DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/12/the_antwaan_randle_el_mystery.html]D.C. Sports Bog - The Antwaan Randle El mystery[/url]

Our punt return play has been especially horrible over the last couple years. I'm ready for a full time change from ARE. Someone, anyone. It's really bad and we're paying him alot of money.

I suggested prior to the season that Moss be more involved and it seems he is, a little bit. I'd like to see Moss get even more involved. I know alot of you don't agree, but hey, we're a limited offense and we need points whereever we can get em. What are we "saving" him for?

There's been talk of D. Hall getting more reps and maybe DT too. Let's move on from ARE.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

I know seeing ARE back there is frustrating, but it's really a symptom of a larger problem; they haven't drafted or developed somebody for the role. ARE's best return days are well behind him obviously.

The guy that I thought might eventually be used is Tryon, yet I don't recall ever hearing of him getting any looks in preseason or practice. He returned kickoffs in college, not sure about punts.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=freddyg12;640083]I know seeing ARE back there is frustrating, but it's really a symptom of a larger problem; they haven't drafted or developed somebody for the role. ARE's best return days are well behind him obviously.

The guy that I thought might eventually be used is Tryon, yet I don't recall ever hearing of him getting any looks in preseason or practice. He returned kickoffs in college, not sure about punts.[/quote]

Also, not that I believe ARE is doing anything that resembles a good, but our punt coverage has been very piss poor. Even when Moss is back there, he has no chance of getting making a play. I think they need to address both the returner and the coverage.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

This is one of those cases where the team should issue a statement.

I want to know who is responsible for continuing to put Randle Fail out there. If it is Zorn, that standing on its own is reason enough to fire him. As upset as we can get about offseason moves and letting this and that person go, this is my single biggest frustration with the team.

Keeping Randle Fail is a perfect example of the organizational arrogance that has destroyed this franchise. Someone thinks that they know more than everyone else and that Randle Fail is the best option for the job. Well that someone is a G-- Damn idiot.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

I had said in an earlier thread basically the same thing Zorn said in fashioning a reason why RE is still fielding punts. He felt RE could be relied on to at least catch the ball, but lately he has proven unable to even do that. His return average is dismal to say the least, and that position definately needs to be addressed.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=freddyg12;640083]I know seeing ARE back there is frustrating, but it's really a symptom of a larger problem; they haven't drafted or developed somebody for the role. ARE's best return days are well behind him obviously.

The guy that I thought might eventually be used is Tryon, yet I don't recall ever hearing of him getting any looks in preseason or practice. He returned kickoffs in college, not sure about punts.[/quote]


You don't draft a punt returner. I would bet every cent that I have ever made that Devin Thomas, Cartwright, and Tryon would do a better job than Randle Fail.

It was bad enough when he was fair catching everything. Now he lets it roll or fumbles it. Continuing to put him out there is proving the insanity of one of the decision makers in the organization.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[QUOTE]The stats

Randle El's 3.9 yards-per-return average is 62nd in NFL.

And sure, there are people in front of him whose averages are inflated by having just one or two returns, so let's install a five-return minimum.

Now Randle El ranks 49th in the league.

Also, his three fumbles on punt returns are tied for second in the NFL, though most of the people he's tied with have significantly more returns.

Also, his 18 fair catches are second in the NFL. The one guy with more, Indianapolis's T.J. Rushing, has 19 fair catches, but is averaging 6.2 yards per return and hasn't yet fumbled.[/QUOTE]

for once I will say: 'nuff said.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=Ruhskins;640084]Also, not that I believe ARE is doing anything that resembles a good, but our punt coverage has been very piss poor. Even when Moss is back there, he has no chance of getting making a play. I think they need to address both the returner and the coverage.[/quote]

The punt coverage is not as much a problem as is the punt return teams. For a long time now, whoever has been in the position of PR has had little room to operate after catching the ball.

Even when "prime time" was here, that was one of his complaints, there was never much room to set-up his blockers. So I agree, that is an area of concern and something we can get better at with better/different players on PR teams.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

damn theisman came down on him hard,but deservedly so,on ARE and zorn

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

Get him off returns already. I find it hard to believe there's not someone else on the roster capable of doing this job. Sounds like Devin Thomas might get a shot.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=Pocket$ $traight;640089][B]You don't draft a punt returner[/B]. I would bet every cent that I have ever made that Devin Thomas, Cartwright, and Tryon would do a better job than Randle Fail.

