***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (4 Viewers)

[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.

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.

I think that play was called because they had to get the first down and get out of bounds to stop the clock. They only had 13 seconds and no timeouts. If they had completed it in the field of play, they would not have been able to get another play off. I am sure the Redskins were covering any sideline patterns. Therefore the hook and ladder with two laterals was actually a nice play to pick up the yardage and get out of bounds. One of the few things I was excited about in that game.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

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

Does Sellers borrow Rogers' hands when they're on offense. You know, kind of like when baseball players use a teammate's bat. Does that happen?

 

[fatness]

Does Sellers know he's not a hurdler?

BTW, for the Eagles Vick has injured rib cartilage, McCoy has a broken rib, Samuel and Cooper have concussions. I thought the Redskin tackling and hitting looked better yesterday, and that kind of confirms it. I loved, loved the way Portis and Torain laid into people while running. That set a tone.

 

[fatness]

Good article from John Keim. And hats off to Haslett for changing the defense.

1. Jim Haslett adjusted. The Redskins are not equipped right now to be a blitz-happy team. It looks great and it’s fun to play. But when you’re giving up big plays and the coverage is bad, then it’s a problem. So the Redskins opted for a less aggressive, and smarter, approach. They used a lot of cover-2 zones, especially in the second half, as they forced a team that wants to make big plays to be patient and work it downfield. They still used a number of looks, sometimes using Andre Carter as an end; Lorenzo Alexander as a tackle and Albert Haynesworth as a one-man front. But they almost always only rushed four guys with an occasional fifth. It helped that Alexander can play in space; it enables him to jam receivers and make plays when in one-on-one situations. And did you see his diving tipped pass on the two-point conversion? That just showed his athleticism; Alexander needs to keep starting. His ability to react laterally sets him apart from Carter. The Redskins used their personnel wisely in this game, getting Chris Wilson in a bit more just for the speed.

2. Pressure with four. But the only way that strategy can work is if they’re applying pressure with four guys. They were doing just that; Brian Orakpo drew two holding penalties while Albert Haynesworth and Carter both drew one. Haynesworth was more of a force than at any other point this season. He actually looked engaged in the game. He needs to play more if the Redskins are going to have any sort of consistent success. Thought that this summer; think it now. The Redskins were able to get him in one-on-one situations and that’s when the flags fly or plays are made. It was also good to see Carter at end. He’s not a linebacker.

4. They played physical. Obviously a couple plays stood out early on, starting with Ryan Torain’s 12-yard touchdown run in which he ran over safety Quintin Mikell and then on the ensuing kickoff Alexander drilled the returner. When plays like that occur, it sends a message to the other team. But it also energized Washington’s sideline unlike any other time I’d seen this year. They were into it right away and delivering the punches.

 

[fatness]

How bad is Artis Hicks hurt?

 

[dgreen]

Portis' agility and quickness looked good but he obviously just doesn't have the overall speed. I hope he's ok because I don't think Torain offers too much.

And I loved seeing Banks in there. He's a playmaker.

 

[Sidewinder16]

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.

It's a little unfair to say he was benched. It's more of a "move" than anything. True, Alexander has essentially taken over at OLB, but Carter is now getting used as a DE in pass rush situations. They both made significant plays from those positions yesterday. The coaches are obviously making adjustments to put guys in positions where they can use their talents successfully.

OLB's are the playmakers in a 3-4 and we have exactly zero qualified OLB's.

Why do you think Alexander and Orakpo can't play their positions? It looks like they've been doing pretty well, to me.

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

If not for him and Heyer, the 'Skins would have had zero penalties yesterday. With Banks now on the roster, hopefully Buchanon can be relieved of any PR duties. Westbrook or Barnes have to be at least as good as him in coverage, right? And, Heyer's penalties are drive stoppers. Williams can't get back soon enough.

 

[Sidewinder16]

In case anyone has missed it, the final score is officially being recorded as 17-14 now. It seems "they" think Hall was attempting to make a play after the final interception, so Brent Celek's tackle is now being ruled as a safety.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

In case anyone has missed it, the final score is officially being recorded as 17-14 now. It seems "they" think Hall was attempting to make a play after the final interception, so Brent Celek's tackle is now being ruled as a safety.

I thought once the game is over they can't review anything. Aren't they supposed to do a booth review on the spot? WTF?

 

[Nightly Mistake]

OLB's are the playmakers in a 3-4 and we have exactly zero qualified OLB's.

