[QUOTE=NC_Skins;1073612][url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/06/04/a-closer-look-at-robert-griffin-iiis-mechanics/]A closer look at Robert Griffin III’s mechanics[/url]





Good article breaking down Robert's mechanics.[/QUOTE]


Good read

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Defensewins;1073572]New coach, but definitely not new techniques.
The technique of using your hands in pass rush has been around since Deacon Jones played the game. Rule changes were put in place in 1977 called the "Deacon Jones rule" because Deacon used his quick hands so well to head/helmet slap his opponent that it would leave his opponents dumbfounded.
Pass rush moves like: swim, grab, rip/inside, spin, under, counter/club, bull rush and speed rush have been in existence for decades.
Why Orakpo and his former coaches have never worked on this in practice before is what is glaring. Probably explains why Orakpo only has two pass rush moves speed and bull rush.[/quote]

As a critic of Orakpo over the last few years, I hear the last bit a lot and always wonder....

The assumption always seems to be, in these situations, that the coaches are not teaching the player whatever the desired improvement is; in this case: that Orakpo develop and use more moves.

It just makes me wonder... is it possible they are trying, and he (for whatever reason) just isn't doing it? Maybe he can't break old habits, maybe he just doesn't understand, etc?

Maybe it is the coaches, but I'd think at some point this criticism of him became well known enough to both Orakpo and the Coaches that at this point in his career blaming the coaches for not trying seems to not make sense to me.

A counter argument to that, I suppose, would be to ask why they'd franchise him if the problem was that he couldn't figure it out.... but who knows.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

This whole knee brace thing is so overblown. Many Qb's play with them. It's not that big of a deal to wear one and it should never mess up a QB's mechanics. Especially today where they so much lighter than they were in the 80's.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=skinsfan69;1073624]This whole knee brace thing is so overblown. Many Qb's play with them. It's not that big of a deal to wear one and it should never mess up a QB's mechanics. Especially today where they so much lighter than they were in the 80's.[/quote]

It's prob not a big deal to a pocket QB, but I'm sure it is to a mobile QB like RG3.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=tshile;1073623]As a critic of Orakpo over the last few years, I hear the last bit a lot and always wonder....

The assumption always seems to be, in these situations, that the coaches are not teaching the player whatever the desired improvement is; in this case: that Orakpo develop and use more moves.

It just makes me wonder... is it possible they are trying, and he (for whatever reason) just isn't doing it? Maybe he can't break old habits, maybe he just doesn't understand, etc?

Maybe it is the coaches, but I'd think at some point this criticism of him became well known enough to both Orakpo and the Coaches that at this point in his career blaming the coaches for not trying seems to not make sense to me.

A counter argument to that, I suppose, would be to ask why they'd franchise him if the problem was that he couldn't figure it out.... but who knows.[/quote]

I can't remember for sure and can't find it anywhere, but I thought I read or heard that our former OLB coach was too complacent, and didn't coach up the OLBs very well/wasn't hard enough on them. Could be wrong. I do know that I read an article by a team insider that the more energetic Baker was a definite and welcome change from the former coach.

On your last paragraph, maybe the fault does lie with Orakpo, and that's why he was franchised instead of extended long-term.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=SirLK26;1073578]Thanks for that good read.

Hearing a lot of great stuff about the young guys. Phillip Thomas, Amerson, Breeland, Reed, Murphy, Keenan, etc., all seem to be healthy and performing well. While they are still in shorts and a lot of the compliments are coming courtesy of coach speak, it gets me excited for the season.

If a few of the younger guys like Keenan, Thomas, Reed, and Amerson stay healthy and perform well in big roles, that would be huge. And if our pass rush can get around 45-50 sacks, RG3 stays healthy, our STs perform better, and the WRs can at least come close to living up to our expectations, we could be a serious NFC East contender. Not at the level of the great NFC teams, but good enough for a serious division title push. The biggest question is whether Jay knows what he's doing, 'cause he's got some talent to work with.[/quote]

If all that happens, why wouldnt we be able to hang with the "great" NFC teams? The NFC East as a whole is pretty weak, so if all that happens like you said that could be a 11-5 or 12-4 team easy, which this season would have gotten us a 2 seed.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=skinsfan69;1073624]This whole knee brace thing is so overblown. Many Qb's play with them. It's not that big of a deal to wear one and it should never mess up a QB's mechanics. Especially today where they so much lighter than they were in the 80's.[/quote]


Well I have worn a brace like that and it completely restricts your leg movement. Harder to run, cant hit that top speed, it is laboring to say the least.

