I really am an optimist. A huge one. In fact, I'm such an optimist that it's actually detrimental to me and everyone around me.
So what do I take out of this past game? You know, the one that we lost in the fourth quarter after thoroughly dominating?
We finally have a thing called "offense."
Yep, Clinton Portis was running and Jason Campbell was throwing. But see this time, Portis was running and gaining first downs and Campbell was moving the chains. He threw 3 TD's to a WR - 2 to James "Mr. Clutch but then gets injured" Thrash and Keenan "HOLY @$#@! HE STILL PLAYS?!?" McCardell. This is a great improvement over the past few weeks when our offense rivaled Baltimore's for the most anemic.
But there are some bad things about this past week too. We lost Sean "Meast" Taylor for two weeks, and normally that wouldn't be too bad with Laron "Meast 2 - I'll come up with a more clever nickname later" Landry still in the secondary, but we also lost Carlos "Stone Hands" Rogers. Furthermore, the Eagles enjoyed twenty fourth quarter points with Taylor out - it seemed the rest of our defense walked off the field with him.
Sigh, on to week 11.
Ah, Dallas. Boy do we want them (get it? "We Want Dallas!" No? Trust me, its funny). A few weeks ago, this would have been a matchup, but steadily, we've been losing starters. In fact, lets name all the Day 1 starters that wont (or might not) be playing so we can think about the season that never was:
-Jon Jansen
-Randy Thomas
-Carlos Rogers
-Marcus Washington
-Santana Moss
-Sean Taylor
Crucial players, no doubt. A few weeks ago this would be a great game, one that the Skins could walk out with a tough victory. But now, its gonna be a sight for sore eyes. Lets just hope we can have everyone (except the IR'd Jansen) back for the last game.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Winning Dirrrrrty
They see me rollin'
They hatin'
Patrollin' and tryna catch me ridin' dirty
Ah, Chamillionaire and you're rhyming ways. Unparalleled by anyone except for maybe Kanye (seriously, Klondike and Blonde Dyke? GENIUS!).
But change 'ridin' to 'winning' and you've summed up the Redskins this year except for the Lions game. And you wanna know something? It ain't gonna change.
First, shout out to Clinton Portis, we knew you had it in you. 196 yards on 30 carries is no laughing matter regardless of what team you play. Our Offensive Line looked solid (well, a lot better than against the Pats anyways), we pass-protected and run-blocked really well. This goes to show that Portis had/has/will have it in him, but he needs an OLine to run behind.
Second, Campbell looked shaky and until we get WR's that can catch, the shackles aren't gonna be taken off of him. Him and Moss have not developed the timing yet to go for the deep ball, maybe we should try ARE or Cooley instead?
This one is a little quick, I know, I got an exam I gotta study for, but I'll be back later tonight for more on this and look for my upcoming post on what I think we need to do in the draft (with potential draft picks too)
They hatin'
Patrollin' and tryna catch me ridin' dirty
Ah, Chamillionaire and you're rhyming ways. Unparalleled by anyone except for maybe Kanye (seriously, Klondike and Blonde Dyke? GENIUS!).
But change 'ridin' to 'winning' and you've summed up the Redskins this year except for the Lions game. And you wanna know something? It ain't gonna change.
First, shout out to Clinton Portis, we knew you had it in you. 196 yards on 30 carries is no laughing matter regardless of what team you play. Our Offensive Line looked solid (well, a lot better than against the Pats anyways), we pass-protected and run-blocked really well. This goes to show that Portis had/has/will have it in him, but he needs an OLine to run behind.
Second, Campbell looked shaky and until we get WR's that can catch, the shackles aren't gonna be taken off of him. Him and Moss have not developed the timing yet to go for the deep ball, maybe we should try ARE or Cooley instead?
