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***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (2 Viewers)

The Redskins are about a .500 team imo, and thats certainly better than I expected coming into the season.
Most of us have been saying that a 0.500 season would be considered a success if it's achieved. I would be surprised (pleasantly) if they win any more than that. But that 4 game improvement over last season's win total won't be because there is so much more great talent on the team this year than last, and it certainly won't be entirely due to luck. It will almost certainly happen because this team is playing with purpose behind leaders everyone respects. That's an "it" factor.
They could get lucky and go win 10 or 11 games, they could get unlucky and only win 5 or 6 games. A 16 game season is a ridiculously small sample size, so you need to get lucky.
There is certainly some validity in saying the 'Skins are lucky to be 3-2. But my "it" factor observation really has nothing to do with the W-L record. It has everything to do with the play I see on the field, with the heart and emotion I see on the field, and with things like how the team has gotten better as the game goes on, instead of worse. I'm hard pressed to find any way to attribute those things to luck.
They are 3 plays (The holding call on Rack in the Dallas game, the hit on Vick against Philly, and the game winning FG that DOINKED off the upright against the Pack) from being 0-5, so let's not get carried away.
Or ... they are one play ( the blocked 29 yard FG vs. the Texans) away from being 4-1. It goes both ways. And remember, the Skins were crushing the Vick-led Eagles. Seems ridiculous to just assume that if he hadn't gotten hurt they would have lost. Also, Orakpo was held, blantantly, and would have sacked Romo on the last play and probably many more times but for holding. Making or missing FGs- that's part of the game. Saying they would have won a game but for a missed 53 yard FG but not accounting for the game they would have won but for a missed 29 yard FG is absurd. Bottom line, they're in every game they play and they've won more than they've lost. That's good news.
 
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The Redskins are about a .500 team imo, and thats certainly better than I expected coming into the season.
Most of us have been saying that a 0.500 season would be considered a success if it's achieved. I would be surprised (pleasantly) if they win any more than that. But that 4 game improvement over last season's win total won't be because there is so much more great talent on the team this year than last, and it certainly won't be entirely due to luck. It will almost certainly happen because this team is playing with purpose behind leaders everyone respects. That's an "it" factor.
They could get lucky and go win 10 or 11 games, they could get unlucky and only win 5 or 6 games. A 16 game season is a ridiculously small sample size, so you need to get lucky.
There is certainly some validity in saying the 'Skins are lucky to be 3-2. But my "it" factor observation really has nothing to do with the W-L record. It has everything to do with the play I see on the field, with the heart and emotion I see on the field, and with things like how the team has gotten better as the game goes on, instead of worse. I'm hard pressed to find any way to attribute those things to luck.
They are 3 plays (The holding call on Rack in the Dallas game, the hit on Vick against Philly, and the game winning FG that DOINKED off the upright against the Pack) from being 0-5, so let's not get carried away.
:wall: Carried away with what? Yes, they could be 0-5 had things played out differently. They could also be 5-0 had things played out differently. Neither of those statements has anything to do with my feeling that this team has an "it" factor that has been missing for years.With arguably less talent on the field (no Haynesworth, no Portis, no Dockery, no Thomas, Trent Williams and Jamaal Brown not on the field for the game winning drive, etc.) than they've had in previous seasons, this team, that is still learning the playbook (O and D) and how to execute it as a team, won a game against a good NFC team. Everyone wants to focus on the fact that a potential game winning FG hit the upright, while ignoring the fact that it was a 53 yard attempt and was by no means a sure thing for any kicker (for even the best kickers, making a 50+ yarder is essentially a coin flip). It doesn't matter where the ball ended up, there was a decent chance it wasn't going between the uprights. And all that ignores that GB shouldn't have been in a position to have the outcome of this game rely on such a low percentage play.
 
4 out of 5 games being decided on the very last play --- it doesn't get any more exciting than this. Zorn and Gibbs football was like watching lint gather.