Why do you think Alexander and Orakpo can't play their positions? It looks like they've been doing pretty well, to me.

Neither of those guys is any good in space (and I notice you omitted Carter from your statement). Orakpo is lost going laterally in coverage and beyond five yards backpeddling. Alexander, remarkably given his history as a down linemen, is the best of the bunch but is still mediocre at best. Carter flat out sucks. An otherwise solid 3-4 lineup can afford to have one guy who can rush the passer but who is weak in coverage. That tends to be the ROLB. Harrison is like that for Pittsburgh. The only guy who could feasibly do that would be Orakpo (and he could be great at it like Ware for example), but he's played on the defensive left side. Carter's too light to rush upright for some reason - he's just not the same guy that way. Alexander I respect the hell out of as a hard-working player, but he's not all that accomplished rushing the passer.

 

[Sidewinder16]

In case anyone has missed it, the final score is officially being recorded as 17-14 now. It seems "they" think Hall was attempting to make a play after the final interception, so Brent Celek's tackle is now being ruled as a safety.

I thought once the game is over they can't review anything. Aren't they supposed to do a booth review on the spot? WTF?

Maybe they did review it on the spot. But it's not a case where the W-L outcome would change, or time should be put back on the clock, or another play should be run, so it really doesn't matter. The NFL reviews games during the following week and has made stat changes days later, at times. This stat change happened to involve a score change, too.Now, if it could have changed the outcome of the game (say, if Philly had only been 1 or 2 behind), I'm not quite sure what would have happened at the time, and/or a day later.

 

[buster c]

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.

it always amazes me when otherwise intelligent football observers make statements like this - as if the subsequent scenarios play out exactly the same given a change to what preceded it. To say the game would have been tied at 17 at the end assumes that the Skins play calling would have been the same in the 2nd half. Nonsense.

 

[buster c]

In case anyone has missed it, the final score is officially being recorded as 17-14 now. It seems "they" think Hall was attempting to make a play after the final interception, so Brent Celek's tackle is now being ruled as a safety.

doesn't matter to me - they still beat the spread

 

[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.

it always amazes me when otherwise intelligent football observers make statements like this - as if the subsequent scenarios play out exactly the same given a change to what preceded it. To say the game would have been tied at 17 at the end assumes that the Skins play calling would have been the same in the 2nd half. Nonsense.

You are right, the game would not have played out exactly the same. But my main point was when you make mistakes that take points off the board, as the Eagles did at the end of the half, often it results in losses.Let me ask you this: if the Eagles had scored a TD at the end of the first half and the score was 17-10, with how the Redskins offense was shut down for much of the second half, how likely was it that the game would have ended in a tie? My take is very likely. I am not trying to take anything away from the Redskins because they won the game. But sometimes you win because you play better, and sometimes you win because the other team plays worse. I think yesterday was more the Redskins won because the Eagles played worse.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Skins are shopping Devin Thomas

 

[buster c]

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.

it always amazes me when otherwise intelligent football observers make statements like this - as if the subsequent scenarios play out exactly the same given a change to what preceded it. To say the game would have been tied at 17 at the end assumes that the Skins play calling would have been the same in the 2nd half. Nonsense.

You are right, the game would not have played out exactly the same. But my main point was when you make mistakes that take points off the board, as the Eagles did at the end of the half, often it results in losses.Let me ask you this: if the Eagles had scored a TD at the end of the first half and the score was 17-10, with how the Redskins offense was shut down for much of the second half, how likely was it that the game would have ended in a tie? My take is very likely. I am not trying to take anything away from the Redskins because they won the game. But sometimes you win because you play better, and sometimes you win because the other team plays worse. I think yesterday was more the Redskins won because the Eagles played worse.

I can't argue that the Skins won cuz the Eagles played worse, but I do think that with a tighter score, the Skins would not have run the ball as much (in their attempt to shorten the game).With Vick out, I was concerned that the defense designed to play him (no blitzing, shadow him, two deep, etc) might not be the best way to defend Kolb. Maybe we should have blitzed the hell out of him to force a few interceptions. They pretty much stuck to the game plan and I guess it was good enough. certainly was nerve-wracking

 

[Sidewinder16]

OLB's are the playmakers in a 3-4 and we have exactly zero qualified OLB's.

Why do you think Alexander and Orakpo can't play their positions? It looks like they've been doing pretty well, to me.

