completely outclassed in every facet of the game.

 

[Warrior]

hiive been beaten down since 1991i'm not too bummed out that my team was ahead of the defending champions in their home until minute 59.and ran the ball down their throat to the tune of 200-50in fact, this is top 5 most hopeful squad since '91 ('99, '05, '07...

So, how's that feelin' now? Loosing to a 1-6 team. These guys are horrible. They have a good QB, but no one to throw too and a defense that can't stop anyone. Not to mention a coaching staff that seems completely outclassed in every facet of the game.

*Lose. Not 'Loose'

 

[dgreen]

I heard that Shanahan said in his presser that it is time to start evaluating talent. That matches his claim before the game that this was a must-win game. Interesting to see what "talent" he is talking about.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

I heard that Shanahan said in his presser that it is time to start evaluating talent. That matches his claim before the game that this was a must-win game. Interesting to see what "talent" he is talking about.

sadly, this is about where i figured we would be. Hopefully he can find some of this "talent" to help add some depth next season.

 

[fatness]

At one game past the halfway point of the 5-year program, it's fair to say that Allen/Shanahan/Shanahan/Haslett isn't working very well.

And it starts with who chooses the talent -- Bruce and Mike.

 

[Marvelous]

The biggest mystery is what happened to the defense. Obviously there have been some injuries, but there is supposed to be depth on the defense now.

Also, the safety position has been a constant weakness. Year 1, Kareem Moore was supposed to step up. Year 2, Landry was supposed to get healthy and Atogwe was a high priced free agent. This year, Jackson, Merriweather, and Madieu Wiliams were supposed to come to the rescue. The only constant has been Reed Doughty, who I would prefer only played special teams.

 

[Ranethe]

I heard that Shanahan said in his presser that it is time to start evaluating talent. That matches his claim before the game that this was a must-win game. Interesting to see what "talent" he is talking about.

The talking heads(Dungy and I forget the others) before the Cowboys game were dogging Shanahan pretty hard for this, basically saying he was giving up on the season with 7 games left, not showing leadership, etc.I can't stand Shanahan personally, it'll be interesting to see how the rest of the season goes for the Skins.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Well, that was ugly.

Indeed.Not that they deserve to have won, but I'm still pretty miffed about that first Carolina TD. You can't penalize late hits so severely and then allow a play to continue after an official has blown his whistle. That's just ridiculous.

 

[BassNBrew]

Wow you guys are bad and I'd pin it on the coaches.

1. Take the field goal. You're the superior team and you're not facing an elite offense.

2. Morris is killing it, stick with him.

3. RG3 has enough to learn as a rookie. Pick your two best WRs and stick with them. Give RG3 a chance to develope some chemistry with someone.

 

[fatness]

The talking heads(Dungy and I forget the others) before the Cowboys game were dogging Shanahan pretty hard for this, basically saying he was giving up on the season with 7 games left, not showing leadership, etc.

It's not just the national sports talkers doing that.

You know what the real kick in the gut was Sunday? Not a one-win Carolina team handling the Redskins on their home field. Not fans high-stepping out in the fourth quarter as if they had been told to evacuate. Not almost 200 of the team’s most distinguished alumni — Super Bowl winners and Hall of Famers alike — witnessing their successors disgrace their memory.

No, the real blow came afterward, from the head coach. Of all the people to give up on the season, really, who knew Mike Shanahan would be the first?

“When you lose a game like that, now you’re playing to see who, obviously, is going to be on your football team for years to come,” Shanahan said after his team’s third straight loss and ninth in the past 10 games at FedEx Field. “Now we get a chance to evaluate players and see where we’re at. Obviously we’re not out of it statistically. But now we find out what type of character we’ve got and how guys keep on fighting through the rest of the season.”

Hear that, men? Seven games left to shore up job security. You’re not playing for the postseason anymore. You’re playing for the film room, to see if the decision-makers deign you worthy of a 2013 salary.

