In a sign of some continuity, the Skins have finally re-signed backup QB Todd Collins. I think this is a good move, especially since Collins got us to the playoffs after starter Jason Campbell went down with an injury.
I do actually have one small problem with this whole scenario however. As we are trying to get away from our free spending ways - i.e. no more big, long contracts that we continue to pay years after guys leave the league - I am puzzled by the contract Collins received.
Now I think Collins should be rewarded for what he did last season however, how smart is it to sign a guy turning 35 in May to a 3 year contract? Vinny Cerrato said at the bottom of the story that they are waiting for the market to come back down before they make any other signings but was the market for Collins really 3 years, $9 million?
Baby steps I guess ... but welcome back Todd. Great to have you sticking around.
Showing posts with label Jason Campbell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason Campbell. Show all posts
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
What do the Redskins really need?
With the offseason Olympics ready to get underway, I decided the best place to start was at the beginning (I realize this is an earth-shattering concept) and determine what holes actually need to be filled.
While looking around the net I noticed a blog where the guy was completely off his rocker and in the same column he got on Dan Snyder for getting rid of the continuity put in place in the coaching staff right after he said the Skins should get rid of it seemed 2/3rds of the team's starters including Clinton Portis, Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas.
If it was this guy's intention to grab attention, well then he accomplished his job. If it was his intention to provide meaningful insight into what action the team will take then he fell well short of the mark.
"George" does make a solid point in stating that if there is a major injury on the offensive line next year there will be issues. However, we weathered a ton of injuries on that line last year (Jansen and Thomas included) and we were able to bring along some young, talented players. But, think of how much smoother next season would be if Jansen, Thomas and the rest of the guys can avoid injuries - you're talking about one of the best collective units in the game. Jansen and Thomas are not washed up and so talk of the O Line needing help is overly exaggerated although a late round flier, especially coached by Joe Bugel, never seems to be a bad idea.
But I am rambling and I want this to be more of a list so here are the needs of the team as I see them, in no particular order:
1. Defensive backs: We need both safties and CB's after the loss of Sean Taylor and the continuing struggles of Carlos Rogers. It was nice to have Shawn Springs healthy for a good chunk of time and Fred Smoot was a reliable asset too. Reed Doughty has proved himself worthy of a shot at a starting spot after taking over for Taylor but depth at both positions are crucial.
2. Defensive line: This group has been so sporadic the last few years that something needs to be added and if this were a car it would be a stabilizing bar. Many projections online have us taking a DT with our 1st round pick and that would definitely be a good move. Phillip Daniels isn't getting any younger either so it might be nice to find his eventual replacement this year too.
3. Offensive line: I already talked about this earlier but a late round pick to add depth seems like the smart play here. Stephon Heyer proved to be a valuable commodity despite not even being drafted so who's to say we won't need another Heyer this year?
4. Quarterback: Yes, Jason Campbell is the QB of the future but if he goes down again, how much longer can we rely on Todd Collins? This year could be the one to draft or sign a younger backup so he could get acclimated to the time and be ready if the situation ever arises. The rest of the offense seems to be in good enough shape (although it would be nice for the WR's to produce more this year) so drafting a future QB could be a luxury this year the Skins may not have next year.
In keeping with continuity, it seems many of these starters could already be the place and the emphasis then should be on selecting role players. I realize we were 9-7 but we were close and when we got on a roll we were one of the toughest teams to play at the end of the year. Adding missing pieces - and not making major renovations - could be just what this team needs to advance in the playoffs next year.
While looking around the net I noticed a blog where the guy was completely off his rocker and in the same column he got on Dan Snyder for getting rid of the continuity put in place in the coaching staff right after he said the Skins should get rid of it seemed 2/3rds of the team's starters including Clinton Portis, Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas.
If it was this guy's intention to grab attention, well then he accomplished his job. If it was his intention to provide meaningful insight into what action the team will take then he fell well short of the mark.
