Starting DT: Griffin and ?

Given Griffin's size (6-3, 300), it seems like they would need to stick a bigger guy in there to cover the 0 and 1-techniques. Haley's size (6-4, 325) would seem to make him a more viable candidate for that role than Noble (6-2, 304) or Salave'a (6-3, 295).

I know that the 1-technique is not entirely about size, but it certainly does help. Noble for instance, is not the biggest DT out there, but he has been known in the past as a guy who can capably fill the 1-gap and take on double-teams. However, Noble's knee injury, combined with his smaller size in comparison to Haley, lead me to believe Haley should be the guy alongside Griffin.

I also expect Williams to keep a steady rotation going along the line, with Wynn and Daniels often lining up at the DT spots, depending on the situation.

I'm pulling for Salave'a to make a name for himself as a key reserve along the D-line. Hopefully, his reunion with Williams will lead to good things for him and the defensive line.

Haley was my vote, I will also add this, his play toward's the end of last year was impressive, he didn't have the sack's, but he was penetrating into the backfield, I was wondering where he came from? I was kind of surprised he hasen't been more talked about as a starter, I thought I heard something a while back about him not being able to hold up all season, he defiently has the size we are looking for, I think he will be the guy, although we will probably see a lot of guy's get playing time on the D-line.

I don't think Noble will be ready by the start of the season so I'm going with Haley. If I remember right he played most of last season with a broken thumb and considering that I don't think he did all that bad.

I think Matty is right though that Daniels could play a lot of DT as well. Not only to put both Upshaw and Wynn in there at DE but also when they ocassionaly put Washington or LaVar up on the line as well

Great post, Joe.

It would be great to see Noble out there and healthy, but my guess is that wont be for a while yet, if ever. I'll go with Haley, and let's hope it holds up!

Haley was my vote, I will also add this, his play toward's the end of last year was impressive, he didn't have the sack's, but he was penetrating into the backfield, I was wondering where he came from? I was kind of surprised he hasen't been more talked about as a starter, I thought I heard something a while back about him not being able to hold up all season, he defiently has the size we are looking for, I think he will be the guy, although we will probably see a lot of guy's get playing time on the D-line.
I think you may be thinking of Bernard Holsey there offiss, Haley was banged up late in the year and didn't play much.

Holsey is still a free agent as far as I know. I'm surprised there hasn't been more interest in him considering he would come cheap, and he can certainly fill a reserve role.

That being said, I have a feeling that we may see Haley in the starting rotation, with Wynn or Daniels sliding inside on nickel packages.

I'd like to say we may also see some 3-4 with Griffin at NT, and Mitchell coming in, but Griffin really doesn't have the requisite size to play there.

Lets hope someone gets cut in the next few weeks that can give us some decent minutes up front.

I think you may be thinking of Bernard Holsey there offiss, Haley was banged up late in the year and didn't play much.

No, I was defiently thinking of Haley, but my timing is probably off, it could have been mid way through the season, or toward's the end, I am not really sure, I just remembered him standing out, and your probably right, I was hoping to see more of him late in the season and he had an injury prob. I was disapointed at the time I didn't get more of a chance to see him play.

But thank's for keeping an eye on me Matty! ;)

yeah cuz he was put on IR not too far into the season, maybe half way or something

Joe,

Thanks for the great explanation. You live up well to the "knowledgeable fan" standard. I really believe this has got to be one of the best fan sites on the web.

--Phin

Hey JoeCrisp:

Just out of curiosity, what do you do for a living? Are you a writer now? Did you get an English degree in college? Are you seriously trying to break into sports journalism/commentary?

Somebody mentioned ESPN. Judging from what I've read, it certainly sounds like you've got the goods. Have you ever sent in your writings to newspapers or magazines for publication?

Keep us updated, and follow your dreams!

Hey JoeCrisp:

Just out of curiosity, what do you do for a living? Are you a writer now? Did you get an English degree in college? Are you seriously trying to break into sports journalism/commentary?

Somebody mentioned ESPN. Judging from what I've read, it certainly sounds like you've got the goods. Have you ever sent in your writings to newspapers or magazines for publication?

Keep us updated, and follow your dreams!
Thanks for the encouragement, Beems! I really appreciate it.

I'm actually a quality control auditor for Comcast in Richmond, but that has nothing to do with my writing aspirations.

I majored in Mass Communications at James Madison University, with a focus in telecommunications-- mostly the technical and business aspects of telecom networks. In hindsight, I really wish I had focused on journalism-- which, as you can see, is what I truly enjoy.

Thankfully, I did manage to take a few newswriting and journalism-oriented classes while fulfilling the credit requirements in my major, which provided me enough insight to the business to have a pretty good idea of how the whole newswriting thing works.

Ultimately, I would love to become a full-time Redskins beat reporter for somebody. I've started the process of contacting local and regional newspapers, trying to sell them on the idea of printing my camp reports. I didn't really feel comfortable with my writing until after the last minicamp, but the generous encouragement you guys have given me has really made me feel much more confident in my abilities.

Hopefully, with a little persistence, I'll be able to sell a few sports editors on the idea of printing my camp reports this summer. I'm planning on taking a week off from work and doing a week-long report sometime during training camp. I'm just waiting to see how Coach Gibbs plans to handle the media access and open practices.

I didn't think it would be worth it to go up there this weekend, given the fact that reporters wouldn't be allowed to watch the most critical portions of practice. Interviews are great, but I think you guys get more out of what I'm able to tell you about positional competitions and the performances of particular players and units during full-squad sessions.