****OFFICIAL**** Washington Redskins 2007 Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

I know in the "official" game thread that Seahawks fans thnik it won't be that close. I don't know what they've been watching. The Seahawks haven't been all that impressive of late. And I definitely don't think they've been watching the 'skins play the last four weeks. Hopefully the SEA players are thinking the same way.

I'm really hoping the Seahawks spend this week watching films of early-season Redskin games.

 

[Sidewinder16]

The Seahawks D is very underrated, IMO. I don't think moving the ball on offense is going to be a cakewalk, by any stretch of the imagination.

Kerney, Peterson, Tatupu and Trufant are all (rightfully) Pro Bowlers this year. Tapp is a handful as a pass rusher. The D, as a whole, is #2 in the NFC in points allowed per game, and they lead the NFC in INTs.

Throw in the fact that traveling to Seattle and stepping on their field is never easy, tells me this game should not be overlooked.

 

[redman]

The Seahawks D is very underrated, IMO. I don't think moving the ball on offense is going to be a cakewalk, by any stretch of the imagination.Kerney, Peterson, Tatupu and Trufant are all (rightfully) Pro Bowlers this year. Tapp is a handful as a pass rusher. The D, as a whole, is #2 in the NFC in points allowed per game, and they lead the NFC in INTs.Throw in the fact that traveling to Seattle and stepping on their field is never easy, tells me this game should not be overlooked.

In a strange sort of way, I'm actually thinking this game is going to be more difficult than a trip to Dallas or Green Bay during these playoffs. The Redskins don't need help getting up for the Cowboys, and a trip to Lambeau would necessarily be in the NFC Championship Game. This is going to be a battle - certainly more so than the Seahawks fans seem to think.

 

[fatness]

Assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams summarized the team's approach more simply: "We're saying, 'You're not going to run the football,' " he said.

 

[thayman]

First off, this trip to the playoffs is a very unexpected gift from a topsy-turvy, bizarre, and surreal season. Amazing.

Second, this NFC playoff bracket is wide open. Any one of these six teams can make the Super Bowl, though I'm tempted to make Tampa the exception here. Certainly Washington can match up with anyone if they keep playing the kind of ball they've been playing this month.

If Portis can run the ball in Seattle, I like their chances. Collins makes enough plays to make the offense run and give the defense a blow, and that defense is dominant if it is allowed breathers during games. Smoot had better stop trying to jump routes like he was all day today or I'm going to blow my top though.

I agree, I think the past few weeks is the first time the team has been playing healthy across the board. I'm not scared of any team in the NFC right now, considering the Skins beat, or came damn close to beating every team in the playoffs but Seattle. GO SKINS!!!!!

 

[fatness]

Next year's opponents:

Home: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Arizona, St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New Orleans

Away: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Detroit

I realize an awful lot can change during the offseason, but right now this looks like cake. It is difficult not to imagine double-digit wins.

 

[redman]

Next year's opponents:Home: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, Arizona, St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New OrleansAway: Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Baltimore, Cincinnati, DetroitI realize an awful lot can change during the offseason, but right now this looks like cake. It is difficult not to imagine double-digit wins.

I'm going to go to that SF game, and I'll think strongly about going to Seattle.

 

[fatness]

There's a pretty good article by Ryan O'Halloran of the Washington Times on the Skins' last 4 games. He makes the same point that I've been making for a few weeks --- that the Skins have stopped playing chicken#### football, especially in the second halves of games, and that that has helped greatly raise their level of play and success. Link

Leading the Bears 7-0, the Redskins scored on their first drive of the third quarter and eventually won 24-16. In the subsequent three games, Washington has outscored opponents 58-6 in the first half and has flourished in the second half — an abrupt departure from the first 12 weeks and a main reason the Redskins will play at Seattle on Saturday in an NFC wild card game.

Instead of throttling back, the Redskins have piled it on, scoring on their opening possession of the third quarter each time. Instead of playing passive defense, the Redskins have kept the pedal on the accelerator. "As a coach, you can say, 'Hey, we need to start fast,' but that doesn't mean anything if the players aren't going to give a special effort," he said. "A certain part of football is learning from your mistakes and certainly this team was hurt badly by second-half comebacks. We got burned so many times."

