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

[TankRizzo]

He did not get on the field for an offensive snap, so no.

Galloway was the #2 and didn't have a catch. Surely Thomas has to get a look at SOME point though, right?

 

[Nightly Mistake]

He did not get on the field for an offensive snap, so no.

Galloway was the #2 and didn't have a catch. Surely Thomas has to get a look at SOME point though, right?

Yeah, but you need help now, right? Thomas, short of putting up 100+ yards and a TD, will be readily available to pick back up as a FA if/when you see that he starts getting offensive snaps, and you'll likely know sooner than most given that you follow his team closely.

 

[TankRizzo]

He did not get on the field for an offensive snap, so no.

Galloway was the #2 and didn't have a catch. Surely Thomas has to get a look at SOME point though, right?

Yeah, but you need help now, right? Thomas, short of putting up 100+ yards and a TD, will be readily available to pick back up as a FA if/when you see that he starts getting offensive snaps, and you'll likely know sooner than most given that you follow his team closely.

I'm just thinking long term. If I do drop him and pick him back up he's not elligible to be kept if in fact he becomes a legit receiver. I can make do with what I have for now.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

One thing we can all agree on...damn it was nice to have a coaching staff that:

1. trusted its players

2. didn't make any dumb decisions

3. wasn't the cause for timeouts

4. looked competent

5. was professional emotionally

6. had the players completely engaged (except Albert)

7. called plays where I actually wasn't sure what was coming next

This staff is worth 2-3 wins alone. They (with McNabb), will be the reason we win a few close games instead of lose them. It doesn't take much for a few of those <7 point losses last year to become wins.

 

[TankRizzo]

One thing we can all agree on...damn it was nice to have a coaching staff that:1. trusted its players2. didn't make any dumb decisions3. wasn't the cause for timeouts4. looked competent5. was professional emotionally6. had the players completely engaged (except Albert)7. called plays where I actually wasn't sure what was coming nextThis staff is worth 2-3 wins alone. They (with McNabb), will be the reason we win a few close games instead of lose them. It doesn't take much for a few of those <7 point losses last year to become wins.

Being able to watch the game without that impending feeling of doom that they were going to lose the game in the last quarter was definitely a relief. Even though they didn't score an offensive TD, seeing them go down the field was also a nice change of pace from the past several years.

 

[dgreen]

One thing we can all agree on...damn it was nice to have a coaching staff that:1. trusted its players2. didn't make any dumb decisions3. wasn't the cause for timeouts4. looked competent5. was professional emotionally6. had the players completely engaged (except Albert)7. called plays where I actually wasn't sure what was coming nextThis staff is worth 2-3 wins alone. They (with McNabb), will be the reason we win a few close games instead of lose them. It doesn't take much for a few of those <7 point losses last year to become wins.

Being able to watch the game without that impending feeling of doom that they were going to lose the game in the last quarter was definitely a relief. Even though they didn't score an offensive TD, seeing them go down the field was also a nice change of pace from the past several years.

Wait, you didn't have that impending feeling of doom? I did. I knew something was coming. Once they botched the golden chance to take a big lead to open the second half, I figured it was going to end badly. Then, to end it, Rogers drops an INT, Austin goes uncovered on 4th down, and Roy Williams is wide open for the winning TD. I just stared at the tv thinking, "Of course."Now, I saw the hold right when it happened. But, I didn't see a flag, so I assumed it was TD Dallas. In a way, they did everything they could to fulfill that impending feeling of doom. Dallas just didn't let it happen for once.

 

[TankRizzo]

One thing we can all agree on...damn it was nice to have a coaching staff that:1. trusted its players2. didn't make any dumb decisions3. wasn't the cause for timeouts4. looked competent5. was professional emotionally6. had the players completely engaged (except Albert)7. called plays where I actually wasn't sure what was coming nextThis staff is worth 2-3 wins alone. They (with McNabb), will be the reason we win a few close games instead of lose them. It doesn't take much for a few of those <7 point losses last year to become wins.

Being able to watch the game without that impending feeling of doom that they were going to lose the game in the last quarter was definitely a relief. Even though they didn't score an offensive TD, seeing them go down the field was also a nice change of pace from the past several years.

Wait, you didn't have that impending feeling of doom? I did. I knew something was coming. Once they botched the golden chance to take a big lead to open the second half, I figured it was going to end badly. Then, to end it, Rogers drops an INT, Austin goes uncovered on 4th down, and Roy Williams is wide open for the winning TD. I just stared at the tv thinking, "Of course."Now, I saw the hold right when it happened. But, I didn't see a flag, so I assumed it was TD Dallas. In a way, they did everything they could to fulfill that impending feeling of doom. Dallas just didn't let it happen for once.

Don't get me wrong, when the TD at the end of the game came I sat in awe like "how did this happen"...but during the whole game I never felt like "OK....when are they going to needlessly let this game slip away". I just felt confident in the team's ability for once.