It was bad enough when he was fair catching everything. Now he lets it roll or fumbles it. Continuing to put him out there is proving the insanity of one of the decision makers in the organization.[/quote]

Not saying they should've drafted a 'punt returner.' What I meant was that the lack of depth and/or development of a young player to take over the role has caught up w/them.

re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=Pocket$ $traight;640086]This is one of those cases where the team should issue a statement.

I want to know who is responsible for continuing to put Randle Fail out there. If it is Zorn, that standing on its own is reason enough to fire him. As upset as we can get about offseason moves and letting this and that person go, this is my single biggest frustration with the team.

Keeping Randle Fail is a perfect example of the organizational arrogance that has destroyed this franchise. Someone thinks that they know more than everyone else and that Randle Fail is the best option for the job. Well that someone is a G-- Damn idiot.[/quote]

I think the bigger question should be who is teaching the other 10 players how to block. Even when Moss has been back there he has had little to know success with a net yard of 4.7. I have been saying that the blocking on returns is very poor for some time but everyone always wants to blame El which I'm sure he is part of the problem.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

when it comes to returns ARE is pure, unadulterated ass.


interesting point on the punt return team. somehow i never considered that. if this is the problem...which part of me doesn't doubt, when was the last time we had a threat return man, brian mitchell?...is it due to an inherent personnel problem (lack of talent, size, competence, etc.) or just the way the coverage is set up or executed?


then again, give ARE perfect coverage...shit, give him an empty field and stadium...he's still NOT CATCHING THE FUCKING BALL lol.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=htownskinfan;640093]damn [B]theisman[/B] came down on him hard,but deservedly so,on ARE and zorn[/quote]
im ready to try him back there- again :)

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

They should replace ARE with Santana Moss.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

Theisman brings up a great point of accountability on this team. Inconsistent, which fits the mold of the FO as well as the coaching on this team. They bench Carlos, but Hall and Laron get beat and they get a pass. ARE is god aweful on special teams, he gets a pass all day with his bs mistakes, but we cut kicker and chose to levy the two losses on him and overlook the countless other mistakes on the field. I wonder what the locker room thinks?...ARE shouldnt return next year, he doesnt bring it enough on the field and we have other "good locker room" guys...plus that contract...

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

Danny Smith or whoever the hell the Special Teams coach is needs to step it up...defense has been decent all season, offense is starting to pick it up, but there have been no outstanding performances by the special teams...not one. Only time they make the news is for messing up.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

exactly what do you think that Smith is thinking every time he trots A.R.E out there? and why isn't Zorn saying enough is enough?

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=rbanerjee23;640151]Danny Smith or whoever the hell the Special Teams coach is needs to step it up...defense has been decent all season, offense is starting to pick it up, but there have been no outstanding performances by the special teams...not one. Only time they make the news is for messing up.[/quote]

On the Jim Zorn Show on ESPN980, Zorn just said that it was his decision to put ARE back there. Thom and Kevin asked if Danny Smith agreed with the decision and Zorn said there was no discussion about it.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=rbanerjee23;640151]Danny Smith or whoever the hell the Special Teams coach is needs to step it up...defense has been decent all season, offense is starting to pick it up, [B]but there have been no outstanding performances by the special teams...not one.[/B] Only time they make the news is for messing up.[/quote]

i'd argue that lorenzo alexander fucking owned on special teams sunday. he deserves some credit for that. but otherwise, i agree completely.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

ARE must have pictures of Zorn and Danny Smith partying "Tiger Style" in Vegas. Thats why he gets to keep returning punts. There is no other reasonable explanation for him to keep that job.
I am ready for ARE to make the jump to the broadcasting phase of his life. I was not impressed when the Skins signed him, and he has not produced in accordance with the value of his contract.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

What about Landry? he's supposed to be the fastest Redskin anyway...lol

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=rbanerjee23;640151]Danny Smith or whoever the hell the Special Teams coach is needs to step it up...defense has been decent all season, offense is starting to pick it up, but there have been no outstanding performances by the special teams...not one. Only time they make the news is for messing up.[/quote]

The fake PAT and fake punt by Smith were nice plays, and on FG's the team is now 20/23.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=Pocket$ $traight;640089]You don't draft a punt returner. I would bet every cent that I have ever made that Devin Thomas, Cartwright, and Tryon would do a better job than Randle Fail.

It was bad enough when he was fair catching everything. Now he lets it roll or fumbles it. Continuing to put him out there is proving the insanity of one of the decision makers in the organization.[/quote]

Chicago did. Hester. He was primarily a returner for a few years and is just recently becoming involved/converted to WR and isn't making the transition very well.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

Kareem Moore for punt returner!

