Beasts of the East

[BossHog]

Here is a clip I took from an article at www.sportsnetwork.com :

ON THE RISE

There are definite question marks surrounding both the Eagles and the Giants, leaving the Redskins and new-look Cowboys to have some optimism entering the new campaign.

Spurrier made a huge offseason splash with the signings of WR Laveranues Coles, OG Randy Thomas, OG Dave Fiore and KR/RB Chad Morton, and the trade with St. Louis for RB Trung Canidate was a win-win deal. The old ball coach feels he has something to prove to all the NFL naysayers, and that could be dangerous for the rest of the NFC.

"We didn’t play all that well last year, there’s no two ways about that," said Spurrier. "We didn’t have much consistency on offense. Nobody stepped up and made plays when we needed them. That can’t happen again. We won’t let that happen again."

With a season under his belt, QB Patrick Ramsey might heed Spurrier’s call to arms.

"Coach knows this game inside and out. It’s up to us to make the most of all the preparation and hard work that our coaching staff puts in each and every week," said Ramsey.

Spurrier just might get that Washington offense turned around, but the defense seems rudderless now that defensive mastermind Marvin Lewis has moved on to head up the Cincinnati Bengals.



... the entire artcicle can be found here:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN2671725.htm

[heatman28]

That sounds fine but the last comment about the defense being "rudderless" is a bit speculative IMO. The only player we lost that might or might not hurt this defense was Darryl Gardener. That leaves the interior of the defensive line a question mark and possibly vulnerable to attack so it will be up to Noble & Haley to prevent that from happening. Otherwise, I think we have a very solid defense coming into this season and I think Edwards can still have them ranked in the top 10. Edwards brings a more freelance style to the defense where Lewis was more of a disciplinarian and some of the players responded negatively to his philosphies. I think we'll get more out of the players with Edwards at the helm...

[BossHog]

I think we'll get more out of the players with Edwards at the helm...

I totally agree. I think the improvements will come from having Champ and Lavar fill roles that they're much more comfortable with. The whole defense just seemed really unhappy last year. I've been heard saying that 'Lewis wasn't a disciplinarian... he was a dictator.' I for one, will not miss Marvin one bit.

However... we will struggle to have much of a pass rush. I think Bruce will respond well to 'spot duty' but we're going to need to get a lot out of Wynn and Upshaw to force the issue at all.

We'll miss Gardener, but Noble will be good against the run. Maybe Trotter will play to his 'old' standards and if that is the case... IMO the interior will be just fine.

BossHog

PS - Welcome to the board.

[newshog]

Yeah, my feeling is that while Edwards might be an unknown commodity, he's hardly the cause of rudderlessness. In fact, I've been impressed at his and Spurrier's (and Hue Jackson's) preparation in the offseason. As far as I can tell, they have things well in hand. And I'm totally psyched about Edwards' freewheeling style and willingness to tailor to his players--I think they're really going to respond this year.

[langleyparkjoe]

..as we reflect on what once was

[Mississippiskinsfan2]

:lol:

..as we reflect on what once was

Blah!!! Spurrier

[leesburgskinsfan]

Oh the memories!.....

[langleyparkjoe]

that's why i like to resurrect some of these old ones, always good to remember that yes we really are improving!

[Deadskins]

Geez, that was a lifetime ago.

[emoses14]

I'm ok with not being even projected as a beast of the east until we get done stompin mudholes in the other 3 this year. I need at least one mudstomping of each, especially the cowgirls. Actually, I'll take heartbreaking last minute game winning drive win or mudstomping with regard to them. So long as it isn't 10-7.