What happens if ? ? ?

[1niksder]

What happens if the Redskins come out and play the same way over the next two weeks as they did against the Saints.

What happens to the Defense?

At one point “blowing it up” seemed rational, then came the Saints game, we have seen them play like this in the past, we seen them play like this consistently in the past.

Andre Carter is playing at the level that was expected from the start over the past few weeks. He is terrorizing coming around the edge and he is all over field in pursuit. Griffin and Golston are solid in the middle of the D line and Daniels is serviceable to say the least.

The whole defense seems to “flow” better when the defensive line is getting pressure without help from the blitz.

What happens with the O?

The offense has everything a team could ask for. Speedy wideouts that can get open deep, and a QB with a arm to take shots down the field. A solid running game (what happens if Portis and Betts line up together in the back field), with an O-line that loves to run it down the other teams throat.

And on Teams?

Frost is punting the 50 yards every now and then, isn’t shanking it and averaging around 47 yards per punt. We kick more FGs than most of us like but when was the last time we missed one? Cartwright and Randle-El have the return game covered.

So what needs to be done to with this team in the off-season.

Middle linebacker appears to be at the top of the list, how much should the chemistry of this team change beyond that?

[SkinzCanes]

Middle linebacker appears to be at the top of the list, how much should the chemistry of this team change beyond that?

The offense doesn't need any changes really imo. I wouldn't mind seeing Samuels or Jansen replaced (Wade did a very good job filling in for Jansen today). Defense is another story. Carter has played much better recently, and with Golston and Griffin in the playing well in the middle, I think that we just need to bring in another DE that can rush the passer. I would love to see us draft Gaines Adams for that position. I think the area that needs to be addressed the most is at linebacker. We need a mlb BADLY and Holdman has to go. In the secondary we need to bring in a starting caliber corner and add some depth.

[1niksder]

Middle linebacker appears to be at the top of the list, how much should the chemistry of this team change beyond that?

The offense doesn't need any changes really imo. I wouldn't mind seeing Samuels or Jansen replaced (Wade did a very good job filling in for Jansen today). Defense is another story. Carter has played much better recently, and with Golston and Griffin in the playing well in the middle, I think that we just need to bring in another DE that can rush the passer. I would love to see us draft Gaines Adams for that position. I think the area that needs to be addressed the most is at linebacker. We need a mlb BADLY and Holdman has to go. In the secondary we need to bring in a starting caliber corner and add some depth.

This is basically the same situation as last year plus a need at wide-out and look what happen. Hopefully we can bring back everyone that we risk losing and only have minimal change to the roster

[Redskins Rule]

Another defensive back........Shawn Springs is good, but he's always hurt. Carlos Rogers can't cover the number 1 reciever, at least not yet.

The second thing I think we need is a defensive end. Renaldo Wynn and Philip Daniels are good, but they are getting old. We should see about getting a replacement for them.

Then I say the linebacker position.

Our offense is fine.

[ii7-V7]

Why in the world would you want Samuels and Jansen replaced? Did I misunderstand you? We definetly need to start grooming some young Linemen, but what have those two done over the past six years besides anchor a top ten line?

We just need youth....and four draft picks, three of which will be after #150 aren't going to help.

[SkinzCanes]

Why in the world would you want Samuels and Jansen replaced? Did I misunderstand you? We definetly need to start grooming some young Linemen, but what have those two done over the past six years besides anchor a top ten line?

I just think that we need to be getting younger at the position. Jansen, in particular, hasn't looked that great this season and Wade did well in his place today.

[1niksder]

Why in the world would you want Samuels and Jansen replaced? Did I misunderstand you? We definetly need to start grooming some young Linemen, but what have those two done over the past six years besides anchor a top ten line?

I just think that we need to be getting younger at the position. Jansen, in particular, hasn't looked that great this season and Wade did well in his place today.

Wade really is the only depth to speak off but we wouldn't have known that if JJ hadn't missed this one. And Wade's no spring chicken at 30

[air_hog]

Middle linebacker appears to be at the top of the list, how much should the chemistry of this team change beyond that?

As much as I hate to agree with you, you are 100% right.

For me, Lemar has been getting a free pass recently due his play the past couple of years, but after watching him with a "biased-free" opinion the past couple of weeks, the guy just is not that good.

He doesn't have the best instincts, HE HAS NO ZONE COVERAGE SKILLS WHATSOEVER, he can't tackle that well, and I'm not sure if he is that good of a field general (I mean I always see Sean barking at everyone to get in their spots).

I really like Lemar, but his play has just been terrible recently.

However, it was great to see Rocky get some action today, and even better since I thought he played exceptionally well!