Before the Bears win, the Redskins squandered halftime leads in losses to the New York Giants, Green Bay, Philadelphia, Dallas and Buffalo.

"I think it was a focus, honestly," safety Reed Doughty said. "Before we would be like, 'Let's finish,' but everybody would be peeking at the clock and wondering how we'll run the clock out. Now it's like, 'Just keep playing. Let's keep rolling,' instead of worrying about how there's five minutes left in the third quarter."

Instead of trying to milk the clock in the third quarter and putting its defense in compromising spots, Washington has remained aggressive on offense, which allows the defense to follow suit.

"That's a big deal to come out and go after it hard," Gibbs said. "It's a process that, when bad things happen and you lose football games, getting knocked around is immediate reinforcement. After awhile, as human beings, you say, 'That's not going to happen again.' "

Two keys have been three-and-outs and turnovers. In the five blown leads, the Redskins had nine three-and-outs and nine turnovers; in the four wins, no turnovers and six three-and-outs.

 

[fatness]

A month ago, their coach was slammed for not knowing the rules, their defense ridiculed for too many fourth-quarter breakdowns, their star running back ripped for appearing older than his 26 years. And then they lost their quarterback.Four weeks ago, the Washington Redskins were done, finished, kaput. At 5-7, only another December to remember would bring a spot in the NFC playoffs. And it would have to be accomplished without Jason Campbell, two offensive linemen, one linebacker and cornerback and the late Sean Taylor.

What they've done since then is amazing. Remember how you felt when Campbell went down?

 

[pipboy234]

I'm worried how the skin's secondary plays vs Hasslebeck. He can make some ridiculous throws and we haven't faced a potent pass offense during our run. How has Reed Doughty and Leigh Torrence been playing lately?

 

[PantherPower]

I'm worried how the skin's secondary plays vs Hasslebeck. He can make some ridiculous throws and we haven't faced a potent pass offense during our run. How has Reed Doughty and Leigh Torrence been playing lately?

Hopefully just like they played the Lions. They knew they wouldn't run, and kept what seemed like 4-6 people in the backfield every play. Granted Matt is a LOT better than John at QB, but still, hoping for a similar result

 

[redman]

I'm worried how the skin's secondary plays vs Hasslebeck. He can make some ridiculous throws and we haven't faced a potent pass offense during our run. How has Reed Doughty and Leigh Torrence been playing lately?

They got wise and moved Doughty into Landry's SS role after Taylor's death (and after TO lit them up for four TD's when they were flip-flopped), and put Landry back in Taylor's "centerfield" FS role. It's worked great. Doughty isn't quite the athlete or the tackler/hitter that Landry was, but he's smart and tough and is better when he's closer to the line of scrimmage rather than back in coverage. Torrance has impressed me. He may never be a starting CB in this league, but he's been very good as a nickel corner, and has been a sure tackler.

 

[PantherPower]

And you can't forget the contributions made by McGregor. When that old lady made that big stop against the Eagles, and came off the field and said "This is MY house," that Skins D became dominant again!

 

[fatness]

And you can't forget the contributions made by McGregor.

Apparently I can, since I have no idea who McGregor is.

 

[redman]

And you can't forget the contributions made by McGregor.

Apparently I can, since I have no idea who McGregor is.

McGregor.

 

[fatness]

And you can't forget the contributions made by McGregor.

Apparently I can, since I have no idea who McGregor is.

McGregor.

 

[fatness]

NFC Offensive Player of the Month, December 2007: Todd Collins

 

[redman]

I found this to be awesome:

A funny Holmgren quote. I think these guys need to keep the tickets away from their families and give them to Seahawk fans instead.

I spoke with Julian Peterson after practice because Peterson grew up in southeast DC, a big Redskins fan. He said he is a fan of them every other time they play, but obviously not this week. His family, however, said they want him to do well but are rooting for the Skins. Josh Wilson also grew up just outside DC, but he said he was a Detroit Lions fan because of Barry Sanders. He worked at FedEx Field as a teenager, selling concessions, and said his family too is rooting for Washington to win.

