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

With the near certainty of an uncapped year and in addition to the upcoming draft, the possibility exists that we may have seen the last of some of the more familiar faces here. Head Coach Mike Shanahan is bound to make roster changes and now it's time to make predictions on who will stay as well as your arguments as to why. The Offense and Defense both involve core Redskins that may or may not fit the new schemes. In order to keep things simple, we'll only discuss the most important depth, without 4th WR's,3rd RB's, etc.

OFFENSE

QB(2) - JCampell due to restricted status, Sam Bradford @ #4 for a clean slate in the new era

RB(2) - I think we'll use Portis as a pass blocking 3rd down back and add a RB later in the draft

WR(3) - Randel El gets cut and we go with Moss, Thomas, and Kelly. No way Shanahan leaves punt return situation the same

O-LINE(5+) - Taking a chance and saying Samuels will return for another season. He's as much of a team player as we've ever had and he recognizes how much needs to be done. 2nd rounder on a RT, 4th on a center and keep the heavy guards. We will bring in backups to compete at G,C, and T

TE(2) - We're keeping ey and Davis, Shanahan wants as many weapons as possible

FB(1) - Tough call but I say Sellers goes and we use our fullback from last year's draft


DEFENSE

LB(4) - Orakpo will make Ware look like a sissy when he moves to OLB. I think Rocky goes to ILB as he's been handling those duties for awhile, London stays put and Carter trys OLB again

DE(3) - Big Al gets his freedom at DE but won't mind NT at times. Jarmon Excels as a bigger DE who can get pressure but is stout in the run game. I'm going out on a limb and saying Rob Jackson emerges as a reliable rotation DE

NT(1) - Probably a vet, I'll take Casey Hampton as the big splash this offseason, Montgomery gets a shot as a backup

S(4) - I see the same trio from last year with better coaching to their abilities. Reed Doughty is really coming on and he'll start at FS, Landry at SS and Horton/Moore as backups

CB(4) - With an upgrade here, the D can really make things difficult for QB's. I don't see it this year though. Hall, Rogers for a 1yr tender, Tryon, and Barnes as the top 4


What's your offseason look like?

QB - JC / Brennan / #4 Draft Pick...I think new regime wants to draft their guy
RB - portis is out, Betts is hurt, I think we go with Ganther ?spelling? from last year, Rock, and a FA or Pick
WR - agreed - moss, thomas, kelly
TE - agreed - ey, Davis
OL - I don't think Samuels is coming back....medically its been said he should not. I think we go with the same interior as last year, Rabach coming back for vet min. and the takles will be Levi Jones and the 2nd rounder, left and right gets sorted out in camp
FB - Sellers - "That is a MAN" - Joe Gibbs
ILB - agreed, Rocky and Fletch
OLB - PO; and Carter competes with vet FA just in case Carter can't hang
DE - Fat AL and if Jarmon comes back from the injury I'm stoked
NT - Wilfork...FA and wants more than New England will give him
Safeties - agreed
Corners - agreed

Offense

Bradford and Campbell will both be aboard, we'll draft a LT in the second round and use Pashos at RT. Dockery and Rabach will start, unfortunately, and we'll pick up at FA RG. Jones and Williams will either be key backups or cut. Portis will have a comeback under Shanahan and Sellers will be back. We'll see a lot of Kelly, Thomas, and Moss. ARE will be a backup, and ey and Davis will see action together often. When the two are on the field, expect to see Moss on the bench. Also expect to see a new punt returner.

Defense

Doughty and Landry will start with Hall and Carlos. In the 3-4, I hope and expect to see Jarmon, Albert, and Orakpo. I can't believe Shanahan will use Orakpo at OL, a big mistake. LB's will be Rocky, Fletcher, and Carter, and an FA.

In the 4-3, expect Carter, Cornelius, Albert, and Orakpo unless we come up with a replacement for Cornelius. LB's will be Rocky, Fletcher, and the new FA. CB's will be Hall and Carlos, with Doughty and Landy behind them. We won't find a way to put Landry at SS, unfortunately. If I'm wrong, great.

I perdict we'll succeed at getting Bradford and a decent right tackle from the draft and that we'll sign Pashos and another FA linebacker at least. I hope we can sign a DT as well. I don't think Shanahan will trade draft picks to get players or attempt to trade down to increase the number of our picks. Rather, I expect him to take advantage of the situation to burn a hole in Danny's pockets for key FA's.

