Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Mattyk;838507]Any coach is going to need time to get players to buy in, and to bring in "his" guys. Shanahan has done a great job of reshaping the roster. And that much maligned switch to the 3-4 is paying dividends. I'm really not shocked at our early success. Shanahan is the kind of coach that works tirelessly and studies the game obsessively. He didn't take this job to just collect a paycheck. He's here to win.

Coming into this year I did think we would be much improved on both sides of the ball, but I thought it might take some time for things to come together. So from that perspective I am surprised at how well we've played.[/quote]

EXACTLY! Shanny didn't come to re build he came to get a team going fast and he's done a great job so far

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;838505]If we beat Dallas we will be 4-0 in the bye week[/quote]

You're assuming that we'll beat both Dallas and the Rams. Either way, 3-1 sounds better than 2-2.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;838473]Change your profile pic.[/quote]

Still don't feel like it. Besides, I disabled avatars in the Control Panel. Old habits don't wanna die.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=12thMan;838513]You're assuming that we'll beat both Dallas and the Rams. Either way, 3-1 sounds better than 2-2.[/quote]

Dude we will beat STL by 10 this year Bank on it

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=SmootSmack;838456]Um....anyone else want to respond to this?[/quote]

I very well remembered how I was roasted all last season for "negativity", when I was just "describing that ugly face in the mirror". Well, I STILL AM "describing that face in the mirror", but the face I see is a damn pretty one. It's payback time!!!!!

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

We are playing like a TEAM, putting out a GOOD TEAM effort. IMO.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

So what's all this about the Establishment?

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=SmootSmack;838520]So what's all this about the Establishment?[/quote]

[YT]ZR_HLlRP1ro[/YT]

It's the establishment man! yeah! always trying to bring the people down! you people just sit there eating what the establishment feeds you and you don't know any better!

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;838517]Dude we will beat STL by 10 this year Bank on it[/quote]

If we beat Dallas I'm not as concerned about what happens in St. Louis the following week. This will be a tough game. Romo has a chip on his shoulder (and ribs), D.Ware might be the best defensive player in the game, and it's their home opener.

Not to mention we don't play very well under the lights. Big, big test for the Redskins.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

Everyone....it's TWO FREAKIN GAMES! It's better than 1-1 or 0-2 but let's keep it real. We beat a beat up Giants team and barely beat a below average Cards team w/ a piss poor defense that had to travel cross country to play a 10am game. I like this team so far, they've got heart, they've been well coached, but I'm not going to say they've "exceeded expectations" after these two wins. We should be 3-0 after next week cause Dallas is getting killed w/ injuries. Right now we're getting all the breaks.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

It's just two weeks and it's not like they've been other-worldly or anything, but "pretty solid" vastly exceeds my expectations for this team. And so far, they've been pretty solid.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;838515]Still don't feel like it. Besides, I disabled avatars in the Control Panel. Old habits don't wanna die.[/quote]

Still horny for Zorny huh? It's cool. And I agree with your last point.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

It has been only two games so the optomism is a bit held back at this point.

BUT>> man has this team really showed me something these two weeks. Last year or years before we would be 0-2. We never beat the damn Giants, and we would have never made a play to win the game last week. Leaps and bounds better than last year, especially up front on the oline. Same guys really with additions of Chester and moving Montgomery to center, but they really seem to be working together. The D Line, I never thought the front 3 would have come together so quickly. I could notice a difference in the 1st preseason game. And if we had Jarvis Jenkins playing, I think we would be even better. Overall, I am EXTREMELY excited with the direction the team, organization SEEMS to be moving.

I have been pleased with Rex and his ability to take whats there and not make stupid throws and being able to make plays in both games that won the game for us. The throw to Moss last week, ok maybe not a good one, but looked like MOss fell and the one that tipped off Armstrongs hands should have been PI against the Giants (dude was holding his arm down!)

