Who Is??????

[roybus14]

Who is the B-Mitch or Ray Lewis of this team? You know the ones... The ones that perform on the field and get in people's faces when they are not. The ones that when the players have a problem with the coaches or whatever, he goes to the HC and put's it on the table for his teammates.

Who is that guy on this team???? Is there a guy like that on this team???

And I don't want to hear that, "how do you know we don't have that guy or that this is already going on?" crap. In this day and time where nothing is kept secret on teams for long, a team meeting, a player like B-Mitch or Ray Lewis getting in somebody's face would have come out by now. Especially with the stuff surrounding this team right now.

It's funny, and I hate doing this, how our friends up I-95 North have been able to consistently put pretty good defenses on the field year after year post Marvin Lewis. They have been able to lose key guys like Duane Starks, Jamie Sharper, Ed Hartwell, Siragusa, etc. and still maintain a pretty good level of defense. Why??? Ray Lewis..... He has been able to prove his worth on the field time and time again and get those guys to buy-into his leadership of performing at their best. Him and his defensive mates hold people accountable before even it get's to the coaches. And because Ray took on that role early on in his career with them, it has now become a habit or way of life for that defense and it pretty much built in now.

[BossHog]

Marcus Washington. That should be a well known fact... but apparently not. The leader, the spirit and the voice of the Redskins defense without any doubt whatsoever. Maybe if he shanks someone, people will pay more attention to him.

If people have to resort to bagging on the great defense that this franchise has fielded year-in and year-out SINCE Lewis left (with the exception of the 2003(?) season), then you should really think about stepping away from your keyboard for a bit.



They haven't been good this year, no doubt about it, but they've been so good in recent years that the Redskins have had many chances to stay in games and put up W's. And what team would miss their number one cornerback other than the Redskins?

To make a broad swipe with a brush and paint this defense as constantly inept is totally irresponsible and totally uninformed in my opinion. It may be frustration speaking for you... but that doesn't make it accurate or any less inane of a statement.

Gregg williams has established himself as one of the smartest defensive minds in the game over the last couple of years. Finishing the 2004 season with the #2 defense in the league and with just THREE of the original starting eleven left in the defense ISN'T proof of Williams' ability and performance?



It is in my book.

[Irn-Bru]

And, honestly, the defense isn't a single point of failure this year. As CLL has been quick to point out, we haven't been out of a game (due to our defense) yet. . .they've kept us in both games.

They've let us down, just like the offense has, but that's more a product of our team not clicking than some irreversible weakness on our D.

I agree with BossHog about Washington. . .just watch him after a big play and you'll see how vocal he is. The best leaders start with their play, and Washington's play (in my opinion) hasn't dropped off at all. We're on our way.

[roybus14]

Marcus Washington. That should be a well known fact... but apparently not. The leader, the spirit and the voice of the Redskins defense without any doubt whatsoever. Maybe if he shanks someone, people will pay more attention to him.

If people have to resort to bagging on the great defense that this franchise has fielded year-in and year-out SINCE Lewis left (with the exception of the 2003(?) season), then you should really think about stepping away from your keyboard for a bit.



They haven't been good this year, no doubt about it, but they've been so good in recent years that the Redskins have had many chances to stay in games and put up W's. And what team would miss their number one cornerback other than the Redskins?

To make a broad swipe with a brush and paint this defense as constantly inept is totally irresponsible and totally uninformed in my opinion. It may be frustration speaking for you... but that doesn't make it accurate or any less inane of a statement.

Gregg williams has established himself as one of the smartest defensive minds in the game over the last couple of years. Finishing the 2004 season with the #2 defense in the league and with just THREE of the original starting eleven left in the defense ISN'T proof of Williams' ability and performance?



It is in my book.

Whoa, whoa, whoa Boss Hog.... I am not saying anything about our defense, which In my opinion is up there with our friends in Baltimore. My question was about who was the leader(s) on this team and I just used what is going on in Baltimore as an example, specifically talking about Ray Lewis and their defense.

I think that we have a very, very good defense that is looking ordinary because our inept offense leaves them on the field too long. I don't care if you are the 2000 Ravens defense, the 86' Bears defense, etc., if they are left on the field too long they are going to tire and give up points and 3rd down conversions.