 

[DCThunder]

Wait, you didn't have that impending feeling of doom? I did. I knew something was coming. Once they botched the golden chance to take a big lead to open the second half, I figured it was going to end badly. Then, to end it, Rogers drops an INT, Austin goes uncovered on 4th down, and Roy Williams is wide open for the winning TD. I just stared at the tv thinking, "Of course."

Now, I saw the hold right when it happened. But, I didn't see a flag, so I assumed it was TD Dallas. In a way, they did everything they could to fulfill that impending feeling of doom. Dallas just didn't let it happen for once.

I've been watching Redskins games since the Bill McPeak era and ALWAYS have a feeling of impending doom no matter who the coach is when they have a 4th quarter lead in a game that's close. And this is especially true against Dallas or a Monday night game. Even in the Gibbs 1.0 days I had that feeling. And I defintely had the feeling Sunday night when I switched the TV off with the Skins holding a 10-7 lead, because I had to get to bed. I figured I'd hear the final score was 14-10 Dallas or 13-10 in OT.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Wait, you didn't have that impending feeling of doom? I did. I knew something was coming. Once they botched the golden chance to take a big lead to open the second half, I figured it was going to end badly. Then, to end it, Rogers drops an INT, Austin goes uncovered on 4th down, and Roy Williams is wide open for the winning TD. I just stared at the tv thinking, "Of course."

Now, I saw the hold right when it happened. But, I didn't see a flag, so I assumed it was TD Dallas. In a way, they did everything they could to fulfill that impending feeling of doom. Dallas just didn't let it happen for once.

I've been watching Redskins games since the Bill McPeak era and ALWAYS have a feeling of impending doom no matter who the coach is when they have a 4th quarter lead in a game that's close. And this is especially true against Dallas or a Monday night game. Even in the Gibbs 1.0 days I had that feeling. And I defintely had the feeling Sunday night when I switched the TV off with the Skins holding a 10-7 lead, because I had to get to bed. I figured I'd hear the final score was 14-10 Dallas or 13-10 in OT.

Even Gibbs had a losing record on MNF, and Dallas was always a fight. He also has a losing record against Parcells. Sort of odd given his phenomenal playoff record, against the best teams and with the most pressure. When the chips are down and the pressure's on, mistakes and breakdowns tend to occur. Doom is too strong for me usually, but I'm always very nervous during those times. It helps to have an experienced coaching staff, one by the way that is the most experienced since Gibbs I, and unlike Gibbs II isn't more than a decade removed from coaching.

 

[fatness]

quick fantasy question fellas, is Devin Thomas worth keeping on my roster? My WR situation is horrid and I'm thinking of dropping him and picking up Amendola. the rest of my WRs are as follows, we start 4:Collie, Austin IND WR 21.6 7 $0.80 2+ Crayton, Patrick SDC WR 0.0 10 $0.20 2+ Jarrett, Dwayne CAR WR 4.4 6 $0.10 2+ Jones, James GBP WR 1.1 10 $0.10 2+ Thomas, Devin WAS WR 0.0 9 $0.10 2+ Ward, Hines PIT WR 11.0 5 $2.70 2+ Wayne, Reggie IND WR 15.9 7 $8.30 2+

I'd drop either Thomas or Crayton and pick up Amendola. Personally I'd drop Crayton, since Carolina won't have much of a passing game outside of Smith and Rosario perhaps, whereas Thomas could still end up as the Redskins' #2 or #3 WR for most of the season. Galloway's done nothing as WR2.

 

[TankRizzo]

quick fantasy question fellas, is Devin Thomas worth keeping on my roster? My WR situation is horrid and I'm thinking of dropping him and picking up Amendola. the rest of my WRs are as follows, we start 4:Collie, Austin IND WR 21.6 7 $0.80 2+ Crayton, Patrick SDC WR 0.0 10 $0.20 2+ Jarrett, Dwayne CAR WR 4.4 6 $0.10 2+ Jones, James GBP WR 1.1 10 $0.10 2+ Thomas, Devin WAS WR 0.0 9 $0.10 2+ Ward, Hines PIT WR 11.0 5 $2.70 2+ Wayne, Reggie IND WR 15.9 7 $8.30 2+

I'd drop either Thomas or Crayton and pick up Amendola. Personally I'd drop Crayton, since Carolina won't have much of a passing game outside of Smith and Rosario perhaps, whereas Thomas could still end up as the Redskins' #2 or #3 WR for most of the season. Galloway's done nothing as WR2.