[JPM36]

Defensive line should absolutely be #1 on everyone's wish list.

That's been true of this team for years.

I want Alan Branch, DT, Michigan.

We need a huge DT who can occupy 2 blockers and free up everyone else to make plays. Branch is that guy. He and Griffin would be a solid pair in the middle of our defense.

[Gibbs4Life]

I think you have to look at

1. CB- Springs has showed his age, good game against the saints doesn't validate an entire season of garbage, remember the colts game? Titans? Even in the saints game he gave up an easy 1st down on 3rd and 10 because he gave soo much cushion. Rogers is developing but the jury is still out. #1 priority this offseason CB

2. LB- Middle and outside opposite Sir Marcus...Lamar and
Warrick need to go. Why we haven't taken the opportunity to look at McIntosh is a mystery to me but let's say he's a starter next year...we still need a middle linebacker "quarterback of defense" a real field general. I wonder what kind of FA's will be there at this position.

3. DL- Griffin is great...sometimes other times he's either hurt or lazy...at the very least he's old. Salavea is not a young pup either...let's look for a second at the NFC East Champs dallas they're best player bar none is Jason Ferguson that mammoth smack dab in the middle of that DLine and he sets the tone for the whole line...much like Griffin does for us its just Griff is not dependable reliable etc.


3 Step solution: 1.Draft another stud CB (assuming Carlos is stud)
2. Identify the best MLB availible and gas up Redskins1
3. Draft or Sign a beast for that DT spot.

[Irn-Bru]

Why in the world would you want Samuels and Jansen replaced? Did I misunderstand you? We definetly need to start grooming some young Linemen, but what have those two done over the past six years besides anchor a top ten line?

I just think that we need to be getting younger at the position. Jansen, in particular, hasn't looked that great this season and Wade did well in his place today.

I agree. Perhaps Jansen will come back stronger next year (I have no reason not to have some faith there), but it would be nice to see some youth on the squad that could also perform. Our draft picks from '04 (Mark Wilson, Jim Molinaro) simply never panned out. I'm definitely excited by Wade's performance.

[fredp45]

I agree we need CB, MLB & DL -- I also think we need a safety, a young clipboard carrying 3rd string QB, possibly OL depth, a big/tall WR, a blocking TE and a couple guys that are special teams guys.

I really want to see us change out NO more than 10-12 guys. Guys on out roster today that I just don't see on the roster next year:

QB Brunnel
WR Patten
RB Duckett
TE Kozlowski
CB Rumph
LB Holdman
LB Posey
CB Wright (I keep Ade for his Special Teams play)
DT Boschetti

Fauria and Hall are on IR but they're gone too.

I don't see AA getting cut -- I think he has potential if our line is playing like they did against the Saints and he isn't asked to cover guys. His strength is blitzing and run stopping. Plus, his cap hit would kill us.

Coaching changes -- Stephen Jackson will be let go becuase of how he handled AA and Gray may end up taking a D Cord job somewhere.

Needs:

3rd CB that's better than Wright and could take Springs spot when he's done -- It might be worth going out and getting one of the top 5 CBs available in FA. Someone who is better than Kenny Wright and an eventual starter. This will be our biggest dollar pick up in FA.

MLB who can play right away -- Since Wms won't play a rookie, I'd find a FA Middle linebacker. This may cost a little, but will be a small cap hit for the first 2 years. If he works out, we're okay with his higher salary in years 3 and out.

DL -- With our 1st rounder I'd take the best DL player available. If we can move down 5-8 spots, and still get a solid DL player, I'd do that and pick up another pick in Day 1. The salary here will be viritually all of our rookie cap.

S -- Hopefully, Prioleau is back and recovered. We could either draft one late in the draft, not as a starter but a reserve, special teams player, and eventual starter or find a free agent that a team is letting go due to a high salary hit, late in his contract . We have two safeties on the team now, AA and Reed D., who can't cover anyone. My bet is Reed is gone, even after that super hit on teams yesterday. I wouldn't get a high priced guy here.

Blocking TE - There are guys out there that have okay hands (catch 10-12 passes a year) but absolutely blow you away with their blocks. A 5-6 year vet with a salary like Fauria got -- 1 mil.

3rd String Clipboard carrying QB -- We need to clear up who our backup QB is and with two vets, there's always a question. Plus, Brunell makes too much money to sit around watching. Let Collins be the b-up in 07 and get a young guy that can watch and learn, ala Trent Green! This guy will get near the min. salary, unless you find a gem and want to keep him -- maybe it's someone getting $750 a year. NO old guy though.

