Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

Nice article about Malcom Kelly running full speed not at the OTA's. I just hope they really monitor him and keep him fresh until training camp and preseason. As for the other rookie recievers such as M. Mitchel and Jason Williams I hope they have a strong off season and camp. I would like for 1 of them to make the squad and replace long time Redskins J. Thrash. Much love for Thrash for his special teams play and leadership skills. We need more production from our WR corp so Thrash should be released this year. Maybe he will get into coaching.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

I don't think people realize how often former players go to OTAs and training camps (even practice during the season) and give pointers. This isn't a huge deal

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=GMScud;561454]I don't doubt that Steve Largent has a wealth of knowledge about the game, but come on. You really think his short visit to one practice during a voluntary, non-contact session in June is going to produce "major results" during the regular season??? If that's the case, then I could be doing a better job than Hixon. I highly doubt that.

I'm not a huge Stan Hixon fan, but really. If he is that bad he'd have been canned a long time ago.[B] In case you haven't noticed, Danny isn't the most patient owner.[/B][/quote]
When has Snyder EVER interfered with a position coach hire/fire that we know of. There is no way that he would override the HC in those matters. Having said that, I wish he would, or someone would.

Thomas has a Q&A with Mosely over at ESPN, and he says how Moss has taught him this and that, and alot of stuff, but he so far has not said word one about Stan Hixon as a position coach, or how he has learned from him.

If any ONE person is on the hot seat this year it SHOULD be Stan Hixon.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=SmootSmack;561464]I don't think people realize how often former players go to OTAs and training camps (even practice during the season) and give pointers. This isn't a huge deal[/quote]

Yeah seriously. Doesn't Joey T. basically live at Redskins Park?

I love how the assumption automatically goes to Hixon can't do his job. :doh:

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

I think it is great Largent is stopping practice, a very sick receiver in his day. More advice the better, IMO.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/03/on-the-field-for-a-few-more-notes/]On The Field For A Few More Notes[/url]

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/03/on-the-field-for-otas-justin-tryon-coming-along/]On The Field For OTAs - Justin Tryon Coming Along
[/url]

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=skins89moss;561460]Nice article about Malcom Kelly running full speed not at the OTA's. I just hope they really monitor him and keep him fresh until training camp and preseason. As for the other rookie recievers such as M. Mitchel and Jason Williams I hope they have a strong off season and camp. I would like for 1 of them to make the squad and replace long time Redskins J. Thrash. Much love for Thrash for his special teams play and leadership skills. We need more production from our WR corp so Thrash should be released this year. Maybe he will get into coaching.[/quote]

Thrash might quit before he's fired, so to speak

[url=http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/04/thrash-pondering-whether-to-retire/]Thrash pondering whether to retire - Washington Times[/url]

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=Mattyk72;561487][url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/03/on-the-field-for-a-few-more-notes/]On The Field For A Few More Notes[/url]

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/03/on-the-field-for-otas-justin-tryon-coming-along/]On The Field For OTAs - Justin Tryon Coming Along
[/url][/quote]

Good articles. I like that the LB's may be "The most athletic we've had in years." Orakpo seems to have a great attitude. If Tryon, Kelly and the rest of the rookies keep coming on, it'll be like we hit the lottery last year and are just now receiving the check.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=53Fan;561511]Good articles. I like that the LB's may be "The most athletic we've had in years." Orakpo seems to have a great attitude. If Tryon, Kelly and the rest of the rookies keep coming on, it'll be like we hit the lottery last year and are just now receiving the check.[/quote]

They all may look good, but are they able to translate it into games when it counts? We just can't really determine until the season begins.. But of course, fans always can hope and dream :)

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=GridIron26;561522]They all may look good, but are they able to translate it into games when it counts? We just can't really determine until the season begins.. But of course, fans always can hope and dream :)[/quote]

Well of course that's the hope. It's certainly better than looking like crap. :) At least if they look good now it's a good sign that there's something to build on.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

OTA's are good but this doesn't tell or show you anything when the players are running in shorts. Thankfully Training Camp is a month and a few weeks away.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;561465]When has Snyder EVER interfered with a position coach hire/fire that we know of. There is no way that he would override the HC in those matters. Having said that, I wish he would, or someone would.

