Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

I was having this discussion with some friends earlier.. Make an argument that the Redskins aren't the most balanced team with the least number of question marks going into training camp. Here's my case:
Offense-Brunell is the popular punching bag, but when healthy he was very effective in '05. WR corp was upgraded, line is the best in the division, Portis is proven.

Defense-Ryan Clark and Renaldo Wynn are the only every down starters replaced because Arrington was taken out on 3rd downs and Carter/Archuleta are clear upgrades. The only true question mark is McIntosh at WLB since he is a rookie.

Cowboys question marks-OL, RB health, TO (off field questions aside, he's only played in 16 games once since '99), secondary

Eagle question marks-WR!!!, OL health, secondary, OLB

Giants question marks-QB consistency, secondary, WR consistency

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

skins: WLB, QB, OL depth...

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

defense wins championships.and the skins do have that.if our line plays above average,and keeps brunell on his feet,the sky is the limit.hell,the ravens won a super bowl with trent freakin dilfer

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=dmek25]defense wins championships.and the skins do have that.if our line plays above average,and keeps brunell on his feet,the sky is the limit.hell,the ravens won a super bowl with trent freakin dilfer[/quote]

yeah, but that's the exception, and that D was apenuts out of its mind that year.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

yeah but ill tell u what with the amount of time our guys have been together and bringing in younger unselfish talented players like mcintosh look out for this defense to be one of the best in the league.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[QUOTE]the ravens won a super bowl with trent freakin dilfer[/QUOTE]

Pretty much enough said right there.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

I would argue that the G-men and the skins are pretty close in terms of overall balance. Brunell when healthy could lead us deap. that pretty much sums up any weakness in the offense. the defense, losing arrington may hurt, but I believe we have enough talent at LB to fill the need. Whether its a veteran stepping in(holdman, clemens, mccune) or McIntosh. the Giants have everyone back with some big upgrades on D. LaVar coming in with pierce and signing Brandon Short as a backup. plus they signed Will Demps, RW McQuarter, Sam Madison, I think they made HUGE strides on that side of the ball. and when healthy last year, the D was pretty damn good. I dont think TO signing is going to be that good, but Dallas did lose 3 or more games by a field goal and they signed Vanderjack so that gives them instant credit in terms of special teams. The Eagles will be pretty good. Donavan healthy, Westbrook healthy will make average receivers look good. plus the TE LJ Smith will be better this year. the D always plays good. Overall, I would have to give the balance edge to...................... THE SKINS!!!! of course.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[QUOTE=#56fanatic]I would argue that the G-men and the skins are pretty close in terms of overall balance . . . the Giants have everyone back with some big upgrades on D. LaVar coming in with pierce and signing Brandon Short as a backup. plus they signed Will Demps, [B]RW McQuarter, Sam Madison[/B], I think they made HUGE strides on that side of the ball.[/QUOTE]

I don't know, it seems like I've been hearing about those guys for YEARS. McQuarters and Madison might be upgrades over what they had, but really, it reminds me of us signing Stanley Richard and Mark Carrier -- guys who were good in their day, but their tanks are about a quarter full if that.

I'll give the Giants a big advantage at quarterback. As much as I would enjoy witnessing it, I just don't see Eli Manning taking a step [I]back[/I]. He's only going to get better folks.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

I agree coming in year three as quarterback look for him to be alot more comfortable back there, they also now how a similar playmaker to santana moss because its his brother sinorice, now i dont feel that he will come right out and make an impact but just his speed should draw defenses to play a little softer and he is a definant complimant to plaxico burress.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Paintrain]I was having this discussion with some friends earlier.. Make an argument that the Redskins aren't the most balanced team with the least number of question marks going into training camp. Here's my case:
Offense-Brunell is the popular punching bag, but when healthy he was very effective in '05. WR corp was upgraded, line is the best in the division, Portis is proven.

Defense-Ryan Clark and Renaldo Wynn are the only every down starters replaced because Arrington was taken out on 3rd downs and Carter/Archuleta are clear upgrades. The only true question mark is McIntosh at WLB since he is a rookie.

Cowboys question marks-OL, RB health, TO (off field questions aside, he's only played in 16 games once since '99), secondary

Eagle question marks-WR!!!, OL health, secondary, OLB

Giants question marks-QB consistency, secondary, WR consistency[/quote]The Skins are easily the most balanced team in the league. That alone will not net a championship, but it's a good place to start.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=GTripp0012]The Skins are easily the most balanced team in the league. That alone will not net a championship, but it's a good place to start.[/quote]

broncos, colts, steelers, seahawks.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

I think we certainly have the pieces in place to make a deep run into the playoffs. Our D should continue to be outstanding. If the O-line can keep Brunell upright and healthy (or if Campbell steps it up in camp and lives up to his potential) we should - with our improved receiver corps - have enough of a passing game to keep some holes open for Portis.

