Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;859429]I agree with SmootSmack. Moss and Davis were the focal points of our passing game. We ran to the left because Trent and Lich blocked well for us.Now Helu, they should be featuring more. Other than that, what do we really have? Our right side of the OL is just passable in both run blocking and pass pro. Rex is inconsistent and Beck is a scrub.

Also, the ZBS does take some time to settle in. Houston used to have a completely awful running game before 2010. Now they are tops in the league with almost the exact same OL.[/quote]We should've been more balanced L vs. R, early on Chester and Brown were solid run blocking.

The ZBS needs to actually be run to settle in. HOU is tops in rushing because of a committment to run. In each game they've won, they've run more than passed, in their wins they average 40 att. In their losses to the Ravens, Raiders, Saints they had only 25 rush attempts. I didn't see any of those games or review a play-by-play breakdown, but I'll assume the running game was struggling vs. those teams and they needed to throw. With the committment to run, play action can be part of the gameplan. With us we don't run, who needs to prepare for PA, we're not fooling anyone there.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

I would like to temporarily replace Hail to the Redskins with this song for the remainder of the 2011 season.
[YT]C6H1AjTRU3A[/YT]

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=mlmpetert;859448][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]And imagine if we brought in a new coaching staff that wanted to change the d back to a 4-3 base and do entirely away with the ZB system, we would be just as bad in 2 years as we are now, maybe worse.[/FONT][/COLOR][/quote][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I don't think so. We have the pieces in-house for a 4-3 base. Two very good, young DEs. Our DTs are very solid for a 4-3, Cofield (1 Tech), Carriker (3 tech), Jenkins (1 tech), Bowen (either 1 or 3 tech). With Fletch (although long in the tooth) we have a borderline Pro Bowl MLB and Riley showed flashes yesterday. Our secondary isn't really affected either way. All we really need is some help at OLB.[/FONT][/COLOR]


[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][quote]Id also love to go to a partial ZB scheme that incorporated plays suited for short yardage situations, but most importantly id like to see our coaches become more adaptive and less uncompromising in their philosophies. [/quote][/FONT][/COLOR]Excellent point, agree 100%.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

I dont see Kerrigan doing well in a 4-3, although i think Orapko would be an absolute beast in a 4-3. Kerrigan could probably make a good OLB 4-3 LB though. I think youre right, we still have more 4-3 pieces (or universal guys) on hand then 3-4.....

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;859445]All fair points. I agree that there's no way to know if a QB will bust. It's a risk you take. I guess we won't really know until we get that QB.[/quote]True, but my main point is the coaching staff is putting a system in place that is extremely QB reliant....with no QB in place or currently on the radar.

Why not modify the system to more of an MS system, featuring the run & PA and de-emphasize the spread passing until a QB is actually in-house that can run the system. HOU/SF/NYJ/OAK/NYG/BAL/CIN are doing pretty well with that formula; power run game and a mid-level QB (Eli is pretty good though).

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=mlmpetert;859363][COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I thought Jake retired because he was traded to TB since Gruden can never have enough QBs. I remember Plummer being good but he was one of those guys that would throw a bunch of interceptions every now and then. Once Cutler got drafted Plummer's time in Devner was over, as Mike was keeping Cutler on the sidelines until he was ready. [/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I will say with regards to your question, i agree with you in that he won [B][FONT=Verdana]with[/FONT][/B] those QBs. But the situation here is entirely different and not just because we dont have a decent QB; this isnt Mikes offense, its Kyles. So if we win it will be with Mike but because of Kyle and whoever the QB is, just like we are losing now with Mike because of Kyle and Grossman and Beck. Although the longer Mike stands on the sidelines and doesnt intervene our losing is becoming "because of Mike".[/FONT][/COLOR][/quote]

The chronology is that Plummer retired.

Then he was traded to Tampa - - Gruden thinking he could coax him out of retirement.

