Better days ahead. (Off season part 1 thread)

But, in looking at the top tier NFC team stats, the common theme I see is they all ran the ball well and they all stopped the run well.

OK, I know we need more sacks right? If we had just 0.5 more sacks per game, then we'd be elite!
Car: 44, Sea: 37, Arz: 36
(Note: Was with 38, had more sacks than Sea & Arz).

OK, OK, it's more total take-aways (Int+Fumbl) that we need to be elite. Getting pressure causes more Int's & Fumbles....
Car: 39, Arz: 33, Sea: 22
(note: Was: 26 had more take-aways than the vaunted Seattle Defense)....
Good post, and I agree with most of your points (and have laid out similar stats/observations in another thread).

But I would add that the stats still indicate that getting turnovers is an area we need to improve and a team can never have enough pass rush and that pass rush is more then just sack numbers. I think to get a more accurate look at pass rush you have to look at sacks but also hurries and QB hits.

You are spot on about stopping the run. It's important to stop the run if only to create more all out pass rush opportunities.

The question is how do you think we go about addressing these problems? Which units/personnel do you think are key to solving the problems?

For me I think the quickest way to improve run d is to get better at ILB. And turnovers will improve with better secondary in addition to upgrade at ILB.

I'm not too concerned about the run game though, I think there will always be limits to the quality of the run game in Jays scheme.

There are a couple facts about Cousins and the Skins:



Cousins will be back next year...whether its a tag or a deal, and I really don't care.



The other fact is Bruce and McC are not doing a stupid contract. Vinny is long gone and even the Bruce contracts, hit or miss, are not bad contracts.



The story of the Cousins contract is gonna get...already actually... annoying this offseason.


Agreed on all counts.

Source: Washington, Cousins haven’t broken off talks | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/02/16/source-washington-cousins-havent-broken-off-talks/)

Source: Washington, Cousins haven’t broken off talks | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/02/16/source-washington-cousins-havent-broken-off-talks/)

If they are talking or not, it doesn't effing matter. July 15th is the last day to get a long term deal done. none of this matters

My only issue is that I really don't trust Snyder or Allen when it comes to KC. They're probably both still a bit upset that Griffin didn't work out. The other side kind of tells me that this is common. See Russell Wilson last year.

I don't see how RG3 has anything remotely to do with this.

My only issue is that I really don't trust Snyder or Allen when it comes to KC. They're probably both still a bit upset that Griffin didn't work out. The other side kind of tells me that this is common. See Russell Wilson last year.

This is common. Neither side has much incentive to get this done now (this typically happens with anything NFL-related). And at the end of the day, the Redskins have the tag, which can (and likely will) extend these negotiations into the season.

Once the season gets underway, the pressure will be on Kirk to get the deal done. The tag will give him 20-24 mil for the season, but I believe it is not guaranteed.

By overspending I mean giving up all the draft picks. More like over-investing than over-spending. RG had one good year and now looks to be the biggest bust in Skins history. The Skins are reluctant to risk another to over-investment in another potential one and done QB.

RGIII had at least one good year, saving him from that bestowed title. Don't worry Heath Shuler, you're still the biggest bust in 'skins history!

RGIII had at least one good year, saving him from that bestowed title. Don't worry Heath Shuler, you're still the biggest bust in 'skins history!

Shuler did not cost three 1st round draft choices and a second round pick

Shuler did not cost three 1st round draft choices and a second round pick

Neither did RGIII.