A good off-season review for the Redskins

Right. It's like everyone thinks that we overachieved in 2004 and 2005. Sure, that might be true to some extent, but there's more to it than just overachieving.

Right. It's like everyone thinks that we overachieved in 2004 and 2005. Sure, that might be true to some extent, but there's more to it than just overachieving.


just wondering how did we overachieve in 2004.

Nice post Joe.
I think part of the choice to rebuild in the D-secondary, rather than the line has to be price and availability of top shelf linemen. Plus we have to possible replacements/stars in the wings. Just like Joe said, gotta' trust GW

just wondering how did we overachieve in 2004.

I'm assuming he meant the defense specifically, not the team as a whole.

I'm assuming he meant the defense specifically, not the team as a whole.


I got it. It was kind of misleading at first.http://www.thewarpath.net/images/icons/icon7.gif

hahaha. read up on your favorite football team. might have been the best offensive team, of all time

I think the off-season moves rank a C for me. The team did a great job of upgrading the secondary and the linebackers, but I am really worried about the defensive line. It's my personal belief, that excellent defensive line play can make a mediocre secondary and linebackers look good. Pressure on the quarterback and line stuffing protects the back seven. It's especially bad for the Redskins because the defensive line has been neglected for years. Daniels and Griffin are very good linemen, but they are often injured and the drop off from starters to backups is tremendous. Golston and Montgomery will have to really step it up this year and I think coach Williams believes they will. I will believe it when I see it. I'm hoping it will work out but I have my doubts.

I think the off-season moves rank a C for me. The team did a great job of upgrading the secondary and the linebackers, but I am really worried about the defensive line. It's my personal belief, that excellent defensive line play can make a mediocre secondary and linebackers look good. Pressure on the quarterback and line stuffing protects the back seven. It's especially bad for the Redskins because the defensive line has been neglected for years. Daniels and Griffin are very good linemen, but they are often injured and the drop off from starters to backups is tremendous. Golston and Montgomery will have to really step it up this year and I think coach Williams believes they will. I will believe it when I see it. I'm hoping it will work out but I have my doubts.

Well, that's kinda the crux of the disagreement. Someone posted (and it got reprinted in JLC's Washington Post blog) that the significant difference between the 2005 and 2006 D's was the drop off in game changing plays made by the secondary. Undoubtedly, the drop off of impact plays was the result of poor play by both the line and the secondary but which was more to blame for the drop off?

The coaches seem to think it was the back 7 that failed and that the line, as constituted, will create enough pressure to make things work. As I said, given their track record, I will go with the coaches at this point. (Disclaimer: Given the obvious apparent need at DL, I reserve the right to w/draw my endorsement after four games if the D is performing poorly AND the DL is arguably the main culprit).

I think its fair to say that everyone here would feel better if a playmaker or two had been signed for the line and that we all have our doubts concerning the DL. It's just the level of concern that seems to be in debate.

just wondering how did we overachieve in 2004.

I think that some people feel that because we weren't highly ranked the year before that we brought in a bunch of retreads and undrafted players, only to ascend to number three in the league that year...

Still though, there's more to it than that in my opinion.

I think that some people feel that because we weren't highly ranked the year before that we brought in a bunch of retreads and undrafted players, only to ascend to number three in the league that year...

Still though, there's more to it than that in my opinion.


I honestly see us going back to the top 10 in defense this year.