Smart and Smarter

[skinpride1]

Last season I started a thread called "dumb and dumber" because I truly believed the skins would go no where with Vinny and Dan at the front of this organization and Coach Zorn in over his head. I kind of called for a crappy season last year.

Then followed a 4-12 season that was one of the most pathetic in Redskin history.!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will never, ever forget the swinging gate call against the Giants.

I hated Vinny's get the best player in the draft and free agency approach , causing gaping voids in the teams needs( cough, cough O-line) and Danny Boy always meddling in everything when he obliviously should stay out of the way.

I wanted to wait and see what kind of moves Bruce and Mike would make in the off season before passing judgement that things are about to change.

After seeing the changes. I truly believe that we will be a dominate team again. I see changes that have been made that will remind you of our glory years. Not all the hype of picking up big FA players but real football changes.

Here is my thoughts on why the skins will be 9-7 to 10-6 team this year after being a 4-12 team.

The biggest start to me was the quarterback position!

Are you kidding me ? Mcnabb vs Campbell. I will take Donavan Mcnabb over Jason Campbell any day.Where are you at now Joe Gibbs?Because that is a Super Smart move and we got him from a division foe at a deal.

Veteran Q.B. with leadership and skills that is what you have with Mcnabb.

Second O-line you need a core line to run that ball and protect your Q.B.

New O- line... LT pro bowler Jammal Brown, LG derrick dockery, C casey rabach, RG artis hicks, RT trent willams.

This line has got to be miles better than what we had last year after Samuel's went out.

Running back yea Portis and Johnson are getting some age on them but they should have enough gas in the tank for a couple more good seasons.

Receivers Moss,Thomas,Kelly,Galloway a veteran like Mcnabb has got to make it work with two of those names and add ey and Davis in the mix.

don't forget our new O- coordinator Kyle who has proven with the Texans he can put up big numbers with his system, that is another plus having a young hungry fresh mind in that position. Just like when Gibbs was young and hungry on offensive system.

Last year we had O-coordinator and head coach Jim Zorn,Q.B. Jason Campbell and a under talented O-line.

This Year super bowl winning coach Mike shanahan and son Kyle Shanahan,Q.b. Donavan mcnabb, Much improved O-line.....see the difference.

Okay finally defense.

Yes the skins had a top 10 defense almost every year but the one area they lacked in was take aways because of a not so aggressive scheme.

switching to a 3-4
I like the Jim Haslett pick up. I think he is a smart coach that will turn the likes of Sackpro loose on the Q.B. Think the D-line will be good again.

However I'm not sold on the safeties or Cb's Haslett will have his work cut out for him in that area better get that q.b with pressure.

Still overall think we will be good enough for a wild card spot this year. Yes I'm making the call now because I believe in the changes that have been made and the systems that are now in place not because of the big spending on player names.

Hail to the Redskins and lets crush Dallas this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[skinpride1]

excuse me it was "dan and vinny in a nut shell" with a dumb and dumber pic up.

http://www.the-hogs.net/forum/viewtopic. ... umb+dumber

[chiefhog44]

I hope you are right. I'm not expecting much this year, so anything positive would be nice.

[everydayAskinsday]

New O- line... LT pro bowler Jammal Brown, LG derrick dockery, C casey rabach, RG artis hicks, RT trent willams.

The O-Line is a start.. Im really hoping that it shows improvement and I dont see how it couldnt with the upgrades we've made. From everything I've read it seems we will be using Williams at LT though and Jammal at RT, with Jammal sliding over to LT if Williams is struggling which hopefully wont be the case.

as for the recievers that is the area im most concerned about. Heres hoping that with McNabb the youngsters finally step up and break out, at least one of them.

Im hopefull for this upcoming season but am trying not to get overally excited. We've made alot of changes for the better but with so much change there are growing pains and hopefully we can put together a strong season this year that we can build on for next year and really do some damage

[Law Hog]

One thing I am extremely excited about - let me tell you. At Philly, McNabb was a huge fan of hitting his TE. Here in DC, he's got ey to play with.

Mark my words, ey will have a HUGE-----MONSTER year this year with McNabb throwing to him.

Remember last year where we would see a few games with minimal throws to ey. It had you asking yourself, scratching your head, "Doesn't this team realize how important ey is to this offense?!?!"

Well, not this year!!

Look for the McNabb ----> ey connection often!!!

