What happened?Bad feeling that Williams is out for the year.
kneeWhat happened?Bad feeling that Williams is out for the year.
CSN has sprain knee on the ticker. Also Shanny said he was having an MRILooked to me like Williams was pointing to his upper thigh/groin area. On the play where he got hurt he looked unusually off-balance and fell. I'm thinking he tore something.
Good news. This has me feeling a lot better. Though Heyer wasn't that bad.Re: Knee- Trent passed the ACL tests from the trainers, and was able to put weight on it after the game. Landry's x-rays on his wrist were negative.
1. Where’s the run game? »
The Redskins keep saying they’re not running the ball well because they’re not experienced in this offense. But it’s also a case of not having a lot of good run blockers. Too many lost one-on-one battles. They’ve been unable to open good cutback lanes and the backs lack the explosiveness to hit them as hard as, say, Arian Foster. Clinton Portis hasn’t found any rhythm. It’s one reason why the Redskins could not hold onto a 17-point lead. Considering how well they passed the ball, it’s amazing how poorly they ran it. The funny thing is, Washington’s line is pass protecting so much better than run blocking. But part of that is because of Portis. Also, Donovan McNabb is good at eluding the rush and buying time. It’s harder to avoid clutter in the ground game.
2. Too many missed opportunities
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Bruce Gradkowski held his helmet and the football to the sky as he walked off the field to the chants of "Bruuuuce!" that echoed throughout the Coliseum for most of the second half.
Gradkowski gave Oakland a spark early this season, leading the Raiders to their first win and creating questions about who the starter will be.
Gradkowski replaced an ineffective Jason Campbell after halftime and led Oakland to three scoring drives and a 16-14 victory over the St. Louis Rams in the home opener on Sunday.
"They called my number and I just said I'm just going to do my thing, go out and have fun," Gradkowski said. "We did that the second half. ... It was exciting to get a win. We're just looking forward to moving on."
The question is whether it will be with Campbell or Gradkowski at quarterback. Coach Tom Cable said he hadn't made any decisions about that just yet.
But the fact that he made the switch just six quarters into the season after waiting a half-season to bench JaMarcus Russell showed how desperate Cable and the coaching staff was for a spark.
"If things aren't working out the way they want, obviously they're going to make moves and try to get that going," cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. "But that was definitely a big move, because they were trying to say we need to get something started."
Gradkowski breathed life into Oakland's inept offense a year ago, leading the team to victories over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh before being sidelined by a knee injury.
Gradkowski never got the chance to win the job this season as Oakland traded for Campbell and made him the starter. Gradkowski tore a pectoral muscle in the offseason and injured his groin early in training camp.
He played well in two exhibition games but Campbell opened the season as starter, even drawing comparisons to two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Jim Plunkett from owner Al Davis.
Campbell struggled in a 38-13 season-opening loss at Tennessee and was pulled at halftime of this game. He was 8 for 15 for 87 yards and an interception on his final pass as Oakland trailed 7-3.
"I was surprised," Campbell said. "We were down 7-3. We had been moving the ball. We just stalled when we got to the red zone. But at the same time, it was a decision that they made."
Taking the field to elongated chants of his name, Gradkowski completed his first three passes. His 26-yard completion to Murphy set up a 41-yard field goal by Janikowski that made it 7-6.
As someone who wanted to pull their hair out when the Redskins drafted him, no, not at all. That said I feel bad. He's a good guy and deserves the shot, but yeah...anyone surprised?
Yeah, I respect how hard he works and his smarts, but he's just no good in coverage. I'll say it for the millionth time - dang I miss Sean Taylor. :(Anyone know the status of Kareem Moore? No disrespect to Reed Doughty, but man, we got to get him out of there as a starter.![]()
Sean Taylor with this version of Laron Landry would be nasty.Doughty is constantly late and is not a FS. However, I think Buchanon is to blame for that last TD. I'm guessing Reed was right where he was supposed to be.Yeah, I respect how hard he works and his smarts, but he's just no good in coverage. I'll say it for the millionth time - dang I miss Sean Taylor. :(Anyone know the status of Kareem Moore? No disrespect to Reed Doughty, but man, we got to get him out of there as a starter.![]()
It's an odd game that I generally feel good about when you can point to some serious issues that need addressing in all three phases of the game. I guess that's testament to how bad the football is that we've endured recently.Players say a lot of things after a frustrating loss. I'm not concerned about what Hall said. What I'm concerned about is inadequate D-line pressure allowing time for Schaub to find open receivers, DB's forced to cover too long due to Schaub having time, and Haslett having no in-game answer for this. I realize everyone is pumped up because the Skins showed a lot of offense and were in this game until the end. But the offense was against a defense that the Colts tore up, and losing a 17-point lead in the second half is a bad, bad loss. Just like so many bad losses in recent years. It's almost like fans and half the media covering the Redskins accept that now.
