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

[fatness]

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

I think that was due to Shanahan's talk to the team on Monday when he asked "How many of you have been fired?". He raised his hand, McNabb raised his, a lot of the players raised theirs. And he went on to talk about playing the team that had fired McNabb. The team recognizes McNabb as a leader

 

[Nightly Mistake]

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

I think that was due to Shanahan's talk to the team on Monday when he asked "How many of you have been fired?". He raised his hand, McNabb raised his, a lot of the players raised theirs. And he went on to talk about playing the team that had fired McNabb. The team recognizes McNabb as a leader

True story? If so, that's very cool.

 

[Sidewinder16]

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

I think that was due to Shanahan's talk to the team on Monday when he asked "How many of you have been fired?". He raised his hand, McNabb raised his, a lot of the players raised theirs. And he went on to talk about playing the team that had fired McNabb. The team recognizes McNabb as a leader

True story? If so, that's very cool.

I missed that. Who reported that?

 

[DCThunder]

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

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

Anything official about the MRI results?

 

[Nightly Mistake]

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

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

Anything official about the MRI results?

It confirmed that he's the league's biggest bad ### when it comes to blitz pickup.

 

[jbz]

that is no joke. CP brings the pain when he pass blocks!

 

[fatness]

The stakes had been laid out by Shanahan last Monday in a brief but powerful team meeting. Shanahan, back in football after sitting out the 2009 season, kicked things off by asking his players, “How many of you have ever been fired?”

A slew of hands went up, including Shanahan’s – he’d been dismissed by Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in December 2008 after a 14-season run that included a pair of Super Bowl triumphs.

“How many of you have never been fired?” Shanahan asked.

This time, only a few hands were raised.

“Well,” Shanahan said, “that means most of you can understand how big a game this is for Donovan. The emotions you felt when you were fired, he’s going to be experiencing those this week, and he needs all of us to back him up.”

Link

 

[Sidewinder16]

The stakes had been laid out by Shanahan last Monday in a brief but powerful team meeting. Shanahan, back in football after sitting out the 2009 season, kicked things off by asking his players, “How many of you have ever been fired?”

A slew of hands went up, including Shanahan’s – he’d been dismissed by Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen in December 2008 after a 14-season run that included a pair of Super Bowl triumphs.

“How many of you have never been fired?” Shanahan asked.

This time, only a few hands were raised.

“Well,” Shanahan said, “that means most of you can understand how big a game this is for Donovan. The emotions you felt when you were fired, he’s going to be experiencing those this week, and he needs all of us to back him up.”

Link

Good stuff.

 

[fatness]

Good stuff.

It sure as hell made a difference in how they played.

 

[fatness]

By the way, Rich Campbell is a very good beat Redskin reporter and is overlooked because he's not in the DC metro area. Anyway....

From the "Things You Didn't Think You Would See" Department:

GAME BALLS

LOLB Lorenzo Alexander

RB Ryan Torain

CB Carlos Rogers

DL Albert Haynesworth: Because who knows when I’ll get another chance to give the big fella a game ball, right? This was Haynesworth’s best game of the season by far—I don’t care what Troy Aikman said on the FOX broadcast (There were several times I wondered what game Aikman was watching, and normally I think he’s good.) Haynesworth’s immense strength showed on several of his pass rushes. He drew two holding penalties and pressured QB Michael Vick into several incompletions or checkdowns early in the game. On one second-half incompletion by Kevin Kolb, Haynesworth took three offensive linemen with him, allowing DT Lorenzo Alexander to stunt behind him, apply pressure and disrupt the pass. He also got off a run block to haul down RB LeSean McCoy for a 2-yard gain on third-and-3 in the first quarter. Haynesworth jeopardized the Redskins defense a couple times with his pass-rush-first mindset, though, and linemen were able to move him out on inside runs against the nickel package. He’s not respecting the run like he needs to because he wants sacks, but this was a step forward.