This one is a little quick, I know, I got an exam I gotta study for, but I'll be back later tonight for more on this and look for my upcoming post on what I think we need to do in the draft (with potential draft picks too)
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Redskins vs. Jets Preview
Ah the Jets. They are to the Redskins as Triple-A Norfolk is to the Baltimore Orioles – a feeder team. Don’t believe me? Here are current Redskins who were Jets before they were Redskins:
-Santana Moss
-Randy Thomas
-Pete Kendall
-Jason Fabini
-Khary Campbell
And that list isn’t as long as recent Redskins who aren’t Redskins anymore but were Jets (example, John Hall). Heck, we’ve even sent some players DOWN to our feeder team (See: Laveranues Coles, Patrick Ramsey)
Regardless, they are our opponent this week and to stay competitive in an already competitive NFC East. We’ve gotta win to stay in the playoff hunt, that is, if we can – no, want – to make it to the playoffs with half an O-line, no running game, no WR production and our number 2 CB on IR. So anyways, on to my patent-pending weekly analysis
When the Redskins are on Offense
The Jets currently have the easiest defense we’ve faced, currently ranked 29th in the NFL (one spot lower than Detroit and we know what kind of game we had against them). They allow a total of 373.9 yards per game – 134.3 yards rushing and 239.6 yards passing. This adds up for what hopefully can be a productive game for our offense – and lord knows we need it. Look for Al Saunders to try and establish the running game to open up the passing game. Jets ILB Jonathan Vilma is now on IR and that hurts the LB corps in the Jets’ 3-4 base defense. Look for Portis/Betts to run between the tackles quite a bit especially when the Jets’ are in their 3-4. They’re Dline has often been exploited this season for a lot of yardage. Furthermore, the Skins should be able to run left and right without too much resistance. We’ve run left 50 times this season, 12 more than any other team (partially because we can’t run right). The Jets rank 29th when blocking teams from running left. Our previously vaunted running game should hopefully be vaunted this weekend. With Sellers leading the way, hopefully we can get a lot of yardage on the ground, forcing the Jets to stack eight in the box and therefore opening up our passing game.
Campbell hasn’t been performing well lately, as evidenced in New England, against Arizona and at Green Bay. But his throws have been spot on. He’s shown more awareness lately and his numbers would be excellent if his receivers held on to the ball.
The receivers, on the other hand, have faced some tough competition in the past three weeks; the secondaries of Green Bay, Arizona and New England are definitely no joke. And because of their lack of production, have received a lot of flack. Much of it deserved, but hopefully this week they’ll bounce back as the Jets don’t have a secondary that can compare to the previous three opponents, highlighted by first-round pick (and for some reason a training camp holdout) Darrelle Revis at Cornerback (random fact, he played with H.B. “Greatest name, greatest steal” Blades). Don’t get me wrong, Darrelle Revis is a stud. He’s shown a lot of ability to create big plays for his first year in the league, however, his route reading ability is somewhat lacking and excels at man-to-man but not zone. Hopefully Campbell et al. can exploit this for some big gains.
What I’d Like to See
I’d like to see Betts in the running game more. I figure, since we should be able to run between the tackles and left and right, Betts should primarily be used for downhill runs, whereas Portis should be sent around on the sweep plays.
I’d also like to see more trust in Campbell, specifically on the deep ball. We have two speedy receivers. For the love of humanity, use them.
Chances we’ll see any of the above? Slim to none. :(
When the Skins are on Defense
Let’s face it, our defense got humiliated last week. The Patriots all but got with the Redskins’ wives/girlfriends, and from how we played, they might as well have. And if they can use that anger and emotion to their advantage, I’d hate to be the Jets this weekend, the Eagles next weekend, Dallas the following, etc., etc…
The loss of Carlos “Stone-handed-but-with-one-pick-six” Rogers is gonna hurt us. He’s been playing solid this year, a huge step up from last year. Now the question is, can our other guys step up? Last year, when Springs went down and Rogers was in the midst of his sophomore slump, we asked Ade Jimoh and Kenny Wright to help out. Big effin mistake.
This weekend will be a test to see whether our reserves are solid CB’s or are like Jimoh/Wright from last year. I for one think they can be great; especially considering David Macklin could be a starter elsewhere. We’ll see though, we’ll see, this game will show us how well our Defense can perform for the rest of the season. Look for Demetric Evans to drop into coverage more, and our linebackers playing more cover to help with the passing game.
This leaves our front four blitzing again. The Jets O-line has had some issues this year, especially losing their best play in Pete Kendall – thankfully for us, he came here – D’Brickashaw Ferguson is matched up with Andre Carter and though Ferguson has shown some talent, Carter could have a good day. They do, however, have Thomas Jones in the backfield, and though he is related to the much hated Julius Jones, he’s a lot better. However, I think our line and our linebackers can stop him enough for Mangenius to have to rely on the passing game. And if our line has its way with their O-line, look for some errant throws from this new QB to end up in the hands of Sean Taylor.
EDIT: I've just found out that Marcus Washington may be not play, his hamstring has flared up again. If this is true, it definately hurts, but I trust Randall Godfrey and H.B. Blades might get a bit more playing time too
What I’d Like to See
Lets just hope our reserve Corners can cover well, and that Smoot is 100% healthy again. And to not have an injury in this unit.