 
4 out of 5 games being decided on the very last play --- it doesn't get any more exciting than this. Zorn and Gibbs football was like watching lint gather.
Seeing the ball in the air has definitely been a welcome change to trying not to lose the game....and then losing at the last minute anyhow.
 
I'd be a hypocrite if I said I wasn't concerned. I was one of the few naysayers during the Zorn 6-2 run. But I feel 100x better about this team than that team.

We're going to be an up and down team all year, but the thing I LOVE about what I'm seeing is that they play hard on every down. The o-line isn't good and they can't run the ball at all. The defense is still trying to find their legs with the 3-4, but they're going to be getting better every week. I was skeptical of Haslett, but I've really been impressed with him. I love the 3-4 and he's been able to adapt and learn and use what he's got, and I think now he's really getting his players figured out and he's gameplanning accordingly.

The biggest difference though is that they THROW the ball, which means they're never going to be totally out of any game they're in. Being down by 17 points isn't that big of a deal. Last year you might as well pack up and go home.

I do think they can beat the Colts. Hopefully we can at least pretend like we can run the ball on them. Their D isn't that great, it's the teams with a good D I think that are going to give this team fits.
Also, nobody in the NFL is hitting like they are right now. It's not a coincidence they've hurt so many skill position players this year.
 
Also, nobody in the NFL is hitting like they are right now. It's not a coincidence they've hurt so many skill position players this year.
No idea how I forgot the defense, but yeah...the whole team is playing with some passion, like they want to win, not like they're just out there to do their job.

 
From O'Halloran's article, I think this is a real concern.

McNabb would have been lucky to survive the game if Clay Matthews didn’t get hurt. He departed after beating Stephon Heyer for a QB hit late in the third quarter and did not return. Matthews is the best pass rusher in the league. Period
McNabb is getting hit far too much and soon is going to start missing time. They need better protection schemes, or a trade before the deadline, or something more to protect him better.
 
*Breaking down McNabb’s five sacks:

1. First-and-10 from own 25. Packers rush five against Redskins’ six-man protection. Matthews beat Brown, B.J. Raji beat Rabach and Mike Neal beat Artis Hicks … all at the same time (McNabb was in trouble .87 seconds after completing his play action).

2. First-and-10 from own 20. Five-man rush vs. seven-man protection. This one’s on McNabb, who held on to the ball too long (4.65 seconds) on a roll out to the right and was chased down by Matthews.

3. Second-and-10 from the Redskins’ 20. Three-man rush vs. five-man protection. Bishop blitzed and blew past left guard Kory Lichtensteiger, who was late to leave helping Rabach and slide over to pick up Bishop (2.13 seconds).

4. First-and-10 from midfield. Four-man rush vs. five-man protection. Neal beat Hicks with an outside rush.

5. Third-and-10 from 45. Five-man rush vs. six-man protection. Poppinga blitzes up the middle and beats Lichtensteiger.
 
That O'Halloran article is full of good stuff.

It would have been interesting to see Albert Haynesworth work against the Green Bay offensive line. The guess here is that he would have been productive. … Kemoeatu was contained by Packers center Scott Wells without the help of a double team
 
Redskin-Packer game photos

#2 is Alexander breaking up the pass to Quarles in the end zone.

#4 is Cooley dragging people.

#10 is Alexander and Fletcher sacking Rodgers.

#11 is McNabb getting creamed.

#16 is Sellers smashing a guy on a punt return.

#18 is Stephon Heyer blocking air.

#24 is Orakpo sacking Rodgers.

#30 is Rodgers getting stopped at the goalline.

 
Good for you Redskin fans. This Dallas fan can only throw his hands up in frustration at the mess Wade has made.

Shanny VS Wade is all you need to know to show you what a difference coaching makes. Teams take the personality of their head coach.

