Since the Redskins' season is nearing its halfway point (bye week this week, and the team's 8th game next week against Atlanta), it's as good a time as any to go through what I'd like to see from the team for the rest of the season.
It appears increasingly unlikely the Redskins (2-5) will turn their season around. At this point, they'd need a good 7-game win streak to turn it around, and looking at the team's upcoming schedule, that seems highly unlikely.
With that in mind, here are some things I'd like to see in the coming weeks ...
1. Who is Marko Mitchell?
The rookie receiver stood out in the preseason. That is to say that no one else played well. But Mitchell does have some promise. He's tall, he's fast and he seems to have good hands. I'd go so far as to say that he's played better than either Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas in his one year than they have in their two. So let's get him some reps. Antwaan Randle El is not long for this team, that much is clear. Get Mitchell some reps.
2. Free Brian Orakpo.
It's fairly obvious that the Redskins were fooling themselves thinking that Orakpo was going to be some fierce defensive end/linebacker combo linebacker in the mold of some Pittsburgh linebackers of old. I think the Giants picked up a linebacker - former Virginia LB Clint Sintim - who could be that guy for them, but Orakpo - from his first day on the team - always seemed to be more comfortable on the line. I still say that any play that doesn't have him on the line is a wasted play. In Orakpo's place, try out Chris Wilson. He's a former defensive end who has looked decent as a linebacker.
3. Time for a curtain call, Mr. Portis.
Truthfully, I feel really bad for Clinton Portis. The guy came to Washington coming off a pair of 1,500-yard seasons with Denver. He was young and dangerous. In Denver, he was a smallish, quick, break-away running back. When he leaves Washington, he'll still be relatively young (he's only 28), but god, what did the Redskins do to him? He has lost at least two steps (did you see his long run a few weeks ago? He had one guy to beat and a blocker, and still got caught from behind), and he's not small or quick. He beefed up for Gibbs' offense, and took pounding after pounding. He's injured every week, and it shows. I do think the guy has been a warrior for the Redskins, but the Redskins have burned him out.
It's time for the team to look at younger options. I'd even like to see Ladell Betts get more carries.
4. It's Collins time - yeah, I said it.
Todd Collins, that is. I've seen enough of Jason Campbell over the years here to know that he isn't going to be the guy - ever. He's never been consistent, but he's had flashes of genius that have buttered our opinion of the guy. Truth is, he hasn't improved in any way since his first year in the NFL. Collins won't be the Redskins' guy in the long term, but I do think that he'll give the team a better chance to win this year. Next year? Probably try Colt Brennan and finally see what he has, and bring in a veteran for some insurance. Draft a big-time QB in 2011 if need be.
5. Pray for our offensive line.
Seriously, I am pretty sure there is nothing that can be done about this group of fat guys. Stephon Heyer is obviously not a long-term answer at left tackle. He might be decent at right tackle, but the Redskins probably will be looking for a premier LT in next year's draft. Luckily it's looking like they'll have a relatively high pick to spend on that LT. Mike Williams hasn't looked horrible (that I can remember), but he hasn't exactly looked like a former 1st round pick. It's hard to count on anyone on that line right now. Randy Thomas has been injured quite a bit over the past few years. Chris Samuels sounds like he'll retire. Casey Rabach isn't getting any younger. Dockery has been solid, but that's about it. Questions with no answers right now.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
PR nightmare
The Redskins have a PR problem. A big PR problem.
First of all, the Redskins lost to the Eagles Monday night. Sorry for my late commentary on that - I was out of town without a computer or a permanent internet connection. Also, to be honest, I'm not sure what else needs to be said about this year's team on the field. They've been ripped by everyone near and far, and ripped for everything - talent, coordination, play calling - everything.
And while I'm still calling for the Redskins to be "blown up," the real shame for the team right now is the public relations hell storm that is or is about to be called down.
As has already been cited, the Redskins have been suing their own fans because they simply couldn't afford tickets anymore. But now, as the team continues to lose game after game, the Redskins' security forces seem to taking away many of the fans' freedoms at the game itself.
The team recently has banned signs inside FedEx Field. To prevent injuries, the team says. I'm sure it has nothing to do with various signs criticizing the team. The Redskins already have banned bags, so, you know, if a fan wanted to wear a paper bag on his or her head, that wouldn't be allowed. Also, media can no longer interview tailgaters in the FedEx Field parking lot.
So what of it?
It's a bad showing all the way around for the Redskins. They have a public relations nightmare on their hands, and it seems like they're in complete denial.
On a side note, it seems like they're in complete denial about a lot of things this season.
It's quite clear that the Redskins don't want to see their fans complain. I can understand why, but sometimes you just have to admit that something isn't working and move through and past it. Admit failure and move on. This team seems unwilling or unable to do this. The team acts like everything is just fine, and maybe it's because the team technically can turn it around and make this a successful season. Maybe once the team is at 2-9, they'll admit things just aren't working.
