The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

I call it like it is, too, and there is no way Cravens' performance was "average." He stood out among players on the field, all things considered. Besides, no one is saying that he's already an all-pro or anything like that. I just see people getting excited about a talented athlete who flashed some exciting potential. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

mastdark81 wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/08/15/a-closer-look-at-redskins-rookie-sua-cravenss-potential/

I seen the whole game and was impressed with the tackles for loss, he also had a nice qb pressure but like I said he also was manhandled often during the game in plays people don't point out. So to me you have to grade him out in the entire picture. But it really doesn't matter it was just his first game but to me it was just average. So I'm trying to call it like it is. He had some good and he had some bad. I just don't like to fall for the hype cause Pittsburgh is game 1 but I seen some good things to build on.

If you'd click the link you'd have a better understanding of what he did well... even when it didn't result in "making a play". Like making a quick read and being where he was supposed to be, dictating where the ball DIDN'T go. For a rookie his instincts are pretty dang good is all. Considering it WAS only his FIRST game... it's easy to see that he has a great foundation to build on.

Man handled often, and just average aren't words I'd describe his performance with at all. Did he fail to get off a block a couple times- by a much bigger center, whom SHOULD win that battle? Ya sure.. but that's why he isn't fighting Riley for the ilb role. Clearly his size makes him a unique player whose role will likely change with nearly every play.

The fact that he IS so adaptable, makes the right decisions more often then not, and has good coverage skills.. gives our D the versatility and the freedom to use him to his strengths with different assignments... and that's awesome!

it seems that some fans were watching a different game or maybe did not fully appreciate what #36 was doing ....

SkinsJock wrote:it seems that some fans were watching a different game or maybe did not fully appreciate what #36 was doing ....

hah.

I don't claim to have broken down film on Cravens. Just from the eye test though, he looks like an instinctual guy who is capable of making big plays. For that reason, I won't be surprised at all if he becomes a fan favorite this year. If he's making big hits, sacks, interceptions, big plays, etc; I don't think fans or coaches will give a flying f whether or not he's an every down starter or not.

Just my opinion and I'm not hearing or reading a ton of Redskins 'reports' - there is a definite difference in many things about our Redskins - the whole attitude surrounding this franchise has changed - this ain't your "same old Redskins" - we've had some injuries and there will likely be more but there are a number of guys stepping up

we all know that we need a number of things to go right for us to have a decent season but these players and coaches can do it

cowboykillerzRGiii wrote:

mastdark81 wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/08/15/a-closer-look-at-redskins-rookie-sua-cravenss-potential/

I seen the whole game and was impressed with the tackles for loss, he also had a nice qb pressure but like I said he also was manhandled often during the game in plays people don't point out. So to me you have to grade him out in the entire picture. But it really doesn't matter it was just his first game but to me it was just average. So I'm trying to call it like it is. He had some good and he had some bad. I just don't like to fall for the hype cause Pittsburgh is game 1 but I seen some good things to build on.

If you'd click the link you'd have a better understanding of what he did well... even when it didn't result in "making a play". Like making a quick read and being where he was supposed to be, dictating where the ball DIDN'T go. For a rookie his instincts are pretty dang good is all. Considering it WAS only his FIRST game... it's easy to see that he has a great foundation to build on.

Man handled often, and just average aren't words I'd describe his performance with at all. Did he fail to get off a block a couple times- by a much bigger center, whom SHOULD win that battle? Ya sure.. but that's why he isn't fighting Riley for the ilb role. Clearly his size makes him a unique player whose role will likely change with nearly every play.

The fact that he IS so adaptable, makes the right decisions more often then not, and has good coverage skills.. gives our D the versatility and the freedom to use him to his strengths with different assignments... and that's awesome!

I seen the link and I also watched the game. I didn't say he didn't make some plays but I'm just saying he was just average. Watch some other football games sometimes and see other players around the league. He had an average game. For an ILB playing 2nd team thats what you are suppose to do...this is what most ILB's around the league do. He didn't even lead the team in tackles this game. Now what is comforting is, like you said he looked instinctual and don't look like he is an all around BUST. He will improve I believe so but he wasn't rookie or the week worthy or nothing to me. I think yall just excited for the season and slightly overrating his performance.