My statement is not about whether or not our defense is good or bad but about player leadership and how it affects a team. I just used the Ravens as an example....

[dlc]

If it the offense did their job last year, we would maybe be returning SuperBowl champs this year. Instead, the defense has a couple games of mediocrity and we start blaming it for our losses? This team lives in the cellar of the standings the past few years if it weren't for the defense.

So when you lose your top CB in the first two weeks, cut them some slack. Can't we expect the offense to carry the team more than once or twice a season?

[dlc]

Whoa, whoa, whoa Boss Hog.... I am not saying anything about our defense, which In my opinion is up there with our friends in Baltimore. My question was about who was the leader(s) on this team and I just used what is going on in Baltimore as an example, specifically talking about Ray Lewis and their defense.

I think that we have a very, very good defense that is looking ordinary because our inept offense leaves them on the field too long. I don't care if you are the 2000 Ravens defense, the 86' Bears defense, etc., if they are left on the field too long they are going to tire and give up points and 3rd down conversions.

My statement is not about whether or not our defense is good or bad but about player leadership and how it affects a team. I just used the Ravens as an example....

Marcus Washington seems like it to me. Sean Taylor is definitely the spark plug. This is kind of like the Lewis/Reed pairing.

[Gnome]

Good question.

For the Skins, I'd have to say it's Portis.

His getting hurt in the preseason deflated the team.

When the offense looked good against the Vikes, he was in the game. And with him out, the offense was non-existent.

He carried the team to the playoffs last year, because Mark was dreadful for all but a few games.

As Portis goes, so go the Redskins. If he is miracously healed and lights it up, then the teams fortunes will follow. If he stays injured, the burden shifts to Mark and as he's shown, he is no Tom Brady.

[riggofan]

Yeah I don't get the defensive criticism either. The corners have struggled at times, but the D kept both of the first two games well within reach.

Maybe next time Taylor forces a fumble, the D should just stay on the field and finish the job.

[Steve Spurrier III]

Yeah I don't get the defensive criticism either.

Part of it is because we have been spoiled by the last two seasons (and really, the past six seasons. Only the 2003 team finished lower than 9th in yards allowed). Part of it is because they have given up huge drives late in the game: the Vikings drove right down the field from their own 33 to our 13 to hit the go-ahead field goal, and Dallas moved the ball from their own one to another touchdown to give them a 14-point lead, and effectivley put the game out of reach.

The defense is 24th in points and yards allowed. Part of the problem is how ineffective the offense has been, but the offense was even worse in 2004, and the defense was still able to step up.

The defense will get better as they are given time to gell, players get healthy, and the offense doesn't make them stay on the field quite as long. But they have still underachieved, and it's a problem. We have enough question marks on offense and in the kicking game, and the last thing we need is our best unit to start springing leaks.

[Cowboys06]

I don't think you have any vocal leaders. Your leaders are players that just make plays and shut up about it.

[Irn-Bru]

I don't think you have any vocal leaders. Your leaders are players that just make plays and shut up about it.

Well, to be fair, they dance a bit, too. I like Washington's robot the best, although Moss' first down dance is also entertaining. . .

[riggofan]

Part of it is because we have been spoiled by the last two seasons (and really, the past six seasons.

No doubt about that. Man I loved all of the crazy corner blitzes GW was bringing last year. Keep wondering where that is this season. Springs is out so we can't blitz anymore??

I still think the D is not a big problem though. Yeah they gave up some long drives late in the game, but that's going to happen eventually when our offense is only converting 20% of their third downs.

[HEROHAMO]

In my humble opinion. Id have to say Sean Taylor is the leader of this defense. You also have Marcus holding it down at OLB. When you think of a defensive player Taylor definately is an intimidating force. You know all recievers think twice before catching the ball. As far as leader by example whether it be good example or bad. Id Say Taylor his play seems to inspire the rest of the team.

[tcwest10]

I don't know...somehow, Springs pops into my head for that.
Sean is certainly respected...but not in quite the way a leader is. More like in awe, I guess.