Our biggest vulnerabilities, I think, will be whether Brunell can get through the season at a high level of productivity (or whether Campbell can step in for him if needed) and the risk of injury on the O-line, where we are a little shallow.

That said, I do think we have good balance. On paper, I'd say the Skins are among a half dozen to eight teams that are serious contenders. Which two make it will depend on which ones catch that elusive "lightning in a bottle" that no one can predict.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

I think our biggest problem (but very close to QB) is DB. We have no depth. One injury and we have Ade Jimoh single covering Terry Glenn. That's not good news for us.

Also, I'm not convinced Archeletta is an upgrade over Ryan Clark. Clark certainly wasn't an all-star but he was a VERY VERY solid safety who the players loved. He made some really big plays and rarely blew one. ASrcheletta is going to rock people up, but hes going to be a bigger liability in coverage (not something we can afford right now) and lets see if he can go a season without getting 5 concussions.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Daseal]I think our biggest problem (but very close to QB) is DB. We have no depth. One injury and we have Ade Jimoh single covering Terry Glenn. That's not good news for us. [/quote]We have Kenny Wright now, so 2 injuries.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Daseal]I think our biggest problem (but very close to QB) is DB. We have no depth. One injury and we have Ade Jimoh single covering Terry Glenn. That's not good news for us.

Also, I'm not convinced Archeletta is an upgrade over Ryan Clark. Clark certainly wasn't an all-star but he was a VERY VERY solid safety who the players loved. He made some really big plays and rarely blew one. ASrcheletta is going to rock people up, but hes going to be a bigger liability in coverage (not something we can afford right now) and lets see if he can go a season without getting 5 concussions.[/quote]

Arch is a ton better than Clark. More physical, better tackler, faster, and probably the most fit player in the NFL. And clark stunk at coverage. Arch strength insn't his cover skills, but they are better than clarks. Plus he wont get run over in OT when the game is on the line.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

My question is who has a better coaching staff in the East??

That's probably good for an additional 2-3 wins at least.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Mattyk72]My question is who has a better coaching staff in the East??

That's probably good for an additional 2-3 wins at least.[/quote]

who has a better staff in the nfl?

that's really hard to argue against.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

interesting questions...

if eli manning takes it up a notch we may be 2nd behind them. i don't like bledsoe. i think the eagles will bounce back a bit but not to their NFC championship days...

it'll be a hell of a tough year.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Beemnseven]I don't know, it seems like I've been hearing about those guys for YEARS. McQuarters and Madison might be upgrades over what they had, but really, it reminds me of us signing Stanley Richard and Mark Carrier -- guys who were good in their day, but their tanks are about a quarter full if that.

I'll give the Giants a big advantage at quarterback. As much as I would enjoy witnessing it, I just don't see Eli Manning taking a step [I]back[/I]. He's only going to get better folks.[/quote]

I posted something akin to this in another thread about the G men. I said they remind me of a less flashy version of us in 2000. If healthy all those guys can contribute a lot, perhaps they amount to an overall upgrade, but its not like Madison & McQuarters are shut down guys at this point, as you note there best years are behind them. If we can protect brunell against the giants, we can burn them in the air. And I do believe we'll give it to CP off tackle in lavar's direction, he's never been good taking blocks straight on.
I would say the Cowboys have the D we need to worry most about. They've got some young developing talent & if they get one of those guys to play free safety well, there d backfield is solid.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

Our defense hinges on the ability of Springs staying healthy.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

exoffender ill burn you in madden

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

Forget balance for a second, the schedule may help out the Skins in reference to the Giants. The Giants have Indy at home in week 1 followed by road trips to Philly and then Seattle, before a very early BYE in Week 4. When they face the Skins at home in Week 5, they could potentially be 0-3 or 1-2 very early. The Giants scare me more than the Cowboys in terms of balance, but they have to play that 1st place schedule, which is sweet revenge considering that they never could have won the division IMO without having 9 home games and only 7 road games last year. They exited early in the playoffs, (before the Skins) but get the tougher schedule this year.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Paintrain]I was having this discussion with some friends earlier.. Make an argument that the Redskins aren't the most balanced team with the least number of question marks going into training camp. Here's my case:
Offense-Brunell is the popular punching bag, but when healthy he was very effective in '05. WR corp was upgraded, line is the best in the division, Portis is proven.

Defense-Ryan Clark and Renaldo Wynn are the only every down starters replaced because Arrington was taken out on 3rd downs and Carter/Archuleta are clear upgrades. The only true question mark is McIntosh at WLB since he is a rookie.

