Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I think it's McIntosh and Wade. Here's why...We are not expecting Rogers to be a #1 CB, so the pressure isn't there to "step up". If he doesn't step up and he plays #2 or #3 ball, that's what we expected.
McIntosh however, needs to step up for the LB core. There is no one else that we are expecting to start in that position, and I'm sorry, I feel our backups are weak considering 2 of them are rookies.
Wade would also be a great pick due to the fact that we had one of the best lines in the league last year and he has some big shoes to fill. We all know it's important to have chemistry and this will be a key to our success.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I think it's Wade. If Rocky struggles, well LeMar has shown he can play OLB. If Rogers does, Smoot or Macklin have shown they can play as a starting CB. But if Wade can't put together a strong season, then who do we turn to? Tucker? Whiticker?

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;317566]I think it's Wade. If Rocky struggles, well LeMar has shown he can play OLB. If Rogers does, Smoot or Macklin have shown they can play as a starting CB. But if Wade can't put together a strong season, then who do we turn to? Tucker? Whiticker?[/QUOTE]

Exactly my point as well. Although I'm not as high on LeMar as some here.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I guess I was confused about this question. Is it asking who does the team need to step up, or who needs to step up at this point in his career? If it's the former then I think Wade and Golston are the correct choices, however the latter points to Rogers.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

It's who does the team most need to step up in order for the Redskins to be successful (make the playoffs in 2007).

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=djnemo65;317569]I guess I was confused about this question. Is it asking who does the team need to step up, or who needs to step up at this point in his career? If it's the former then I think Wade and Golston are the correct choices, however the latter points to Rogers.[/QUOTE]

It's the team.
But I agree that Rogers is in a situation that requires him to step up or his career is going south.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I picked Rocky for the sole reason that he was hand given the preseason starting LB position over Marshall, a proven commodity. He needs to earn that psoition on the field. All of the above candidates have to step it up or our season will stink!!!!!

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I voted "Other" because there is no choice shown for "All of the above".

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I really struggled with the choice between Landry, Rogers and McIntosh.

Ultimately I think great play from Rocky will have the greatest impact on the D. I think we have some depth in the secondary so that devalues slightly what Rogers does. I also think Landry is going to be an in the box kind of guy who will impact the rush and mid range passing mostly. But Rocky will impact both mid range passing, pass rush and most importantly run D. As bad as our secondary was last year I think our run defense was even worse. There was absolutely nothing coming from Carter or Holdman. Wherever they lined up we got pummeled. This year hopefully Rocky can strengthen our run D which will in turn make playing pass D easier. In theory.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

If Rogers doesn't step-up this upcoming season he is a bust, for sure. He'll forever be a #2 CB, if that.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

hey warpath, cool pics. those guys both look like kids( makes me feel old)

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I voted other, cause I think Brandon Loyd needs to step up big time.

I agree that Rogers really had a bad year & seemed to have a cavalier attitude about it, but Loyd just looked like a prima donna a few too many times. I remember brunell getting pissed at him a couple of times, then there was the drop of JC's first nfl pass against tampa (which was perfect) and him not going back for the ball against st. louis (I think).
If we got avg. production from him it could vastly improve our passing game. I don't want to hear that we didn't go to him enough, he shows little toughness or willingness to make the routine, tough plays.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=12thMan;317508]I feel just the opposite. I think the talent, in many cases, is close at this level. Closer than we think. The way rosters turn over in the NFL now a days, the only constant is the coaching staff and continuity of thought.

We agree that Reid is one of the top coaches in the NFL, but I disagree that any old Joe Schmo can't get the same results with the same team. This guy takes J. Trotter, who by some accounts, is a system linebacker. Yet he somehow manages to be in the discussion as one of the better linebackers in the NFC.

The fact of the matter is, one would really have a hard time quantifying good coaching. Other than wins and losses, it's hard to really 'see' it over the course of a game. Sure, if it's third and one, and your team has rushed for over two hundred yards during the game, and the coach decides to thow a bomb to the end zone, that probably was a questionable call there.

I think it shows up in areas like lack of penalties, exececution of time clock, tackles made/missed, passes caught/dropped and maybe a few other areas. It's more mental. I believe players excute to the extent of their preparedness and confidence in the overall strategy. That's why you can fight your guts out every game and still lose week after week. At this level true professionals have the mental edge over the opponent.

