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

[fatness]

You ever hear Czaban do his comparison of Clark's numbers with Michael Irvin's? He (Czabe) makes a compelling case that if Irvin is a HOFer, then so is #84.

Can't say that I have, but I'll listen for it. Czaban tends to bring things up again and again.Here are John Keim's Studs, Duds, & notes from today's camp. McNabb looked good again.

 

[Black Taco]

McNabb looked good again.

Yeah, I'm excited about him. I'm really going to keep my eyes on that kid.

 

[fatness]

A look at Kyle Shanahan from Sally Jenkins

Mike's signature in winning two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos was a superb offense, especially with John Elway at quarterback, but in designing the new Redskins scheme it was the father who took instruction from the son. Mike listened to his son's chattering intensity for a while and then picked up a pencil and started taking notes. "I had never sat down and showed my dad my offense, and some of it he has never done," Kyle says. "He said, 'That makes sense,' and he started getting excited."

He learned offense by spying on defensive meetings at Tampa, and then figuring out how to beat them.

"I keep getting asked about my system," he says. "You know, I really don't know what my system is. It's whatever the weakness of the defense is."

His style of play calling for the Redskins promises to be opportunistic, even greedy. "One thing I can say, our offense is going to attack. We're going to attack you and attack you aggressively, whether running the ball, throwing the ball, it doesn't matter. We're going to be aggressive, and attack whatever the weakness is."

 

[fatness]

Adam Schefter

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan called Washington's 1st-round pick Trent Williams "a total stud."

Here's the article where Schefter said it. Most of the article is about Jim Haslett, and it's a good read.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I never got the feeling during his entire career that Butz was one of the best in the league at his position. I don't mean to be denigrating Hanburger or Butz, I loved those guys and Clark as well, but I don't think any of them are HOF caliber. Jacoby is, in my opinion.

You ever hear Czaban do his comparison of Clark's numbers with Michael Irvin's? He (Czabe) makes a compelling case that if Irvin is a HOFer, then so is #84.

The problem Czaban (and many, many others with the same mindset) are encountering, and perpetuating, is that the HOF isn't strictly a numbers game. WRs like Irvin and Swann are not in the HOF because they broke records or had gaudy receiving numbers. They are in, essentially because the history of the NFL is incomplete without them. The Cowboys dynasty in the 90's was all about "The Triplets", so Irvin left an indelible mark on the landscape of the NFL during his career. The Redskins in the late 80's-early 90's were Gibbs, the Hogs and Williams/Rypien, leaving Clark as an after thought in the 'Skins success while he was there.There's an outside chance he makes it one day as a Seniors selection, but he won't make it in before then.

 

[dgreen]

I never got the feeling during his entire career that Butz was one of the best in the league at his position. I don't mean to be denigrating Hanburger or Butz, I loved those guys and Clark as well, but I don't think any of them are HOF caliber. Jacoby is, in my opinion.

You ever hear Czaban do his comparison of Clark's numbers with Michael Irvin's? He (Czabe) makes a compelling case that if Irvin is a HOFer, then so is #84.

The problem Czaban (and many, many others with the same mindset) are encountering, and perpetuating, is that the HOF isn't strictly a numbers game. WRs like Irvin and Swann are not in the HOF because they broke records or had gaudy receiving numbers. They are in, essentially because the history of the NFL is incomplete without them. The Cowboys dynasty in the 90's was all about "The Triplets", so Irvin left an indelible mark on the landscape of the NFL during his career. The Redskins in the late 80's-early 90's were Gibbs, the Hogs and Williams/Rypien, leaving Clark as an after thought in the 'Skins success while he was there.There's an outside chance he makes it one day as a Seniors selection, but he won't make it in before then.