"George" does make a solid point in stating that if there is a major injury on the offensive line next year there will be issues. However, we weathered a ton of injuries on that line last year (Jansen and Thomas included) and we were able to bring along some young, talented players. But, think of how much smoother next season would be if Jansen, Thomas and the rest of the guys can avoid injuries - you're talking about one of the best collective units in the game. Jansen and Thomas are not washed up and so talk of the O Line needing help is overly exaggerated although a late round flier, especially coached by Joe Bugel, never seems to be a bad idea.
But I am rambling and I want this to be more of a list so here are the needs of the team as I see them, in no particular order:
1. Defensive backs: We need both safties and CB's after the loss of Sean Taylor and the continuing struggles of Carlos Rogers. It was nice to have Shawn Springs healthy for a good chunk of time and Fred Smoot was a reliable asset too. Reed Doughty has proved himself worthy of a shot at a starting spot after taking over for Taylor but depth at both positions are crucial.
2. Defensive line: This group has been so sporadic the last few years that something needs to be added and if this were a car it would be a stabilizing bar. Many projections online have us taking a DT with our 1st round pick and that would definitely be a good move. Phillip Daniels isn't getting any younger either so it might be nice to find his eventual replacement this year too.
3. Offensive line: I already talked about this earlier but a late round pick to add depth seems like the smart play here. Stephon Heyer proved to be a valuable commodity despite not even being drafted so who's to say we won't need another Heyer this year?
4. Quarterback: Yes, Jason Campbell is the QB of the future but if he goes down again, how much longer can we rely on Todd Collins? This year could be the one to draft or sign a younger backup so he could get acclimated to the time and be ready if the situation ever arises. The rest of the offense seems to be in good enough shape (although it would be nice for the WR's to produce more this year) so drafting a future QB could be a luxury this year the Skins may not have next year.
In keeping with continuity, it seems many of these starters could already be the place and the emphasis then should be on selecting role players. I realize we were 9-7 but we were close and when we got on a roll we were one of the toughest teams to play at the end of the year. Adding missing pieces - and not making major renovations - could be just what this team needs to advance in the playoffs next year.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Is the surprise spoiled?
My last post dealt with the lack of noise involving the Skins coaching search and a possible rabbit that could be pulled out of a hat. Well, it looks like the surprise could be spoiled if this is to be believed and this is the big secret.
I hate this move if Jim Fassel is to be named head coach, and am equally not as thrilled if he becomes the OC on Gregg Williams' staff. In case anyone forgot to notice, Fassel struggled his last couple of years with the Giants and his time in Baltimore was a nightmare at best. I'm not saying Al Saunders' days in DC have been anything more than mediocre, but Fassel would be a definite downgrade.
I have no problems with looking at tons of candidates and keeping things hushed up so that your fans have something to get excited about once an announcement is made but this is not the right direction. If Dan Snyder is worried about the offense and the growth of Jason Campbell, let get someone who could move Campbell forward, not set him back.
I don't know who is out there that is looking for a move up, but if the Skins want to go unconventional, let's find someone who has a track record better than mediocre. If you want mediocre or someone like Fassel, go after his former boss Brian Billick instead. At least he won the Super Bowl matchup between the two and held on to his previous job longer.
I hate this move if Jim Fassel is to be named head coach, and am equally not as thrilled if he becomes the OC on Gregg Williams' staff. In case anyone forgot to notice, Fassel struggled his last couple of years with the Giants and his time in Baltimore was a nightmare at best. I'm not saying Al Saunders' days in DC have been anything more than mediocre, but Fassel would be a definite downgrade.
I have no problems with looking at tons of candidates and keeping things hushed up so that your fans have something to get excited about once an announcement is made but this is not the right direction. If Dan Snyder is worried about the offense and the growth of Jason Campbell, let get someone who could move Campbell forward, not set him back.
I don't know who is out there that is looking for a move up, but if the Skins want to go unconventional, let's find someone who has a track record better than mediocre. If you want mediocre or someone like Fassel, go after his former boss Brian Billick instead. At least he won the Super Bowl matchup between the two and held on to his previous job longer.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Game 3 recap
What is there to say after watching the Skins blow a 17-3 lead in the second half? Not a whole lot but there were a couple of things that stuck out to me.