But taking away fans' ability to show displeasure with the team is a bit over-zealous. Taking away signs, making fans change "Anti-Snyder" T-shirts, or turn them inside out, is ridiculous. Read about fans' experiences at FedEx here.
As for the team itself, I think it's about time some young guys started playing.
Boy, I wish we had a young QB to try out and see what he can do. Someone, perhaps, like Colt Brennan or Chase Daniel? What a waste.
First of all, the Redskins lost to the Eagles Monday night. Sorry for my late commentary on that - I was out of town without a computer or a permanent internet connection. Also, to be honest, I'm not sure what else needs to be said about this year's team on the field. They've been ripped by everyone near and far, and ripped for everything - talent, coordination, play calling - everything.
And while I'm still calling for the Redskins to be "blown up," the real shame for the team right now is the public relations hell storm that is or is about to be called down.
As has already been cited, the Redskins have been suing their own fans because they simply couldn't afford tickets anymore. But now, as the team continues to lose game after game, the Redskins' security forces seem to taking away many of the fans' freedoms at the game itself.
The team recently has banned signs inside FedEx Field. To prevent injuries, the team says. I'm sure it has nothing to do with various signs criticizing the team. The Redskins already have banned bags, so, you know, if a fan wanted to wear a paper bag on his or her head, that wouldn't be allowed. Also, media can no longer interview tailgaters in the FedEx Field parking lot.
So what of it?
It's a bad showing all the way around for the Redskins. They have a public relations nightmare on their hands, and it seems like they're in complete denial.
On a side note, it seems like they're in complete denial about a lot of things this season.
It's quite clear that the Redskins don't want to see their fans complain. I can understand why, but sometimes you just have to admit that something isn't working and move through and past it. Admit failure and move on. This team seems unwilling or unable to do this. The team acts like everything is just fine, and maybe it's because the team technically can turn it around and make this a successful season. Maybe once the team is at 2-9, they'll admit things just aren't working.
But taking away fans' ability to show displeasure with the team is a bit over-zealous. Taking away signs, making fans change "Anti-Snyder" T-shirts, or turn them inside out, is ridiculous. Read about fans' experiences at FedEx here.
As for the team itself, I think it's about time some young guys started playing.
Boy, I wish we had a young QB to try out and see what he can do. Someone, perhaps, like Colt Brennan or Chase Daniel? What a waste.
Monday, October 19, 2009
How to lose control of a perfectly good football team
It really is amazing how fast things can go from "Horny for Zorny" to "FIRE HIM!!!!"
Just a few months ago, Zorn was entering his second season, offseason spent bolstering his team's talent. 2009 was to be a playoff-run year.
Now, the team is a mess. They've faced six straight winless teams and won just two games.
Thank god for the Tampa Bay Bucs, or they might be the worst team in the NFL. And I'm not totally convinced that if the Bucs played the Redskins again, there wouldn't be a different result.
One of the worst things about this year's team is that the defense isn't very bad at all. The Redskins' defense is ranked fifth overall, third for pass defense. They had five sacks Sunday against Kansas City (1-5). Another absolutely wasted defense. Last year the Redskins finished with the fourth-ranked defense. A waste.
Adios Zorn
A year ago, Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato hired Jim Zorn as an offensive coordinator while looking for a new head coach. Zorn was brought in to call plays and manage the offense. But when Cerrato and Snyder couldn't find another coach they wanted, they offered Zorn a shot at the head coaching job.
A year and a half later, with the offense sputtering, they've taken play calling away from Zorn. So what exactly is Zorn going to do now? Is he a good game manager? All he's wanted to do was to call plays. He had never called plays before he came to the Redskins. But he comes to the Skins and they unexpectantly make him the head guy.
Snyder and Cerrato went looking for the next Mike Tomlin and unfortunately found the next Jim Zorn. Oops.
The team is a mess.
What exactly will taking the play calling away from Zorn do? Isn't this just a precursor to firing Zorn midseason? The problems with the offense go way beyond play calling. Snyder and Cerrato already brought in "consultant" Sherman Lewis to take a look at the offense. Now they take the play calling duties from Zorn. Is there any other way to undercut the man's authority and his responsibilities?
Speaking of problems with the offense ...
Why the hell did Cerrato/Snyder dump Chase Daniel when they put Colt Brennan on IR? The Redskins have no young backup on the team. With Brennan on IR, Todd Collins looks like he's going to be the guy from here on out. Which does nothing good for the future of the team. When Cerrato stashed Brennan on IR, it would have been a great idea to keep Daniel around to learn. But instead, Daniel is now in New Orleans and probably infinitely better off than he was here.