I think I'm leaning towards dropping James Jones right now week one panic, lol

 

[Nightly Mistake]

quick fantasy question fellas, is Devin Thomas worth keeping on my roster? My WR situation is horrid and I'm thinking of dropping him and picking up Amendola. the rest of my WRs are as follows, we start 4:Collie, Austin IND WR 21.6 7 $0.80 2+ Crayton, Patrick SDC WR 0.0 10 $0.20 2+ Jarrett, Dwayne CAR WR 4.4 6 $0.10 2+ Jones, James GBP WR 1.1 10 $0.10 2+ Thomas, Devin WAS WR 0.0 9 $0.10 2+ Ward, Hines PIT WR 11.0 5 $2.70 2+ Wayne, Reggie IND WR 15.9 7 $8.30 2+

I'd drop either Thomas or Crayton and pick up Amendola. Personally I'd drop Crayton, since Carolina won't have much of a passing game outside of Smith and Rosario perhaps, whereas Thomas could still end up as the Redskins' #2 or #3 WR for most of the season. Galloway's done nothing as WR2.

I think I'm leaning towards dropping James Jones right now week one panic, lol

I would drop Thomas before Jones, not even close. Jones can be very good, and he's in a prolific passing offense.

 

[fatness]

The Jets' starting nose tackle is out for the season. I'm guessing that raises the perceived (by another team) value of Haynesworth from a 4th round pick (the titans offer) to a 3rd round pick.

edited to add: If Anthony Bryant isn't active for the game against Houston, something seems wrong. According to Chris Russell, Bryant was their best NT in preseason, and the Texans ran for about a million yards against the Colts.

 

[fatness]

Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is lucky. His Dallas counterpart, Jason Garrett, was even worse than he was in Washington's 13-7 victory on Sunday.

Two of the NFL's young guns fired a lot of blanks on a woeful offensive night, combining for one offensive touchdown. Garrett sure isn't replacing coach Wade Phillips whenever the Cowboys switch -- at least not after this debacle. Shanahan made a few curious calls, too.

A not-so-glowing review of Kyle Shanahan's offense in Week 1 by Rick Snider.

 

[TankRizzo]

I would drop Thomas before Jones, not even close. Jones can be very good, and he's in a prolific passing offense.

My only thought is that Jones is likely the 4th option receiving there with Finley. But if I drop him I'm really banking on Thomas or Crayton getting up to speed really quickly Sorry for the hijack guys, if you want me to take this elsewhere just say so

 

[Nightly Mistake]

The Jets' starting nose tackle is out for the season. I'm guessing that raises the perceived (by another team) value of Haynesworth from a 4th round pick (the titans offer) to a 3rd round pick.edited to add: If Anthony Bryant isn't active for the game against Houston, something seems wrong. According to Chris Russell, Bryant was their best NT in preseason, and the Texans ran for about a million yards against the Colts.

The run defense is a major concern, and both Carter's and Orakpo's weaknesses in making plays in space as LBs is going to be hard to simply fix. The DL is where the solution comes, and in this 3-4 the NT is key. As for Haynesworth, his unwillingness to play as an NT isn't just going to go away with the Jets, who also (usually) run a 3-4.

 

[fatness]

But it was the sight of Portis throwing himself at defenders with verve that was most remarkable on a night the offense didn't have many remarkable moments. Portis has always been a back who would block, but in the new offense that role seems to have intensified - or Portis has. The entire offense, from line to receivers, has talked about the blocking schemes in Kyle Shanahan's system. The offense is definitely still a work in progress, but everyone seems to be buying in, including Portis.

"I thought Clinton did a heck of a job," Shanahan said Monday. "I thought we got stronger as the game went on. . . . I thought Clinton did a tremendous job blocking when we did throw the football. He was instrumental in some of the blitz pickups and keeping them from sacking the quarterback."

Somewhere on Shanahan's staff, someone is charting blocking statistics for the running backs, but those are not numbers readily available in the usual NFL box score. Those are not numbers that lead to contract extensions and big checks. Blocking also can get a running back hurt, especially one who suffered a severe concussion a year ago and had to be cleared to compete in offseason workouts.

But it's got to be done, as the offensive line finds its legs, as Donovan McNabb learns a new playbook, as the team's inexperienced wide receivers struggle to get open. It's a difficult, thankless job, especially when it's your turn to run and the holes aren't there for you. Portis finished Sunday's game with 18 carries for 63 yards. It's those invisible numbers that made his performance notable.

Tracee Hamilton's column

 

[fatness]

Tom Boswell's column

Now that's exactly how a new Redskins era should begin.

As midnight approaches, the despised Cowboys should think they've beaten Washington, 14-13, at FedEx Field with no time remaining on the clock on a desperate, scrambling 13-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo to wide receiver Roy Williams.

Then, before the 'Boys even have a chance to jump for joy, the words of justice - or at least the NFL equivalent in a zebra suit - should destroy their moment of glory.

"Holding, No. 71" -- tackle Alex Barron.

Negate that touchdown. Game Over. Redskins win, 13-7.

Bolded parts because I love those phrases.

 

[Marvelous]

The Jets' starting nose tackle is out for the season. I'm guessing that raises the perceived (by another team) value of Haynesworth from a 4th round pick (the titans offer) to a 3rd round pick.edited to add: If Anthony Bryant isn't active for the game against Houston, something seems wrong. According to Chris Russell, Bryant was their best NT in preseason, and the Texans ran for about a million yards against the Colts.