I happen to think Gregg Williams is a wonderful coach but this is his year to step up.[/quote]I would completely agree that the talent at this level is closer than anyone things. But I don't think the difference in consistent winning team and consistent losing teams is about coaching. I would argue that its even simplier. Because the level of talent between the two teams is always close (unlike college football), the chances of an upset due to random fluctuations of dumb luck are far greater.

Even if the far superior Coach "A" devises a master gameplan to face Coach "B", its not improbable at all in this sport for the blind Coach "B" squirrel to provide his team a coaching advantage in a single game. Suppose Coach A does a masterful job mixing up his runs and passes and his blitzes, while Coach B selects plays at random. What's to say that Coach B's team wont have the strategic advantage? The fact that luck of the draw can completely mitigate a lot of strategy in football definately deemphizizes the effect of coaching on the outcome of a game.

Now if Coach A is playing his best 11 players for the situation at all times, and Coach B is not, Coach A's team now has a big advantage.

[QUOTE]I think it shows up in areas like lack of penalties, exececution of time clock, tackles made/missed, passes caught/dropped and maybe a few other areas. It's more mental. I believe players excute to the extent of their preparedness and confidence in the overall strategy. That's why you can fight your guts out every game and still lose week after week. At this level true professionals have the mental edge over the opponent. [/QUOTE]I agree that those things are mental, but I'm not sure how much a coach can do to improve those things. I mean, number one, they are going to happen in every game anyway regardless of how prepared you are. Number two, I believe that no coach will be able to better a player who doesn't want to better himself. I also believe the type of player who is good enough at football to make it to the NFL is probably near his optimal level of mental acuity and composure. After all, its the only way they'd make it. Maybe its just me but I just can't imagine how the hypothetical Coach A would get his players to perform measurably better than Coach B could, provided that they were the exact same players.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=GTripp0012;317631]Maybe its just me but I just can't imagine how the hypothetical Coach A would get his players to perform measurably better than Coach B could, provided that they were the exact same players.[/quote]

I respectfully disagree. I am no pro athlete, but I played a lot of sports at the youth, high-school, and college level and I can tell you for a fact that certain coaches know how to get the best out of their guys and others don't. It comes down to preparation and trust. Some coaches have a natural ability to instill trust that their system and approach will work, which builds confidence in the players and translates in to increased performance.

Case in point: Norv Turner, by all accounts an offensive genius and overall a nice guy. He is not, however, a good HC. He doesn't have the inherent leadership skills to instill confidence as an HC and hence, his record when in charge is well below .500.

In all walks of life, sports, business, performing arts, military, etc., a true "leader" can make a tremendous difference in how a group performs.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=SmootSmack;317499]Hooskins, our poll is getting picked apart. Not surprising I suppose. This always happens with polls.[/quote]

What do you mean by 'getting picked apart' exactly??

And what do you mean by 'surprising'?

And what's a poll anyway?

I vote for no more polls since it's always so damn confusing. No wonder so few people vote in elections, who can handle this pressure??!!

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

Gtripp, so what seperates the average coaches from the great ones to you? Seems that you're ruling out things like motivation, leadership, trust, and respect. So does it just boil down to pure x's and o's and playcalling??

Have you ever had a really bad manager at work? Have you ever had a really great manager? What seperates the two?

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=Mc2guy;317649]I respectfully disagree. I am no pro athlete, but I played a lot of sports at the youth, high-school, and college level and I can tell you for a fact that certain coaches know how to get the best out of their guys and others don't. It comes down to preparation and trust. Some coaches have a natural ability to instill trust that their system and approach will work, which builds confidence in the players and translates in to increased performance.

Case in point: Norv Turner, by all accounts an offensive genius and overall a nice guy. He is not, however, a good HC. He doesn't have the inherent leadership skills to instill confidence as an HC and hence, his record when in charge is well below .500.

In all walks of life, sports, business, performing arts, military, etc., a true "leader" can make a tremendous difference in how a group performs.[/quote]I would say that in HS and maybe ever college sports, you would be absolutely correct. Remember, my point was that those who reach the pinnical of the game (the NFL) are near their optimal level of mental acuity and composure with respect to the game of football.