Jason Campbell is done. It's becoming very clear that his five-year experiment is over. The problem remains that there is no one ready to take over for him.
I'd like to see what Brennan has, but it's looking more and more like we will never see what Brennan has because he's injured in this critical situation. The Redskins might be forced to draft a young QB without first seeing what Brennan can do. And if the Redskins do draft a young first-round QB, Brennan might as well be as good as gone.
One thing is clear
This team is a mess.
We'll see how it all shakes out, but I don't expect to see Zorn last past the bye week, which comes after Monday night's game against the Eagles.
It's a shame, too. The defense is good enough for a playoff run. But the offense is bad enough to lose the rest of the team's games.
Just a few months ago, Zorn was entering his second season, offseason spent bolstering his team's talent. 2009 was to be a playoff-run year.
Now, the team is a mess. They've faced six straight winless teams and won just two games.
Thank god for the Tampa Bay Bucs, or they might be the worst team in the NFL. And I'm not totally convinced that if the Bucs played the Redskins again, there wouldn't be a different result.
One of the worst things about this year's team is that the defense isn't very bad at all. The Redskins' defense is ranked fifth overall, third for pass defense. They had five sacks Sunday against Kansas City (1-5). Another absolutely wasted defense. Last year the Redskins finished with the fourth-ranked defense. A waste.
Adios Zorn
A year ago, Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato hired Jim Zorn as an offensive coordinator while looking for a new head coach. Zorn was brought in to call plays and manage the offense. But when Cerrato and Snyder couldn't find another coach they wanted, they offered Zorn a shot at the head coaching job.
A year and a half later, with the offense sputtering, they've taken play calling away from Zorn. So what exactly is Zorn going to do now? Is he a good game manager? All he's wanted to do was to call plays. He had never called plays before he came to the Redskins. But he comes to the Skins and they unexpectantly make him the head guy.
Snyder and Cerrato went looking for the next Mike Tomlin and unfortunately found the next Jim Zorn. Oops.
The team is a mess.
What exactly will taking the play calling away from Zorn do? Isn't this just a precursor to firing Zorn midseason? The problems with the offense go way beyond play calling. Snyder and Cerrato already brought in "consultant" Sherman Lewis to take a look at the offense. Now they take the play calling duties from Zorn. Is there any other way to undercut the man's authority and his responsibilities?
Speaking of problems with the offense ...
Why the hell did Cerrato/Snyder dump Chase Daniel when they put Colt Brennan on IR? The Redskins have no young backup on the team. With Brennan on IR, Todd Collins looks like he's going to be the guy from here on out. Which does nothing good for the future of the team. When Cerrato stashed Brennan on IR, it would have been a great idea to keep Daniel around to learn. But instead, Daniel is now in New Orleans and probably infinitely better off than he was here.
Jason Campbell is done. It's becoming very clear that his five-year experiment is over. The problem remains that there is no one ready to take over for him.
I'd like to see what Brennan has, but it's looking more and more like we will never see what Brennan has because he's injured in this critical situation. The Redskins might be forced to draft a young QB without first seeing what Brennan can do. And if the Redskins do draft a young first-round QB, Brennan might as well be as good as gone.
One thing is clear
This team is a mess.
We'll see how it all shakes out, but I don't expect to see Zorn last past the bye week, which comes after Monday night's game against the Eagles.
It's a shame, too. The defense is good enough for a playoff run. But the offense is bad enough to lose the rest of the team's games.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Redskins doomsday clock at 11:59
Jake Delhomme sealed Sunday's Panthers win - Carolina's first of the year - and may have sealed Jim Zorn's fate at the same time.
There aren't a lot of words for the Redskins loss. Team Zorn was up 17-2 at one point, but Carolina came back to win. It's hard to put into words just how bad this loss was. 17-2 was the largest lead Zorn has ever had. Now it's the biggest lead he's ever lost.
It would be very easy to say that Zorn needs to be fired. It's becoming more and more clear that Zorn isn't cutting it on offense.
But it's not just Zorn.
Greg Blache's defense leaves a lot to be desired. They're pretty good once the opposing team drives the length of the field to get into the red zone over and over again, but all the time on the field leaves the team tired at the ends of games.
Special teams were a big factor in Sunday's loss to Carolina. They gave up a huge kick return and also gave the ball away on a punt return after a Redskins player touched the ball.
And it's not just the coaches.
Is there one player on the offensive line worth his weight? Maybe Dockery. Maybe Rabach. Samuels was injured early in Sunday's game (he never returned) and the Redskins couldn't pass block from there on in. Heyer got blown up multiple times by Panthers end Julius Peppers. Samuels' replacement, Batiste, also got blown up multiple times.