Thomas has a Q&A with Mosely over at ESPN, and he says how Moss has taught him this and that, and alot of stuff, but he so far has not said word one about Stan Hixon as a position coach, or how he has learned from him.

If any ONE person is on the hot seat this year it SHOULD be Stan Hixon.[/quote]

But in fairness, Thomas was directly answering a question asking him which player or players has he learned from

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=GMScud;561454]
I'm not a huge Stan Hixon fan, but really. If he is that bad he'd have been canned a long time ago. In case you haven't noticed, Danny isn't the most patient owner.[/quote]

For the love of all that's decent I hope nobody is a huge Stan Hixon fan...well maybe his wife and kids but it should end there.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

I still don't really understand the negativity towards Hixon. It's not like he's been given anything other than scrubs before Thomas and Kelly to try to develop. If Thomas and/or Kelly take off in year 2 will people cut him a break or just chalk it up to anything other than Hixon's coaching?

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

Looks like Betts is steppin up.....but we'll see.

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/smith-offense-up-to-speed----a.html]Redskins Insider - Smith: Offense Up To Speed -- And Watch Betts[/url]

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=SOUL-SKINS;561574]Looks like Betts is steppin up.....but we'll see.

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/smith-offense-up-to-speed----a.html]Redskins Insider - Smith: Offense Up To Speed -- And Watch Betts[/url][/quote]

Glad to hear it about Betts. I still think he can help this team. Portis needs to stop worrying about how many carries he gets. I hope Betts gets more carries this year.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=SmootSmack;561545]But in fairness, Thomas was directly answering a question asking him which player or players has he learned from[/quote]

Fair enough.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=Mattyk72;561568]I still don't really understand the negativity towards Hixon. It's not like he's been given anything other than scrubs before Thomas and Kelly to try to develop. If Thomas and/or Kelly take off in year 2 will people cut him a break or just chalk it up to anything other than Hixon's coaching?[/quote]

Matty,
I presented [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/527073-post64.html"]this post[/URL] to you with what I thought were reasonable questions and I figure at that point you were done with the conversation because you did not answer any of the points. I know you don't - and can't - answer everything thrown at you, but I think these are reasonable points as to why Hixon has so much negativity swirling around him.
[quote=credskinsrule; 527073]Can I ask a few questions though:
1) if we can't look at pure stats; and we dismiss the drops, wrong routes, etc as mental errors, then what criteria can we as fans look at to rate a coach. After all; we consider Jerry Gray a top notch coach, but he certainly has naturally gifted players. And Zorn was considered an excellent coach with what he did with Hasselback - but what if Zorn hadn't coached him, would he have been added to the list of "favorite scrubs" and Zorn given a pass?

2) After 5 years, what is the argument FOR keeping him? I am not trying to hate on Hixon, I am confident he is a good guy-or he would have been gone. But the defense of keeping him really seems to be: "he is here, lets keep him".

3) Can we do worse if we bring someone else in? Are we hurting the team by trying to get a top tier WR coach? Does he have a strong locker room or esprit de corps value which is understated?

4) and finally, Through massive coaching changes in the last 5 years, why does he rise above the fray?

I just want to understand what he brings to the Skins that makes him valuable enough to have, what seems like, more immunity - with much less on the field results -than many of the coaches we have released .[/quote]

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

What do you guys think about Landry's absence? I know these OTA's are voluntary, but he's the only guy not there. Literally. And he hasn't returned Zorn's phone calls and texts.

I personally don't think it is or will be a big deal come Sundays this fall, but for a guy with all his talent, I'd kind of like to see him trying to become a leader and locker room presence. Again, I'm not suggesting it's an issue, but from an intangibles standpoint, it would be nice to see Laron on the field right now like everyone else.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=GMScud;561620]What do you guys think about Landry's absence? I know these OTA's are voluntary, but he's the only guy not there. Literally. And he hasn't returned Zorn's phone calls and texts.