OL depth -- I like our starters a lot and Wade seems really good. Re-sign Dockery. if we can improve depth here with lower priced Free agents, great. It might be worth finding a b-up center and or guard in the 5th or 6th round. No big money needed here.

A tall WR (even if he's a little slow) for the redzone. There are always guys like this around...heck, the Jags have 4 or 5 of them! Maybe they'd like Patten in a trade? Has Detroit sourred on Mike Wms yet? I've always had my eye on Ronald Curry from Oak. The guy who play bball for UNC a few years back. He's 6'2" 210 and a super athlete. I'm not talking a high priced FA guy here either. He takes Patten's spot on the roster.

Special Teams guys -- I'd like to see us get 1 stud special team guy and another good teamer -- maybe linebacker sized guys so Taylor doesn't have to play on Special Teams. That scares me. Also, if Rocky is starting next year, find a replacement for him on teams too.

[KazooSkinsFan]

What happens if the Redskins come out and play the same way over the next two weeks as they did against the Saints.

What happens to the Defense?

At one point “blowing it up” seemed rational, then came the Saints game, we have seen them play like this in the past, we seen them play like this consistently in the past.

Andre Carter is playing at the level that was expected from the start over the past few weeks. He is terrorizing coming around the edge and he is all over field in pursuit. Griffin and Golston are solid in the middle of the D line and Daniels is serviceable to say the least.

The whole defense seems to “flow” better when the defensive line is getting pressure without help from the blitz.

What happens with the O?

The offense has everything a team could ask for. Speedy wideouts that can get open deep, and a QB with a arm to take shots down the field. A solid running game (what happens if Portis and Betts line up together in the back field), with an O-line that loves to run it down the other teams throat.

And on Teams?

Frost is punting the 50 yards every now and then, isn’t shanking it and averaging around 47 yards per punt. We kick more FGs than most of us like but when was the last time we missed one? Cartwright and Randle-El have the return game covered.

So what needs to be done to with this team in the off-season.

Middle linebacker appears to be at the top of the list, how much should the chemistry of this team change beyond that?

Linebacker certainly needs to be addressed. Is Rocky the solution on the weak side? Marshall could be a decent backup but he doesn't give the whole package to be a starter.

But the top of my list is the secondary. We need a safety starter stronger on coverage to replace AA. Are Rogers and Springs enough? Springs is hard to count on for 16 games, he's not getting younger, and we were seriously burned when he was out. Rogers had a tough year, was it a sophmore jinx or are the coaches confident he'll bounce back?

The O and D lines could always use depth.

[Cappster]

I am not sure if anyone noticied but McIntosh was in there for a few plays (that I know of for sure). I think Williams has a few packages for him and is starting to get him more involved in the game. I think the more that Rocky knows the mental aspect, the more he plays.

[KazooSkinsFan]

I am not sure if anyone noticied but McIntosh was in there for a few plays (that I know of for sure). I think Williams has a few packages for him and is starting to get him more involved in the game. I think the more that Rocky knows the mental aspect, the more he plays.

The problem is we need a starter on the weak side. You have to wonder how far GW thinks he is from being that if at the end of the year he's still only in for a few plays, particularly when we have no chance at the playoffs and the starter sucks.

[brad7686]

What they should do is trade down and take either Lamarr Woodley or Daymeion Hughes depending on who is available. That would add a second rounder, which would mean they actually had a first and second rounder for once. I am really big on Woodley, and I am not sold on Adams' all around ability (run stopping). Woodley is an absolute man beast who can overpower or run around OT's in the NFL. Daymeion Hughes is a ballhawk, and the skins need one of those more than anything.

As far as FA goes, MLB is a big need. Look at the skins with Pierce and then post Pierce. Letting him get away was a big mistake, and they need someone else with his toughness and instincts. A tall WR is also necessary. Either Lloyd or Randle El needs to go. Safety is also a need. Might be a bigger one than corner...

[1niksder]

What happens if the Redskins come out and play the same way over the next two weeks as they did against the Saints.

What happens to the Defense?

At one point “blowing it up” seemed rational, then came the Saints game, we have seen them play like this in the past, we seen them play like this consistently in the past.

Andre Carter is playing at the level that was expected from the start over the past few weeks. He is terrorizing coming around the edge and he is all over field in pursuit. Griffin and Golston are solid in the middle of the D line and Daniels is serviceable to say the least.

The whole defense seems to “flow” better when the defensive line is getting pressure without help from the blitz.

What happens with the O?

The offense has everything a team could ask for. Speedy wideouts that can get open deep, and a QB with a arm to take shots down the field. A solid running game (what happens if Portis and Betts line up together in the back field), with an O-line that loves to run it down the other teams throat.

