Redskins vs Rams predictions

I think this will be a tougher game for the Skins since the Rams will have their entire coaching staff. The Skins dont get 40 points but they do win.

Skins 27
Rams 23

Well technically, the Rams DCoordinator (GWilliams) is suspended. But certainly they have had the whole offseason to prep for that fact.

I figure we will run the ball quite a bit too using all three backs. However, I don't think the game plan should involve RGIII running the ball this week. Rams are expecting it. Instead roll him out a lot and dump it off short-middle all day and let the receivers/TEs make some plays.

Well technically, the Rams DCoordinator (GWilliams) is suspended. But certainly they have had the whole offseason to prep for that fact.

I wasnt aware of that. I dont think this will be as big a deal as the Saints not having their head coach. I think the Saints really missed having Payton on the sideline to manage the game because it seemed to me that when they showed the Saints sideline they seemed disorganized and slow to react. IMO the Saints no having Payton was a big difference maker.

I was curious how the other qb's on the top rookie qb debut winners (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/09/griffin-best-rookie-debut/1#.UFMlmFHmj2n) fared their 2nd week and honestly doesn't look very good for RG3:

Fran Tarkenton (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TarkFr00/gamelog/1961/)(148.6 qb rating 1st game) Lost to Dallas 7-21 with a completion % of 33%
Staubach(115.3) skipped the next game
Matt Ryan (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RyanMa00/gamelog/2008/)(137) Lost to Tampa Bay 9-24 with a completion % of 39%
Bob Griese (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrieBo00/gamelog/1967/)(92.5) Lost to Kansas 0-24 with a completion % of 50%

Hopefully Bob bucks that part of it!

I figure we will run the ball quite a bit too using all three backs. However, I don't think the game plan should involve RGIII running the ball this week. Rams are expecting it. Instead roll him out a lot and dump it off short-middle all day and let the receivers/TEs make some plays.

I agree. We have enough components to keep teams totally guessing all year long. The play to Banks worked well, so they could incorporate more of that, work in Helu and Royster more and even look to get Niles Paul going. Mix in some no huddle and BAM, the Rams won't know what hit them.

We should be able to run the ball and limit RGIII to 20-25 pass attempts. You have seen some teams get in trouble by asking their QBs to drop back 50 plus times (see Iggles).

The offense won't be as explosive this week, the Rams defense is much better than the Saints D. On the other side of the ball however the Rams have nothing in the pass game that concerns me (although I like Bradford) and our front seven should control Jackson. Also with them starting two, maybe three backup OL-including Wayne Hunter at LT, we should be in their backfield all day long.

27-10 Redskins

One of the things I have been reading is how Shanahan has incorporated tthe concept of "packaging plays" into the offense. Seems Shanahan has really rediscovered his innovative side with RGIII.

By using packaging plays, the coach provides a personnel group and formation from which the QB can run a variety of plays. It allows the QB to read a defense and choose what to do based on his read. It is more than an audible system and less than a "no huddle" offense. To me, its seems like a real innovation in the way pro football is being played - equivalent to the development of the Zone Blitz on defense. It allows the coach to provide in game support based on the staff's analysis, yet allows the QB to adapt to the in-game situation.

As ESPN's Dan Graziano reported after the game:

I asked Shanahan if this had been by design — if he'd set up that first drive with those quick passes to help his rookie get into the rhythm of the game without facing pressure from the Saints' defense or pressure to go through progressions while he got his feet under him. Because I figured, if it had been, it was a pretty smart idea.

"No, he has options on those plays," Shanahan said. "He decided to run it that way."

This idea, known in coaching circles as "packaging plays," is the newest and most effective development in football. By blending passes and screens with running plays, the quarterback can decide who gets the ball based on what the defense does, and in turn, turn the defense’s own decision into its own fatal mistake. It's a credit to Griffin that although he may not be ready to be Tom Brady on a drop-back pass, his coaches trusted him to be the point guard of his offense. It's triple-option football, translated and transmuted into something palatable for the pros, and it worked. The credit goes to Shanahan for evolving with the times and embracing a style his young quarterback is comfortable with.

Back to School: How Mike Shanahan Is Using RG3's College Offense With the Redskins - The Triangle Blog - Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/36841/back-to-school-how-mike-shanahan-is-using-rg3s-college-offense-with-the-redskins)

And the coolest thing? It's all based on Tecmo Bowl!

"Packaged" plays and rethinking the concept of modern play calling - Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8287610/packaged-plays-rethinking-concept-modern-play-calling)

I am revising my call. This is a blow out. Skins 42, Rams 14.

Viva la Revolucion!

Joe, 42-14 really??? Why you copying me bro?

Another tidbit from the "Back to School" article quoted above:

Unlike many NFL coaches whose egos and lack of creativity won't allow them to utilize their players’ strengths and weaknesses, Shanahan is evolving his offense into a reflection of his young quarterback. Robert Griffin III is not a "running quarterback," but rather a quarterback who can also run; Shanahan's Redskins offense is not a college-style spread offense, but a blend of a pro-style system that also incorporates some of college football’s newest and best ideas.

Hey Donovan ... How do you like me now??

Joe, 42-14 really??? Why you copying me bro?

B/c every now and again, but not very often, you are actually right.