Still Encouraged; Still Love My Skins: Bright Spots

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

It doesn't show in the box scores, but Tryon has been pretty solid in the slot

Agreed.

[mlmpetert]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Freddy Davis, Devin Thomas, and Malcolm Kelly

All are starting to find their groove. Every week we see them do the little things right and actually make plays. Malcolm had a very nice catch today lumbering down the sideline, what seemed like forever. Fred Davis had a couple of clutch receptions and he's proving tough to bring down by one tackler. But I'm most impressed with Devin Thomas' recent playmaking ability; mostly after he has the ball in his hands. This guy has nice moves in tight spaces. I think he has the potential to be a very explosive player for the Redskins in the future. You can tell their confidence grows a little every week.

Rock Cartwright

Speaking of coming at you, how 'about Rock Cartwright? This guy grabs his lunch pale every Sunday and brings it. Today Rock had his best day as pro and was definitely the leader on the field today. We'll start our cut Rock threads next summer, but for now the man deserves a tip of the hat. Job well done, sir.

With Rock showing he is capable of being the RB until Portis comes back, i think DT is going to continue to take kickoff returns. Lets see if DT can take over this duty.

[DynamiteRave]

No positives to say about Zorn, 12th?

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by DynamiteRave

No positives to say about Zorn, 12th?

Actually, yes. I stated this in another thread. I believe while Zorn's play calling has been less than desirable, or to be blunt shitty, this team has responded well to him over the past few weeks. In other words, I don't think there is a leadership crisis at Redskins Park. The spirit and resolve they've shown to compete and win can be attributed to Jim Zorn. I think coach Zorn has grown some and so has the team. The big question within any coach/team relationship is will this team go out and play for him. There's no question in my mind that this current Redskins team believes in their head coach. And to take it step further, it's pretty clear that the defense believes in Greg Blache too.

That said, I think Dan Snyder has a tough decision to make regarding Zorn this offseason. I don't think Zorn not being here next year is gimme like it was three or four weeks ago. It might be popular and resonate with the fan base. But unless you're making some sweeping changes, particarly in the front office and can still maintain a sense of cohesion on the field, you're really starting from square one. Unfortunately, we simply have some personnel limitations, at the moment, that's difficult for a guy like him to coach around. We can bring in the next sexy pick to "turn things around", but I'm just as skeptical of that happening as I am of Jim Zorn staying or going.

I think this has been a good assessment period for all parties involved. We know Zorn's limitations and what they are. The big question is, if they decide to keep him, can and will the organization build around them and turn it into a strength rather than start from scratch.

As much as it pains me to say and admit it, it just might wise for Dan Snyder to keep Jim Zorn for another year.

[skins89moss]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Actually, yes. I stated this in another thread. I believe while Zorn's play calling has been less than desirable, or to be blunt shitty, this team has responded well to him over the past few weeks. In other words, I don't think there is a leadership crisis at Redskins Park. The spirit and resolve they've shown to compete and win can be attributed to Jim Zorn. I think coach Zorn has grown some and so has the team. The big question within any coach/team relationship is will this team go out and play for him. There's no question in my mind that this current Redskins team believes in their head coach. And to take it step further, it's pretty clear that the defense believes in Greg Blache too.

That said, I think Dan Snyder has a tough decision to make regarding Zorn this offseason. I don't think Zorn not being here next year is gimme like it was three or four weeks ago. It might be popular and resonate with the fan base. But unless you're making some sweeping changes, particarly in the front office and can still maintain a sense of cohesion on the field, you're really starting from square one. Unfortunately, we simply have some personnel limitations, at the moment, that's difficult for a guy like him to coach around. We can bring in the next sexy pick to "turn things around", but I'm just as skeptical of that happening as I am of Jim Zorn staying or going.

I think this has been a good assessment period for all parties involved. We know Zorn's limitations and what they are. The big question is, if they decide to keep him, can and will the organization build around them and turn it into a strength rather than start from scratch.

As much as it pains me to say and admit it, it just might wise for Dan Snyder to keep Jim Zorn for another year.

You know what bro I think you maybe right on. If we can keep Sherman Lewis as the O-Coordinator and bring in Mike Holmegren as the GM this would make all the sense in the world. I know Synder loves Vinny so not sure what Synder will do. I do think sometimes the best move is making no move at all to the coaching staff. See Bengals last season to this year.

[Redskin Warrior]

Originally Posted by skins89moss

You know what bro I think you maybe right on. If we can keep Sherman Lewis as the O-Coordinator and bring in Mike Holmegren as the GM this would make all the sense in the world. I know Synder loves Vinny so not sure what Synder will do. I do think sometimes the best move is making no move at all to the coaching staff. See Bengals last season to this year.

I agree this would make sense and give the team stability

[SmootSmack]

I don't think the players are as supportive of Zorn as they are just supportive of the idea of having a head coach who's not overly demanding and disciplined. They know that if Zorn is gone the hatchet could start to come down on any one of them. They know there could be a Marty type here again.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I don't think the players are as supportive of Zorn as they are just supportive of the idea of having a head coach who's not overly demanding and disciplined. They know that if Zorn is gone the hatchet could start to come down on any one of them. They know there could be a Marty type here again.