Then he made his statements about playing QB for Shanahan and how much it frustrated him.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=mlmpetert;859461]I dont see Kerrigan doing well in a 4-3, although i think Orapko would be an absolute beast in a 4-3. Kerrigan could probably make a good OLB 4-3 LB though. I think youre right, we still have more 4-3 pieces (or universal guys) on hand then 3-4.....[/quote]Kerrigan was a 1st Team All-American and Big 10 DPOY at LDE.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

Mike Shanahan needs 3 more wins this season to match Zorn's 2 year total of 12. That's probably not going to happen. Eesh. He's pacing to have the worst 2 year run of any coach in the Snyder era. Wow.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;859368]As mentioned you're mistaken about Plummer's retirement...and you're also wrong about Elway[/quote]

Check the chronology on Plummer's retirement and statements subsequent to that.

How am I wrong about Elway? He was in the NFL from 84 until Shanahan showed up in Denver in 96. That is "more than a decade". Elway took an over-achieving bunch of guys to a Super Bowl without Shanahan's guidance in the 80s.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=sportscurmudgeon;859468]Check the chronology on Plummer's retirement and statements subsequent to that.

How am I wrong about Elway? He was in the NFL from 84 until Shanahan showed up in Denver in 96. That is "more than a decade". Elway took an over-achieving bunch of guys to a Super Bowl without Shanahan's guidance in the 80s.[/quote]

I've talked to Plummer directly (about handball mainly) and I know of his dislike for Shanahan, but I also know it wasn't Shanahan that led him to retire. It was that when Shanahan let him go he sent him to a place (Tampa) where he'd have to compete for a spot. And that's not what he was interested in.

As for Elway, who do you think was his offense coordinator in the mid 1980s?

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;859474]I've talked to Plummer directly (about handball mainly) and I know of his dislike for Shanahan, but I also know it wasn't Shanahan that led him to retire. It was that when Shanahan let him go he sent him to a place (Tampa) where he'd have to compete for a spot. And that's not what he was interested in.

[B]As for Elway, who do you think was his offense coordinator in the mid 1980s?[/B][/quote]

Oh oh oh I know this one. Buddy Ryan.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;859429]I agree with SmootSmack. Moss and Davis were the focal points of our passing game. We ran to the left because Trent and Lich blocked well for us.Now Helu, they should be featuring more. Other than that, what do we really have? Our right side of the OL is just passable in both run blocking and pass pro. Rex is inconsistent and Beck is a scrub.

[B]Also, the ZBS does take some time to settle in. Houston used to have a completely awful running game before 2010. Now they are tops in the league with almost the exact same OL.[/B][/quote]

Another way of reading those same facts is this: That Houston had a "completely awful running game" until Kyle left and brought his "completely awful running game" to Washington.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;859474]I've talked to Plummer directly (about handball mainly) and I know of his dislike for Shanahan, but I also know it wasn't Shanahan that led him to retire. It was that when Shanahan let him go he sent him to a place (Tampa) where he'd have to compete for a spot. And that's not what he was interested in.

As for Elway, who do you think was his offense coordinator in the mid 1980s?[/quote]

My recollection of the situation with the Broncos of the mid-80s was that Dan Reeves was the "offensive guy" and that it was Reeves and Elway who worked together to fashion the offense - - until the two of them had a falling out and it got to the point of "loser leaves town". The owner - - Bowlen - - smartly chose to keep Elway and lose Reeves in that circumstance but by then Shanahan had moved on to Oakland and then SF.

Next time you talk to Plummer, ask him what kind of mentality one should look for in a QB that Mike Shanahan might draft with a "Top Five Pick" in the draft... Here is a guess:

Intelligence of Einstein
Patience of Job
Serenity of Ghandi

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=Lotus;859377]I see that he gets guys open, too. But someone who designs nice pass plays is a "play designer," not "offensive coordinator." To be the latter also requires play calling and scheming which is suitable to your talent.

I am not on the "fire Kyle" bandwagon. But to me, this year he has been a great play designer but poor offensive coordinator.[/quote]

Practical brilliance at work here Lotus, although I think you give Kyle too much credit as a play designer as we've faced some truly awful defenses and been totally unable to execute one big play...shit even the lowly Rams guided by a backup QB can manage that one big play a game where you sit up and yell. Not Kyle though.

