***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Chewbanks]

Where has Redman been? changed names again and I haven't picked up on it?

I was suspicous, but it's tough to keep up with you sometimes.

Same, on both accounts. When Chewbanks first appeared I figured it was redman, but then some of his post seemed "un-redman-like". Question for redman: I saw your redman account in the IDP forum a few weeks back (I believe). Is that one retired from posting by choice?

No.

 

[scoobygang]

[8. For selfish reasons, let’s hope Anthony Armstrong makes the final roster. Not sure I’ve ever talked to a receiver before who drops a Robert Frost reference. Got a story running on him in Thursday’s print edition. Here’s a couple snippets:About his unusual path to the NFL (veering through the Intense Football League, then the Arena Football League), he said:“I took a detour. Robert Frost said there are two roads that [diverged] and I took the road less traveled. My road was the one to the side of the ones less traveled.”

I'm still selfishly waiting for an NFL player (or journalist for that matter), who doesn't mangle the Robert Frost reference by misinterpreting the poem.

 

[Chewbanks]

[8. For selfish reasons, let’s hope Anthony Armstrong makes the final roster. Not sure I’ve ever talked to a receiver before who drops a Robert Frost reference. Got a story running on him in Thursday’s print edition. Here’s a couple snippets:About his unusual path to the NFL (veering through the Intense Football League, then the Arena Football League), he said:“I took a detour. Robert Frost said there are two roads that [diverged] and I took the road less traveled. My road was the one to the side of the ones less traveled.”

I'm still selfishly waiting for an NFL player (or journalist for that matter), who doesn't mangle the Robert Frost reference by misinterpreting the poem.

The metaphor less traveled?

 

[DCThunder]

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same, 10

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back. 15

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

 

[fatness]

Roses are red.Violets are blue.If you cut me#### you.

 

[buster c]

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5 Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, 10 And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. 15 I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

the tense change in the final stanza throws me...as does the dash after "I" (I think they're not inconsequential to understanding wtf bobby frost is writing)

 

[fatness]

Regarding the recent preseason game against the Redskins, Harbaugh said, "We kinda ran over that team, and we're kinda proud of that, that's the way we ought to play." Then, after the crowd cheered a little, Harbaugh said, "Yeah, that's right. That's what it was."

link

 

[fatness]

The current owner of the Redskins, who wore a team belt buckle as a kid, has operated under the same magic spell that afflicts many of us. But for me, the fog has lifted. I'm starting to think, 50 years late, that the start of a Redskins season might be a nice time for realism.

Just so you know, they're going to go 7-9 this year. Maybe 8-8, if a lot goes according to plan. Or 6-10, if it doesn't.

If any coach and quarterback can surpass these standards, it's probably Mike Shanahan, a genuine football guru, and Donovan McNabb, who was an absolute steal. But this isn't a prediction column. It's a probability analysis. Nobody can see the future, but I can study an NFL record book. Usually, history mumbles. This time, it speaks clearly. In pro sports, little is new. And the Redskins don't look different from dozens of losing teams in the last 20 years that switched coaches.

Tom Boswell

 

[Sebowski]

Tom Boswell

Good article. I like the following part, and think it is overlooked when talking about Gibbs.On how hard it is to turn around a very bad team.

Believe it or not, another one of those coaches who performed a five-win transformation on a losing team within two years was Joe Gibbs. Not Gibbs I, but Gibbs II. He took the Redskins from 5-11 - the year before he arrived - to a 10-6 playoff team in '05 and another playoff visit in '07.

Maybe it didn't seem like a big deal at the time. But if you waste as much time (sorry, do as much research) as I have on this stuff, you'll realize how miserably hard it is to take a team that's lost more than two thirds of its games and take it to the playoffs.

 

[Hoot&HoLLer]

Redskins homers, what is the real deal with Devin Thomas? Mixed reports out there. Some say him not playing is a sign that he made the team as a WR2 other reports say he is not working enough and falling down the depth chart.

What is Devin Thomas' status and future with the Redskins? Thanks for any comments and info.

 

[fatness]

Portis sprained an ankle.

Larry Johnson will likely make the team and Willie Parker won't.

There will be (hopefully) lots of low-scoring games this year because so far the offense just isn't too good.

edit to add: I didn't see the game. Did anyone here watch it?

Coaches will review film this weekend to determine what exactly they'll take from the win, but the immediate results weren't all positive. Mike Shanahan said he wasn't sure how severe Portis's sprain is - it was not wrapped and Portis was able to stand throughout the second half - but the head coach didn't think it would be too serious. Statistically, it was a second straight rough outing for the first-string unit.

After the Baltimore Ravens held Washington to only 25 rushing yards, the Redskins struggled to mount much of an attack against the Jets. They finished with 82 rushing yards, but the first string offense had only 22 in its two full quarters.

