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***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Offseason Thread (1 Viewer)

that’s, to me, how you build a football team,” Shanahan said. “You build it up front. It starts with that defensive line and that offensive line.
After his years in Denver "building" up the defensive line by continually bringing in other teams (paritcularly Cleveland's) leftovers, WHY does this statement from Shanny concern me? Praying that Shanny is doing the talking but someone, ummmmm, competent is doing the evaluating/decision making on personnel moves. So far, reserving judgment on Allen but very nervously.
:goodposting: Allen's resume in Tampa has it's flaws as well. I'm still passing on the Kool-Aid until I see it can be safely digested. Moreover, I am not going to let myself pretend we're ready to compete with anyone until we have a QB in place that would at least make any other roster as a competitive backup, and our offensive line proves it can block somebody.
 
Moreover, I am not going to let myself pretend we're ready to compete with anyone until we have a QB in place that would at least make any other roster as a competitive backup, and our offensive line proves it can block somebody.
This. But we don't have ANYONE on the offensive side of the ball that seems to be a real playmaker. Maybe if the line gets lots better the skill position players will look better too, I guess that's what we have to hope for.But how this team averages more than 15 points per game is beyond me.
 
Jenkins signs with Philly for only 5/$25M. Compared to Bowen's contract, not sure what went down between Washington and Jenkins.

 
@ProFootbalFocusProFootballFocus.comWell that is true RT @Eric_Edholm: #Redskins look a little strange now, paying Stephen Bowen more than the #Eagles paid Cullen Jenkins.
@ProFootbalFocusProFootballFocus.comOnly thing in their defense is that Bowen a more rounded player (plays run better). Less of a rusher though @Eric_Edholm
 
I think Will Montgomery will win the starting center spot. I don't think Hicks or Lichtensteiger will win starting spots on the O-line unless others get injured or stink even worse.

So far we have one solid starter (Trent Williams) on the O-line and one semi-solid starter (Montgomery), 2 weak spots, and an invisible man.

 
Mike Williams was released.

I'm surprised Shanahan doesn't know that they way to build a football team is up front. You build the lines.

 
Mike Williams was released.

I'm surprised Shanahan doesn't know that they way to build a football team is up front. You build the lines.
:confused:
8. Shanahan said that newly-signed Barry Cofield will play nose tackle and some end in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. He called Cofield the “bell cow” of the New York Giants’ defensive line the past few seasons. “You could tell he was a team leader. He played harder than any player on their team.”

Shanahan said that attitude is comparable to another newly-signed player, Stephen Bowen. “You got two guys who are 27 years old, natural leaders, and that’s, to me, how you build a football team,” Shanahan said. “You build it up front. It starts with that defensive line and that offensive line. We’ve got a couple young guys that, I believe, our future captains, guys that can lead and play well.”
:sarcasm: ?
 
'fatness said:
Mike Williams was released. I'm surprised Shanahan doesn't know that they way to build a football team is up front. You build the lines.
I thought Williams was going to retire. Didn't he have some health problem, blood clots or something?
 
'dgreen said:
Jenkins signs with Philly for only 5/$25M. Compared to Bowen's contract, not sure what went down between Washington and Jenkins.
I am definately under the impression that the Redskins were never negotiatng with Jenkins and the Jenkins' agent was just throwing the Redskins' name around.
 
'fatness said:
Mike Williams was released.

I'm surprised Shanahan doesn't know that they way to build a football team is up front. You build the lines.
I thought Williams was going to retire. Didn't he have some health problem, blood clots or something?
Yes, he was on a reserve list last year because of them, and he had a recurrence of them in February.
 
'Sebowski said:
'fatness said:
Mike Williams was released.

I'm surprised Shanahan doesn't know that they way to build a football team is up front. You build the lines.
:confused:
8. Shanahan said that newly-signed Barry Cofield will play nose tackle and some end in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. He called Cofield the “bell cow” of the New York Giants’ defensive line the past few seasons. “You could tell he was a team leader. He played harder than any player on their team.”

Shanahan said that attitude is comparable to another newly-signed player, Stephen Bowen. “You got two guys who are 27 years old, natural leaders, and that’s, to me, how you build a football team,” Shanahan said. “You build it up front. It starts with that defensive line and that offensive line. We’ve got a couple young guys that, I believe, our future captains, guys that can lead and play well.”
:sarcasm: ?
:shrug: I guess building the OL (and therefore the team) with 30+ year old linemen who could have a cardiac arrest at any moment is better than signing younger up-and-comers. It certainly is surprising that Shanahan doesn't know that.
 