DC Jim Haslett

 

[fatness]

That whole article by Campbell is worth reading, there is a lot of good information in it. Like this:

I hesitate to make too much of an intangible, but it was interesting to see the high energy level on the Redskins’ sideline. TE Chris Cooley mentioned to me before the season that this is the closest team he’s ever been on. I think that showed in the way the Redskins played for McNabb and the emotion they showed on the sideline. You had CB DeAngelo Hall screaming like a lunatic after WR Brandon Banks’ 53-yard punt return. Deposed LG Derrick Dockery did a leaping chest bump with QB Donovan McNabb after RB Ryan Torain’s touchdown. Football is unquestionably an emotional game, and the Redskins brought it to Philly.

 

[fatness]

3 weekends ago Andre Johnson was injured against the Redskins.

2 weekends ago Steven Jackson was injured against the Redskins.

1 weekend ago Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy were injured against the Redskins.

 

[Sidewinder16]

RB Javarris James signed to PS.

 

[Sidewinder16]

By the way, Rich Campbell is a very good beat Redskin reporter and is overlooked because he's not in the DC metro area. Anyway....

From the "Things You Didn't Think You Would See" Department:

GAME BALLS

LOLB Lorenzo Alexander

RB Ryan Torain

CB Carlos Rogers

DL Albert Haynesworth: Because who knows when I’ll get another chance to give the big fella a game ball, right? This was Haynesworth’s best game of the season by far—I don’t care what Troy Aikman said on the FOX broadcast (There were several times I wondered what game Aikman was watching, and normally I think he’s good.) Haynesworth’s immense strength showed on several of his pass rushes. He drew two holding penalties and pressured QB Michael Vick into several incompletions or checkdowns early in the game. On one second-half incompletion by Kevin Kolb, Haynesworth took three offensive linemen with him, allowing DT Lorenzo Alexander to stunt behind him, apply pressure and disrupt the pass. He also got off a run block to haul down RB LeSean McCoy for a 2-yard gain on third-and-3 in the first quarter. Haynesworth jeopardized the Redskins defense a couple times with his pass-rush-first mindset, though, and linemen were able to move him out on inside runs against the nickel package. He’s not respecting the run like he needs to because he wants sacks, but this was a step forward.

DC Jim Haslett

His whole article is eerily similar to Keim's Studs and Duds. Anyone ever seen Campbell and Keim in the same room together?

 

[Sidewinder16]

Portis out 4-6 weeks.

Mike Shanahan says running back Clinton Portis will miss four to six weeks with a third-degree groin separation.

Ouch.

 

[Nightly Mistake]

His whole article is eerily similar to Keim's Studs and Duds.

Anyone ever seen Campbell and Keim in the same room together?

Well, they were watching the same game, right?

 

[Nightly Mistake]

By the way, Rich Campbell is a very good beat Redskin reporter and is overlooked because he's not in the DC metro area. Anyway....

From the "Things You Didn't Think You Would See" Department:

DL Albert Haynesworth: Because who knows when I’ll get another chance to give the big fella a game ball, right? This was Haynesworth’s best game of the season by far—I don’t care what Troy Aikman said on the FOX broadcast (There were several times I wondered what game Aikman was watching, and normally I think he’s good.)

Aikman's game has gone way downhill. His analysis is superficial and focuses more on player reputations than on-field observations, and he misses a lot on the field. He's merely an average color commentator now.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Portis out 4-6 weeks.

Mike Shanahan says running back Clinton Portis will miss four to six weeks with a third-degree groin separation.

Ouch.

Frankly, not a huge loss IMO. I don't think Portis is "done" like some others do, but you have to love the way Torain ran against the Eagles and Shanahan's teams haven't missed a beat transitioning from one RB to the next in the past. Either Shanahan.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Will this team ever have 2 number 1's 2's 3's 4's?

 

[Eastwood]

Will this team ever have 2 number 1's 2's 3's 4's?

Will this team ever have 1 number 1,2,3, and 4?

 

[The Doctor]

Will this team ever have 2 number 1's 2's 3's 4's?

Will this team ever have 1 number 1,2,3, and 4?

just glad i picked up torain before the injury report came out

 

[fatness]

His whole article is eerily similar to Keim's Studs and Duds.

Anyone ever seen Campbell and Keim in the same room together?