Also, I don't think their numbers are close enough to justify a simple numbers argument. Irvin had 50 more catches for 1000 more yards in his career. Irvin was about 10 yards per game better in the regular and led the league twice in receiving yards per game. He had 6 top five finishes in yards per game; Clark had 4. But, the biggest difference is the postseason. No, Clark wasn't bad in the postseason. But, he was the same guy in the postseason as the regular season. Again, that's not a bad thing. But, Irvin, who already was 10 yards per game better, added another 7 yards per game on average in the playoffs. He stepped up his game in the playoffs while Clark remained the same, albeit still very good.Joe Theismann and Troy Aikman are two more players who, at first glance, have similar statistical accomplishments. But, that doesn't mean they have similar HOF credentials.

 

[fatness]

Studs & duds 8/10/2010, including John Beck.

When Colt Brennan fans get over him being cut I guess a Beck bandwagon will start to form. Grossman keeps getting intercepted in training camp.

 

[fatness]

4. The Redskins worked a lot on play-action throws to the tight ends at the goal-line today. Tight end Lee Vickers was able to block fine, but did not see him get much separation. Fred Davis should be dangerous down here because of his athleticism. My prediction? He leads the team in touchdown catches.

John KeimAlso, Kelly and Jamaal Brown won't play in the first preseason game. If Brown's hip keeps preventing him from playing the offensive line is in big trouble.

 

[fatness]

Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro are currently interviewing Bruce Allen on ESPN980 and ESPN980.com. It's supposed to run from noon til 2, so if you want to hear a bunch of softball questions, tune in.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Pretty big sign that the Eagles are going to implode this season, imo.Per PFT:

Andy Reid doesn't want McNabb Redskins jerseys at his training campPosted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 11, 2010 10:01 AM ETEagles coach Andy Reid noticed something rather distasteful out of the corner of his eye this morning: A Donovan McNabb Redskins jersey.According to Tim McManus of Philadelphia Sports Daily, a fan named Jim Devlin was asked to take the jersey off by security. He did so quickly, and the security guard reportedly cited Reid as the reason he had to remove it. Devlin wasn't kicked out practice.The fan also wore the jersey to a Phillies game the other night to "make a statement" about the Eagles trade and get a reaction from people.So yeah, Devlin is about as big a jackass as you'd expect.

 

[jurb26]

Pretty big sign that the Eagles are going to implode this season, imo.Per PFT:

Andy Reid doesn't want McNabb Redskins jerseys at his training campPosted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 11, 2010 10:01 AM ETEagles coach Andy Reid noticed something rather distasteful out of the corner of his eye this morning: A Donovan McNabb Redskins jersey.According to Tim McManus of Philadelphia Sports Daily, a fan named Jim Devlin was asked to take the jersey off by security. He did so quickly, and the security guard reportedly cited Reid as the reason he had to remove it. Devlin wasn't kicked out practice.The fan also wore the jersey to a Phillies game the other night to "make a statement" about the Eagles trade and get a reaction from people.So yeah, Devlin is about as big a jackass as you'd expect.

Are they really able to do this? Make someone take off their shirt because they don't like it? WTF?

 

[Sylira21]

Are they really able to do this? Make someone take off their shirt because they don't like it? WTF?

Heh. Shades of FedEx field last year, before the purging of Vinny.

 

[jurb26]

Are they really able to do this? Make someone take off their shirt because they don't like it? WTF?

Heh. Shades of FedEx field last year, before the purging of Vinny.

What's funny is that I think I saw this same guy at the Counting Crows concert I went to on Friday night. The new people were sure to point him out when they were on stage before the concert started.

 

[fatness]

Are they really able to do this? Make someone take off their shirt because they don't like it? WTF?

The Redskins did it last year during a game. If people wouldn't remove their shirts they were escorted out of the stadium.It stunk.

 

[fatness]

Studs & Duds 8/11/2010

Adam Carriker sounds very good this camp. Hicks does not. Keep an eye on Carriker to see if he gets more snaps at nose tackle.

Studs.

TE Chris Cooley. He did what he usually has done in the past: catch everything thrown his way. Most of the time he ran crossing routes, but he also made a nice grab while having to come back for a low pass that forced him to dive forward.