This is obviously not true with college and high school athletes. Thus there is so much more effect a coach can have on his talent. I mean, in High School, I think its common place that a team is just not prepared for a game. In the NFL, I would say that I've maybe seen it twice in the last five years (usually in Week 1).

High school and college players may not trust their system or always work their hardest and still be successful, but these players by and large will be weeded out before they reach the NFL level. And thats why in the NFL, a coach's legacy is pretty much tied to the guys he has, not the other way around.

Norv Turner has never really had a team with all that much talent before. His two best teams were most likely the 99 Redskins, and the 04 Raiders. Neither was really all that much better than average. This year in San Diego, he has by far the most talented team hes ever had. I don't think theres any reason to expect that he won't win 11 games. It's not like his team won't be ready just because hes Norv Turner.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=GTripp0012;317495]Not true. That assumes that every team that loses could have won if they tried harder. Players who don't go all out on every play don't last very long in this league. It was not an effort issue.[/quote]

Disagree. The games when the put in effort, we usually won.. it was close, but we won.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=Mattyk72;317678]Gtripp, so what seperates the average coaches from the great ones to you? Seems that you're ruling out things like motivation, leadership, trust, and respect. So does it just boil down to pure x's and o's and playcalling??

Have you ever had a really bad manager at work? Have you ever had a really great manager? What seperates the two?[/quote]The greatest coaches manage their personel better than any other coach. Not only will they nearly always have the best 11 players on the field for the situation, but they do it in a way that keeps all 46 active players involved and happy. This is nearly impossible to do, but it's so very crucial to sustained success.

While motivation, leadership, trust and respect are all vital things to the morale of any team, the head coach is hardly any more responsible for these things than the last guy on the team with no name and an irrelivant number. Just because the media douses the HC with all credit and blame does not mean hes deserving of any of it. If he's been saddled with a team full of crappy attitudes, his reputation is going to be one of little discipline. Nothing he can do about it.

I would say the difference between the great manager and the bad one from my perspective would be held in his personal relationship with me. But just like a head football coach, what defines him to me (as a player) would be irrelivant to somone else (such as a fan).

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=hesscl34;317681]Disagree. The games when the put in effort, we usually won.. it was close, but we won.[/quote]We were 5-11. Effort was put into all the games as a neccesity to not being blown out of the water.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

Well considering Landry, Mcintosh and Wade didn't play last year (McIntosh had a few snaps), I have to go with Rogers to step it up. I can't say that Landry, McIntosh, or Wade have to step it up because I haven't seen what they can do in this system. Golston wasn't the problem with the D line last year, it was systemic across the board. Rogers, must step it up and I think with the help he has now he will. If not, there are plenty of other options at Corner this year. Maybe that's what he needed is some competition for his spot.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I think you're giving too much credit to the player being able to properly motivate and prepare themselves. Not every average Joe in the NFL prepares himself and approaches the game like a Peyton Manning. If the league was full of Peyton Manning types there would be almost no need for coaches.

The NFL is almost like the military and the players are the soldiers. Soliders are trained to follow orders and to look to their leaders for guidance and direction. A bad leader can sour the whole bunch and be a detriment to the entire team. While a good leader can inspire and lead, and bring the best out of everyone.

I believe attitude starts at the top of an organization and works it's way down. I believe a quality leader can indeed change the attitude of an entire organization. Of course there are always going to be a few bad apples not worth saving, but quality leadership is something that can't be measured and is invaluable.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=Mattyk72;317688]I think you're giving too much credit to the player being able to properly motivate and prepare themselves. Not every average Joe in the NFL prepares himself and approaches the game like a Peyton Manning. If the league was full of Peyton Manning types there would be almost no need for coaches.

The NFL is almost like the military and the players are the soldiers. Soliders are trained to follow orders and to look to their leaders for guidance and direction. A bad leader can sour the whole bunch and be a detriment to the entire team. While a good leader can inspire and lead, and bring the best out of everyone.

I believe attitude starts at the top of an organization and works it's way down. I believe a quality leader can indeed change the attitude of an entire organization. Of course there are always going to be a few bad apples not worth saving, but quality leadership is something that can't be measured and is invaluable.[/quote]Well, I think its safe to say that every player in the NFL has had multiple coaches along his journey to the NFL. So if a player can't self-motivate himself (which I see as a fairly effortless process, so long as you love to play the game) I don't see anyway he would continually have success at every level on his way to the NFL.