The run defense is a major concern, and both Carter's and Orakpo's weaknesses in making plays in space as LBs is going to be hard to simply fix. The DL is where the solution comes, and in this 3-4 the NT is key. As for Haynesworth, his unwillingness to play as an NT isn't just going to go away with the Jets, who also (usually) run a 3-4.

The last I heard, Haynesworth is actually ok with the Redskin's 3-4. Not sure if that means he would be ok with the Jets' 3-4. It looks like Haynesworth beef is more about Mike Shanahan than the defense. And he apparently is not playing the 3-4 very well.

 

[scoobygang]

It's annoying that people are suggesting that Clinton's pass blocking enthusiasm is somehow tied to a renewed comittment. Take any game from last season, even when people were suggesting that Portis was an unmotivated team cancer. He was still killing blitzers. He's always done that. He's been the best blocking tailback in the league for years and probably the best blocking tailback the league has seen since Marcus Allen.

 

[GreedoShotFirst]

agreed. He is a stone cold killer of a blocker.

It's annoying that people are suggesting that Clinton's pass blocking enthusiasm is somehow tied to a renewed comittment. Take any game from last season, even when people were suggesting that Portis was an unmotivated team cancer. He was still killing blitzers. He's always done that. He's been the best blocking tailback in the league for years and probably the best blocking tailback the league has seen since Marcus Allen.

 

[TankRizzo]

It's annoying that people are suggesting that Clinton's pass blocking enthusiasm is somehow tied to a renewed comittment. Take any game from last season, even when people were suggesting that Portis was an unmotivated team cancer. He was still killing blitzers. He's always done that. He's been the best blocking tailback in the league for years and probably the best blocking tailback the league has seen since Marcus Allen.

Very true, he blocks hard regardless. His renewed enthusiasm is more tied to him showing up this offseason, preseason and doing and more importantly saying everything right.

 

[dgreen]

Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is lucky. His Dallas counterpart, Jason Garrett, was even worse than he was in Washington's 13-7 victory on Sunday.

Two of the NFL's young guns fired a lot of blanks on a woeful offensive night, combining for one offensive touchdown. Garrett sure isn't replacing coach Wade Phillips whenever the Cowboys switch -- at least not after this debacle. Shanahan made a few curious calls, too.

A not-so-glowing review of Kyle Shanahan's offense in Week 1 by Rick Snider.

My only complaint regarding play calling or offensive game planning was the back-to-back fades to Armstrong. Snider doesn't even put that one on Kyle. He says:

Shanahan made a few curious calls, too.

But, Snider then only mentions the lack of Fred Davis, instead throwing to Sellers 3 times.True, the overall numbers don't reflect well on Shanahan, but I'm having a hard time putting too much blame on him after just one week.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

Sellers should be cut. He did two things well which was why he was an asset - block and catch out of the backfield. He's failing consistently at both now, and was last year too. I loved the guy, but his decline plus his inflated attitude have worn out their welcome.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is lucky. His Dallas counterpart, Jason Garrett, was even worse than he was in Washington's 13-7 victory on Sunday.

Two of the NFL's young guns fired a lot of blanks on a woeful offensive night, combining for one offensive touchdown. Garrett sure isn't replacing coach Wade Phillips whenever the Cowboys switch -- at least not after this debacle. Shanahan made a few curious calls, too.

A not-so-glowing review of Kyle Shanahan's offense in Week 1 by Rick Snider.

Most offenses do struggle in week 1. The defenses don't show anything in the preseason remotely like what they go up against in the game. It's especially tough on those with new people at key positions. The Skins have a new coach, OC, QB, LT, RT, WR2, and WR3. Anyone expecting a breakout game was delusional. As long as they continue to improve, I'll be satisfied.

I expected another tough week for the O. Brown is going to have a hell of a time stopping Williams. HOU has a good overall D. They also won't have many chances (again), because I'm not sure they have an answer for Owen Daniels or Arien Foster. Just hope they can keep it close and pull it out in the end

 

[thayman]

Wait, you didn't have that impending feeling of doom? I did. I knew something was coming. Once they botched the golden chance to take a big lead to open the second half, I figured it was going to end badly. Then, to end it, Rogers drops an INT, Austin goes uncovered on 4th down, and Roy Williams is wide open for the winning TD. I just stared at the tv thinking, "Of course."

Now, I saw the hold right when it happened. But, I didn't see a flag, so I assumed it was TD Dallas. In a way, they did everything they could to fulfill that impending feeling of doom. Dallas just didn't let it happen for once.

That's the key part that everyone needs to remember. Good teams score in those situations.

 

[fatness]

It's annoying that people are suggesting that Clinton's pass blocking enthusiasm is somehow tied to a renewed comittment. Take any game from last season, even when people were suggesting that Portis was an unmotivated team cancer. He was still killing blitzers. He's always done that. He's been the best blocking tailback in the league for years and probably the best blocking tailback the league has seen since Marcus Allen.