-Santana Moss
-Randy Thomas
-Pete Kendall
-Jason Fabini
-Khary Campbell
And that list isn’t as long as recent Redskins who aren’t Redskins anymore but were Jets (example, John Hall). Heck, we’ve even sent some players DOWN to our feeder team (See: Laveranues Coles, Patrick Ramsey)
Regardless, they are our opponent this week and to stay competitive in an already competitive NFC East. We’ve gotta win to stay in the playoff hunt, that is, if we can – no, want – to make it to the playoffs with half an O-line, no running game, no WR production and our number 2 CB on IR. So anyways, on to my patent-pending weekly analysis
When the Redskins are on Offense
The Jets currently have the easiest defense we’ve faced, currently ranked 29th in the NFL (one spot lower than Detroit and we know what kind of game we had against them). They allow a total of 373.9 yards per game – 134.3 yards rushing and 239.6 yards passing. This adds up for what hopefully can be a productive game for our offense – and lord knows we need it. Look for Al Saunders to try and establish the running game to open up the passing game. Jets ILB Jonathan Vilma is now on IR and that hurts the LB corps in the Jets’ 3-4 base defense. Look for Portis/Betts to run between the tackles quite a bit especially when the Jets’ are in their 3-4. They’re Dline has often been exploited this season for a lot of yardage. Furthermore, the Skins should be able to run left and right without too much resistance. We’ve run left 50 times this season, 12 more than any other team (partially because we can’t run right). The Jets rank 29th when blocking teams from running left. Our previously vaunted running game should hopefully be vaunted this weekend. With Sellers leading the way, hopefully we can get a lot of yardage on the ground, forcing the Jets to stack eight in the box and therefore opening up our passing game.
Campbell hasn’t been performing well lately, as evidenced in New England, against Arizona and at Green Bay. But his throws have been spot on. He’s shown more awareness lately and his numbers would be excellent if his receivers held on to the ball.
The receivers, on the other hand, have faced some tough competition in the past three weeks; the secondaries of Green Bay, Arizona and New England are definitely no joke. And because of their lack of production, have received a lot of flack. Much of it deserved, but hopefully this week they’ll bounce back as the Jets don’t have a secondary that can compare to the previous three opponents, highlighted by first-round pick (and for some reason a training camp holdout) Darrelle Revis at Cornerback (random fact, he played with H.B. “Greatest name, greatest steal” Blades). Don’t get me wrong, Darrelle Revis is a stud. He’s shown a lot of ability to create big plays for his first year in the league, however, his route reading ability is somewhat lacking and excels at man-to-man but not zone. Hopefully Campbell et al. can exploit this for some big gains.
What I’d Like to See
I’d like to see Betts in the running game more. I figure, since we should be able to run between the tackles and left and right, Betts should primarily be used for downhill runs, whereas Portis should be sent around on the sweep plays.
I’d also like to see more trust in Campbell, specifically on the deep ball. We have two speedy receivers. For the love of humanity, use them.
Chances we’ll see any of the above? Slim to none. :(
When the Skins are on Defense
Let’s face it, our defense got humiliated last week. The Patriots all but got with the Redskins’ wives/girlfriends, and from how we played, they might as well have. And if they can use that anger and emotion to their advantage, I’d hate to be the Jets this weekend, the Eagles next weekend, Dallas the following, etc., etc…
The loss of Carlos “Stone-handed-but-with-one-pick-six” Rogers is gonna hurt us. He’s been playing solid this year, a huge step up from last year. Now the question is, can our other guys step up? Last year, when Springs went down and Rogers was in the midst of his sophomore slump, we asked Ade Jimoh and Kenny Wright to help out. Big effin mistake.
This weekend will be a test to see whether our reserves are solid CB’s or are like Jimoh/Wright from last year. I for one think they can be great; especially considering David Macklin could be a starter elsewhere. We’ll see though, we’ll see, this game will show us how well our Defense can perform for the rest of the season. Look for Demetric Evans to drop into coverage more, and our linebackers playing more cover to help with the passing game.
This leaves our front four blitzing again. The Jets O-line has had some issues this year, especially losing their best play in Pete Kendall – thankfully for us, he came here – D’Brickashaw Ferguson is matched up with Andre Carter and though Ferguson has shown some talent, Carter could have a good day. They do, however, have Thomas Jones in the backfield, and though he is related to the much hated Julius Jones, he’s a lot better. However, I think our line and our linebackers can stop him enough for Mangenius to have to rely on the passing game. And if our line has its way with their O-line, look for some errant throws from this new QB to end up in the hands of Sean Taylor.
EDIT: I've just found out that Marcus Washington may be not play, his hamstring has flared up again. If this is true, it definately hurts, but I trust Randall Godfrey and H.B. Blades might get a bit more playing time too
What I’d Like to See
Lets just hope our reserve Corners can cover well, and that Smoot is 100% healthy again. And to not have an injury in this unit.
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