Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

Smootsmack is out, and I've been tabbed to fill in. Here goes:

[B]Receivers[/B]. Three of our five receivers dropped balls on critical third downs and, by my count, everyone but Devin Thomas dropped at least one catchable ball. This isn't rocket science, when the ball hits your hands, hold onto it.

[B]Offensive Line[/B]. As GTripp pointed out, you've got the "offensive" part down. The running lanes were clogged, you guys drew those pesky yellow flags, and you looked pathetic in pass protection. If your objective is to see Jason Campbell sent to the hospital, go out and buy that "Mission Accomplished" banner.

[B]Special Teams[/B]. Plack and Suishy. Sigh. It's too bad you won't be here in 2009, you both looked promising at points.

[B]Zorn[/B]. You have shown us a lot of potential, but I'm starting to get a little frustrated with the playcalling. I realize your players aren't executing, but this offense is starting to become very predictable and one-dimensional. Also, as a coach, it is indeed your job to see to it that the players are executing.

[B]Fans[/B]. You are the worst of the bunch. Your incessant whining is driving me nuts. Your lack of patience is laughable. Your inability to actually show up for games is driving me nuts. Moisture is not an excuse for failing to show up for a game. Oh how the mighty have fallen since the days of rocking the stands at RFK.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

I'll add Greg Blache to that list. After repeatedly getting burned by Eli on several blitz attempts, you keep blitzing. So aggravating.

As far as your comments about the fans' lack of patience- I tend to disagree a bit. Aside from the '99 Brad Johnson led team, we've basically had nothing (save for a few miraculous late season runs by Gibbs that ended early in the playoffs) since I was in the eighth grade (I'm 30 now). 2 playoffs victories in 16+ seasons doesn't exactly excite a lot of people.

My patience is thin with this organization overall. However, I am willing to allow Zorn some slack while he installs his stuff. I think we have a damn fine young QB, but our lackluster O-line needs a major, major overhaul.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

My comment re: the fans' lack of patience was in regards to Campbell. In any case, I should have said that I can't stand how fickle the fans have been.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

Nicely done! especially with the fans.
I would add that part of a recievers job description is to KNOW the first down marker is!!!!

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;506292]Smootsmack is out, and I've been tabbed to fill in. Here goes:

[B]Fans[/B]. You are the worst of the bunch. Your incessant whining is driving me nuts. Your lack of patience is laughable. Your inability to actually show up for games is driving me nuts. Moisture is not an excuse for failing to show up for a game. Oh how the mighty have fallen since the days of rocking the stands at RFK.[/quote]


I understand the sentiment, but don't think the fans should get called out. Even the ones ripping of their jerseys in disgust after every loss and screaming to start the wide-eyed rookie QB every year are the same people spending all the money that makes the team possible. Its the goddamn players and coaches getting paid millions of dollars to win ballgames that don't do their job that should get called out. Fans aren't getting rewarded with shit.... not money, not returned love and as of recent, not wins. Fans are getting shit on a little bit so you have to expect the masses to get ignorant (they get ignorant when we win, but its much more tolerable) and negative after several poor outings. I am kind of tired of all the excuses myself.

Throughout my life I've been apart of organizations and teams that were excellent at what they did, and apart of things that were pitiful, and the excuses get old. I sold cars... and I was a good salesman. I once took a job at a dealership that did things the complete wrong way. When I didn't sell a lot of cars, no one sat up at the front of the showroom on saturday mornings making excuses for me. That was my job. It was my name at the bottom of the sales board and my paycheck that suffered. My record has proven that I am an effective salesperson, but all I had was excuses. I would have been hard pressed to ask for anyone's patience or understanding and only offering up excuses for very long. Its the same with the Redskins, but we haven't been a "winning" franchise in years. Our record over the last decade is very similar to the Arizona Cardinals... and yet our franchise has remained one at the pinnacle of professional sports in terms of capital.