QB Jason Campbell was sacked five times and never looked comfortable. He completed most of his passes, but the plays that he missed were more memorable that any passes that he completed.
The Redskins receivers fail over and over again to establish themselves, fail over and over again to separate from defensive backs. None of the young guys - Thomas, Kelly or Davis - appear ready to be standouts any time soon. Moss isn't getting any younger, and opposing teams can shut him down if they concentrate on him. Cooley, who has be dependable all season, caught zero passes against the Panthers.
And it's not just the players.
I could go through this with almost every single aging starter for the Redskins (and there are many aging starters). It's an organizational problem, and it goes straight to GM Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder. The entire organization needs to be cleansed.
The Redskins haven't been in rebuilding mode in more than a decade - it's time.
The Skins are now 2-3, losing two out of their last three games. That's two losses to previous winless teams. That's two losses to two of the worst teams in football.
I don't see Zorn surviving long. But I hope Snyder has the courage to tear the organization apart. It's in serious need of an overhaul.
The doomsday clock is now at 11:59.
There aren't a lot of words for the Redskins loss. Team Zorn was up 17-2 at one point, but Carolina came back to win. It's hard to put into words just how bad this loss was. 17-2 was the largest lead Zorn has ever had. Now it's the biggest lead he's ever lost.
It would be very easy to say that Zorn needs to be fired. It's becoming more and more clear that Zorn isn't cutting it on offense.
But it's not just Zorn.
Greg Blache's defense leaves a lot to be desired. They're pretty good once the opposing team drives the length of the field to get into the red zone over and over again, but all the time on the field leaves the team tired at the ends of games.
Special teams were a big factor in Sunday's loss to Carolina. They gave up a huge kick return and also gave the ball away on a punt return after a Redskins player touched the ball.
And it's not just the coaches.
Is there one player on the offensive line worth his weight? Maybe Dockery. Maybe Rabach. Samuels was injured early in Sunday's game (he never returned) and the Redskins couldn't pass block from there on in. Heyer got blown up multiple times by Panthers end Julius Peppers. Samuels' replacement, Batiste, also got blown up multiple times.
QB Jason Campbell was sacked five times and never looked comfortable. He completed most of his passes, but the plays that he missed were more memorable that any passes that he completed.
The Redskins receivers fail over and over again to establish themselves, fail over and over again to separate from defensive backs. None of the young guys - Thomas, Kelly or Davis - appear ready to be standouts any time soon. Moss isn't getting any younger, and opposing teams can shut him down if they concentrate on him. Cooley, who has be dependable all season, caught zero passes against the Panthers.
And it's not just the players.
I could go through this with almost every single aging starter for the Redskins (and there are many aging starters). It's an organizational problem, and it goes straight to GM Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder. The entire organization needs to be cleansed.
The Redskins haven't been in rebuilding mode in more than a decade - it's time.
The Skins are now 2-3, losing two out of their last three games. That's two losses to previous winless teams. That's two losses to two of the worst teams in football.
I don't see Zorn surviving long. But I hope Snyder has the courage to tear the organization apart. It's in serious need of an overhaul.
The doomsday clock is now at 11:59.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Another unnecessarily close win
You know what the Redskins really needed Sunday against Tampa (Bay)?
They really needed to put up 30+ points and look dominant against a team that was starting a new quarterback and a defense that had been walloped frequently this season. The Lions aren't the worst team in football - the Buccaneers are.
But the Redskins' struggles against the winless Bucs -- a 16-14 bittersweet victory -- pointed out all of this team's flaws.
And there were positives as well as negatives. The running game was a bit more effective, the passing game less so. The pass rush a little more effective, the rush defense a little less so.
The Redskins have proved they can compete against the worst teams in the NFL. Even win, if they really try hard. They're 2-2. Time to take what they've done in the first quarter of the season and learn. The team isn't destined for failure. But they could be, easily.
Some stuff to take away from Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.
Jason Campbell, who are ye?
Campbell and the Redskins had less than 100 passing yards in the first half and finished with just 170 yards. By the end of the game, he had managed to throw three interceptions. He finished with his lowest passing percentage of the year (54.5%). All in all, he looked a rookie version of himself. Which isn't good for a fifth-year player.
It kind of looked like Jim Zorn and Co. wanted to be a little more aggressive - Campbell threw deep a few times, connecting with Moss once on a 59-yard TD - but there is being aggressive and then there is making bad decisions, which is what happened.
It's hard to imagine Campbell having this kind of performance again. The guy is very protective with the ball -- to a fault. Everyone has bad games, and his wasn't good. But I do like the aggressive play. Keep up trying to get deep. Just leave out the INTs next time.
The defense has to improve
Cadillac Williams and the Bucs ran over, under and through Albert Haynesworth and the Redskins defense. Haynesworth himself had zero tackles. Greg Blache's defenses in the past have been excellent at stopping the run, but this year, maybe because of an emphasis at getting after the QB, the rushing defense has not been good.