A few of us have noticed that for years. A lot of the time when he's on the field I hope for it to be a pass play and then watch him block. It's a pleasure to watch.

 

[fatness]

My only complaint regarding play calling or offensive game planning was the back-to-back fades to Armstrong. Snider doesn't even put that one on Kyle.

The second one wasn't called by Kyle. McNabb switched to Armstrong when his main target was covered, I believe.

 

[fatness]

Sellers should be cut. He did two things well which was why he was an asset - block and catch out of the backfield. He's failing consistently at both now, and was last year too. I loved the guy, but his decline plus his inflated attitude have worn out their welcome.

Solution: put Haynesworth at FB.And I agree that Sellers is way substandard at his position now, and getting worse.

 

[Sidewinder16]

O'Halloran has snap count totals and some nuggets of info after reviewing the tape.

Keim reviews the offense.

 

[Sebowski]

But it was the sight of Portis throwing himself at defenders with verve that was most remarkable on a night the offense didn't have many remarkable moments. Portis has always been a back who would block, but in the new offense that role seems to have intensified - or Portis has. The entire offense, from line to receivers, has talked about the blocking schemes in Kyle Shanahan's system. The offense is definitely still a work in progress, but everyone seems to be buying in, including Portis.

"I thought Clinton did a heck of a job," Shanahan said Monday. "I thought we got stronger as the game went on. . . . I thought Clinton did a tremendous job blocking when we did throw the football. He was instrumental in some of the blitz pickups and keeping them from sacking the quarterback."

Somewhere on Shanahan's staff, someone is charting blocking statistics for the running backs, but those are not numbers readily available in the usual NFL box score. Those are not numbers that lead to contract extensions and big checks. Blocking also can get a running back hurt, especially one who suffered a severe concussion a year ago and had to be cleared to compete in offseason workouts.

But it's got to be done, as the offensive line finds its legs, as Donovan McNabb learns a new playbook, as the team's inexperienced wide receivers struggle to get open. It's a difficult, thankless job, especially when it's your turn to run and the holes aren't there for you. Portis finished Sunday's game with 18 carries for 63 yards. It's those invisible numbers that made his performance notable.

Tracee Hamilton's column

Clinton was a warrior that year and I was proud to be wearing his jersey at FedEx West (Winston's).

It's annoying that people are suggesting that Clinton's pass blocking enthusiasm is somehow tied to a renewed comittment. Take any game from last season, even when people were suggesting that Portis was an unmotivated team cancer. He was still killing blitzers. He's always done that. He's been the best blocking tailback in the league for years and probably the best blocking tailback the league has seen since Marcus Allen.

And he always has been. While we're talking about Portis... I can;t believe how much crap he is getting for saying something off the cuff that 51 of any roster would have said.

I'll admit if someone told me to go in a stripper's locker room with 53 practically naked (if not naked) strippers I might have a little trouble focusing on asking them where they learned their twist then split stage move. Who Cares!!!!

 

[dgreen]

My only complaint regarding play calling or offensive game planning was the back-to-back fades to Armstrong. Snider doesn't even put that one on Kyle.

The second one wasn't called by Kyle. McNabb switched to Armstrong when his main target was covered, I believe.

Are there quotes about that? It was the same formation with the same motion and a it appeared to be a quick play for the fade. I find it hard to believe that you can make one read and then go to the fade that close to the endzone. To run a fade that close, you have to throw quickly. Not really much time to take other looks. But, even if McNabb did make one read (possibly pre-snap), the fact is that at least Armstrong ran the exact same route out of the exact same formation and the exact same motion.

 

[dgreen]

While we're talking about Portis... I can;t believe how much crap he is getting for saying something off the cuff that 51 of any roster would have said. I'll admit if someone told me to go in a stripper's locker room with 53 practically naked (if not naked) strippers I might have a little trouble focusing on asking them where they learned their twist then split stage move. Who Cares!!!!

It's not exactly the image the NFL wants to portray. I'm guessing the Redskins don't care all that much, but they are going to go with the league on this.The stupid part of what Portis said is he's assuming women are like men. They aren't. A woman walking into a men's locker room is totally different than a man walking into women's locker room.Having said that, I laughed when I read Portis' comments. Funny guy.

 

[dgreen]

You may not see the Redskins kickoff Sunday on CBS...but you probably will.

Better hope the Ravens game ends on time

If you're a Redskins fan, here are three things to root for during the early games on Sunday.

1) The Eagles lose to Detroit.

2) The Cowboys lose to Chicago.

3) The Ravens game ends on time.

Because if the Ravens game were to somehow last past 4:15, and you were planning on watching on CBS's DC-affiliate, you'd be out of luck. Because of NFL rules on secondary markets, WUSA must show the Ravens-Bengals game on Sunday, and -- assuming it's a competitive game -- must stick with it until the end. If some nightmare situation involving overtime or a crazily long game develops, the Redskins kickoff would get bumped.

