Fat Albert

[LORD GIBBS]

Officially, Tom Brady has a "sore shoulder," the result of being crushed to the turf by massive Albert Haynesworth. Good Lord I love this man already

[SkinsFreak]

One of my football ignorant and pessimistic friends is already complaining that Haynesworth doesn't have 5 sacks already. Some people... I tell ya.

But for what it's worth, I'm not concerned about it yet and I'm not expecting similar sack numbers here in Washington. I think the overwhelmingly relevant factor regarding Albert is that he's a significant upgrade over what we've had and will command much respect and attention because of it. That, in itself, makes this defense better.

The NFC East is a much different animal than the AFC South. The NFC is about smash-mouth football and this division has arguably the best offensive lines in the league. The NFC o-lines are far superior to what Albert faced playing in the AFC South. So for Albert having to face much more dominating o-lines, I understand ahead of time that he may not produce similar sacks numbers.

But that's okay, because he's still going to garner respect from opposing teams, will take on the double and triple teams, allowing our other defenders to make plays and he's still a huge upgrade to our d-line. Albert's forte is actually as a run stuffer, and that's what you need in the NFC East. On passing downs, he'll still make his presence known, but will also open lanes for other defenders to make theirs.

[gholmesbm]

Did anyone else share my concern that the 1st team DL did not create much pressure on Brady last night?

In particular, not up the middle....

[Wahoo McDaniels]

There's no doubt he takes plays off...but, heck, if I had to line up for 10 plays in a row, I'd take a couple off too.

I was watching him exclusively on the drive that he buried Brady and on the two plays before it, you could tell he had decided to just catch him breath. But the play that he drove Brady to the turf, you could tell that he was coming full steam. I think that the trick for the Skins coaching staff is to minimize his down plays because when he really gives everything the guy is incredible.

[SnyderSucks]

Did anyone else share my concern that the 1st team DL did not create much pressure on Brady last night?

In particular, not up the middle....

In '07 Brady was sacked 21 times in 16 games. About 2/3 of a sack each half. In one half they sacked him once and he got one Fat Albert Belly Flop(tm). In a regular season game, would he have continued after that? Probably, but it would have affected him. He wasn't running for his life, but there was some pressure. We're not talking about the Detroit Lions here. Orakpo and Jarmon are both rookies as well, so there should be substanial improvement as the season progresses.

Last time they faced Brady, they gave up 56 points. This game they were on pace for 34. Using the stats, that clearly means that the defense is 40% better than it was in '07

[wooly34]

One of my football ignorant and pessimistic friends is already complaining that Haynesworth doesn't have 5 sacks already. Some people... I tell ya.

But for what it's worth, I'm not concerned about it yet and I'm not expecting similar sack numbers here in Washington. I think the overwhelmingly relevant factor regarding Albert is that he's a significant upgrade over what we've had and will command much respect and attention because of it. That, in itself, makes this defense better.

The NFC East is a much different animal than the AFC South. The NFC is about smash-mouth football and this division has arguably the best offensive lines in the league. The NFC o-lines are far superior to what Albert faced playing in the AFC South. So for Albert having to face much more dominating o-lines, I understand ahead of time that he may not produce similar sacks numbers.

But that's okay, because he's still going to garner respect from opposing teams, will take on the double and triple teams, allowing our other defenders to make plays and he's still a huge upgrade to our d-line. Albert's forte is actually as a run stuffer, and that's what you need in the NFC East. On passing downs, he'll still make his presence known, but will also open lanes for other defenders to make theirs.

Watched the game and at first though Haynesworth was being lazy, but then I watched the first half again today and the Pats O-line was dirty as hell during the game. He was held at least three times, cut blocked that could have ended his season and chopped another time. I hope the refs look at the film because "elite players" should be protected not favored, but protected. The O-line of the Pats have established themselves as a great line and the refs by into that... a hold is a hold and a chop block is a 15 yd penalty.

[riggofan]

Did anyone else share my concern that the 1st team DL did not create much pressure on Brady last night?

In particular, not up the middle....

I was having some doubts about the D last night. Not because of the Randy Moss stuff though. I mean, let's be honest. Playing the Pats, Tom Brady and Randy Moss are going to have some success against you. They're just freaking good.

I was just wondering given the defense we have why aren't we more aggressive. It doesn't seem like that's Greg Blache's style. True?

[tribeofjudah]

Officially, Tom Brady has a "sore shoulder," the result of being crushed to the turf by massive Albert Haynesworth. Good Lord I love this man already

It was borderline late....Big Al could have eased up, don't you think?

I'm surprised he didn't get flagged on it. Albert did his best to pancake Brady..... OUCH OUCH OUCH.....

[KazooSkinsFan]

I was having some doubts about the D last night. Not because of the Randy Moss stuff though. I mean, let's be honest. Playing the Pats, Tom Brady and Randy Moss are going to have some success against you. They're just freaking good.

I was just wondering given the defense we have why aren't we more aggressive. It doesn't seem like that's Greg Blache's style. True?

Because it's pre-season. It was a practice on TV. We were playing a vanilla defense. The starters in particular are working on coordination and communication, not trying to make the team. They may go all out on some plays or try some techniques, but shut down D just doesn't matter and they're facing a 16 game season (hopefully plus). Pre-season is just so over-analyzed.

[LORD GIBBS]

Officially, Tom Brady has a "sore shoulder," the result of being crushed to the turf by massive Albert Haynesworth. Good Lord I love this man already

It was borderline late....Big Al could have eased up, don't you think?

I'm surprised he didn't get flagged on it. Albert did his best to pancake Brady..... OUCH OUCH OUCH.....

That was a clean hit and it is football

[SKINFAN]

LoL, I thought so too, but i sure as hell wan't gonna be the first one to call out. I think he was a little "frustrated" at that point and layed it out on Brady. It looked as if the refs could've called holding everytime he gets in the backfield.

[riggofan]

I was having some doubts about the D last night. Not because of the Randy Moss stuff though. I mean, let's be honest. Playing the Pats, Tom Brady and Randy Moss are going to have some success against you. They're just freaking good.

I was just wondering given the defense we have why aren't we more aggressive. It doesn't seem like that's Greg Blache's style. True?

Because it's pre-season. It was a practice on TV. We were playing a vanilla defense. The starters in particular are working on coordination and communication, not trying to make the team. They may go all out on some plays or try some techniques, but shut down D just doesn't matter and they're facing a 16 game season (hopefully plus). Pre-season is just so over-analyzed.

I hope you're right. We'll find out in two weeks!

[roybus14]

Before we start acting like Chicken Little with Albert, let's keep in mind that dude hasn't really played alot in the preseason. Top that off with the fact that he get's double and sometimes triple-teamed on pass plays. Regardless of whether or not he looks winded or lazy, dude will be a beast barring injury.

I predict that by week three, the defense will be number 1 in the league. And in large part due to Albert getting his wind and requiring extra attention which will allow Carter, Orakpo and others to get to the QB more often. Thus either more three and out's or turnovers (picks)....