What's Our Weakness?

Not wanting to repeat anything previously mentioned (I agree with secondary and depth being major factors...Collins being part of depth, as if he goes down, the Skins are totally screwed), I'd have to say a weakness is waiting for the bubble to burst.

This has been an amazing 4 game run for this team as they've played their way into the playoffs. However, I just can't imagine another 4 game run like they've had. Granted, it's quite possible the Skins run the table from here on out, but the probability of it happening is incredible, especially with everything they've been through emotionally and physically.

Here's to me being wrong...

Not wanting to repeat anything previously mentioned (I agree with secondary and depth being major factors...Collins being part of depth, as if he goes down, the Skins are totally screwed), I'd have to say a weakness is waiting for the bubble to burst.

This has been an amazing 4 game run for this team as they've played their way into the playoffs. However, I just can't imagine another 4 game run like they've had. Granted, it's quite possible the Skins run the table from here on out, but the probability of it happening is incredible, especially with everything they've been through emotionally and physically.

Here's to me being wrong...

I think everyone is standing with bated breath on this one.

2 things worry me. one is being on an emotional high for over a month now. and the other thing is the play calling. over the 4 game winning streak, the play calling has been superb. lots of passing on first down. i hope coach doesn't go back to the " you have to run the ball in the playoffs" mind set. that's probably how Seattle beat us in 2005. later in that game, when Brunell started to open it up. the skins started to have some success

Actually for me, the idea of an emotional and/or physical let-down is the furthest thing from my mind. I think that this coaching staff, with this group of players, would have to be ranked #1 in the league right now when it comes to getting emotionally ready to play.

The leaders on the team (Portis, Moss, etc.) are taking serious initiative to play their asses off for Sean Taylor. With every snap of the ball, everyone on the field is going balls out. I think there's no doubt they'll all continue playing with major heart, the character of this team just won't let us down in that department, IMO.

As for the physical, I think Gibbs has made sure not to beat them down too much as we came down the home stretch. I don't think we'll have an issue with effort or physical performance. Execution and gameplanning will tell the tale for us, IMO.

I worry about Chris Samuels vs. Patrick Kerney.

I think if your Seattle, you're going to try and exploit the banged up O-line.

Someone brought up (I believe Schneed but I'm too lazy to look) the fact that TC is immobile. If they can get a solid rush, they may be able to really hammer him in for some huge losses.

Conversely, the fact remains that we've got great hot route options.

Run moss on a drag. Cooley on an out. There's so many ways... but if they force a third and long... then we've got issues. We may have to come out passing on early downs. I'm worried that if they stuff the run early... force a third and long. They day will be over.

The Redskin defense is very good when it's well rested The defense tends to break down when the offense is ineffective. So it is important that the offense produces long sustained drives that puts points on the board. Therefore, that would take the Seattle crowd out of the game, force Hasselbeck to beat the Skins with the pass and keep the defense well rested.

I worry about Chris Samuels vs. Patrick Kerney.

Absolutely, and that goes hand-in-hand with Schneed's worries about TC fumbling. Samuels has been beaten consistently during recent weeks, and I'm sure Seattle will try to continue that trend.

I too believe our biggest weakness is the pass-protection, and specifically our LT spot. However, the draw play has been fairly successful, so I'm hoping we can use it to hurt them and slow down the pass rush.

Center exchange.

With the weather predictions and TC's propensity to lose the exchange, I'm worried a few of these could bite us in the butt.

The good thing is that this routine function can be practiced until perfect, now let's go execute it!

If we win the turnover battle, I love our chances!

Ok, this has been great the past month talking about how all aspects our team (passing, running, defense) have stepped up during our winning streak. But as hot as we are right now, there must be something that could hold us back. Some area of our team that opponents could expose to our disadvantage.

So, what's our biggest weakness going into the playoffs?Well, that's easy. The offensive line.

Chris Samuels isn't really playing his best football right now, but he's still got pro bowl skill. Pete Kendall hasn't been good this year, and Rabach has looked downright terrible at times, while average at others. Fabini has been a consistent performer, but the Redskins have really given him a lot of help on interior linemen in the passing game. Our coaching staff really doesn't trust him and it's hurting everyone else. Heyer has been playing...maybe the best out of anyone, but he's still a rookie and can be overwhelmed at the point of attack.

Our interior offensive line has been brutal, and it has cost us a pretty significant part of our running game. That's huge, because Portis leads the NFL in carries, and on the whole, has been downright terrible in effectiveness.

However, as usually happens when the defensive opposition starts to wear down late in the year, Portis manages to keep himself healthy into December, and he's looking like a man amongst boys out there. Portis' running style throughout the year is very conducive to strong playoff running, and I expect him to produce. On top of that, Betts is healty. So we have no excuse not to get everyone blocked up for these guys.

It's just that even with the late season advantage at RB, it's still going to be tough to run on anyone with the line up there. These guys as a unit just aren't very good.