[aswas71788]

You guys have covered just about everything but I will add one thing. Yes, we have had a top 10 defense BUT when it came time for the defense to shut down an opponent near the end of the game, it didn't happen. Remember all of those late game marches by the other team last year to win? It seemed like every week that happened. Hopefully the change to the 3 - 4 will pay some dividends.

Like may fans, I am rather guarded about my expectations this year. 9 - 5 or 10 -6 would be OK, a play-off spot would be better and a Super Bowl would be beyond expectations. All in all, this is a growing year and we should accept the possibility of a less than stellar year. The Great Spirit willing that I am around in 2 years, then my expectations are higher.

One other thing, if Kyle Shanahan proves to be as good as he was in Texas, I would expect him to be the next head coach after his father. I think that would be a smart move on the Redskins part.

[VetSkinsFan]

You guys have covered just about everything but I will add one thing. Yes, we have had a top 10 defense BUT when it came time for the defense to shut down an opponent near the end of the game, it didn't happen. Remember all of those late game marches by the other team last year to win? It seemed like every week that happened. Hopefully the change to the 3 - 4 will pay some dividends.

Like may fans, I am rather guarded about my expectations this year. 9 - 5 or 10 -6 would be OK, a play-off spot would be better and a Super Bowl would be beyond expectations. All in all, this is a growing year and we should accept the possibility of a less than stellar year. The Great Spirit willing that I am around in 2 years, then my expectations are higher.

One other thing, if Kyle Shanahan proves to be as good as he was in Texas, I would expect him to be the next head coach after his father. I think that would be a smart move on the Redskins part.

If you review the time of possession in those games, you'd realize that the defense can only be held partially accountable, if at all.

[aswas71788]

You guys have covered just about everything but I will add one thing. Yes, we have had a top 10 defense BUT when it came time for the defense to shut down an opponent near the end of the game, it didn't happen. Remember all of those late game marches by the other team last year to win? It seemed like every week that happened. Hopefully the change to the 3 - 4 will pay some dividends.

Like may fans, I am rather guarded about my expectations this year. 9 - 5 or 10 -6 would be OK, a play-off spot would be better and a Super Bowl would be beyond expectations. All in all, this is a growing year and we should accept the possibility of a less than stellar year. The Great Spirit willing that I am around in 2 years, then my expectations are higher.

One other thing, if Kyle Shanahan proves to be as good as he was in Texas, I would expect him to be the next head coach after his father. I think that would be a smart move on the Redskins part.

If you review the time of possession in those games, you'd realize that the defense can only be held partially accountable, if at all.

I acknowledge that the defense was on the field a lot, seems like they were there for 45 minutes out of every game, but that does not excuse them from failing to stop the other team at the crucial time.

[Countertrey]

You guys have covered just about everything but I will add one thing. Yes, we have had a top 10 defense BUT when it came time for the defense to shut down an opponent near the end of the game, it didn't happen. Remember all of those late game marches by the other team last year to win? It seemed like every week that happened. Hopefully the change to the 3 - 4 will pay some dividends.

Like may fans, I am rather guarded about my expectations this year. 9 - 5 or 10 -6 would be OK, a play-off spot would be better and a Super Bowl would be beyond expectations. All in all, this is a growing year and we should accept the possibility of a less than stellar year. The Great Spirit willing that I am around in 2 years, then my expectations are higher.

One other thing, if Kyle Shanahan proves to be as good as he was in Texas, I would expect him to be the next head coach after his father. I think that would be a smart move on the Redskins part.

If you review the time of possession in those games, you'd realize that the defense can only be held partially accountable, if at all.

I acknowledge that the defense was on the field a lot, seems like they were there for 45 minutes out of every game, but that does not excuse them from failing to stop the other team at the crucial time.

You can't stop the opposing offense if your D-coord won't let you. His play calling at the end of games was pathetic.

[skinpride1]

Here are some videos of our new franchise Q.B. in action last year.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/washington-re ... gles-recap

http://www.nfl.com/videos/philadelphia- ... highlights

http://www.nfl.com/videos/philadelphia- ... highlights

http://www.nfl.com/videos/philadelphia- ... -Giants-38

Even though this was a lose against the cowpukes still a awesome effort from Mcnabb.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/philadelphia- ... highlights

Mcnabb is still Mobile and still can scramble and is excellent at throwing on the run.

Give Mcnabb a Killer run game to go with his skills and the results should be awesome.

