Redskin 2011 surprises and disappointments

[KazooSkinsFan]

My list:

Surprises, no particular order

Rocky - leads team in tackles despite not being 3-4 "fit"
Kerrington - I lauded him when we drafted him, still, he's make an impact faster then I thought
Helu - Nice pickup and relief for Hightower
ey - Love his attitude. We need a fullback, he not only does it but embraces it
Gano - I'm surprised he's not on my disappointment list. I wanted to cut him against every challenger, but he's actually been OK
Barnes - stepping up into more reliable third corner
Hightower - solid back. If only we could get better run blocking.

Disappointments

Grossman - I bought into the offseason he's maturing hype at least a bit. But he's still the same hot and cold with the occasional inane decision he always was. Fumbles are killing us and he's been horrible in the red zone
Hall - I was and am a fan, but he's supposed to balance his getting beaten with big positive plays. So far he's just getting beaten.
OL - They have to improve faster.
Armstrong - Yes, he has some dazzling catches, but he has too many horrible drops. I'm getting tired of his schtick.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

I'd add the D line to surprises although I guess w all yhe signings it was expected almost. It wasn't very good last year so improvement wasn't hard of a task but adding Bowen Cofield and Neild is a big improvement especially getting rid of that fat lazy guy.

I can't agree w you about Armstrong tho. Seems EVERY catch made from Rex has to be dazzling... I am kinda disappointed we haven't seen Beck. W Armstrong a question for tomorrow I'd like to see some Hankerson action but it might be too soon.
I like the addition of Hightower and Helu but kinda disappointed we haven't seen Torain at all yet.
One big surprise last week was how strong and physical Trent Williams looked against one of the best pass rushers in the league. Brown needs to take notes.

[Red_One43]

I agree with all Kaz's surprises except Helu and that is because I watched Helu torch my Texas Longhorns and the rest of the Big 12. Surprised that he was still hanging around in the 4th.

I also agree with Kaz's disappointments and add the frequency of giving up the big play. We saw that in all three games. First touchdown for the Giants, big runs on 1st down by Beanie Wells, Bomb to Fitzgerald, big runs by Felix Jones. Haslett said going into the season that we cannot give up the big plays like last year.

Look at this stat from Rich Tandler.

Yards per play allowed: The Redskins are 27th in this category, an indication of big plays allowed (6.1).

http://www.realredskins.com/rich-tandle ... ickup.html

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

I also think hall has had a good year so far especially presason. He isn't getting burned left and right for tds every db gets passed on no one shuts out everyone every game. I agree he hasn't made much BIG plays YET but w LL back in the line up I foresee him and OJ giving hall the confidence in the coverage what ever the play call is to make some better plays. Wilson stepped it up last week and pretty much said the same thing. Maybe I jus like D Hall and am a blind homer but when he gets a few more pick sixes I think everyone will be back on board with him

[Red_One43]

I also think hall has had a good year so far especially presason. He isn't getting burned left and right for tds every db gets passed on no one shuts out everyone every game. I agree he hasn't made much BIG plays YET but w LL back in the line up I foresee him and OJ giving hall the confidence in the coverage what ever the play call is to make some better plays. Wilson stepped it up last week and pretty much said the same thing. Maybe I jus like D Hall and am a blind homer but when he gets a few more pick sixes I think everyone will be back on board with him

I think the problem for D. Hall this season is the images that we have had lately. Last year's season finale against the Giants on a crucial third down play, D. Hall gives up a 90 yard TD. He can only watch from the ground as the Giant receiver races uncontested to the end zone. At least tackle the guy instead of a feint of heart jump. OK, that was last year, but the memory is still there going into this year.

I think everyone expected to D. Hall to step up his game this year. Since we added better personnel. First preseason game, he is beaten on the first series on a deep ball that was overthrown. Again, he can only watch helplessly as he trails the receiver. Ravens game - Pick 6 classic Hal, the playmaker. Then gives up TD to Lee Evans - this was not classic Hall. Lee only had a couple of steps on him. It was a perfectly thrown ball. Your argument that everyone gets beat from time to time fits here. Hall just got beat in a manner that even the good ones get beat.

Giants - opening game 2011 - D Hall meets expectations. He was not only tackling, he was hitting folks hard. doesn't get beat deep.

Cards - classic Hall - trailing hopelessly as the receiver runs uncontested to the end zone. Any one can get beat, but a highly paid DB with his kind of speed, who is the last line of defense because of a blitz scheme, shouldn't get embarrased like that. Since when is Fitz known for his speed?

Cowboys - bad night all around for Hall on coverage even if you take out the all out blitz play which was classic Hall, peeking in the backfield.

I agree with Kaz, the expectation is Hall is supposed to balance out the his bad big plays with his good big plays. Just being on the field, opposing teams have to be aware of him, so even with the balance he puts us ahead, but D. Hall is in the negative.