1. Despite the struggles in the second half, it was actually exciting to see Jason Campbell operate on that last drive. He is not there yet but he is going to be a good QB. He stayed poised and made plays at critical points in the drive, the only screwup being 4th and goal.
2. Speaking of 4th and goal, why didn't anyone mention to Campbell that he had 20 seconds to get a play off? There was no shot for a first down so why did they need to leave time on the clock? That is a situation Campbell can learn from but the coaches should have been slowing him down and telling him to make sure he didn't snap the ball until everything was set.
3. Eli Manning is not his brother. I don't know what other NFL QB's look like in slow motion when throwing the ball but Eli looks like he's throwing too hard because he has too much pressure to live up to something he will never be. I would even go as far as saying that he should probably be a backup instead of the center of the G-men franchise but he gets by solely on his name. Any other NY QB would have been shipped out of town by now.
4. Even though it would have been nice to be 3-0 heading into the bye, 2-1 is probably a lot better than most people thought. No one wanted to give our guys a chance to win many games this year and they are showing that while they won't win them all, they will be competitive. If we continue to play competitively, we will make the playoffs.
5. The defense is not entirely to blame for the 2nd half collapse. Granted, they let the Giants convert any and all 3rd down attempts that they wanted to but the offense only had the ball for 3 plays it seemed like in the second half. If they didn't go 3-and-out, they turned it over and didn't get the defense off the field. I don't care how good a defense is, no unit can play more than 25 minutes in a half and expect to shut the other team down.
No game for the Skins this week so enjoy some of the other NFC teams and lets see if we can figure out exactly who the competition will be this season.
1. Despite the struggles in the second half, it was actually exciting to see Jason Campbell operate on that last drive. He is not there yet but he is going to be a good QB. He stayed poised and made plays at critical points in the drive, the only screwup being 4th and goal.
2. Speaking of 4th and goal, why didn't anyone mention to Campbell that he had 20 seconds to get a play off? There was no shot for a first down so why did they need to leave time on the clock? That is a situation Campbell can learn from but the coaches should have been slowing him down and telling him to make sure he didn't snap the ball until everything was set.
3. Eli Manning is not his brother. I don't know what other NFL QB's look like in slow motion when throwing the ball but Eli looks like he's throwing too hard because he has too much pressure to live up to something he will never be. I would even go as far as saying that he should probably be a backup instead of the center of the G-men franchise but he gets by solely on his name. Any other NY QB would have been shipped out of town by now.
4. Even though it would have been nice to be 3-0 heading into the bye, 2-1 is probably a lot better than most people thought. No one wanted to give our guys a chance to win many games this year and they are showing that while they won't win them all, they will be competitive. If we continue to play competitively, we will make the playoffs.
5. The defense is not entirely to blame for the 2nd half collapse. Granted, they let the Giants convert any and all 3rd down attempts that they wanted to but the offense only had the ball for 3 plays it seemed like in the second half. If they didn't go 3-and-out, they turned it over and didn't get the defense off the field. I don't care how good a defense is, no unit can play more than 25 minutes in a half and expect to shut the other team down.
No game for the Skins this week so enjoy some of the other NFC teams and lets see if we can figure out exactly who the competition will be this season.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Game 3: Redskins vs. Giants
Washington (2-0) vs. New York Giants (0-2)
Time: 4:15 p.m. ET at FedEx Field
ESPN game preview
How awesome is it that these guys are 2-0 despite the fact that it looks like the O-line is falling apart?
Hopefully it won't matter that Todd Wade and Jason Fabini are the new guys on the right side of the line, these guys have been solid pros in the past and with the way Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts can run, all these guys have to do is give them a little space. And if they can give Jason Campbell enough time to get the snap and make a quick throw, that will be a bonus.
Defensively the Skins are on fire and playing like they have previously under Gregg Williams. They should be able to continue that trend against a Giants team that is struggling on offense and there is no reason to think these guys won't be 3-0 heading into a bye.
Oh, and the throwback uni's are sweet. Hail to the Redskins.
Also, check out the Helmet Project, purveyors of the great helmets you see at the top of this post.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Game 2 recap
The best thing about Monday night's win isn't the fact that we beat Philly but it has to be the fact that the Skins are 2-0 for the first time since their last playoff appearance (2005). Here are a couple of other observations from Monday night.