Thanks to mad sweeney for pointing that one out.

 

[dgreen]

 

[mad sweeney]

When I used to live in Phoenix and went to Cards games on occasion, the Cowboys/Cardinal fan fights were more fun to watch than the game. We spent half the time searching the stands for fights with the binocs than watching the game.

 

[redman]

That Cards fan must have been exhausted after those games.

 

[dgreen]

I really liked this fight since it was between two Cowboys fans.

I doubt there were many fights between Skins and Cowboys fans because Cowboys fans never had a chance to talk this game. In my experience, most fights happen when the home team is losing and the visiting fans are yapping. This theory is only supported by mad sweeney's experience in Arizona since the Cardinals were most likely losing.

 

[mad sweeney]

And beat up, the Cowboys fans usually outnumbered CArds fans (I was not one of them, except the Plummer/TIllman/Bush years since I went to ASU) 3-1. That's why Bidwell tried so hard to stay in the NFCE, Dallas was his only sellout game of the year. Only after they got expelled from that division did they have to start spending money to build a team. THey obviously haven;t quite gotten the knock of it. I went to a game last year and it was a loud sea of Red. Quite a difference and a great stadium, but I've never seen so many 5-10 team's fans talk so much trash after a game. Loud fans aren't always good fans.

 

[redman]

I was aware of this.Two years ago when I traveled to Sun Devil Stadium to watch the 'Skins play it was the same thing. The cheers for Redskins plays were far louder (it was even apparent on TV) and there was a LOT of burgundy and gold in the stadium that day.

 

[Sidewinder16]

From yesterday's WaPo - "Supporting Cast Steps Into Starring Roles"

Relying on first- and second-year players and veterans initially projected to play smaller roles, the Redskins won four straight -- after losing four in a row -- to earn a playoff berth. In addition to Doughty, versatile lineman Lorenzo Alexander, linebacker H.B. Blades, defensive linemen Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery, tackle Stephon Heyer, safety LaRon Landry, cornerback Leigh Torrence and pass-rush specialist Chris Wilson are the other young players who grew up quickly for the Redskins this season. Quarterback Todd Collins, wide receivers Caldwell and Keenan McCardell, linebackers Khary Campbell and Randall Godfrey, guard Jason Fabini, safety Pierson Prioleau and tackle Todd Wade are veterans who have performed well when given opportunities to play because of injuries to others.

There have been a number of stories, and/or blurbs within stories, of this vein the past month or so, it seems.So, when do we stop acting surprised by what guys like Alexander, Golston, Montgomery and Heyer are doing, and just say "These guys are good, and could be starting on just about any other NFL team"?

I, for one, am just amazed at what Buges has accomplished with Heyer, and look forward to many years with Stephon anchoring one corner of the line. I think I've said it here before but, the way Golston, Montgomery and Wilson have progressed this year, I also hope the 'Skins don't go hunting for DL in free agency. I really like what we've got now, going in to the future.

 

[dgreen]

So, when do we stop acting surprised by what guys like Alexander, Golston, Montgomery and Heyer are doing, and just say "These guys are good, and could be starting on just about any other NFL team"?

I'm comfortable with Doughty, Golston, and Montgomery. Each of them had significant playing time last year. I'm still waiting for the other proverbial shoe to drop on guys like Heyer, Fabini, and Collins. Heyer just makes me nervous because he's an UFA Rookie. Fabini worries me because he gets pushed around more than any other lineman on the team. Collins, well, I don't know. I obviously love what I've seen from him these past few weeks, but I still think he's playing over his head.

I, for one, am just amazed at what Buges has accomplished with Heyer, and look forward to many years with Stephon anchoring one corner of the line.

Me too. There could be a nice battle between Jansen and Heyer next year. And, I don't see Jansen and being a guy that would demand to be released or traded if he loses out.