Neither of those guys is any good in space (and I notice you omitted Carter from your statement). Orakpo is lost going laterally in coverage and beyond five yards backpeddling. Alexander, remarkably given his history as a down linemen, is the best of the bunch but is still mediocre at best. Carter flat out sucks.

I didn't mention Carter because I don't believe he'll play much, if any, OLB from here on out. I think Alexander is the OLB now, with Carter playing DE in situational packages*. Obviously, I haven't heard an official declaration in this regard, but the way the playing time (and positions) have progressed the past few weeks, to me, it seems extremely likely this will be the case. Even if Orakpo is the liability you say he is in coverage, I can still live with him at OLB. His main job is to rush, and he's excellent at doing his main job.I think Alexander is better than you give him credit for.*ETA: I think locking in on the term 3-4 is really hanging some people up (maybe that's you; maybe not). They change things up so much on any given play that they are probably really only running a "traditional" 3-4 alignment less than a third of the time. So Carter can certainly be afforded a lot of PT playing a hand down, 4-3-like DE style, which is obviously his strength.

 

[buster c]

OLB's are the playmakers in a 3-4 and we have exactly zero qualified OLB's.

Why do you think Alexander and Orakpo can't play their positions? It looks like they've been doing pretty well, to me.

Neither of those guys is any good in space (and I notice you omitted Carter from your statement). Orakpo is lost going laterally in coverage and beyond five yards backpeddling. Alexander, remarkably given his history as a down linemen, is the best of the bunch but is still mediocre at best. Carter flat out sucks.

I didn't mention Carter because I don't believe he'll play much, if any, OLB from here on out. I think Alexander is the OLB now, with Carter playing DE in situational packages*. Obviously, I haven't heard an official declaration in this regard, but the way the playing time (and positions) have progressed the past few weeks, to me, it seems extremely likely this will be the case. Even if Orakpo is the liability you say he is in coverage, I can still live with him at OLB. His main job is to rush, and he's excellent at doing his main job.I think Alexander is better than you give him credit for.*ETA: I think locking in on the term 3-4 is really hanging some people up (maybe that's you; maybe not). They change things up so much on any given play that they are probably really only running a "traditional" 3-4 alignment less than a third of the time. So Carter can certainly be afforded a lot of PT playing a hand down, 4-3-like DE style, which is obviously his strength.

we shouldn't see any more of Carter at LB. He did well lining up at DE with Albert next to him. IIRC, his contract will be up at year end and he'll be off to a 4-3 team.Alexander is the MAN. one of my favorites. Amazing athlete, able to play in the NFL at OL. DL and LB. Rocky and London are ballers, so I'm feeling better about the LB's -and the overall D- going forward.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

The problem with lining up Carter at DE in a 3-4 scheme is that he's 20-30 lbs lighter than a normal 3-4 DE and will be vulnerable on running downs if they run at him. Daniels and Carriker fit the mold of 3-4 DE's.

Also, as long as we're on the subject, I'd like to see Haynesworth play more DE.

 

[buster c]

The problem with lining up Carter at DE in a 3-4 scheme is that he's 20-30 lbs lighter than a normal 3-4 DE and will be vulnerable on running downs if they run at him. Daniels and Carriker fit the mold of 3-4 DE's. Also, as long as we're on the subject, I'd like to see Haynesworth play more DE.

so do it on passing situations.look, I understand what the "book" says about 3-4 DE's, but which is worse? the incremental disadvantage of playing Carter at DE in a 3-4 verses a 4-3 or using him at LB? I mean, in a 4-3, he still has to defend the run, right? just cheat a little with the SS on his side in the 3-4.

 

[Sebowski]

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.

Mcnabb almost cost us the game by walking out of bounds instead of sliding. That hail mary went right off the Eagles WR hands Calos Rogers style. So close to a different story line all together.

 

[Sidewinder16]

The problem with lining up Carter at DE in a 3-4 scheme is that he's 20-30 lbs lighter than a normal 3-4 DE and will be vulnerable on running downs if they run at him. Daniels and Carriker fit the mold of 3-4 DE's. Also, as long as we're on the subject, I'd like to see Haynesworth play more DE.

I had edited my post above to add the following regarding playing Carter in situational packages:"*ETA: I think locking in on the term 3-4 is really hanging some people up (maybe that's you; maybe not). They change things up so much on any given play that they are probably really only running a "traditional" 3-4 alignment less than a third of the time. So Carter can certainly be afforded a lot of PT playing a hand down, 4-3-like DE style, which is obviously his strength."