Give up on the season if you paid good money to witness bad football. Go ahead. Between coaches calling stretch running plays near the goal line and defensive backs giving Carolina quarterback Cam Newton’s wide receivers 10-yard cushions, you have the right as a disenchanted fan to quit on this team’s prospects for the year.

Just don’t say that publicly if you are the head coach of the Washington Redskins — because it’s disrespectful to people like London Fletcher, Lorenzo Alexander, Kedric Golston, Chris Cooley and any other person affiliated with the organization before you got here.

Two players said on condition of anonymity that they were bothered by Shanahan’s comments. They said it is one thing to realistically believe it’s time to evaluate personnel; it’s another to say it to the masses.

From a guy who is 14-27 overall and 5-15 at FedEx Field halfway through his five-year contract, “evaluating” comes across as “it’s their fault, not mine.”

link

 

[fatness]

From the same article.

The Redskins, as composed, are a bad, undisciplined football team with a good rookie quarterback.

They have holes on offense and defense that cannot be filled with a first-round draft pick until 2015, because Shanahan traded them away for Griffin. Their secondary is primarily made up of backups on other NFL rosters. They don’t have a bona fide No. 1 receiver. And even if you believe Pierre Garcon is that guy — and I don’t put him in the class of the best wideouts in the league — he is not healthy enough to prove it. He has played in just three of nine games so far.

Jim Haslett’s job will rightly be up for discussion. Lost in the rhetoric will be that he never wanted to play a 3-4 defense; he had it forced on him by Shanahan, who saw the future of the league moving that way. The problem is, you need four burners at linebacker to make that defense work and Fletcher can’t be that guy anymore.

Beyond a guy taller than 6 feet 3 who can outleap a DB in the end zone on a fade rout — think Plaxico Burress, 2007 — the Redskins’ needs are endless. New No. 1s at strong safety, free safety, both cornerback positions, inside linebacker, outside linebacker and right tackle starts to address the personnel upgrade required.

Maybe some will find what Shanahan said refreshing, authentic and brutally honest. But Sunday should have been hunker down time, not throw-in-the-towel day.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Wow you guys are bad and I'd pin it on the coaches.

1. Take the field goal. You're the superior team and you're not facing an elite offense. AGREED

2. Morris is killing it, stick with him. AGREED

3. RG3 has enough to learn as a rookie. Pick your two best WRs and stick with them. Give RG3 a chance to develope some chemistry with someone. 100% AGREE!

We pushed our luck with making several 4th down plays and it was early in the game, coach has to realize how much of a motivational let down it would be if 'Skins come away with zero pts.

I wonder how much Morris' shoulder injury was bothering him he was popping off some decent runs...play action works if you run the ball too.

Your 3rd point is a GREAT one! I understand Garcon is hurt, but all the other interchangeable parts makes me wonder how little chance RGIII has to build rapport with certain WR's. It's good to spread the ball around, but really...Robinson shows only flashes (occasional play) and Briscoe seems to just take up space on the field. Not sure what they are swapping the WR's out so much as they are, it clearly is not working very well.

 

[B-Deep]

Kinda shocked by Shanny.

Keep your heads up, though. Even if this season doesn't go well RG3 looks like $$$ going forward. Your future is bright.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Takeaways from the game for me:

1) Defense sucks and it may not be the overall answer, but Haz should be let go. I have never seen so many offenses do whatever they want on our defense. You want to run it now, go ahead...oh you rather throw it, go ahead.

2) Penalties, penalties, penalties...oh how frustrating is it that everytime a yellow flag is thrown, it's on the 'Skins!!! Can't beat anyone if you beat yourselves all the time!

3) Secondary needs new life, Wilson hurts more than Hall...at least Hall takes risks, which can pan out occasionally, Wilson just causes a PI or gets beat not even looking at the ball.

4) Royster is wasted space on the field. This guy can't find a running lane even if you paid him, oh wait...he is getting paid, YIKES!

