Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Preseason Week 1)

Yeah, I don't think Zorn can afford to leave them in that long. Having a lack of depth on the team means that we can't expose our starters to injury in a prolonged stay in a preseason game. The Pats and Eagles are pretty deep teams so they are afforded the luxury of leaving people in there longer.

Also, they don't rely on the output or welfare of one key player, as witnessed when Brady went down. They scheme their roster around their gameplan so the responsibility doesn't just fall to one or two key players.

Furthermore, Darth Hoody can do whatever the hell he wants in New England (that's what three SBs will do) and is not under the scrutiny that Zorn is by the ownership and the fans. Had Zorn left the starters out there for a couple of more series, and someone had gotten hurt, this forum alone would have blown up with "why the hell did Zorn leave the starters out there" comments.

We only have two offensive players who we NEED to get out of the game asap as to protect their health for the Giants week one, but when those two guys leave, it makes logical sense to remove some of the other talent we have on the field because they have little left to prove.

I'd like to leave the first defense out there longer. Maybe give them two series in the next game with Haynesworth and Fletcher, and then give them two more series without those two before turning to the backups. But there's certain players on offense (Samuels and Campbell) that we need to have out there on gameday, and it makes no sense to get them more than a cup o coffee in the preseason.

I think that's really jumping the gun on Barnes


I agree. He went for a pump fake. This happens all the time and especially on rookies. He acknowledged the mistake and will learn from it.

I am starting to feel bad for Tryon. Someone mentioned that he is fighting for the #4 corner. I wonder if he is fighting for a spot on the team. Throwing at him was almost a guaranteed first down.

I agree. He went for a pump fake. This happens all the time and especially on rookies. He acknowledged the mistake and will learn from it.

I am starting to feel bad for Tryon. Someone mentioned that he is fighting for the #4 corner. I wonder if he is fighting for a spot on the team. Throwing at him was almost a guaranteed first down.It's also the coordinators responsibility to make sure that primary zone coverage players like Hall and Tryon don't end up in man coverage very often.

I mean, if Tryon develops into a nice man corner, that's one thing. There's nothing wrong with testing his weaknesses in the pre-season. You just don't release somebody based on their inability to perform a specific skill that is a non-essential quality of a dime back.

Blache doesn't seem to have a problem with Tryon and Zorn said he'll learn from this because he's that type of player. So apparently he hasn't damaged their regard for him.

I just watched something like the first 6 passes and I saw Tryon's number 20 every pass. He wasn't even close to some of the receivers. I can't imagine his zone coverages would be any better...

But I think it should be try-OUT. I don't think I'd ever want him in a game for us after seeing this. A major liability for sure. If I was the opposing QB, I'd target him on every pass, like Flacco did.

I'm still hopeful for Barnes, and will give him the benefit of the doubt. Sure, it doesn't make any sense -- but after seeing that one play knocking a receiver out & making him puke -- I feel like he's a baller.

I couldn't really care less about the Maryland Terps to be honest. I still think though this was a really good move and he will be our nickel back...in 2010. But I think he'll get significant playing time in 2009.


Yeah Maryland Schmaryland. I get sick of this Maryland/local kid angle. It's pure boilerplate for lazy writers who have to do a Redskins story a day for all of camp. They pull up last year's story and change the name. Heyer, Buzbee, Barnes.

Maybe we should try loading up on players from teams that you know WIN their conference and a better conference at that. People act like Maryland is some factory when they are in actuality, middle of the pack in a conference that has not been taken all that seriously of late. All the athletes are in the SEC and at the Florida schools.

Don't get me wrong.........I love Maryland as I grew up there, attended UM, etc. BUT, nobody in S. Fl is worried about U of M

Sages - What the hell? You promised me if I gave you $200 the Redskins would win 23-0.