Grossman is a turnover machine and he has has truly disappointed by living up to that moniker. D. Hall is a turnover maker and he has disappointed by not producing not one. Even dad gum, manos de piedra, Carlos Rogers has one interception.

[Mississippi Hog]

I gotta say on TW, he did a great job on Ware, but he got away with a few holds. Not as many as the Pukes got away with, but he got away with a couple.

[HarleyHog]

Once the refs establish how much holding they will allow, it only makes sense to hold THAT MUCH or less.

[SkinsJock]

I gotta say on TW, he did a great job on Ware, but he got away with a few holds. Not as many as the Pukes got away with, but he got away with a couple.

I hear you but ...

the fact is that refs miss so many holding penalties all the time

not making excuses ... this is such a bad area for those of us that can slow down the plays and see what is really happening

the BIGGEST issue is the refs missing the OBVIOUS holds



C'MON GUYS - IF IT'S a 'HOLD' - CALL IT, PLEASE!!



bot - I hear you Kaz - this is a very good thread - we DO have a lot of positives

the MAIN issues are on offense - UNFORTUNATELY this has to wait until next season

[Irn-Bru]

That part of the game has gotten out of hand. I think it's going to get worse before it gets better, though.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

If it gets worse Beck will take over and I'm already good with that. Why wait until noodle legs Rex gets hurt? Then we won't have a back up for beck... I wish he won the start over Rex cus we know what we have w a Rex. A decent back up. I'm hoping w all the additions on O we see some games where we are just as excited about the O play as the D. Break away runs deep bombs all that fancy stuff

[redskinz4ever]

will hold off until we play a few more games it will be my mid season report card

[emoses14]

1. How in the world are Fred Davis and Darrel Young not surprises? Even with Davis' disappearance against the Cowgirls, which I suspsect was more Rex than Davis (in fact I suspect all receiver's issues so far are more Rex than them, including AA). If YOung is healthy, he is the team's best bet at Fullback, he's already demonstrated that he's gonna be a good one. Passes out of the back field, running and picking up blocks. Leave ey at TE


2. Also, the o-line should really be on neither list. THey've been much MUCH better than last year, but perhaps not so great that they are "surprising"

3. I agree on Hall with this caveat, I reserve judgement on the entire defense and especially on the secondary until the return of Dirty 30. I think we see a much different defense today than we've seen in the first 3 weeks, because that kid changes things. Period.

Not really disappointed in much other than Rex. We are not a juggernaut, but i see better than good signs all over the field and that's all I want this year. They keep going in this direction, we'll all be saying with pride in no time.

[Red_One43]

1. How in the world are Fred Davis and Darrel Young not surprises? Even with Davis' disappearance against the Cowgirls, which I suspsect was more Rex than Davis (in fact I suspect all receiver's issues so far are more Rex than them, including AA). If YOung is healthy, he is the team's best bet at Fullback, he's already demonstrated that he's gonna be a good one. Passes out of the back field, running and picking up blocks. Leave ey at TE


2. Also, the o-line should really be on neither list. THey've been much MUCH better than last year, but perhaps not so great that they are "surprising"

3. I agree on Hall with this caveat, I reserve judgement on the entire defense and especially on the secondary until the return of Dirty 30. I think we see a much different defense today than we've seen in the first 3 weeks, because that kid changes things. Period.

Not really disappointed in much other than Rex. We are not a juggernaut, but i see better than good signs all over the field and that's all I want this year. They keep going in this direction, we'll all be saying with pride in no time.

The reason why I did not pick Fred Davis as a surprise is he proved himself in 2009 when he took over for the injured Chris ey and scored 6 TDs. When I heard that he lost weight and rededicated himself, I knew that he was going to be something special this year if they would put him on the field. Once again, it took an injured ey to get him on the field and hopefully, now that ey is back he doesn't disappear again.

Last year Darrell Young rushed 4 times for 19 yards ( with a long of 16 yds) and caught 1 pass for 3 yds and a TD. In his brief appearances as fullback last year, it was inevitable that he would beat out Sellers this year. No surprise for me here. Hopefully he gets healthy.

Agree with you on the O line, they had nowhere to go but up, but have yet to demonstrate against the better run defenses (Giants and Cowboys) that they have arrived, but they will get better with each game.

Today should be the secondary's coming out party. Wilson played very well against Dallas. Atogwe knows the Rams (even though it's a new Offense), LL is back and let it be known last week and Hall is due for a playmaker's play.

Agree with you on Rex. I hoped that this system would change things a little more. I did see some improvement against Dallas. He threw the ball away more than he had in the past instead of forcing it, but he still made the bonehead turnover plays that are signature Rex. If we give Rex time and make him comfortable in the pocket, he is good, but if we don't protect him ....

[chiefhog44]

I was actually pretty surprised with Jarvis Jenkins. Yes, I know he's out, but all signs point to him being a STUD.

[chiefhog44]

Disappointments, so far, Hankerson. Man, I thought this guy would see the field.