5) As exciting as RGIII is, A. Morris is the cog to the offense...as he go's, so does our offense. RGIII is even more of a threat when Morris becomes a focus.

6) Never seen 4 DL (CAR) get so much pass rush, man it must be nice...we send 6 and can barely touch the QB.

7) Did I mention FIRE HAZLETT???? OK, fire him twice for good measure!

8) Home field provides absolutely no advantage for us, maybe we should switch locker rooms at the stadium because we are much better on road. Sad considering how RFK used to a TERRIBLE place for visitors to come to and now Fed Ex is paradise for other teams.

9) Will add more as I become more clear headed after that horrible game...I'm sure you have plenty to add too.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Two players said on condition of anonymity that they were bothered by Shanahan’s comments. They said it is one thing to realistically believe it’s time to evaluate personnel; it’s another to say it to the masses.

I don't like what Shanny said, but in fairness to this comment; if those 2 players and the other 51 or so guys actually did what they were supposed to...your coach wouldn't open his mouth to make that type of stupid comment.

 

[B-Deep]

Two players said on condition of anonymity that they were bothered by Shanahan’s comments. They said it is one thing to realistically believe it’s time to evaluate personnel; it’s another to say it to the masses.

I don't like what Shanny said, but in fairness to this comment; if those 2 players and the other 51 or so guys actually did what they were supposed to...your coach wouldn't open his mouth to make that type of stupid comment.

If you want to blame all 53 players you gotta lay a lot of blame on the guy who threw in the towel for them even being in that position

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Two players said on condition of anonymity that they were bothered by Shanahan’s comments. They said it is one thing to realistically believe it’s time to evaluate personnel; it’s another to say it to the masses.

I don't like what Shanny said, but in fairness to this comment; if those 2 players and the other 51 or so guys actually did what they were supposed to...your coach wouldn't open his mouth to make that type of stupid comment.

If you want to blame all 53 players you gotta lay a lot of blame on the guy who threw in the towel for them even being in that position

I'm not giving a green light to the coach at all, he was an idiot for saying it. Point is a spade is a spade, not a heart. A spade should not be surprised it is called a spade...you are what you are. I understand it's not all 53 players, but if the team performed (especially defense) then this type of stuff would never rear it's ugly head. BTW - the eval period should start with the coaches...I am one for firing Hazlett and Danny Smith!

 

[TxBuckeye]

Keep your heads up, though. Even if this season doesn't go well RG3 looks like $$$ going forward. Your future is bright.

Not really. RGIII can't carry the team. The receiving core is horrid. The defense is putrid. The line is marginal. There are far to many holes to fill if they had draft picks, which now they don't. RGIII will be a bright spot in a dark morass of a team for quite a few years to come.

 

[dhockster]

I still maintain that Shanahan as a head coach looks much better when he has Gary Kubiak as an offensive coordinator than when he doesn't.

Just like Andy Reid looks much better as a head coach when he has Jim Johnson as defensive coordinator than when he doesnt.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Keep your heads up, though. Even if this season doesn't go well RG3 looks like $$$ going forward. Your future is bright.

Not really. RGIII can't carry the team. The receiving core is horrid. The defense is putrid. The line is marginal. There are far to many holes to fill if they had draft picks, which now they don't. RGIII will be a bright spot in a dark morass of a team for quite a few years to come.

Not sure if it's as bleak as this makes it out to be, granted we are without a 1st rounder for the next 2 yrs. I think the cap penalty is more significant to filling the holes. No, not major top FA's like Vinny used to chase...more of the quality to build depth.The defense is scary bad though and it may not be all scheme, as the players aren't helping. As an example, Kerrigan has been basically non-existent since RAK went down. Is that Hazlett's fault for not mixing things up or is Kerrigan a complementary type player, can show better when focus is elsewhere? Maybe a bit of both...