1. I know this has nothing to do with the game but Charles Barkley actually made the booth enjoyable to watch. After hearing Mike Tirico stick up for the Eagles and saying they should have beat the Packers, Barkley responded with my favorite line, "If I didn't eat so much I wouldn't be fat."
2. Jason Campbell is still making young mistakes but he is getting better with each quarter he plays, as evidenced by the 2 TD drives he led in the 2nd half.
3. Joe Bugel is the best O-line coach in the NFL bar none. Depsite not having and losing Jon Jansen and losing Randy Thomas in the second half, the line still held up and gave Campbell the time he needed to make plays. It remains to be see how the backups will fare as starters the rest of the season but I really have no worries.
4. The NFC East is one of the toughest conferences in football, top to bottom. You can't tell me the 0-2 Eagles are that much worse than the 2-0 Cowboys or Skins and if the Giants could have avoided a couple of key injuries, they would not be 0-2 either.
5. Last year was an aberration defensively and if I hear another claim how awful the D was last year and act like that had been the trend in DC for years, I am going to start writing letters to ESPN, CBS and Fox telling them to open a stat book from the last five years and respond with where the Skins finished in total defense each of those years. When healthy our guys are just as good as New England, Baltimore and San Diego but because our offense hasn't been any good until now, the media has failed to recognize it. It's times like these that make me embarrassed to be a sports writer.
The reeling Giants are up next so let's see if these guys can get to 3-0 and be halfway to surpassing last year's win total.
1. I know this has nothing to do with the game but Charles Barkley actually made the booth enjoyable to watch. After hearing Mike Tirico stick up for the Eagles and saying they should have beat the Packers, Barkley responded with my favorite line, "If I didn't eat so much I wouldn't be fat."
2. Jason Campbell is still making young mistakes but he is getting better with each quarter he plays, as evidenced by the 2 TD drives he led in the 2nd half.
3. Joe Bugel is the best O-line coach in the NFL bar none. Depsite not having and losing Jon Jansen and losing Randy Thomas in the second half, the line still held up and gave Campbell the time he needed to make plays. It remains to be see how the backups will fare as starters the rest of the season but I really have no worries.
4. The NFC East is one of the toughest conferences in football, top to bottom. You can't tell me the 0-2 Eagles are that much worse than the 2-0 Cowboys or Skins and if the Giants could have avoided a couple of key injuries, they would not be 0-2 either.
5. Last year was an aberration defensively and if I hear another claim how awful the D was last year and act like that had been the trend in DC for years, I am going to start writing letters to ESPN, CBS and Fox telling them to open a stat book from the last five years and respond with where the Skins finished in total defense each of those years. When healthy our guys are just as good as New England, Baltimore and San Diego but because our offense hasn't been any good until now, the media has failed to recognize it. It's times like these that make me embarrassed to be a sports writer.
The reeling Giants are up next so let's see if these guys can get to 3-0 and be halfway to surpassing last year's win total.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Game 2: Redskins vs. Eagles
Washington (1-0) vs. Philadelphia (0-1)
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field
ESPN game preview
There really is nothing better than seeing your favorite team on Monday Night Football, even if your team and coach don't do so well historically in this situation. That's the situation that faces the Skins. Add in the fact that the Eagles are probably still upset they lost to the Packers and this has the makings of an ugly game.
Despite Jason Campbell's mistakes last week, guys stepped up and showed exactly what they needed to. Antwaan Randle El couldn't have picked a better time to step up and prove to critics that he really is capable of being a No. 2 receiver on a team that will throw the ball and Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts showed they can coexist. They need to continue that play for Washington to have a chance and I think they will.
The biggest question mark coming out of Week 1 is how will the O-line hold up after losing Jon Jansen for the season. Stephon Heyer did well replacing him last week but Todd Wade gets the start. I don't care which one of these guys gets the spot just as long as one of them gets the job done.
The only that will make this win better is knowing that the Eagles fall to 0-2 in the process while we go to 2-0. Hail to the Redskins!