"It's pretty rare [for a game to go that long], but obviously it'd be upsetting to everybody if that happens," Allan Horlick, the station's president and general manager, told me on Tuesday.

A similar situation happened two years ago, and it worked out just fine. Absent overtime, regular-season NFL games virtually never go much past 3 hours and 15 minutes. This would really require a special dose of bad luck. Still, don't hesitate to root against overtime.

"There's nothing we can do about it, it's the NFL's call," Horlick said. "Certain circumstances dictate when we must run the game of a secondary market team. I'm sure there's good and valid reasons for it. Like most people who live in Washington, I'd rather we get to enjoy the entire Redskins game."

 

[fatness]

O'Halloran has snap count totals and some nuggets of info after reviewing the tape.

Keim reviews the offense.

I love information like that. Thanks for posting the link.

On most passing downs, the Redskins played one lineman (Holliday), five linebackers, three cornerbacks and two safeties.

• Dallas took advantage of the Redskins being in a one-lineman personnel group several times on third-and-short. The Cowboys just ran it up the middle for the first down, their bigger linemen handling the Redskins’ linebackers.

• Unofficially, the Redskins pass rush totals: 3 rushers (three Romo drop-backs), 4 rushers (21 drop-backs), 5 rushers (28 drop-backs) and 6 rushers (one drop-back).

Have to give Trent Williams passing marks in his NFL debut. The Redskins didn’t give him much (if any) help against DeMarcus Ware, and Ware had just one sack. He had another quarterback hit as well.

• Tops on the to-do list for the next game against Dallas – account for Anthony Spencer. He was unblocked in back-side pursuit several times in the run game and beat Cooley in pass protection at least two times.

 

[fatness]

My only complaint regarding play calling or offensive game planning was the back-to-back fades to Armstrong. Snider doesn't even put that one on Kyle.

The second one wasn't called by Kyle. McNabb switched to Armstrong when his main target was covered, I believe.

Are there quotes about that? It was the same formation with the same motion and a it appeared to be a quick play for the fade.

I read it at least 2 places after the game, yes. It was the same formation the second time but with a different playcall out of it, the Cowboys played a different defense, and the fade then became the option McNabb was forced into.

 

[dgreen]

My only complaint regarding play calling or offensive game planning was the back-to-back fades to Armstrong. Snider doesn't even put that one on Kyle.

The second one wasn't called by Kyle. McNabb switched to Armstrong when his main target was covered, I believe.

Are there quotes about that? It was the same formation with the same motion and a it appeared to be a quick play for the fade.

I read it at least 2 places after the game, yes. It was the same formation the second time but with a different playcall out of it, the Cowboys played a different defense, and the fade then became the option McNabb was forced into.

Yeah, just saw something in Kiem's article linked by Sidewinder16. Apparently, Dallas' blitz led to McNabb quickly throwing the fade. So, I'm guessing the same formation, motion, and route by Armstrong were are all designed to open up a different route for someone else.

 

[fatness]

Speaking of guys who get way more grief than they should:

DeAngleo Hall emerges as unlikely but capable leader for Redskins

Shortly after Mike Shanahan was hired as the Redskins' new head coach, he sought out cornerback DeAngelo Hall and asked him to help restore the team to prominence by accepting a true leadership role. The request demonstrated how much Hall, once a self-described "me-first" guy, has matured in six NFL seasons. He accepted Shanahan's offer to take on more responsibility than he previously envisioned he could.

"Right now, what's important to me, what matters to me, is just getting this right here and building something great again."

Perhaps more important than his on-field impact are Hall's actions in helping to preserve locker room unity. Throughout the offseason, Hall reached out to defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, who skipped all but one day of Shanahan's first offseason program because of conflicts with the organization. Even after Haynesworth did not attend the mandatory June minicamp, Hall continued to assure him he would be welcomed back if he reported for training camp.

Hoping to mend fences, Haynesworth arrived in Ashburn two days early, and Hall has continued to stand behind him. Hall also counseled cornerback Carlos Rogers, who was frustrated about his contract situation in the offseason. Rogers did not miss a day of training camp.

And then there was strong safety LaRon Landry, who was miffed about a comment a member of the coaching staff directed at him and briefly stopped participating in the offseason conditioning program, according to people familiar with the situation. Landry took Hall's advice and returned for workouts. Against Dallas, Landry led all defensive players with 17 tackles.

 

[Sebowski]

So Trent Williams gets welcomed to the NFL By Ware, now Mario Williams.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Speaking of guys who get way more grief than they should:

DeAngleo Hall emerges as unlikely but capable leader for Redskins

Shortly after Mike Shanahan was hired as the Redskins' new head coach, he sought out cornerback DeAngelo Hall and asked him to help restore the team to prominence by accepting a true leadership role. The request demonstrated how much Hall, once a self-described "me-first" guy, has matured in six NFL seasons. He accepted Shanahan's offer to take on more responsibility than he previously envisioned he could.

"Right now, what's important to me, what matters to me, is just getting this right here and building something great again."

Perhaps more important than his on-field impact are Hall's actions in helping to preserve locker room unity. Throughout the offseason, Hall reached out to defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, who skipped all but one day of Shanahan's first offseason program because of conflicts with the organization. Even after Haynesworth did not attend the mandatory June minicamp, Hall continued to assure him he would be welcomed back if he reported for training camp.

Hoping to mend fences, Haynesworth arrived in Ashburn two days early, and Hall has continued to stand behind him. Hall also counseled cornerback Carlos Rogers, who was frustrated about his contract situation in the offseason. Rogers did not miss a day of training camp.

And then there was strong safety LaRon Landry, who was miffed about a comment a member of the coaching staff directed at him and briefly stopped participating in the offseason conditioning program, according to people familiar with the situation. Landry took Hall's advice and returned for workouts. Against Dallas, Landry led all defensive players with 17 tackles.

Sure doesn't sound like human excrement to me!

 

[Dexter Manley]

So Trent Williams gets welcomed to the NFL By Ware, now Mario Williams.

And he played against Suggs in the preseason. I have to admit, I'm very happy I was wrong about taking Okung over TWill.

 

[fatness]

So Trent Williams gets welcomed to the NFL By Ware, now Mario Williams.

He might as well start by facing the toughest guys. I think he'll hold up OK. He's talented as hell, he learns and wants to learn, and I don't think anyone intimidates him. Very good draft pick.

 

[fatness]

In case you missed it, Donovan McNabb was the focus of an episode of "Homecoming with Rick Reilly" that aired last night on ESPN. The show was taped in May at McNabb's high school. Mount Carmel in Chicago. Among the guests were Brian Dawkins, Chris Cooley, McNabb's family. A few highlights:

* Asked whether he would have taken a backseat if the Eagles had asked him to in order to let Kevin Kolb play, McNabb said flatly, "No." Why? "I'm not a backup."

* His best moment with the Eagles? "Holding up that NFC Championship trophy, that confetti flying, feeling that we just got over the hump, being on the podium and holding the trophy, which leads to wanting to do that on the bigger stage and hopefully getting to win a Super Bowl."

* Cooley on his reaction when he heard about the trade after getting calls and text messages from friends: "This is one of the top 10 biggest bonehead trades in the history of the NFL."

* Cooley said he heard McNabb's initial interviews after the trade and the quarterback was saying his name incorrectly. That got a chuckle from McNabb. Cooley said he thought, "This guy doesn't even know my name."

* Cooley on McNabb's arrival: "It’s been great from the minute he got there. It’s been fantastic. You wouldn’t know he hasn’t been our teammate for the last 10 years. He’s stepped right in as a leader, as a friend ... "

link

 

[dgreen]

Sounds like this is a good video. Unfortunately, the video won't load for me at work. It quickly says "Video Loading" then just says "Video will start shortly" but it never starts. I think I had the same problem last year when everyone was watching the video of Zorn talking to Campbell.

Anywhere else to watch it?

 

[MikeApf]

Speaking of guys who get way more grief than they should:

DeAngleo Hall emerges as unlikely but capable leader for Redskins

Shortly after Mike Shanahan was hired as the Redskins' new head coach, he sought out cornerback DeAngelo Hall and asked him to help restore the team to prominence by accepting a true leadership role. The request demonstrated how much Hall, once a self-described "me-first" guy, has matured in six NFL seasons. He accepted Shanahan's offer to take on more responsibility than he previously envisioned he could.

"Right now, what's important to me, what matters to me, is just getting this right here and building something great again."

Perhaps more important than his on-field impact are Hall's actions in helping to preserve locker room unity. Throughout the offseason, Hall reached out to defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, who skipped all but one day of Shanahan's first offseason program because of conflicts with the organization. Even after Haynesworth did not attend the mandatory June minicamp, Hall continued to assure him he would be welcomed back if he reported for training camp.

Hoping to mend fences, Haynesworth arrived in Ashburn two days early, and Hall has continued to stand behind him. Hall also counseled cornerback Carlos Rogers, who was frustrated about his contract situation in the offseason. Rogers did not miss a day of training camp.

And then there was strong safety LaRon Landry, who was miffed about a comment a member of the coaching staff directed at him and briefly stopped participating in the offseason conditioning program, according to people familiar with the situation. Landry took Hall's advice and returned for workouts. Against Dallas, Landry led all defensive players with 17 tackles.