If true, then that tells us alot about the type of guys we have on the team and further reinforces the notion that we do need to rebuild this thing from the ground up.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I don't think the players are as supportive of Zorn as they are just supportive of the idea of having a head coach who's not overly demanding and disciplined. They know that if Zorn is gone the hatchet could start to come down on any one of them. They know there could be a Marty type here again.

Yep, I don't know if it was on here or in talking with my stepfather that I mentioned that, they definitely like having a guy that gives it to them a little easier. I think it might have been my thread about the easier pre-season maybe contributing to this. We've got a lot of good guys on our team it seems, but it's easy to like a coach that caters more to his players, no doubt in my mind.

[Raw0114]

As bad as this year has gone for our Skins, I can't help but think this is what we've needed for years. Every year we struggle, every year we bitch and complain about our squad. There is always something wrong from coaching to front office, owner,to players. Atleast now with our record and the whole T-shirt and banner at the stadium problem, Maybe this is where we "right the ship" so to speak.We have the tallent,heart and fortitude to get it right(next year).Anyways I still believe in the Redskins and am glad i'm not the only one.HTTR!

[mlmdub130]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

Yep, I don't know if it was on here or in talking with my stepfather that I mentioned that, they definitely like having a guy that gives it to them a little easier. I think it might have been my thread about the easier pre-season maybe contributing to this. We've got a lot of good guys on our team it seems, but it's easy to like a coach that caters more to his players, no doubt in my mind.

gotta wonder if that factors into all the injuries this season

[maroonandblack30]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

That's right you haters, I still love the Redskins. So don't come in this thread bitchin' and hatin':}

Seriously, I just wanted to point out a few bright spots, starting with our top three picks from a year ago.


Freddy Davis, Devin Thomas, and Malcolm Kelly

All are starting to find their groove. Every week we see them do the little things right and actually make plays. Malcolm had a very nice catch today lumbering down the sideline, what seemed like forever. Fred Davis had a couple of clutch receptions and he's proving tough to bring down by one tackler. But I'm most impressed with Devin Thomas' recent playmaking ability; mostly after he has the ball in his hands. This guy has nice moves in tight spaces. I think he has the potential to be a very explosive player for the Redskins in the future. You can tell their confidence grows a little every week.

Jason Campbell

I wanted to give a big ups to Campbell for a gutsy performance. How that guy passed for over 250 yards with Cowboys draped over him most of the day, I will never know. I mentioned this is another thread, and I was glad to see Troy Aikman alude to it in his own way, but we're going to have a hard time shipping Campbell out of here without a bonafide option at quarterback. Guys, there's only three really, really good quarterbacks playing in this league right now. All the others are probably benefiting from a supporting cast that Campbell just doesn't have at the moment. I hope the Redskins realize this when they re-visit Campbell's future here in Washington.

Deangelo Hall

For the record, I've been very critical of him and still feel he can improve his game in some areas. But Hall, warts and all, seems to always be around the ball when we need it the most. He's proving to be a game changer at the corner position. Something we've lacked here, quite frankly, since Champ Bailey was here. Don't be surprised to see Hall get a Pro Bowl nod this year.

Team Heart

This team after losing Portis for a few weeks, playing without Haynesworth, then Betts, then Chad, you name it. They just line up and keep fucking coming at you. After Betts and Chad went down, they could have easily packed it in and called it a day, and no one would have blamed them. The best team did not win today that's for sure. As with last week, I'm proud of their effort this week.


Rock Cartwright

Speaking of coming at you, how 'about Rock Cartwright? This guy grabs his lunch pale every Sunday and brings it. Today Rock had his best day as pro and was definitely the leader on the field today. We'll start our cut Rock threads next summer, but for now the man deserves a tip of the hat. Job well done, sir.

agree..still love the skins and was still bitter when they lost....loved the fight the team showed.

[Monkeydad]

NFL - Statistics by Team - Yahoo! Sports

#3 Defense overall and #1-ranked pass defense in the NFL despite Carlos Rogers' play.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Buster

NFL - Statistics by Team - Yahoo! Sports

#3 Defense overall and #1-ranked pass defense in the NFL despite Carlos Rogers' play.

Well, in full disclosure, you should note that only Tampa Bay has faced less passes than the Redskins have, so we're behind NYJ, New Orleans, and Indianapolis in yards per pass attempt. That would make us the 4th rated pass defense in the eyes of most, which is still very good.

But the difference between us and the middle of the pack NFL teams is 0.3 yards per pass attempt, and that difference won't win or lose you many games.

I think our run defense gets a really raw deal because we are one of only five teams this year (Tampa, Oakland, Buffalo, and Cleveland...all teams with terrible offenses) who has faced MORE runs than passes. We rank 20th in defensive yards per rushing attempt, but we've been so good in short yardage situations, and tackles for loss that I think our run defense is actually a lot better than our passing defense.

And yes, I saw our interior DL getting killed without Haynesworth in there, and we were certainly better against the pass than the run in our last game, but for the season, I think the pass D has been the achillies heel.

[mlmdub130]

after watching the giants suck last night and playing good against the coysluts, i feel like we have a damn good shot to beat both of them at fedex. this sunday should be interesting. i really hope the same d shows up from dallas, just with a different o