Tim4104 wrote:RB - portis is out, Betts is hurt, I think we go with Ganther ?spelling? from last year, Rock, and a FA or Pick

Ya think? Rock seemed pretty sure this was his last season as a Redskin at the end of the year. Not too sure about Ganther.

riggofan wrote:

Tim4104 wrote:RB - portis is out, Betts is hurt, I think we go with Ganther ?spelling? from last year, Rock, and a FA or Pick

Ya think? Rock seemed pretty sure this was his last season as a Redskin at the end of the year. Not too sure about Ganther.

And they basically picked up Ganther off the street. Nothing against the guy but he's not a starter IMO. This is the biggest area of need as far as I'm concerned after the OL.

In the 3-4, I hope and expect to see Jarmon, Albert, and Orakpo.

Orakpo is NOT a 3-4 end. Not happening. Jarmon is still too small, but has the frame to add some beef. I could see him playing at 280-290 at some point. I also don't see Albert being happy at NT, unless there is a rotation that let's him freelance at End some. Personally, if they decide to really commit to a 3-4, I see them looking for a legit NT in FA.

Countertrey wrote:

In the 3-4, I hope and expect to see Jarmon, Albert, and Orakpo.

Orakpo is NOT a 3-4 end. Not happening. Jarmon is still too small, but has the frame to add some beef. I could see him playing at 280-290 at some point. I also don't see Albert being happy at NT, unless there is a rotation that let's him freelance at End some. Personally, if they decide to really commit to a 3-4, I see them looking for a legit NT in FA.

yea as far as free agency goes, you have to think Hampton and Wilfork are at the top of the list. Orakpo isn't a 3-4 end but he is a prototypical 3-4 OLB.

Redskins wide receiver Malcolm Kelly may have fallen out of favor with the Jim Zorn regime, but he's apparently back in the mix with the Mike Shanahan group. Kelly stopped by Redskins Park to visit with Shanahan recently and then he spoke with Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

Apparently Shanahan wants to set up some isolation routes for Kelly and take advantage of his size. And it makes sense that the Skins would finally try to use the 6-4, 227-pound Kelly in the red zone. Here's what the former Oklahoma wide receiver said about his visit with the Skins' head coach:

"We're talking, and Coach Shanahan asked me if I had seen any film on how his son ran that offense down there," Kelly said. "I told him that as it just so happens, I have all of Andre Johnson's cut-ups from this past season. I just watched Andre Johnson to watch how he would work during the season.

"He told me he wants to put me on those types of situations where I can take advantage of my size. And then he just started talking about my hands. He said, 'We're going to find ways to get you the ball.' He told me he's going to find ways to show specifically what I can do.

"That was something I haven't even heard before in my two years here. And it was coming from a guy who I know has gone out and won championships, and a guy who has had playmakers at every position. That's one thing that he knows how to do -- he finds ways to get his playmakers the ball. Looking at our talent level, he said he's going to be able to use all the young guys. It was real encouraging."

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/11115/skins-kelly-sits-down-with-shanahan

andyjens89 wrote:

Redskins wide receiver Malcolm Kelly may have fallen out of favor with the Jim Zorn regime, but he's apparently back in the mix with the Mike Shanahan group. Kelly stopped by Redskins Park to visit with Shanahan recently and then he spoke with Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

Apparently Shanahan wants to set up some isolation routes for Kelly and take advantage of his size. And it makes sense that the Skins would finally try to use the 6-4, 227-pound Kelly in the red zone. Here's what the former Oklahoma wide receiver said about his visit with the Skins' head coach:

"We're talking, and Coach Shanahan asked me if I had seen any film on how his son ran that offense down there," Kelly said. "I told him that as it just so happens, I have all of Andre Johnson's cut-ups from this past season. I just watched Andre Johnson to watch how he would work during the season.

"He told me he wants to put me on those types of situations where I can take advantage of my size. And then he just started talking about my hands. He said, 'We're going to find ways to get you the ball.' He told me he's going to find ways to show specifically what I can do.

"That was something I haven't even heard before in my two years here. And it was coming from a guy who I know has gone out and won championships, and a guy who has had playmakers at every position. That's one thing that he knows how to do -- he finds ways to get his playmakers the ball. Looking at our talent level, he said he's going to be able to use all the young guys. It was real encouraging."