Running back Willie Parker, who had just one carry in the team's first two preseason games, entered Friday night with an opportunity to impress coaches and prove that he's worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster. But he finished the night with only 16 yards on eight carries. Behind the starting offensive line, no one else fared much better: Portis had just three yards on his lone carry and rookie Keiland Williams had three yards on two carries.

Larry Johnson, coming off the bench in the second half, rebounded from his performances against the Ravens (eight carries, four yards) to lead the Redskins with 42 yards on nine carries. His 15-yard touchdown catch in the game's final minutes gave Washington the win. But until Johnson reached the end zone with barely two minutes remaining, the Redskins were on the verge of being held without a touchdown for a second straight week. They finished the night 1-for-4 in the red zone.

linkAlso:

By the end of Friday's win, Portis limped along the sideline, a bum right ankle slowing his gait. Donovan McNabb's ankle kept him out of the game altogether. He wore street clothes and a protective sleeve on the lower half of his left leg.

Fullback Mike Sellers also sat this one out, due to a knee he hurt a week earlier against Baltimore. Plus, wide receiver Devin Thomas couldn't get off the sideline and Malcolm Kelly, still hampered by his hamstring, couldn't even get out of Washington.

 

[fatness]

Signs of thaw between Haynesworth, Shanahan

Shanahan would not offer an opinion on Haynesworth's performance, simply noting that he'd hoped to play Haynesworth about 30 plays. Haynesworth entered the game in the first quarter -- the Jets' first offensive possession, in fact -- and didn't leave until the third quarter was finished. In the final stat sheet, Haynesworth was credited with assisting on one tackle.

"I still had that 4-3 mindset, trying to make plays and things like that," Haynesworth said. "I can definitely improve a whole lot but I didn't play horrible. I did [fine] for playing end the first time in a 3-4."

Despite Haynesworth's ongoing tiff with Shanahan, it was clear Friday that the Redskins are committed to helping the two-time all-pro prepare to aid them this season. The Redskins are in the process of making an ambitious change from their former defense to a new scheme, and they believe Haynesworth's presence could be among the keys to a successful transition. No one at Redskins Park cares more about winning than Shanahan, who finally seems ready to let Haynesworth do his thing.

"That's what they wanted me to do this week, so we practiced a lot at end to get a feel for it and everything," Haynesworth said. "I've still got a lot of work to do. I've got to stop trying to go up field and react to my guy that I'm playing; the offensive tackle or the guard. . . . I'm just really, right now, just trying to get down the end in the 3-4 defense down so . . . I can be dominant in it and play my best."

Haynesworth worked with the first team at nose tackle in the nickel package and at right end in base packages during practice this week. He entered the game early in the first half and completed the third quarter. "He did play a lot of plays," Shanahan said. "Our goal was to play him 30 plays."

"We talked a little bit more tonight. I think I saved his life from getting hit in the head with the ball," Haynesworth said. "I'm going over to dinner at his house, probably tonight. Gonna sit and have a cigar and talk."

link

 

[fatness]

John Keim's game summary

The Redskins showed once again what they have: a strong defense and questions about their running game.

Five up, five down from Keim

Up

3. Pass protection. The running backs in particular did a solid job tonight picking up the blitz. That was especially good to see of guys like Willie Parker and Larry Johnson, neither of whom has a reputation for being good in this area. Keiland Williams was good in this area as well. It was a tough challenge because the Jets’ defense offered numerous funky looks. They’d overload sides; they’d use five defensive linemen – with some of them standing. Yet Rex Grossman was only sacked once (of course he also fumbled on the play). It helped that the Redskins prepared more; it also helped how well the backs did. And the times when Washington went to a naked backfield, it used five receivers so the Jets couldn’t blitz.

Down

1. The running game. Sort of hard to measure how well the backs did when there’s no room to run.

2. The big runs. New York’s LaDainian Tomlinson had a 43-yard run as the Jets averaged 5.0 yards per carry (gaining 161 yards on the ground overall). Even when Albert Haynesworth was in the game the Jets ran well. They’d allow Haynesworth to penetrate to the other side of where the play was going, thereby taking him out of the action. Or, more accurately, he'd take himself out of the action by shooting the gaps too much. It's what makes him both a threat to other teams and a danger to his team. When you shoot the gaps that much, you leave big holes. Period. But Maake Kemoeatu was shoved back too often.

 

[Lowen1]

I watched the game, but most of it on mute and fast forwarding between plays, just to avoid listening to Joey T.

The good: Lots of down field throws in the passing game - from every QB. Grossman, Beck& Bartel all threw deep (although Bartel didn't have the arm strength to get it there).

The good: Beck looks like a player - only having been in the system for two weeks or so, he looked like he knows what he is doing. I assume he makes the team because they will keep 3 qb.