'Sebowski said:
'fatness said:
Mike Williams was released.

I'm surprised Shanahan doesn't know that they way to build a football team is up front. You build the lines.
:confused:
8. Shanahan said that newly-signed Barry Cofield will play nose tackle and some end in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. He called Cofield the “bell cow” of the New York Giants’ defensive line the past few seasons. “You could tell he was a team leader. He played harder than any player on their team.”

Shanahan said that attitude is comparable to another newly-signed player, Stephen Bowen. “You got two guys who are 27 years old, natural leaders, and that’s, to me, how you build a football team,” Shanahan said. “You build it up front. It starts with that defensive line and that offensive line. We’ve got a couple young guys that, I believe, our future captains, guys that can lead and play well.”
:sarcasm: ?
:shrug: I guess building the OL (and therefore the team) with 30+ year old linemen who could have a cardiac arrest at any moment is better than signing younger up-and-comers. It certainly is surprising that Shanahan doesn't know that.
I hope you're not implying that I was implying we should have kept Williams. I was just trying to see where fatness was comijng from.
 
Albert Haynesworth passes conditioning test, ready to practice

Haynesworth, whose inability to pass coach Mike Shanahan’s conditioning test last year was a major distraction for the Redskins, has now passed Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s conditioning test and is ready to practice. Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald reports that Haynesworth passed the test on his first attempt today. He didn’t try the conditioning test yesterday.
:lmao:
 
'thayman said:
'dgreen said:
Jenkins signs with Philly for only 5/$25M. Compared to Bowen's contract, not sure what went down between Washington and Jenkins.
par for the course.
:mellow:
in case you haven't noticed the Redskins have a tendancy to overpay their players.
Tough crowd. The Skins spent about the same money (5/$27.5M) on Bowen, who is younger and less injury prone than Jenkins. And they stole him from a division rival. If that's overpaying, I'm fine with it. In the past, Snyder would have signed Nnamdi, Deangelo and Santonio to max contracts and called it a day. I'd really like to see a few more additions to the OL, but to me, what they've done during this FA period seems like progress and a departure from past mistakes. I guess we'll see.
 
so Tim Hightower huh? Not sure we have anyone elite, but the Skins are definitely getting some depth at RB.
I have no idea about Helu and Royster, but Hightower would definitely be a better receiver than Torain. I'm guessing he's the 3rd down RB.
 
:pickle: Rich Tandler reviews the current depth chart.

ETA: from Tandler's piece:

I'll leave Helu as the backup since I think that Hightower is a role player. He looks like a good third-down back in both passing situations, with his solid blitz pickups and pass-catching ability, and in running situations with his good power running ability (23 rushing TD's in three NFL seasons). He'll get about a dozen touches a game.
I think Hightower is here to be a better Keiland Williams, especially with Keiland now looking at playing FB.
 
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Some twitter action reporting that Vonnie may refuse to report to the Cardinals. Not sure if that's completely the Cardinals problem now, or if it may somehow affect the trade for Hightower.ETA: New Keim tweet:

From the NFL: If Vonnie does not report to the Cards, he would be subject to a fine under the terms of the CBA.
 
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Brown, per the report, agreed to a five-year contract and completes the Redskins’ starting offensive line picture.
As of now, the Redskins’ first-team offensive line is Brown (right tackle), Chris Chester (right guard), Will Montgomery (center), Kory Lichtensteiger (left guard) and Trent Williams (left tackle).
linkIf that's the completed starting line, we're in trouble again.

 
From the same article:

Hightower joins a running back group that includes Ryan Torain and rookies Roy Helu and Evan Royster. Second-year players Keiland Williams and Darrel Young have been working at fullback.
Keiland Williams will not work out at fullback.
 
Sellers Working At Tight End

One of the few veterans who hasn’t been jettisoned the last two off-seasons by Mike Shanahan is 36-year old fullback Mike Sellers. But make that, at least for now, 36-year old tight end Mike Sellers.

Sellers has been working at the position during the two days of camp. Shanahan said it was to get a better look at Darrel Young and Keiland Williams. Said offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan: “We know what Mike can do at the fullback position and we’ve got two young guys who we think are good fullbacks but we’re not sure. There are only so many reps a fullback can take. If they can’t do it, we know we can throw Mike back there at anytime. In order to see those other guys, we have to move Mike someplace else.”