And on Teams?

Frost is punting the 50 yards every now and then, isn’t shanking it and averaging around 47 yards per punt. We kick more FGs than most of us like but when was the last time we missed one? Cartwright and Randle-El have the return game covered.

So what needs to be done to with this team in the off-season.

Middle linebacker appears to be at the top of the list, how much should the chemistry of this team change beyond that?

Linebacker certainly needs to be addressed. Is Rocky the solution on the weak side? Marshall could be a decent backup but he doesn't give the whole package to be a starter.

But the top of my list is the secondary. We need a safety starter stronger on coverage to replace AA. Are Rogers and Springs enough? Springs is hard to count on for 16 games, he's not getting younger, and we were seriously burned when he was out. Rogers had a tough year, was it a sophmore jinx or are the coaches confident he'll bounce back?

The O and D lines could always use depth.

From the early edition of one of the rumor mills

-- Redskins Eyeing Adalius Thomas --
Sun Dec 17, 2006

Fox Sports' John Czarnecki reports the Redskins have their eyes on Baltimore Ravens LB Adalius Thomas in free agency. Washington HC Joe Gibbs is still talking about hiring a general manager or another personnel man to assist Vinny Cerrato.



-- Redskins Could Revamp CB Corps --
Fri Dec 15, 2006
The Examiner reports the Washington Redskins may release starting CB Shawn Springs in the offseason. Springs spent five games on the sidelines due to injuries and will count for approximately $7 million against the cap. He could be asked to restructure his contract and some NFL sources wonder if Springs might be cut, allowing the Redskins to sign free-agent-to-be CB Nate Clements (Buffalo Bills). Meanwhile, Redskins reserve cornerbacks -- Kenny Wright and Ade Jimoh -- are both slated for free agency. "Obviously they need to bolster that spot," said one NFC scout, who has watched Washington in person several times this season and likes Rogers. "They should draft one relatively high and try to get through next year with what they have." The Redskins starting cornerback opposite Springs is second-year CB Carlos Rogers, who has been victimized by double moves, poor safety play and suspect hands. His tackling has suffered, too. "I have my confidence back," Rogers said. "Now when I see something I just go get it. We were going through a lot on defense [earlier]. Everyone was down on themselves and we weren’t playing together. [The drops] are very frustrating. I could easily be in the Pro Bowl with six or seven interceptions. But it happens to the best." Redskins secondary/corners coach Jerry Gray compared Rogers’ plight to that of Dallas CB Terence Newman, who struggled in his sophomore season only to blossom thereafter. Assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said, "Carlos has taken a step up. He’s one of the more physical corners in the NFL. I’ve been real pleased with the last five or six weeks. … I’m feeling better [about the corner situation]." As for Springs, coaches say he’s playing better now that he’s healthy. But the scout said it’s clear to him Springs has not fully recovered. However, Springs isn’t worried about being unable to play as he gets older.

[Cappster]

I think we should do our best to keep Springs. I feel he is a valuable locker room guy and field general. If we let him go, it would be a mistake. I hope he restructures his contract. I would like to get Clements. Not sure about the linebacker from Baltimore as I have never heard of him.

[1niksder]

I think we should do our best to keep Springs. I feel he is a valuable locker room guy and field general. If we let him go, it would be a mistake. I hope he restructures his contract. I would like to get Clements.

I'd like to see Springs re-work his contract and also see if he can make the move that Vincent made (from CB to saftey). It would help with our need for depth at safety, he knows the system and if we bring someone in and he or Rogers goes down we'd have someone we could count on in the pinch.

Not sure about the linebacker from Baltimore as I have never heard of him.

He did a pretty good job filling in for Ray-ray last year and plays inside and out, I think that would be a good move and wouldn't cost a whole lot

[Mursilis]

Not sure about the linebacker from Baltimore as I have never heard of him.

He did a pretty good job filling in for Ray-ray last year and plays inside and out, I think that would be a good move and wouldn't cost a whole lot

Adelius Thomas is third on that team in tackles and has 10 sacks so far this year. I'll bet he ends up commanding some decent $$ in free agency. The only knock against him is his age - he'll be 30 next year, which isn't too old, but isn't young either. Still, for the right price, he'd be a decent pick-up. He's listed as an outside LB, but seems to have the size (6'2", 270, according to NFL.com) to play the middle.

[unter13]

Not sure about the linebacker from Baltimore as I have never heard of him.