Also, check out the Helmet Project, purveyors of the great helmets you see at the top of this post.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Game 1 recap
How great is it to open the season with a win. Depsite the fact that our prize QB had a poor outing against Miami (0 TD's and 2 INT's), the running game was in fine form and regardless of whether you win in regulation or OT, it's great to have a win.
Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts seemed to coexist pretty well and my biggest concern following the loss is the fact that the Skins may have lost Jon Jansen for the season. In nine NFL seasons Jansen had played in every game except for one year and now it looks like Washington will be dependent on a rookie (former Maryland Terp Stephon Heyer) or a journeyman (Todd Wade) to plug the hole.
It was injuries to key players that cost the Skins last year but it was an injury to Patrick Ramsey the year before that showed us Mark Brunell had one more playoff run in him. Sunday's game against Philly will tell us how much the Jansen injury will affect this season. If Heyer or Wade can fill in well, we could witness a season similar to 2005 and we can truly forget 2006.
Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts seemed to coexist pretty well and my biggest concern following the loss is the fact that the Skins may have lost Jon Jansen for the season. In nine NFL seasons Jansen had played in every game except for one year and now it looks like Washington will be dependent on a rookie (former Maryland Terp Stephon Heyer) or a journeyman (Todd Wade) to plug the hole.
It was injuries to key players that cost the Skins last year but it was an injury to Patrick Ramsey the year before that showed us Mark Brunell had one more playoff run in him. Sunday's game against Philly will tell us how much the Jansen injury will affect this season. If Heyer or Wade can fill in well, we could witness a season similar to 2005 and we can truly forget 2006.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Preseason Game 4 recap
It was a tale of 2 halves at Jacksonville on Thursday so similar to the game, I will leave you with 2 thoughts regarding last nights preseason loss.
1. Jason Campbell looked good and the offense seemed to move the ball with him in command. The best part is the offense has had some success this preseason without Clinton Portis playing a single down. So add a healthy Portis to this group and hopefully we have a repeat of 2005. The starting defense has also played well all year and it is obvious that as long as this team is healthy it is a lot better than the 5 win team of last year.
2. Jacksonville's TD at the end of the 1st half really changed the flow of the game and in his only action this preseason Jordan Palmer proved he is no Carson. I don't know what the long term hopes are for him but I would have thought that it would have been better for his development if he actually played when the games don't count. He is destined for the practice squad but if the Skins have decided to get rid of Mark Brunell then there is a very raw No. 3 QB in the wings.
BONUS: Ok, after typing the first two thoughts I remembered I had 1 more - and it has nothing to do with QB's. This team in LOADED at LB. I watched most of the first half and part of the second but the play of guys like Anthony Trucks and HB Blades has really been impressive, which makes it hard to figure who will actually make the final roster. Depending on which LBs are cut you know they will bounce back with another team and it has really been fun watching the defense in general.
The games count starting next week so hopefully all of this will translate into a season opening win against Miami. Hail to the Redskins
1. Jason Campbell looked good and the offense seemed to move the ball with him in command. The best part is the offense has had some success this preseason without Clinton Portis playing a single down. So add a healthy Portis to this group and hopefully we have a repeat of 2005. The starting defense has also played well all year and it is obvious that as long as this team is healthy it is a lot better than the 5 win team of last year.
2. Jacksonville's TD at the end of the 1st half really changed the flow of the game and in his only action this preseason Jordan Palmer proved he is no Carson. I don't know what the long term hopes are for him but I would have thought that it would have been better for his development if he actually played when the games don't count. He is destined for the practice squad but if the Skins have decided to get rid of Mark Brunell then there is a very raw No. 3 QB in the wings.
BONUS: Ok, after typing the first two thoughts I remembered I had 1 more - and it has nothing to do with QB's. This team in LOADED at LB. I watched most of the first half and part of the second but the play of guys like Anthony Trucks and HB Blades has really been impressive, which makes it hard to figure who will actually make the final roster. Depending on which LBs are cut you know they will bounce back with another team and it has really been fun watching the defense in general.