Cowboys question marks-OL, RB health, TO (off field questions aside, he's only played in 16 games once since '99), secondary

Eagle question marks-WR!!!, OL health, secondary, OLB

Giants question marks-QB consistency, secondary, WR consistency[/quote]The point about TO only playing in 16 games once since 99 is very very weak argument. I just hope our WR can be as injury prone as him.

year Games Yards TD's
2000 14 1451 13
2001 16 1412 16
2002 14 1300 13
2003 15 1102 9
2004 14 1200 14

He's missed 7 games out of 80 thats pretty good for as much playing times he gets and the hits he takes. I did not enclude 2005 for obvious reasons.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=firstdown]The point about TO only playing in 16 games once since 99 is very very weak argument. I just hope our WR can be as injury prone as him.

year Games Yards TD's
2000 14 1451 13
2001 16 1412 16
2002 14 1300 13
2003 15 1102 9
2004 14 1200 14

He's missed 7 games out of 80 thats pretty good for as much playing times he gets and the hits he takes. I did not enclude 2005 for obvious reasons.[/quote]

Yeah, I hate T.O., but he is going to be good for 5-8 catches and 75-150 yards every game and 1-3 TDs. The question for the Cowboys will be how to keep Bledsoe upright long enough for T.O. to get some balls.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=scowan]Forget balance for a second, the schedule may help out the Skins in reference to the Giants. The Giants have Indy at home in week 1 followed by road trips to Philly and then Seattle, before a very early BYE in Week 4. When they face the Skins at home in Week 5, they could potentially be 0-3 or 1-2 very early. The Giants scare me more than the Cowboys in terms of balance, but they have to play that 1st place schedule, which is sweet revenge considering that they never could have won the division IMO without having 9 home games and only 7 road games last year. They exited early in the playoffs, (before the Skins) but get the tougher schedule this year.[/quote]I don't think NO would have beat the Giants if they got to play the game at home. I don't think that it made that much of a difference. Theirs not much of a difference in our schedule and the Giants. The only difference is they play Seahawks (tough team) Chicago(its hard to tell with them). We have to play Rams (we should win) and Vikes (we should win) but both teams could be very tough. All else is the same.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[QUOTE=freddyg12]If we can protect brunell against the giants, we can burn them in the air.[/QUOTE]

In addition to quarterback, I'd have to give the Giants the edge on pass rush. You have to wonder though, this is Michael Strahan's [B]14th year[/B]. At some point, we have to bestow the "Gramps" title on him, don't you think? He still had 11.5 sacks last year. Then they've got 4th year man Osi Umenyiora who's a nice complement at the other end. Plus they drafted for the future with Boston College's Mathius Kiwanuka.

On paper at least, our pass rush improved with the addition of Andre Carter. And if Philip Daniels can recreate the fire he had against Dallas in the second game last season, it could be quite a tandem at DE for the Skins -- though still a notch or two down from the G-men.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]My question is who has a better coaching staff in the East??

That's probably good for an additional 2-3 wins at least.[/QUOTE]
According to ESPN Bill Parcells invented coaching and the sport of football so he by himself must be better than our entire staff.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

Questions on the Skins ........

1) OL...very suspect

2) QB...age , health ,ability

3)Kicking game ....? both punting and Kickoffs and returns .

4)New coaching ,how will team react to new OC ?

5) DB's ...health

6) DE's ???

....but as every team has done at least on paper it'seems that the Skins have improved some .

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Mattyk72]My question is who has a better coaching staff in the East??

That's probably good for an additional 2-3 wins at least.[/quote]

Better or higher paid ?Results are what matter .

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Giantone]Questions on the Skins ........

1) OL...very suspect

2) QB...age , health ,ability

3)Kicking game ....? both punting and Kickoffs and returns .

4)New coaching ,how will team react to new OC ?

5) DB's ...health

6) DE's ???

....but as every team has done at least on paper it'seems that the Skins have improved some .[/quote]



OL will hold, we got 1 or 2 years left outta Brunell, working on kicking game and are returns are fine now becasue we have Thrash and Randel El, DBS- Spring will be questionable but i think he will hold up along w/ rodgers, and DE's are improvong

And don't question our OL: THE Randy Thomas and NO thumbed Janson are superb

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Giantone]Better or higher paid ?Results are what matter .[/quote]

If getting humiliated in the playoffs on your home field are the results you are looking for, give me the higher paid.

Honestly, if the G-men hadn't had 9 home games the division banner would be flying over Fed-Ex.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Giantone]Questions on the Skins ........

1) OL...very suspect

2) QB...age , health ,ability

3)Kicking game ....? both punting and Kickoffs and returns .

4)New coaching ,how will team react to new OC ?

5) DB's ...health

6) DE's ???

