Debunking top 3 myths about the '09 Redskins

1. The Redskins have the oldest, most injury prone OL in the division.
Actually the Cowboys have the oldest offensive line with no starter under 30 years old and an average age of 30.8. The Eagles have a younger offensive line but have 2 starters coming off of season ending injuries (Andrews-back and Andrews-torn ACL) and another addition that gave up 11.5 sacks (Peters). Samuels is the only Redskins OL that didn't finish the season last year and their average age is 29.8 years with 2 starters under 30.

2. The Redskins have the least productive returning receiving corp in the division.
If you read anything in any preseason magazine or on any website or listened to any sports radio you'd think we had Santana Moss and a bunch of camp bodies catching the ball. In reality, we have the most productive receiving group in the division. Here are the top 6 returning pass catchers (WR, TE, RB) for every team in the NFC East:
Eagles
214 receptions, 2839 yards, 15 TD

Giants
159 receptions, 1795 yards, 12 TD

Cowboys
232 receptions, 2585 yards, 15 TD

Redskins
280 receptions, 3024 yards, 11 TD

While we're behind on the TD passes, it's pretty clear that we have the most productive receiving group. By the way, the Redskins numbers don't include Kelly or Davis, both of whom are expected to contribute much more to the passing game.

3. The Haynesworth signing represents the 'same old Redskins' way of building a team and overall organizational instability. Of approximately 23 player additions to the roster over the past 3 years, 18 were either drafted or originally acquired by the Redskins (this includes Smoot and Dockery who returned in FA). The team is also the only one in the division who is returning it's entire coaching staff from last season and the only one who hasn't replaced their defensive coordinator from the start of last season.

I just wanted to throw some positive vibes and reality out there on the brink of training camp.

Good stuff man, good stuff

Fantastic thread...which unfortunately will fall on many deaf ears (or blind eyes in the case of a message board)

Damn son you nailed it!!! Point three is huge IMHO...it's something we might have heard before but grasping the importance of continuity among the coaches isn't automatic. I think the Giants have lost the most talent in the coaching dept. once Spags left...I really, really want to believe we can sweep those guys in '09.

The WR corp does look good on paper but we need better redzone production and fewer dropped passes on big downs...doesn't the law of averages insist this season will be better in those aspects than we've seen for a while? :)

2. The Redskins have the least productive returning receiving corp in the division.
If you read anything in any preseason magazine or on any website or listened to any sports radio you'd think we had Santana Moss and a bunch of camp bodies catching the ball. In reality, we have the most productive receiving group in the division. Here are the top 6 returning pass catchers (WR, TE, RB) for every team in the NFC East:
Eagles
214 receptions, 2839 yards, 15 TD

Giants
159 receptions, 1795 yards, 12 TD

Cowboys
232 receptions, 2585 yards, 15 TD

Redskins
280 receptions, 3024 yards, 11 TD

While we're behind on the TD passes, it's pretty clear that we have the most productive receiving group. By the way, the Redskins numbers don't include Kelly or Davis, both of whom are expected to contribute much more to the passing game.

Maybe I'm not following here, but are you talking about starting pass catchers only?

Here's the way the stats line up in the NFC East according to NFL.com:

philly = 6th in the league in passing, 362 completions
dallas = 9th, 328 completions
nyg = 18th, 298 completions
was = 23rd, 318 completions

I guess there are statistical myths, as you've pointed out, but then there's actual results, and our passing game has been downright impotent for years.

Nice kick in the ass Pain!

good thread except the receiving one seems a little off base, yes the returning ones are the most productive but keep in mind that desean jackson is now in his second year and dmac now has macklin. Just because plaxico isn't returning doesn't mean those yards will disappear from the giants passing game. Finally, as much as i hate to admit it, romo is a good/very good regular season passer and the loss of to will not lead to a large dropoff in total passing yardage as roy williams will be in his second year in the system.
Now, admittedly, it is time for thomas, kelly, and davis to step up and contribute solidly to the passing game for us as well so as a whole the division looks to be pretty solid. But using returning stats is not very smart because by that logic, the pats are returning 0 yards...does that mean they suck?? The other two are huge points though so props for bringing that up

Maybe I'm not following here, but are you talking about starting pass catchers only?

Here's the way the stats line up in the NFC East according to NFL.com:

philly = 6th in the league in passing, 362 completions
dallas = 9th, 328 completions
nyg = 18th, 298 completions
was = 23rd, 318 completions

I guess there are statistical myths, as you've pointed out, but then there's actual results, and our passing game has been downright impotent for years.

You wanna borrow this avatar?

http://images3.makefive.com/images/200844/808157b459848caf.jpg

Maybe I'm not following here, but are you talking about starting pass catchers only?

Here's the way the stats line up in the NFC East according to NFL.com:

philly = 6th in the league in passing, 362 completions
dallas = 9th, 328 completions
nyg = 18th, 298 completions
was = 23rd, 318 completions

I guess there are statistical myths, as you've pointed out, but then there's actual results, and our passing game has been downright impotent for years.

I don't think you're following. Paintrain pointed out that these numbers "are the top 6 returning pass catchers (WR, TE, RB) for every team in the NFC East."

Great points, Paintrain. Well done.

good thread except the receiving one seems a little off base, yes the returning ones are the most productive but keep in mind that desean jackson is now in his second year and dmac now has macklin. Just because plaxico isn't returning doesn't mean those yards will disappear from the giants passing game. Finally, as much as i hate to admit it, romo is a good/very good regular season passer and the loss of to will not lead to a large dropoff in total passing yardage as roy williams will be in his second year in the system.

Gotta disagree....Desean Jackson will be better, but Macklin is a rookie and wont make a huge impact like some are thinking he will. The Giants losing Plax is HUGE, he is obviously an idiot for shooting himself, but teamed with Eli they really had something good going. There isnt a "proven" receiver on the Giants roster, just alot of promising youngsters. The loss of TO is gonna be an issue for Romo, and will lead to alot more attention for Witten. Roy Williams is a good receiver, but doesnt bring the same scare factor as TO. I think this leads to a drop off for Mr. Homo.