The games count starting next week so hopefully all of this will translate into a season opening win against Miami. Hail to the Redskins
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Preseason Game 4: Redskins vs. Jaguars
Washington (2-1) vs. Jacksonville (2-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET at ALLTEL Stadium
ESPN game preview (once again not a whole lot of info because it is preseason)
The final preseason game is upon us, meaning the real stuff is right around the corner. But before we get to that the Skins will tune up for their season opener against Miami with another Florida-based team, the Jaguars. Jason Campbell has talked Joe Gibbs into letting him start this meaningless contest so let's hope Gibbs has the sense not to leave him in there too long.
Mark Brunell looks to get a long look at QB and considering his shot last week to impress the coaches was canceled because of lightning, he better do something pretty impressive this week if he wants to be the backup. Todd Collins has been awesome this preseason and should have the No. 2 job wrapped up.
The only other thing I personally am interested in is seeing how recent acquisitions Randall Godfrey and Pete Kendall look in Skins uniforms. Hopefully this game will give them enough of a chance to adjust to their teammates so they are ready to go next week.
Also, check out the Helmet Project, purveyors of the great helmets you see at the top of this post.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Preseason Game 3 recap
Because last night's game was abbreviated due to a lightning storm in the area (which, for those of you who don't live or weren't in DC last night was probably one of the most intense storms I've ever been in and I've lived in 10 different states), I decided to keep my recap of the game abbreviated as well.
1. Even if Todd Collins throws 3 interceptions in next week's preseason finale, he should be the backup to Jason Campbell. He has been the only QB - Campbell included - to get the offense to move up and down the field and last night he did it against a good defense in Baltimore. And as long as we are on the subject, the Skins should release Mark Brunell and keep Jesse Palmer as the No. 3 QB and give him some playing time in Thursday's game.
2. Not wanting to read too much into preseason play but if these games are a sign of things to come, last season's defensive struggles were an aberration. The finally gave up a TD to the Ravens at the end of the first half but they really made Baltimore pay for its mistakes early in the game.
3. With game left in the preseason - a Thursday night affair in Jacksonville - it would be nice to see Washington get out of the game with no injuries to the starters and for all of the guys fighting for the final spots on the team to have great games and make it difficult for the coaching staff to decide who to keep. Most of these guys will never see the field during the regular season but it would be nice if their hard work this summer was rewarded with a solid final game.
1. Even if Todd Collins throws 3 interceptions in next week's preseason finale, he should be the backup to Jason Campbell. He has been the only QB - Campbell included - to get the offense to move up and down the field and last night he did it against a good defense in Baltimore. And as long as we are on the subject, the Skins should release Mark Brunell and keep Jesse Palmer as the No. 3 QB and give him some playing time in Thursday's game.
2. Not wanting to read too much into preseason play but if these games are a sign of things to come, last season's defensive struggles were an aberration. The finally gave up a TD to the Ravens at the end of the first half but they really made Baltimore pay for its mistakes early in the game.
3. With game left in the preseason - a Thursday night affair in Jacksonville - it would be nice to see Washington get out of the game with no injuries to the starters and for all of the guys fighting for the final spots on the team to have great games and make it difficult for the coaching staff to decide who to keep. Most of these guys will never see the field during the regular season but it would be nice if their hard work this summer was rewarded with a solid final game.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Preseason Game 2 recap
Observations from Saturday's 12-10 loss to Pittsburgh:
1. How many times are we going to watch stars go down with injuries in meaningless games before a different approach is taken. Luckily it looks like the Jason Campbell injury isn't too serious but losing Marcus Washington could be almost as big. Washington's loss wasn't felt too bad last night but if he misses any regular season games, the defense may have a hard time trying to erase last season's struggles.
2. Speaking of the defense, it looks really good considering the competition at this point but anyone who thinks this defense will be like last year's is going to be sadly mistaken. London Fletcher seems to be a great addition in the middle and seems to be providing a much needed spark.
3. Again, it's only the preseason but Todd Collins looked good when he came in for Campbell and marched the offense down the field for a score while Mark Brunell again looked old. Brunell moved the offense somewhat in the final drive and it wasn't his fault that last pass was intercepted - he can't control his receiver tipping it to a defender - but where he threw the ball was what concerned me. With no timeouts and less than 20 seconds, a long pass down the middle of the field was probably not the right place to throw the ball in the first place. If that pass had been caught, I find it hard to see the offense getting set up and stopping the clock with a spike before time ran out. He should have gone to the sidelines in hopes of being able to get the field goal team on in time.