Campbell's articles are usually longer than Keim's. They're both very detailed.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Keim's notes and analysis. Trent Williams says he'll play Sunday. Hunter Smith will probably be signed this week. Keim speculates that Roydell Williams could be on the street when the team signs a RB to the roster this week.

 

[fatness]

Frankly, not a huge loss IMO. I don't think Portis is "done" like some others do, but you have to love the way Torain ran against the Eagles and Shanahan's teams haven't missed a beat transitioning from one RB to the next in the past. Either Shanahan.

I think it's a big loss, for blocking, intensity, and the running game. Portis looked good before he came out. Torain looked equally good when he went it. But nobody blocks like Portis, and it gives the team a lift.

 

[fatness]

Keim's notes and analysis. Trent Williams says he'll play Sunday. Hunter Smith will probably be signed this week. Keim speculates that Roydell Williams could be on the street when the team signs a RB to the roster this week.

Oh no. How will we replace Roydell's 0.25 catches/game?Actually I think they'd do that because Armstrong is ready for more playing time.

 

[Gopher State]

Skins should destroy the packers if Washington sticks to the run. packers are giving up 5.2 YARDS at touch to running backs.

GO WASHINGTON

 

[Sidewinder16]

Skins should destroy the packers if Washington sticks to the run. packers are giving up 5.2 YARDS at touch to running backs.GO WASHINGTON

The Packers are giving up only 3.8 yards per carry to RBs. They are also giving up 9.8 yards per carry to QBs. In 3 of their 4 games, their opponent's QB have lead their teams in rushing (Shaun Hill, Jay Cutler, Michael Vick).I'm not saying the 'Skins can't run on them, but so far opposing RBs have been fairly pedestrian against the Packers.

 

[Marvelous]

Keim's notes and analysis. Trent Williams says he'll play Sunday. Hunter Smith will probably be signed this week. Keim speculates that Roydell Williams could be on the street when the team signs a RB to the roster this week.

Oh no. How will we replace Roydell's 0.25 catches/game?Actually I think they'd do that because Armstrong is ready for more playing time.

If they cut Roydell, that leaves them very thin at WR unless they may actually have Thomas play some offensive snaps. Or maybe Banks.

 

[Sebowski]

I've decided to convince myself that Shanny is messing with Thomas to get the most out of him soon. He'll start and be featured in a game soon. And kick ### at it too.

ETA: Just saw this

Devin Thomas: 'I just really don't know what's going on'

Wide receiver Devin Thomas has tried to remain upbeat and focused despite being buried on the Redskins' depth chart.

But it has become increasingly difficult for Thomas, the Redskins' first pick in the 2008 draft, to put on a happy face, especially after a report this week that the team wants to get rid of him.

"With the rumors coming out about this, I, I mean ... I just really don't know what's going on," Thomas said Wednesday before practice at Redskins Park. "But whether it's here or somewhere else, I'm going to keep pushing to be a main contributor and play. I'm going to keep doing what I got to do, because I know I can play this game."

Thomas is sixth in the NFL with a 28.0-yard kickoff average. Last season against the New Orleans Saints, the eventual Super Bowl champions, Thomas had seven receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

The former Michigan State standout, however, has failed to impress Coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. With his name being mentioned in trade speculation, Thomas said he plans to address the situation with the Shanahans "just to get the standpoint from them about exactly what they want and kind of what's going on ... if it's not too late. I mean, you never know.

"But all I can really do is just keep doing what I'm doing, and that's just trying to handle my business. I'm studying and doing everything I have to do to know the opponent. And I'm going out there every day with the mentality like I'm going to get a chance, but it's still just been limited to special teams. I really don't know what else to do but keep working hard and hoping it happens. But I know I can play."

I believe him. I don't know why, but I do.

 

[dgreen]

Keim's notes and analysis. Trent Williams says he'll play Sunday. Hunter Smith will probably be signed this week. Keim speculates that Roydell Williams could be on the street when the team signs a RB to the roster this week.

Oh no. How will we replace Roydell's 0.25 catches/game?Actually I think they'd do that because Armstrong is ready for more playing time.