Campbell just stunk the field up.

Now we have a real Q.b. that can actually pull off a comeback and hit a deep pass.

Monster pick up for the skins landing Mcnabb.

[aswas71788]

You guys have covered just about everything but I will add one thing. Yes, we have had a top 10 defense BUT when it came time for the defense to shut down an opponent near the end of the game, it didn't happen. Remember all of those late game marches by the other team last year to win? It seemed like every week that happened. Hopefully the change to the 3 - 4 will pay some dividends.

Like may fans, I am rather guarded about my expectations this year. 9 - 5 or 10 -6 would be OK, a play-off spot would be better and a Super Bowl would be beyond expectations. All in all, this is a growing year and we should accept the possibility of a less than stellar year. The Great Spirit willing that I am around in 2 years, then my expectations are higher.

One other thing, if Kyle Shanahan proves to be as good as he was in Texas, I would expect him to be the next head coach after his father. I think that would be a smart move on the Redskins part.

If you review the time of possession in those games, you'd realize that the defense can only be held partially accountable, if at all.

I acknowledge that the defense was on the field a lot, seems like they were there for 45 minutes out of every game, but that does not excuse them from failing to stop the other team at the crucial time.

You can't stop the opposing offense if your D-coord won't let you. His play calling at the end of games was pathetic.

I agree with that.

[VetSkinsFan]

You guys have covered just about everything but I will add one thing. Yes, we have had a top 10 defense BUT when it came time for the defense to shut down an opponent near the end of the game, it didn't happen. Remember all of those late game marches by the other team last year to win? It seemed like every week that happened. Hopefully the change to the 3 - 4 will pay some dividends.

Like may fans, I am rather guarded about my expectations this year. 9 - 5 or 10 -6 would be OK, a play-off spot would be better and a Super Bowl would be beyond expectations. All in all, this is a growing year and we should accept the possibility of a less than stellar year. The Great Spirit willing that I am around in 2 years, then my expectations are higher.

One other thing, if Kyle Shanahan proves to be as good as he was in Texas, I would expect him to be the next head coach after his father. I think that would be a smart move on the Redskins part.

If you review the time of possession in those games, you'd realize that the defense can only be held partially accountable, if at all.

I acknowledge that the defense was on the field a lot, seems like they were there for 45 minutes out of every game, but that does not excuse them from failing to stop the other team at the crucial time.

You can't stop the opposing offense if your D-coord won't let you. His play calling at the end of games was pathetic.

I agree with that.

This isn't Madden. When a defense is on the field as long as our was in some of those games, there's thing new discovery called FATIGUE; maybe you've heard about it?

[skinpride1]

Anyone else excited to get a look at the new changes the skins have made and see a glimpse in the first preseason game? I sure am!!

Can't wait to see #5 drop back and hit ey or Davis.

[SkinsJock]

I am looking forward to seeing players in B&G that are a lot more committed and playing with an attitude again

I'm hoping that we will see this franchise turn around and become an NFL team again instead of just a group of players and coaches

I am looking forward to seeing a lot of improvement, both on the sidelines and on the field

4 days to go and slightly less than 5 weeks to the first game

[skinpride1]

After watching the first preseason game I really liked the play from the offensive line. Looked like Williams will be a solid player.



Looks like ey and Mcnabb is a good combo.

I know it's preseason but it was nice to watch the skins looking crisp and well coached for a change.

Hope it continues and the skins keep growing.

today's game B+++

[old-timer]

The last few years I have been very negative about this team. However, Dan Snyder, after last year's debacle, has finally done the right thing, and should be given credit for that. He sacked Vinny Cerrato and hired some real professional NFL people to run his toy. The first thing the new guys did was get rid of Campbell, who has unaccountably been given the keys to this team for an unbelievable 5 years despite consistently horrid performances and no real indications that he would ever be any better. Look for him to completely disappear from the NFL.

I'm very hopeful for this team going forward and I think things can only improve. Shanahan and Allen may or may not turn out to be a championship combination, but at least we're on a track that offers a chance to return to glory.

[RayNAustin]

I am cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season, with certain caveats that will dictate whether this is a 500 season, or a trip to the playoffs.

The schedule is not a cakewalk ... and actually pretty stout. So the team needs to start fast. A slow start, as everyone gets comfortable in their new roles could put them in a hole early, so it boils down to how well they start.