[QUOTE=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073633]Well I have worn a brace like that and it completely restricts your leg movement. Harder to run, cant hit that top speed, it is laboring to say the least.[/QUOTE]


Plus it's a constant reminder in the back of your head that your knee isn't 100%. Combine all that and it's definitely understandable that his mechanics were impacted.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Mattyk;1073634]Plus it's a constant reminder in the back of your head that your knee isn't 100%. Combine all that and it's definitely understandable that his mechanics were impacted.[/quote]


But no Matty, it is no big deal remember? Adding an additional 10 lbs to your leg makes no difference at all.

Let's talk OTA's
 

Seems that working with a wider base screwed him up more than anything. Going back to what he's more comfortable with and holding the ball higher should help a lot.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073632]If all that happens, why wouldnt we be able to hang with the "great" NFC teams? The NFC East as a whole is pretty weak, so if all that happens like you said that could be a 11-5 or 12-4 team easy, which this season would have gotten us a 2 seed.[/quote]

We don't know how the O-line will perform, we don't know how Gruden's offense and playcalling will work, we don't know how well Morris will run with less zone-blocking, etc. There's lots of other question marks. I suppose if that all comes together, which is very unlikely, 11-12 wins isn't completely out of the question. But even then, the record doesn't mean much; we could have a higher seed than either Seattle or SF, but it's very doubtful that we would actually beat them in a head-to-head matchup. Same with New Orleans, Arizona, and probably a few other teams.

But that's a moot point. How likely is it that everything I mentioned comes together the way it's supposed to? Unlikely, right? It takes years to build a winner, and Allen/Gruden are just getting started. Don't think we'll make much noise this year.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nbc-on-yahoo-sports/matthew-mcconaughey-provides-star-power-at-redskins--ota-133855437.html]McConaughey at OTAs[/url]

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=SirLK26;1073637]We don't know how the O-line will perform, we don't know how Gruden's offense and playcalling will work, we don't know how well Morris will run with less zone-blocking, etc. There's lots of other question marks. I suppose if that all comes together, which is very unlikely, 11-12 wins isn't completely out of the question. But even then, the record doesn't mean much; we could have a higher seed than either Seattle or SF, but it's very doubtful that we would actually beat them in a head-to-head matchup. Same with New Orleans, Arizona, and probably a few other teams.

But that's a moot point. How likely is it that everything I mentioned comes together the way it's supposed to? Unlikely, right? [B]It takes years to build a winner, and Allen/Gruden are just getting started. Don't think we'll make much noise this year.[/B][/quote]


In a wide open weak division? Didn't the Eagles just win last year with a rookie head coach? Have some faith man, I am not saying we go 15-1 and roll to a SB, but to say we wont make noise in the weak NFC East is a little short sighted.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=SirLK26;1073637]We don't know how the O-line will perform, we don't know how Gruden's offense and playcalling will work, we don't know how well Morris will run with less zone-blocking, etc. There's lots of other question marks. I suppose if that all comes together, which is very unlikely, 11-12 wins isn't completely out of the question. [B]But even then, the record doesn't mean much; we could have a higher seed than either Seattle or SF, but it's very doubtful that we would actually beat them in a head-to-head matchup.[/B] Same with New Orleans, Arizona, and probably a few other teams.

But that's a moot point. How likely is it that everything I mentioned comes together the way it's supposed to? Unlikely, right? It takes years to build a winner, and Allen/Gruden are just getting started. Don't think we'll make much noise this year.[/quote]

Before RGIII tore his knee up we were kicking Seattle's ass like they stole something. Arizona is inconsistent, especially with Washington getting suspended and Carson as their QB, we have shown that we can hang with New Orleans so what is the issue??

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=CrazyCanuck;1073638][url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nbc-on-yahoo-sports/matthew-mcconaughey-provides-star-power-at-redskins--ota-133855437.html]McConaughey at OTAs[/url][/quote]

During practice he stood on the sideline and chatted with former Redskins Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams and owner [B]Dan Snyder[/B]

There goes Snyder again hanging with the stars. (sarcasm)

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073641]In a wide open weak division? Didn't the Eagles just win last year with a rookie head coach? Have some faith man, I am not saying we go 15-1 and roll to a SB, but to say we wont make noise in the weak NFC East is a little short sighted.[/quote]

Agreed. I'm not saying that we are a powerhouse team - we have far too many questions. But it is not like the other three teams in our division are imposing. We have as much chance of winning the division as anyone.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

@Earthquake...

Look, we're coming off of a 3-13 season where we sucked as bad as anyone. Horrible STs; poor O-line; poor secondary; mediocre QB play; and, outside of Garcon, poor receiver play, to name just a few issues. Now we have a rookie head coach, and we're going to be playing in an all-around improved division. Forgive me if I'm not predicting 12 wins.