If they cut Roydell, that leaves them very thin at WR unless they may actually have Thomas play some offensive snaps. Or maybe Banks.

Banks played a couple snaps last week. Those seemed to be very specific situational plays, though, so it's hard to say who they would go to if they needed a full time WR.

 

[dgreen]

Speaking of my boy Banks:

About Brandon Banks's size

Redskins punt returner Brandon Banks, who burst on the season with a return for a touchdown in Washington's first preseason game and did it again last week with a 53-yarder, is listed as 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds. That makes him the lightest player in the NFL by a full 11 pounds. And thus, I present 11 items about Banks's size.

Surprise

Just about every Redskins player I asked could remember the first time he saw Banks.

"I couldn't figure out who the little kid was on the team, to be honest with you," Adam Carriker said. "I see this little guy out there, I don't know what he plays, I don't know what he does, I don't know who he is, I just see this little guy out there. I'm being serious."

"I actually saw him while I was watching the combine, and it had his weight up there," Anthony Armstrong told me. "I think it said 149 pounds. I was like, that must be a typo. Can't be no way that there's somebody at the combine who's 149. They tell me I'm too small, and this guy's 149 pounds?"

"I got on the bus at the hotel and I'm like, this guy has to be really fast," Vonnie Holliday said.

"I mean, he's definitely smaller than even some of the small guys that make it in this league," punter Josh Bidwell said.

Doubt

This is something Banks has dealt with his entire career.

"Ever since I played mighty mite football," he told me. "Every level, every year, the beginning of every season I hear it: how do you play football, you're too small, you can't play this sport. Actually, when I went and tried out for my high school team, the coach looked at me like, 'Are you really trying out for football or are you trying out for water boy?' "

He said he weighed about 85 pounds going into his freshman year, didn't hit triple digits until he was a high school junior, and only weighed 125 pounds when he entered college.

Comparisons

Only two players in the NFL weigh less than 170 pounds: Banks, and the 5-foot-5, 166-pound Texans rookie Trindon Holliday. On the Redskins, Banks is 25 pounds below the listed weight of the next smallest guy, Roydell Williams.

Oh yeah, there are also 282 NFL players who weigh at least 310 pounds, meaning 282 guys who weigh at least twice as much as Banks.

Dunking

In addition to being a star at track and football, Banks also played basketball. And yes, he can dunk.

"I actually did one in a high school game," he said. "I caught a steal, fast break, just dunked out of nowhere. The kids on the team knew I could dunk, and the coach knew, but nobody else knew, so everybody ran out on the court, everybody went crazy. Kind of shut the game down."

Impressing the coach

Like everyone else, Mike Shanahan was initially struck by Banks's size. He also suggested that the rookie doesn't actually weigh 155.

"When I saw his weight at 148 pounds, I said, well, this can't work," the coach said. "When you watch him play out here as a punt returner, as a kickoff returner, you're just kind of amazed at how a guy can take those type of licks at 148 pounds. But last week he gained twp pounds, so he's 150 now. So he's feeling much improved, his strength is better."

These were jokes, obviously. Then Shanahan turned serious.

"He's got speed, he can run, and any time you have that type of speed, that separates you."

Speed

Ah yes. That speed. It helped him become a nationally ranked sprinter in high school, and to record the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time among wide receivers at last year's NFL combine. (A 4.43.)

"Blinding," Bidwell said. "As fast as anybody in the league right now."

"Unbelievably quick and fast," Artis Hicks said.

"Definitely one of the top-tier fast guys in the NFL," Phillip Buchanan said.

"Super quick," Armstrong agreed. "You could play him absolutely perfect, and he'd still get outside of you."

Jokes

"I wanted to have one guy on the team that was shorter than me," Shanahan cracked.

And how to describe Banks?

"Teenie," suggested Casey Rabach.

"Diminutive," said Armstrong.

"Smurfish," Hicks said. "He's a good dude, a good quiet humble young man, and I really like Banks a lot, but he's definitely Smurfish in size. You know, I can tell that he probably don't like walking up on tall guys, because his head will stop at our waist or crotch, so he kind of keeps his distance when he talks to us."