In total defense, the Redskins were 4th last year, but now are 12th. And that's after adding to the defense. It's a sad trend, and hopefully something the Redskins can improve upon. The Skins did improve in one area Sunday: they were the worst team in the league as far as giving up third-down conversions, but Sunday, they allowed Tampa Bay to convert just 2 of 15 third-down attempts. But that may have more to do with the QB the Bucs started - Josh Johnson - who doesn't seem much like an NFL QB.
On the plus side, the Redskins are the fourth-ranked scoring defense, giving up just 15.5 points a game. Unfortunately the team's offense is still awful.
Smaller thoughts
I like DeAngelo Hall. I like his playing style. I like his INTs. I do NOT like his celebrations. Get ahold of yourself, Hokie. ... Wither Malcolm Kelly/Devin Thomas/Fred Davis? They've been highly unproductive, and they're going to start costing some serious money soon. But it's never about the receivers. Receivers are very easy to find. It's all about the quarterback, offensive line and the offensive coordinator or whoever calls the plays. They are the cogs that make offenses go. Not running backs or receivers. ...
Speaking of running backs, Clinton Portis had a good day Sunday. But he still doesn't look explosive or anywhere close to it. Not sure how long the Redskins can keep him around. It won't be a popular decision, but it's time to move on. To who? Not sure that guy is on the team yet. ...
I thought Reed Doughty played very well at safety. He's impressed me with his tackling. Solid, not spectacular, but simply solid. ...
Chris Cooley had a heck of a game. He seems to be the only offensive set piece the Zorn and Co. seem to know how to use effectively. Though I'm not sure how much more mileage they can get out of those bubble screens. Reminds me of Gibbs-era screens to Santana Moss. ...
Speaking of Moss, I wish he would be just a little more consistent. One game he catches 10 passes, and the next he catches two. A lot of that has to do with the QB and the play caller, but gosh. ...
I was happy to see Brian Orakpo on the line more against the Bucs. He's a tremendous passrusher. Finished with a sack.
The Redskins travel to Carolina this week. Another game the Redskins will probably be favored to win. Another game the Redskins will play another unnecessarily close game.
Want to guess when the last time was that the Redskins had won by more than two touchdowns?
It's been more than two years. Oct. 7, 2007, against the Detroit Lions. 34-3.
That's what the Redskins really need right now. To completely obliterate a team. A team just like Carolina.
They really needed to put up 30+ points and look dominant against a team that was starting a new quarterback and a defense that had been walloped frequently this season. The Lions aren't the worst team in football - the Buccaneers are.
But the Redskins' struggles against the winless Bucs -- a 16-14 bittersweet victory -- pointed out all of this team's flaws.
And there were positives as well as negatives. The running game was a bit more effective, the passing game less so. The pass rush a little more effective, the rush defense a little less so.
The Redskins have proved they can compete against the worst teams in the NFL. Even win, if they really try hard. They're 2-2. Time to take what they've done in the first quarter of the season and learn. The team isn't destined for failure. But they could be, easily.
Some stuff to take away from Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.
Jason Campbell, who are ye?
Campbell and the Redskins had less than 100 passing yards in the first half and finished with just 170 yards. By the end of the game, he had managed to throw three interceptions. He finished with his lowest passing percentage of the year (54.5%). All in all, he looked a rookie version of himself. Which isn't good for a fifth-year player.
It kind of looked like Jim Zorn and Co. wanted to be a little more aggressive - Campbell threw deep a few times, connecting with Moss once on a 59-yard TD - but there is being aggressive and then there is making bad decisions, which is what happened.
It's hard to imagine Campbell having this kind of performance again. The guy is very protective with the ball -- to a fault. Everyone has bad games, and his wasn't good. But I do like the aggressive play. Keep up trying to get deep. Just leave out the INTs next time.
The defense has to improve
Cadillac Williams and the Bucs ran over, under and through Albert Haynesworth and the Redskins defense. Haynesworth himself had zero tackles. Greg Blache's defenses in the past have been excellent at stopping the run, but this year, maybe because of an emphasis at getting after the QB, the rushing defense has not been good.
In total defense, the Redskins were 4th last year, but now are 12th. And that's after adding to the defense. It's a sad trend, and hopefully something the Redskins can improve upon. The Skins did improve in one area Sunday: they were the worst team in the league as far as giving up third-down conversions, but Sunday, they allowed Tampa Bay to convert just 2 of 15 third-down attempts. But that may have more to do with the QB the Bucs started - Josh Johnson - who doesn't seem much like an NFL QB.
On the plus side, the Redskins are the fourth-ranked scoring defense, giving up just 15.5 points a game. Unfortunately the team's offense is still awful.