And its true that at some point, every player in the league was not at his current state of mental acuity and maturity. So at some point along the way, some coach WAS responsible for the development of the talent. But this probably happened far before the NFL level. For some guys, it happened in pee wee, for most in HS, and some really late bloomers dont mature from a football standpoint until college (these tend to be the small school players, since anyone who had NFL talent and maturity prior to college got a DI scolarship).

While I'm sure there have been instances of untapped potential reaching the NFL level, I just think the occurences of this are so low that it doesnt make a difference. These players probably werent drafted, and thusly, might not ever get their shot with a good coach to tap their potential.

It's just so rare in the NFL for a player to come along with any expectation whatsoever who isn't always mentally prepared for every play.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=GTripp0012;317679]I would say that in HS and maybe ever college sports, you would be absolutely correct. Remember, my point was that those who reach the pinnical of the game (the NFL) are near their optimal level of mental acuity and composure with respect to the game of football.

This is obviously not true with college and high school athletes. Thus there is so much more effect a coach can have on his talent. I mean, in High School, I think its common place that a team is just not prepared for a game. In the NFL, I would say that I've maybe seen it twice in the last five years (usually in Week 1).

High school and college players may not trust their system or always work their hardest and still be successful, but these players by and large will be weeded out before they reach the NFL level. And thats why in the NFL, a coach's legacy is pretty much tied to the guys he has, not the other way around.

Norv Turner has never really had a team with all that much talent before. His two best teams were most likely the 99 Redskins, and the 04 Raiders. Neither was really all that much better than average. This year in San Diego, he has by far the most talented team hes ever had. I don't think theres any reason to expect that he won't win 11 games. It's not like his team won't be ready just because hes Norv Turner.[/quote]


I think we'll have to agree to disagree regarding leadership then, because pros are no more "mentally" acute then most of the guys on any college team I can guarantee you that. Futhermore, I don't know what you do for a living, but a good leader will always get more out of his guys over the long run than a bad one, no matter how talented and self-motivated his/her people are.

I do agree in your other post that good coaching is reflected in ensuring the best people are on the field in any given situation. That is part of adapting your coaching to the skills of your personell, something great coaches have always done well.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

The damn Mods around here need to step up...wait, that's a post for another time ;)

I said other. People have pointed out that Carlos and Rocky need to step up, and I wholeheartedly agree. However, for the offense to be successful, there needs to be the emergence of a solid #2 receiver. While Moss and Cooley are capable of leading the receivers, both Lloyd and Randle El need to step up and provide capable targets for Campbell to throw to. The ability to adjust routes and come back to the ball will be crucial in Campbell's development this year. The ability to get the ball down field will open up running lanes for Portis and Betts, and will give Campbell more time in the pocket.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=SmootSmack;317566]I think it's Wade. If Rocky struggles, well LeMar has shown he can play OLB. If Rogers does, Smoot or Macklin have shown they can play as a starting CB. But if Wade can't put together a strong season, then who do we turn to? Tucker? Whiticker?[/quote]

Hm, that is a really good point. But I guess we all expect Wade to be successful.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;317457]Gregg Williams. I think I've been pretty consistent with my critism of him dating back to last season.

Before we start preaching about how he's only the coach and he can't tackle or catch the ball, I want to take it a step further.

Those things are absolutely true. But I think he reacted too slowly with integrating Rocky McIntosh into the starting lineup and making other defensive adjustments. [B]By all accounts, thus far, Rocky could end being a gem. [/B]Another thing, how is it that Tiki Barber has a career game against every time he plays against us? Where's the game planning? Where's the mentality, if you beat us it won't be with Tiki rushing for over 200 yrds! Why not make Eli Manning beat you with 40 passes?

In my opinion it's the coaches job to "polish" off the talent that exists. I didn't get that impression from Williams last year. Another thing, defensively we didn't play with any fire or urgency last season. You say this was the players fault. I say they didn't whole heartedly buy into what the staff laid out for them on Sundays. These guys are professionals and they have to strap it on every Sunday, I understand that. It just seemed to me that Williams was more interested in doing post game interviews on Comcast rather than make radical adjusments and hold his staff accountable for poor performance after poor performance.[/QUOTE]

McIntosh "could be a gem"? By what accounts?