I think I've said it here before but, the way Golston, Montgomery and Wilson have progressed this year, I also hope the 'Skins don't go hunting for DL in free agency. I really like what we've got now, going in to the future.

Agreed. Another run-stopping DE to possibly replace Daniels is all I'd look for. Griffin, Montgomery, and Golston are 3 nice tackles and Carter and Wilson are good pass rushers. Carter seems to have improved against the run, too. Evans doesn't seem to play too much, but maybe he could be that extra run-stopping DE.Defensively, in the offseason, they'll mainly need to address depth, especially if Springs leaves.

 

[redman]

So, when do we stop acting surprised by what guys like Alexander, Golston, Montgomery and Heyer are doing, and just say "These guys are good, and could be starting on just about any other NFL team"?

I'm comfortable with Doughty, Golston, and Montgomery. Each of them had significant playing time last year. I'm still waiting for the other proverbial shoe to drop on guys like Heyer, Fabini, and Collins. Heyer just makes me nervous because he's an UFA Rookie. Fabini worries me because he gets pushed around more than any other lineman on the team. Collins, well, I don't know. I obviously love what I've seen from him these past few weeks, but I still think he's playing over his head.

I, for one, am just amazed at what Buges has accomplished with Heyer, and look forward to many years with Stephon anchoring one corner of the line.

Me too. There could be a nice battle between Jansen and Heyer next year. And, I don't see Jansen and being a guy that would demand to be released or traded if he loses out.

I think I've said it here before but, the way Golston, Montgomery and Wilson have progressed this year, I also hope the 'Skins don't go hunting for DL in free agency. I really like what we've got now, going in to the future.

Agreed. Another run-stopping DE to possibly replace Daniels is all I'd look for. Griffin, Montgomery, and Golston are 3 nice tackles and Carter and Wilson are good pass rushers. Carter seems to have improved against the run, too. Evans doesn't seem to play too much, but maybe he could be that extra run-stopping DE.Defensively, in the offseason, they'll mainly need to address depth, especially if Springs leaves.

Daniels is a lot like Springs - his problem has been staying healthy rather than suffering from declining skills. He's still a good DE, though not as good on the strong side as he was on the weak side. I wouldn't mind seeing him platoon with Wilson at LDE one more year to allow the team to focus on OL depth and get and the defensive back 7. Amazing isn't it that this team could very legitimately draft both a S and CB once again this year? f

 

[redman]

Great minds think alike! (From Andy Dufresne's mock draft thread):

DT is one position that I can virtually guarantee you the Redskins won't draft in the first round given the emergence of Montgomery and Golston who they drafted two years ago. In rough order of priority, they need:

OL (best available)

LDE

S

CB

OLB

WR

What they really need is to stockpile depth, so I could see them trading down from 1.20 for more picks, and starting off with a guy like Lawrence Jackson or one of the OL's.

21. Washington - Kentwan Balmer, DT - UNC

They got better play from the position as the year progressed, but depth would be helpful especially in a division that runs the ball as much as the NFC East does.

I don't really know anything about the player here, but I can comment on the position. As you say, Washington had good play from the DT position this year. They have a good vet in Griffin and two good young guys in Golston and Montgomery who are playing well. I don't see them going DT. Defensively, through the draft, FA, and trades, they'll need to look towards DE, S, and LB in the offseason, and maybe CB if Springs leaves. Offensively, OL depth and WR are the biggest areas of need.

 

[dgreen]

Great minds think alike! (From Andy Dufresne's mock draft thread):

I did a find for "Washington" in the thread and didn't find a reply. I was somewhat amazed you hadn't replied. But, it appears you did, just didn't quote Andy or use the word "Washington" in your response.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Collins, well, I don't know. I obviously love what I've seen from him these past few weeks, but I still think he's playing over his head.

The good thing is, rolling in off a short week, he still doesn't have time to think about it all, so hopefully he keeps going out and just playing without over-thinking everything.

 

[redman]

Collins, well, I don't know. I obviously love what I've seen from him these past few weeks, but I still think he's playing over his head.