Smaller thoughts
I like DeAngelo Hall. I like his playing style. I like his INTs. I do NOT like his celebrations. Get ahold of yourself, Hokie. ... Wither Malcolm Kelly/Devin Thomas/Fred Davis? They've been highly unproductive, and they're going to start costing some serious money soon. But it's never about the receivers. Receivers are very easy to find. It's all about the quarterback, offensive line and the offensive coordinator or whoever calls the plays. They are the cogs that make offenses go. Not running backs or receivers. ...
Speaking of running backs, Clinton Portis had a good day Sunday. But he still doesn't look explosive or anywhere close to it. Not sure how long the Redskins can keep him around. It won't be a popular decision, but it's time to move on. To who? Not sure that guy is on the team yet. ...
I thought Reed Doughty played very well at safety. He's impressed me with his tackling. Solid, not spectacular, but simply solid. ...
Chris Cooley had a heck of a game. He seems to be the only offensive set piece the Zorn and Co. seem to know how to use effectively. Though I'm not sure how much more mileage they can get out of those bubble screens. Reminds me of Gibbs-era screens to Santana Moss. ...
Speaking of Moss, I wish he would be just a little more consistent. One game he catches 10 passes, and the next he catches two. A lot of that has to do with the QB and the play caller, but gosh. ...
I was happy to see Brian Orakpo on the line more against the Bucs. He's a tremendous passrusher. Finished with a sack.
The Redskins travel to Carolina this week. Another game the Redskins will probably be favored to win. Another game the Redskins will play another unnecessarily close game.
Want to guess when the last time was that the Redskins had won by more than two touchdowns?
It's been more than two years. Oct. 7, 2007, against the Detroit Lions. 34-3.
That's what the Redskins really need right now. To completely obliterate a team. A team just like Carolina.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
For the good of the team, Snyder must make a decision
Danny Snyder and Vinny Cerrato's special relationship has been well documented.
It's a relationship that has spanned almost 10 years and over that time, the Redskins have been nothing if not mediocre. Some years a little more, some a little less. But doubtlessly mediocre.
And it's a relationship that, for the good of the Redskins, must end.
The roster
The Redskins have the oldest roster in the league with an average age of 27.60 and average NFL experience of 5.55 years.
But who on the roster right now is absolutely isn't expendable? Certainly not Campbell. Portis hasn't converted a third- or fourth-down (and 1) seemingly all year. Maybe Samuels or Dockery on the line. Not sure about any of the receivers. Maybe Moss, but he's wildly inconsistent. Anyone on defense? Maybe Haynesworth, but he hasn't proved his worth yet. Neither has Orakpo.
Everyone else could be replaced.
While we're talking about Orakpo, why the heck did we draft him to play a typical linebacker? He's a passrushing fiend, yet we have him playing basically a drop-back, read-and-react linebacker? Makes no sense.
Why does Cerrato have five running backs on the roster? We have Portis, Betts and Cartwright - who are basically the same type of back and very little upside - and then Alridge, who the Redskins haven't used yet but has a lot of upside. Betts and Cartwright are veterans who are not needed. They're good running backs, but provide the same thing that Portis brings to the table.
Campbell is not a West Coast Offense QB. Not sure why Cerrato brought in a WCO coach to teach a deep-ball passer how to run a WCO. Collins is too old to be anything other than a backup right now. Brennan has a lot of upside but really hasn't shown it quite yet. Oh, and he's on IR. Daniel showed a lot of upside, but Cerrato decided to jettison him.
Alright, I'll say it
First off, Snyder must fire Cerrato, and this time not bring him back. It'll be a tough decision to fire Cerrato, but it's something that Snyder must do if he wants the Redskins to ever get better on the field.
This team needs a complete overhaul. It's full of aging veterans - take a look at the defensive line (Wynn, Carter, Daniels) - who, while they have great experience - aren't exactly helping this team out right now.
It's pretty clear that Campbell probably won't be the Redskins starter next season (unless for some reason he has a great rest-of-the-season. Maybe take the time now to overhaul the team. It's going to take some time, but in the longhaul, it'll be worth it. Fix the offensive line first. Then get a quarterback who can make quick decisions and run the team from the line of scrimmage. He doesn't have to necessarily have a big arm. Don't worry too much about the running back or receivers - they are very easy to find.
Defensively, I think there are some key young guys in place. Horton and Doughty are playing well. Orakpo has potential, but please, use him wisely. I like Rocky McIntosh. The Redskins need to find a replacement for Fletcher, who is getting a little up there.
All is not lost
This year isn't over by a long shot, and the team can turn it around and avert disaster. I don't necessarily think Zorn is a bad coach. I just think he's trying to do too much and failing at everything. If he wants to truly be a head coach, he can't be the one calling the plays. He also can't be coaching QBs.