I personally don't think it is or will be a big deal come Sundays this fall, but for a guy with all his talent, I'd kind of like to see him trying to become a leader and locker room presence. Again, I'm not suggesting it's an issue, but from an intangibles standpoint, it would be nice to see Laron on the field right now like everyone else.[/quote]

I don't think it's a big concern. I would LIKE to see him there but I don't think it's anything to worry about. It seems someone is missing every year. Maybe it will give Kareem Moore more attention from the coaches.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/04/on-the-field-for-some-entertaining-drills/]On The Field For Some Entertaining Drills[/url]

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/04/the-continuing-saga-of-deangelo-halls-madden-ranking/]The Continuing Saga Of DeAngelo Hall's Madden Ranking[/url]

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/04/devin-thomas-likes-long-drives-in-virginia/]Devin Thomas Likes Long Drives In Virginia[/url]

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;561584]Matty,
I presented [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/527073-post64.html"]this post[/URL] to you with what I thought were reasonable questions and I figure at that point you were done with the conversation because you did not answer any of the points. I know you don't - and can't - answer everything thrown at you, but I think these are reasonable points as to why Hixon has so much negativity swirling around him.[/quote]

Honestly none of your points, or anyone else's that I've seen, make me think Hixon is a major problem. It seems that some people have taken issue with the WR play, which to me is more due to a lack of overall talent than a coaching issue, and blown it up into this contrived drama that Hixon is a major liability on the staff. I think it just goes along with the general thinking that coaching is the end all answer when a player struggles.

I mean the guy has a pretty good coaching resume. He has 30 years of coaching experience in college and the pros, and I'm supposed to believe some armchair Joe knows what's up as opposed to him? And I'm not sure why people overlook the fact that Moss and Randle El have put up a career years under him.

I just don't see any solid proof that Hixon is a liability on the staff. If he was so bad why hasn't he been replaced by now? Why no internal rumblings that his job is on the line? Why didn't Zorn bring in one of his own guys when he took over?

I'll be really interested to see what people think of him by year's end if Thomas/Kelly develop. Will people give Hixon the proper credit?

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=Mattyk72;561661]Honestly none of your points, or anyone else's that I've seen, make me think Hixon is a major problem. It seems that some people have taken issue with the WR play, which to me is more due to a lack of overall talent than a coaching issue, and blown it up into this contrived drama that Hixon is a major liability on the staff. I think it just goes along with the general thinking that coaching is the end all answer when a player struggles.

I mean the guy has a pretty good coaching resume. He has 30 years of coaching experience in college and the pros, and I'm supposed to believe some armchair Joe knows what's up as opposed to him? And I'm not sure why people overlook the fact that Moss and Randle El have put up a career years under him.

I just don't see any solid proof that Hixon is a liability on the staff. If he was so bad why hasn't he been replaced by now? Why no internal rumblings that his job is on the line? Why didn't Zorn bring in one of his own guys when he took over?

I'll be really interested to see what people think of him by year's end if Thomas/Kelly develop. Will people give Hixon the proper credit?[/quote]

Thanks for the answer. I hope both WRs produce big time, and yes, if they do, I will absolutely give Hixon solid credit since he has been with them from day one.

I give the FO/coaches lots of credit, and I know I don't know better than them. As is the case with most of this board, I am just a fan who is wondering aloud about the topics that interest me. That includes whether or not there is a better WR coach available. After 6 years in the pros, and no major talent developed, in my lowly opinion, I think it is at least fair to ask.

As for Hixon's 30 year career that you reference, only 6 was in the pros and that was all here. Yes he did ok at the college level, but he also moved from job to job about every 3-4 years. I would say that is possibly unusual for a college position coach. But again I don't really know, it could also be very common.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

What "major talent" has he been given to develop other than Thomas and Kelly last year?

It's not like fan heros like Anthony Mix or Mike Espy have gone on to tear things up with other teams.

If that was the case I might say yeah, Hixon has blown the chances he's had to develop quality young talent. Problem is I don't see where he's been given much to deal with.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

I know there was a list of all the receivers that have been under him, something like 28 different receivers, at some point I believe he has some say as to what receivers he thinks will be best.

Again, my only question is: Is there no other coach who could possibly be better? If the FO answer is no, as it seems to be, I simply can't wrap my puny little brain around that answer. Somehow, if in 6 years he can't get the FO to bring in even one young talent that he can develop, than to me, he is the guy on staff who knows just enough to keep collecting a paycheck. He does nothing to harm, and he is a nice guy, and well he tries really hard.