The good news is that I haven't seen the type of excitement that exists on both sides, with everyone on board and totally buying into the schemes. You just can't put a value on that type of enthusiasm and confidence which frankly didn't even exist under Gibbs II, as the offense never really found consistency.

Baring injuries, I expect the Redskins to be playing at a very competitive level by midseason, so if they can escape an early setback in the first 4-6 games, I think we will see a photo finish for the division, with the skins in the thick of it.

That's my prediction ... start fast, stay healthy, and OH how sweet it would be to force the Cowgirls to watch the Redskins represent the NFC in the Super Bowl at their house!!!

[SnyderSucks]

The last few years I have been very negative about this team. However, Dan Snyder, after last year's debacle, has finally done the right thing, and should be given credit for that. He sacked Vinny Cerrato and hired some real professional NFL people to run his toy. The first thing the new guys did was get rid of Campbell, who has unaccountably been given the keys to this team for an unbelievable 5 years despite consistently horrid performances and no real indications that he would ever be any better. Look for him to completely disappear from the NFL.

I'm very hopeful for this team going forward and I think things can only improve. Shanahan and Allen may or may not turn out to be a championship combination, but at least we're on a track that offers a chance to return to glory.

Snyder is off to a good start, but he's going to have to go a long way to prove that he has really changed. He did this once before with Schottenheimer. Schotty finished 8-3 with Tony Banks as the QB, then Snyderatto fired him because they weren't having any fun. Let's see what happens if the team doesn't win as many games as Snyder thinks they should, or if he isn't having enough fun....I'm cautiously optimistic he has changed.

[Deadskins]

The last few years I have been very negative about this team. However, Dan Snyder, after last year's debacle, has finally done the right thing, and should be given credit for that. He sacked Vinny Cerrato and hired some real professional NFL people to run his toy. The first thing the new guys did was get rid of Campbell, who has unaccountably been given the keys to this team for an unbelievable 5 years despite consistently horrid performances and no real indications that he would ever be any better. Look for him to completely disappear from the NFL.

I'm very hopeful for this team going forward and I think things can only improve. Shanahan and Allen may or may not turn out to be a championship combination, but at least we're on a track that offers a chance to return to glory.

Winning is fun. I really don't see The Danny firing anyone even if we don't have a winning season. But I'm pretty sure we won't have to worry about that. We are going to win the East this year.

Snyder is off to a good start, but he's going to have to go a long way to prove that he has really changed. He did this once before with Schottenheimer. Schotty finished 8-3 with Tony Banks as the QB, then Snyderatto fired him because they weren't having any fun. Let's see what happens if the team doesn't win as many games as Snyder thinks they should, or if he isn't having enough fun....I'm cautiously optimistic he has changed.

[skinpride1]

Loving the play Of number 5 today!!

Nice to have a real Q.B. again.


MCNABB IS 100 TIMES THE Q.B. CAMBPELL IS.

[skinpride1]

Here we go again , blowing 2nd half leads and getting our best players hurt and Missing field goals when it counts.

offense is better but the team still needs lots of work.

This should have been a easy win against the texans.

Hopefully Mike puts the heat on the players ass this week .

[welch]

1. When was the last time a Redskins B threw for 400 yards?

2. But how many (or few?) yards did the Skins gain rushing?

3. All-around: "ugh"

[skinpride1]

Oh boy looks like I might have to eat crow about this post.


Jim Hasslet???? WTF after the Texans game. Why haven't you changed a damn thing?

RED ZONE play calling.......WOW WTF... does Zorn take over Kyles body when we are in the red zone?

Danny Smith ........your schemes are sucking and Gano is suspect.

It's clear now that this team simply just does not have the talent to be elite yet. Secondary coming in first that can't cover a damn thing.

[KazooSkinsFan]

Secondary coming in first that can't cover a damn thing.

If you get zero pressure on the QB no secondary in the NFL can stop the pass. The rush is the issue, not the secondary.

[dlc]

Secondary coming in first that can't cover a damn thing.

If you get zero pressure on the QB no secondary in the NFL can stop the pass. The rush is the issue, not the secondary.

I think it's both. We can't get to the QB with a standard rush, IMO because of this 3-4, and we can't blitz because our DBs can't make plays off of quick hits. We need to run a more conservative defense because we don't have the personnel to be aggressive. I think Haslett is suffering from some hubris where he think he can scheme players into doing what they can't.