He has to manage the game.
The team needs to do a better job at using the weapons it has. Use Fred Davis more. The guy is a great athlete, but he's only had five catches in his two-year career. Create a few packages a game for him. Use Kelly and Mitchell more on high, deep stuff. There's some young talent there.
Use Alridge with what he does best. Get him out in space and let him run. He's the only speed runner on the team. Use that.
Use Orakpo better. Have him be pretty much a pass-rushing linebacker. Bulk him up. Don't worry about dropping him back in coverage, that's not what he does well. Move him around and blitz him from multiple angles to confuse offenses. The guy is a weapon. Use him.
Play some more bump-and-run on the defense. Be more aggressive. Attack with Landry more. The guy is a rocket when blitzing. He is a natural aggressive safety, should be playing close to the line and attacking it. Don't drop him back in coverage too much, you're taking him out of the game.
If the Redskins start looking like they'll be out of the playoffs, which I'm not saying they'll be, look for some big changes on the way.
The team can turn it around this year, but they must start playing smarter football.
It's a relationship that has spanned almost 10 years and over that time, the Redskins have been nothing if not mediocre. Some years a little more, some a little less. But doubtlessly mediocre.
And it's a relationship that, for the good of the Redskins, must end.
The roster
The Redskins have the oldest roster in the league with an average age of 27.60 and average NFL experience of 5.55 years.
But who on the roster right now is absolutely isn't expendable? Certainly not Campbell. Portis hasn't converted a third- or fourth-down (and 1) seemingly all year. Maybe Samuels or Dockery on the line. Not sure about any of the receivers. Maybe Moss, but he's wildly inconsistent. Anyone on defense? Maybe Haynesworth, but he hasn't proved his worth yet. Neither has Orakpo.
Everyone else could be replaced.
While we're talking about Orakpo, why the heck did we draft him to play a typical linebacker? He's a passrushing fiend, yet we have him playing basically a drop-back, read-and-react linebacker? Makes no sense.
Why does Cerrato have five running backs on the roster? We have Portis, Betts and Cartwright - who are basically the same type of back and very little upside - and then Alridge, who the Redskins haven't used yet but has a lot of upside. Betts and Cartwright are veterans who are not needed. They're good running backs, but provide the same thing that Portis brings to the table.
Campbell is not a West Coast Offense QB. Not sure why Cerrato brought in a WCO coach to teach a deep-ball passer how to run a WCO. Collins is too old to be anything other than a backup right now. Brennan has a lot of upside but really hasn't shown it quite yet. Oh, and he's on IR. Daniel showed a lot of upside, but Cerrato decided to jettison him.
Alright, I'll say it
First off, Snyder must fire Cerrato, and this time not bring him back. It'll be a tough decision to fire Cerrato, but it's something that Snyder must do if he wants the Redskins to ever get better on the field.
This team needs a complete overhaul. It's full of aging veterans - take a look at the defensive line (Wynn, Carter, Daniels) - who, while they have great experience - aren't exactly helping this team out right now.
It's pretty clear that Campbell probably won't be the Redskins starter next season (unless for some reason he has a great rest-of-the-season. Maybe take the time now to overhaul the team. It's going to take some time, but in the longhaul, it'll be worth it. Fix the offensive line first. Then get a quarterback who can make quick decisions and run the team from the line of scrimmage. He doesn't have to necessarily have a big arm. Don't worry too much about the running back or receivers - they are very easy to find.
Defensively, I think there are some key young guys in place. Horton and Doughty are playing well. Orakpo has potential, but please, use him wisely. I like Rocky McIntosh. The Redskins need to find a replacement for Fletcher, who is getting a little up there.
All is not lost
This year isn't over by a long shot, and the team can turn it around and avert disaster. I don't necessarily think Zorn is a bad coach. I just think he's trying to do too much and failing at everything. If he wants to truly be a head coach, he can't be the one calling the plays. He also can't be coaching QBs.
He has to manage the game.
The team needs to do a better job at using the weapons it has. Use Fred Davis more. The guy is a great athlete, but he's only had five catches in his two-year career. Create a few packages a game for him. Use Kelly and Mitchell more on high, deep stuff. There's some young talent there.
Use Alridge with what he does best. Get him out in space and let him run. He's the only speed runner on the team. Use that.
Use Orakpo better. Have him be pretty much a pass-rushing linebacker. Bulk him up. Don't worry about dropping him back in coverage, that's not what he does well. Move him around and blitz him from multiple angles to confuse offenses. The guy is a weapon. Use him.
Play some more bump-and-run on the defense. Be more aggressive. Attack with Landry more. The guy is a rocket when blitzing. He is a natural aggressive safety, should be playing close to the line and attacking it. Don't drop him back in coverage too much, you're taking him out of the game.