The running of Hightower and Helu last week was great. I am hoping we keep the two coming in and out more frequently vs playing hightower so much as we did week 1. We need him to be healthy and fresh towards the end of the year. But, what makes it better for us is we have a guy 3rd string that was the projected starter at the end of the year, so if either of the two go down, we have a more than capable guy to step up.

only 2 games, but man am I excited...more excited than I have been since 2000

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

my biggest surprize is the overall team attitude.. guys are aggressive, and they look like they expect to win

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=dmek25;838693]my biggest surprize is the overall team attitude.. guys are aggressive, and they look like they expect to win[/quote]
Nice to see the attitude change . With Wilson,Barnes and Gomes all getting hurt last week and no LL to start with , would have killed this team last year . This MNF game in D is big .... hope we kick their asses !

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

I would feel good about this team even if we were 0-2. We have some promising YOUNG talent on both sides of the ball, and another draft like the one we just had and we could very well be set at being a contender. All these idiots screaming FIRE HASLETT last year should feel like idiots now. It's a well coached team and now one without the distractions.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

The Redskins seem to have improved though under Coach Shanahan. They have gotten rid of disruptive figures on the team and shifted their acquisition strategy away from expensive stars who tend to have reached their zenith when they get to Washington, to attracting talent whose best days are ahead of them.

I'd certainly say this is the best team we have fielded since they made it to the Playoffs in 2005, perhaps even better since we seem to have a team on which we can build on over the coming years.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=mooby;838679]Still horny for Zorny huh? It's cool. And I agree with your last point.[/quote]
More like I can't really find that new avatar with the "it" factor for me. LOL

By old habits, I meant back in the day of being a high schooler, I frequented a different VBulletin board and I disabled viewing of avatars for bandwidth reasons. Even to this day, I still don't often browse message boards with avatars showing.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

So far, the team as done what I've expected. They seem more disciplined and focused. The subtraction of some malcontents helped. There is room for improvement but they seem headed in the right direction. This week will be a big test. Despite the injuries, they are playing the Cowboys in Dallas on Monday night. No one other than Redskins fans truly believe in the Skins. This is the time for the Skins to step and show the nation what type of team they are. You can pass me a drink of that Kool-Aid if they stomp the Cowboys.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

This question I can only answer in multiple parts. Before free-agency, I had no doubt that we would suck. After free agency, (and especially after watching pre-season) I thought we would be pretty good considering we filled so many areas of need with quality players. I checked off "meet expectations" because although the way we are playing has exceeded even my expectations of my post-free agency change of heart, I feel we are still untested IMO, so our level of play might only look great only because the comparable level of quality. I have hope that we will exceed my expectations, but I'm a "show me" guy. I need to see quality wins consistently to be 100% in.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

I've been on these forums for about... 5 or 6 years and I don't think I have actually posted anything (yeah I know... kinda creepy) I spent most of my time reading what people post but this year I'm so darn optimistic about this team I want to be part of the discussion! I don't think I can remember the last time I was actually this confident about our team. HAIL!

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

they have met my expectations.

the 2-0 start by record alone has exceeded my expectations but the actual play has been what i expected. the giants looked flat after their first drive (which the skins get credit for) and then the cards game was a toss up as we scored the TD on a 4th down play and i saw that game as a toss up.

overall met my expecs, am very happy to sit a 2-0 and look forward to seeing how the team responds going forward.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

My expectations coming into this season were that we'd be better than last year, putting us somewhere in the range of mediocrity, with somewhere in the range of 7 to 9 wins.

And if you're going to get to that win total, you should win the first two home games, one against an extremely injured opponent and one against an opponent from a weak division traveling all the way from west coast to east coast.

That said there are components of the team that are exceeding my expectations. Ryan Kerrigan is performing much better than any rookie could ever expect. Fred Davis has always had the talent, but the light appears to have completely come on and I wasn't expecting that. And the team is showing so much more discipline in general - which I guess under Shanahan is to be expected - but the 'Skins have had the least penalties for the least yardage in the entire NFL after two games. Such a stark turnaround in that category is surprising.