Our offense has for the most part been fantastic, even with an OL that isn't bound by bunch of all-pro's and mix-n-match WR's. We have been scoring offensive TD's through the air and on the ground for the most part, something that eluded this team for the last decade. Holes? Yes we have them, but so do other teams...maybe a few better coaches on defense that can minimize the holes and things can turnaround for us.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

I still maintain that Shanahan as a head coach looks much better when he has Gary Kubiak as an offensive coordinator than when he doesn't.Just like Andy Reid looks much better as a head coach when he has Jim Johnson as defensive coordinator than when he doesnt.

I can't argue with either of those statements...

 

[TxBuckeye]

Holes? Yes we have them, but so do other teams...maybe a few better coaches on defense that can minimize the holes and things can turnaround for us.

Any chance this happens? They seem unwilling to let any of the coaching staff go. The fact that the special teams coach still has a job after the past few years is proof of that. Is this the year they finally make a move?

 

[Synthesizer]

I have no problem going for it on 4th and goal from the 2. Even if you fail, your defense has them pinned. And I'm sure there's some advanced stat out there that compares the 3 points versus a drive starting at the 2 yard line.

But all of that gets tossed out the window if your defense allows a 98-yard scoring drive.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Holes? Yes we have them, but so do other teams...maybe a few better coaches on defense that can minimize the holes and things can turnaround for us.

Any chance this happens? They seem unwilling to let any of the coaching staff go. The fact that the special teams coach still has a job after the past few years is proof of that. Is this the year they finally make a move?

Good questions and if Shanny is for real about evaluating then it would have to be a resounding YES. I just wonder what kind of explanations the Defensive coaching staff could be telling him and how much of a "buy in" does he have for those reasons. If what they say is true about Danny Smith (being a great guy), I'm sure it's been harder to look at him objectively. If we look over time, anyone can see that we have lacked the ability to keep a PK and keep them consistent let alone grow to become better. Add all the missed assignments that produced blocked kicks and punts, it should be a no brainer at this point.

 

[dgreen]

I have no problem going for it on 4th and goal from the 2. Even if you fail, your defense has them pinned. And I'm sure there's some advanced stat out there that compares the 3 points versus a drive starting at the 2 yard line.But all of that gets tossed out the window if your defense allows a 98-yard scoring drive.

I, too, was ok with the decision to go for it. I hated the play call, though. A QB sweep. I repeat, a freakin' QB sweep. I didn't get it at all and I'm not just saying that because it didn't work.

 

[TxBuckeye]

I, too, was ok with the decision to go for it. I hated the play call, though. A QB sweep. I repeat, a freakin' QB sweep. I didn't get it at all and I'm not just saying that because it didn't work.

And with no pitch or pass option. Just a pure QB sweep. Such a horrendous call. It's shame they don't have a quality, hard nosed RB they could have ran there instead. Oh, wait....

 

[dgreen]

I, too, was ok with the decision to go for it. I hated the play call, though. A QB sweep. I repeat, a freakin' QB sweep. I didn't get it at all and I'm not just saying that because it didn't work.

And with no pitch or pass option. Just a pure QB sweep. Such a horrendous call. It's shame they don't have a quality, hard nosed RB they could have ran there instead. Oh, wait....

Here's the series of plays:1-7-CAR 7 (7:20) 46-A.Morris left tackle to CAR 2 for 5 yards (43-H.Nakamura; 50-J.Anderson).2-2-CAR 2 (6:46) 46-A.Morris left end to CAR 4 for -2 yards (58-T.Davis; 90-F.Alexander).3-4-CAR 4 (6:04) (Shotgun) 10-R.Griffin pass short right to 16-B.Banks to CAR 2 for 2 yards (30-C.Godfrey, 41-C.Munnerlyn).4-2-CAR 2 (5:21) (Shotgun) 10-R.Griffin right end pushed ob at CAR 2 for no gain (95-C.Johnson).They had run Morris on 1st and 2nd with mixed results. I don't have a problem with them not going with Morris on 4th down. However, if they were going to go for it on 4th, then they should have given it to Morris (or a Griffin option keeper) on 3rd. Using Banks near the goal line is pretty bad, too.Is it just me or does it seem like they are trusting Griffin's arm less and less as the season progresses? It seems there are even more passes behind the LOS or only a few yards downfield than earlier in the year. Maybe now that we are to the evaluation part of the season, they'll let Griffin throw some more traditional passes a little further down field.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Is it just me or does it seem like they are trusting Griffin's arm less and less as the season progresses? It seems there are even more passes behind the LOS or only a few yards downfield than earlier in the year. Maybe now that we are to the evaluation part of the season, they'll let Griffin throw some more traditional passes a little further down field.