 

[Marvelous]

Skins are shopping Devin Thomas

Last week, Chris Russell on ESPN 980 said that Thomas was very concerned about his roster spot. Yesterday, they had two designed plays for Banks at WR while Thomas cannot get any offensive snaps. Thomas is clearly not going to be playing WR anytime soon.

 

[Marvelous]

The problem with lining up Carter at DE in a 3-4 scheme is that he's 20-30 lbs lighter than a normal 3-4 DE and will be vulnerable on running downs if they run at him. Daniels and Carriker fit the mold of 3-4 DE's. Also, as long as we're on the subject, I'd like to see Haynesworth play more DE.

I had edited my post above to add the following regarding playing Carter in situational packages:"*ETA: I think locking in on the term 3-4 is really hanging some people up (maybe that's you; maybe not). They change things up so much on any given play that they are probably really only running a "traditional" 3-4 alignment less than a third of the time. So Carter can certainly be afforded a lot of PT playing a hand down, 4-3-like DE style, which is obviously his strength."

I thought I saw a number of times when the Redskins were playing 4 down linemen. Of course, it can get difficult to count if Orakpo or Carter are lined up on the DL with 3 other DL. In that case, is the only difference between a 3-4 and 4-3 is whether the 4th person on the line is standing up or has one hand on the grass?

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Skins are shopping Devin Thomas

Last week, Chris Russell on ESPN 980 said that Thomas was very concerned about his roster spot. Yesterday, they had two designed plays for Banks at WR while Thomas cannot get any offensive snaps. Thomas is clearly not going to be playing WR anytime soon.

What's the problem with Thomas? Is he this bad picking up the offense or running routes that he simply can't be trusted to get onto the field?

 

[Marvelous]

Skins are shopping Devin Thomas

Last week, Chris Russell on ESPN 980 said that Thomas was very concerned about his roster spot. Yesterday, they had two designed plays for Banks at WR while Thomas cannot get any offensive snaps. Thomas is clearly not going to be playing WR anytime soon.

What's the problem with Thomas? Is he this bad picking up the offense or running routes that he simply can't be trusted to get onto the field?

I mentioned prior to the Rams game that with Banks cut and Armstrong in active, if Thomas did not get any snaps at WR, he probably never will. Then against the Rams, even in a 4 WR set (empty backfield, no motion), they had Keiland Williams lined up wide and Thomas on the bench.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Skins are shopping Devin Thomas

Last week, Chris Russell on ESPN 980 said that Thomas was very concerned about his roster spot. Yesterday, they had two designed plays for Banks at WR while Thomas cannot get any offensive snaps. Thomas is clearly not going to be playing WR anytime soon.

What's the problem with Thomas? Is he this bad picking up the offense or running routes that he simply can't be trusted to get onto the field?

I mentioned prior to the Rams game that with Banks cut and Armstrong in active, if Thomas did not get any snaps at WR, he probably never will. Then against the Rams, even in a 4 WR set (empty backfield, no motion), they had Keiland Williams lined up wide and Thomas on the bench.

I understand, but that only begs the question I asked. Anyone?

 

[fatness]

I didn't mention Carter because I don't believe he'll play much, if any, OLB from here on out. I think Alexander is the OLB now, with Carter playing DE in situational packages*.

That's how each of them was used in the Eagles game. It suits the strengths of each of them, and play improved at 2 positions as a result. I think they'll stick with it.

 

[fatness]

What's the problem with Thomas? Is he this bad picking up the offense or running routes that he simply can't be trusted to get onto the field?

No one knows. The team has been totally tight-lipped about his problem(s).

 

[fatness]

But my main point was when you make mistakes that take points off the board, as the Eagles did at the end of the half, often it results in losses.

Anyone who's a Redskin fan will agree with this point, me included. We've seen Washington do it time and time again --- fail to maximize points during parts of the games when they have the upper hand, and then losing the game later.I don't agree that if the Eagles scored that TD they would have tied or won, though. The Redskin playcalling in the second half would not then have been as conservative as it was on Sunday.

 

[fatness]

Per Chris Russell on Twitter, Keiland Williams was re-signed to the practice squad.