He did a pretty good job filling in for Ray-ray last year and plays inside and out, I think that would be a good move and wouldn't cost a whole lot

Adelius Thomas is third on that team in tackles and has 10 sacks so far this year. I'll bet he ends up commanding some decent $$ in free agency. The only knock against him is his age - he'll be 30 next year, which isn't too old, but isn't young either. Still, for the right price, he'd be a decent pick-up. He's listed as an outside LB, but seems to have the size (6'2", 270, according to NFL.com) to play the middle.

He also has outstanding speed. I talking outstanding speed for a linebacker

[The Hogster]

I don't think we need wholesale changes, but its seems like Lemar Marshall could stand to be upgraded. I really hope we keep Vernon Fox, he's what we need in the secondary.

Prieloau will be back...I hope that we acquired a good coverage corner, i.e. Nate Clements...that will only help Carlos Rogers, and our defensive line who actually got a 'coverage sack' last week. Springs is getting no younger, and maybe next year Rocky takes a step forward.

Campbell is already talking about having an offseason passing camp in Miami with the receivers, so hopefully that works out. This will be the second year in the same offense, and the running game should be powerful with a healthy Clinton and a proven Betts.

Everything else could be taken care of through the draft...we need to start building talent that way as well. We don't need to blow it up, we just need to get a bit younger on the depth chart and plug in a Corner. Thomas wouldn't be a bad look, but he'd have to learn fast....

[fredp45]

While he's 32, Fletcher might be a great stop-gap MLB for us. Wms and Gray know him so if they think he'd fit in, we'll probably sign him. He's only 5'10" but weighs in at 245.

London Fletcher UFA Buffalo Bills
Fletcher is good, plain and simple. He’ll be 32 heading into next season, but he’s still producing with 56 total tackles credited to him so far this season along with a pair of sacks. Fletcher hasn’t missed a game in his career, and he’s also tallied 119 total tackles or more in every season since 2000. If the Bills don’t get him to sign an extension, expect Fletcher to garner attention from several teams looking for a veteran presence that can make things happen on the field. Wherever Fletcher ends up, he’ll be brought in to act as a defensive leader and to make big plays. Ultimately, he could be the cream of the crop in terms of available linebackers.

As far as tall WR's, how about Bennett? He's 6'5"

Drew Bennett, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Bennett might not be considered a special wide receiver in NFL circles, but the UCLA product has great size and good hands as a second receiving option. An uncanny connection with quarterback Billy Volek in 2004 helped Bennett to 1,247 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. With Vince Young being named the starter, it’s been up and down statistically, so Bennett could easily move on—to a team more ready to compete in the present. Several teams could use Bennett to compliment a smaller and faster receiver, and if used properly, Bennett can put up strong numbers once again.

[UK Skins Fan]

I'm still not convinced by our d-line, and that's where I think the biggest impact on our defence can be made. Get a dominating line, and we could get by with average players in a lot of other spots.

I love Griffin and Salavea, but their bodies let them down quite a lot. Golston looks like a good find, but Wynn and Daniels are moving down the wrong side of the hill. Daniels can still be a force, but there are a lot of old bodies in there.. I'd go for the biggest, baddest defensive lineman we can get in round one, and work him into the mix.

We need help at corner too, but I'd rather see a veteran there from free agency. May well be the position that we spend big dollars on this offseaon, because there isn't going to be much available in the market, from what I've read, and competition will be fierce for the few good ones.

I'd like to see an upgrade at MB, but it's such a demanding position, I'd question the ability of anybody to make an immediate impression, although I know we got lucky with Pearce. Again, a veteran is more likely, because a rookie linebacker just isn't going to start for Gregg Williams.

With Prioleau back next year, the safety spot will be better straight away. I still think AA can be a force if used right, but he'll probably never earn the money that we gave him. Still, Taylor, Archuletta, Fox and Prioleau would be a reasonable safety group.

On special teams, it might be that nothing needs doing at all - who'd have thought it?

On offence - just get me some healthy bodies for the o-line, preferrably young ones. Nothing else required except perhaps a qb. If Brunell is released, then we need to decide whether Collins is a #2 or a #3. That decision would determine whether a veteran is pursued in free agency, or a low draft pick is used here.

Starnge, this is one of the most disappointing seasons that I can remember, but I really do feel optimistic about next year already. And that's before the hype has started.

[StatKid]

I can see guys like Rogers and Fox back in the secondary next season. As far as the D Line goes, we need some more speed. The line not so bad, it's just once somebody get past them and then they have to trust struggling guys like Holdman or Marshall to make a stop. We have some holes to plug in on that side. I actually don't see B-Lloyd with the team next year, just a gut feeling, that's not really a prediciton.