I think it's also worth mentioning the Texans' offense has improved since he left. Kyle is a playbook guy at best.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=Lotus;859481]Another way of reading those same facts is this: That Houston had a "completely awful running game" until Kyle left and brought his "completely awful running game" to Washington.[/quote]

I think my point is worthless since its basis is crappy. Toss it in the dump, folks. I had a stupid moment.

Upon further perusal, I see that the 2008 Texans had a 4.3 YPA(including end arounds, scrambles, etc) with Kyle at the helm. That was their first year.


That said, our 22 or so carries a game is even below the average of 27 carries a game while Kyle was in Houston.

One minute you're saying Shanahan wasn't even there. The next, he was but did nothing?

I've only spoken to Plummer twice, and most recently was 3 years ago. Doubt we'll talk again anytime soon

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

I know "both" QB's suck, it's hard to believe Rex is better then Beck. But as bad as Rex is I have to mention that again I don't think the INT's were all Rex's fault. The first one Hankerson fell down on his route, the second one I watched #10 WR run a slant route right into the LB. Why? I don't know. But instead of taking his route to the inside of the LB he stopped and started running behind the LB/post route looking for an open section of field.

I totally agree Rex should have seen the LB atleast from my perspective but perhaps not from Rex's. Again I don't want it to sound like I'm dismissing Rex's short comings but I couldn't help but think the WR failed to run the right route.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SBXVII;859497]I know "both" QB's suck, it's hard to believe Rex is better then Beck. But as bad as Rex is I have to mention that again I don't think the INT's were all Rex's fault. The first one Hankerson fell down on his route, the second one I watched #10 WR run a slant route right into the LB. Why? I don't know. But instead of taking his route to the inside of the LB he stopped and started running behind the LB/post route looking for an open section of field.

I totally agree Rex should have seen the LB atleast from my perspective but perhaps not from Rex's. Again I don't want it to sound like I'm dismissing Rex's short comings but I couldn't help but think the WR failed to run the right route.[/quote]

I guess now it is a moot point, but with the way that Hank was going up in the air and attacking the ball, I don't know why they didn't throw a fade into the endzone and let Hank outjump the CBs. We could technically do the same with Davis, but he just doesn't attack the ball enough to beat the DBs.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859374]Jim Schwartz.[/quote]

Schwartz. Let's see... This is his [I]third[/I] year with the Lions. He's also had the benefit of the #1 overall pick in '09 with Stafford and the #2 overall pick with Suh. Plus he inherited one of the best wideouts in the game with Calvin Johnson. His front office has also set him up nicely -- This year, they were able to collect two second round picks, a pair of 1st rounders in 2009, and another pair of 1st rounders 2010. So he's had much more to work with in Detroit.

Not only that, Schwartz has now lost 3 of his last 4. So no, I stand by my statement that there's not a coach out there who'd be doing any better with what we have.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=Beemnseven;859536]Schwartz. Let's see... This is his [I]third[/I] year with the Lions. He's also had the benefit of the #1 overall pick in '09 with Stafford and the #2 overall pick with Suh. Plus he inherited one of the best wideouts in the game with Calvin Johnson. His front office has also set him up nicely -- This year, they were able to collect two second round picks, a pair of 1st rounders in 2009, and another pair of 1st rounders 2010. So he's had much more to work with in Detroit.

Not only that, Schwartz has now lost 3 of his last 4. So no, I stand by my statement that there's not a coach out there who'd be doing any better with what we have.[/quote]

Well, Schwartz inherited a team that was a punch-line not just in the NFL, but in all sports nationwide in general. They had been decimated by years of Matt Millen's stewardship. He's been there 2+ seasons, and they've really turned it around in that time. Plus Matt Stafford was hurt for a large chunk of his time as HC.

