Skins vs Ravens Postgame

[frankcal20]

We've got "Doom" we just need "gloom." JK

[CanesSkins26]

By Ryan O’Halloran

Staff writer

CSNwashington.com



With a few exceptions, the Redskins’ starters played the entire first half Saturday against Baltimore. After rolling through the video, here are some observations from the first two quarters:



• Although Donovan McNabb was just so-so in the passing game, he was on-point enough to give the Redskins’ receivers some good yards-after-catch figures.



Santana Moss had YACs of 4, 20 and 12 yards along with Chris ey (10 and 8 yards) and Anthony Armstrong (6 and 10 yards).



• Larry Johnson gained only 4 yards on eight carries but it wasn’t all his fault.



The 4-yard loss: Mike Sellers whiffed on Terrell Suggs.



No gain: Trent Williams couldn’t get a helmet on Jameel McClain.



The 3-yard loss: Suggs blew up Williams, who fell back into Sellers, causing Johnson to stumble.



The 2-yard gain: Artis Hicks hit the deck and accidently tripped up Johnson.



• Think the Jugs machine will be turned on this week for things other than holder Josh Bidwell?



First-half drops: Chris ey (the throw was a little behind him, but still), Fred Davis (in the end zone), Clinton Portis (outlet pass), Johnson (juggled it for what seemed like 25 minutes), Santana Moss (over the middle) and Devin Thomas (for what would have been a first down).



• Evidently, “certain situations” for Clinton Portis meant 17 first-half snaps. It’s the biggest indication so far that he’ll be the No. 1 back when Dallas comes to town Sept. 12.



Why? Because he started the Buffalo game and won’t play the Arizona game so the Redskins need to keep him sharp.



More telling was that Portis was on the field for seven third-down chances in the first half. Translation: The coaches don’t think Johnson or Willie Parker are reliable enough in pass protection to put them on the field, but that leaves them with a conundrum: Portis will wear out as an every-down back so they need somebody to rise up for the occasional first- and second-down snap. It’s an opening for Parker, who is scheduled to get his first extended preseason action Friday against the Jets.



• Punter Josh Bidwell’s first-half hang times: 4.72, 4.18 and 4.35 seconds.



• Cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers were both effective as open-field tacklers. Rogers also got a taste of blitzing when he lined up at the left slot. When he rushed, safety LaRon Landry picked up coverage on the receiver.



• On McNabb’s intentional grounding call, the Ravens rushed five and Johnson had two choices – block Dannell Ellerbe or Jameel McClain. He chose neither and both stormed through the gap unblocked. The Redskins were trying to set up a screen pass to Johnson.



• The defense didn’t do a lot of substitution within a drive, either that will be Jim Haslett’s philosophy or the coaching staff wants to get the starting unit into football shape.



On the Ravens’ first drive (five plays), the Redskins made only change – Phillip Buchanon came in as the nickel back on third down. The other 10 players played each snap.



• Are the Redskins saving receiver Joey Galloway for the regular season? He played only seven snaps against Baltimore. Meanwhile, Moss played 28 snaps.



• The Redskins’ starting defense’s unofficial pass rush totals: Three rushers (one snap), four (17), five (four) and six (once).



• Breaking down McNabb’s throw by distance: Traveled up to 5 yards – 3-of-8 for 37 yards. Traveled 6-10 yards – 6-of-10 for 101 yards. Traveled 11-20 yards – 1-of-4 for 23 yards. Traveled 21 or more yards – 1-of-4 for 45 yards and one interception.

http://www.csnwashington.com/08/22/10/Video-Reveals-How-Starters-Fared/landing_v3.html?blockID=295406&feedID=5611

[frankcal20]

Thanks for the info. Very interesting.

[funbuncher]

[quote="encinoman"]Landry is a force in the run game. you can tell he loves playing in the box. That is what suits him best that is what his mentality is built for.

Mcnabb looks good on the run. like what he is doing down the field. I think we all agree we would rather see some balls go down the field than the two runs and incomplete pass on 3rd and 5.

Devin Thomas is a body catcher and hes gonna have a few bounce out of his forearm grasp technique.

Defense is soft against the run. It showed up with buffalo as well. very few no gain or loss of yard run plays. However I think this unit has a huge upside. Our best players are orakpo, london, and landry. Shanny's got to continue to work with albert and get him on board. He will mke the difference we need with that unit.[quote="encinoman"]

just rewatched the DVR myself, along with the above, I would add that I am once again totally amazed that Mike Sellers continues to make the team. those coaches have the film. they must see him constantly on the ground missing his block, or getting pushed back into the running lane. sometimes he trips himself before even making contact witht the defender. not funny though! dude's been to the pro-bowl. make a dang block sucker!

