Some offseason optimism

I've been wondering lately about Phillip Daniels and the potential impact he could have next year (if he's even back, which I'm not sure of). Even though he is getting up there in years I think I'd feel pretty comfortable with him back on the D-line clogging up the running lanes.

I think it was JLC that commented recently that his rehab is going well and he expects to play again next year. I know Blache loves him so I would think he'll be back.

nice thread Pain! my center of gravity has been restored

I expect the Skins to be better next season. I am very optimistic considering the fact that Zorn did a pretty good job the first half of the season. Our young WR will be maturer and I'm hopeful Fred Davis + Chris Cooley (aka FDCC insurance) will excited Redskins fans and terrorize NFL defenses. I'm hoping we draft decent players in the first few rounds that meet needs, maybe trade away future picks to get more second round players.

I expect the Skins to be better next season. I am very optimistic considering the fact that Zorn did a pretty good job the first half of the season. Our young WR will be maturer and I'm hopeful Fred Davis + Chris Cooley (aka FDCC insurance) will excited Redskins fans and terrorize NFL defenses. I'm hoping we draft decent players in the first few rounds that meet needs, maybe trade away future picks to get more second round players.

Maybe trade down later in the first round, then, trade that pick further down into the 2nd round! I don't want to mortgage future picks, just utilze what we have to it's fullest potential. I loved the idea of 3 #2s last year, but didn't like two receivers and a TE! I would have preferred a WR, DL, and OL at those spots, and the DL & OL is still a glaring need!

I've tried to not put too much stock into this year with the belief that next year is when we will see real improvement. I still feel that way. One more year in this offense is something I can get excited about. I fully expect improvements from JC and the receivers. JC is ahead of schedule in my opinion. Whether it was forced because of our play this year or not, I don't care, it looks like we are finally going to address our lines and I think that's GREAT. I think that will help lay the foundation for success for many years to come. I'm excited about the draft and seeing the moves we make during the offseason and I'm happy we've stayed on track instead of firing the coach and starting a new offensive system yet again. Great Thread Pain! HAIL REDSKINS!!!

Maybe trade down later in the first round, then, trade that pick further down into the 2nd round! I don't want to mortgage future picks, just utilze what we have to it's fullest potential. I loved the idea of 3 #2s last year, but didn't like two receivers and a TE! I would have preferred a WR, DL, and OL at those spots, and the DL & OL is still a glaring need!

If there's no one good that can fill a need then, yeah, trade our 1st round pick otherwise keep it. I really like the picks of two WR and a TE, it spreads risk quite nicely. Hopefully we can get some more gems in the 2nd round this year.

If there's no one good that can fill a need then, yeah, trade our 1st round pick otherwise keep it. I really like the picks of two WR and a TE, it spreads risk quite nicely. Hopefully we can get some more gems in the 2nd round this year.

I say we take either the best LB or OL available with the 13th pick. That could be Eugene Monroe, James Laurinitis, Brian Cushing, Jason Smith, Duke Robinson, Brandon Spikes... I'd be thrilled with any of those guys.

Great thread PT. One more positive I might add is our schedule for next year, from the brief glance I gave it we look to have things I little easier than '08. Previous years I wouldn't really point to this but under Zorn I think we've won all but two of the games we should have IMO (should not have lost to St. Louis or Cinci - I sort of expected the loss to SanFran), so I'm taking a risk in hoping next year we actually have an above average season since... jeez when was and last?

We've all had window seats on the Bitter Bus the past few weeks (and I stirred up enough negativity with the Vick thread) so I figured I'd put forth a few positives entering this year vs. last year:

1. Stability-The dreaded "s" word. For the first time in a long time we're not going into the offseason either installing a new offense or a new defense or someone learning an important position on the job (Campell in '07). We should be able to focus on execution, expansion of the offense and fine tuning the defense.

2. Injuries-Other than Samuels, we've got no other starters that will require significant offseason rehab and recovery. Remember last year we had questions about Rogers, McIntosh, R. Thomas and Jansen being able to start the season healthy. This year we're going into the offseason work with virtually all hands on deck.

3. Familiarity-While the roster will see some much needed change, we are almost assured to enter 2009 with the same skill position players we ended the season with. Campbell, Portis, Cooley, Moss, Randle El, Kelly, Thomas, Sellers on offense, Landry, Horton, Springs, Hall & Rogers (assuming Hall signs and Rogers isn't traded) on defense. It's been said ad naseum that our major flaw is in the trenches. I think it's significant that the players we count on to have or be around the ball are not having to learn anything new or differently and can just build on whatever foundation is here.

What are some of the other positives we can highlight?

I'm not down with the familiarity or stability excuse. Guys move around all the time and it's business as usual (rookie QBs, RBs and WRs who produce right away, rookie coaches make the playoffs, veteran QBs like Brees going to NO and putting up huge numbers from day 1 and others like Pennington this year, backup QBs stepping right in, etc.). This is the Pros.

I am optimistic that the Skins will dust off all of their weapons next year and become more dynamic and difficult to defend on offense - use a 2 or 3 back system, get Kelly, Thomas and Davis on the field early and often (and use ARE like he was used in Pittsburgh), better utilize Campbell's legs, more creative play calling (use the backs in the passing game, some Wildcat and other gadget plays every game, no huddle here and there, move the pocket around, naked bootlegs on the goal line, etc.).

Throw in some tweaks on defense to create more sacks, turnovers and be generally more disruptive - and presto chango, the Skins are back in the playoffs, maybe even going deep.

Yeah I stirred up about half of the stuff up on the Vick thread. Sorry everyone I'm trying to quit smoking and it's a bitch. I also work in the mortgage industry and things are, shall we say, hectic right now with 4.5% rates.
I say let it ride. After reading about the Salary cap, great thread by the way, I can see most of our guys coming back and for the first time healthy.
I'm also optimistic about FA and the draft because I think Vinny and Danny are starting to learn their lessons.
We did sweep the Eagles and that is always good and we did beat Dallas at least once. I'd be happy with another NFC East win against Dallas or the Jersey Giants.
If things don't work out then we'll blow it up. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. I'm looking forward to another season to see what Z can do. If we can start bumping up wins every season then we'll get there.