Shanny - The skins are playing tough, inspired, confident ball. Smart football. His demeanor exudes confidence and inspires. This equals winning.

Wade - Stands on the sidelines muttering dag-numit, just wondering what else could go wrong. His lack of confidence and weak personality is squandering all the talent Dallas has. I know guys like Wilbon love to call them overrated, but they aren't. The boys are LOADED with talent, and Wade is wasting it.

Having a ton of talent, consistently playing below their ability is FAR less entertaining then being a fan of a bunch of blue collar, hard working over achievers. Oh, and hats off to Landry. He is playing MVP caliber ball.

I still don't like Shannahan's talent evaluation, draft selections, or personnel decisions, but the man knows how to run a team.

 
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
I still don't like Shannahan's talent evaluation, draft selections, or personnel decisions, but the man knows how to run a team.
I can't imagine a scenario where he would be worse than Vinny Cerrato.
 
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
I still don't like Shannahan's talent evaluation, draft selections, or personnel decisions, but the man knows how to run a team.
I can't imagine a scenario where he would be worse than Vinny Cerrato.
 
TankRizzo said:
Nightly Mistake said:
Also, nobody in the NFL is hitting like they are right now. It's not a coincidence they've hurt so many skill position players this year.
No idea how I forgot the defense, but yeah...the whole team is playing with some passion, like they want to win, not like they're just out there to do their job.
a nice change eh?its about time!!

skins are some bruisers this year

they gona punch you in the mouth

 
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
I still don't like Shannahan's talent evaluation, draft selections, or personnel decisions, but the man knows how to run a team.
I can't imagine a scenario where he would be worse than Vinny Cerrato.
:) And worth repeating. :lmao: Reid had this reminder in an article today:

Some in the organization acknowledge Zorn and Campbell probably would have had a better chance if they enjoyed the type of support - and lack of interference from others in management - that Shanahan and McNabb have in Ashburn. The offensive line was in disrepair for years, but management did not substantively address the situation until Shanahan, who runs the football operation, selected rookie left tackle Trent Williams with the fourth overall pick in the draft.

Shanahan does not have to explain his plans each week over lunch with anyone and is not required, as Zorn was, to review the early part of his playbook script the night before games with a high-ranking team official.
Makes me :lmao: every time I'm reminded.
 
Shanahan does not have to explain his plans each week over lunch with anyone and is not required, as Zorn was, to review the early part of his playbook script the night before games with a high-ranking team official.
Good god. I knew when Vinny was there that the front office had a lot to do with who played and who didn't, but I didn't know it went as far as having to approve each week's play. Good god.
 
TankRizzo said:
Nightly Mistake said:
Also, nobody in the NFL is hitting like they are right now. It's not a coincidence they've hurt so many skill position players this year.
No idea how I forgot the defense, but yeah...the whole team is playing with some passion, like they want to win, not like they're just out there to do their job.
well, I know nobody is saying that this D is anything other than hard-hitting – which is fine and I love – but from an historical perspective, give me our 2004 squad. 3rd ranked in the NFL. Gibbs & Gregggg Williams’ 1st year and it was all D all the time. Featuring Antonio Pierce as the leader at MLB flanked by an in-his-prime Marcus Washington, solid UFA LaMar Marshall, with rookie Taylor and Ryan Clark killing receivers and a blue-collar DL (Griffin, Noble, et al). Springs, Smoot and Walt Harris could cover. That was a stud D and they yielded little AND they busted you in the chops.I think playing the 3-4 is a good idea and Hasslett is a good coordinator. In time, they’ll be more than solid. but they’re still figuring out how to play it properly.

 
Regardless of how the numbers shake out, the Redskins might be the league's worst-rated defense (allowing 410.2 yards per game), but they're getting a ton of tackles out of a few key players.

There's a couple of ways to interpret the numbers: A) opponents are breaking through to the linebackers and safeties quite a bit, or B) linebackers and safeties are stopping a lot of small plays from becoming huge plays.

Both could be true. The Redskins have faced more pass attempts (225) and given up more completions (146) than any other team in the league, but their opponents' yards-per-pass play is ranked No. 16, middle of the pack. Overall, opponents are averaging 7.8 yards per touch (rushing and passing).

Only four teams are giving up a higher average, and Washington coaches would definitely like to lower that number. They'd also like to have their defense face fewer snaps.
Rick Maese, writing about the defense.
 
I think playing the 3-4 is a good idea and Hasslett is a good coordinator. In time, they’ll be more than solid. but they’re still figuring out how to play it properly.
It does seem like Haslet's getting a better idea of what players do what well, and is using them more playing to their strengths. The difference between the defense in the Rams game and the defense in the Eagles game was huge. I just wish their defensive line wasn't so weak.Good article on Redskin blitzes.

 
Landry is playing as fast and aggressive as almost any Redskin defender in some time. It’s the way LaVar Arrington was before his injuries and the way Sean Taylor was before he died.

“He’s a great player, man,” teammate Brian Orakpo said. “He’s playing at a very high level, a Pro Bowl type level. He’ll continue to make a lot of plays for us. This defense fits him to a T. I hate for him to get so much scrutiny throughout the years, but this year look out for 30 because he’ll continue to make plays.”

Yes, he will. This isn’t just a good start for Landry; it’s a trend. He makes plays; he set up the game-winning field goal with an interception. That play sort of typifies his growth. Landry, coaches say, has become more of a student of the game.

“We saw that pass concept run the whole game,” he said. “But they never threw it. When they finally threw it, I just made a great read on the ball…. I let the receiver cross my face, either he would have caught the ball and I would have hit him or I would have made an interception.”
High praise for Landry from John Keim.
One thought: Landry has been playing out of position at FS the last two years. People on this board were saying how bad he was. I never heard Landry complain once about the defense or his position. He did the best he could to help the team.You can make the same case for Santana Moss, who, like nittanylion mentioned earlier, is being used correctly for the first time.

 
I still want to be the voice of reason on LaRon Landry. He is playing the best he's played in the NFL, but I think people are looking at the tackle numbers and overvaluing what he's done. When the Colts lose Sanders or the Steelers lose Polamalu, you instantly see the change in those defenses. They go from being really, really hard to run against to being much easier to run against. Landry is getting lots of tackles and he is hitting hard. But this defense is giving up a ton of yards. They are improving. And I think they'll improve further if they can just play Haynesworth more regularly and get Alexander his snaps. But I think it's insane to talk about a guy as DPOY when he plays on one of the worst defenses in the league.

 
Shanahan does not have to explain his plans each week over lunch with anyone and is not required, as Zorn was, to review the early part of his playbook script the night before games with a high-ranking team official.
Good god. I knew when Vinny was there that the front office had a lot to do with who played and who didn't, but I didn't know it went as far as having to approve each week's play. Good god.
This came out last year when Dan Hellie (sp?) was taking to Andy and Czabe. For the first season and a half, Zorn would go review the past week's game with Snyder and explain what was called, why he called it. etc. Zorn was once asked why he did not delegate this to an assistant and Zorn's response was he wanted to present it to Snyder directly for the best possible presentation.Apparently Snyder lost interest in the details later last year as the team was tanking toward 4-12.
 
Also, nobody in the NFL is hitting like they are right now. It's not a coincidence they've hurt so many skill position players this year.
No idea how I forgot the defense, but yeah...the whole team is playing with some passion, like they want to win, not like they're just out there to do their job.
well, I know nobody is saying that this D is anything other than hard-hitting – which is fine and I love – but from an historical perspective, give me our 2004 squad. 3rd ranked in the NFL. Gibbs & Gregggg Williams’ 1st year and it was all D all the time. Featuring Antonio Pierce as the leader at MLB flanked by an in-his-prime Marcus Washington, solid UFA LaMar Marshall, with rookie Taylor and Ryan Clark killing receivers and a blue-collar DL (Griffin, Noble, et al). Springs, Smoot and Walt Harris could cover. That was a stud D and they yielded little AND they busted you in the chops.I think playing the 3-4 is a good idea and Hasslett is a good coordinator. In time, they’ll be more than solid. but they’re still figuring out how to play it properly.
I am not entirely sold that the Redskin's D is that good because of all the yards they are giving up. But they clearly are improving and they are hard-hitting.If they can hold the Colts to 20 points or less, I'll change my tune and call their style, giving up yards but not points, a trend. Note that the Colt's offense isn't hitting on all cylinders yet either. Their running attack is not that good and they are not scoring points by the boatload. But Peyton Manning is Peyton Manning, so the Colt's offense is always dangerous.

 
For all the alleged animosity and bad blood that seemed to be between Mike Shanahan and Albert Haynesworth this summer, the Redskins handled the sad situation of Hayneworth's brother's death with class. Haynesworth reportedly called Shanahan at 1 a.m. with the news and the coach helped obtain owner Dan Snyder's private jet to fly Haynesworth to Nashville.
I hadn't heard about this, but this blurb is in Joe's Random Shots.
 
For all the alleged animosity and bad blood that seemed to be between Mike Shanahan and Albert Haynesworth this summer, the Redskins handled the sad situation of Hayneworth's brother's death with class. Haynesworth reportedly called Shanahan at 1 a.m. with the news and the coach helped obtain owner Dan Snyder's private jet to fly Haynesworth to Nashville.
I hadn't heard about this, but this blurb is in Joe's Random Shots.
I hadn't heard that either, and that is good news on both a personal and professional level.
 
Skeletor has made his point:

Inside linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who sat out the first day of practice this week after suffering a mild concussion in the Green Bay game, said he was doing fine Thursday before practice at Redskins Park.

"How am I? What did Coach [Mike] Shanahan say about it?," McIntosh asked. "I'm fine, but go talk to Coach Shanahan. He can give you an update. He'll provide you guys with a more accurate update than I can."
:lmao: Sounds like Shanahan has sufficiently impressed upon everyone his M.O. for being tight-lipped about anything construed as strategy, or that could give opponents a strategic advantage.
 
Shanahan does not have to explain his plans each week over lunch with anyone and is not required, as Zorn was, to review the early part of his playbook script the night before games with a high-ranking team official.
Good god. I knew when Vinny was there that the front office had a lot to do with who played and who didn't, but I didn't know it went as far as having to approve each week's play. Good god.
Embarrassing. I'm glad Zorn stuck around and was fired so that he could collect the remainder of his salary. I like and respect the man, even if he was not qualified to be head coach. He worked at it and I feel gave the team his all. He deserved far better off the field.
 
Regardless of how the numbers shake out, the Redskins might be the league's worst-rated defense (allowing 410.2 yards per game), but they're getting a ton of tackles out of a few key players.

There's a couple of ways to interpret the numbers: A) opponents are breaking through to the linebackers and safeties quite a bit, or B) linebackers and safeties are stopping a lot of small plays from becoming huge plays.

Both could be true. The Redskins have faced more pass attempts (225) and given up more completions (146) than any other team in the league, but their opponents' yards-per-pass play is ranked No. 16, middle of the pack. Overall, opponents are averaging 7.8 yards per touch (rushing and passing).

Only four teams are giving up a higher average, and Washington coaches would definitely like to lower that number. They'd also like to have their defense face fewer snaps.
Rick Maese, writing about the defense.
aka "bend but don't break". They give up a lot of first downs which doesn't help the defense stay fresh or help them win the field position battle to benefit the offense, but they do seem to get turnovers and key stops. It's a start, especially with a new, ill-fitting defense.
 
Sidewinder16 said:
Skeletor has made his point:

Inside linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who sat out the first day of practice this week after suffering a mild concussion in the Green Bay game, said he was doing fine Thursday before practice at Redskins Park.

"How am I? What did Coach [Mike] Shanahan say about it?," McIntosh asked. "I'm fine, but go talk to Coach Shanahan. He can give you an update. He'll provide you guys with a more accurate update than I can."
:unsure: Sounds like Shanahan has sufficiently impressed upon everyone his M.O. for being tight-lipped about anything construed as strategy, or that could give opponents a strategic advantage.
:thumbup:
 
Just finished watching the nfl replay of the packers game last night.

One interesting thing I noticed that I don't think anyone has mentioned is that it looked like right before Crosby attempted the long fg at the end of regulation, the camera flashed to Shanahan and Danny Smith and it looked like Shanny asked Smith if he should ice Crosby and Smith said no. This was like a second or 2 before the kick.

 
Who wants to play guess the score?

Skins 23, Colts 21.

Skins run the ball well, in fact dominate the line on running plays. Have some trouble in the red zone but get 2 touchdowns and 3 field goals. Manning does his thing and throws for 3 touchdowns. Colts will have the ball with 2 minutes left, only needing a field goal for the 24-23 upset. Skins defense stands tall yet again, with a turnover that seals the game. Another game that isn't decided for 59+ minutes. Torain has a big game - 120 yards and a TD, plus another 20 yards receiving. Fred Davis gets involved with a red zone TD.

I'm like Sonny - I always pick the Skins to win.

 
Colts 30, Redskins 20

They give up too many yards to hold Manning back. I can easily see them giving up 350-400 yards of offense to the Colts.

Hope I'm wrong.

 
Jim Haslett

On Jeremy Jarmon playing last week: “That was interesting. I thought we were going to play him a little bit more early. I kind of let Jake [burney] let him handle that. He came up to me in overtime and said I’m gonna put Jarmon in, he’s got fresh legs. I look at him like, ‘Are you crazy?’ But he went in and did a nice job. He had a hit on the quarterback and a couple pressures. His knee is starting to come around where he’s getting back to playing full speed. We didn’t really see that during training camp because of his leg. Now he’s starting to come around to the guy everyone kept telling us about.”
 
I wonder if the Redskins will be interested in Andre Brown. Denver just cut him to the practice squad, hoping to reclaim him if no one takes him on waivers.

 
Article by Sally Jenkins

A team that a year ago was overpaid and too precious for its own good is now leading the league in hard-fought victories.

Run your eye down the Redskins' roster, and notice how many players have recently won starting jobs by doing the dirty work of special teams, running down punts and kickoffs. Anthony Armstrong. Lorenzo Alexander. Chris Wilson. Consider the number of guys who have worked their way up from the practice squad to the active roster. Ryan Torain. Brandon Banks. Keiland Williams. Count the undrafted free agents who have become regular contributors on the field: Seven of them.

See what's happening? Each week, the shape of the team the Redskins are building becomes more apparent. Coach Mike Shanahan doesn't give much away about his philosophy or his methods, but a couple of things are plain. One is his sharp eye for overlooked and undervalued players, whom he seems to prefer over coddled draft choices. Another is his penchant for using special teams to school those players. He's clearly sifting and grooming a new generation of starters through the utility squads, so if you want to see the Redskins' stars of the future, watch them closely.
But just as important, the unit is a spearhead, a place where the team's critical values are formed. Shanahan obviously views it as a test of mentality and commitment, and the Redskins are learning that it can be a path to promotion, or to an exit. "It takes away people being selfish," Armstrong says.
 
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Cant wait. headed to the game tomorrow :goodposting: . I will be sitting 50 yard line 2nd row rockin my Doug Williams jersey seated next to my brother wearing his Peyton manning Jersey :bag: . At least one of us will leave the game happy!

 
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