The only fault I can find with the coaches is their apparent role in personnel decision making. Williams' system didn't change from 2004 to '05 or '06. The only thing that did change was the age of the players, specifically along the defensive line. Then there was the injury to Springs. Again, that's a testament to personnel decisions -- your pass rush shouldn't hinge so heavily on one cornerback; the D-line has to step up and get pressure when everybody else in the secondary sucks so bad that they can't blitz. No coach can "polish" has-been defensive linemen into effective pass rushers.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=Beemnseven;317749]McIntosh "could be a gem"? By what accounts?

The only fault I can find with the coaches is their apparent role in personnel decision making. Williams' system didn't change from 2004 to '05 or '06. The only thing that did change was the age of the players, specifically along the defensive line. Then there was the injury to Springs. Again, that's a testament to personnel decisions -- your pass rush shouldn't hinge so heavily on one cornerback; the D-line has to step up and get pressure when everybody else in the secondary sucks so bad that they can't blitz. No coach can "polish" has-been defensive linemen into effective pass rushers.[/quote]

I don't think it's out of the question that Rocky could be a gem. The accounts I'm speaking of were reported in WP. He was pretty good on teams last year, and the one game he did start was a solid outing. I think two young backer to watch in our division this season will be McIntosh and Bobby Carpenter (Cowboys)

You're right, no coach can "polish" an aging player, but he damn sure can help him with technique, which can improve pass rushing skills.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I voted other, and have to agree with freddyg12 on Brandon Lloyd. With Moss repeatedly having to deal with nagging injuries, Lloyd must bring a game in order to continue justifying his being. He was clearly the most dissapointing player on the offensive side of the ball last year.........Needs to step up his game "Big Time"

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

Rogers will step up next year.

Quote me on that.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I voted Rodgers and not because he had a percieved bad year last year ... I think had he had Darrell Green or Deon Sanders Champ Bailey or even a healthy Shawn Springs i doubt he would be in this discussion...

The reason I voted for him is because we need to know that if we cannot go with Springs this/next year we have a legitimate No1. CB

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I voted Other. I think Jason Campbell needs to step up and try to do something similar to what Vince Young did last year. The QB makes the offense go and if JC steps it up the offense will go.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=irish;317862]I voted Other. I think Jason Campbell needs to step up and try to do something similar to what Vince Young did last year. The QB makes the offense go and if JC steps it up the offense will go.[/QUOTE]

True...but Jason Campbell was the one ineligible in this poll. Because we all know he's vital to this team's success. If he was an option it would have been a landslide

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;317868]True...but Jason Campbell was the one ineligible in this poll. Because we all know he's vital to this team's success. If he was an option it would have been a landslide[/QUOTE]

I know but he's my vote.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=irish;317862]I voted Other. I think Jason Campbell needs to step up and try to do something similar to what Vince Young did last year. The QB makes the offense go and if JC steps it up the offense will go.[/quote]

Honestly, the only thing I want him to do Vince Young-related is to win. I would honestly be pretty pissed if he put up the stats that Young did.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=irish;317871]I know but he's my vote.[/QUOTE]

Aside from him, who would you say? Imagine you were to follow the rules of the poll, who would you vote for?

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

I voted other because I think Griffin and Springs are the leaders of this defense and when they go down the whole D goes down. So I feel both of their levels of play have to improve to the type of play we saw in 05. I think the rest of the D will follow when these two step it up.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;317874]Aside from him, who would you say? Imagine you were to follow the rules of the poll, who would you vote for?[/QUOTE]

I'd still vote for other and its the coaching staff. They need to figure out a way to put the players in specific and the team as a whole in a position to succeed. IMO, I dont think they did a very good job of that last season.

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[QUOTE=irish;317881]I'd still vote for other and its the coaching staff. They need to figure out a way to put the players in specific and the team as a whole in a position to succeed. IMO, I dont think they did a very good job of that last season.[/QUOTE]

Better answer. And an interesting one, I hadn't really thought of that one

Re: Hooskins Presents the "Who Needs to Step Up" Poll
 

[quote=12thMan;317759]You're right, no coach can "polish" an aging player, but he damn sure can help him with technique, which can improve pass rushing skills.[/quote]He probably did do everything he could to help the technique of his guys. I tend to agree with Beems though, it isn't going to help all that much.