I'm not ready to bail on Shanny just yet, but I will be if next year at this time the Skins are not leaps and bounds ahead of the hot garbage we're currently witnessing.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=Beemnseven;859536]Schwartz. Let's see... This is his [I]third[/I] year with the Lions. He's also had the benefit of the #1 overall pick in '09 with Stafford and the #2 overall pick with Suh. Plus he inherited one of the best wideouts in the game with Calvin Johnson. His front office has also set him up nicely -- This year, they were able to collect two second round picks, a pair of 1st rounders in 2009, and another pair of 1st rounders 2010. So he's had much more to work with in Detroit.

Not only that, Schwartz has now lost 3 of his last 4. So no, I stand by my statement that there's not a coach out there who'd be doing any better with what we have.[/quote]This is a textbook exercise in excuse making.

When the Lions were 2-10 last year, I don't think a whole lot of people thought that the Lions weren't on the right track. I think Schwartz was starting to get some heat for short term results, but people knew the team was better and they knew that even with the QB out, the Lions were still making positive strides week to week.

I don't know if the Lions are going to make the playoffs in year three, but they already have results. Mike Shanahan has accomplished nothing here in a year and a half. And the idea that Detroit was in better shape three years ago than the Redskins were two years ago is just not accurate.

I think most NFL coaches would be doing a better job here. When you consider just how far the Redskins have fallen short of expectations, I think that's pretty difficult to argue against.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GMScud;859538]I'm not ready to bail on Shanny just yet, but I will be if next year at this time the Skins are not leaps and bounds ahead of the hot garbage we're currently witnessing.[/quote]I think the only difference between you and I is that I think the 2012 draft is too critical to leave to an administration that is just going to get whacked at midseason next year for lack of results. If a change is needed, we should make it with the intention of getting the right people in here to draft the next QB. I can't justify letting the Shanahan's pick a quarterback in the first round in a desperate attempt to salvage the mess they created.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

We are not showing improvement because Mike Shanahan did not fully commit himself to rebuilding the roster. Detroit made that commitment the year . He made a gross miscalcuations with the roster in 2010 and essentially wasted a year. But I am willing to give him a mulligan since he at least didn't mortgage away high draft picks this offseason and the players he picked have shown promise.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

Crowdsourcing:

Let's say the Redskins keep the status quo and draft a quarterback in the first round in 2012. That is the only starter that comes out of the draft. We can add a reasonably priced class of free agents.

How many wins do the Redskins improve over this year's 4 or 5 win effort?

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859540]I think the only difference between you and I is that I think the 2012 draft is too critical to leave to an administration that is just going to get whacked at midseason next year for lack of results. If a change is needed, we should make it with the intention of getting the right people in here to draft the next QB. I can't justify letting the Shanahan's pick a quarterback in the first round in a desperate attempt to salvage the mess they created.[/quote]

I don't think Shanny has done a poor job with the draft selections he's made. Kerrigan, Jenkins, and Hankerson all seem like they'll be good players in this league. Perry Riley looks good, too. And Maurice Hurt is able to crack the lineup despite being a 7th rounder. He's brought in some decent talent.

However, I think his decisions at the QB position have been nothing short of disastrous, and he should bear the full blame. Also, with regard to the QB position and the draft, I think the net negative of both not selecting a QB (not even a developmental later round pick) and trading high picks for McNabb is a terrible gaffe.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859543]Crowdsourcing:

Let's say the Redskins keep the status quo and draft a quarterback in the first round in 2012. That is the only starter that comes out of the draft. We can add a reasonably priced class of free agents.

How many wins do the Redskins improve over this year's 4 or 5 win effort?[/quote]

There are so many "ifs" in that question/scenario. IF we stay relatively healthy (unlike 2011), IF some of our other draft picks in the 2012 draft (we have plenty) contribute, and IF that rookie QB can come in as a starter and immediately play decent, then we could certainly sniff the 8 or 9 win mark, maybe more.

It's all about the quarterback.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GMScud;859544]I don't think Shanny has done a poor job with the draft selections he's made. Kerrigan, Jenkins, and Hankerson all seem like they'll be good players in this league. Perry Riley looks good, too. And Maurice Hurt is able to crack the lineup despite being a 7th rounder. He's brought in some decent talent.