The bad: Fast Willie Parker is not that fast, and didn't look good. He won't make the team. I predict the RB stable will be Portis, LJ, Torrain & Keiland Williams.

I think the skins would like to hide Terrence Austin (WR) on the practice squad. He has some skills and speed, but he has to be about 7th or 8th on the WR depth chart.

Doc Walker was talking up Selvish Capers (O-line) after the game - he looked ok against the Jets 3rd string. Probably another practice squad guy.

I don't see how any of the O-line guys with the long names (Oldensomething, Lichtinsomething) make the team - they don't look impressive at all. But I think Lichtensomething was Shanny's first FA signing, so maybe he has a chance.

 

[Chewbanks]

Prediction: Beck is the Redskins' QB of the future. He'll start after learning under Shanahan for the two or three years that McNabb will remain with the team.

 

[fatness]

nittanylion made a good, detailed post over in this thread about the Redskin WR's.

 

[Sebowski]

Portis sprained an ankle.

Larry Johnson will likely make the team and Willie Parker won't.

There will be (hopefully) lots of low-scoring games this year because so far the offense just isn't too good.

edit to add: I didn't see the game. Did anyone here watch it?

Coaches will review film this weekend to determine what exactly they'll take from the win, but the immediate results weren't all positive. Mike Shanahan said he wasn't sure how severe Portis's sprain is - it was not wrapped and Portis was able to stand throughout the second half - but the head coach didn't think it would be too serious. Statistically, it was a second straight rough outing for the first-string unit.

Can you really call them the "first string unit" without 5 back there?

 

[Marvelous]

nittanylion made a good, detailed post over in this thread about the Redskin WR's.

Very interesting post by Nittanylion.I watch the preseason games to see who plays when and try to infer who will make the roster and in what capacity.

My conclusions:

Anthony Armstrong has made the team. He looked good on special teams. He is making plays at WR. The Shanahans can't ask for more.

Devin Thomas not getting any snaps looks very bad. They are looking at everyone and searching for a reason to give a roster spot to someone other than him.

I initially thought Brandon Banks would make the team, but he really did not do much yesterday. Like Nittanylion said, he could be on the Bubble. I can't see Austin making the team.

Nittanylion had a really interesting perspective on Malcolm Kelley. And Shanahan said earlier not to count Kelley out.

I think the 2nd string OL (from left to right) last night was: Will Robinson, Chad Rinehart , Will Montgomery, Cory Lichtensteger , Stephon Heyer. Heyer was later spelled by Clint Oldenburg. Rinehart and Licht may be flip flopped.

So the backup linemen rate to come from this group. I was under the impression that Edwin Williams would make the team, but I did not see him yesterday.

I am very concerned about the run blocking of the 1st string OL. There are just no holes to run through for two weeks in a row.

I am also starting to think this will be a very pass-oriented offense, possibly out of necessity. It has been very pass heavy the last two games and it may be due to the poor run blocking, and not necessarily by design as part of the preseason game calling.

Portis was used as the 3rd down back initially. Then Keiland Williams was the 3rd down back. It looks like they are seriously looking at keeping Keiland on the final roster.

It is harder to get a read on the defense since they substitute players a lot more freely. But the new safety, Carter, was in with the 2nd string. I don't recall seeing Lendy Holmes (I stopped watching early int the 4th quarter). That does not bode well for Holmes.

 

[Chewbanks]

Kelly has excellent skills. Many said but for his knee injury he'd be the best rated WR in that draft class, which was deep. His hands are first class and he's athletic, has above average speed for his size and good body control. Route running (which he's worked on) and health (really leg problsms) are his only issues. We'll have to see how his health plays out.

 

[Salty Dogz]

Redskins homers, what is the real deal with Devin Thomas? Mixed reports out there. Some say him not playing is a sign that he made the team as a WR2 other reports say he is not working enough and falling down the depth chart.What is Devin Thomas' status and future with the Redskins? Thanks for any comments and info.

 

[Salty Dogz]

I wouldn't read too much into Devin sitting as Shanahan has a history of using preseason games to look at players he's not settled on yet. Devin is still probably the Skins WR2 as only Armstrong and Galloway (at times) have challenged to complement SMoss. It looks like Armstrong will probably make the team, which would be the best story out of Washington - a personable young man with ability, speed & upside. I wished they had the parts to trade for VJax, who would be a great fit for him and the Skins, but, IMO, they have too many aged average players to pull it off.

 

[Marvelous]

I wouldn't read too much into Devin sitting as Shanahan has a history of using preseason games to look at players he's not settled on yet. Devin is still probably the Skins WR2 as only Armstrong and Galloway (at times) have challenged to complement SMoss. It looks like Armstrong will probably make the team, which would be the best story out of Washington - a personable young man with ability, speed & upside. I wished they had the parts to trade for VJax, who would be a great fit for him and the Skins, but, IMO, they have too many aged average players to pull it off.

What leads you to believe that Thomas is the Redskins WR2? He is not listed there on the depth chart. He has not played a single down with the starters and frequently not with the 2nd stringers. All the data points to Thomas being much closer to being on the bubble than a starter.

 

[fatness]

I watch the preseason games to see who plays when and try to infer who will make the roster and in what capacity.My conclusions:Anthony Armstrong has made the team. He looked good on special teams. He is making plays at WR. The Shanahans can't ask for more.

I agree, I think he has already made the team. I don't think Shanahan will trust him with much playing time initially but I think Armstrong will produce as well or better than any WR he replaces in a game (except Moss) and will get more and more playing time as the year goes on. I think Devin Thomas makes the team because he's a decent returner. I don't think Austin or Wade make the team. The rest of the WR's, including Kelly, I just have no clue about.

I think the 2nd string OL (from left to right) last night was: Will Robinson, Chad Rinehart , Will Montgomery, Cory Lichtensteger , Stephon Heyer. Heyer was later spelled by Clint Oldenburg. Rinehart and Licht may be flip flopped.So the backup linemen rate to come from this group. I was under the impression that Edwin Williams would make the team, but I did not see him yesterday.

And those are some pretty terrible backups. I think Edwin Williams has to make the team because he's outplayed most of the backups all training camp. When teams start cutting players the Redskins will certainly be looking for offensive linemen. And WR's.

I am very concerned about the run blocking of the 1st string OL. There are just no holes to run through for two weeks in a row. I am also starting to think this will be a very pass-oriented offense, possibly out of necessity. It has been very pass heavy the last two games and it may be due to the poor run blocking, and not necessarily by design as part of the preseason game calling.

I agree. We may be the new Eagles this year (44 passes, 12 runs each game). However, in any game where they sense they have an O-line advantage over the opposing D-line, I'd expect the Skins to run heavily. Of course, there probably won't be too many of those games.

 

[fatness]

Can you really call them the "first string unit" without 5 back there?

Unfortunately with McNabb's injury history and our less-than-stellar offensive line, it will be the starting unit in some games this year.

 

[Marvelous]

One more note on the preseason game: Jamaal Brown did not play, at least that I could see. He has hardly played the whole preseason. His hip may be worse than anyone is letting on.

 

[fatness]

Rick Snider's opinions

With only a throwaway preseason game remaining, the Washington Redskins are still an incomplete team. The run defense looks terrible. The running game stinks. Quarterbacking is a mystery. There’s no return game yet. And those are just the obvious weaknesses. The Redskins are a quintessential 8-8 team this season. They’ll look great some days, awful on others and you’ll never know which to expect.

It hardly matters who’s running the ball if they have nowhere to go because the interior blocking has been awful. It’s a decent pass blocking line, but the Redskins need to run between tackles better. Willie Parker looks like the odd man out at running back, with Keiland Williams getting his spot if the Redskins carry four tailbacks. Larry Johnson sealed the No. 2 job over Ryan Torain, but Clinton Portis has been the only effective runner.

Given that McNabb has played 16 games only once in the last six years, Grossman will play some this season. It’s imperative defenses respect his arm so they can’t cheat against the run. Washington should keep John Beck as the third passer, too.

Receiver Joey Galloway looks like a starter after the Redskins featured him early. Anthony Armstrong will get a job largely off standout special teams play, but Devin Thomas hasn’t dislodged the 37-year-old Galloway, and Malcolm Kelly can’t get on the field.

The Albert Haynesworth drama finally appears over, though coach Mike Shanahan wouldn’t rate the defensive lineman’s effort after discussing several others. There always will be some tension between the two, but Haynesworth now looks like a starting right end who makes a difference.

The Redskins still need a returner, and Brandon Banks, as much as people would like the 5-foot-7 rookie to be that great story, just isn’t it. He fumbled against the Jets and at 151 pounds clearly can’t handle the pro game. It’s too bad because Banks has some speed, but it’s so seldom used the Redskins must look elsewhere.

Washington certainly will scan the waiver wire come Tuesday. The Redskins have improved over last season, but a few holes remain.

 

[fatness]

John Keim's game review --- offense

Liked:

1. Blitz pickup. Mentioned this in my instant analysis and it was even more evident watching the game again this morning. Rex Grossman was kept clean most of the first half thanks to the line and backs doing an excellent job in protection. The running backs all did a good job for the most part. It’s actually fun to watch Clinton Portis in protection sometimes, the violent way he engages even defensive linemen. Did it on the first series, taking on DE Shaun Ellis coming up the middle. By doing so, here’s what happened: the linebacker also blitzing to the middle was slowed – and that bought Grossman enough time to throw the ball.

2. Clean pocket. Because of the protection, Grossman had many terrific pockets. He just didn’t get hit all that often.

4. Galloway showing up. Nice to see you, Joey Galloway; glad to see you can still do a thing or two. One game does not mean Galloway has a lot left; maybe he has nothing left. But at least we saw him catch the ball and get open. In fact, he was wide open on a deep out in which Grossman threw way too wide. Galloway was open deep in the first game, too, only to be missed by Donovan McNabb.

8. Chris Cooley's blocking. He did a nice job in protection while in the backfield and was fairly solid most of the night in this area. He did have a couple close calls, but on one he forced Calvin Pace to get extra wide. So that qualifies as a win for Cooley. A good job overall.

Disliked:

1. Run blocking. ........ Yes, the Jets are a terrific run defense and it’s not the sort of defense you have immediate success against on the ground; but the blocking was still subpar. And that was from all over. Here’s one last run: Brown did get moved back three yards on one run. By doing so, Darrel Young had to take a rounder path to his hole. Because of that, Young couldn’t get his guy straight on. And because of that, that LB made the tackle.

2. Lead blocking. Young is learning the position, so we’ll give him that. But he showed that the Redskins might need to keep Carey Davis around in case something happens to Mike Sellers.

4. Armstrong’s lack of strength. Love the kid and still think he’ll make it. But last week we saw him use his feet and hands to excel. He even made some tackles on special teams vs. the Jets, which will help his cause. But he missed a few blocks, partly because he wasn’t strong enough to sustain them. Another time, he had a slant route broken up because the corner bumped him and prevented him from getting free.

5. Fred Davis. When I re-watched the first play of the game, I honestly did not remember if it was a run or a pass. But my tip that it was a pass came courtesy of Davis. He was leaning forward a little bit, as if he were about to go out on a route. So I knew: pass. But Davis’ blocking was inconsistent throughout the night.

 

[fatness]

John Keim's game review --- defense

1. Albert Haynesworth’s progress. It appeared he learned from a tough first series (see below) and you could see that in his first step, which was more lateral than upfield. It allowed him to maintain gap control and then he could also go make a play afterward. He displayed power and speed, which, of course, is what has made him a Pro Bowler. And it's why he's still in town.

2. Haynesworth’s second rush. OK, this is going to be a lot about him because this defense can be dominant if he plays well. This play shows the respect he garners. Haynesworth started at the nose and stunted to the right side. As he went this way, three New York Jets blockers – three! – went with him. That left Vonnie Holliday free coming up the middle for a pressure. Seriously, three Jets were staring right at Haynesworth. Unreal. It was just speed, baby.

3. Haynesworth’s power. Did you see the time when he drove Pro Bowl LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson back with his left arm. Wow. One thing this coaching staff wanted to see more of from Haynesworth was to play stronger. Think he did that on this play. That was a lot of leg strength driving Ferguson back.

4. Defensive ends. Liked what I saw from Adam Carriker, Phillip Daniels and Kedric Golston.

6. DeAngelo Hall. Nothing changed my mind about how much I liked his play after watching it a second time. I will say, Mark Sanchez made it unbelievably easy for him to read the play, his eyes never leaving the receiver. Hall had safety help, though he was playing matchup zone and all he did was pass his man off to the safety. It’s why he picks off passes. I remember talking to Jerry Gray last year and he said some guys come back to the sidelines and say, ‘Oh, I saw this … and thought he was going to throw it and next time I’ll pick it off.’ Hall doesn’t say that. Why? Because his instincts tell him to get it the first time. The guys who say next time? They never do it then either.

 

[fatness]

If cuts today, who's making it out of WRs Thomas, Kelly, Williams, Wade, Austin, Banks? (Moss, Galloway, Armstrong are in IMO)

Thomas & prbly Kelly. would have said Banks before Fri; I'd keep Austin over Wade&williams. Comes down to Banks and TA, I think

@_CSpence I doubt it. I'd say Moss and Galloway would start and Armstrong would be the third WR. 2 minutes ago

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

One more note on the preseason game: Jamaal Brown did not play, at least that I could see. He has hardly played the whole preseason. His hip may be worse than anyone is letting on.

He did play the whole 1st half I believe

 

[fatness]

Rich Campbell's game writeup. It's very long, and worth reading.

WR Anthony Armstrong is a lock for the roster now. His only catch, a 10-yarder near the right sideline, moved the chains, and he got in on four special teams tackles.

QB John Beck missed TE Fred Davis running wide open in the back of the end zone early in the third quarter. Beck moved the ball OK against the Jets first-string defense, but he’s got work left to secure a roster spot.

Also from Campbell: Game Balls, Gassers, & Observations

LT Trent Williams: The rookie rebounded from a poor game against Baltimore and handled his responsibilities. I didn’t see him give up a single pressure in the passing game. He stuffed LB Jason Taylor on a first-quarter pass rush when the Jets blitzed seven. His feet were extremely quick in riding LB Calvin Pace past QB Rex Grossman on a 20-yard completion to WR Joey Galloway on the Redskins’ fourth series. He also made a powerful and effective lead block in space against LB Bart Scott on a Keiland Williams 5-yard run.

NT Ma’ake Kemoeatu: He was pushed back too often. Granted, he was going against Jets all-pro C Nick Mangold, but Kemoeatu has to at least anchor down and hold his ground for this run defense to be successful. He was pancaked on the Jets’ second offensive play, a 5-yard run. He was pushed back at least five yards on a running play on the Jets’ second series.

WR Terrence Austin: Austin took advantage of Brandon Banks’ bad night. He patiently waited for his blockers on a 17-yard screen pass in the third quarter. He separated from the linebacker (mismatch alert) on a crossing route to convert a third-and-3. He made a decisive cut to get upfield on a 14-yard punt return, and he threw a nice block to spring Banks’ 20-yard screen play in the fourth quarter. Entering the game, I had Austin on the outside looking in on the receiver’s race. Now, I think he’s either even with or ahead of Banks.

 

[Chewbanks]

QB John Beck missed TE Fred Davis running wide open in the back of the end zone early in the third quarter. Beck moved the ball OK against the Jets first-string defense, but he’s got work left to secure a roster spot.

This is purely my gut instinct, but I don't think that Beck signing was just to get another warm body into camp. I don't think this staff likes Grossman - for obvious reasons - and Beck was frankly a guy who was discussed as being on par with Kolb coming out in the draft. I think the Shanahans like Beck as a guy to develop, but know they can't rely upon him to run this offense in the short term as a backup without the benefit of the offseason work like Grossman had. Grossman's the primary backup this year, but Beck will be here next year and Grossman won't.

 

[Marvelous]

One more note on the preseason game: Jamaal Brown did not play, at least that I could see. He has hardly played the whole preseason. His hip may be worse than anyone is letting on.

He did play the whole 1st half I believe

I thought Heyer started the game and played the whole first half and a little with the 2nd stringers. Then he gave way to Oldenburg. Brown started the Ravens game and only played one series.

 

[pablito]

QB John Beck missed TE Fred Davis running wide open in the back of the end zone early in the third quarter. Beck moved the ball OK against the Jets first-string defense, but he’s got work left to secure a roster spot.

This is purely my gut instinct, but I don't think that Beck signing was just to get another warm body into camp. I don't think this staff likes Grossman - for obvious reasons - and Beck was frankly a guy who was discussed as being on par with Kolb coming out in the draft. I think the Shanahans like Beck as a guy to develop, but know they can't rely upon him to run this offense in the short term as a backup without the benefit of the offseason work like Grossman had. Grossman's the primary backup this year, but Beck will be here next year and Grossman won't.

Spot on.

 

[fatness]

Shanahan Unsure of McNabb for Opener

It could be a smoke screen or just a cautious assessment of his quarterback's health, but Mike Shanahan says he's not certain Donovan McNabb will be available for the Washington Redskins' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. "I really don't know for sure," Shanahan said Sunday. "That's why it's day by day. We'll see how it goes."

McNabb hasn't practiced since spraining his left ankle in the second preseason game against Baltimore. He sat out Friday's game against the New York Jets and watched Sunday's practice with a black sleeve on his left leg. Shanahan said the leg is too sore for McNabb to play Thursday against the Arizona Cardinals, but McNabb likely wouldn't have played in that game anyway because the coach prefers to rest his starters and some of his top backups in the final exhibition to avoid injuries. No. 2 quarterback Rex Grossman said he won't play this week either, leaving John Beck and Richard Bartel to take the snaps against the Cardinals.

The news from Shanahan was more positive concerning running back Clinton Portis, who sprained his right ankle against the Jets. "I don't think it's too serious. It's not a big setback," Shanahan said. "I would anticipate him being able to practice in a couple of days."

 

[fatness]

Shanahan Returns Haynesworth's Joke

So it turns out Mike Shanahan's personality hasn't completely gone underground. Thought he was in regular season shut-down mode last week, dropping a lot of references about evaluation and how it's a process. He'll still do that -- about 15 times during every presser -- but today he at least drew some laughter about Albert Haynesworth's comments after the Jets game and how he was going to have drinks and smoke a cigar with Shanahan.

Shanahan's response? "He made me buy the drinks and cigars."

And when asked about Haynesworth's claim that he saved his life during the game when a ball was headed his way, Shanahan said, "He did. He yelled look out at the last second. He stood about two feet away from me and said, 'Hey, I didn't know you cared.' I actually got him to smile a little bit."

And then, when a reporter asked if he was sure it wasn't Haynesworth who actually threw the ball, Shanahan laughed and said, "I'm not sure."

But in a serious note about the whole situation with Haynesworth, Shanahan offered his philosophy on dealing with players. "Everybody would like to be liked," Shanahan said. "That's part of being a head football coach. But you want to be respected as well. I have a job to do and Albert has a job to do. He wants to be the best player he can possibly be and it's my job to see to it. Albert's had a couple very good practices. He's been working hard to get the defensive end position down and the nose tackle position down. It takes time when you miss practice. Hopefully he keeps on improving."

 

[Salty Dogz]

I wouldn't read too much into Devin sitting as Shanahan has a history of using preseason games to look at players he's not settled on yet. Devin is still probably the Skins WR2 as only Armstrong and Galloway (at times) have challenged to complement SMoss. It looks like Armstrong will probably make the team, which would be the best story out of Washington - a personable young man with ability, speed & upside. I wished they had the parts to trade for VJax, who would be a great fit for him and the Skins, but, IMO, they have too many aged average players to pull it off.

What leads you to believe that Thomas is the Redskins WR2? He is not listed there on the depth chart. He has not played a single down with the starters and frequently not with the 2nd stringers. All the data points to Thomas being much closer to being on the bubble than a starter.

 

[Salty Dogz]

I wouldn't read too much into Devin sitting as Shanahan has a history of using preseason games to look at players he's not settled on yet. Devin is still probably the Skins WR2 as only Armstrong and Galloway (at times) have challenged to complement SMoss. It looks like Armstrong will probably make the team, which would be the best story out of Washington - a personable young man with ability, speed & upside. I wished they had the parts to trade for VJax, who would be a great fit for him and the Skins, but, IMO, they have too many aged average players to pull it off.

What leads you to believe that Thomas is the Redskins WR2? He is not listed there on the depth chart. He has not played a single down with the starters and frequently not with the 2nd stringers. All the data points to Thomas being much closer to being on the bubble than a starter.

Marvelous, My assessment is based on following the Skins from the OTAs through the preseason, and from Shanahan's comments. Coach Mike stated that Thomas' inaction vs. Jets was by design (after 9-78-1 in limited time in first 2 games), and to expect more touches vs. AZ in pre week 4 (doesn't help most drafts.) Right now, Skins question is about Kelly who continues to disappoint (since being drafted.) He probably should be cut, but I doubt Skins will pull the trigger due to him being their only size WR. Galloway, another Smurf, made his first recepts of preseason on Friday, and Austin is a work in progress. To date SMoss and Armstrong (I feel more definite that he will make the team and contribute) are the standouts. But, as of today, Devin is WR2.

 

[Marvelous]

I wouldn't read too much into Devin sitting as Shanahan has a history of using preseason games to look at players he's not settled on yet. Devin is still probably the Skins WR2 as only Armstrong and Galloway (at times) have challenged to complement SMoss. It looks like Armstrong will probably make the team, which would be the best story out of Washington - a personable young man with ability, speed & upside. I wished they had the parts to trade for VJax, who would be a great fit for him and the Skins, but, IMO, they have too many aged average players to pull it off.

What leads you to believe that Thomas is the Redskins WR2? He is not listed there on the depth chart. He has not played a single down with the starters and frequently not with the 2nd stringers. All the data points to Thomas being much closer to being on the bubble than a starter.

Marvelous, My assessment is based on following the Skins from the OTAs through the preseason, and from Shanahan's comments. Coach Mike stated that Thomas' inaction vs. Jets was by design (after 9-78-1 in limited time in first 2 games), and to expect more touches vs. AZ in pre week 4 (doesn't help most drafts.) Right now, Skins question is about Kelly who continues to disappoint (since being drafted.) He probably should be cut, but I doubt Skins will pull the trigger due to him being their only size WR. Galloway, another Smurf, made his first recepts of preseason on Friday, and Austin is a work in progress. To date SMoss and Armstrong (I feel more definite that he will make the team and contribute) are the standouts. But, as of today, Devin is WR2.

On the radio, Pollian and Czabe think Thomas will be cut. He is expected to get signifcant playing time this week, along with all the other players who won't make the team. We'll know more soon, since the final cuts are next week.

 

[Marvelous]

One more note on the preseason game: Jamaal Brown did not play, at least that I could see. He has hardly played the whole preseason. His hip may be worse than anyone is letting on.

He did play the whole 1st half I believe

I thought Heyer started the game and played the whole first half and a little with the 2nd stringers. Then he gave way to Oldenburg. Brown started the Ravens game and only played one series.

One of the beat writers mentioned Jamaal Brown playing. I guess I missed him.

 

[fatness]

Lavar Arrington's column in the Washington Post. I think we have another Joey Sunshine.

In the third preseason game of the year, the Redskins offense, without starting QB Donovan McNabb, showed that it is more than capable of competing against the best defenses the NFL has to offer. The New York Jets ranked number one in two different categories last season. This being the second year of this Rex Ryan team being together, they should be even better this year. I know that their best cornerback was not in the game Friday night, but I still found it to be very positive that our starting offense was able to move the ball up the field against this defense. I saw a balanced attack with runs, passes, motions, and formation shifts, executed with few penalties.

Linemen were finishing blocks with authority. I saw Artis Hicks destroy a defensive lineman on a pass play that pulled me out of my seat. I started talking to Hicks through the television. Chris Cooley was motioned out wide on plays, allowing him to take advantage of single coverage, which led to easy completions for Rex Grossman and yardage for the offense. Although Willie Parker did not make record-setting runs in the game, the Redskins stayed faithful to the game plan, staying with a mix of run and pass that led to points on the board.

Did we hang 35 points on the Jets or something?

 

[fatness]

Ryan O'Halloran

Summary:

1. The Redskins will have to be a passing team, at least early on. Check out the disparity of passing yards to rushing yards through three games – 787-247. Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker have combined for 35 carries for 90 yards.

2. The defense will create turnovers.

3. Clinton Portis is the Redskins’ best running back option on first, second and third downs. He entered camp as the starter and has done nothing to suggest he’s not deserving of the opening night assignment. Where the Redskins face a tough situation is that Portis is clearly the team’s best third-down back because of his fearlessness in pass protection.

4. Once again this year, the Redskins can’t afford many injuries. Who is the most indispensible player? London Fletcher? McNabb? Moss? Any of the starting offensive linemen? The Mike Shanahan Plan could result in a 50-percent turnover of the roster, but this team is still a long way from being prepared to handle decimating injuries, another sign of how flawed the previous regime’s roster construction was during the last several years.

5. Albert Haynesworth has turned the corner. We think.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Interested in the homers take on this Q:

What will be the respective roles of Cooley and Davis?

TIA

 

[nittanylion]

nittanylion made a good, detailed post over in this thread about the Redskin WR's.

Salty Dogz, you might find the above link of interest.Bobby Lane, please see mine (above link). YW.

 

[Sidewinder16]

One more note on the preseason game: Jamaal Brown did not play, at least that I could see. He has hardly played the whole preseason. His hip may be worse than anyone is letting on.

He did play the whole 1st half I believe

I thought Heyer started the game and played the whole first half and a little with the 2nd stringers. Then he gave way to Oldenburg. Brown started the Ravens game and only played one series.

One of the beat writers mentioned Jamaal Brown playing. I guess I missed him.

Jammal Brown started and played a good bit.Gamebook

 

[Gopher State]

So what are everyone's thoughts on McNabb. Will he go week one, or is Shanny just playing games saying he's not sure if McNabb will be ready to go.

What you think

 

[Marvelous]

Chris Russell on ESPN 980 is reporting:

1. Malcolm Kelley had a set back today. He will not play Thursday. He will go on PUP if eligible. But since he practiced one day earlier and today, he most likely will go on IR.

2. Redskins traded Dennis Morris to St. Louis for a conditional draft pick.

Chris Russell also said, before news of Kelley broke, that Devin Thomas is a lock to make the roster.

 

[BobbyLayne]

nittanylion made a good, detailed post over in this thread about the Redskin WR's.

Salty Dogz, you might find the above link of interest.Bobby Lane, please see mine (above link). YW.

Thanks, nitt.Feel like Moss represents a great value this year as a WR3/4 in redrafts, very undervalued. I've always felt Cooley would get his job/role back because he's the better blocker, and seems to have jelled with McNabb more than Davis. However, some sites have been pimping Davis as a sleeper. Nice production filling in last year, and long term he seems like he'll a place on this team (or another) - but I'm not seeing it this year based on what I have been reading about 'skins camp, Shanny, et al.

Anyway, just wanted to confirm if I was reading the TE situation correctly. Thanks for posting a link to the post I missed.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Redskins still making moves:

Rams, Redskins swap 2010 rookies, too

Posted by Mike Florio on August 30, 2010 4:53 PM ET

On a day in which two 2010 rookie draft picks were swapped by the Cardinals and the Eagles, two more 2010 rookie draft picks were traded by different NFC West and NFC East teams.

Specifically, the Rams have dealt fifth-round Hall Davis to the Redskins for an undisclosed conditional draft choice. And the Redskins have dealt sixth-round tight end/fullback Dennis Morris to the Rams for an undisclosed conditional draft choice.

The primary condition for each of the two trades probably is the player making the team in his new town. And it's safe to assume that neither player would have been the final 53-man roster in his prior town. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been traded.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...10-rookies-too/

 

[fatness]

So now what with Malcolm Kelly?Well, the Redskins have three choices: Keep him on the active roster and hope his sore hamstring improves, release him or put him on the season-ending injured reserve list.That's it.