Smoot Lays The Smack Down (Redskins vs. Colts)

[That Guy]

well, stretch plays don't work as well in the red zone, the player density is just too great... and those fast OL guys can't use their speed in space, so they tend to get pushed around since they're not as hard to move as 350lb grinders.

I think the red zone won't be a major hurdle, but we're not coming close to #1 there... it'll be a lot easier for us to be a 30yd TD type team.

[GTripp0012]

This isn't really a thought about a player or unit that needs improvement, but here' goes:

This team, through two preseason games, does not strike me as talent deficient. It actually strikes me as talent-laden. Perhaps a team that could compete for a playoff spot if it had gone after Chad Henne or Vince Young in the offseason. I think it's lacking in *young* talent, but not talent overall. The Redskins could surprise some folks this year if Kyle keeps calling good games that benefit his quarterbacks and Mike stays the f out of the way.

Over 16 games, there are far too many issues here that will get exposed: the QB, the secondary, the offensive line, Rocky Mac, the defensive scheme, and some young players being forced into premier roles before they are ready (Kerrigan, for example). I think a team like that can start strong, but it's going to be tough to finish strong with that many real issues. But in a perfect would, a 5-3 start and an 8-8 finish isn't totally out of the question, with some early luck (similar to last year).

But I like what I've seen from Tim Hightower, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Terrence Austin, Brandon Banks, Anthony Armstrong, Santana Moss, Roy Helu, Evan Royster, Rex Grossman, John Beck, Fred Davis, Logan Paulsen, Darrel Young, and Kory Lichtensteiger. And you know what, that's a lot of players who know what the f they are doing (and all Shanahan acquisitions, except Davis, Young, Armstrong, and Moss!) to expect this offense to be worse than last year.

The biggest improvement to date however, (and its been just two preseason games so take it as a grain of salt) has been Kyle Shanahan. He's called two great preseason games after being a liability for us last year. Hope it continues.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

This isn't really a thought about a player or unit that needs improvement, but here' goes:

This team, through two preseason games, does not strike me as talent deficient. It actually strikes me as talent-laden. Perhaps a team that could compete for a playoff spot if it had gone after Chad Henne or Vince Young in the offseason. I think it's lacking in *young* talent, but not talent overall. The Redskins could surprise some folks this year if Kyle keeps calling good games that benefit his quarterbacks and Mike stays the f out of the way.

Over 16 games, there are far too many issues here that will get exposed: the QB, the secondary, the offensive line, Rocky Mac, the defensive scheme, and some young players being forced into premier roles before they are ready (Kerrigan, for example). I think a team like that can start strong, but it's going to be tough to finish strong with that many real issues. But in a perfect would, a 5-3 start and an 8-8 finish isn't totally out of the question, with some early luck (similar to last year).

But I like what I've seen from Tim Hightower, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Terrence Austin, Brandon Banks, Anthony Armstrong, Santana Moss, Roy Helu, Evan Royster, Rex Grossman, John Beck, Fred Davis, Logan Paulsen, Darrel Young, and Kory Lichtensteiger. And you know what, that's a lot of players who know what the f they are doing (and all Shanahan acquisitions, except Davis, Young, Armstrong, and Moss!) to expect this offense to be worse than last year.

The biggest improvement to date however, (and its been just two preseason games so take it as a grain of salt) has been Kyle Shanahan. He's called two great preseason games after being a liability for us last year. Hope it continues.

You know I pretty much agree with.....young Tripp and I frequently do not. In addition I would like to add I think the coaching staff has these guys believing. They seem like pack your own lunch kind of work ethic and I REALLY like that.
And as has been stated we have added much youth, talent and improved MANY positions across the board on this team.
It is beyond my ability to understand how the Pundits.....universally as far as I know suggest this is a 4 and..team.....possibly worst in the NFL? I don't get it.
Oh well.....so much crow.....so little time

And I would like to add having so many additions and no OTA's, this team will learn on the fly fast and have an opportunity for dramatic improvement throughout the season.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

This isn't really a thought about a player or unit that needs improvement, but here' goes:

This team, through two preseason games, does not strike me as talent deficient. It actually strikes me as talent-laden. Perhaps a team that could compete for a playoff spot if it had gone after Chad Henne or Vince Young in the offseason. I think it's lacking in *young* talent, but not talent overall. The Redskins could surprise some folks this year if Kyle keeps calling good games that benefit his quarterbacks and Mike stays the f out of the way.