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/11115/skins-kelly-sits-down-with-shanahan

Yea I think he realizes Kelly is the only one who can catch. The offense has to get away from Moss as the primary target. Lull people to sleep with Kelly, and the TE's, and then look for opportunities with Thomas and Moss.

andyjens89 wrote:

Redskins wide receiver Malcolm Kelly may have fallen out of favor with the Jim Zorn regime, but he's apparently back in the mix with the Mike Shanahan group. Kelly stopped by Redskins Park to visit with Shanahan recently and then he spoke with Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

Apparently Shanahan wants to set up some isolation routes for Kelly and take advantage of his size. And it makes sense that the Skins would finally try to use the 6-4, 227-pound Kelly in the red zone. Here's what the former Oklahoma wide receiver said about his visit with the Skins' head coach:

"We're talking, and Coach Shanahan asked me if I had seen any film on how his son ran that offense down there," Kelly said. "I told him that as it just so happens, I have all of Andre Johnson's cut-ups from this past season. I just watched Andre Johnson to watch how he would work during the season.

"He told me he wants to put me on those types of situations where I can take advantage of my size. And then he just started talking about my hands. He said, 'We're going to find ways to get you the ball.' He told me he's going to find ways to show specifically what I can do.

"That was something I haven't even heard before in my two years here. And it was coming from a guy who I know has gone out and won championships, and a guy who has had playmakers at every position. That's one thing that he knows how to do -- he finds ways to get his playmakers the ball. Looking at our talent level, he said he's going to be able to use all the young guys. It was real encouraging."

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/11115/skins-kelly-sits-down-with-shanahan

Zorn was such a chump

andyjens89 wrote:

Redskins wide receiver Malcolm Kelly may have fallen out of favor with the Jim Zorn regime, but he's apparently back in the mix with the Mike Shanahan group. Kelly stopped by Redskins Park to visit with Shanahan recently and then he spoke with Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

Apparently Shanahan wants to set up some isolation routes for Kelly and take advantage of his size. And it makes sense that the Skins would finally try to use the 6-4, 227-pound Kelly in the red zone. Here's what the former Oklahoma wide receiver said about his visit with the Skins' head coach:

"We're talking, and Coach Shanahan asked me if I had seen any film on how his son ran that offense down there," Kelly said. "I told him that as it just so happens, I have all of Andre Johnson's cut-ups from this past season. I just watched Andre Johnson to watch how he would work during the season.

"He told me he wants to put me on those types of situations where I can take advantage of my size. And then he just started talking about my hands. He said, 'We're going to find ways to get you the ball.' He told me he's going to find ways to show specifically what I can do.

"That was something I haven't even heard before in my two years here. And it was coming from a guy who I know has gone out and won championships, and a guy who has had playmakers at every position. That's one thing that he knows how to do -- he finds ways to get his playmakers the ball. Looking at our talent level, he said he's going to be able to use all the young guys. It was real encouraging."

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/11115/skins-kelly-sits-down-with-shanahan

This kind of stuff just gets me excited about having a real coach and a real GM. We have some young talent as well. Better days are afoot.

andyjens89 wrote:

Redskins wide receiver Malcolm Kelly may have fallen out of favor with the Jim Zorn regime, but he's apparently back in the mix with the Mike Shanahan group. Kelly stopped by Redskins Park to visit with Shanahan recently and then he spoke with Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

Apparently Shanahan wants to set up some isolation routes for Kelly and take advantage of his size. And it makes sense that the Skins would finally try to use the 6-4, 227-pound Kelly in the red zone. Here's what the former Oklahoma wide receiver said about his visit with the Skins' head coach:

"We're talking, and Coach Shanahan asked me if I had seen any film on how his son ran that offense down there," Kelly said. "I told him that as it just so happens, I have all of Andre Johnson's cut-ups from this past season. I just watched Andre Johnson to watch how he would work during the season.

"He told me he wants to put me on those types of situations where I can take advantage of my size. And then he just started talking about my hands. He said, 'We're going to find ways to get you the ball.' He told me he's going to find ways to show specifically what I can do.

"That was something I haven't even heard before in my two years here. And it was coming from a guy who I know has gone out and won championships, and a guy who has had playmakers at every position. That's one thing that he knows how to do -- he finds ways to get his playmakers the ball. Looking at our talent level, he said he's going to be able to use all the young guys. It was real encouraging."

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/11115/skins-kelly-sits-down-with-shanahan

Last pre-season we dabbled with a few fades in the redzone. First off, JC has trouble with fades, but the only WR that can actually catcha fade IMO is Mitchell. He looked better in the redzone than anyone else last pre-season. We can always use the argument that he wasn't playing against starters, but we can only judge him on what opportunities he gets.

Has anyone heard anythign about Mitchell this off-season?

OFFENSE

QB - JCampell and Brennan. I still believe that we draft oline @4th overall.
RB - I wouldn't call him core, but CP will get a chance. Betts on the PUP, and Ganther.
WR - Moss, Kelly, Thomas, Mitchell. I think Mitchell makes strides in the offseason and WR is no longer an issue
O-LINE - no one stands out besides Dockery. Another article is saying Rabach voids his last year, but I think we could keep him around at least for vet tutelage at the least this next year.