The move shouldn’t necessarily be a sign that Sellers is on the bubble. He probably would have been in the Casey Rabach-Phillip Daniels category – veterans Mike Shanahan respected so he cut them early.
I don't get the love for Sellers given his diminished blocking ability the last 2 years. If he has to make the team just please please promise me he gets 0 rushing opportunities.
 
Offensive line

Starters (left to right): Trent Williams, Kory Lichtensteiger, Will Montgomery, Chris Chester, Jammal Brown.

Backups: Selvish Capers, Maurice Hurt, Eric Cook, Artis Hicks, Clint Oldenburg
ouch
 
I'm not sure Sellers will make the team. Obviously Cooley and Davis are locks. That leaves one TE spot open between Sellers and Paulsen. Paulsen received an increasing number of snaps towards the end of last year and has seemed like a guy who the coaches liked. Despite Sellers' decline in FB production the last couple years, he has remained a solid ST player. ST, though, may be all he offers right now. I see the move from FB to TE as the coaches giving him a shot to make the team, but I'm not sure it will work.

 
From Rich Tandler on Friday.

Kerrigan misses afternoon sessions7:30 p.m.—The Redskins’ top draft pick missed the afternoon walk through session after suffering a hyper extended knee and a bone bruise in the morning practice.Mike Shanahan said that an MRI did not reveal any more serious damage to the knee. He did not know how long the injury might keep Kerrigan off the field.
 
"We can get to the quarterback a lot better if the guys are pushing the pocket," linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "At times last year all we were doing was running circles on the quarterback, and they were able to step up. We have some real good forces this year to where they can corral the quarterback."
link
 
'dgreen said:
I'm not sure Sellers will make the team. Obviously Cooley and Davis are locks. That leaves one TE spot open between Sellers and Paulsen. Paulsen received an increasing number of snaps towards the end of last year and has seemed like a guy who the coaches liked. Despite Sellers' decline in FB production the last couple years, he has remained a solid ST player. ST, though, may be all he offers right now. I see the move from FB to TE as the coaches giving him a shot to make the team, but I'm not sure it will work.
Oh noes...What would Doc Walker do without the Caveman on the team for him to constantly praise?????
 
'dgreen said:
I'm not sure Sellers will make the team. Obviously Cooley and Davis are locks. That leaves one TE spot open between Sellers and Paulsen. Paulsen received an increasing number of snaps towards the end of last year and has seemed like a guy who the coaches liked. Despite Sellers' decline in FB production the last couple years, he has remained a solid ST player. ST, though, may be all he offers right now. I see the move from FB to TE as the coaches giving him a shot to make the team, but I'm not sure it will work.
When I started reading that Williams was taking reps at FB, this went through my mind, as well. But one of the beat writers mentioned the other day (can't remember who, or exactly when, right now) that if that were the case (that Shanahan didn't intend to keep Sellers) he probably would have been released w/ Rabach and Daniels. They were released as soon as cuts were allowed so they would have a chance to get on another team as soon as possible.
 
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'dgreen said:
I'm not sure Sellers will make the team. Obviously Cooley and Davis are locks. That leaves one TE spot open between Sellers and Paulsen. Paulsen received an increasing number of snaps towards the end of last year and has seemed like a guy who the coaches liked. Despite Sellers' decline in FB production the last couple years, he has remained a solid ST player. ST, though, may be all he offers right now. I see the move from FB to TE as the coaches giving him a shot to make the team, but I'm not sure it will work.
When I started reading that Williams was taking reps at FB, this went through my mind, as well. But one of the beat writers mentioned the other day (can't remember who, or exactly when, right now) that if that were the case (that Shanahan didn't intend to keep Sellers) he probably would have been released w/ Rabach and Daniels. They were released as soon as cuts were allowed so they would have a chance to get on another team as soon as possible.
I don't think that it's a situation where they intend to cut him. If it was, I agree he'd already be cut. I think moving him to TE is a way to try and keep him on the team because they'd like to have him around if possible. I'm just not sure TE will work given the other TEs. It's definitely possible, though, that he beats out Paulsen and makes the opening roster.I went to some of training camp this morning. Of course there's no reason to reach any conclusions based on the third practice, after a long lockout, with many players missing. My main observations were: awful QBs and Hankerson looked good. There's my in-depth report.

