Redskins 2005 Report Cards - Offense

#61 Casey Rabach - When the Redskins entered the offseason last year one of their most glaring needs was at the center position. Once free agency opened the Redskins moved quickly to sign the best available center in Casey Rabach who had previously started all 16 games at center for the Ravens in 2004.

Rabach quickly solidifed the interior of the Redskins' offensive line that just a year ago was very much a problem area with the rotation of Raymer and Friedman. Rabach is an above average center with decent power and quickness and he did an excellent job making all the line calls in 2005. He's also known for a tireless work ethic which fits in perfectly with a Joe Gibbs' coached team.

Grade: B

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#77 Randy Thomas - Thomas has been one of the better free agent acquisitions the Redskins have made in recent memory. Since coming over from the NY Jets in 2003, Thomas has excelled at left guard with his athletic ability and toughness.

Before breaking his leg in the week 15 romp over Dallas, Thomas was having a Pro Bowl caliber season as he was frequently the lead pulling guard on running plays that helped lead Clinton Portis to a record breaking season.

Perhaps his shining moment of the season came when he was injured. As he was carted off the field he pumped his fists in the air and the FedEx Field crowd responded with a raucous ovation.

"We just whupped the Dallas Cowboys, and I was part of it for three-and-a-half quarters."

Grade: A


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#66 Derrick Dockery - Still regarded by many as the weakest link on the offensive line, Dockery made some nice strides in 2005. Since being drafted by the Redskins in 2003, Dockery has been an iron man of sorts making 45 starts in 48 games. For a man who stands 6'6 and goes about 335 pounds, he's surprisingly agile and he's often utilized on the Joe Gibbs' staple, the counter. Dockery is still susceptible to mental errors such as false starts, though he has managed to cut down on them compared to earlier in his career.

Dockery is due to be a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Redskins could possibly look to upgrade with a free agent such as Seattle's standout guard Steve Hutchinson. Hutchinson is likely to command a lucractive deal however, so in all likelihood the team will look to re-sign Dockery at a much more affordable price tag as he seems to be well liked by line coach Joe Bugel.

Grade: C+

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#10 John Hall - Hall came to the Redskins in 2003 as part of the infamous Jet-Skins raid. Since coming over Hall has battled injury problems that have limited his effectiveness. After an injury free 2003 season in which he knocked through 25 of 33, he's gone on to miss 14 games the past 2 seasons and his range is the one area that really seems to have taken a toll due to the injuries.

Hall is a very well paid kicker and the Redskins will likely look to bring in some healthy competition during training camp. If Hall can shake the injury bug and regain some his earlier form he's definitely worth keeping around. However it's yet to be seen if the Redskins are willing to suffer through another season of instability from the kicking game. Hall has alot to prove this offseason.

Final stats:
12/14 Field Goals
85.7 %
Long of 45 yards
27/27 XP

Grade: C

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Quick Hitters:

Patrick Ramsey - played well in relief on 12/24/05 during the blowout win over the Giants. Saw limited mop-up duty in two other games after beginning the season as the starter. Not likely to be back with the Redskins in 2006.

Grade: Incomplete

Rock Cartwright - solid on special teams and filled in well when called upon at RB. Had a career day against the Rams on 12/4/05 when he rushed for 118 yards on just 9 carries. While he seems to be a favorite of the coaching staff, he could be pushed for his spot in camp by last year's 7th round pick Nehemiah Broughton.

Grade: B

James Thrash - another high performer on special teams, Thrash is also a reliable veteran in the passing game at times. At this point in his career though he's a #4 WR at best. Thrash has always been known for his work ethic and is a good locker room presence.

Grade: C+

David Patten - had his season cut short by injury, but even when he was healthy he was a bit of an enigma. Patten was becoming frustrated with his role with the team before his injury and it should be interesting to see how he fits in with Al Saunders' offense in 2006. The Redskins will likely look to acquire another WR to compete for the #2 spot.

Grade: Incomplete

Antonio Brown - world class speed but he's still raw when it comes to the fundamentals. Assigned to NFL Europe this offseason to hopefully hone his skills. Contributed a huge kick return for a score in week 12 against the Cardinals, but at other times he was a fumble just waiting to happen.

Grade: C-

Taylor Jacobs - a former 2nd round draft pick, Jacobs could be on his last legs with the Redskins. When Patten went down Jacobs had a golden opportunity to step in and claim the job, but he did nothing but solidify the opinions fans have formed about him. Soft, lacking confidence, often injured... 3 traits that will get you run out of town very quickly in any NFL city.

Grade: F

Nick Novak - hit on 5/7 field goals including the game winner in OT against Seattle in week 3 while filling in for the injured John Hall. A local product from Maryland, Novak was a nice early season success story. Novak caught on with the Cardinals once Hall was healthy filling in for Neil Rackers.

Grade: B

Ray Brown - Brown was called upon late in the season when Randy Thomas went down and he filled in admirably. There was an understandable dropoff in production from Thomas to Brown, but the 42 year old Brown proved he could still hold his own with guys half his age as he closed out a remarkable career in 2005. Brown gets a 'A' here as a tribute to his stellar career.

Grade: A

Alright guys, I'm opening this thread up for comments, feel free to give your own grades, rip mine apart, etc.

I'll get started on the defense soon.

i think saying doc is only slightly better than hall and was as bad as royal is a little harsh. I say doc is deserving of a B- or better atleast. Otherwise i agree with most of them.

Antonio brown a C-. Does anyone still like this guy?? i still do. I think NFL europe will make him one mean catching machine. He doesn't cost much and i think he is fine for kick returns but then again so is betts.

also if you do give out A+s both my man Portis and expecially Randy thomas should get em

Randy Thomas - A+++.

It can't be stressed enough how important he is to our team. Best offensive lineman we have, by far.

I ALSO challenge you a duel! BSB made me pull out the dueling gloves today...

On a more serious note, it's good info. Only thing I'd change is that I'd either give Patten a grade or make Novak incomplete.

PS Matty, nice job with these report cards. I enjoy reading them.