The good thing is, rolling in off a short week, he still doesn't have time to think about it all, so hopefully he keeps going out and just playing without over-thinking everything.

The funny thing is that he's probably a perfect example of a "system QB". The thing is, it's a complex system and he knows it like the back of his hand. He has the mental part down, which (along with healthy WR's) makes the physical part look impressive. I think what is making this work is definitely sustainable.

 

[dgreen]

Collins, well, I don't know. I obviously love what I've seen from him these past few weeks, but I still think he's playing over his head.

The good thing is, rolling in off a short week, he still doesn't have time to think about it all, so hopefully he keeps going out and just playing without over-thinking everything.

The funny thing is that he's probably a perfect example of a "system QB". The thing is, it's a complex system and he knows it like the back of his hand. He has the mental part down, which (along with healthy WR's) makes the physical part look impressive. I think what is making this work is definitely sustainable.

I'm becoming more and more of a believer as time passes, but I'm still waiting for a bad game from him. I saw an interview with Saunders this week and he commented on the QBs that had success in the system. With Trent Green and Kurt Warner, neither one has a big arm and throws 60 yard bombs and can throw a 20-yard out like a laser. But, they both knew the system inside and out and knew exactly what to do. Collins is very similar. I just worry because there's a reason he went 10 years without a start and I don't think it's just "wrong place, wrong time" or that he "just didn't get a chance."I really think Saunders is MUCH more comfortable with Collins over Campbell. And, it's nice to see that Gibbs trusts Saunders enough to let him do some things differently. Once Collins stepped in, you could just see a difference in confidence. I'm really starting to think Campbell was the main thing holding back the offense this year. I'm not saying I think he was horrible, but I think the playcalling was limited because of what didn't get.Funny thing is I was wasn't worried about Campbell entering this season. I thought he'd be fine and actually one of the stronger parts of the offense. Now, I'd worry if he got back on the field.

 

[redman]

Collins, well, I don't know. I obviously love what I've seen from him these past few weeks, but I still think he's playing over his head.

The good thing is, rolling in off a short week, he still doesn't have time to think about it all, so hopefully he keeps going out and just playing without over-thinking everything.

The funny thing is that he's probably a perfect example of a "system QB". The thing is, it's a complex system and he knows it like the back of his hand. He has the mental part down, which (along with healthy WR's) makes the physical part look impressive. I think what is making this work is definitely sustainable.

I'm becoming more and more of a believer as time passes, but I'm still waiting for a bad game from him. I saw an interview with Saunders this week and he commented on the QBs that had success in the system. With Trent Green and Kurt Warner, neither one has a big arm and throws 60 yard bombs and can throw a 20-yard out like a laser. But, they both knew the system inside and out and knew exactly what to do. Collins is very similar. I just worry because there's a reason he went 10 years without a start and I don't think it's just "wrong place, wrong time" or that he "just didn't get a chance."I really think Saunders is MUCH more comfortable with Collins over Campbell. And, it's nice to see that Gibbs trusts Saunders enough to let him do some things differently. Once Collins stepped in, you could just see a difference in confidence. I'm really starting to think Campbell was the main thing holding back the offense this year. I'm not saying I think he was horrible, but I think the playcalling was limited because of what didn't get.

Funny thing is I was wasn't worried about Campbell entering this season. I thought he'd be fine and actually one of the stronger parts of the offense. Now, I'd worry if he got back on the field.

I don't know what Collins will do after the season, but his presence on the roster is great for Campbell both to watch and learn, as well as to spur him on as a threat to get playing time. I think Campbell will get there, but it's clear that it takes time and reps in this system.

 

[fatness]

More about Jason Campbell

Also had a good chat with Jason Campbell. He says he has no worries about losing his starting job in 2008 or beyond and that he has had several long talks with Al Saunders, and has been told this is his offense and his team and that he could be having similar success if the playmakers were this healthy when he was at the helm. Jason said he is trying to stay in good spirits and feels he could be thriving in this same situation, which makes it tough.