I hope that at the end of the season MK and/or DT have busted their tails and everyone is singing Hixons praises. It really is a simple cure.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;561758]I know there was a list of all the receivers that have been under him, something like 28 different receivers, at some point I believe he has some say as to what receivers he thinks will be best.

Again, my only question is: Is there no other coach who could possibly be better? If the FO answer is no, as it seems to be, I simply can't wrap my puny little brain around that answer. Somehow, if in 6 years he can't get the FO to bring in even one young talent that he can develop, than to me, he is the guy on staff who knows just enough to keep collecting a paycheck. He does nothing to harm, and he is a nice guy, and well he tries really hard.

I hope that at the end of the season MK and/or DT have busted their tails and everyone is singing Hixons praises. It really is a simple cure.[/quote]

I can only hope your correct, however a recent article on the Redskins blog has not helped to change my oppinion.
[quote]The most interesting part of the day, though, was the guy in the salmon-colored polo here. That's Hall of Fame wide receiver, old pal and former teammate of Jim Zorn, and former Congressman [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Largent"][COLOR=#3952a2]Steve Largent[/COLOR][/URL]. He was watching practice today as a guest of Coach Zorn's, paying special attention to the wide receivers.
So much special attention that he actually called them into a huddle at one point during practice to explain a few things. "Yeah, he talked to us for a second," [B]Devin Thomas[/B] told me afterward. "Matter of fact, he was giving us a lot of tips out there on the field, little things he was noticing we were doing that could help us make better plays."

And did you listen? "Of course. He's a Hall of Famer, man. You gotta soak up things when guys like that come out and share their experiences."

So? What kind of stuff was it. "Little things. Like, he was telling us to keep our eyes downfield -- you get caught looking at the ground or looking at where you're gonna break, so he just made sure to reiterate that we should look downfield. We started doing that and did a lot better today."
[/quote]

If Hixon was so good then why did someone not associated with the team have to stop practice and give pointers to all the players?

If Hixon is so good why is it we keep hearing how both Moss and ARE were giving pointers to DT and MK?

Hixon is the position coach. He should be the one to be observing what they are doing and teaching/coaching all the players on what they could do better or do to make themselves better. Whats he doing simply making sure their endurance is up to par....I guess not cause DT and MK both failed their team drill in preseason last yr. Are the WR's coaching themselves?

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

My other soap box. ...I havn't heard a thing about Byron Westbrook? We waisted a roster spot for him for what 3 yrs now as a Practice Squad member and finally had to sign him to the team. I'm sure if he was any good he would have been utilized on the field before Tryon. Tryon was a Rookie last yr and Westbrook still could not beat him out. The expierment is over let him go. He's not as good as his brother. Fill the spot will this yrs Rookie Barnes from Maryland.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

Speaking of Tryon

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/08/monday-june-8-jerry-gray-talks-coaching-cornerbacks-and-the-to/#continued]Monday, June 8: Jerry Gray Talks Coaching Cornerbacks and The Toughest Job Interview On Earth[/url]

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

Mike espy was good he never got a real chance here

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=SmootSmack;562034]Speaking of Tryon

[URL="http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/08/monday-june-8-jerry-gray-talks-coaching-cornerbacks-and-the-to/#continued"]Monday, June 8: Jerry Gray Talks Coaching Cornerbacks and The Toughest Job Interview On Earth[/URL][/quote]

Good interview, I sure hope he's right about Tryon..

If Blaches, and that is IF, retires then I definitely would like Gray to take over as defensive coordinator.. He seems like the guy who understands the processing and games..

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=SBXVII;561942]My other soap box. ...I havn't heard a thing about [B]Byron Westbrook[/B]? We waisted a roster spot for him for what 3 yrs now as a Practice Squad member and finally had to sign him to the team. I'm sure if he was any good he would have been utilized on the field before Tryon. Tryon was a Rookie last yr and Westbrook still could not beat him out. The expierment is over let him go. He's not as good as his brother. Fill the spot will this yrs Rookie Barnes from Maryland.[/quote]

Completley agree man. I don't know why he's still here waisting a spot on our team. Honestly this seems like a DS move using little Westbrook's pedigree for his gain.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=SBXVII;561940]I can only hope your correct, however a recent article on the Redskins blog has not helped to change my oppinion.