Oh, and surprised with Halu. and surprised by the LOOOOOUUUUUUU chants as well.

[emoses14]

I think we're all going to have just accept the fact that our qb play, in and of itself, ain't going to win us any games and will lose us a few. I'm curious to see who among the crop of signal callers coming out next year we've got our eyes on. I'm trying catch games of Barkley (USC), Landry Jones (OU), Robert Griffith III (Baylor), etc. to se who might be a fit for us next year depending on draft position.

[KazooSkinsFan]

1. How in the world are Fred Davis and Darrel Young not surprises?

Good point on Davis. He's shown the ability before but has been a more consistent performer. I like Young too, but I'd like to see some more before making it official he's on the surprise list.

[ATX_Skins]

I think we're all going to have just accept the fact that our qb play, in and of itself, ain't going to win us any games and will lose us a few. I'm curious to see who among the crop of signal callers coming out next year we've got our eyes on. I'm trying catch games of Barkley (USC), Landry Jones (OU), Robert Griffith III (Baylor), etc. to se who might be a fit for us next year depending on draft position.

If we make the playoffs will anyone be looking for an immediate starter?

[emoses14]

I think we're all going to have just accept the fact that our qb play, in and of itself, ain't going to win us any games and will lose us a few. I'm curious to see who among the crop of signal callers coming out next year we've got our eyes on. I'm trying catch games of Barkley (USC), Landry Jones (OU), Robert Griffith III (Baylor), etc. to se who might be a fit for us next year depending on draft position.

If we make the playoffs will anyone be looking for an immediate starter?

That's a good question. With Rex, I just don't know. I suppose that if we make the playoffs it won't be because Rex set the world ablaze, but did well enough to allow us to draft someone that doesn't have to START RIGHT AWAY. I think there are more likely than not scenarios where we make the playoffs and everyone is still nodding their heads in agreement that Rex is just not the guy/that good/scary as hell, etc. IF that is the case, i'd certainly like to have the option of a guy that could start immediately. I just don't buy that Kyle's offense is that damn hard to pick up, I just think McNabb refused to learn it.

[SkinsJock]

We can go undefeated and we're still adding a QB AND looking to get him ready to play AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Grossman is not a good QB - and will never be a good QB
Grossman is a back-up QB at best

Beck may not be 'ready for primetime' but ....
I know we're 3-1 but we do not seem to have a back-up QB that is ready to play in the NFL - that is a bit of a worry

we need to get Beck some play time soon so that he's better prepared when Grossman needs to be replaced - THIS will happen


this franchise has made some good progress but our offense is not doing well and a lot of that is because of Grossman

[Deadskins]

we need to get Beck some play time soon so that he's better prepared when Grossman needs to be replaced - THIS will happen

I hear Beck's getting the start this week.

[langleyparkjoe]

we need to get Beck some play time soon so that he's better prepared when Grossman needs to be replaced - THIS will happen

Why do we need to get Beck playing time? Why will Grossman be replaced soon?

Do I believe Rex is the Gawd of QBs, no I don't but 3-1 with the guy so far (granted the teams were garbage) and I'm thinking maybe we could only get better. If Rex gets hurt, fine but until than NO QB CHANGE! I don't think we should back-track to our old ways.

[ATX_Skins]

we need to get Beck some play time soon so that he's better prepared when Grossman needs to be replaced - THIS will happen

Why do we need to get Beck playing time? Why will Grossman be replaced soon?

Do I believe Rex is the Gawd of QBs, no I don't but 3-1 with the guy so far (granted the teams were garbage) and I'm thinking maybe we could only get better. If Rex gets hurt, fine but until than NO QB CHANGE! I don't think we should back-track to our old ways.

+1

[SkinsJock]

I'm NOT advocating a QB change

HOWEVER - we are NOT 3-1 because of the QB, Grossman is barely OK as QB


months ago - Beck was given to understand that he would be the starting QB
Mike even indicated that he had no reservations about playing or starting Beck

Grossman is not going to be able to avoid getting hurt and at that time Beck will be playing

I'm probably the only guy that does not think Beck is really ready to play, right now
I'd like to see him get some playing time soon - we're going to need him

I'm sure Hightower will be the starting RB, that's fine ....
anyone else think Mike was a little surprised by Torain

just saying ....

[KazooSkinsFan]

we need to get Beck some play time soon so that he's better prepared when Grossman needs to be replaced - THIS will happen

Why do we need to get Beck playing time? Why will Grossman be replaced soon?

Do I believe Rex is the Gawd of QBs, no I don't but 3-1 with the guy so far (granted the teams were garbage) and I'm thinking maybe we could only get better. If Rex gets hurt, fine but until than NO QB CHANGE! I don't think we should back-track to our old ways.

I personally don't see the downside in going to Beck. Our O is still on the bad side of mediocre. From what they've said about Beck he could be a clear improvement over Grossman.