yea, mcnabb needs to be at least somewhat on the move to be accurate for some strange reason. to the point where you almost root for the pressure to move his feet. and he throws the fastball even if the WR is 5 yds away. not good for body catchers. at least he's aggressive and not afraid to throw it down the field. we'll be better, but he's always an eagle to me, so this season is tainted green. he's the streakiest of streaky so i would not advise anyone to expect the same thing out of him from week to week. I was hoping the D would carry us during his off weeks.

haynesworth just shut up and do your dang job. as mentioned above, it's obvious we're going to need you. and not to agree with the giant turd, but why again are we insisting on the 3-4 when we are built for a 4-3? guess it takes some time. I do like the added element of pass rusher surprise. and haynesworth should cover kicks on turkey day in Shannahan's massive backyard when his grandkids play if that is what the team needs. you been paid. shut up and play. give it all you got. i still remember being pissed that we over-paid for you, but taking solace in your first press conference interview when you kept referencing Reggie White, and saying you wanted to be the best of the best pete mitchell. I'm too dang old to be naive enough to buy that BS, but buy it I did. I had the Burgandy and Gold lasik done, and sometimes it leaves me blind. you're a shiite muslim-head.

[crazyhorse1]

Now that I got a chance to break down some film...this becomes a different game. If you have to listen to sonny and sam bumble all over themselves, you dont get a real feel for the game.

Landry is a force in the run game. you can tell he loves playing in the box. That is what suits him best that is what his mentality is built for.

Mcnabb looks good on the run. like what he is doing down the field. I think we all agree we would rather see some balls go down the field than the two runs and incomplete pass on 3rd and 5.

Devin Thomas is a body catcher and hes gonna have a few bounce out of his forearm grasp technique.

Armstrong has an ability to make plays. takes advantage of opportunities. Lets invest in him over a burnt out galloway.

Defense is soft against the run. It showed up with buffalo as well. very few no gain or loss of yard run plays. However I think this unit has a huge upside. Our best players are orakpo, london, and landry. Shanny's got to continue to work with albert and get him on board. He will mke the difference we need with that unit.

Special Teams have been amazing. Ofcourse minus fake punt.
good punt coverage. kickoffs are now touchbacks. and Barandon Banks is electric.

Has Galloway caught a pass yet? I don't remember one. He looks like dead wood to me. From what we've seen so far, Armstrong and Moss should be starters. Can't wait to see Davis and ey on the field at the same time. When will it happen?

[frankcal20]

Week 1

[SkinsJock]

Okay - I'll put in my 2 cents

I have not seen the game but from what I've read here (and from 'reports') it sounds to me like things are not as bad as some here are intimating - it's the second game and it seems very clear that Shanahan is in charge - I would even say he is VERY firmly in charge here and it looks to me like he's going to be VERY demanding of all his players - that is a very good thing

it also seems clear that this is going to be an NFL franchise that is all business again - no more "hip, hip hooray" BS - ALL of these players no matter their "status" will be accountable - 'practice or risk playing time'


I think too many take too much from these games that mean NOTHING except for the coaches to evaluate who is going to help here and how

we were in dire straights at the end of last year and I am not buying into any of the playoff contender stuff - we are not near as bad as some here think and we've come a long way - give the guys in charge a little more time - there are still a lot of players being given some playing time that will nor be in the NFL in a couple of weeks

PATIENCE please - these guys will straighten things out here in the next few weeks and I think that we'll see a competitive product on the field on Sunday, September 12 - that's when you can say winning is important - right now, a loss does not count for anything

[die cowboys die]

Orakpo said this is a good thing. This was a reality check matched up against a year in year out playoff team.

He said, "Don't worry about our D because we're no where near opening our bag of tricks and I can see how once we do, we're going to wreak havoc."

Great thought.

See, I don't buy that. You should still be able to generate some pressure on a qb out of your base package. The Ravens were able to do it, we weren't. It's still only preseason, but the first team didn't look good on either side of the ball.

i think we actually generated more penetration than it appeared, but the Ravens were committing multiple flagrant holding penalties on each drive, none of which were called.

if they hadn't been ripping our guys' jerseys off and practically tackling them from behind, i think we'd've seen a lot more guys getting through the line into the backfield.

[SkinsJock]

for those that think that McNabb is not a good move (based on his 'missing' some plays on Saturday) I would only point out that we need a QB that can lead the offense and be a winner - Campbell is a nice guy and he tried hard here for many years but he's not going to be a big leader at the QB position and he's never shown that he can help a team win some games - this guy can - he's a much better option for us than we have had as QB for a long while

give it time people - we are still finding out what 'works' both offensively and defensively here and we are a long way from the mess (especially offensively) that we were at the end of last season - the offensive line is not just majically going to be better by adding some pieces and improving the play calling - the O line will be a force but that takes time - we still need to replace about 3 players AND get some young depth in here - this takes more than 1 season



btw - it's good to see some 'old' buddies back on the boards like cville and dcd - welcome back

[SKINFAN]

it also seemed as CP was a teaching tool, LJ wasn't getting anything so CP was sent in to show him how it's done. =)

[Deadskins]

If there is a concern I take out of this game it was the inability of the defensive line to generate any pressure.