That's what years and years of losing has done to our view of Redskin football.In many seasons, a defeat like the one the Redskins suffered in overtime Sunday to the Texans, 30-27, could be a wrecking ball that damages the foundation of a whole season. How many times can you have a game in your hands and still find a way to lose?
"It's not frustrating that we lost, it's frustrating that we had the game won and then lost," said cornerback DeAngelo Hall of a blown 17-point second-half lead and the complete shredding of the Redskins defense for 497 passing yards by Matt Schaub.
However, because of one player, Donovan McNabb, this game may actually be a building block, both for this season and several more to come.
I think you're right.Nightly Mistake said:It's an odd game that I generally feel good about when you can point to some serious issues that need addressing in all three phases of the game. I guess that's testament to how bad the football is that we've endured recently.
He happens to be right about that though. We saw a passing game we didn't really think was possible with this group of WR's. The Shanny System still works. It's very promising.Example of the local Redskin press being satisfied with a loss: Tom Boswell
That's what years and years of losing has done to our view of Redskin football.In many seasons, a defeat like the one the Redskins suffered in overtime Sunday to the Texans, 30-27, could be a wrecking ball that damages the foundation of a whole season. How many times can you have a game in your hands and still find a way to lose?
"It's not frustrating that we lost, it's frustrating that we had the game won and then lost," said cornerback DeAngelo Hall of a blown 17-point second-half lead and the complete shredding of the Redskins defense for 497 passing yards by Matt Schaub.
However, because of one player, Donovan McNabb, this game may actually be a building block, both for this season and several more to come.I think you're right.Nightly Mistake said:It's an odd game that I generally feel good about when you can point to some serious issues that need addressing in all three phases of the game. I guess that's testament to how bad the football is that we've endured recently.
Best Block: Clinton Portis, obviously. When he crushed Eugene Wilson 50 yards downfield during 62-yard pass to Fred Davis late in the second quarter, Wilson flew backwards and Portis went flying up the field, pumping his knees up in the air in celebration. That was far more celebrating than he did after either of his touchdown runs. Portis's mouth might cause 43 public-relations debacles a season, but I don't think you've ever read a story questioning his effort on Sundays.
I'm always upset about a loss. This one however was a bit encouraging. I have thought this was a rebuilding year for quite awhile though and if we get to 8-8 we'd be lucky.Example of the local Redskin press being satisfied with a loss: Tom Boswell
That's what years and years of losing has done to our view of Redskin football.In many seasons, a defeat like the one the Redskins suffered in overtime Sunday to the Texans, 30-27, could be a wrecking ball that damages the foundation of a whole season. How many times can you have a game in your hands and still find a way to lose?
"It's not frustrating that we lost, it's frustrating that we had the game won and then lost," said cornerback DeAngelo Hall of a blown 17-point second-half lead and the complete shredding of the Redskins defense for 497 passing yards by Matt Schaub.
However, because of one player, Donovan McNabb, this game may actually be a building block, both for this season and several more to come.I think you're right.Nightly Mistake said:It's an odd game that I generally feel good about when you can point to some serious issues that need addressing in all three phases of the game. I guess that's testament to how bad the football is that we've endured recently.
Wow, now that's a stat.Through two weeks, the Redskins have won the first-half scoring battle, 30-7, and lost the second-half-and-overtime scoring battle, 30-10.from Dan Steinberg.
I'm more disappointed than hysterical. I keep hoping for 23 to become a "we" guy instead of a "me" guy yet his comments that 'this is my team' and he's going to 'do his own thing' serve to discount the fact that he continues to stick his head into the mix on the field. I'm starting to think that he could actually tackle Jake Delhomme in an open field!Hall's comments were hysterical. Hey DeAngelo, if you weren't responsible for covering AJ were you covering Walter? Because he only ended up with 10 catches for 140 yards. Nobody in that secondary covered himself in glory.* And the idea that the defense was throttling the Texans until the "meltdown" is a bit daft. The Texans moved the ball all game., which is how the ended up with 550 yds of offense or something.
I just find it funny. I don't particularly care whether Hall is a boy scout. I just think he has an idiosyncratic view of how good a CB he is. Yeah, he gets turnovers. But he can't tackle and he can't cover.I'm more disappointed than hysterical. I keep hoping for 23 to become a "we" guy instead of a "me" guy yet his comments that 'this is my team' and he's going to 'do his own thing' serve to discount the fact that he continues to stick his head into the mix on the field. I'm starting to think that he could actually tackle Jake Delhomme in an open field!Hall's comments were hysterical. Hey DeAngelo, if you weren't responsible for covering AJ were you covering Walter? Because he only ended up with 10 catches for 140 yards. Nobody in that secondary covered himself in glory.* And the idea that the defense was throttling the Texans until the "meltdown" is a bit daft. The Texans moved the ball all game., which is how the ended up with 550 yds of offense or something.