At least he'd get some yardage before dropping the ball.


DT and Moss are great back there, but it's a big risk to put your starting WRs on return duty.

Why not Malcolm Kelly? He's not involved any other way.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

Hell, why not Rock Cartwright.

DT, Moss, Tryon, or some combination. It does take some skill and we don't just want to stick someone back there. I just don't know how you could do much worse than ARE and the stats prove it.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=TIFOSOdeiREDSKINS;640162]i'd argue that lorenzo alexander fucking owned on special teams sunday. he deserves some credit for that. but otherwise, i agree completely.[/quote]

hell yeah he did

this is why i would have liked to have aldrige still on the team instead of mason, he has sick speed and if i'm not mistaken has won the best special teams player award in the cfl atleast once if not twice for returns

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

The punt return blocking might not be great but that doesn't excuse how awful ARE has been. People freak out every time he does something catastrophic like let a ball bounce off of his helmet, but the bigger issue has been his lack of consistent production and explosive plays for going on 4 years. If it turned out he has naked pictures of Dan Snyder it really wouldn't surprise me at this point, because I can't for the life of me figure out how he keeps that job.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=Buster;640183]Chicago did. Hester. He was primarily a returner for a few years and is just recently becoming involved/converted to WR and isn't making the transition very well.[/quote]

He was a position player. Cornerback in fact. He was toasted so often in the nfl that they tried wide receiver.

He is actually improving and has had a handful of good games at wideout. He is their #1 receiver when healthy. He has been banged up recently.

I don't think we have the luxury of using our 1st or 2nd draft pick on a punt returner but our FO has certainly made worse moves.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=Buster;640185]Kareem Moore for punt returner!

At least he'd get some yardage before dropping the ball.


DT and Moss are great back there, but it's a big risk to put your starting WRs on return duty.

Why not Malcolm Kelly? He's not involved any other way.[/quote]


I think that this idea of "big risk" putting our top wideouts out there is bogus.

One, Moss isn't producing enough as a wideout to be worried about that. Second, our offense isn't good enough that we can afford to "protect" anyone. Third, Jackson is Philly's best wideout and arguably a pro-bowler. They don't seem worried about protecting him.

This organization tends to follow a lot of stupid "unwritten" rules.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

I heard Jason Reid today say Zorn had told him he was going to make a move at PR a couple of weeks or so ago. ARE went in and had a conversation with Zorn which apparently led Zorn to change his mind. According to Reid, reporters are not allowed to see but so much practice, but he talked with DT and he said he's been practicing at returning punts. Zorn has reportedly said there will be changes.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

It's fine because at the end of this season ARE won't be here anyway. He's pretty much obsolete. Just throw Hollywood Thomas as our number one. Kelly as our 2 and Moss in the slot (where I think he's better suited. He's not a #1 anymore).

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;640319]It's fine because at the end of this season ARE won't be here anyway. He's pretty much obsolete. Just throw Hollywood Thomas as our number one. Kelly as our 2 and Moss in the slot (where I think he's better suited. He's not a #1 anymore).[/quote]


Good point. That really will be one of the highlights of the offseason for me.

I guess 1 (Carter) out of 4 wasn't bad with the Archy Free agent class... And all of them earned shiny $30 million contracts

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=DynamiteRave;640319]It's fine because at the end of this season ARE won't be here anyway. He's pretty much obsolete. Just throw [B]Hollywood Thomas[/B] as our number one. Kelly as our 2 and Moss in the slot (where I think he's better suited. He's not a #1 anymore).[/quote]

Ha-ha. Remember the original Hollywood Henderson? Did you know that SOB ended up hitting the lottery and won millions? He actually did some good work with youth after that.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

The ARE punt return manual says, Step left and then step right and fall down for a two yard loss.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=redskin37;640324]The ARE punt return manual says, Step left and then step right and fall down for a two yard loss.[/quote]

It's kinda like a mix of the Cha-Cha and the Rock Lobster.

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=53Fan;640326]It's kinda like a mix of the Cha-Cha and the Rock Lobster.[/quote]Oh MAN, that was good.

:rofl:

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

Its the cupid shuffle.... they should play that when ARE is back to return now

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

stark contrast from back in the day huh?

[url]http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/15487-the-importance-randle-el-punt-returns.html[/url]

Re: DC Sports Bog: The Antwaan Randle El Mystery
 

[quote=Big C;640399]stark contrast from back in the day huh?

[URL]http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/15487-the-importance-randle-el-punt-returns.html[/URL][/quote]


11.6 to 3.9...

I guess stats do tell a lot of the story in this situation.