We have to steal one in Dallas on Monday. A road game against a decent (not great) division opponent. Get this win and I'll start getting my playoff hopes up.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

If u start 3-0 in the NFL, You are pretty certain of a playoff spot

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;838805]If u start 3-0 in the NFL, You are pretty certain of a playoff spot[/quote]

Unless everything goes to hell in a hand basket because a fan jinxed your season<:)

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=aaw0n;838787]I've been on these forums for about... 5 or 6 years and I don't think I have actually posted anything (yeah I know... kinda creepy) I spent most of my time reading what people post but this year I'm so darn optimistic about this team I want to be part of the discussion! I don't think I can remember the last time I was actually this confident about our team. HAIL![/quote]


Welcome and Hail To The Redskins! :headbange

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=aaw0n;838787]I've been on these forums for about... 5 or 6 years and I don't think I have actually posted anything (yeah I know... kinda creepy) I spent most of my time reading what people post but this year I'm so darn optimistic about this team I want to be part of the discussion! I don't think I can remember the last time I was actually this confident about our team. HAIL![/quote]

Don't go another 3 years between posts! Jump in and join the fun.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Schneed10;838803]My expectations coming into this season were that we'd be better than last year, putting us somewhere in the range of mediocrity, with somewhere in the range of 7 to 9 wins.

And if you're going to get to that win total, you should win the first two home games, one against an extremely injured opponent and one against an opponent from a weak division traveling all the way from west coast to east coast.

That said there are components of the team that are exceeding my expectations. Ryan Kerrigan is performing much better than any rookie could ever expect. Fred Davis has always had the talent, but the light appears to have completely come on and I wasn't expecting that. And the team is showing so much more discipline in general - which I guess under Shanahan is to be expected - but the 'Skins have had the least penalties for the least yardage in the entire NFL after two games. Such a stark turnaround in that category is surprising.

[B]We have to steal one in Dallas on Monday. A road game against a decent (not great) division opponent. Get this win and I'll start getting my playoff hopes up.[/B][/quote]

I think we'll know a lot about our team Tuesday morning. Win or lose this game could be a type of stake in the ground thing.

If we lay an egg I'll be surprised and disappointed because I think the first two games could be construed as showing we have moved beyond being that type of team that just underachieves or projects far too lofty expectations.

If we go out and dominate then I'll be surprised and elated and probably start actually thinking we have something going here, right now.

If we go out and compete hard, win or lose, it won't change my opinion that we're mostly an under-talented team of hard workers with good coaching that with luck could make something happen but most likely is just mediocre.

I'd say option 3 is by far the most likely with options 1 and 2 battling it out for second.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

I said "met" expectations. I've seen some good and bad, much of which has been mentioned here. What has really stood out to me when watching the team so far:

[B][U]Good[/U][/B]
1) Team Defense has been very good in stopping the run. We've gotten off the field quickly in key situations. That is huge.
2) Better pass protection, and receivers are shockingly wide open on the intermediate routes...I can't remember the last time I watched skins games where the receivers were this wide open. Kudo's to Kyle's schema.

[B][U]Bad[/U][/B]
1) Pass defense is still pretty poor statistically. Not having Buchanon and Landry back there hurts.
2) Depth is a problem. We've got a decent starting line up and zero quality depth at a number of key positions (DB, LB, OL). We're one or two ACL tears away from a 6-10 team, IMO.

I'm trying to temper my enthusiasm, but the fact is, I think this team believes in itself more than any team I've seen from Washington since our '99 playoff run. That intangible confidence is worth more than people realize since it keeps players from getting down during adverse situations. Let's see how they cope with their first loss, or better, their first ass-whooping (every team is due at least one good ass-whooping in a year). Then I'll render my verdict on this team.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

Funny, some keep pointing to this lack of depth, but didn't we see a few guys go down at CB last week and we had other guys step up and deliver? I actually think this is our deepest team in years.

OL is the one spot where I would be worried if we had some injuries.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=aaw0n;838787]I've been on these forums for about... 5 or 6 years and I don't think I have actually posted anything (yeah I know... kinda creepy) I spent most of my time reading what people post but this year I'm so darn optimistic about this team I want to be part of the discussion! I don't think I can remember the last time I was actually this confident about our team. HAIL![/quote]
Who?
Oh yea, your the creepy lurker that never posts.....
Seriously, Welcome to the WP! AND your right, its a good time to be a Skins fan.
HTTR!