As for the other NFC teams, not sure what you're basing your opinions off of. That Seattle playoff game was in 2012, and they're quite a bit better now(at least, they were last season); the last time we played the Saints was in 2012 when Sean Payton was suspended; Arizona plays in a much tougher division and still finished with a much better record than we had; and San Francisco beat us soundly last year.

I don't think we're going to blow this season, but we won't be among the best in the NFC either. I'd say 9-7 is the most realistic. Like I said before, if things come together the way they're supposed to, a division title push is possible, but we're not among the best teams in the NFC. Not even top 5. That's what I meant when I said we won't make much noise.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073641]In a wide open weak division? Didn't the Eagles just win last year with a rookie head coach? Have some faith man, I am not saying we go 15-1 and roll to a SB, but to say we wont make noise in the weak NFC East is a little short sighted.[/quote]

This opinion just isn't realistic. He's right, to win the division we're talking about an awful lot of things having to go right. Did we address most of our ills in the offseason with personnel moves? Sure, but to expect that to translate into a division title is a little hopeful, because while there are a lot of moves made improving our team, we're still talking about adapting to a new coach, a new offensive line, new receivers learning the route tree and the calls, all of it. We are better off personnel-wise, but now we have a stability issue. We just turned over a big portion of the team and coaching staff. You can't reasonably expect a division title. The Eagles lost DeSean but are otherwise a pretty good team behind that stellar offensive line.

Maybe you're just choosing words poorly and accidentally overstating your case. Because is there a potential scenario where we win the division and make the playoffs? Sure. But can you reasonably EXPECT it? No. You can hope. But you can't expect.

Look at it this simply. If we don't make the playoffs, will you be pissed/upset? If the answer is no then you don't expect a playoff berth. You just hope for one.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

I believe in the last 4 years, each team in our division has won it. We certainly have a chance to win this division this year, and yes, very pissed if we dont make the playoffs.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Chico23231;1073649]I believe in the last 4 years, each team in our division has won it. We certainly have a chance to win this division this year, and yes, very pissed if we dont make the playoffs.[/quote]

Your own post contradicts itself.

First, we know our division sucks. Given the strength of the NFC West with the Seahawks, 49ers and improving Cardinals, and the strength of the AFC South with the Panthers and Brees' Saints, you can't possibly like the NFC East's chances of picking up a wild card. The route to the playoffs goes through the division title.

And yes, anybody can win this division. If you follow your 4 teams in the last 4 years have won the division - I'm not sure that's true but I get your point - the division is completely up for grabs. So that gives us a 25% chance of winning it.

So you'd be pissed if something that has a 25% chance of happening doesn't come true? You must be a nightmare in a casino.

You sound like an irrational fan who doesn't have a firm grip on reality.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Schneed10;1073648]This opinion just isn't realistic. He's right, to win the division we're talking about an awful lot of things having to go right. Did we address most of our ills in the offseason with personnel moves? Sure, but to expect that to translate into a division title is a little hopeful, because while there are a lot of moves made improving our team, we're still talking about adapting to a new coach, a new offensive line, new receivers learning the route tree and the calls, all of it. We are better off personnel-wise, but now we have a stability issue. We just turned over a big portion of the team and coaching staff. You can't reasonably expect a division title. The Eagles lost DeSean but are otherwise a pretty good team behind that stellar offensive line.

Maybe you're just choosing words poorly and accidentally overstating your case. Because is there a potential scenario where we win the division and make the playoffs? Sure. But can you reasonably EXPECT it? No. You can hope. But you can't expect.

Look at it this simply. If we don't make the playoffs, will you be pissed/upset? If the answer is no then you don't expect a playoff berth. You just hope for one.[/quote]


I am not expecting us to win it, I am saying it is too early to say absolutely we won't.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=SirLK26;1073646]@Earthquake...

Look, we're coming off of a 3-13 season where we sucked as bad as anyone. Horrible STs; poor O-line; poor secondary; mediocre QB play; and, outside of Garcon, poor receiver play, to name just a few issues. Now we have a rookie head coach, and we're going to be playing in an all-around improved division. Forgive me if I'm not predicting 12 wins.

As for the other NFC teams, not sure what you're basing your opinions off of. That Seattle playoff game was in 2012, and they're quite a bit better now(at least, they were last season); the last time we played the Saints was in 2012 when Sean Payton was suspended; Arizona plays in a much tougher division and still finished with a much better record than we had; and San Francisco beat us soundly last year.

I don't think we're going to blow this season, but we won't be among the best in the NFC either. I'd say 9-7 is the most realistic. Like I said before, if things come together the way they're supposed to, a division title push is possible, but we're not among the best teams in the NFC. Not even top 5. That's what I meant when I said we won't make much noise.[/quote]


Yes, we were 3-13 but how much of that was the fact that the team had seemed to give up on the coach that will remain nameless. But we were 10-6 just the year before. All you have to do is get to the playoffs then everyone has a chance. I think anywhere from 7-9 to 10-6 to 11-5 is possible depening on how our defense improves and offense looks. I just dont think we were really 3-13 bad last season. We were bad dont get me wrong, but a lot of those losses just seemed like the team just gave up from the opening kick

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073652]Yes, we were 3-13 but how much of that was the fact that the team had seemed to give up on the coach that will remain nameless. But we were 10-6 just the year before. All you have to do is get to the playoffs then everyone has a chance. I think anywhere from 7-9 to 10-6 to 11-5 is possible depening on how our defense improves and offense looks. I just dont think we were really 3-13 bad last season. We were bad dont get me wrong, but a lot of those losses just seemed like the team just gave up from the opening kick[/quote]

I think the team giving up on Shanahan played a fairly significant part in it, especially in the last 3 games. But I'll have to see a winning product before I believe it, because we were still a horrible team.

An interesting factoid that gives me a little more faith in Jay - he's a winner. In 31 seasons as a pro QB(UFL, AFL, WLAF), HC, and assistant coach, he's had 3 losing seasons. 3. In 31. It gets a little more interesting... all 3 of those losing seasons came when he was an assistant coach to Jon. Is Jon on this staff? Nope! Pass me the Kool-Aid! <sarc>

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=SirLK26;1073654]I think the team giving up on Shanahan played a fairly significant part in it, especially in the last 3 games. But I'll have to see a winning product before I believe it, because we were still a horrible team.

An interesting factoid that gives me a little more faith in Jay - he's a winner. In 31 seasons as a pro QB(UFL, AFL, WLAF), HC, and assistant coach, he's had 3 losing seasons. 3. In 31. It gets a little more interesting... all 3 of those losing seasons came when he was an assistant coach to Jon. Is Jon on this staff? Nope! Pass me the Kool-Aid! <sarc>[/quote]

I think the first 4 games last year were on Griffin and Shanahan, hindsight being what it is, you don't bring Griffin in cold, either play him in preseason, or give him to the bye to get ready. Then the last 4 games the team just wasn't playing - blame whoever for that, but it was clear that the lack of effort wasn't there. That said, they were definitely a horrible [U]team[/U]. I don't think we see anything like that team this year.

Great factoid. I think Gruden is going to shine here. The core players are settled enough to ride the roughest waves a new coach might face (especially after last year), and hungry enough to listen to new voices. And although he hasn't been an NFL head coach, he has coached semi pro teams to wins. That's an important fact. Put another way he has led grown men to championships as a HC. He must have some idea of how to motivate and lead. I will be terribly disappointed if we don't see good things all season long. And I don't want another season of disappointment!

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=CrazyCanuck;1073638][url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nbc-on-yahoo-sports/matthew-mcconaughey-provides-star-power-at-redskins--ota-133855437.html]McConaughey at OTAs[/url][/quote]

alright alright alright

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Schneed10;1073650]Your own post contradicts itself.

First, we know our division sucks. Given the strength of the NFC West with the Seahawks, 49ers and improving Cardinals, and the strength of the AFC South with the Panthers and Brees' Saints, you can't possibly like the NFC East's chances of picking up a wild card. The route to the playoffs goes through the division title.

And yes, anybody can win this division. If you follow your 4 teams in the last 4 years have won the division - I'm not sure that's true but I get your point - the division is completely up for grabs. So that gives us a 25% chance of winning it.

So you'd be pissed if something that has a 25% chance of happening doesn't come true? You must be a nightmare in a casino.

You sound like an irrational fan who doesn't have a firm grip on reality.[/quote]

Irrational fan because I'm pissed if we don't make the playoffs? Those same breaks are are needed by every team across the league and yeah it makes sense the wildcard won't come from the east but not a given.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073651]I am not expecting us to win it, I am saying it is too early to say absolutely we won't.[/quote]

Nobody said we absolutely won't. What are you even talking about?

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Chico23231;1073661]Irrational fan because I'm pissed if we don't make the playoffs? Those same breaks are are needed by every team across the league and yeah it makes sense the wildcard won't come from the east but not a given.[/quote]

Yes, irrational. If you recognize that our chances are 25 percent to win the division, and maybe 5 percent to win the wildcard, then you understand our chances of missing are 70 percent, meaning it is unlikely we make the playoffs.