DL Adam Carriker. Had a very good day. It helped that he was facing Clint Oldenburg, but it was sort of amazing to see how much Carriker controlled him with his hands. He wasn’t letting Oldenburg to even get his hands on him. The same thing happened when he faced Will Robinson. Backups, yes, but still impressive. Carriker also bulled through a double team in his one snap at nose tackle.

Duds

RG Artis Hicks. He may have had only two bad snaps, but both would have resulted in sacks by Carriker. He allowed Carriker to get inside him on one set and the only reason it wasn’t a sack is because Carriker pulled up before hitting McNabb to let the play develop. Couple plays later, he got his hands under Hicks’ pads and just moved him back into the quarterback’s face. Again, another sack. Hicks has had a better week, but these plays weren’t his best. Hicks did do a good job picking up Brian Orakpo on a blitz, shoving him aside.

 

[fatness]

1. Got a story running in Thursday’s paper about Trent Williams. But here’s one little comment from OL coach Chris Foerster about him: “He has one of the best recoveries of any player I’ve ever coached. This kid has an unusual set of skills. I’ve never coached a guy who ran that fast.” Foerster coached Jonathan Ogden. They’re different players, but still high praise. Chris Samuels took one look at Williams running a shuttle drill on film and knew he’d be good.

8. Haven’t said much about Mike Sellers this summer, but that’s for no reason. He actually looks pretty good and is trimmer than usual. Said he’s down to six percent body fat. He wanted to get slimmer to gain a little more speed, helping him get out of his breaks quicker. In other words, he wants to become more of a target in the passing game.

9. Albert Haynesworth worked with the starters at nose with Maake Kemoeatu (dehydration) out. Haynesworth was OK, but not disruptive. He is clearly still getting into football shape; he had his usual few plays where he would engage on a pass play, then rise up to try and anticipate a pass rather than finishing the rush.

10. Santana Moss has looked pretty good of late; running crisp routes.

John Keim

 

[WVU Alum]

Not relevant to the conversation in any way, but I am going to my first NFL game on Friday. Skins v Bills. I can't stand either team, but it was free and I've never been.

 

[fatness]

Bruce Allen, asked if he'll follow Vinny Cerrato's lead in having a weekly radio show. "No sir. No."

We have a GM who won't embarrass us every week!

Bruce Allen: You shouldn't break "that special bond between the head coach and the authority of a locker room."

 

[fatness]

Bartel is out for tomorrow night's game against Buffalo, so Grossman may play a lot. McNabb won't play much, so I wonder if Beck will get any time.

Haynesworth will play. Kelly and Jamaal Brown won't.

 

[fatness]

Good article by Rich Tandler

Is a two-tight end set the answer to the issues at wide receiver? With the Redskins wide receiver corps largely consisting of the unproven (Anthony Armstrong, Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas) and the over-the-hill (Joey Galloway, Mike Furrey, Bobby Wade), Kyle Shanahan might have to be particularly creative to find targets for McNabb. The solution could be running a two-tight end set a lot of the time. Chris Cooley will run the more traditional tight end routes, the shorter patterns and tight end screens. Fred Davis will go deep down the seam, where he frequently has been seen during OTAs and in camp. And when Shanahan sees the other teams adjusting to that, he will sneak Cooley down the seam. This doesn't mean that the receivers won't have to be, at least, modestly productive for the offense to work. But getting a lot out of the tight ends will help keep the chains moving if the wideouts can't consistently get separation

There is a numbers crunch at defensive end—With Albert Haynesworth back in the mix at defensive end, after he learns the nose tackle position, there suddenly is an excess of quality players at end. Adam Carriker is slated to start opposite Haynesworth. Phillip Daniels and Kedric Golston converted from tackle last year to end in the 3-4 scheme this season. Jeremy Jarmon added about 20 pounds so that he could handle being an end in the new defense. And Vonnie Holliday and Darrion Scott were signed as free agents. Scott probably is not a serious threat to make the roster, so that leaves six players fighting it out for four or maybe five jobs. Haynesworth and Carriker aren’t going anywhere, and Daniels and Golston seem pretty safe. That means that either Holliday or Jarmon will be out of a job; both of them would get cut if they decide only to keep four and have Lorenzo Alexander fill in as needed.