[SkinsJock]

I was really pleased with how Washington leads and encourages his defensive group during the game and think he's a great team leader on the field. I think Williams and the other coaches take this role during the week. from what we have heard there is a great team spirit this year that actually started with the defensive players,

As far as offense is concerned I'm pretty sure that the more experienced vets lead the group but the most demonstrative during games, IMO, look to be Portis and Jansen.

I take nothing away from Lewis but I think he's a lot more into himself than his team. He has a fantastic safety in Ed Reed also. He's playing great but he's a lot more of a show-off than Washington.

[Dangerfield]

I take nothing away from Lewis but I think he's a lot more into himself than his team.

I'm just curious...what in the heck are you basing this statement on?

I don't think you'd be able to find a teamate or coach of Ray-Ray that would ever even remotely agree with you here. Is this what you want to believe or does it have any basis in reality?

[SkinsJock]

I'm just curious...what in the heck are you basing this statement on?

I don't think you'd be able to find a teamate or coach of Ray-Ray that would ever even remotely agree with you here.

I could not care less what his team or his coaches think. My opinion of Lewis is that he is a very good player and one of the best LBs ever but from his showboating and actions prior to the game I would say that he is obviously very into himself. I like the difference in leadership qualities that Washington displays in trying to get all of his defensive personnel together.

It is only my opinion and I'm not discussing the quality of play I'm just saying I think that Washington is a quality player and a better leader.

Apart from that is the fact that Washington has never been involved with off the field concerns like Lewis. I do not know either man but my impression is that Washington is probably a better person. I think Lewis likes what he sees in a mirror

Washington is a quality Redskin and a great leader for our defense - Lewis is a great player and IMO a good leader for the Ravens but that's all he is. He is a Raven and the post was querying who is/are our leaders!


This was about who is leading our team and Washington is a great example to everyone on our team.

[Dangerfield]

I could not care less what his team or his coaches think.

Enough Said....No sense in arguing with that BRILLIANT Logic...WOW!

To recap:

Anyone who has played with RL or coached him labels him the ultimate defensive leader of his generation.

Your post declares otherwise based on a hunch.

By the way, I agree M. Washingotn is the unquestioned leader of the Defense, with Sean Taylor being his Seargent-at-Arms.

[SkinsJock]

I could not care less what his team or his coaches think.

Enough Said....No sense in arguing with that BRILLIANT Logic...WOW!

To recap:

Anyone who has played with RL or coached him labels him the ultimate defensive leader of his generation.

Your post declares otherwise based on a hunch.

I was only posting opinions relevant to the question of "who is the B Mitch or Lewis on the Redskins team". The only point I was making had nothing to do with Lewis' skill but rather his "leadership".

I agree that it is only my opinion and I have never played the game but I think that his leadership is not as good as Washington and I only was using his antics as a means to say he is not IMO as focused on leadership as he is on how he perceives himself.

I believe that Washington is a better leader and I'm sure he is a better example of a NFL player on and off the field. I think Lewis is very special but only as it pertains to his play not to his qualities of leadership.

I think we are just going to agree to disagree - no worries

[roybus14]

The reason I gave the thread that title is because without a doubt B-Mitch was definitely a leader on this team but my insertion of Ray Lewis is based solely on what I have read in the papers, heard from interviews of his teammates and coaches. Several players including Hall of Famer to-be CB/Safety Rod Woodson said in an interview twhen he was with the Ravens that Ray was the leader of the defense and that he lead the charge of holding each other accounting on defense through his words, his play, and the buy-in he got from the other veteran leaders like Woodson himself on that defense and even Shannon Sharpe on the offense.

Right now, if you interview Siragusa, Mike McCrary and any other players on that defense that have played with Ray Lewis, they would all say the same thing Woodson said.

Maybe this team is beyond having an in-your-face team leader. Maybe everybody is content with collecting their check and being their own individual corporation to even care who is or what a team leader has to say.

[SkinsJock]

From what we have heard, the team, this off season, instituted a player accountability system that began with the defensive unit. I think this is still in place and as such is probably run by Washington. I noticed that he and Jansen were very active with the other players whenever there were any group conversations.

I think that if you could get this confirmed you would find that our guys really respect Mr Washington - and I happen to think he's a great leader. I also think people respect him as a person too

Now about Tony Siragusa