If the Redskins start looking like they'll be out of the playoffs, which I'm not saying they'll be, look for some big changes on the way.
The team can turn it around this year, but they must start playing smarter football.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Quick reactions, Redskins-Lions
Ladies and gents, we now know who the Washington Redskins really are. It took an embarrassing loss to figure it out, but it's finally done.
Yes, the Redskins lost to the Lions 19-14 Sunday afternoon. Yes, Detroit broke their 19-game winless streak against the Skins.
And oh boy, I was enraged. I felt anger and pain, but most of all, I felt confused about where the team is headed.
Some points:
The Jason Campbell show is finished.
Until now, I was unsure whether Campbell would continue to be the starting QB of the Washington Redskins after this season. His performance against the Lions solidified my belief that he will not be. Yes, he put up ok numbers Sunday, but not when it mattered. And he never really seems to be in charge of games like a starter should be.
I wish that Colt Brennan wasn't on IR so that we could see if Brennan has what it takes. Alas, we've probably wasted Brennan's time on the team yet again.
Jim Zorn is on very thin ice, but not finished. Yet.
I'm sure most fans would like to see Zorn gone right now, and I think that he is calling some piss-poor plays (especially in the red zone). But it's not time to kick the head coach off of this island. I think if this season turns south, it'll be the end of Zorn's tenure here, and I can only blame Zorn. He chose to attach himself to Campbell. He chose to keep the play calling duties despite the fact he had never been an offensive coordinator before, much less a head coach. Nothing about his tenure in D.C. has been good.
What happened to the defense?
The Lions were able to drive up and down the field pretty much at will. Detroit continually took advantage of the Redskins' defensive backs and completed 55 percent of their third-downs. (The Redskins completed just 20 percent.)
I do believe that Mr. Greg Blache is in denial about how poorly his defense played against Detroit. The Lions held the ball for over 36 minutes and had drives of 99, 74, 86 and 84 yards. Those are whoppers of drives.
If this is a reflection on how the defense will perform, the team is in trouble. On top of this, Haynesworth's hip injury is a huge concern.
Some (too few) positives
A question
Is it too early to talk about "blowing up" the team? I'm talking about a complete overhaul. New QB. New RB. New coach. A new general manager. Everything.
Yes, the Redskins lost to the Lions 19-14 Sunday afternoon. Yes, Detroit broke their 19-game winless streak against the Skins.
And oh boy, I was enraged. I felt anger and pain, but most of all, I felt confused about where the team is headed.
Some points:
The Jason Campbell show is finished.
Until now, I was unsure whether Campbell would continue to be the starting QB of the Washington Redskins after this season. His performance against the Lions solidified my belief that he will not be. Yes, he put up ok numbers Sunday, but not when it mattered. And he never really seems to be in charge of games like a starter should be.
I wish that Colt Brennan wasn't on IR so that we could see if Brennan has what it takes. Alas, we've probably wasted Brennan's time on the team yet again.
Jim Zorn is on very thin ice, but not finished. Yet.
I'm sure most fans would like to see Zorn gone right now, and I think that he is calling some piss-poor plays (especially in the red zone). But it's not time to kick the head coach off of this island. I think if this season turns south, it'll be the end of Zorn's tenure here, and I can only blame Zorn. He chose to attach himself to Campbell. He chose to keep the play calling duties despite the fact he had never been an offensive coordinator before, much less a head coach. Nothing about his tenure in D.C. has been good.
What happened to the defense?
The Lions were able to drive up and down the field pretty much at will. Detroit continually took advantage of the Redskins' defensive backs and completed 55 percent of their third-downs. (The Redskins completed just 20 percent.)
I do believe that Mr. Greg Blache is in denial about how poorly his defense played against Detroit. The Lions held the ball for over 36 minutes and had drives of 99, 74, 86 and 84 yards. Those are whoppers of drives.
If this is a reflection on how the defense will perform, the team is in trouble. On top of this, Haynesworth's hip injury is a huge concern.
Some (too few) positives
- I don't think the Lions are as bad this year as people are making them out to be. Blache pointed this out in a post-game interview. They lost to the Vikings, who are unbeaten. They lost to the Saints, who are unbeaten.
- Santana Moss still proves he's the Redskins' best receiver. He had 10 catches, 178 yards and a touchdown. That's double what he had coming into the game. He needs to be consistent for the Redskins to have any success.
- Hunter Smith is awesome. The Skins haven't had too many good punters over the last 20 years. Hunter the Punter averaged 45 yards per punt, with a long of 58 yards. Simply excellent.
A question
Is it too early to talk about "blowing up" the team? I'm talking about a complete overhaul. New QB. New RB. New coach. A new general manager. Everything.
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