[sportscurmudgeon]

1. Springs is a superior defensive back compared to Smoot. If cap issues don't matter, keep Springs and cut Smoot.

HOWEVER, since Tryon showed exactly ZERO readiness for NFL play in the exhibition games and never made the field for any meaningful defensive snaps this year, I have to think he has a lot of "developmental work to do" in order for the Skins to count on him as a nickel back next year.


2. Someone said Marcus Washington is great when he is on the field but he is hurt too much. Sorry, I think Marcus Washington used to be an excellent OLB but now he is in a serious decline. Maybe they can squeeze another season out of him as a part time player - - maybe not.


3. The three young pass catchers (Davis, Kelly, Thomas) all need to improve about 100% in the off season because at least two of them will need to catch about 50 balls next year to make last year's draft come up to the level of acceptable. The WRs were the weak link of the team in 07; the FO recognized that because they went out and spent three draft picks to make changes there; sadly, the FO drafted guys who contributed next to nothing in 2008. Don't tell me that's because they are rookies; Deshawn Jackson plays in a similar system and he contributed lots in 2008; Eddie Royal and Donnie Avery contributed plenty too.

Kelly and Thomas got chewed out by Zorn for showing up out of shape for OTAs/training camp and then never got with the plan all year long. They don't keep these kinds of stats but I think Kelly may have dropped more balls that hit him in both hands than any other rookie WR this year. Thomas scored a TD on a reverse in a game the Skins lost; that was his highlight for the year. Davis' main accomplishment for the year was sleeping late and missing meetings/practice. Oh swell... By the way, folks in SoCal were not shocked to learn that Davis had done something like that; he just may have had "similar incidents" whilst at USC...

If the 09 Skins play Moss, Randle-El and Thrash as the WR tandem more than a handful of times, then 2009 will be another year of sitting at home and watching the playoffs on TV for the Skins.

Someone suggested trading Randle-El. Maybe the Skins could get a used kicking tee for him given that he carries the back end of a $30M contract with him to wherever he may be traded...


4. Jason Campbell will be the QB next year barring injury - - and he should be. There really are not any great QBs out there on the FA market this year but it will take lots of money to sign one in any event. For the Colt Brennan acolytes, be sure to set your VCRs to record all the Skins exhibition games next year so you can go back and watch him play in those games. Barring catastrophic injuries - - such as the ones the Browns suffered at QB this year - - that is all you will see of Colt Brennan in 2009. Maybe 2010? Maybe not...


5. Offensive line needs major reconstruction. I am not enamored with any of the five starters beyond 2008 although Samuels and Thomas still have servicable years in their careers. The older offensive linemen are over the peak of their careers; the younger ones have shown nothing to make me think they will be the answer in 2009. Blame the FO for that. It is possible to get good offensive linemen who contribute in their first year or two in the league; this FO just hasn't found any recently.

I'm sure the coaches are being honest when they talk about how hard players like Heyer and Rhinehart work during the week. I'm equally sure that it hasn't mattered a whole lot when it comes to the ability to produce on Sundays - - which is the purpose of paying these guys in the first place.


6. If Brett Favre retires, Clinton Portis will move into the Top Five on the list of NFL divas in 2009.


7. The D-line needs some upgrading too. When it came to the question of a pass rushing DE, the skins FO passed on any bidding for Jared Allen in a trade last year. They thought what they had was adequate. Then injuries in training camp convinced them to spend resources (picks and dollars) on Jason Taylor. Question: Who is the better DE - - Allen or Taylor? Why no interest in the better one?


8. Skins are fine at MLB - - unless Fletcher gets hurt. Then they will be in the situation they found themselves in with Jason Taylor this year; they will have to go out and find someone to plug in on short notice. Anyone got Jeremiah Trotter on speed-dial?