Despite the loss things seem to be encouraging but we won't have any idea how much impact this work in the preseason will have until the first games are played. The battle for I-95 is up next.
1. How many times are we going to watch stars go down with injuries in meaningless games before a different approach is taken. Luckily it looks like the Jason Campbell injury isn't too serious but losing Marcus Washington could be almost as big. Washington's loss wasn't felt too bad last night but if he misses any regular season games, the defense may have a hard time trying to erase last season's struggles.
2. Speaking of the defense, it looks really good considering the competition at this point but anyone who thinks this defense will be like last year's is going to be sadly mistaken. London Fletcher seems to be a great addition in the middle and seems to be providing a much needed spark.
3. Again, it's only the preseason but Todd Collins looked good when he came in for Campbell and marched the offense down the field for a score while Mark Brunell again looked old. Brunell moved the offense somewhat in the final drive and it wasn't his fault that last pass was intercepted - he can't control his receiver tipping it to a defender - but where he threw the ball was what concerned me. With no timeouts and less than 20 seconds, a long pass down the middle of the field was probably not the right place to throw the ball in the first place. If that pass had been caught, I find it hard to see the offense getting set up and stopping the clock with a spike before time ran out. He should have gone to the sidelines in hopes of being able to get the field goal team on in time.
Despite the loss things seem to be encouraging but we won't have any idea how much impact this work in the preseason will have until the first games are played. The battle for I-95 is up next.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Preseason Game 1 recap
I realize that Saturday's game was the preseason opener but there were still a few things of note.
1. Jason Campbell still has a lot to learn. Campbell made some good plays and reads but he also made some mistakes, something that just about every young QB goes through. Hopefully these extra reps with the first team will count though and help him adjust to the role of a starter faster.
2. Mark Brunell is old and still holds the ball too long. Tennessee had five sacks in the game and a majority of them were because Brunell held onto the ball about 6 seconds longer than he needed too and pump-faked about 3 times a pass play. Mark, I've got an idea for you - try throwing the ball.
3. Vince Young is going to be way overexposed. Hey, did you hear that Young was suspended before the game for violating team rules? Yeah, I got that message too by the fourth time it was announced in the first quarter. I think the announcers only mentioned it after every other play.
4. If the season started tomorrow, Todd Collins would be the guy. He completed all 5 of his passes, led the offense to its only TD and got the team its first preseason win since 2005. If that isn't a recipe for jumping to conclusions and putting too much stock into a meaningless game I don't know what is.
5. One request for next week - instead of playing Brunell, let's see what Carson Palmer's kid brother Jordan can do. The Skins entered the week with 5 QB's and Palmer beat out Casey Bramlet for the fourth spot prompting Bramlet's release. But how do we know if Palmer could be better than Brunell and/or Collins if he doesn't play? Put him in coach.
Maybe next week there will be more to talk about other than the QB's.
1. Jason Campbell still has a lot to learn. Campbell made some good plays and reads but he also made some mistakes, something that just about every young QB goes through. Hopefully these extra reps with the first team will count though and help him adjust to the role of a starter faster.
2. Mark Brunell is old and still holds the ball too long. Tennessee had five sacks in the game and a majority of them were because Brunell held onto the ball about 6 seconds longer than he needed too and pump-faked about 3 times a pass play. Mark, I've got an idea for you - try throwing the ball.
3. Vince Young is going to be way overexposed. Hey, did you hear that Young was suspended before the game for violating team rules? Yeah, I got that message too by the fourth time it was announced in the first quarter. I think the announcers only mentioned it after every other play.
4. If the season started tomorrow, Todd Collins would be the guy. He completed all 5 of his passes, led the offense to its only TD and got the team its first preseason win since 2005. If that isn't a recipe for jumping to conclusions and putting too much stock into a meaningless game I don't know what is.