I only saw part of the first half. But what I saw reminded me of the very first quarter of the very first game when it came to Griffin. Short, quick passes. I thought it was odd too.I know what you are saying about Morris. But I would rather take another shot with Morris than run RG on a pure sweep. As I said, I just think that was a moronic call. Have a pitch option or a TE dragging across the end zone for a pass option. Don't put all the eggs in one ill-conceived basket.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Mike Shanahan: No changes coming to Redskins’ coaching staff

i.e. Why things are never going to get better....

 

[TobiasFunke]

I have no problem going for it on 4th and goal from the 2. Even if you fail, your defense has them pinned. And I'm sure there's some advanced stat out there that compares the 3 points versus a drive starting at the 2 yard line.But all of that gets tossed out the window if your defense allows a 98-yard scoring drive.

I, too, was ok with the decision to go for it. I hated the play call, though. A QB sweep. I repeat, a freakin' QB sweep. I didn't get it at all and I'm not just saying that because it didn't work.

BTW you don't need an advanced stat to know it was the right call. Field Goal = 99% chance of three points. TD = about 50% chance (since it's the same as a 2 point conversion) at 7 points. So it's about 3.5 points vs. 3 points. That plus the difference in field position makes it a no-brainer.

 

[Marvelous]

I have no problem going for it on 4th and goal from the 2. Even if you fail, your defense has them pinned. And I'm sure there's some advanced stat out there that compares the 3 points versus a drive starting at the 2 yard line.But all of that gets tossed out the window if your defense allows a 98-yard scoring drive.

I, too, was ok with the decision to go for it. I hated the play call, though. A QB sweep. I repeat, a freakin' QB sweep. I didn't get it at all and I'm not just saying that because it didn't work.

BTW you don't need an advanced stat to know it was the right call. Field Goal = 99% chance of three points. TD = about 50% chance (since it's the same as a 2 point conversion) at 7 points. So it's about 3.5 points vs. 3 points. That plus the difference in field position makes it a no-brainer.

The 2nd time they went for it on 4th down was the most questionable. Field goal is near automatic but a TD is no sure thing.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Of all the things to criticize the coaching staff and Shanny for, knowing when to kick FG/punt/go for it is not one of them. This is something that has been "solved" using historical data by several online sites, yet an overwhelming majority of coaches and media members are completely clueless(hint: they kick FG/punt far far too often). Shanny has been very good about this.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Of all the things to criticize the coaching staff and Shanny for, knowing when to kick FG/punt/go for it is not one of them. This is something that has been "solved" using historical data by several online sites, yet an overwhelming majority of coaches and media members are completely clueless(hint: they kick FG/punt far far too often). Shanny has been very good about this.

The decision wasn't the problem. The play call was. A straight QB sweep with no other option, be it pitch or pass. That is the issue. Not once have I said the decision was bad. I said the play call was bad. I've seen nothing, read nothing, heard nothing that would change my mind about that.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Of all the things to criticize the coaching staff and Shanny for, knowing when to kick FG/punt/go for it is not one of them. This is something that has been "solved" using historical data by several online sites, yet an overwhelming majority of coaches and media members are completely clueless(hint: they kick FG/punt far far too often). Shanny has been very good about this.