....but as every team has done at least on paper it'seems that the Skins have improved some .[/quote]

Just one gripe here, the OL is far from being "very suspect".

Samuels was a Pro Bowler last year, and Thomas and Jansen are two of the more underrated lineman in the league who perform at Pro Bowl levels but never get the cred they deserve. Rabach and Dockery are both solid as well. This was a line that helped crank out a 1500 yard rusher and helped produce a 1400+ yard WR.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=That Guy]broncos, colts, steelers, seahawks.[/quote]

agree with everyone except the colts. W/o edge they have a HUGE Question mark[SIZE=7]?[/SIZE]

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=mcalderone10]agree with everyone except the colts. W/o edge they have a HUGE Question mark[SIZE=7]?[/SIZE][/quote]Obviously I don't agree with any of them or I wouldn't have made the statement. The Broncos have Stars and holes. Little in between. Thats not balance. The Steelers are without offensive identity right now, which is important. I do believe that they will finish the best of the 4 teams listed. Mcalderone said it best about the Colts. Also the defense is a question mark whenever it plays good O's. It needs to generate turnovers for that team to be successful. The seahawks have yet to prove that their D can get it done. That playoff D did well, but they were playing the beat up Skins and one dimensional Panthers. So I don't think they are more balanced than us, but rather a close 2nd.

All teams have weaknesses, some more than others, but if you have balance, you can always rely on another part of your game to make up for injuries, drops in production and other unforseen events.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Giantone]Questions on the Skins ........

1) OL...very suspect

2) QB...age , health ,ability

3)Kicking game ....? both punting and Kickoffs and returns .

4)New coaching ,how will team react to new OC ?

5) DB's ...health

6) DE's ???

....but as every team has done at least on paper it'seems that the Skins have improved some .[/quote]

I don't understand #3.. normally Both = 2, correct? but then lists Punting AND Kickoffs AND Returns I count 3 things there.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Giantone]Questions on the Skins ........

1) OL...very suspect

2) QB...age , health ,ability

3)Kicking game ....? both punting and Kickoffs and returns .

4)New coaching ,how will team react to new OC ?

5) DB's ...health

6) DE's ???

....but as every team has done at least on paper it'seems that the Skins have improved some .[/quote]

what are you talking about? our O line is in no way suspect, especially compared to the rest of the NFC east. our coverage was crazy last year and our return game wasn't bad with below average returners (ie, not Randle-El).

our DEs were solid last year and didn't hurt the team (even if they didn't have much pass rush), and both of last years starters are returning (though one will be a backup now), so i wouldn't list that as a question mark either.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[QUOTE=dmek25]defense wins championships.[/QUOTE]

I'm not picking on your personally dmek, but DAMN I'm sick of hearing that. FOOTBALL TEAMS win FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Defenses don't win championships. Just try leaving your offense and special teams at home and see how well the defense wins the championship.

Argh. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine. Had to vent.

/rant

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Giantone]Better or higher paid ?Results are what matter .[/quote]

UH, has Coughlin won 3 bowls? Dont even put him in the same catagory. Our D coach has coached in a super bowl. Our O-Coordinator has won a super bowl. So, I believe we have the best coaching staff in the NFL. I may be a little crazy, but there are a lot of big silver footballs walking around Redskin park and a lot of big diamond rings! So get out of here with the over paid crap.

Go buy a #55 jersey and a #58 jersey.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[QUOTE=mheisig]I'm not picking on your personally dmek, but DAMN I'm sick of hearing that. FOOTBALL TEAMS win FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Defenses don't win championships. Just try leaving your offense and special teams at home and see how well the defense wins the championship.

Argh. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine. Had to vent.

/rant[/QUOTE]

You are absolutely correct. What did our #1 ranked defense get us in 2004? Answer -- a 6-10 record. That should settle the debate once and for all.

Re: Redskins most balanced team in NFC East?
 

[quote=Beemnseven]You are absolutely correct. What did our #1 ranked defense get us in 2004? Answer -- a 6-10 record. That should settle the debate once and for all.[/quote]

It really isnt a debate, of course you need good offense and special teams, but its more of a saying. But you guys cant sit here and say defense is not the most important. You cant just keep on slinging on the offensive side and hope to outscore your opponent, look at KC. Basically you can win a championship with a great defense, good special teams, and a weak offense, but you CANT win a championship with a great offense, good special teams, and a weak defense. If you have a defense that can create pressure and turnovers, it can put a bad offensive unit in an easier position to score. There are always extremes in this "debate", but on the whole you have to accept defense is a very important element of the team, if not the MOST important element. The saying is cliche, and I do not take it just at facevalue, but it does carry an element of truth. You def need special teams and the offensive to show up, and a good defense will complement them.