Ryan Grant getting some pub for this catch

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000000686554/Ryan-Grant-makes-spectacular-one-handed-catch

SkinsJock wrote:the whole attitude surrounding this franchise has changed - this ain't your "same old Redskins"

I can't disagree with that. We'll have to see if this is a change for the better or not, but the team definitely seems "different" this year. No doubt about it.

I think the tests will be: can they maintain during adversity? and can they maintain over several years, not just a season or two.

mastdark81 wrote:

cowboykillerzRGiii wrote:

mastdark81 wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/08/15/a-closer-look-at-redskins-rookie-sua-cravenss-potential/

I seen the whole game and was impressed with the tackles for loss, he also had a nice qb pressure but like I said he also was manhandled often during the game in plays people don't point out. So to me you have to grade him out in the entire picture. But it really doesn't matter it was just his first game but to me it was just average. So I'm trying to call it like it is. He had some good and he had some bad. I just don't like to fall for the hype cause Pittsburgh is game 1 but I seen some good things to build on.

If you'd click the link you'd have a better understanding of what he did well... even when it didn't result in "making a play". Like making a quick read and being where he was supposed to be, dictating where the ball DIDN'T go. For a rookie his instincts are pretty dang good is all. Considering it WAS only his FIRST game... it's easy to see that he has a great foundation to build on.

Man handled often, and just average aren't words I'd describe his performance with at all. Did he fail to get off a block a couple times- by a much bigger center, whom SHOULD win that battle? Ya sure.. but that's why he isn't fighting Riley for the ilb role. Clearly his size makes him a unique player whose role will likely change with nearly every play.

The fact that he IS so adaptable, makes the right decisions more often then not, and has good coverage skills.. gives our D the versatility and the freedom to use him to his strengths with different assignments... and that's awesome!

I seen the link and I also watched the game. I didn't say he didn't make some plays but I'm just saying he was just average. Watch some other football games sometimes and see other players around the league. He had an average game. For an ILB playing 2nd team thats what you are suppose to do...this is what most ILB's around the league do. He didn't even lead the team in tackles this game. Now what is comforting is, like you said he looked instinctual and don't look like he is an all around BUST. He will improve I believe so but he wasn't rookie or the week worthy or nothing to me. I think yall just excited for the season and slightly overrating his performance.

Who else had as good of a game at the position- as a rookie?
Honest question.

He was ABOVE average, and even more so- FUN to watch!

Maybe the number he's wearing is helping feed the frenzy, but no matter how you slice it he had a damn good showing... and gave us a glimpse into the big play capability he brings to the defense. Read between the lines brotha!


https://youtu.be/Ronn5XI8S-M

I'll check out a few other guys this week but Cravens is ranked 26th in tackles among rookie linebackers. Nick Vigil has 11 tackles in Cincy. He's been all over. I've actually thought Matrell Spaight has been the best LB thus far on our team. I know he wasn't drafted high and guys kinda overlook him but he's sorta a rookie in a way since he missed all of last year with an injury.

Would like to know if Spaight can call the defense fairly well. Maybe not as much as they sat Will Compton Friday. I like Perry Riley at spots but he never have had the ability to make the calls at inside linebacker.

Cravens was really quiet this game. Interesting if they will keep him at inside or pop him back at safety and cut a guy. I think if Bruton (who I haven't been too impressed with so far in preseason) or Iheanacho bombs out I think Cravens will move back to safety. I don't think he is a true ILB but I do think it is a smart move to position him there first to get him that knowledge of the entire defense.

I think you're missing my point- his contributions aren't measured in just tackles, er tackles for a loss as it was.. having read the play correctly and blanketing his receiver so the qb had nowhere to throw besides the dirt, thus losing a down.. can't be read in the stat column. it's what ever, I hope he makes some plays this season- at which ever position he lines up at.

He was used differently this game, and kinda sparingly. Seems like they are getting a feel for how he reacts to certain situations. We likely won't know how coach plans to utilize him until the games actually matter.

Not being a natural ilb, I think we will see a hybrid type of role, kinda like how the patriots use their athletic DEs.

Totally agree about Spaight tho... he's looked very good, and comfortable in the scheme for having missed his entire rookie season. Riley has his hands full trying to keep a roster spot IMHO

With training camp over and the season quickly approaching, it's time to retire this thread. Feel free to start new discussions for notable/newsworthy items.