He's been a much better tackler this year. He's actually getting involved and not avoiding contact.I just find it funny. I don't particularly care whether Hall is a boy scout. I just think he has an idiosyncratic view of how good a CB he is. Yeah, he gets turnovers. But he can't tackle and he can't cover.I'm more disappointed than hysterical. I keep hoping for 23 to become a "we" guy instead of a "me" guy yet his comments that 'this is my team' and he's going to 'do his own thing' serve to discount the fact that he continues to stick his head into the mix on the field. I'm starting to think that he could actually tackle Jake Delhomme in an open field!Hall's comments were hysterical. Hey DeAngelo, if you weren't responsible for covering AJ were you covering Walter? Because he only ended up with 10 catches for 140 yards. Nobody in that secondary covered himself in glory.* And the idea that the defense was throttling the Texans until the "meltdown" is a bit daft. The Texans moved the ball all game., which is how the ended up with 550 yds of offense or something.
I was going to add that as well. He's been in early to help break up some running plays. The one in particular that I remember he took out the lead blocker (FB).He's been a much better tackler this year. He's actually getting involved and not avoiding contact.
The new coaching staff and schemes on both sides of the ball have required a half for both opponents to understand and adjust to. The team will need to keep improving as the "surprise" that comes with their new systems will soon wear off.Wow, now that's a stat.Through two weeks, the Redskins have won the first-half scoring battle, 30-7, and lost the second-half-and-overtime scoring battle, 30-10.from Dan Steinberg.
Thom Loverro about Jim HaslettThe former Saints and Rams head coach is pulling out all the stops to hide the fact that a number of guys who are starting for this Redskins defense wouldn't be starting for most other teams, and some might not even be on the roster.
There are more defensive players coming and going during the game than a Metro escalator at rush hour. I swear, at one point Sunday I thought I saw Dexter Manley on the field.
You know the football terminology of putting guys in the box? You can't even find the box with some of Haslett's defenses. At times it appears the Redskins defensive players are offended at the notion of putting their hands down in the dirt.
The defense is creating pressure -- five sacks Sunday -- where it really shouldn't. It's causing confusion on the other side of the ball for opponents. And sometimes it is creating confusion on the defensive side of the ball, with players having to quickly step in and fill their role for that particular down in the new 3-4 scheme.
Rich Tandler, including an analysis of 11 plays that could have changed the game.The Redskins could be chasing this game all year long. By snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, by blowing a 27-10 third-quarter lead and losing to the Houston Texans 30-27 in overtime, the Redskins lost a chance to take sole possession of first place in the NFC East and open up a two-game lead over the Dallas Cowboys.
If Washington misses out on a playoff spot or the division title or some other postseason perk on tiebreakers, this game could well be the one that they look back on and lament. They had many opportunities to seize firm control of the game early and to put it away late (see below), but they couldn’t get it done.
That said, if you are going to lose a game in any style, a game against an AFC opponent is the one to lose. Non-conference games don’t count in any tiebreakers. In that sense, the loss was less harmful than, say, the Cowboys’ loss to the Bears in an NFC game.
I'll go with: Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Philip Daniels, and Reed Doughty. None of those guys are start-worthy. I think Doughty would be on most teams, though, because a good tackler and can contribute on special teams. But, he's not a FS.The former Saints and Rams head coach is pulling out all the stops to hide the fact that a number of guys who are starting for this Redskins defense wouldn't be starting for most other teams, and some might not even be on the roster.
7:14 p.m. —
After Texans wideout Kevin Walter makes a grab:
Sam: "Walter? Is that the first time we've called his name tonight?"
Larry: "He's made nine catches."
Sam: "Where have I been?"
Sam Huff Comedy
7:14 p.m. —
After Texans wideout Kevin Walter makes a grab:
Sam: "Walter? Is that the first time we've called his name tonight?"
Larry: "He's made nine catches."
Sam: "Where have I been?"![]()
I love Huff.linkAgent Peter Schaffer told the Washington Post that the Redskins told him the decision was a "short-term situation" relating to the team needing a roster spot.
Asked if the Redskins might re-sign Johnson, Schaffer said, "I don't know. There are no guarantees about anything in this league."
needing a roster spot? I don't get it. They cut one RB and sign a different RB...how does one spin that?fatness said:linkAgent Peter Schaffer told the Washington Post that the Redskins told him the decision was a "short-term situation" relating to the team needing a roster spot.
Asked if the Redskins might re-sign Johnson, Schaffer said, "I don't know. There are no guarantees about anything in this league."
needing a roster spot? I don't get it. They cut one RB and sign a different RB...how does one spin that?fatness said:linkAgent Peter Schaffer told the Washington Post that the Redskins told him the decision was a "short-term situation" relating to the team needing a roster spot.
Asked if the Redskins might re-sign Johnson, Schaffer said, "I don't know. There are no guarantees about anything in this league."
How did that go? "uhh yeah we need to create another roster spot so we can sign this guy that plays the same positions you do."