Countertrey wrote:I believe that you have failed to recognize that there is a, not so subltle, difference between "expectations" and "hopes". Pragmatic fans recognize that Newton captured lightening in a bottle last year. Rooks just don't have seasons like that. OTOH, there was simply no reason for the Panthers to pull back on the reigns...
There is a structure that will allow MS to reduce the risks... be a bit more conservative with his rookie, and work on creating a comprehensive weapon that will be carefully ripened... in a manner that can take full advantage of all facets of the Redskins' game... including, I believe, a superior defense that can protect a lead and give the offense solid field position.
Frankly, I just don't see Griffin having the same kinds of opportunities as Newton had... He simply won't be in a position, as often, of NEEDING to make plays. Because the Redskins are a better overall team, you won't see the same level and frequency of explosive performances... because the team will be focusing on using clock, not scoring quickly.
Does that make sense? Newton was frequently in a position to make big plays, BECAUSE the Panthers were in a position to NEED a big play.
I just don't think that will happen anywhere near as frequently with the Redskins during Griffin's rook season.
I believe that they will score points... and will be able to control the ball. In order to best take advantage of quick strike capabilities, you MUST also be able to control the clock... and that will be Shanahan's priority. You will likely see Shanahan try to get a 2 TD lead, then go to a ball control offense. You know this is true, because he has dictated that Haslett create an extremely aggressive defense... the kind that's designed to get the ball back... in good field position. Such a defense uses massive amounts of energy... and needs to be rested, in order to survive 4 quarters.
That is not the same as saying you won't see explosive offensive plays... I believe there will be plenty... but they will more frequently occur because opposing defenses are taking risks, in an attempt to get the ball back for their offenses... and, not because the offense is running at wide open throttle (as Carolina's did so often, last year)
I have expectations of a solid first year performance... but... I would LOVE to see a season with one OMG play after another. Griffin is certainly capable. But, if we see it often, it's most likely because we have to... and, while it's exciting, it's not necessarily good. The formula for winning is still... Get the ball... keep the ball... move the ball... score... get the ball back. For the last part to work... the D needs time to rest. Repeated quick strikes keep the D on the field. That's not always good.
I think you overrate our defense. We're not as good as advertised on the front seven and the back four are a real question mark. We'll try to score almost every time we get the ball, as usual.