TE - ey and Davis, and Yoder for that 3rd TE. He's proved that he can fill in when needed.
FB - don't know if sellers is core, but he stays another year.

DEFENSE

LB - Orakpo, Rocky goes to ILB , London stays put and Carter tries OLB again. I like Blades, but does he fit anywhere in a 3-4? I think we may keep him as depth for ILB.
DL - Big Al, Jarmon(not core necessarily, but he'll be there, too soon to judge with his injury), and I agree Jackson (I've always liked him). Gholston stays as well. Not sure about Montgomery (maye rotational guy). Does Daniels stick around as a DE one more year?
S - I agree I would stick with our safeties, but Doughty is a STRONG SAFETY. Moore really needs to step up at FS unless we put Smoot back there.
CB - Hall, Rogers Tryon(I think he started to finally get comfortable), Barnes (1 yr understudy, I think he shows up this year) Smoot hybrid. Good veteral tutelage and versatile where we may need him.

brad7686 wrote:

riggofan wrote:

Tim4104 wrote:RB - portis is out, Betts is hurt, I think we go with Ganther ?spelling? from last year, Rock, and a FA or Pick

Ya think? Rock seemed pretty sure this was his last season as a Redskin at the end of the year. Not too sure about Ganther.

And they basically picked up Ganther off the street. Nothing against the guy but he's not a starter IMO. This is the biggest area of need as far as I'm concerned after the OL.

I don't know if we've seen enough out of Ganther to declare him a starter but he definately has the potential to start from what I have seen. He needs to work on blocking, but he finds holes quickly and is explosive. He has great hands out of the backfield and gets YAC. He has the ability to punch the ball into the endzone effectively as we saw for 3 TD's. From what I saw he was a big improvement over Portis and IMO he deserves a long look as a potential starter; no matter where he came from.

I like Ganther as well but Shanahan is famous for pulling RB's out of thin air that fit his system. I think as Redskins starting running back we need a more complete RB. I also think Portis could excel as a pass blocker on 3rd downs if he doesn't show enough football awareness to start. I really got tired of him taking the handoff with two hands, never taking both hands off to open it up, and running right into the O-lineman in front of him. He's as much to blame for the running game as any of the O-line is, just as Campbell's slow release is as much to blame for the pass blocking issues

brad7686 wrote:

riggofan wrote:

Tim4104 wrote:RB - portis is out, Betts is hurt, I think we go with Ganther ?spelling? from last year, Rock, and a FA or Pick

Ya think? Rock seemed pretty sure this was his last season as a Redskin at the end of the year. Not too sure about Ganther.

And they basically picked up Ganther off the street. Nothing against the guy but he's not a starter IMO. This is the biggest area of need as far as I'm concerned after the OL.

Yep. Shanahan doesn't seem to have any problem with guys "off the street" like Ganther. So it wouldn't surprise me if he is back.

I think its more likely that Portis is back though than Rock. They have to pay CP what like $6.5 million whether he makes the team or not right? Unless he's just completely broken, seems like it would make the most sense to keep him.

I keep seeing the Skins attached to free agent RBs lately. Chester Taylor was one. Even LT believe it or not! I know that's kind of an annual game with free agents claiming that the Redskins want them, just hasn't been with RBs the past few years as much.

BurgundyandGoldfaith wrote:I like Ganther as well but Shanahan is famous for pulling RB's out of thin air that fit his system. I think as Redskins starting running back we need a more complete RB. I also think Portis could excel as a pass blocker on 3rd downs if he doesn't show enough football awareness to start. I really got tired of him taking the handoff with two hands, never taking both hands off to open it up, and running right into the O-lineman in front of him. He's as much to blame for the running game as any of the O-line is, just as Campbell's slow release is as much to blame for the pass blocking issues

With the way the line wa getting blown up, you can't blame Ganther for the d line being in the backfield.

BurgundyandGoldfaith wrote:I like Ganther as well but Shanahan is famous for pulling RB's out of thin air that fit his system. I think as Redskins starting running back we need a more complete RB. I also think Portis could excel as a pass blocker on 3rd downs if he doesn't show enough football awareness to start. I really got tired of him taking the handoff with two hands, never taking both hands off to open it up, and running right into the O-lineman in front of him. He's as much to blame for the running game as any of the O-line is, just as Campbell's slow release is as much to blame for the pass blocking issues

With the way the line wa getting blown up, you can't blame Ganther for the d line being in the backfield. He had to hold on with two hands for dear life.