 

[fatness]

Nice hit by Lorenzo Alexander

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Skins are shopping Devin Thomas

Last week, Chris Russell on ESPN 980 said that Thomas was very concerned about his roster spot. Yesterday, they had two designed plays for Banks at WR while Thomas cannot get any offensive snaps. Thomas is clearly not going to be playing WR anytime soon.

What's the problem with Thomas? Is he this bad picking up the offense or running routes that he simply can't be trusted to get onto the field?

I mentioned prior to the Rams game that with Banks cut and Armstrong in active, if Thomas did not get any snaps at WR, he probably never will. Then against the Rams, even in a 4 WR set (empty backfield, no motion), they had Keiland Williams lined up wide and Thomas on the bench.

I understand, but that only begs the question I asked. Anyone?

He's from Michigan ST.

 

[buster c]

Nice hit by Lorenzo Alexander

I'm falling hard for #97

 

[Eastwood]

Wanna hear something sad? The last time the Skins started 2-0 in the NFC East was....1995.

15 year ago. Ouch.

 

[dgreen]

In case anyone has missed it, the final score is officially being recorded as 17-14 now. It seems "they" think Hall was attempting to make a play after the final interception, so Brent Celek's tackle is now being ruled as a safety.

Not sure if it switched back and forth or not, but I still see 17-12. I know I read here at FBG that some places were crediting a safety for a while just after the game ended, but I'm pretty sure it's officially 17-12. I don't think the rule is that you have to attempt to leave the endzone. I think you have to actually leave the endzone.

 

[dgreen]

And, Heyer's penalties are drive stoppers. Williams can't get back soon enough.

Seriously. Oddly enough, Heyer appeared to do alright in his blocking (didn't hear Trent Cole's name much), but he commits some horrible penalties. If you know the play call is a sweep to the right with Brandon Banks, why reach out and grab a guys leg who has no chance of getting over there before the play ends?Against Dallas, Trent Williams jumped early on a 3rd-and-1 killing a chance to put the game away. Against Houston, Brown jumped early on 3rd-and-1 leading to the blocked FG. Now, against Philly, Heyer jumps early on 2nd-and-2 when all they need is one first down to ice the game. All three of those games should have had uneventful final minutes.

 

[fatness]

And, Heyer's penalties are drive stoppers. Williams can't get back soon enough.

Seriously. Oddly enough, Heyer appeared to do alright in his blocking (didn't hear Trent Cole's name much), but he commits some horrible penalties.

He had at least 3 penalties at critical times against the Eagles. The reason is pretty obvious --- he's a saboteur.

 

[fatness]

Wanna hear something sad? The last time the Skins started 2-0 in the NFC East was....1995. 15 year ago. Ouch.

It's been such a long time of being down that we hardly even recognize how down we've been any more.

 

[fatness]

There are 3 things I saw against the Eagles that I'd like to see in every game for the rest of the year.

1. Great hitting and tackling.

2. Steady use of a productive running game.

3. Great hitting and tackling.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

I feel like I'm jinxing this, but . . . do we actually have a kicker with a big leg and some accuracy now?

If so, that's the first time since Chip Lohmiller was in his prime.

 

[fatness]

Thom Loverro: Is Prince Albert Finally On Board?

For the first time, there is reason to believe that while Haynesworth and Shanahan may not be doing dinner and cigars, they have reached a place where Haynesworth has decided he is better served by going along with the system than fighting the man.

He wasn't Reggie White out there on Sunday against Philadelphia, but Haynesworth did stuff the run on occasion and created enough pressure and push back to put the Eagles offensive line in desperation mode, implementing their holding technique.

Jason Reid

I thought it was, by far, Albert's best game since I've been here," Shanahan said. "I thought he played very good. Played practically 30 plays, had a couple of holding calls against him, which were difference makers in the game. Just had a lot of effort. I was pleased with his performance."

After his strong outing against the Eagles, Haynesworth, a two-time all-pro, could have a bigger role on the defense. "Well," Shanahan said, "let me say this: The more he plays like that, the more he's going to play."

 

[dhockster]

But my main point was when you make mistakes that take points off the board, as the Eagles did at the end of the half, often it results in losses.

Anyone who's a Redskin fan will agree with this point, me included. We've seen Washington do it time and time again --- fail to maximize points during parts of the games when they have the upper hand, and then losing the game later.I don't agree that if the Eagles scored that TD they would have tied or won, though. The Redskin playcalling in the second half would not then have been as conservative as it was on Sunday.