I still wonder if they'll play Carriker more at nose tackle. That would free up a DE spot at least some of the time, and cutting a backup nose tackle may be a better idea than cutting one or 2 of the DE's.

 

[fatness]

Haslett on safety Kareem Moore: “He’s a ball magnet. The guy’s a good football player. He reminds me of [st. Louis’] O.J. Atogwe. O.J. never got the chance to play and when he got the opportunity, he had [eight] interceptions his [second] year. Kareem is a good tackler, always around the ball and those are guys you like.”

O'Halloran

 

[fatness]

Another one felled by cheesecake.

 

[fatness]

Redskins training camp photo --- from 1969.

 

[dhockster]

Pretty big sign that the Eagles are going to implode this season, imo.Per PFT:

Andy Reid doesn't want McNabb Redskins jerseys at his training campPosted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 11, 2010 10:01 AM ETEagles coach Andy Reid noticed something rather distasteful out of the corner of his eye this morning: A Donovan McNabb Redskins jersey.According to Tim McManus of Philadelphia Sports Daily, a fan named Jim Devlin was asked to take the jersey off by security. He did so quickly, and the security guard reportedly cited Reid as the reason he had to remove it. Devlin wasn't kicked out practice.The fan also wore the jersey to a Phillies game the other night to "make a statement" about the Eagles trade and get a reaction from people.So yeah, Devlin is about as big a jackass as you'd expect.

Are they really able to do this? Make someone take off their shirt because they don't like it? WTF?

He was a guest in the VIP section (actually on the sideline at practice) so yeah, they can ask him to take it off.If you are looking at this as a reason that the Eagles are going to implode, that's pretty weak. Question marks in the secondary and on the offensive line, as well as a first year starting QB would be much better reasons.

 

[fatness]

Football Outsiders, a statistical analysis Website, predicts the Cowboys will have 7.5 wins this season

Bill Barnwell told ESPN three reasons why he expects the Cowboys to be a sub-.500 team:

"They're unlikely to be this healthy from year to year. This is something we brought up in 2008 that ended up being pretty key to Dallas's system. Then, Tony Romo got hurt. Last year, DeMarcus Ware had that really nasty sprained neck, but the Cowboys doctors were able to amazingly get him back on the field six days later for the Saturday night game against the Saints that he just took over. I'm happy Ware was able to come back so quickly -- it's never good to see someone down on the field the way he was -- but the margin of error there is pretty slim. The Cowboys are a top-heavy team, and avoiding injuries to their stars is a dance they have to do each year.

"They have an extremely old offensive line, even with the arrival of Doug Free at left tackle. Old offensive lines like that tend to collapse, with a combination of injury and decline in performance. Free, although he's looked good in training camp, is also a question mark. (Then again, so was Flozell Adams.

"We're expecting the Redskins and Giants to play better in 2010, especially Washington. That makes Dallas's schedule more difficult."

Link

 

[fatness]

"Most people in the league run the same plays, but it's how can you disguise those plays," he said. "And when you can run the same plays, whether you're four yards outside the numbers or 10 yards inside the numbers, and you can change your splits and the direction of your routes, but you're ending in the same spots when the ball is ready to be thrown, I think it really helps receivers. We can get bump coverage off of 'em with stack releases. We can dictate, based on formations, whether a guy plays 'em inside out or inside in. You can really help 'em with the leverage.

"Better is really your results," Shanahan said. "If you think you're a guru and you try to draw up a ton of stuff, and do all this stuff and you're punting all the time, you're not a very good coach. And it's hard in this day and age to have a team that's just absolutely better than the next team.

"Usually it's pretty even, so you've got to help give them [players] advantages. If you go back to the days when you have those [Dallas] Cowboy teams, they just kept it simple because [their guys were] going to win every time. Their guys were just better than the guys they were going against. But with all the competition now, if you can change things up, I think that's a huge advantage."