The decision wasn't the problem. The play call was. A straight QB sweep with no other option, be it pitch or pass. That is the issue. Not once have I said the decision was bad. I said the play call was bad. I've seen nothing, read nothing, heard nothing that would change my mind about that.

Yea sure, I never intended to imply that you, in particular, were criticizing the decision to go for it. I do think people are often times overly results oriented when it comes to judging play calls though.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Yea sure, I never intended to imply that you, in particular, were criticizing the decision to go for it. I do think people are often times overly results oriented when it comes to judging play calls though.

That's good for you though since you make a living off of those people.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Mike Shanahan: No changes coming to Redskins’ coaching staff

i.e. Why things are never going to get better....

Because...if they continue, it will be easy to jettison Hazlett (off-season) and make other get re-invigorated/optimistic that batter days are coming. If he throws him out now and R. Morris (or whoever) doesn't make decent changes, it will feel hollow.

It's all posturing, if you ask me...

 

[BassNBrew]

Of all the things to criticize the coaching staff and Shanny for, knowing when to kick FG/punt/go for it is not one of them. This is something that has been "solved" using historical data by several online sites, yet an overwhelming majority of coaches and media members are completely clueless(hint: they kick FG/punt far far too often). Shanny has been very good about this.

The decision wasn't the problem. The play call was. A straight QB sweep with no other option, be it pitch or pass. That is the issue. Not once have I said the decision was bad. I said the play call was bad. I've seen nothing, read nothing, heard nothing that would change my mind about that.

Yea sure, I never intended to imply that you, in particular, were criticizing the decision to go for it. I do think people are often times overly results oriented when it comes to judging play calls though.

I implied it. In poker terms...going "all in" in heads up with a 55% chance of winning always makes since on paper. However when you're playing an inferior player, you don't take that chance as readily as you would against a superior skilled player. If I'm playing the Pats or the Falcons I go for it. If I'm playing Jax/KC/Car, I kick the field goal.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Some transactions from yesterday:

- RT Jammal Brown cleared for practice

- LS Nick Sundberg activated from IR; LS Justin Snow released

- CB D.J. Johnson activated from practice squad; CB David Jones released

 

[Sidewinder16]

Strictly an opinion piece, I know, but Jason Reid thinks "Shanahan deserves a chance to build upon RGIII foundation". A few excerpts I agree with:

If Mike goes, Kyle would quickly clear out his office, too. Having to start over under a new head coach and offensive coordinator would only hurt Griffin’s development. And the Redskins have to be all about what’s best for Griffin.

For the first time in long time, the Redskins have a quarterback capable of leading them to something big. You get the feeling Griffin could be the one to finally add something new to Joe Gibbs’s old trophy collection. Making any move that could potentially set back Griffin would make as much sense as guaranteeing Albert Haynesworth $41 million.

Still, remember: Shanahan inherited one of the league’s worst rosters. His predecessor, Jim Zorn, went 12-20. In the past 20 seasons, the Redskins have missed the playoffs 17 times. That’s a run of futility that can’t be forgotten or ignored. After years of poor drafts and ridiculous free-agent signings, it was unreasonable to think Shanahan could repair the lion’s share of the damage in one, two or even three years. This is a heavy-lifting task that can be solved only by trial and error.

Before the season began, I figured the Redskins would be a five- or six-win team. Then Griffin stormed into the league like some video-game cross between Joe Montana and Gale Sayers, and anything seemed possible for a moment. Reality has set in again.

In hiring Shanahan, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder wagered that the two-time Super Bowl winner could reverse the direction of the franchise. Clearly, that hasn’t happened yet. But in Griffin, the team finally has a foundation. Changing builders now is a gamble Snyder can’t afford to take.

Maybe I'm mis-remembering, but I don't recall many, if any, of us willing to predict better than 8-8 this season. A lot of people (media and fans) were picking 6-7 wins, max. At this point in the season, they are still on pace to be who everyone thought they'd be during the preseason. For me, that's just another reason to hold off on the "fire [insert name of disliked coach du jour here]" talk.

