Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=over the mountain;1080090]While I am very excited to see what a healthy RG3 can do, our bottom of the barrel secondary and no RT will be insurmountable. We finish a distant 4th with a 5-11 record.

While I love the idea of d jax, he was not a need and this team still has glaring needs. We should have used that 10 mil per to sign the FS out of carolina and the RT from the bucs. If we had a legit FS and legit RT, we would have a legit chance.

signed,

broken record[/quote]

My recollection is that we made good runs at FS Mike Mitchell and OT Donald Penn. Mitchell strongly preferred to play in Pittsburgh and Penn preferred to stay at LT rather than move to the right side. He's now with Oakland. I agree that they would have helped us but they were free to choose and they chose to play elsewhere.

Some of the other desirable FA's at those positions were gone quickly, signing very lucrative contracts with other teams.

I was proud of Bruce Allen for husbanding our cap space rather than throwing it away by signing people at those positions who probably wouldn't have been upgrades.

As for DeSean Jackson, signing him did not affect our ability to sign a FS or RT. The hunt for a FS and a RT were over with and the dust had settled before we had the chance to sign him. That's because he was cut by Philly late in FA.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

Can't quick fix everything. It's not like we didn't make moves at RT and in the secondary. I don't see how the secondary can be anywhere near as bad as last year, especially with a better pass rush and the growth of guys like Amerson.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

the better pass rush should allow Haz to go man on the corners (like pundits have sd he likes to do) ... but if that pass rush doesnt get there on any given play we will be vulnerable. hopefully our strategic gamble that a great pass rush will assist the secondary will pan out.

i feel me slipping to the darkside. i used to be more positive.

i just need me some healthy RG3 to get back on track.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

We made moves to fix the OL and secondary, drafting two OLers and one CB before the 4th round was over. Problem is, we have to wait for these rookies to be ready for prime time.

But if it all works out, we have a new right side for the OL and two good young corners (counting Amerson) for years to come.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=over the mountain;1080105]the better pass rush should allow Haz to go man on the corners (like pundits have sd he likes to do) ... but if that pass rush doesnt get there on any given play we will be vulnerable. hopefully our strategic gamble that a great pass rush will assist the secondary will pan out.

i feel me slipping to the darkside. i used to be more positive.

i just need me some healthy RG3 to get back on track.[/quote]

[IMG]http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/634016/kool-aid-man-family-guy-o.gif[/IMG]

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

I'm calling it here, 5-10 read-options Sunday to slow down Watt and Clowney. Make them choose who they go after, Morris or Griffin. After they choose wrong enough to start hesitating, we go play action deep to DJax and/or Roberts. Fitzpatrick gets sacked or picked all day. Redskins 24 Texans 13. As for the rest of the season, let me see how this projection plays out. I may be euphoric Sunday afternoon or hugely depressed. I'm guessing I won't be in the middle.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=scowan;1080108]I'm calling it here, 5-10 read-options Sunday to slow down Watt and Clowney. Make them choose who they go after, Morris or Griffin. After they choose wrong enough to start hesitating, we go play action deep to DJax and/or Roberts. [B]Fitzpatrick gets sacked or picked all day. Redskins 24 Texans 13[/B]. As for the rest of the season, let me see how this projection plays out. I may be euphoric Sunday afternoon or hugely depressed. I'm guessing I won't be in the middle.[/quote]

Yeah, this is my feeling as well. I was thinking 28-17. Houston defense is tough but I have a feeling Morris is going to get in three times (one of those being a short field generated by a TO forced by the defense). RG3 throws 1 TD 1 pick in a very pedestrian outing. Fitzpatrick throws one to Andre Johnson and Arian Foster picks up another but our defense holds them to 17 tough points and generates 2 TOs.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

My biggest concerns for the year:

The right side of the offensive line. Chester was horrible last year, likely the worst year of his career. No reason to expect him to be any better. Polumbus, meanwhile, may have fancy stats and grades that say he's a solid blocker, but the eye test says "nope". We can only hope that Long, LeRibeus, or Moses is ready at some point in the season.

The corners. Hall is coming off the best season of his career, but he's almost 31 and in his 11th season. He's going to start declining at some point. I love Amerson, but he's a 2nd year corner. Really, really doubt he's ready to match up with Andre Johnson, Dez Bryant, or even Fitzgerald or Reggie Wayne.

Griffin. I think he'll struggle early on and we'll have to lean on the run game. I'm expecting that. But he needs to start picking up steam around the Arizona or Tennessee game to keep my hopes up... and the receivers happy.

Health of the defensive line. Hatcher, Cofield, Bowen, and Golston are all 30+. I know Hatcher is the only starter out of that group, but we need to get younger here next offseason.

Jay's playcalling. Bengals fans talk about how he always went away from the run, and with a runner like Alfred Morris and a developing QB like Griffin, he needs to be a run-first playcaller, especially in the first several games.

Jordan Reed's health. If this guy stays healthy, he'll be a huge, huge help to Griffin.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=SirLK26;1080119]My biggest concerns for the year:

The right side of the offensive line. Chester was horrible last year, likely the worst year of his career. No reason to expect him to be any better. Polumbus, meanwhile, may have fancy stats and grades that say he's a solid blocker, but the eye test says "nope". We can only hope that Long, LeRibeus, or Moses is ready at some point in the season.