However, I think his decisions at the QB position have been nothing short of disastrous, and he should bear the full blame. Also, with regard to the QB position and the draft, I think the net negative of both not selecting a QB (not even a developmental later round pick) and trading high picks for McNabb is a terrible gaffe.[/quote]I have no problem with the drafting they've done. In spite of that, I don't think it makes sense to let them pick a quarterback if 90% of that QB's career will be determined by a different coaching staff. It is so very hard to envision a scenario where Mike Shanahan is both the head coach of the Redskins through 2015 and a successful one.

Under normal circumstances, I don't think it's a good idea to bail on a coach after two years, but why let a lame duck coach draft a quarterback? If it wasn't before, it's now clear that Mike Shanahan isn't going to build a great team here. I'm just trying to figure out what everyone elses expectations for 2012 are that makes doing this dance again worth doing. The idea that we'll have a second year quarterback heading into 2013 while trying to find a head coach is horrifying enough. Knowing that Mike Shanahan just may pick that QB doesn't make it any easier to swallow.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GMScud;859545]There are so many "ifs" in that question/scenario. IF we stay relatively healthy (unlike 2011), IF some of our other draft picks in the 2012 draft (we have plenty) contribute, and IF that rookie QB can come in as a starter and immediately play decent, then we could certainly sniff the 8 or 9 win mark, maybe more.

It's all about the quarterback.[/quote]I don't want the if's, I just want an expectation. Like for example, if we're going to draft the right QB next year, are fans expecting us to be in the playoffs next year?

Maybe, maybe not? I just wanted that kind of opinion. 8 or 9 wins seems reasonable enough, but we're so very far from that level right now, I just don't know what kind of improvement we're expecting.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859546]I have no problem with the drafting they've done. In spite of that, I don't think it makes sense to let them pick a quarterback if 90% of that QB's career will be determined by a different coaching staff. It is so very hard to envision a scenario where Mike Shanahan is both the head coach of the Redskins through 2015 and a successful one.

Under normal circumstances, I don't think it's a good idea to bail on a coach after two years, but why let a lame duck coach draft a quarterback? If it wasn't before, it's now clear that Mike Shanahan isn't going to build a great team here. I'm just trying to figure out what everyone elses expectations for 2012 are that makes doing this dance again worth doing. The idea that we'll have a second year quarterback heading into 2013 while trying to find a head coach is horrifying enough. Knowing that Mike Shanahan just may pick that QB doesn't make it any easier to swallow.[/quote]

What you're saying makes sense, if we're conceding that no one on the current staff (at least offensively) will be running this team in 2013, 14, or 15. What if the powers that be know Mike may not be here in a few years, but Kyle will be? Not saying you or I agree with that, but that could be the thinking.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859547]I don't want the if's, I just want an expectation. Like for example, if we're going to draft the right QB next year, are fans expecting us to be in the playoffs next year?

Maybe, maybe not? I just wanted that kind of opinion. 8 or 9 wins seems reasonable enough, but we're so very far from that level right now, I just don't know what kind of improvement we're expecting.[/quote]

Given the improvement of the defense this year when compared to last year, you'd think they'll get even better next season. Given that, if we draft the right QB next year, I think playoffs are a reasonable expectation. We've seen it enough times now in the NFL- rookie QBs can succeed (even with a lockout for pete's sake).

Injuries are a big IF though. If that rookie QB is playing well and then loses his best RB, starting TE (who is a great run blocker), best WR, and 3/5 of his offensive line, are the playoffs a reasonable expectation? Not as much...

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GMScud;859551]What you're saying makes sense, if we're conceding that no one on the current staff (at least offensively) will be running this team in 2013, 14, or 15. What if they powers that be know Mike may not be here in a few years, but Kyle will be? Not saying you or I agree with that, but that could be the thinking.[/quote]I think I considered that at the time of the hire, and, well, I didn't think that was realistic then and I don't think it's realistic now.

But I think even if that was the original plan, I don't see how that's different from any other type of 5 year contract for the head coach. Sure, the original expectation is that you have a long term solution, but if you don't, then you go in another direction when the current one isn't feasible anymore.