They were able to generate pressure, they were just held/tackled on several occasions, and the refs looked the other way. I'm not too worried about it.

[Deadskins]

Rogers was in position but the WR made the play. I'm not holding that against him. Last year - that was a TD.

He got both hands on the ball and should have made the catch. He had great coverage on the play though. But he has to start turning some of these plays into turnovers for our D to become an elite unit.

The receiver should have been called for interference on that play. He was hanging on Carlos' right arm as he tried to make the INT.

[frankcal20]

The receiver quickly turned into a DB in one play and the receiver did a hell of a job breaking it up.

[Deadskins]

The receiver quickly turned into a DB in one play and the receiver did a hell of a job breaking it up.

No, he was a step behind Carlos, and was not going for the ball at all. He interfered with Carlos catching the ball, and it should have been called as such. If the players were in opposite positions, Rogers would have been flagged for sure.

[frankcal20]

Of course they would but no ref is ever going to call interference on that play.

[SkinsJock]

sounds like the officials for this game may have some 'reviews' of their own to help them make the correct calls when the games count

[riggofan]

I didn't think the defense played that badly in the first half. Wasn't the score 3-3 for most of the half up to that retarded fake punt?

The first team offense moved the ball down the field a couple times and I'd argue would have done more if the LJ experiment had gone better. Man, he was awful...

Wasn't a great performance by any stretch but still looked better than anything last year's team did.

[SKINFAN]

I thought despite of poor O line play McNabb still made things happen, which is refreshing. Had it been JC back there, we'd all blame the Oline for no production. The team did not lose, we just ran out of time, LoLz

[chiefhog44]

I watched the replay yesterday after reading these posts, and I came away much more impressed than my expectations.

The starting defense played much better than our starting d d last year imo. Much more pressure, even with the holding, and you can see it becoming a defense that just attacks when it is full go. Very excited to watch this.

McNabb didn't have a great game, but the guy hit many passes for first downs and had like 7 guys drop a ball on him. His stats would have been much better had they hung onto the ball. The guy was extremely mobile in the pocket, and had the ball swatted from behind once, held on and dumped it off. Campbell would have fumbled that for shizzle...in fact did against the Bears this weekend.

The interior line really faltered in pass and run blocking. I think those were mistakes of a line who was up against the best in the league and a 3-4 front. Hopefully they will work that out.

It was basically a 3-3 game and we were moving the ball on them but they didn't move the ball on us much at all. I likey

[VetSkinsFan]

I watched the replay yesterday after reading these posts, and I came away much more impressed than my expectations.

The starting defense played much better than our starting d d last year imo. Much more pressure, even with the holding, and you can see it becoming a defense that just attacks when it is full go. Very excited to watch this.

McNabb didn't have a great game, but the guy hit many passes for first downs and had like 7 guys drop a ball on him. His stats would have been much better had they hung onto the ball. The guy was extremely mobile in the pocket, and had the ball swatted from behind once, held on and dumped it off. Campbell would have fumbled that for shizzle...in fact did against the Bears this weekend.

The interior line really faltered in pass and run blocking. I think those were mistakes of a line who was up against the best in the league and a 3-4 front. Hopefully they will work that out.

It was basically a 3-3 game and we were moving the ball on them but they didn't move the ball on us much at all. I likey

I hope you're not basing those 7 drops on Joey T's assessment. ey's drag that was an arm's reach behind him or Moss high in the middle in double coverage and got nailed aren't all on the receivers. There were a few drops, but the 11 for 26 was majority on McNabb, not the receivers.

[frankcal20]

Moss's drop was 100% on Moss. Not McNabb.

[CanesSkins26]

Moss's drop was 100% on Moss. Not McNabb.

Agreed. He got hit, but that's a catch a receiver needs to make. There was also no excuse for Davis' td drop, or the balls that CP and LJ dropped.

[cvillehog]

btw - it's good to see some 'old' buddies back on the boards like cville and dcd - welcome back

Thanks! It's been a busy couple of years. I've been lurking off and on for a while, but I'm hoping to post more this season.

[Deadskins]

Moss's drop was 100% on Moss. Not McNabb.

Agreed. He got hit, but that's a catch a receiver needs to make. There was also no excuse for Davis' td drop, or the balls that CP and LJ dropped.

I agree on all except the Portis "drop." He got a hand on it, but it was not a good pass at all. Too hard and too far out in front of him. The only way to have made that catch was dive or tip it up to himself. Either way, probably not a good outcome.

[Bob 0119]

For me, McNabb's completion percentage sure wasn't that great, but a nearly 20-yard avg. in passing yards on 11 completions helped ease the worries a bit.

Sure he threw some lame ducks, but he also threw quite a few nice ones.

I'm more excited about what they did right than I am worried about those that went wrong.