More Comparisons

"I was trying to explain it to my daughter," Vonnie Holliday said. "She's 11, and she's like what does he play? How tall is he? I told her he's probably your height, or maybe you're taller than him."

Holliday's daughter is 5-foot-6 or 5-foot-7. He might be right.

Frustration and Pride

"I always asked myself, why I got to be so small?" Banks told me. "You can look at it as pride. It feel good, but then again it don't. It feels good to be in a category of your own, but you don't want to be the lightest person, you don't want people to doubt you and things like that. I'm straight, though. It helps a lot, I'm a lot shiftier than guys, I can get away from guys and they can't get a direct hit on me."

And Yet

"Hell of a football player," Rabach said.

"He can make plays," Carriker said.

"You look at them as little, but them guys you can't touch," Carlos Rogers said.

"If he gets a chance to get in the open, I don't think anybody can catch him," Bidwell said.

"He really really makes it a lot easier for us on offense when we don't have to try to go 80 yards to score," Hicks said. "It takes a lot of pressure off us, and it puts a lot of pressure on defenses."

Inspiration

"We all come in different shapes and sizes," Rabach said.

"He's dangerous," Armstrong said. "Can't take him lightly."

Pun intended. I think.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Frankly, not a huge loss IMO. I don't think Portis is "done" like some others do, but you have to love the way Torain ran against the Eagles and Shanahan's teams haven't missed a beat transitioning from one RB to the next in the past. Either Shanahan.

I think it's a big loss, for blocking, intensity, and the running game. Portis looked good before he came out. Torain looked equally good when he went it. But nobody blocks like Portis, and it gives the team a lift.

Blocking, I'll give you. Anyone's a step down from Portis, but we've at least got a QB who can get out of the pocket and make plays now after a decade or more of sitting ducks. Running game- as you say, Torain looked just as good, maybe better. I guess you lose the depth at RB when you don't have two somewhat effective backs, but this is one area where the Shanahans have my complete faith. They'll find what they need.

Intensity- if an NFL team is depending on the pass-blocking of its 30 year old running back for a "lift" and can't find it elsewhere, it's got WAY bigger problems then a downgrade in pass blocking from the backfield.

 

[Marvelous]

Frankly, not a huge loss IMO. I don't think Portis is "done" like some others do, but you have to love the way Torain ran against the Eagles and Shanahan's teams haven't missed a beat transitioning from one RB to the next in the past. Either Shanahan.

I think it's a big loss, for blocking, intensity, and the running game. Portis looked good before he came out. Torain looked equally good when he went it. But nobody blocks like Portis, and it gives the team a lift.

Blocking, I'll give you. Anyone's a step down from Portis, but we've at least got a QB who can get out of the pocket and make plays now after a decade or more of sitting ducks. Running game- as you say, Torain looked just as good, maybe better. I guess you lose the depth at RB when you don't have two somewhat effective backs, but this is one area where the Shanahans have my complete faith. They'll find what they need.

Intensity- if an NFL team is depending on the pass-blocking of its 30 year old running back for a "lift" and can't find it elsewhere, it's got WAY bigger problems then a downgrade in pass blocking from the backfield.

I was able to pick up Torain for my FF team. That was before they announce Portis is out 4-6 weeks. I think Torain has a ton of upside given that:1. The Redskins OL started opening up holes for the RBs. They said it would take a bit for the OL to gel since they don't fully practice their run blocking (cut blocking) against their teammates.

2. Torain looked ok and certainly has Shanahan's faith.

It is little to go on, but I think the Redskin's run game may be on the rise.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins signed Javarris James to the practice squad a couple days ago. The Colts just signed him off the Skins practice squad. I get this sinking feeling that in some game soon we'll be stuck with Sellers at RB, and he'll be making his patented leaping 1-yard losses.

 

[fatness]

Intensity- if an NFL team is depending on the pass-blocking of its 30 year old running back for a "lift" and can't find it elsewhere, it's got WAY bigger problems then a downgrade in pass blocking from the backfield.

I don't agree with you on that point Tobias. Teams get intensity or inspiration during games not from prescribed places but from players making plays that wow their teammates. Hines Ward is like that for the Steelers, and it's often with blocks.

 

[Sidewinder16]

The Redskins signed Javarris James to the practice squad a couple days ago. The Colts just signed him off the Skins practice squad. I get this sinking feeling that in some game soon we'll be stuck with Sellers at RB, and he'll be making his patented leaping 1-yard losses.

Quinn Porter signed to PS. So that's Ryan Torain, Chad Simpson, Keiland Williams and Quinn Porter. Quite an unremarkable stable of RBs.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Bidwell goes to IR. Hunter the Punter is signed.

 

[DCThunder]

The Redskins signed Javarris James to the practice squad a couple days ago. The Colts just signed him off the Skins practice squad. I get this sinking feeling that in some game soon we'll be stuck with Sellers at RB, and he'll be making his patented leaping 1-yard losses.

Quinn Porter signed to PS. So that's Ryan Torain, Chad Simpson, Keiland Williams and Quinn Porter. Quite an unremarkable stable of RBs.

Well, that's what happens when you don't draft any young RBs because:your starting RB (CP #26) has a hot line to the owner,

both #26 and Betts got big contracts, and

your GM is an idiot.

Thanks for nuthin', guys...

 

[Brunell4MVP]

The Redskins signed Javarris James to the practice squad a couple days ago. The Colts just signed him off the Skins practice squad. I get this sinking feeling that in some game soon we'll be stuck with Sellers at RB, and he'll be making his patented leaping 1-yard losses.

Quinn Porter signed to PS. So that's Ryan Torain, Chad Simpson, Keiland Williams and Quinn Porter. Quite an unremarkable stable of RBs.

Well, that's what happens when you don't draft any young RBs because:your starting RB (CP #26) has a hot line to the owner,

both #26 and Betts got big contracts, and

your GM is an idiot.

Thanks for nuthin', guys...

In the last 3 years Portis hasn't done one single special thing as a RB. These guys can do just as well. Blocking...that's not what I'm paying my RB to do. If so, I'd just put a TE in the backfield. I want 20+ yard runs if you break through the line. Portis' longest run in 2 years is 14 yards. Gee, the Skins will really hate to give that up

GB only a 2.5 pt favorite. Vegas clearly thinks the Skins have a shot this weekend.

 

[dgreen]

In the last 3 years Portis hasn't done one single special thing as a RB.

After 8 games in 2008, he had 944 yards rushing. I believe he led the league at that point. The OL disaster that followed and, yes, his own poor attitude led to an unspectacular final 8 games and a horrible 2009. But, I really do think he's looked pretty good so far this year. His slide against the Rams was horrible. But, other than that, I've seen really good agility, vision, and tough running. Yes, his top speed is much less than before. He may not be special anymore, but he can still do a few special things every once in a while...assuming his groin, and anything else, is attached properly.

Blocking...that's not what I'm paying my RB to do. If so, I'd just put a TE in the backfield.

Sure, it's not his primary job and doesn't account for the bulk of a RBs paycheck, but it's important. There are many RBs over the years who are relatively good runners but never saw the field because of their blocking. Many coaches care deeply about their RB's ability to pass block. And, by putting a TE back there, you are basically telling the defense that there is a 0% chance you will run. Bad things can happen when the other team knows you will pass.

I want 20+ yard runs if you break through the line. Portis' longest run in 2 years is 14 yards.

He has a 27-yarder this year and he had a 78-yarder last year. Not sure where you're getting 14 yards from. I'm not trying to argue he's an explosive back with big play capability anymore, but that 14 number is way off.

GB only a 2.5 pt favorite. Vegas clearly thinks the Skins have a shot this weekend.

I've heard the line opened at 3.5 and the heavy spenders were putting $ on Washington. Do they know something?

 

[Sidewinder16]

I've heard the line opened at 3.5 and the heavy spenders were putting $ on Washington. Do they know something?