I think if it was going to happen here for Mike or Kyle, we'd have some sort of positive identity 25 games in. Because the only identity that Mike has left is baffling press conferences, I think the premise that the clock is ticking is inevitable.

It wouldn't be the worst thing to give a third year to this group, but I don't know why you would if the feeling is that we're just delaying the ultimate failure of this group. There has to be feelings of optimism to justify continuing on this path. Right now? The optimism is coming from the fact that the QB class is so strong in next years draft. That doesn't change if Mike Shanahan resigns. Nothing gets worse.

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;859546]I have no problem with the drafting they've done. In spite of that, I don't think it makes sense to let them pick a quarterback if 90% of that QB's career will be determined by a different coaching staff. It is so very hard to envision a scenario where Mike Shanahan is both the head coach of the Redskins through 2015 and a successful one.

Under normal circumstances, I don't think it's a good idea to bail on a coach after two years, but why let a lame duck coach draft a quarterback? If it wasn't before, it's now clear that Mike Shanahan isn't going to build a great team here. I'm just trying to figure out what everyone elses expectations for 2012 are that makes doing this dance again worth doing. The idea that we'll have a second year quarterback heading into 2013 while trying to find a head coach is horrifying enough. Knowing that Mike Shanahan just may pick that QB doesn't make it any easier to swallow.[/QUOTE]
I sorta understand what you are trying to say, but the flaw in it is the fact that shanahan isn't a lame duck coach. Fact is these two drafts appear to have as many players of promise as all of VCs combined.

You have to give Shanahan the opportunity to bring a young QB in for the purpose of this effort. Short of picking a major bust, our draft position and the quality of qbs coming out ought to be enough to give the next coach (ugh) a start if the worst case happens and the shanahans are gone after year 3.

I doubt they will be though.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859547]I don't want the if's, I just want an expectation. Like for example, if we're going to draft the right QB next year, are fans expecting us to be in the playoffs next year?

Maybe, maybe not? I just wanted that kind of opinion. 8 or 9 wins seems reasonable enough, but we're so very far from that level right now, I just don't know what kind of improvement we're expecting.[/quote]Optimistic: RG3 or Luck is somehow drafted. Licht returns fully healthy, J. Brown, Hank, Moss, Cooley, Davis, Hightower, Torain, OJA, LL, J. Jenkins all healthy. KS adapts gameplans to a rookie (albeit a very talented and intelligent rookie). Weak schedule. Yes, I'd expect 9-10 wins and challenging for playoffs.

Take of the B & G colored glasses....and that scenario could go high-and-wide pretty quick.

EDIT: We also get a good CB in FA.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

I don't think it's so cut and dry that it's "now clear Mike Shanahan won't build a great team here"

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859391]Do you think there is a trend towards moving in the direction away from big name free agents and towards draft selections? If you think there is progress in this direction, what do you make of the 2010 offseason w/McNabb, the coaching hires, the Haynesworth saga, the way Hall/Rogers/Landry were managed, the defensive moves?

I think I can tell which way you are leaning with your last paragraph, but do tell me, how much confidence do you have that come May 2012, this is actually the path we are on?[/quote]Yes, I believe that starting in 2011, more emphasis is being placed on the draft. In 2010, we had fewer choices, which limited how much could be accomplished after trading the 2nd round pick for McNabb. As for the Haynesworth mess, Snyder and Cerrato tried to get cute with the cap by pushing Al's huge $20M bonus to the uncapped 2010 year. I sense that Shanny tried to make it work by communicating with Haynesworth before that bonus was paid. In hindsight, Shanny probably should have cut Al sooner when it was apparent that he wasn't getting with the program. Regarding the DBs, Snyder and Cerrato tied Shanny's hands by giving Hall a big contract after less than half a season here. Rogers is clearly the better cover corner, and is finally holding onto the ball in SF, the change of scenery has been good for him. Landry should be re-signed, but not for Ed Reed money. We have decent tools defensively, but the offense is bereft, starting with the O-line and QB. It's time to stop neglecting those positions, and I believe they will be addressed early in the draft.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=Ruhskins;859507]I guess now it is a moot point, but with the way that Hank was going up in the air and attacking the ball, I don't know why they didn't throw a fade into the endzone and let Hank outjump the CBs. We could technically do the same with Davis, but he just doesn't attack the ball enough to beat the DBs.[/quote]

I was listening to the radio today and a comment was made that Hankerson although big and plays big never seems to get yards after the carry. He jumps for the ball fights for it whatever then falls to the ground. I agree with you on the fades. Maybe he turns out to be our possession WR. Which basically means we need a WR who is going to catch the ball in stride and get yards after the catch..... but thats assuming we have a QB who can deliver the ball to the WR in stride. lol.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GMScud;859552]Given the improvement of the defense this year when compared to last year, you'd think they'll get even better next season. Given that, if we draft the right QB next year, I think playoffs are a reasonable expectation. We've seen it enough times now in the NFL- rookie QBs can succeed (even with a lockout for pete's sake).

[B]Injuries are a big IF though. If that rookie QB is playing well and then loses his best RB, starting TE (who is a great run blocker), best WR, and 3/5 of his offensive line, are the playoffs a reasonable expectation? Not as much...[/B][/quote]Fair points, all of them.

So lets say that this last scenario happens and the Redskins go 6-10. Now what? Shanahan probably resigns after a 17-31 record, but what if he doesn't?

My thing is this: the answer should be simple. If he's the right guy for the job, nothing in terms of injuries and losing should change that between now and the end of 2012. But the Shanahan era has exceeded simple losing. It's just really ugly. The players [URL="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/barry-cofield-it-could-get-historically-ugly/2011/11/14/gIQAYcfULN_blog.html?wprss=football-insider"]don't even believe[/URL] anymore. The Redskins are no less dysfunctional now than they were under Cerrato. In light of this evidence, I'm not seeing a Shanahan super bowl in 2014...so long as we don't fire him first.

I don't think anyone else is seeing that either. But some talk as if it's a reasonable certainty we'll give away if we get impatient and fire him now.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=GTripp0012;859563]Fair points, all of them.

So lets say that this last scenario happens and the Redskins go 6-10. Now what? Shanahan probably resigns after a 17-31 record, but what if he doesn't?

My thing is this: the answer should be simple. If he's the right guy for the job, nothing in terms of injuries and losing should change that between now and the end of 2012. But the Shanahan era has exceeded simple losing. It's just really ugly. The players [URL="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/barry-cofield-it-could-get-historically-ugly/2011/11/14/gIQAYcfULN_blog.html?wprss=football-insider"]don't even believe[/URL] anymore. The Redskins are no less dysfunctional now than they were under Cerrato. In light of this evidence, I'm not seeing a Shanahan super bowl in 2014...so long as we don't fire him first.

[B]I don't think anyone else is seeing that either. But some talk as if it's a reasonable certainty we'll give away if we get impatient and fire him now.[/B][/quote]

I think our history with coaches under Snyder is the biggest factor in what has people apprehensive about cutting bait with Shanahan after just two seasons. It's the fear of "more of the same," even if letting Shanny walk is in fact the best call (I don't know if it is, but I'm starting to lean that way).

Any other team with a reasonable history as far as head coaches go... Shanny is on the hot seat big time. But we've done it the same way for 10+ years. Maybe we'll be patient to a fault this time around. Either way, we can't get out of our own way.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

[quote=SmootSmack;859559]I don't think it's so cut and dry that it's "now clear Mike Shanahan won't build a great team here"[/quote]I think it is cut and dry. Which is not to say that other opinions don't have merit. I could be totally jumping the gun here.

But, in my opinion, the future for Shanahan isn't a wait-and-see mystery any more. It's been 25 weeks of the same thing. I think we can go back to being the 2010 offense when we get a quarterback, but I think a successful offense is going to take fresh ideas, among an influx of talent.

The offense also needs a new vision. Since we have nothing built, I'd just pull the trigger now and start from scratch. That's just me though.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Dolphins)
 

I agree with Tripp about 2010, I mean might as well kept McNabb He's better than these bums