Kyle Shanahan

 

[Sebowski]

"Most people in the league run the same plays, but it's how can you disguise those plays," he said. "And when you can run the same plays, whether you're four yards outside the numbers or 10 yards inside the numbers, and you can change your splits and the direction of your routes, but you're ending in the same spots when the ball is ready to be thrown, I think it really helps receivers. We can get bump coverage off of 'em with stack releases. We can dictate, based on formations, whether a guy plays 'em inside out or inside in. You can really help 'em with the leverage.

"Better is really your results," Shanahan said. "If you think you're a guru and you try to draw up a ton of stuff, and do all this stuff and you're punting all the time, you're not a very good coach. And it's hard in this day and age to have a team that's just absolutely better than the next team.

"Usually it's pretty even, so you've got to help give them [players] advantages. If you go back to the days when you have those [Dallas] Cowboy teams, they just kept it simple because [their guys were] going to win every time. Their guys were just better than the guys they were going against. But with all the competition now, if you can change things up, I think that's a huge advantage."

Kyle Shanahan

I am as apprehensive about switching our defense as I am excited about Kyle Shanahan.

 

[fatness]

I am as apprehensive about switching our defense as I am excited about Kyle Shanahan.

I feel the same way about both.Kyle Shanahan's whole offense seems to be based on understanding defense, understanding where the defense attacks and where it is weak, and then attacking those weaknesses. I realize there will be some bumbling early in the year from the players not fully knowing the system yet. And I realize that our offensive line almost completely depends on no starters going down, and on Hicks learning guard on the job. But I'm still sort of excited to see an intelligent, attacking offense.How many years has it been since we've had an offense that wasn't either "Don't Turn The Ball Over" (Zorn and Gibbs 2) or "Aw Hell Just Chuck It To Someone" (Spurrier)?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I never got the feeling during his entire career that Butz was one of the best in the league at his position. I don't mean to be denigrating Hanburger or Butz, I loved those guys and Clark as well, but I don't think any of them are HOF caliber. Jacoby is, in my opinion.

You ever hear Czaban do his comparison of Clark's numbers with Michael Irvin's? He (Czabe) makes a compelling case that if Irvin is a HOFer, then so is #84.

The problem Czaban (and many, many others with the same mindset) are encountering, and perpetuating, is that the HOF isn't strictly a numbers game. WRs like Irvin and Swann are not in the HOF because they broke records or had gaudy receiving numbers. They are in, essentially because the history of the NFL is incomplete without them. The Cowboys dynasty in the 90's was all about "The Triplets", so Irvin left an indelible mark on the landscape of the NFL during his career. The Redskins in the late 80's-early 90's were Gibbs, the Hogs and Williams/Rypien, leaving Clark as an after thought in the 'Skins success while he was there.There's an outside chance he makes it one day as a Seniors selection, but he won't make it in before then.

Also, I don't think their numbers are close enough to justify a simple numbers argument. Irvin had 50 more catches for 1000 more yards in his career. Irvin was about 10 yards per game better in the regular and led the league twice in receiving yards per game. He had 6 top five finishes in yards per game; Clark had 4. But, the biggest difference is the postseason. No, Clark wasn't bad in the postseason. But, he was the same guy in the postseason as the regular season. Again, that's not a bad thing. But, Irvin, who already was 10 yards per game better, added another 7 yards per game on average in the playoffs. He stepped up his game in the playoffs while Clark remained the same, albeit still very good.Joe Theismann and Troy Aikman are two more players who, at first glance, have similar statistical accomplishments. But, that doesn't mean they have similar HOF credentials.

I agree with everything posted here and would only like to add that another reason why Irvin gets in aside from the numbers, is he was forced to retire due to injury. If he was able to play for a few more years, he would have been able to improve him numbers.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I have wanted to chime in this thread for a little while now. Being a resident of Maryland, and an avid listener to the local radio shows, including my boys Czabe and Doc, I get to/have to listen to a plethora of Redskins talk.