If you get pissed at an expected result, you're not only irrational, you're a fool.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Schneed10;1073666]Yes, irrational. If you recognize that our chances are 25 percent to win the division, and maybe 5 percent to win the wildcard, then you understand our chances of missing are 70 percent, meaning it is unlikely we make the playoffs.

If you get pissed at an expected result, you're not only irrational, you're a fool.[/quote]

Don't stop there Schneed, keep the insults rolling. Jeez, didn't know my original post was so damn offensive. Guess I'm just a dumb fuck right? Rg3 stays healthy, and defense plays middle of the road or better, special teams can't play worse, playoffs easily within our reach.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[url=http://espn.go.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/8158/redskins-ota-observations-thoughts-part-2]More Redskins OTA observations, thoughts - Washington Redskins Blog - ESPN[/url]

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=CrazyCanuck;1073638][URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nbc-on-yahoo-sports/matthew-mcconaughey-provides-star-power-at-redskins--ota-133855437.html"]McConaughey at OTAs[/URL][/quote]
Love the old school logo on his t........
Cool stuff!

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Chico23231;1073670]Don't stop there Schneed, keep the insults rolling. Jeez, didn't know my original post was so damn offensive. Guess I'm just a dumb fuck right? Rg3 stays healthy, and defense plays middle of the road or better, special teams can't play worse, playoffs easily within our reach.[/quote]

Totally agreed, but the question we are addressing is how likely are all those things going to come together at once? There's a chance but not so much that I would be upset if we missed.

For most rational fans, if we went 8-8 and RG3 looked like he was getting back to himself, we would take it and like our future prospects.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Schneed10;1073666]Yes, irrational. If you recognize that our chances are 25 percent to win the division, and maybe 5 percent to win the wildcard, then you understand our chances of missing are 70 percent, meaning it is unlikely we make the playoffs.

If you get pissed at an expected result, you're not only irrational, you're a fool.[/quote]

Guys, I think the point is all 4 teams have the same percentage to start the season. Each new season brings a new set of problems and answers, we will know more about week 8.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Schneed10;1073664]Nobody said we absolutely won't. What are you even talking about?[/quote]

The real question is what is your problem??

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073677]The real question is what is your problem??[/quote]

i accidentally peed in his wheaties.... i'm sorry guys, my bad.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Schneed10;1073674]Totally agreed, but the question we are addressing is how likely are all those things going to come together at once? There's a chance but not so much that I would be upset if we missed.

For most rational fans, if we went 8-8 and RG3 looked like he was getting back to himself, we would take it and like our future prospects.[/quote]

I'm an irrational fan, then. I would hate 8-8. I want to win now.

Everything doesn't need to come together at once for us to win. I think that we can have a very potent offense that can outscore most of our opponents. That's fine with me. I like a good track meet.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;1073677]The real question is what is your problem??[/quote]

My problem is that our forums are increasingly packed with idiots who can't think critically and rationally without separating their fanboy feelings for the team. You should not be one of them, you've been here too long.

We all love the team and yes we all want them to win, of course. But for discussion to be at all meaningful we have to have people actually thinking about what they're saying. You can't sit here and in one breath dismiss people who don't like our chances and then in the next breath say you only hope for the playoffs, not expect the playoffs.

I just ask that we start making some f'ing sense or this board will end up like ExtremeSkins in a hurry.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[url=http://mmqb.si.com/2014/06/05/andrew-luck-russell-wilson-colin-kaepernick-robert-griffin-cam-newtown-running-quarterbacks-analysis/]Andrew Luck: The NFL's Best Running Quarterback | The MMQB with Peter King[/url]

Interesting.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=Schneed10;1073694]My problem is that our forums are increasingly packed with idiots who can't think critically and rationally without separating their fanboy feelings for the team. You should not be one of them, you've been here too long.

We all love the team and yes we all want them to win, of course. But for discussion to be at all meaningful we have to have people actually thinking about what they're saying. You can't sit here and in one breath dismiss people who don't like our chances and then in the next breath say you only hope for the playoffs, not expect the playoffs.

I just ask that we start making some f'ing sense or this board will end up like ExtremeSkins in a hurry.[/quote]

A) I am not an idiot so I don't know where you are going there, B) I didn't dismiss him at all.

Re: Let's talk OTA's
 

[quote=That Guy;1073679]i accidentally peed in his wheaties.... i'm sorry guys, my bad.[/quote]

Gotcha, it all makes sense now. All is well.