The corners. Hall is coming off the best season of his career, but he's almost 31 and in his 11th season. He's going to start declining at some point. I love Amerson, but he's a 2nd year corner. Really, really doubt he's ready to match up with Andre Johnson, Dez Bryant, or even Fitzgerald or Reggie Wayne.

Griffin. I think he'll struggle early on and we'll have to lean on the run game. I'm expecting that. But he needs to start picking up steam around the Arizona or Tennessee game to keep my hopes up... and the receivers happy.

Health of the defensive line. Hatcher, Cofield, Bowen, and Golston are all 30+. I know Hatcher is the only starter out of that group, but we need to get younger here next offseason.

Jay's playcalling. Bengals fans talk about how he always went away from the run, and with a runner like Alfred Morris and a developing QB like Griffin, he needs to be a run-first playcaller, especially in the first several games.

Jordan Reed's health. If this guy stays healthy, he'll be a huge, huge help to Griffin.[/quote]

Not a bad list, but Im not worried about the Corners nor the D Line. Staying healthy is tough at any position, really out of our control.

My biggest worries going into the season:

1. Making sure I have enough Burbon for game day. ABC is closed on Sunday and Ive noticed whether we are losing or winning im drinking about the same amount, out of dismay or joy.

2. My neighbor last year would start cutting his grass around Sunday kickoff time, 1 on the east coast. He has 2 acres and a big ass riding lawnmower. I dont know if i can bring myself to tell him to quit, he doesnt say much, icy stare and is neanderthal-ish. He is the hermit, strange dude on the block. Probably take the "wont start no ish, wont be no ish" approach with him.

3. I dont want to hear about the Name controversy once the season starts, thats offseason fodder, not inseason. Especially from the folks commentating the game.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

My concerns are Griffin and the right side of the line. I just see both struggling. Maybe it was the pre-season that's giving me these thoughts. I hope I'm wrong.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=skinsfan69;1080134]My concerns are Griffin and the right side of the line. I just see both struggling. Maybe it was the pre-season that's giving me these thoughts. I hope I'm wrong.[/quote]That would also be a continuation from last season, also. Wonder if we run and roll out to the left a lot this season.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=scowan;1080108]I'm calling it here, 5-10 read-options Sunday to slow down Watt and Clowney. [/quote]


No way. Robert didn't want to run the read option back with Shanahan so I seriously doubt they run this stuff anymore. You might see one or two plays in particular situations. I'll be shocked if anything beyond that.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1080156]No way. Robert didn't want to run the read option back with Shanahan so I seriously doubt they run this stuff anymore. You might see one or two plays in particular situations. I'll be shocked if anything beyond that.[/quote]

I wouldn't be too shocked, especially if we struggled with everything else and the read option turned out to be the only thing that worked. They'll keep a couple plays in there just to mix things up, but if nothing else worked and they started leaning on it heavy I wouldn't be too surprised. I know RG3 doesn't want that to be what he's known for but if it works it works.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

Doubt we'll see the read option like we used to, but depending on the game/situation I can see Gruden using it. He ran it with Dalton so why not here with someone who's actually a running threat? I don't think Griffin is against it as long as it's not the primary focus of the offense.

That said Houston is a 3-4 and it typically works better vs a 4-3.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/09/03/injury-report-orakpo-limited-by-sprained-ankle/]Injury report: Orakpo limited by sprained ankle[/url]

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

I'm wondering if Haslett will make it to the end of the season.

Houston is a good matchup for the first game this season. hopefully we can start fast and build some confidence.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

11-5 MARK IT DOWN!!!............or 5-11.........could go either way.

How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[QUOTE=SirLK26;1080119]My biggest concerns for the year:



The right side of the offensive line. Chester was horrible last year, likely the worst year of his career. No reason to expect him to be any better. Polumbus, meanwhile, may have fancy stats and grades that say he's a solid blocker, but the eye test says "nope". We can only hope that Long, LeRibeus, or Moses is ready at some point in the season.



The corners. Hall is coming off the best season of his career, but he's almost 31 and in his 11th season. He's going to start declining at some point. I love Amerson, but he's a 2nd year corner. Really, really doubt he's ready to match up with Andre Johnson, Dez Bryant, or even Fitzgerald or Reggie Wayne.



Griffin. I think he'll struggle early on and we'll have to lean on the run game. I'm expecting that. But he needs to start picking up steam around the Arizona or Tennessee game to keep my hopes up... and the receivers happy.



Health of the defensive line. Hatcher, Cofield, Bowen, and Golston are all 30+. I know Hatcher is the only starter out of that group, but we need to get younger here next offseason.



Jay's playcalling. Bengals fans talk about how he always went away from the run, and with a runner like Alfred Morris and a developing QB like Griffin, he needs to be a run-first playcaller, especially in the first several games.