I agree that the playcalling would not have been as conservative. I just don't know if it would have made that much of a difference. I don't think you are suggesting that the Redskins went into a "prevent offense" the whole second half, are you? Sure, late in the 4th quarter, ahead by two scores, you try and run some clock. But I assume the Redskins were running their normal offense in the 3rd quarter and the beginning of the 4th. If they weren't, then Shanahan isn't as good a coach as I give him credit for.Not a big deal. The Eagles messed up. They lost. The Redskins came ready to play in the first half and physically beat up on the Eagles. If the Redskins continue to play that way they are going to win more games then they should with the talent they have. In a wide open NFC, that may be enough for them to squeak into the playoffs. Congrats and good luck the rest of the year.

 

[Sidewinder16]

In case anyone has missed it, the final score is officially being recorded as 17-14 now. It seems "they" think Hall was attempting to make a play after the final interception, so Brent Celek's tackle is now being ruled as a safety.

Not sure if it switched back and forth or not, but I still see 17-12. I know I read here at FBG that some places were crediting a safety for a while just after the game ended, but I'm pretty sure it's officially 17-12. I don't think the rule is that you have to attempt to leave the endzone. I think you have to actually leave the endzone.

Huh. They changed it back. For a while, everything at nfl.com said 17-14 (the scoreboard bar at the top of the pages, the gamebook, the game center page, etc.).

 

[Hang 10]

Does Sellers know he's not a hurdler? BTW, for the Eagles Vick has injured rib cartilage, McCoy has a broken rib, Samuel and Cooper have concussions. I thought the Redskin tackling and hitting looked better yesterday, and that kind of confirms it. I loved, loved the way Portis and Torain laid into people while running. That set a tone.

That was one of those games where you can honestly say, that the Redskins just came right out and punched the Iggles right in the mouth and they never responded. The iggles are now a finesse team. They're not going win many games in the NFC east this season playing like that.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I feel like I'm jinxing this, but . . . do we actually have a kicker with a big leg and some accuracy now? If so, that's the first time since Chip Lohmiller was in his prime.

So far, Gano has proven he can be exactly what a kicker should be. Forgotten.And, I don't mean that in a bad way. Rather, he's good enough that you don't worry when he lines up for a mid-range FG and you don't wonder whether his kickoffs will get inside the 5 yard line. He does the routine stuff very well and doesn't have big screw ups, such that you forget he's doing so well.Aside from Bidwell's injury scare the previous week (which, as it turns out, made him "healthier" than before), it's been very nice to not have any concerns with the specialists on the team.

 

[dgreen]

Gano's directional kick offs have been great. They are usually inside the 5 and within a couple yards of the sideline.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Does Sellers know he's not a hurdler? BTW, for the Eagles Vick has injured rib cartilage, McCoy has a broken rib, Samuel and Cooper have concussions. I thought the Redskin tackling and hitting looked better yesterday, and that kind of confirms it. I loved, loved the way Portis and Torain laid into people while running. That set a tone.

That was one of those games where you can honestly say, that the Redskins just came right out and punched the Iggles right in the mouth and they never responded. The iggles are now a finesse team. They're not going win many games in the NFC east this season playing like that.

I think the mood/attitude of the team was finally in the right place, and I think that was a huge key to winning this game. The team as a whole looked fired up, intense and motivated. I listened to some of the game on the radio and Sonny and Sam mentioned numerous times how they thought Portis looked like a new player out there, and how Haynesworth was finally looking like he wanted to be out there playing.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Portis says he's unlikely to play Sunday. Shanahan also worried.

"Any time he goes out like he did and puts street clothes on during a game, I'm concerned," Shanahan said. "I know him. I've been around him too long. He's going to play hurt. Hopefully, the MRI is not as bad as I think it might be. Just have to keep our fingers crossed."

 

[fatness]

But my main point was when you make mistakes that take points off the board, as the Eagles did at the end of the half, often it results in losses.

Anyone who's a Redskin fan will agree with this point, me included. We've seen Washington do it time and time again --- fail to maximize points during parts of the games when they have the upper hand, and then losing the game later.I don't agree that if the Eagles scored that TD they would have tied or won, though. The Redskin playcalling in the second half would not then have been as conservative as it was on Sunday.

I agree that the playcalling would not have been as conservative. I just don't know if it would have made that much of a difference. I don't think you are suggesting that the Redskins went into a "prevent offense" the whole second half, are you?

Yes, I am. In fact I said that 2 days ago here.