 

[thayman]

Mike Shanahan: No changes coming to Redskins’ coaching staff

i.e. Why things are never going to get better....

Because...if they continue, it will be easy to jettison Hazlett (off-season) and make other get re-invigorated/optimistic that batter days are coming. If he throws him out now and R. Morris (or whoever) doesn't make decent changes, it will feel hollow.

It's all posturing, if you ask me...

I agree, Haslett needs to go and so does Danny Smith. Releasing them in the offseason is probably a better PR move though.

 

[Marvelous]

Mike Shanahan: No changes coming to Redskins’ coaching staff

i.e. Why things are never going to get better....

Because...if they continue, it will be easy to jettison Hazlett (off-season) and make other get re-invigorated/optimistic that batter days are coming. If he throws him out now and R. Morris (or whoever) doesn't make decent changes, it will feel hollow.

It's all posturing, if you ask me...

Changing coordinators in mid-season really has a positive impact. Remember Pepper Rodgers? Look at Philly and Juan Castillo. It is much better to do it in the offseason and make a well reasoned decision on who will replace them.

 

[Synthesizer]

Of all the things to criticize the coaching staff and Shanny for, knowing when to kick FG/punt/go for it is not one of them. This is something that has been "solved" using historical data by several online sites, yet an overwhelming majority of coaches and media members are completely clueless(hint: they kick FG/punt far far too often). Shanny has been very good about this.

The decision wasn't the problem. The play call was. A straight QB sweep with no other option, be it pitch or pass. That is the issue. Not once have I said the decision was bad. I said the play call was bad. I've seen nothing, read nothing, heard nothing that would change my mind about that.

Yea sure, I never intended to imply that you, in particular, were criticizing the decision to go for it. I do think people are often times overly results oriented when it comes to judging play calls though.

I implied it. In poker terms...going "all in" in heads up with a 55% chance of winning always makes since on paper. However when you're playing an inferior player, you don't take that chance as readily as you would against a superior skilled player. If I'm playing the Pats or the Falcons I go for it. If I'm playing Jax/KC/Car, I kick the field goal.

I don't agree with your poker analogy. Failing the "all in" poker scenario directly leads to a loss. It's end-of-game. Failing 4th-and-2 still places your opponent at the 2 yard line (scenario remains advantageous).

 

[RGIII HTTR]

Mike Shanahan: No changes coming to Redskins’ coaching staff

i.e. Why things are never going to get better....

Because...if they continue, it will be easy to jettison Hazlett (off-season) and make other get re-invigorated/optimistic that batter days are coming. If he throws him out now and R. Morris (or whoever) doesn't make decent changes, it will feel hollow.

It's all posturing, if you ask me...

Changing coordinators in mid-season really has a positive impact. Remember Pepper Rodgers? Look at Philly and Juan Castillo. It is much better to do it in the offseason and make a well reasoned decision on who will replace them.

There is speculation growing that Hazlett has this next game to show some defensive improvement, if not...fat lady starts singing.

 

[dgreen]

Maybe I'm mis-remembering, but I don't recall many, if any, of us willing to predict better than 8-8 this season. A lot of people (media and fans) were picking 6-7 wins, max. At this point in the season, they are still on pace to be who everyone thought they'd be during the preseason. For me, that's just another reason to hold off on the "fire [insert name of disliked coach du jour here]" talk.

Overall, the W-L results aren't too far away from most predictions. But, I think people are a little surprised on the route we've taken to get there. We expected a solid defense and an offense that would hopefully grow as the season went along. Once we saw how good Griffin could be right off the bat, I think expectations rose based on the assumption that defense would be ok. As the defense kept showing how bad they are, fans became a little upset that a potential opportunity was being wasted this year. They seemed to finally have an offense and now the defense craps out. As we continue even more with the season, there will be more "Fire Shanahan" talk if the offense regresses or fails to build on what they've done.