Now I'm a Cowboys fan, but either a decade of losing or just me getting older, my hatred for the Redskins has softened. Don't get me wrong, when they play, all the old hatred will be there, but knowing so many Redskins fans as friends and family, listening to all the sportstalk shows, that hatred has softened. I find myself able to have a semi-impartial, not rooting interest in the Redskins. I'm not one of those obnoxious Cowboy fans who can't openly discuss the Redskins.

I just want to say I think you Redskin fans should be really excited. You finally have a competent coach and GM. The most significant addition is Shanny. While I have my doubts about him, (I'm not a fan of re-hashed coaches who have already won because I feel they are burnt out), he brings structure and a resume that commands respect.

While a lot of the moves they have made aren't long term solutions, they have improved the team immensely. You guys got Donovan freaking McNabb for no reason. When I heard the Eagles were shopping him, I was so relieved. Get that ******* out of the NFC East! Then you guys got him! The Trent Williams pick was a great pick that addressed their most glaring need. I think the Larry Johnson pick was a no brainer, especially for nothing. Orakpo is a complete monster and scares me because I think he could be the next DeMarcus Ware (god I hope not!) LaRon Landry appears to have been coached to actually tackle this year. I think one of your most underrated players is actually Reed Doughty. He doesn't have the speed, but he';s a smart, ball hawking safety. Galloway might have a little left in the tank, and Santana should return to his former self as a game changer.

The line is still an issue, and if they can't protect McNabb, it could get ugly. I think getting Rex was a great move. While it isn't a popular decision, he at least has experience under his belt, and who knows what kind of player Shanny, who is know form developing QB's, can turn him into. Again, if he plays, that means the line hasn't done it's job, and the point is moot.

So from this Cowboy fans to you Skins fans, I think you are easily the most improved team in the NFL in 2010.

 

[nittanylion]

Welcome, Steady...anyone who gives favorable mention to Czaban and Doc, while not acknowledging either Andy or Coach Thompson, is good people in my book, no matter what Team they support...

...and let's remember that in the broader perspective, whether we're fans of the 'skins, 'boys, Giants or Eagles, we all share the bond of the NFC (B)EAST. In the words of the immortal Charlie Daniels:

"...and we may have done a little fightin' amongst ourselves, but you outside people best leave us alone."

As for the 'skins outlook, I'm still in the 'guarded optimism' camp, seeing as how I've been hurt too many times over the last decade or so, but I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing, as the Shanallenahan approach hearkens back to the days when our Organization was properly managed on both sides of the equation. We'll see...it's still a long row to hoe before we're back amongst the elite. Given our God-Awful 2009, and the absolute Murderer's Row of a schedule we're facing in 2010, I think a 'solid' 8-8 is a reasonable expectation (not the 6-2/2-6 kind we've been exposed to in the past), the kind that's a springboard for extended Seasons over the .500 mark. It appears to me that it's quite possible that we're headed in that direction, but with the Danny, you never know. We can only hope.

 

[fatness]

While a lot of the moves they have made aren't long term solutions, they have improved the team immensely. You guys got Donovan freaking McNabb for no reason. When I heard the Eagles were shopping him, I was so relieved. Get that ******* out of the NFC East! Then you guys got him! The Trent Williams pick was a great pick that addressed their most glaring need. I think the Larry Johnson pick was a no brainer, especially for nothing. Orakpo is a complete monster and scares me because I think he could be the next DeMarcus Ware (god I hope not!) LaRon Landry appears to have been coached to actually tackle this year. I think one of your most underrated players is actually Reed Doughty. He doesn't have the speed, but he';s a smart, ball hawking safety. Galloway might have a little left in the tank, and Santana should return to his former self as a game changer.The line is still an issue, and if they can't protect McNabb, it could get ugly. I think getting Rex was a great move. While it isn't a popular decision, he at least has experience under his belt, and who knows what kind of player Shanny, who is know form developing QB's, can turn him into. Again, if he plays, that means the line hasn't done it's job, and the point is moot.

