Keys to success in '05 (long)

Now that the draft is over and all of the teeth knashing and hand wringing over the Rogers and Campbell picks and the whining about Taylor and Moss not being here is obviously getting us nowhere let's focus our energies on what needs to happen for the Redskins to be successful in '05..

1. Ramsey needs to step up his game.. From early in the season last year it was clear to anyone that wasn't on the Redskins sidelines wearing a hat with an R on it that Brunell was done. We all called for Ramsey and finally got him. He played efficiently in the games he won and didn't beat us in the games we lost. It's time for him to win those games he was efficient in convinclingly and make plays to put is in position to win the games that we lost. His performance or lack thereof will drive our teams record more than anything else.

2. The WR situation needs resolution.. This is a make or break year for our at least 3 of our WR. Taylor Jacobs & Darnerian McCants need to become consistent and viable weapons in the passing game. Flashes of ability are no longer acceptable from them. Jacobs needs to put up a 50 catch, 800 yd, 5 TD season to secure a future with this team.. McCants needs to establish himself as a red zone specialist or a possession receiver. Rod Gardner is the other Redskin facing a make or break season. The talent is there, we've seen him put up numbers, but what we have not seen is consistency. Moss will be locked up long term and Patten will see regular duty as well but with Thrash and Patten in their 30's and on the downsides of their careers there needs to be a breakout WR this year to solidify that position.

3. Jansen's return needs to stablize the OL.. With the signing of Rabach and the continued maturation of Dockery the line should improve right away. Jansen returning should help Randy Thomas who struggled last year. Improved line play will help Portis gain 1500 yds, give Ramsey more time to throw and make the offense more potent. This unit could actually be a strength this year instead of the weakness it has been for the past 4.

4. Returning to health.. Despite the losses of Pierce and Smoot on defense, with the healthy returns of Barrow, Arrington, Daniels & Bowen our defense should actually improve. Barrow and Arrington are Pro Bowlers, Daniels is solid and Bowen was playing his best football last season when he got hurt. The emergence of Ryan Clark allows Bowen to come back a little slower but just adds depth and flexibility for Gregg Williams to call blitzes and be creative. Despite our wishes at #9, the Redskins drafted their CB of the future. While Harris may start, Rogers needs to be the starter by midseason and be the defensive playmaker that Smoot occasionally was. As a whole the defense needs to 'change the field' meaning create turnovers that give the offense better field position more often..

5. Coaches need to join us in '05.. We've heard admissions from coaches and players that the staff was stuck in 1992 last year, now it's time to see if they've caught up.. We need to see the shotgun, more screen plays, more reverses, more imagination in routes, more tosses and sweeps for Portis.. The game has changed so we need to see that reflected in the offensive gameplans..

Keep the faith Warpathers.. It looks bleak now but camp is ony 3 months away!

Good thing is, I read Gibbs MIGHT try shotgun on long-yardage situations! )

I think Portis can be deadly out of the backfield in passing situations leave him in on third downs. Let Betts come in and give him a breather when he gets tired but I want Portis in on third unless its third and short then maybe put in a bigger back. He actually won that GreenBay game but a penalty broguht it back and Brunnell threw a pick the next play he split two defenders it was amazing.

I can see Portis being very much like Westbrook. He is VERY dangerous in the open field.

Let them put 8 in the box and try to blitz them let one of their linebackers try to keep up with Portis that would slow that blitz down a little bit he showed he has good hands too.

Definitely. It seems to me when he was thrown the ball just on short dump passes, he gained HUGE yardage after the catch.

I can see Portis being very much like Westbrook. He is VERY dangerous in the open field.

I know I'm very biased in saying this. I dont really think Portis is the best running back in the NFL right now; but I think he could be the most complete. He can run the ball, catch it short and pick up some yac; and the guy blocks his ass off down feild which is awsome too see. When you looked at the highlights of Ronnie Brown and saying how he was so complete, I could only think of Portis watching those clips. I'm excited to see Clinton this year.

I definitely see Portis being a great complete back. He DOES block his ass off. I saw a few highlights of him laying out linebackers. I think he's more dangerous catching passes than truly running. I would love to see his receptions and yards after catch. Anyone got that info?

SEASON RECEIVING STATS
Year G Rec Yds Avg Lg TD 1st YAC Trgt
2004 15 40 235 5.9 18 2 10 175 57

I agree with all but a few points

a) Taylor Jacobs and Darnarian McCants must prove themselves this season. Someone needs to let these two guys play. I'm sure they've been wanting to play for some time, but they can't just jump on the field. Unfortunately for Jacobs he's stuck behind other receivers in his mold. I for one hope both of these players get a lot of time!
b) Bown a pro bowler? Bowen was/is a great blitzer, especially in those first couple games (namely TB) but here's the problem. He's a liability in coverage. He played the same role as Champ last year - reading the back of a jersey. I'd rather have Ryan Clark or Andre Lott start at SS than Bown.

Otherise I agree with everything. Great post!