5. One request for next week - instead of playing Brunell, let's see what Carson Palmer's kid brother Jordan can do. The Skins entered the week with 5 QB's and Palmer beat out Casey Bramlet for the fourth spot prompting Bramlet's release. But how do we know if Palmer could be better than Brunell and/or Collins if he doesn't play? Put him in coach.
Maybe next week there will be more to talk about other than the QB's.
Friday, August 10, 2007
2007 Previews: Redskins offense
With the first preseason game fast approaching, I decided it was finally time to give my thoughts on Washington for the upcoming season. But because this is a Redskins blog I have decided to breakdown my Skins preview into 2 parts, an offensive preview and defensive preview.
So for my offensive preview, here are three keys to a successful season on offense.
1. Keep Jason Campbell in a position to play effectively. I know Campbell got quite a bit of experience at the end of last season but he still has a lot to learn and if the Skins are going to win games this year, they need to make sure Campbell only has to manage games and not win them. When the Skins were ahead Campbell proved effective and did a good job of controlling the game. But when they needed Campbell's arm to win, he played like every other first time NFL QB, he forced throws and had a tough time making big plays. Campbell will eventually need to make plays on his own to prove his worth but for right now, he just needs to not lose.
2. Play Redskins football - run the ball. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts make a lethal 1-2 punch, especially with the way Betts performed as the No. 1 guy when Portis was injured last year. The problem though is Al Saunders' vaunted playbook didn't value the smash mouth football Washington has always played. Regardless of what personnel has been on the team or who has been the coach, Washington has only consistently won football games one way - by running it straight at their opponent. It will be no different this year, and if Saunders' system doesn't key in on this right away look for Joe Gibbs to take over playcalling duties again this season.
3. Will the No. 2 WR please stand up? Santana Moss and Chris Cooley have both proven to be capable receivers but Washington's quest for a solid No. 2 still has not produced a unanimous result. David Patten, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs all have tried to fill the post but none ever had a solid claim to the position. If Moss and Cooley are to remain effective options a second WR will have to step up this season. Lloyd, Randle El and Thrash are all still on the squad and battling for the spot again this year but if none of them are up to the task they could easily find themselves following Patten and Jacobs out of town. A solid No. 2 WR will also greatly assist in the development of Campbell.
Again, defensive keys will be tomorrow night and a preview of the first preseason game against Tennessee will be posted Saturday. Football season is here so let's enjoy it before it's gone again.
So for my offensive preview, here are three keys to a successful season on offense.
1. Keep Jason Campbell in a position to play effectively. I know Campbell got quite a bit of experience at the end of last season but he still has a lot to learn and if the Skins are going to win games this year, they need to make sure Campbell only has to manage games and not win them. When the Skins were ahead Campbell proved effective and did a good job of controlling the game. But when they needed Campbell's arm to win, he played like every other first time NFL QB, he forced throws and had a tough time making big plays. Campbell will eventually need to make plays on his own to prove his worth but for right now, he just needs to not lose.
2. Play Redskins football - run the ball. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts make a lethal 1-2 punch, especially with the way Betts performed as the No. 1 guy when Portis was injured last year. The problem though is Al Saunders' vaunted playbook didn't value the smash mouth football Washington has always played. Regardless of what personnel has been on the team or who has been the coach, Washington has only consistently won football games one way - by running it straight at their opponent. It will be no different this year, and if Saunders' system doesn't key in on this right away look for Joe Gibbs to take over playcalling duties again this season.
3. Will the No. 2 WR please stand up? Santana Moss and Chris Cooley have both proven to be capable receivers but Washington's quest for a solid No. 2 still has not produced a unanimous result. David Patten, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs all have tried to fill the post but none ever had a solid claim to the position. If Moss and Cooley are to remain effective options a second WR will have to step up this season. Lloyd, Randle El and Thrash are all still on the squad and battling for the spot again this year but if none of them are up to the task they could easily find themselves following Patten and Jacobs out of town. A solid No. 2 WR will also greatly assist in the development of Campbell.
Again, defensive keys will be tomorrow night and a preview of the first preseason game against Tennessee will be posted Saturday. Football season is here so let's enjoy it before it's gone again.
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