Good to see you in this thread. We only have to be "enemies" 2 days a year for 3-4 hours at a time, so that leaves the rest of the year for good talk. NFC East football is good football year after year.I am still not sure Landry has overcome his pass-coverage deficiencies but he has been tackling better in training camp and that's a big plus since he's playing closer to the line now. I like Reed Doughty a whole lot --- he's a player who constantly seems to outplay his ability and has worked through some difficulties over the years with his hearing and his child. But I think this is the year Kareem Moore passes him and is the starting safety. Moore has had an outstanding training camp according to several beat reporters, and if he's putting out the same effort as Doughty then I think the guy with more talent wins out (Moore). Doughty is no slouch, though; I no longer cringe when he's on the field. I don't think Galloway can be a starter for a whole year any more, and I still think the Redskins have their eye on Vincent Jackson who would cost too much but would be the best receiver we've had here in a long time. And if McNabb goes down and Grossman has to play I think we're totally sunk. Grossman has been throwing interceptions like crazy in training camp, and seems to do so every time he's pressured. I think it's possible he'll be 3rd string by the end of the year.

 

[Johnny Ice]

If any of you guys know of good place to watch the Skins online tonight could you please pass a link along. Thanks

 

[Marvelous]

While a lot of the moves they have made aren't long term solutions, they have improved the team immensely. You guys got Donovan freaking McNabb for no reason. When I heard the Eagles were shopping him, I was so relieved. Get that ******* out of the NFC East! Then you guys got him! The Trent Williams pick was a great pick that addressed their most glaring need. I think the Larry Johnson pick was a no brainer, especially for nothing. Orakpo is a complete monster and scares me because I think he could be the next DeMarcus Ware (god I hope not!) LaRon Landry appears to have been coached to actually tackle this year. I think one of your most underrated players is actually Reed Doughty. He doesn't have the speed, but he';s a smart, ball hawking safety. Galloway might have a little left in the tank, and Santana should return to his former self as a game changer.The line is still an issue, and if they can't protect McNabb, it could get ugly. I think getting Rex was a great move. While it isn't a popular decision, he at least has experience under his belt, and who knows what kind of player Shanny, who is know form developing QB's, can turn him into. Again, if he plays, that means the line hasn't done it's job, and the point is moot.

Good to see you in this thread. We only have to be "enemies" 2 days a year for 3-4 hours at a time, so that leaves the rest of the year for good talk. NFC East football is good football year after year.I am still not sure Landry has overcome his pass-coverage deficiencies but he has been tackling better in training camp and that's a big plus since he's playing closer to the line now. I like Reed Doughty a whole lot --- he's a player who constantly seems to outplay his ability and has worked through some difficulties over the years with his hearing and his child. But I think this is the year Kareem Moore passes him and is the starting safety. Moore has had an outstanding training camp according to several beat reporters, and if he's putting out the same effort as Doughty then I think the guy with more talent wins out (Moore). Doughty is no slouch, though; I no longer cringe when he's on the field. I don't think Galloway can be a starter for a whole year any more, and I still think the Redskins have their eye on Vincent Jackson who would cost too much but would be the best receiver we've had here in a long time. And if McNabb goes down and Grossman has to play I think we're totally sunk. Grossman has been throwing interceptions like crazy in training camp, and seems to do so every time he's pressured. I think it's possible he'll be 3rd string by the end of the year.

One thing that impressed me on Doughty: Last year when the Redskins finally moved Laundry back to SS, they moved Doughty to FS, and he played it well. He had been playing SS the past two years and he stepped seamlessly into FS. He obviously does not have the athleticism of Landry, but he played the position well.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I am as apprehensive about switching our defense as I am excited about Kyle Shanahan.

Originally, I was in the apprehensive about switching our defense camp, but that's no longer the case now.I think the switch to the 3-4 will generate a lot more turnovers. The 3-4 also puts the team's best player, Orakpo, in his most natural position. And with the emergence of Carriker, the return to health of Kemo, and getting Haynesworth in camp, I'm really liking our depth on the dline. My biggest concerns right now is the oline (particularly the health of Jamal Brown) and the wr position.

 

[fatness]

I think the defense will produce more turnovers but will also surrender more yards and points this year. I also think the offense will score more points this year, so I see a lot of close games again.

 

[Sidewinder16]

If any of you guys know of good place to watch the Skins online tonight could you please pass a link along. Thanks

I'd be interested in this, too. My local Fox station used to carry preseason games, but apparently not this year. And I don't have NFLN.

 

[fatness]

FakeRexGrossman

Sweet! Coach put a few designed fumbles from Center for me into tonight's gameplan just to make the transition feel seamless.

 

[fatness]

justin.tv

channelsurfing.net

atdhe.com

Any or all of them may have online broadcasts of the Skins game to watch.

 

[Meast21]

If any of you guys know of good place to watch the Skins online tonight could you please pass a link along. Thanks

I'd be interested in this, too. My local Fox station used to carry preseason games, but apparently not this year. And I don't have NFLN. :(

Check out www.channelsurfing.net. I see the game on there and have watched a bunch of other games there.

 

[fatness]

2nd quarter reactions:

Trent Williams was a very good draft pick. I don't know who the starting DE is for Buffalo but he did nothing against Williams.

Running game looks decent.

Passing game looks odd based on what we've seen for years. There are receivers in different places all over the field and some of them are actually open. Not the old 'well-covered receivers in predictable places' routine.

Ryan Torain relieved Portis, and Torain looks pretty good.

Rex Grossman might just throw the ball anywhere. Some great, some horrible.

Defense looks confused. D-line having little impact and LB's constantly out of position or trapped.

DeAngelo Hall has a nose for the ball.

Many, many QB bootlegs, some of which have faked out the cameraman. I don't think this cameraman will make the first cut.

Anthony Armstrong has a legit shot to make the team.

We have 2 VERY good tight ends.

Kyle Shanahan looks so young but always has a "I've seen this before and I know what to do next" look on his face.

Burgundy and gold are awesome colors.

 

[Sidewinder16]

If any of you guys know of good place to watch the Skins online tonight could you please pass a link along. Thanks

I'd be interested in this, too. My local Fox station used to carry preseason games, but apparently not this year. And I don't have NFLN.

Check out www.channelsurfing.net. I see the game on there and have watched a bunch of other games there.

To fatness, too. The feed is about a half of a quarter behind, but at least I get to watch.

 

[Rovers]

Was Moss even on the field tonight?

 

[hammerva]

If you do find a feed to the game, hit the mute button because Joe Theisman is so freaking annoying that even the blindest Redskins homers would say enough is enough

The Skins are looking really solid with a lot of energy. Then again they are playing easily one of the 3 worst teams in the NFL

 

[southeastjerome]

Trent Williams looks very good. He has eaten up Aaron Maybin.

 

[southeastjerome]

If you do find a feed to the game, hit the mute button because Joe Theisman is so freaking annoying that even the blindest Redskins homers would say enough is enough

He's a poor man's Tommy Heinsohn.ETA: And I love it.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Saw a funny post on the insider. Redskins Qb pump fakes for the 1st time in 7 years. Also Trent has looked awsome

 

[southeastjerome]

Brandon Banks looks like the friggin road runner.

 

[Bluefire]

Trent Williams looks very good. He has eaten up Aaron Maybin.

As a Bills fan, I can tell you that's nothing to be excited about.

 

[fatness]

Saw a funny post on the insider. Redskins Qb pump fakes for the 1st time in 7 years.

Also Trent has looked awsome

He was good against the DE, he was good when he got through the line and was blocking LB's. He just looked good. Doc Walker interviewed him after he came out of the game and Williams said he wanted to see the game film to see what he did wrong so he could improve. His head is screwed on right.