Defensive starters for the Packers have been dropping like flies this year, with the most recent being Nick Barnett going on IR this week. They have another starter or 2 that are dinged up and looking questionable for this Sunday. I believe it's in the Torain thread, but a lot of GB homers are worried about their defense right now.ETA: Here's a link to a recent post re: GB's defense.

 

[fatness]

Quinn Porter

 

[fatness]

In the last 3 years Portis hasn't done one single special thing as a RB.

After 8 games in 2008, he had 944 yards rushing. I believe he led the league at that point. The OL disaster that followed and, yes, his own poor attitude led to an unspectacular final 8 games and a horrible 2009. But, I really do think he's looked pretty good so far this year. His slide against the Rams was horrible. But, other than that, I've seen really good agility, vision, and tough running. Yes, his top speed is much less than before. He may not be special anymore, but he can still do a few special things every once in a while...assuming his groin, and anything else, is attached properly.

Blocking...that's not what I'm paying my RB to do. If so, I'd just put a TE in the backfield.

Sure, it's not his primary job and doesn't account for the bulk of a RBs paycheck, but it's important. There are many RBs over the years who are relatively good runners but never saw the field because of their blocking. Many coaches care deeply about their RB's ability to pass block. And, by putting a TE back there, you are basically telling the defense that there is a 0% chance you will run. Bad things can happen when the other team knows you will pass.

I want 20+ yard runs if you break through the line. Portis' longest run in 2 years is 14 yards.

He has a 27-yarder this year and he had a 78-yarder last year. Not sure where you're getting 14 yards from. I'm not trying to argue he's an explosive back with big play capability anymore, but that 14 number is way off.

 

[fatness]

Glaring problem

For one half each week, the Washington Redskins are among the best teams in the NFL. They move the ball, protect their quarterback and stop their opponents. And for one half each week, they're among the league's worst, as foes pass the ball with ease, chase Donovan McNabb all over the field and light up the scoreboard. At 2-2, the Redskins enter Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers truly as a .500 team, consistently suffering a stark second-half dropoff that is among the league's most drastic.

Through four games, the Redskins have outscored opponents in the first half, 60-27; they've been outscored in the second half, 49-13. On offense, the team's yards per pass attempt is 10.08 yards in the first half - tops in the NFL. In the second half, the Redskins are gaining 6.29 yards per pass. All six of the sacks the Redskins have given up this year have come in the final two quarters. The picture doesn't get any prettier on the defensive side. In the second half, the Redskins have given up the most total yards from scrimmage (955) and the most receiving yards (766) in the NFL.

 

[fatness]

But anyone who thinks Portis is easily replaced, who thinks this isn't a huge loss, is forgetting just how much he does for the Washington Redskins, not only as a runner but a self-sacrificing blocker. At the bottom of the conundrum that is Portis - the absurd charm, the apparent casualness, the uneven practice attendance - is one of their most physically fierce players.

Link

 

[DCThunder]

But anyone who thinks Portis is easily replaced, who thinks this isn't a huge loss, is forgetting just how much he does for the Washington Redskins, not only as a runner but a self-sacrificing blocker. At the bottom of the conundrum that is Portis - the absurd charm, the apparent casualness, the uneven practice attendance - is one of their most physically fierce players.

Link

All that is well and good, but it's still no excuse for not drafting any young RBs. :facepalm: I forgot, they didn't have any draft picks...

 

[Brunell4MVP]

He has a 27-yarder this year and he had a 78-yarder last year. Not sure where you're getting 14 yards from. I'm not trying to argue he's an explosive back with big play capability anymore, but that 14 number is way off.

You are correct. I mistakenly looked at his pass catching stats.Still, not much explosiveness, as we both agree on.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

RIP Lance McCoy. The brother of Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday night in Tennessee.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...brother-ki.html

 

[Nightly Mistake]

RIP Lance McCoy. The brother of Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday night in Tennessee.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...brother-ki.html

Wow. Awful news, and aside from the obvious tragedy for Haynesworth, the last thing he needs right now regarding his play for the team.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Trent Williams should be a "go".

Shanahan said Williams showed improvement in practice each day.

"He's had a pretty good week, so unless there's a setback, he should be able to go," he said.