Jordan Reed's health. If this guy stays healthy, he'll be a huge, huge help to Griffin.[/QUOTE]


Man - lots of accurate predictions about things to concern us all:

Right side of line? Bad.
Griffin struggled? Check.
Health of D line? You jinxed Cofield.
Play calling and specifically getting away from the run? Yep.
Reed's health? Yeah.

The only prediction that didn't hold in the Texans game was about the corners.

Given your obvious powers, can you state some concerns about the Jax players, please?

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

Ok, I was calling for the Read option last week in this thread and we didn't see any of it, Why not this week? I mean really guys, everyone want to make RG3 a "pocket passer" I say screw that and make him what he is a read option runner, who passes off play action. It worked in 2012, so why are they not doing that? Oh, he might get hurt.... I seriously doubt he gets hurt on a designed read option where he makes the decision to keep it because the LB crashed down on Alfred Morris leaving Griffin wide open to run outside. Did anyone watch the Seahawks in game one? Let DJax be our Percy Harvin ruuing those end arounds and then we can play fake off that stuff all day and let Morris be our "Beast-mode" back and run up the middle.

I just don't get the whole pocket passer thing with a running QB. They should have drafted Ryan Tannihill if they wanted a pocket passer. The Redskins gave up too much for a "pocket passer"

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

Read option works better against a 4-3 than 3-4.

I think it's too early to say Griffin can't develop his game from the pocket. It's vital for his and the team's long term success to keep developing him.

Patience.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

One thing I will be watching for this week is Griffin's movement in the pocket. It seems to me (and I haven't reviewed any games or broken down tape, this is just an impression) that RGIII does ever not "climb the pocket" to buy time. Instead, he backs up - sometimes into the arms of a DE who has been ridden wide an deep by the tackle.

It looks to me like he is backing up trying to keep an open escape lane to the sideline. Sometimes, it as if he doesn't trust that he can step up into a pocket, let the OL direct the DL around him and buy time by a slide step or two. It may be part of his obvious apparent "there is a bigger play out there/fight for every yard" mentality. Just seems to me that he has more than once step backwards into the rush rather than slide stepping forward to let it go past him.

Again, I am just speculating and it's why I want to watch that on Sunday.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=Mattyk;1082084]Read option works better against a 4-3 than 3-4.

I think it's too early to say Griffin can't develop his game from the pocket. It's vital for his and the team's long term success to keep developing him.

Patience.[/quote]

Its just painful to watch ths team right now. They were so good with less personel in 2012. Griffin looks lost and his scrambling is not really that good right now. He looks slow to me. In the few times that they have shown the read-option this year, he has always handed it off and never kept it. Morris got absolutely blowup last week by 3 guys in the backfield on one occasion. Had Griffin kept it, he would have been wide open for 10 yards. Teams know he doesn't want to run, so they just key on Morris or back off and let him pass. Misdirection is why they were good, The Redskins don't have any misdierection now. Griffin is no threat to run and he is not Drew Brees from the pocket, so where does that leave this team? The Redskins have a Ferrari that they are scared to drive too fast because they might wreck it. If they are only going to drive it at 50 miles per hour, trade it in for a Honda. Otherwise, they paid too much.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

Well again, I think Griffin is too talented to cast him off as simply a running QB. It's worth the time to develop his overall game. It wasn't going to happen in one offseason and 1 regular season game.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

Steve Young changed from "running" QB to "pocket" QB quite successfully. And only when he became a "pocket" QB did he reach the height of his success. But it took time - it's not an overnight thing.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[IMG]http://media.giphy.com/media/vO8F4fYQd39h6/giphy.gif[/IMG]

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

Another thing that people don't understand is that this was Griffin's first off-season as a professional.

Re: How do you feel, the season is upon us.
 

[quote=calia;1082049]Man - lots of accurate predictions about things to concern us all:

Right side of line? Bad.
Griffin struggled? Check.
Health of D line? You jinxed Cofield.
Play calling and specifically getting away from the run? Yep.
Reed's health? Yeah.

The only prediction that didn't hold in the Texans game was about the corners.

Given your obvious powers, can you state some concerns about the Jax players, please?[/quote]

Thanks. Honestly, we really should win this game. I think Gus Bradley is a good coach, especially defensively, but there's just not enough talent yet. Now that I've said that, we'll probably be severely out-coached or Griffin will get injured or something, but if Gruden really is the coach I think he is, we win this game. He has the talent advantage.

That being said, my biggest concerns:

Denard Robinson. Jacksonville has talked about how they need to get the running game going, and Gerhart might be limited against us with a foot injury. I'm guessing Robinson gets more than the 3 carries he had against Philadelphia. He'll probably have a long one or two.

Jacksonville's pass rush. Sure, we're not facing any JJ Watts, but they got to Nick Foles 5 times. Longer routes might not work against these guys either.

Jacksonville's run defense. They held LeSean McCoy to 74 yards with a 3.5 yards per carry average.

Johnathan Cyprien. He had a concussion last week, so I doubt he'll play. But if he does, our offense will have a lot tougher of a time moving the ball. Backup Josh Evans will probably come in and kill us anyway. LOL? Not sure I should laugh at that. :Smoker: