***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (2 Viewers)

[dhockster]

And the talk of this being a rebuilding operation by Shanahan really does not seem to be right. Our 2nd round pick last year was traded for McNabb. Our 3rd and 4th round picks this coming draft were traded for McNabb and Brown. Those aren't players you rebuild around (a 34-year-old QB and a seriously-injured tackle). Those are "win now" moves, as was the trading of those picks to get them. If you're honestly rebuilding you hold on to your high draft picks.

That was my point when I asked about the McNabb trade from a Redskins perspective. It appeared to be a win now move, when it does not appear that the Redskins have enough personnel around McNabb to win now. If the Redskins front office were planning on rebuilding, then why make trades that takes away 3 good draft picks?People scoffed at the Eagles because they traded a franchise QB within the division. I was always curious why they did not scoff at the Redskins for trading good draft picks within the division. If the Eagles hit on the draft pick they received for 2011, then the Redskins potentially gave up two quality contributing players who have their whole careers ahead of them for a quality aging QB who may not be around long enough for the Redskins to get enough talent around him to contend.Good luck on Sunday.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

You really think this D has the personnel to be a Top 5 defense if they played a 4-3? muy

If they played the defense they played last year, put Landry at strong safety and Moore at free safety, and let the defensive line go after the pocket instead of playing gap control like Blache had them doing, they'd certainly be a top 10 defense and with some luck, better than that.Right now they're a top 32 defense. And objecting to the change to a 3-4 isn't new, some of us have been doing it since Haslett was hired. It doesn't suit their personnel. An aggressive 4-3 suits their personnel.

If you aunt had cojones she'd be your uncle....

This team routinely had top-5 to top-10 defensive rankings under Williams up through Blache in 2008, and it had that with inferior personnel, and even with a usually inferior offense that would keep them on the field and put them into poor field position situations on an exchange of possession. Those defenses had nothing like Haynesworth or Orakpo up front, and therefore guys like Carter were wasted because they need a good compliment to be effective by and large. Defensive success has far more to do with coaching, scheme, discipline and attitude than talent. This team absolutely could get into that top-five defense range.

No amount of coaching will get MeAngelo Hall to make a tough tackle when it counts or Carlos Rogers to hold on to a pass that hits him in the hands. Coaches don't add speed to linebackers or size to small MLBs. Of the 11 starters on defense, how many could start for the Ravens or the Steelers? Two (Fletcher and Orakpo) maybe. Oh and Hainesworth if he's motivated.

I note that you chose two 3-4 defensive teams . . .Landry could start at SS for both of those teams. McIntosh could certainly vie for a ILB spot. That's 5/11 positions. What was your point again?

 

[DCThunder]

Landry could start at SS for both of those teams. McIntosh could certainly vie for a ILB spot. That's 5/11 positions. What was your point again?

Right, chief. McIntosh would start for the Ravens or Steelers... Landry I'll give you would start for either.But one lineman, a LB who's really a DE, an older although excellent LB and a young, undisciplined saftey don't constitute a Top 5 defense.

 

[Marvelous]

And the talk of this being a rebuilding operation by Shanahan really does not seem to be right. Our 2nd round pick last year was traded for McNabb. Our 3rd and 4th round picks this coming draft were traded for McNabb and Brown. Those aren't players you rebuild around (a 34-year-old QB and a seriously-injured tackle). Those are "win now" moves, as was the trading of those picks to get them. If you're honestly rebuilding you hold on to your high draft picks.

That was my point when I asked about the McNabb trade from a Redskins perspective. It appeared to be a win now move, when it does not appear that the Redskins have enough personnel around McNabb to win now. If the Redskins front office were planning on rebuilding, then why make trades that takes away 3 good draft picks?

People scoffed at the Eagles because they traded a franchise QB within the division. I was always curious why they did not scoff at the Redskins for trading good draft picks within the division. If the Eagles hit on the draft pick they received for 2011, then the Redskins potentially gave up two quality contributing players who have their whole careers ahead of them for a quality aging QB who may not be around long enough for the Redskins to get enough talent around him to contend.Good luck on Sunday.

This is actually a very legitimate point. If it is dangerous for the Eagles to trade McNabb within the division, it has to be equally dangerous for the Redskins to give the Eagles draft pick, especially when they historically draft very well. Of course, once those picks are made, the players don't have a personal history and associated story lines with the Redskins.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

And the talk of this being a rebuilding operation by Shanahan really does not seem to be right. Our 2nd round pick last year was traded for McNabb. Our 3rd and 4th round picks this coming draft were traded for McNabb and Brown. Those aren't players you rebuild around (a 34-year-old QB and a seriously-injured tackle). Those are "win now" moves, as was the trading of those picks to get them. If you're honestly rebuilding you hold on to your high draft picks.

That was my point when I asked about the McNabb trade from a Redskins perspective. It appeared to be a win now move, when it does not appear that the Redskins have enough personnel around McNabb to win now. If the Redskins front office were planning on rebuilding, then why make trades that takes away 3 good draft picks?

People scoffed at the Eagles because they traded a franchise QB within the division. I was always curious why they did not scoff at the Redskins for trading good draft picks within the division. If the Eagles hit on the draft pick they received for 2011, then the Redskins potentially gave up two quality contributing players who have their whole careers ahead of them for a quality aging QB who may not be around long enough for the Redskins to get enough talent around him to contend.Good luck on Sunday.

This is actually a very legitimate point. If it is dangerous for the Eagles to trade McNabb within the division, it has to be equally dangerous for the Redskins to give the Eagles draft pick, especially when they historically draft very well. Of course, once those picks are made, the players don't have a personal history and associated story lines with the Redskins.

Of course. There is no guarantee that the Redskins would have taken Nate Allen if they had held on to the pick. We can't say "Nate Allen would have been a Redskin," but we can say "An impact player along the lines of Nate Allen could have been a Redskin."

 

[Sebowski]

Landry could start at SS for both of those teams. McIntosh could certainly vie for a ILB spot. That's 5/11 positions. What was your point again?

Right, chief. McIntosh would start for the Ravens or Steelers... Landry I'll give you would start for either.But one lineman, a LB who's really a DE, an older although excellent LB and a young, undisciplined saftey don't constitute a Top 5 defense.

But how many of them would start for the Colts, Eagles, Bears.....? A good amount would.

 

[Sidewinder16]

'Skins workout WRs Demetrius Williams and Keenan Burton.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

'Skins workout WRs Demetrius Williams and Keenan Burton.

Williams is another Kelly - potentially very good but always injured. Burton doesn't intrigue me.

 

[Dexter Manley]

You really think this D has the personnel to be a Top 5 defense if they played a 4-3? muy

If they played the defense they played last year, put Landry at strong safety and Moore at free safety, and let the defensive line go after the pocket instead of playing gap control like Blache had them doing, they'd certainly be a top 10 defense and with some luck, better than that.Right now they're a top 32 defense. And objecting to the change to a 3-4 isn't new, some of us have been doing it since Haslett was hired. It doesn't suit their personnel. An aggressive 4-3 suits their personnel.

If you aunt had cojones she'd be your uncle....

This team routinely had top-5 to top-10 defensive rankings under Williams up through Blache in 2008, and it had that with inferior personnel, and even with a usually inferior offense that would keep them on the field and put them into poor field position situations on an exchange of possession. Those defenses had nothing like Haynesworth or Orakpo up front, and therefore guys like Carter were wasted because they need a good compliment to be effective by and large. Defensive success has far more to do with coaching, scheme, discipline and attitude than talent. This team absolutely could get into that top-five defense range.

No amount of coaching will get MeAngelo Hall to make a tough tackle when it counts or Carlos Rogers to hold on to a pass that hits him in the hands. Coaches don't add speed to linebackers or size to small MLBs. Of the 11 starters on defense, how many could start for the Ravens or the Steelers? Two (Fletcher and Orakpo) maybe. Oh and Hainesworth if he's motivated.

Pretty sure the Ravens would trade whatever 2 corners they started last week for Hall and Rogers in a heartbeat.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Landry could start at SS for both of those teams. McIntosh could certainly vie for a ILB spot. That's 5/11 positions. What was your point again?

Right, chief. McIntosh would start for the Ravens or Steelers... Landry I'll give you would start for either.But one lineman, a LB who's really a DE, an older although excellent LB and a young, undisciplined saftey don't constitute a Top 5 defense.

No comment to my point about you using ill-fitting 3-4 defenses to make the comparison? I disagree on McIntosh. When he's healthy he's a good LB, and definitely visible on the field. I fail to see how he's inferior to Farrior or Timmons, or to McClain playing next to Ray Lewis in Baltimore (I agree he wouldn't beat out Lewis of course). Help me out and explain how they're any worse in terms of talent than the 2005-2009 defenses, even accounting for the presence of Sean Taylor (who of course was both only one guy and who only played half of the 2007 season):Year - Ranking (ypg) - (ypg difference between 10th and 5th place)2004- 3rd (35)2005- 9th (16)2006- 31st (6)2007- 8th (20)2008- 4th (17)2009- 10th (14)

 

[RedskinsFan]

Help me out and explain how they're any worse in terms of talent than the 2005-2009 defenses, even accounting for the presence of Sean Taylor (who of course was both only one guy and who only played half of the 2007 season):Year - Ranking (ypg) - (ypg difference between 10th and 5th place)2004- 3rd (35)2005- 9th (16)2006- 31st (6)2007- 8th (20)2008- 4th (17)2009- 10th (14)

Wait you think Sean Taylor only played one season? He played from 2004-2007

 

[fatness]

No amount of coaching will get MeAngelo Hall to make a tough tackle when it counts or Carlos Rogers to hold on to a pass that hits him in the hands. Coaches don't add speed to linebackers or size to small MLBs.

Are you even watching the games this year? Hall's been tackling much better, including tackling in run support. Carter already has a leaping INT. Coaches don't have to add size to LB's when playing the 4-3 and hey, guess what, the defense that's played is a coaching decision.If your aunt had any cojones she'd buy you a TV.

 

[fatness]

That was my point when I asked about the McNabb trade from a Redskins perspective. It appeared to be a win now move, when it does not appear that the Redskins have enough personnel around McNabb to win now. If the Redskins front office were planning on rebuilding, then why make trades that takes away 3 good draft picks?

I agree with you. The talk about rebuilding is coming from hopeful fans. And if the Skins keep losing and their defense, running game, and WR's keep looking terrible, there's going to be more and more such hopeful talk as people write off this year and try to tell themselves it was a rebuilding year, when in reality it would be another failed "win now" year.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Help me out and explain how they're any worse in terms of talent than the 2005-2009 defenses, even accounting for the presence of Sean Taylor (who of course was both only one guy and who only played half of the 2007 season):Year - Ranking (ypg) - (ypg difference between 10th and 5th place)2004- 3rd (35)2005- 9th (16)2006- 31st (6)2007- 8th (20)2008- 4th (17)2009- 10th (14)

Wait you think Sean Taylor only played one season? He played from 2004-2007

Do you honestly think that the person who made that list doesn't know Taylor's career lasted more than half a season?

 

[thayman]

Help me out and explain how they're any worse in terms of talent than the 2005-2009 defenses, even accounting for the presence of Sean Taylor (who of course was both only one guy and who only played half of the 2007 season):Year - Ranking (ypg) - (ypg difference between 10th and 5th place)2004- 3rd (35)2005- 9th (16)2006- 31st (6)2007- 8th (20)2008- 4th (17)2009- 10th (14)

Wait you think Sean Taylor only played one season? He played from 2004-2007

He is saying that Taylor was only one player and only played half of 2007.

 

[DCThunder]

No amount of coaching will get MeAngelo Hall to make a tough tackle when it counts or Carlos Rogers to hold on to a pass that hits him in the hands. Coaches don't add speed to linebackers or size to small MLBs.

Are you even watching the games this year? Hall's been tackling much better, including tackling in run support. Carter already has a leaping INT. Coaches don't have to add size to LB's when playing the 4-3 and hey, guess what, the defense that's played is a coaching decision.If your aunt had any cojones she'd buy you a TV.

Yeah, I've watched the games, but now through the rose colored glasses that seem to be in vogue around here with regard to the defense. Yeah, Hall tackled better in the first two games, and then reverted to type against the Rams. Rogers came damn close to droping the pick against Dallas, as was mentioned by someone (dgreen, even you fatness?) upthread.As for the criticism that I cherry picked 3-4 defenses, fine, if you want to say that more than 4 players would start for the Giants, Eagles, Titans or Raiders (they all run 4-3s right) then go ahead.

I agree that switching to a 3-4 was not the best use of the talent that's here, but don't go over-estimating that talent...

 

[dgreen]

Yeah, Hall tackled better in the first two games, and then reverted to type against the Rams.

I don't remember him being a bad tackler in the Rams game. He had the one play where he slipped and fell and the last 3rd and long the Rams converted. I guess it's possible to say the slip was bad tackling if the cause was his positioning and technique. Not sure if it was or wasn't. He was horrible on that other play, though, completely whiffing on Clayton. At the time, I thought, "Ugh, but who cares because the game is over anyway." After further thought, it would have been nice to see him make a good tackle no matter the game situation. His only excuse could be that he was going for the strip, but it didn't look that way. I know Gibbs has said he liked to watch game tape of players in blowouts to see how they play when it doesn't matter. I think that was a big part of his definition for "character".Other than those two plays, I don't really remember his tackling being like it used to be.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Yeah, Hall tackled better in the first two games, and then reverted to type against the Rams.

I don't remember him being a bad tackler in the Rams game. He had the one play where he slipped and fell and the last 3rd and long the Rams converted. I guess it's possible to say the slip was bad tackling if the cause was his positioning and technique. Not sure if it was or wasn't. He was horrible on that other play, though, completely whiffing on Clayton. At the time, I thought, "Ugh, but who cares because the game is over anyway." After further thought, it would have been nice to see him make a good tackle no matter the game situation. His only excuse could be that he was going for the strip, but it didn't look that way. I know Gibbs has said he liked to watch game tape of players in blowouts to see how they play when it doesn't matter. I think that was a big part of his definition for "character".Other than those two plays, I don't really remember his tackling being like it used to be.

I'm pretty sure I recall at least one play this week where Hall stuck his nose in first on a tackle (maybe on an RB?). His tackling in the last game may have been a mixed bag at best, but it's undeniable that he's made a great improvement in that department from last year.Partial evidence of this is the fact that through 3 games he already has half as many combined tackles as he did all of last year (29 v 58). Through 3 games last year he had only 10 combined tackles.

 

[Sebowski]

No amount of coaching will get MeAngelo Hall to make a tough tackle when it counts or Carlos Rogers to hold on to a pass that hits him in the hands. Coaches don't add speed to linebackers or size to small MLBs.

Are you even watching the games this year? Hall's been tackling much better, including tackling in run support. Carter already has a leaping INT. Coaches don't have to add size to LB's when playing the 4-3 and hey, guess what, the defense that's played is a coaching decision.If your aunt had any cojones she'd buy you a TV.

Yeah, I've watched the games, but now through the rose colored glasses that seem to be in vogue around here with regard to the defense. Yeah, Hall tackled better in the first two games, and then reverted to type against the Rams. Rogers came damn close to droping the pick against Dallas, as was mentioned by someone (dgreen, even you fatness?) upthread.As for the criticism that I cherry picked 3-4 defenses, fine, if you want to say that more than 4 players would start for the Giants, Eagles, Titans or Raiders (they all run 4-3s right) then go ahead.

I agree that switching to a 3-4 was not the best use of the talent that's here, but don't go over-estimating that talent...

lol @ saying that the ones calling out our D are seeing it through "rose colored glasses". We've got some Eagles people in this thread this week. Let's ask them. Would you guys Hall, Rogers, Landry, McIntosh, Fletcher, Carter, Haynesworth, and Orakpo? Without knowing too much about the Eagles depth chart I'd say those guys except for one of the corners would all start for the Eagles (and the other corner would give Samuel a run for his money. Definitely be the nickel guy).

 

[fatness]

Studs & Duds from the Rams game

2/3 of our starting defensive line are duds.

Studs

DE Phillip Daniels

Reed Doughty

LB Lorenzo Alexander: His ability to play in space is impressive, given that he’s a former defensive tackle. I know he says playing on special teams helped him develop this, but in reality it could be that his ability to play in space is why he was good on special teams. Anyway, he had an impressive tackle of Mardy Gilyard on a smoke route, defended a pass and played with power at the goal line.

TE Chris Cooley: He had just five catches for 53 yards, which isn’t bad. But it’s his blocking that was pretty good. On Ryan Torain’s long run, Cooley blocked the end and then got to a linebacker. A couple plays later, Cooley picked up a linebacker blitz. And on Torain’s seven-yard run around right end inside the 20, Cooley was among the blockers opening the hole.

Duds

WR Joey Galloway: Was asked by LaVar Arrington on his radio show with Chad Dukes if Galloway played. I thought he was kidding. He was serious.

NG Maake Kemoeatu: He had a couple series where he played strong. Had one series where he got off a block to make a tackle and But the reality is that London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh are having to deal with too many guards coming at them. And that’s because the line is not doing its job. Kemoeatu does not control the middle – have been saying for a while that he can’t set with good leg strength, perhaps a function of his Achilles injury -- and if you can’t do that you’d better make plays. He doesn’t have the foot speed to do that.

LT Stephon Heyer

RT Jammal Brown: He was getting stood up by Chris Long and did not do a good job reacting well with his feet. Change of direction is giving him issues right now and those who have watched him for a while say he’s clearly not the same.

CB DeAngelo Hall: Did not back up his talk from early in the week. The coverage was not tight, whether in zone or man, and his tackling was bad.

WR Roydell Williams

DE Kedric Golston: Very much a try-hard guy and a worthwhile player to have on your roster. But, like Kemoeatu, he’s not doing his job when it comes to occupying blockers. Again, just watch the linebackers. They rarely run free. Golston also gets moved out too often, especially in short yardage situations. On the fourth and 1, he was driven a few yards back and to the middle. He has his moments where he makes plays and they show why he can still help in some role. But the Redskins need more stout play up front.

LB Andre Carter: Ugh. Love the man and I appreciate his approach. But it’s going to be hard for him to make plays in space, as he showed the other day. He wasn’t the only one who missed a tackle, but when it’s a weakness (playing in space) and it then shows up, it’s a problem. Carter does best rushing straight up field. That’s not a knock, it’s reality. When he must change directions, he does it too slow. He does do a good job taking on blockers at times. But this position is just not suited to him. Mike Shanahan preaches a gospel of maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses, yet he wanted a defense that has done neither, save for a couple players.

In-between

WR Santana Moss: Had six catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Ran a terrific route on a well-designed play for a touchdown in which he ran to the middle and cut back to the corner. It helped that he was covered by a safety after the corner on that side blitzed. But his penalty on a cut block and, one play later, his fumble after a catch, didn’t help. The fumble led to seven points.

LB London Fletcher: Most of his plays these days are coming downfield. At times he’s overrunning plays and the cutback lanes are free. Not sure that’s all his fault. But it’s also hard for him because of how much he’s dealing with from blockers. Still, he missed a couple tackles, including one on a screen that would have resulted in a loss. His coverage skills aren’t terrific anymore, either. But in the second half he did help on six tackles on gains of three yards or less. That’s when you know he, and the line, are doing their jobs. But not all were on runs.

FS Kareem Moore

 

[fatness]

We certainly are an enthusiastic bunch. This thread has dropped to page 4.

 

[jbz]

that Rams loss really hurt the Redskins fan base.

 

[fatness]

It's hard to tell how this season will go yet. But 3 games in, that "well, this season is gone to hell" feeling is starting up. Like it does most years.

 

[fatness]

Is the Offense or the Defense the Problem?

Tandler

The intro says it all about the defense—ranked last. If you can’t stop the other team, you aren’t going to win many games. The worst part is that the defense has been the strength of the team for years, and then Mike Shanahan and Jim Haslett had to come along and install the newfangled 3-4 defense.

The other team has had the ball almost nine minutes more per game (Redskins avg. time of possession 27:38, opponents 36:14). Multiply that out over three games and that means the defense has been on the field for almost half a game more than the offense. Sure, the D needs to make more stops and get off the field. But the offense needs to give them a little breather on the sideline.

Sam Bradford is going to be very good, maybe great, but he’s not there yet. There is no excuse for having him carve you up. He dropped back to pass 37 times and the Redskins sacked him once. He was barely made to be uncomfortable most of the time, much less pressured.

Ma'ake Kemoeatu is a solid pro and a warrior, but all too often he gets pushed back like he’s on roller skates. And if that’s hard to watch, it’s positively painful to see Andre Carter, a force on defense last year, struggle to make plays in space.

He also mentions terrible red zone offense and Buchanan's 0.5 yd. punt return average.

 

[fatness]

Keiland Williams was released.

Brandon Banks was activated from the practice squad.

I don't want to say it's a desperate move, but it's definitely risky. Banks can really move on returns but he puts the ball on the ground a lot. I hope he does well. They could use a lift.

 

[Sidewinder16]

that Rams loss really hurt the Redskins fan base.

Unrealistic expectations are a sure fire way to clear out room on the bandwagon.

 

[Sebowski]

that Rams loss really hurt the Redskins fan base.

Most of us were predicting a sub .500 team. I'm in for 6-10.

 

[fatness]

The Eagles game just looks like a bad matchup to me. Vick has been sacked 9 times so far, which is very high considering how much he's played this year. But the Redskins are bad at generating pressure on the QB, so they look to bother Vick less than he has been (when he has performed very well this year). The Eagles defensive line has a lot of sacks, and the Redskins don't pass-protect too well. If Heyer is in the game for Williams this could be a nightmare.

Actually almost every game looks like a bad matchup for our offensive and (almost non-existent) defensive lines, but this one more so than others.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

that Rams loss really hurt the Redskins fan base.

Most of us were predicting a sub .500 team. I'm in for 6-10.

I was hoping for an 8-8 season, like I said earlier, this team ha been ran into the ground for 12 plus years, its gonna take more then 1 year to put it back on track. Redskins also play the hardest SOS I believe. I also think we make more then one trade before the deadline.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

that Rams loss really hurt the Redskins fan base.

Most of us were predicting a sub .500 team. I'm in for 6-10.

I was hoping for an 8-8 season, like I said earlier, this team ha been ran into the ground for 12 plus years, its gonna take more then 1 year to put it back on track. Redskins also play the hardest SOS I believe. I also think we make more then one trade before the deadline.

Yeah, there's going to be HUGE demand for the 'Skins' 2018 3rd rounder.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

that Rams loss really hurt the Redskins fan base.

Most of us were predicting a sub .500 team. I'm in for 6-10.

I was hoping for an 8-8 season, like I said earlier, this team ha been ran into the ground for 12 plus years, its gonna take more then 1 year to put it back on track. Redskins also play the hardest SOS I believe. I also think we make more then one trade before the deadline.

Yeah, there's going to be HUGE demand for the 'Skins' 2018 3rd rounder.

meaning we ship players for picksFat Albert

Carter

 

[fatness]

meaning we ship players for picksFat AlbertCarter

What they would net right now is a 4th rounder and a 6th rounder.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Trent Williams inactive

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Trent Williams inactive

Stephon Heyer inactive . . . except that he's playing.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

that Rams loss really hurt the Redskins fan base.

Most of us were predicting a sub .500 team. I'm in for 6-10.

I was hoping for an 8-8 season, like I said earlier, this team ha been ran into the ground for 12 plus years, its gonna take more then 1 year to put it back on track. Redskins also play the hardest SOS I believe. I also think we make more then one trade before the deadline.

Yeah, there's going to be HUGE demand for the 'Skins' 2018 3rd rounder.

meaning we ship players for picksFat Albert

Carter

Carter's almost valueless because we have no leverage - he's completely ill-suited for our scheme. Haynesworth is somewhat better in that regard, but is also a malcontent with a huge contract who also has questions regarding his health and fitness.

What do you suggest we get in trade?

 

[fatness]

bring 'em on. I'm taking points and #5 with a big upset at the Linc.

Good call, buster.

 

[Manster]

good win for Mcnabb and the Skins. even though i dont like Mcnabb, i like the Eagles less.

as a Cowboys fan i'm stoked about how wide open the East is after da 'Boys crappy start.

 

[fatness]

There's no stat Here for "stupid plays" but if there was the Eagles would have had a huge edge in this game, both by coaches and by players. Thank you, Eagles.

Apparently a decent, not spectacular, running game, 8 pass completions, and a defense that won't allow long plays and tackles well is enough to win a game.

DeAngelo Hall played run support well and tackled very well all game. Ask Vick's ribs. Haynesworth was in more, and while he didn't wreak havoc he drew at least one holding penalty and usually 2-3 blockers. Their defensive line did not get gashed today, and the defensive calls were much better than last week. The second-half offense needs some work, a lot of work. It almost lost this game for them. It's almost like they change playcallers at halftime (does Kyle call the first half and Worried Dad call the second half?).

Wow, what an unexpected and nice win.

 

[fatness]

good win for Mcnabb and the Skins. even though i dont like Mcnabb, i like the Eagles less. as a Cowboys fan i'm stoked about how wide open the East is after da 'Boys crappy start.

The NFC East is nuts now, impossible to predict. It's like a race to the middle.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

There's no stat Here for "stupid plays" but if there was the Eagles would have had a huge edge in this game, both by coaches and by players. Thank you, Eagles.

Apparently a decent, not spectacular, running game, 8 pass completions, and a defense that won't allow long plays and tackles well is enough to win a game.

DeAngelo Hall played run support well and tackled very well all game. Ask Vick's ribs. Haynesworth was in more, and while he didn't wreak havoc he drew at least one holding penalty and usually 2-3 blockers. Their defensive line did not get gashed today, and the defensive calls were much better than last week. The second-half offense needs some work, a lot of work. It almost lost this game for them. It's almost like they change playcallers at halftime (does Kyle call the first half and Worried Dad call the second half?).

Wow, what an unexpected and nice win.

Albert definitely was getting attention. I still hate this defense. All you need to know about it is that Andre Carter, a guy who played more defensive snaps than any other player (at DE in a 4-3 scheme) was benched at OLB in favor of a former OG, Lorenzo Alexander. OLB's are the playmakers in a 3-4 and we have exactly zero qualified OLB's.

Also, someone please find Phillip Buchanon and put him out of his misery.

 

[buster c]

good win for Mcnabb and the Skins. even though i dont like Mcnabb, i like the Eagles less. as a Cowboys fan i'm stoked about how wide open the East is after da 'Boys crappy start.

The NFC East is nuts now, impossible to predict. It's like a race to the middle.

1st place WASHINGTON REDSKINS

 

[fatness]

The Redskins gave McNabb the game ball. He didn't have the greatest game but the guy bails them out over and over when the o-line collapses and is more of a leader than they've had in many years.

Hats off to the Eagle fans for giving Mcnabb a standing ovation when he was introduced, it was a classy thing to do. The fact that they booed him during the game made sense --- once the game starts he's an opponent. But the ovation said a lot.

Portis is day--to-day with a groin injury, which means they'll know more later today.

Orakpo drew 2 holding calls, Haynesworth drew 2 holding calls. Other teams can't block those guys.

 

[fatness]

Best and Worst from Dan Steinberg

Best Celebrations: Since Clinton Portis is so often criticized for so many things, here's some of the good. When Chris Cooley caught his touchdown, Portis high-stepped in joy, by himself, yards and yards away from the cameras. And when Ryan Torain busted free for a 13-yard run, Portis gave him a huge high-five as they crossed paths on the field.

Worst Hands: Eagles linebacker Stewart Bradley had a tipped ball flutter into his arms in the fourth quarter. An interception there and who knows. Bradley dropped it.

No, Really, Worst Hands: Haha, just kidding. Carlos Rogers still wins. Did you see his drop on the Eagles' last-ditch drive, when he had a chance to end the game? Sure you did.

 

[dhockster]

There's no stat Here for "stupid plays" but if there was the Eagles would have had a huge edge in this game, both by coaches and by players. Thank you, Eagles.

Apparently a decent, not spectacular, running game, 8 pass completions, and a defense that won't allow long plays and tackles well is enough to win a game.

DeAngelo Hall played run support well and tackled very well all game. Ask Vick's ribs. Haynesworth was in more, and while he didn't wreak havoc he drew at least one holding penalty and usually 2-3 blockers. Their defensive line did not get gashed today, and the defensive calls were much better than last week. The second-half offense needs some work, a lot of work. It almost lost this game for them. It's almost like they change playcallers at halftime (does Kyle call the first half and Worried Dad call the second half?).

Wow, what an unexpected and nice win.

Couldn't agree more with the sentiment that the Eagles gave this one away.On defense, there is no excuse for the Eagles coming out and giving up 17 points to the Redskins in the first 21 minutes and then shutting them out the rest of the way. Is the Redskins offense so dominant that McDermott couldn't figure out a game plan to stop them? If so, how did he make adjustments to shut them down?

Andy Reid's clock management potentially cost the Eagles 4 points at the end of the first half. The game would have been tied at 17 at the end had the Eagles gotten a TD at the end of the first half.

I also don't understand Kolb's reluctance to throw the ball down the field. He definitely had some time for receivers to get open, he seemed to want to settle for the dump off. I don't know if he is worried about interceptions costing him his job, but the selling point on Kolb vs. McNabb was that he was more accurate and would be able to throw into tighter spots that McNabb shied away from. He seemed to be playing not to lose his job than to win it.

The Redskins ran the ball well, and McNabb was able to scramble for some key 1st downs. I think the Redskins are a .500 team if they can continue to pound the ball the way they did. Portis/Torian look like a pretty good combo and the line did some good run blocking.

I can't figure out what the Eagles are yet. They can look so good and so bad not just from game-to-game but even quarter-to-quarter. The good news is that unless the Cowboys get their act together, nobody's going to run away with the NFC East. It really looks like a 4 team race this year.

 

[dhockster]

The Redskins gave McNabb the game ball. He didn't have the greatest game but the guy bails them out over and over when the o-line collapses and is more of a leader than they've had in many years.

Hats off to the Eagle fans for giving Mcnabb a standing ovation when he was introduced, it was a classy thing to do. The fact that they booed him during the game made sense --- once the game starts he's an opponent. But the ovation said a lot.

Portis is day--to-day with a groin injury, which means they'll know more later today.

Orakpo drew 2 holding calls, Haynesworth drew 2 holding calls. Other teams can't block those guys.

I don't know about other teams, but apparantly the Eagles can't block them without holding.I was proud of the Philly fans yesterday. Hopefully, the national media will report on the good response from the fans since they

seem to be so quick to point out their bad moments.

 

[Eastwood]

NFC Beast looks like the NFC Least this year so far. Its been a crazy start to the season across all the conferences though. KC undefeated? Colts 2-2? Carlos Rogers catching everything near him?

 

[Marvelous]

There's no stat Here for "stupid plays" but if there was the Eagles would have had a huge edge in this game, both by coaches and by players. Thank you, Eagles.

Apparently a decent, not spectacular, running game, 8 pass completions, and a defense that won't allow long plays and tackles well is enough to win a game.

DeAngelo Hall played run support well and tackled very well all game. Ask Vick's ribs. Haynesworth was in more, and while he didn't wreak havoc he drew at least one holding penalty and usually 2-3 blockers. Their defensive line did not get gashed today, and the defensive calls were much better than last week. The second-half offense needs some work, a lot of work. It almost lost this game for them. It's almost like they change playcallers at halftime (does Kyle call the first half and Worried Dad call the second half?).

Wow, what an unexpected and nice win.

Couldn't agree more with the sentiment that the Eagles gave this one away.On defense, there is no excuse for the Eagles coming out and giving up 17 points to the Redskins in the first 21 minutes and then shutting them out the rest of the way. Is the Redskins offense so dominant that McDermott couldn't figure out a game plan to stop them? If so, how did he make adjustments to shut them down?

Andy Reid's clock management potentially cost the Eagles 4 points at the end of the first half. The game would have been tied at 17 at the end had the Eagles gotten a TD at the end of the first half.

I also don't understand Kolb's reluctance to throw the ball down the field. He definitely had some time for receivers to get open, he seemed to want to settle for the dump off. I don't know if he is worried about interceptions costing him his job, but the selling point on Kolb vs. McNabb was that he was more accurate and would be able to throw into tighter spots that McNabb shied away from. He seemed to be playing not to lose his job than to win it.

The Redskins ran the ball well, and McNabb was able to scramble for some key 1st downs. I think the Redskins are a .500 team if they can continue to pound the ball the way they did. Portis/Torian look like a pretty good combo and the line did some good run blocking.

I can't figure out what the Eagles are yet. They can look so good and so bad not just from game-to-game but even quarter-to-quarter. The good news is that unless the Cowboys get their act together, nobody's going to run away with the NFC East. It really looks like a 4 team race this year.

I thought the Eagles were calling short passing plays and they did not have confidence in Kolb throwing it deeper. They called hook and lateral play on 4th and 12 to pick up a first down to get in position for a 30 yard Hail Mary. It is hard to imagine if Kolb can't throw it downfield for a 12 yard pickup.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

NFC Beast looks like the NFC Least this year so far. Its been a crazy start to the season across all the conferences though. KC undefeated? Colts 2-2?

Perhaps you missed his Karch Kiraly imitation yesterday on the Eagles' final drive.

 

[Frot]

There's not many times, as a cowboy fan, i pull for the Redskins. But I was yesterday. Congrats!

 

[TobiasFunke]

Carlos Rogers, Rhodes scholar.

Other than his hands, he's playing some great ball this season.