 
'dgreen said:
I'm not sure Sellers will make the team. Obviously Cooley and Davis are locks. That leaves one TE spot open between Sellers and Paulsen. Paulsen received an increasing number of snaps towards the end of last year and has seemed like a guy who the coaches liked. Despite Sellers' decline in FB production the last couple years, he has remained a solid ST player. ST, though, may be all he offers right now. I see the move from FB to TE as the coaches giving him a shot to make the team, but I'm not sure it will work.
When I started reading that Williams was taking reps at FB, this went through my mind, as well. But one of the beat writers mentioned the other day (can't remember who, or exactly when, right now) that if that were the case (that Shanahan didn't intend to keep Sellers) he probably would have been released w/ Rabach and Daniels. They were released as soon as cuts were allowed so they would have a chance to get on another team as soon as possible.
I don't think that it's a situation where they intend to cut him. If it was, I agree he'd already be cut. I think moving him to TE is a way to try and keep him on the team because they'd like to have him around if possible. I'm just not sure TE will work given the other TEs. It's definitely possible, though, that he beats out Paulsen and makes the opening roster.I went to some of training camp this morning. Of course there's no reason to reach any conclusions based on the third practice, after a long lockout, with many players missing. My main observations were: awful QBs and Hankerson looked good. There's my in-depth report.
When you say "awful QBs," can you elaborate? What mistakes were being made. Is Beck simply not accurate? Weak arm? Can't move? All of the above?
 
'dgreen said:
I'm not sure Sellers will make the team. Obviously Cooley and Davis are locks. That leaves one TE spot open between Sellers and Paulsen. Paulsen received an increasing number of snaps towards the end of last year and has seemed like a guy who the coaches liked. Despite Sellers' decline in FB production the last couple years, he has remained a solid ST player. ST, though, may be all he offers right now. I see the move from FB to TE as the coaches giving him a shot to make the team, but I'm not sure it will work.
When I started reading that Williams was taking reps at FB, this went through my mind, as well. But one of the beat writers mentioned the other day (can't remember who, or exactly when, right now) that if that were the case (that Shanahan didn't intend to keep Sellers) he probably would have been released w/ Rabach and Daniels. They were released as soon as cuts were allowed so they would have a chance to get on another team as soon as possible.
I don't think that it's a situation where they intend to cut him. If it was, I agree he'd already be cut. I think moving him to TE is a way to try and keep him on the team because they'd like to have him around if possible. I'm just not sure TE will work given the other TEs. It's definitely possible, though, that he beats out Paulsen and makes the opening roster.I went to some of training camp this morning. Of course there's no reason to reach any conclusions based on the third practice, after a long lockout, with many players missing. My main observations were: awful QBs and Hankerson looked good. There's my in-depth report.
When you say "awful QBs," can you elaborate? What mistakes were being made. Is Beck simply not accurate? Weak arm? Can't move? All of the above?
I didn't necessarily note who was throwing each pass. But, I noticed a ton of inaccurate throws. Receivers had to reach low or dive on many attempts. (Fred Davis made a great diving catch on the sideline.) Several passes were behind receivers on fairly short routes. Hall had a couple INTs on such throws. Of course, it's always possible some of these were the receivers fault. Fans really never know who is supposed to be where.Some of the downfield stuff was better. Hankerson and Paul each caught some deeper passes that were on the money. But, there weren't many deep throws that I saw. A lot of shorter passes and too many of them ended up on the ground (or in Hall's hands).

 
Shayne Graham coming in later this week.
Supposed to actually be there later today, along with Hightower.From that link, re: Grossman:

Quarterback Rex Grossman has yet to re-sign with the Redskins, but Shanahan said he expects to get a deal done. When asked about the negotiations, Shanahan said, “I’m not going to go through all the details. If he’s not here Thursday, then we can discuss it then.”
Kevin Sheehan had a tweet that Grossman told him he "feels good" that he will sign this week.Jammal Brown was at practice today.

 
For all the pessimism that the current OL is getting, can anyone tell me the last time the 'Skins had 4 returning starters AND none of the starters were more than 30.5 years of age on opening weekend?

 
For all the pessimism that the current OL is getting, can anyone tell me the last time the 'Skins had 4 returning starters AND none of the starters were more than 30.5 years of age on opening weekend?
1st: Bringing back a group of bad starters shouldn't be a cause for celebration2nd: Did we replace the Center and RG so far?
 