On Shanahan asking Hall to adopt a leadership role -- I read this article and thought it was great. Interestingly, this is kind of a classic strategy to turn "problem children around." They tell teachers, if you have a kid who acts up in class, give them a leadership role or responsibility; it often turns them around. Elsewhere in that article, they quote Hall as saying that no coach had ever approached him asking him to be a leader before, that he never thought about doing it but if Shanahan thought he could do it, he would embrace it. A lot of folks got on Shanahan for how he treated Haynesworth implying that Shanahan had only one way to motivate players -- be a hard butt. But, as his handling of Hall shows, Shanahan actually has a more nuanced approach than that...he appears to be able to motivate different players in different ways. Portis is also apparently re-engerized this year.

 

[MikeApf]

Looking forward to the Texans -- this looks like a tough contest for the Redskins.

Defensively -- the Redskins ultimately kept Dallas out of enzone save one drive and that's a good sign. But, that was largely because of Dallas' bonehead play calling in terms of abandoning the run (you feed Barber 20 times and I think that game would have been different.) I don't expect Houston to call that stupid of a game. Foster may not have the pedigree of Barber and Jones, but they are going to use him. And if the Redskins stack the line, you've got Shaub and Johnson to contend with. I know Dallas was supposed to be Super Bowl bound, but I think they are going to face a more formidible task this week in Houston.

Offensively -- the Redskins could not establish the run until the fourth quarter really, and once again coudln't punch it in the end zone. Even if the Defense plays lights out and holds the Texans to 2 TDs (which would be a great game I believe given Houston's offense), they are going to need to score TDs to win this game.

Question: how can the Redskins pull this one off and steal a game that they everyone probably has them pegged to lose.

The only thing I can think of is that defensively, they are really going to have to play super aggressive and shoot for turnovers. So many people think the Redskins should not have abandoned the 4-3 cuz it was successful but I think this is the reason for the switch. So, now is the time to truly go for it. Turnovers are the big equalizer. On offense, you are going to have to pound the ball on the ground, limit the opportunities for Houston's offensive, and then go for a big strike 3-5 times during the game.

What do you guys think the Redskins need to do? How do you approach this game?

 

[fatness]

What Lavar Arrington thinks the Skins have to do to slow down Houston's rushing game.

I believe Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett understands that teams are having success running against his defense inside. To change this, the nose tackle is going to have to be more effective pushing the center into the backfield.

Jason Reid

Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was limited in practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury, according to the Redskins' injury report.

So do they activate Bryant this week? Hope that Kemoeatu stops being pushed around? Hope Haynesworth's ankle is OK? Send out word from "unnamed team sources" that Haynesworth is dogging it? (only half kidding on the last one)

 

[fatness]

link

Clinton Portis and Albert Haynesworth performed a scripted skit for reporters in the locker room Thursday afternoon in which Portis declined to answer questions and Haynesworth covered the running back's mouth with strips of black athletic tape.

A Redskins media relations official informed reporters that Portis, who apologized for inappropriate comments he made about female reporters earlier this week, was ready for his scheduled weekly media availability. When reporters approached Portis at his dressing stall, however, he initially did not speak. When a reporter asked Portis about his ill-advised comments during the radio interview, he held up a spiral notebook with "No Comment" written on one of the pages while Haynesworth, standing to Portis's left, tore a piece of tape and applied it to Portis's lips.

When a reporter asked about Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, Portis turned the page and held up the notebook again: "Thanks For Coming." Haynesworth applied another piece of black tape.

As reporters continued in vain to engage Portis, up went the notebook twice more: "God Bless You" and "Have A Good Day." Haynesworth did his part with more tape, and then the players left the locker room together.

 

[fatness]

Devin Thomas might get some time at Wr.

Thomas did not play on offense against the Cowboys, but the Redskins expect him to be ready to contribute if they call on him Sunday against the Houston Texans at FedEx Field.

"Yeah, we expect him to help us all year, especially when he is dressing," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. "If he is dressing, he has got to know all three [wide receiver] positions and we expect them to help him. He ran his tail off on the kickoff return and I loved watching him hit it. I think the more comfortable he gets with the offense, the more he will play like that with that speed and the speed that he has when it starts."

link

 

[fatness]

Santana Moss and Chris Cooley were the targets of 18 of Donovan McNabb’s 31 pass attempts. And they caught a combined 12 of his 15 completions. That won’t cut it. Joey Galloway was on the field, but did nothing. Roydell Williams gets no separation and Anthony Armstrong dropped a touchdown pass. If Cooley and Moss are the lone threats, the offense has no chance. And given how two receivers are unproven and another is 38, there’s no guarantee this will change.

John Keim

The Redskins are optimistic about their running game for a few reasons, but one of them is the fact that they’ll only face two more 3-4 fronts this season. This scheme is better suited to beating a 4-3 front. For all the talk about the 3-4 and the pass rush, it was originally designed to stop the run.

But there’s no doubt that blocks are being missed. Fullback Mike Sellers did not have his best day vs. Dallas. Forget the drops, Sellers wasn’t moving linebackers off their mark like he had in the past. It’s not just Sellers, though. TE Fred Davis wasn’t an effective blocker, either. And each lineman would lose enough battles to cause stumbles.

John Keim also