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Mattyk;838858]Funny, some keep pointing to this lack of depth, but didn't we see a few guys go down at CB last week and we had other guys step up and deliver? I actually think this is our deepest team in years.

OL is the one spot where I would be worried if we had some injuries.[/quote]

I agree.

Defensive line depth is drastically improved. Lorenzo Alexander and Keyaron Fox make great LB depth at OLB and ILB respectively, hell 'Zo was a starter last season and wasn't terrible.

We're thin in the defensive backfield but that's only due to injury, Landry will return this week and hopefully stay healthy, and we'll get Buchanon back in two weeks.

RB depth is drastically better than last year's 3-headed monster of old bums + Ryan Torain. We have 3 startable WRs this year instead of just 2. Fred Davis's light coming on gives us 2 stud TEs instead of just 1.

It's just the offensive line. That's the fragile spot, especially Trent Williams. An injury to him would represent the biggest negative impact of anybody on the entire team.

Knock on wood.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Mattyk;838858]Funny, some keep pointing to this lack of depth, but didn't we see a few guys go down at CB last week and we had other guys step up and deliver? I actually think this is our deepest team in years.

OL is the one spot where I would be worried if we had some injuries.[/quote]

Agreed. I have to credit Shanny for team building. In years past we built starting line-ups; this year we have more of a full roster.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

They have finally met my expectations. When you have an owner that is willing to spend all the money necessary to field a talented team and hire a good coaching staff, we should have been this good 10 to 12 years ago. Having Snyderatto as our FO was the reason why we have underachieved for so long. Allen and Shanahan are finding the talent we need and not wasting away draft picks. Trying not to sound like a hatter.

HTTR!

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Mattyk;838393]But how good are you feeling about the team this year?[/quote]Ok, so from the question ....and the answers so far,most of you guys either thought you would be 2-0 or 0-2.......what about the other 14 games?Isn't where you finish more important then where you are after 2 games?

[QUOTE=Giantone;838885]Ok, so from the question ....and the answers so far,most of you guys either thought you would be 2-0 or 0-2.......what about the other 14 games?Isn't where you finish more important then where you are after 2 games?[/QUOTE]

I am guessing that is why the thread is titled "I know it is only 2 games".

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;838888]I am guessing that is why the thread is titled "I know it is only 2 games".[/quote]

I knew I made it too complicated

:doh:

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

Hey all, haven't been around in a while.

I am really happy with the way this season has gone defensively. Offense has been good too, but it seems like we have had a bit of luck thus far. Rex has thrown a few passes that ended incomplete that were easy picks.

In depth analysis, I know. Hail.

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Giantone;838885]Ok, so from the question ....and the answers so far,most of you guys either thought you would be 2-0 or 0-2.......what about the other 14 games?Isn't where you finish more important then where you are after 2 games?[/quote]

are you serious or are you just joshing us?

Re: I know it's only 2 games...
 

[quote=Schneed10;838874]I agree.

Defensive line depth is drastically improved. Lorenzo Alexander and Keyaron Fox make great LB depth at OLB and ILB respectively, hell 'Zo was a starter last season and wasn't terrible.

We're thin in the defensive backfield but that's only due to injury, Landry will return this week and hopefully stay healthy, and we'll get Buchanon back in two weeks.

RB depth is drastically better than last year's 3-headed monster of old bums + Ryan Torain. We have 3 startable WRs this year instead of just 2. Fred Davis's light coming on gives us 2 stud TEs instead of just 1.

[B]It's just the offensive line. That's the fragile spot, especially Trent Williams. An injury to him would represent the biggest negative impact of anybody on the entire team.[/B]

Knock on wood.[/quote]

It's my biggest worry, and I'm so terrified about it that I really haven't said anything for fear of jinxing it. We can't really afford to have anyone go down.