For all the pessimism that the current OL is getting, can anyone tell me the last time the 'Skins had 4 returning starters AND none of the starters were more than 30.5 years of age on opening weekend?
1st: Bringing back a group of bad starters shouldn't be a cause for celebration2nd: Did we replace the Center and RG so far?
#1: Define bad? Are these guys each the worst in the league at their respective positions? Guys like Lichtensteiger or Montgomery may not be Pro-Bowlers, but what team has Pro-Bowlers across the line? Chemistry across the line is often more important than individual talent.#2: From 2010? Yes.

I am by no means going to try and sell this unit as one of the league's best. But the assumption that the OL will be as bad or worse than last year simply because the 'Skins didn't replace Steiger and Montgomery with big name Pro Bowlers (read: better "talent")* is myopic, at best. ETA: there is enough combined youth, chemistry and talent for this OL to be respectable to good. Whether it pans out that way is, obviously, yet to be seen.

*and/or, because an assumption is being made that Williams and Brown will regress or otherwise can't improve on last season.

 
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For all the pessimism that the current OL is getting, can anyone tell me the last time the 'Skins had 4 returning starters AND none of the starters were more than 30.5 years of age on opening weekend?
1st: Bringing back a group of bad starters shouldn't be a cause for celebration2nd: Did we replace the Center and RG so far?
#1: Define bad? Are these guys each the worst in the league at their respective positions? Guys like Lichtensteiger or Montgomery may not be Pro-Bowlers, but what team has Pro-Bowlers across the line? Chemistry across the line is often more important than individual talent.#2: From 2010? Yes.

I am by no means going to try and sell this unit as one of the league's best. But the assumption that the OL will be as bad or worse than last year simply because the 'Skins didn't replace Steiger and Montgomery with big name Pro Bowlers (read: better "talent")* is myopic, at best. ETA: there is enough combined youth, chemistry and talent for this OL to be respectable to good. Whether it pans out that way is, obviously, yet to be seen.

*and/or, because an assumption is being made that Williams and Brown will regress or otherwise can't improve on last season.
I agree completely. First of all, Chester should be a big improvement over Hicks at RG. This also improves the OL depth, as Hicks will now be coming off the bench and can play G or T.Second, Montgomery should be a significant improvement over Rabach at C. Every time I've paid attention to Montgomery when he's played in the regular or preseason, he's appeared to be solid, and he should be much stronger at the point of attack than Rabach.

Third, I expect Williams to be significantly improved this year. Players usually make a jump from their rookie to second year, and lets not forget that Williams was basically playing hurt all last season. Reportedly he showed up to camp in good shape and is healthy.

Fourth, Brown's play should be improved from last season as the health of his hip has improved and he should be more comfortable at RT in his second year.

So assuming that there won't be any improvement at LG with Lichensteigher starting (which may be a faulty assumption), the Skins should be improved at 4/5 spots on the OL.

Finally, you have to factor in the chemistry that is needed for success of the zone blocking scheme (or any scheme for that matter) will be improved, since this is the second year all of these guys have been together sans Chester.

Now do I think that this will be a top 5 OL this year? No. But I don't think it's unreasonable at all to expect the OL to improve at least into an average nfl OL (think middle of the pack in the league).

 
Jammal Brown certainly seems optimistic.http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/redskins-jammal-brown-i-believe-in-the-chemistry-mike-shanahan-is-building/2011/07/31/gIQAfMe8lI_blog.html

Right tackle Jammal Brown said his faith in Mike Shanahan and the foundation that the coach laid in his first year at the helm made re-signing with the Washington Redskins more attractive to him than any other offer he received in free agency.Brown, seventh-year pro, on Sunday agreed to terms with Washington on a five-year, $27.5 million deal. He chose the Redskins over Arizona, Kansas City and Chicago. "My heart was here with the Washington Redskins and I believe in the chemistry Mike Shanahan is building," Brown said in a telephone interview Sunday evening. "He's a Super Bowl coach and I think we can win a Super Bowl, too. We started something special last year. I want to be a part of that."
 
According to redskins.com, remaining UFAs from last year's roster:

Buchanon - Announced he's returning.

Doughty - Wouldn't mind him back as good depth at SS. But, not a big deal if he goes elsewhere.

Golston - No opinion, really. Didn't the Redkins make him an offer?

Grossman - Most likely coming back. Better than anyone we have right now at QB.

Heyer - Please, no.

McIntosh - I'd like to see Riley take over. Would Rocky accept a backup role?

Rogers - No chance he's returning.

C. Wilson - Good pass rush specialist. Like Golston, I don't really have an opinion on whether he should return.

 

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