"Coach Saunders talks to me all the time and says, 'This is your team, this is your offense, all the things going on now are the same things you would have been doing,'" Campbell said. "'It was building up to this and now all the guys are healthy and everyone is playing at a different level.'"

 

[redman]

More about Jason Campbell

Also had a good chat with Jason Campbell. He says he has no worries about losing his starting job in 2008 or beyond and that he has had several long talks with Al Saunders, and has been told this is his offense and his team and that he could be having similar success if the playmakers were this healthy when he was at the helm. Jason said he is trying to stay in good spirits and feels he could be thriving in this same situation, which makes it tough.

"Coach Saunders talks to me all the time and says, 'This is your team, this is your offense, all the things going on now are the same things you would have been doing,'" Campbell said. "'It was building up to this and now all the guys are healthy and everyone is playing at a different level.'"

The more I hear about how they handle things behind the scenes, the more impressed I am about this coaching staff. I don't necessarily agree that Campbell would be doing as well, but I do agree that he's developing nicely and that Collins does benefit from the health of the WR's, Caldwell's emergence, and the rejuvenation of this team over the last four weeks, things that Campbell largely didn't have when he was playing. I'm looking forward to him next year.

 

[fatness]

Sanders is certainly telling Campbell exactly the right things, to keep his head and his heart fully into the practices and games. Even if there is some thought of letting Collins compete with Campbell for the starting gig next year (and I really doubt there is), they're not going to be thinking that thought until after their playoff(s) are over.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Sanders is certainly telling Campbell exactly the right things, to keep his head and his heart fully into the practices and games. Even if there is some thought of letting Collins compete with Campbell for the starting gig next year (and I really doubt there is), they're not going to be thinking that thought until after their playoff(s) are over.

I think this is the most important part.Whatever the 2008 QB picture looks like (and I have no reason to believe it won't be Campbell, either), we know who's leading the offense now.

About the worst thing that could be done to the momentum they've built up would be to have Campbell and Collins jockeying for the QB job through the playoffs.

 

[redman]

Sanders is certainly telling Campbell exactly the right things, to keep his head and his heart fully into the practices and games. Even if there is some thought of letting Collins compete with Campbell for the starting gig next year (and I really doubt there is), they're not going to be thinking that thought until after their playoff(s) are over.

I think this is the most important part.Whatever the 2008 QB picture looks like (and I have no reason to believe it won't be Campbell, either), we know who's leading the offense now.

About the worst thing that could be done to the momentum they've built up would be to have Campbell and Collins jockeying for the QB job through the playoffs.

Fortunately, Campbell's not the type of personality to do that IMHO, even assuming he was healthy enough to play and didn't have assurances about 2008.

 

[fatness]

There's a good article on Gibbs' part in the team's turnaround since Taylor's death and the Buffalo loss Here.

The day after the Washington Redskins buried Sean Taylor, Coach Joe Gibbs strode into the team's conference room in Ashburn with a single purpose in mind: He needed to drastically change how his emotionally wounded team felt about itself. He decided to shake up the players with an uncharacteristic departure from the routine that has characterized his 40-plus years of coaching. Instead of simply displaying images of that week's opponent, the Chicago Bears, on the screen, Gibbs detailed the fallibility of the Redskins' next four opponents -- a rarity in the one-game-at-a-time world of the National Football League.

On top of that, he boldly showed a list of every team ahead of Washington in the conference standings and told the team that the margin between Redskins and the top clubs was minimal. "You've shown you can play with these guys," Gibbs told his players, adding that if the Redskins ran the table they had a good shot at making the playoffs. From there, he said, his message was clear: "Somebody is going to represent the NFC" in the Super Bowl.

"Our confidence was hurting at that point," Gibbs said. "I was trying to say, 'If you take a look at this, Why not? This is who we played.' I was trying to say, 'Somebody is going to represent the NFC.' And I said, 'Do we belong to that group?' So I'm proud of the last four weeks. We stepped up and earned it."

"When he put the teams up there that could possibly make it" to the playoffs, "I just thought we could beat everybody up there on the board if we put our mind to it," Cartwright said.