Over 16 games, there are far too many issues here that will get exposed: the QB, the secondary, the offensive line, Rocky Mac, the defensive scheme, and some young players being forced into premier roles before they are ready (Kerrigan, for example). I think a team like that can start strong, but it's going to be tough to finish strong with that many real issues. But in a perfect would, a 5-3 start and an 8-8 finish isn't totally out of the question, with some early luck (similar to last year).

But I like what I've seen from Tim Hightower, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Terrence Austin, Brandon Banks, Anthony Armstrong, Santana Moss, Roy Helu, Evan Royster, Rex Grossman, John Beck, Fred Davis, Logan Paulsen, Darrel Young, and Kory Lichtensteiger. And you know what, that's a lot of players who know what the f they are doing (and all Shanahan acquisitions, except Davis, Young, Armstrong, and Moss!) to expect this offense to be worse than last year.

The biggest improvement to date however, (and its been just two preseason games so take it as a grain of salt) has been Kyle Shanahan. He's called two great preseason games after being a liability for us last year. Hope it continues.

young or henne? have you seen them play? no thanks. henne is a great backup. are we sure it was kyle and not mcnabb and guys like galloway and the lackluster RB stable the held the O back last year? that OL was also pretty awful, and all that figures into calling and executing plays.

btw, i'd argue that kerrigan will start slow and become better when he figures out wtf he's doing 8 games in... there's still the week 12 rookie wall, but i think he'll be alright.

we're missing an ILB and #1 CB right now though, with no hier to fletcher's spot either. rocky wouldn't be out there if we had a better option. still need 2 OL and a QB too , but i guess no team is perfect.

I don't think QB is necessarily the bottleneck though. our entire top 22 is fairly middle of the pack.

as far as that game - (in general, not at you GTripp) just dont bandwagon too hard when you realize that the colt's D operates best when the know your offense HAS to scor 14 TDs to keep up with peyton. that is not a dink and dunk grind it out defense.

[SmootSmack]

Well it was Mike Shanahan who decided Young should be a FB, not LB. So I guess give him that

[rbanerjee23]

Henne or VY? I would rather give the helm to Grossman after his decent performance last year or take a chance with Beck than chase known failures.

[SmootSmack]

Tripp and I are probably the only Redskins fans who care about the Dolphins QB battle: Henne vs. Moore

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Tripp and I are probably the only Redskins fans who care about the Dolphins QB battle: Henne vs. Moore

Naturally the airwaves down here are a battle ground for this. Henne is not a real popular guy and if Moore gives any serious indication that he can deliver the goods week after week...he's hired.

[GusFrerotte]

I don't see how a Beck bandwagon can be formed yet with him only playing one preseason game against a team that just screws around during the preseason, and will be lucky to make the playoffs this year. If Beck does start against the Ravens and does well, I will raise my eyebrows and gain interest. All he has done thus far in my mind is show me he does have some potential and so far is serviceable. Whether or not he is starting caliber is another matter though. He shows promise, but one preseason game does not a season make.

[rbanerjee23]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

I don't see how a Beck bandwagon can be formed yet with him only playing one preseason game against a team that just screws around during the preseason, and will be lucky to make the playoffs this year. If Beck does start against the Ravens and does well, I will raise my eyebrows and gain interest. All he has done thus far in my mind is show me he does have some potential and so far is serviceable. Whether or not he is starting caliber is another matter though. He shows promise, but one preseason game does not a season make.

I'm sure Beck is waiting with bated breath to see your eyebrows raised and your interest piqued lol but yeah, one preseason game is nowhere near enough to make a call on a qb but for his limited action, he played well and gave us something to look forward to ... that is the extent of the beck bandwagon right now

[NYCskinfan82]

Since we all agree Beck is not a pro-bowl QB, then what does it matter what he does against the ravens they make most QB's look bad. I just want to see a good team effort.

[rbanerjee23]

Originally Posted by NYCskinfan82

Since we all agree Beck is not a pro-bowl QB, then what does it matter what he does against the ravens they make most QB's look bad. I just want to see a good team effort.

Exactly, JB's responsibility is to manage the game and not make mistakes

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by NYCskinfan82

Since we all agree Beck is not a pro-bowl QB, then what does it matter what he does against the ravens they make most QB's look bad. I just want to see a good team effort.

If the Ravens make QB's look bad, what if he looks good?

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Lotus

If the Ravens make QB's look bad, what if he looks good?

Then it's just another meaningless preseason game.

[NYCskinfan82]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Then it's just another meaningless preseason game.

Exactly, the game only means something when we look bad.