If Hixon was so good then why did someone not associated with the team have to stop practice and give pointers to all the players?

If Hixon is so good why is it we keep hearing how both Moss and ARE were giving pointers to DT and MK?

Hixon is the position coach. He should be the one to be observing what they are doing and teaching/coaching all the players on what they could do better or do to make themselves better. Whats he doing simply making sure their endurance is up to par....I guess not cause DT and MK both failed their team drill in preseason last yr. Are the WR's coaching themselves?[/quote]

Vet receivers always help out the younger guys, it really happens at pretty much all positions; we don't know that Hixon hasn't been giving those types of pointers really, maybe he is?

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=vallin21;562041]Completley agree man. I don't know why he's still here waisting a spot on our team. Honestly this seems like a DS move using little Westbrook's pedigree for his gain.[/quote]

That seems like a bit of a stretch. I doubt he makes the roster this year, and I'm a bit surprised he's lasted this long but really what does Snyder have to gain with Westbrook's pedigree?

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=SmootSmack;562052]That seems like a bit of a stretch. I doubt he makes the roster this year, and I'm a bit surprised he's lasted this long but really what does Snyder have to gain with Westbrook's pedigree?[/quote]

I'm just looking for some logical reasons why he's still around, because it's definitely not for his play.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=tryfuhl;562046]Vet receivers always help out the younger guys, it really happens at pretty much all positions; we don't know that Hixon hasn't been giving those types of pointers really, maybe he is?[/quote]

I'll say it here. "If" the WR's kick it this yr and do exceptionally well and we put up a ton of points.......I'll be the first to say I was wrong about Hixon. Maybe now that he has some extra tools to work with ie; DT and MK the WR corpse will look better. but he's been here what 4 or 5 yrs and other then Moss I've seen little. Again maybe it's lack of talent and he was forced to use ARE as a #2, and no developing of younger talent. Well he has the younger talent now. If they turn out to be scoring machines then I'll honestly change my stance and say I was wrong.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=vallin21;562058]I'm just looking for some logical reasons why he's still around, because it's definitely not for his play.[/quote]


well, because at the time the other backup corners sucked...you could even legitamately argue that Tryon was worse last preseason....he sucked bad.
But, he made the team because he was a draft pick and had long term potential...If I were coach....and I am sure you guys are glad I am not...I would have cut both of em.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=skinsnut;562063]well, because at the time the other backup corners sucked...you could even legitamately argue that Tryon was worse last preseason....he sucked bad.
But, he made the team because he was a draft pick and had long term potential...If I were coach....and I am sure you guys are glad I am not...I would have cut both of em.[/quote]

Oh I'll agree with you. but what does it say about Westbrook when a Rookie (Tryon) who sucks beats you out? I think Tryon is a long term potential. Yes he got beat a couple of times but he also made a couple of good plays. We havn't even seen Westbrook. Except in preseason.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[url=http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/08/on-the-field-for-practice-and-a-two-minute-drill/]On the Field for Practice And A Two-Minute Drill[/url]

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=Mattyk72;562133][URL="http://blog.redskins.com/2009/06/08/on-the-field-for-practice-and-a-two-minute-drill/"]On the Field for Practice And A Two-Minute Drill[/URL][/quote]

D Halls Madden rating just went up to 82 after that pick that ended the 2MD.

Re: Redskins June 2009 OTAs
 

[quote=Angry;562143]D Halls Madden rating just went up to 82 after that pick that ended the 2MD.[/quote]

Any word on the Red Snapper's rating? LOL.

On a separate note...

[quote]Specifically, DeAngelo Hall ended the drill with an interception, and the defensive line seemed to be running past the offensive line more or less at will. (Which, to be fair, is roughly what you'd expect from last year's #4 defense after the offseason additions.) [B]And, because the two-minute defense is conducted largely from the nickel formation, that defensive line included rookie Brian Orakpo.[/B] [/quote]

It looks like Orakpo lined up at DE (?) during this drill? Does anyone have video of this, I'd like to see this drill.