Oh, and by the way, most of the "rocking RFK" games you'll see were when we had a good team and were winning. Even FedEx has had some electric moments, but its not like people are gonna be going crazy, or even sticking around, when we put up 7 points at home in the freezing rain.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=EternalEnigma21;506381]I understand the sentiment, but don't think the fans should get called out. Even the ones ripping of their jerseys in disgust after every loss and screaming to start the wide-eyed rookie QB every year are the same people spending all the money that makes the team possible. Its the goddamn players and coaches getting paid millions of dollars to win ballgames that don't do their job that should get called out. Fans aren't getting rewarded with shit.... not money, not returned love and as of recent, not wins. Fans are getting shit on a little bit so you have to expect the masses to get ignorant (they get ignorant when we win, but its much more tolerable) and negative after several poor outings. I am kind of tired of all the excuses myself.

Throughout my life I've been apart of organizations and teams that were excellent at what they did, and apart of things that were pitiful, and the excuses get old. I sold cars... and I was a good salesman. I once took a job at a dealership that did things the complete wrong way. When I didn't sell a lot of cars, no one sat up at the front of the showroom on saturday mornings making excuses for me. That was my job. It was my name at the bottom of the sales board and my paycheck that suffered. My record has proven that I am an effective salesperson, but all I had was excuses. I would have been hard pressed to ask for anyone's patience or understanding and only offering up excuses for very long. Its the same with the Redskins, but we haven't been a "winning" franchise in years. Our record over the last decade is very similar to the Arizona Cardinals... and yet our franchise has remained one at the pinnacle of professional sports in terms of capital.

Oh, and by the way, most of the "rocking RFK" games you'll see were when we had a good team and were winning. Even FedEx has had some electric moments, but its not like people are gonna be going crazy, or even sticking around, when we put up 7 points at home in the freezing rain.[/quote]

I gotta side with SGG on this one. When you are 7-4, in the thick of the playoff hunt, and playing one of your all time hated rivals (who happens to be the best team in the league this year) you are obliged to show up for and sit through the first quarter. I mean, this was a one score game at halftime! I can guarantee you that in this situation RFK would have been nuts. Might not have helped but it would have at least made me feel a little more pride in the fanbase.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

Dynamite:

I understand why fans are frustrated with the team. I'm one of those frustrated fans. But, I don't think fan frustration is the reason why there are so many empty seats at FedEx. Attendance has been poor throughout the season, even when we looked dominant. I swear, there are FAR more empty seats at FedEx each year than there are at any other stadium. Moreover, the percentage of seats occupied by opponents' fans seems ridiculously high. We might be good at buying expensive merchandise and pricey box seats, but this fan base sucks when it comes to showing up to games and loudly cheering on the home team in good or bad conditions.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;506292]Smootsmack is out, and I've been tabbed to fill in. Here goes:

[B]Receivers[/B]. Three of our five receivers dropped balls on critical third downs and, by my count, everyone but Devin Thomas dropped at least one catchable ball. This isn't rocket science, when the ball hits your hands, hold onto it.

[B]Offensive Line[/B]. As GTripp pointed out, you've got the "offensive" part down. The running lanes were clogged, you guys drew those pesky yellow flags, and you looked pathetic in pass protection. If your objective is to see Jason Campbell sent to the hospital, go out and buy that "Mission Accomplished" banner.

[B]Special Teams[/B]. Plack and Suishy. Sigh. It's too bad you won't be here in 2009, you both looked promising at points.

[B]Zorn[/B]. You have shown us a lot of potential, but I'm starting to get a little frustrated with the playcalling. I realize your players aren't executing, but this offense is starting to become very predictable and one-dimensional. Also, as a coach, it is indeed your job to see to it that the players are executing.

[B]Fans[/B]. You are the worst of the bunch. Your incessant whining is driving me nuts. Your lack of patience is laughable. Your inability to actually show up for games is driving me nuts. Moisture is not an excuse for failing to show up for a game. Oh how the mighty have fallen since the days of rocking the stands at RFK.[/quote]

For me to only see 5 winning seasons in 15 years I think I have the right to be a little impatient at this point. I feel like I'm stuck in groundhog day or something. Teams are taking big strides to win or at least compete and I think we're a little over due and deserve more then a one and done like we've seen so many times as of late.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[B]Joe Bugel:[/B] You are a legend. But it's time for you to go.

I'm tired complaining about the poor execution of the Oline. I'm tired of watching your guys not finishing off their blocks. nicknaming those guys the Dirtbags is an insult to bags filled with dirt.
The best blocker on the team is Portis. The second best blocker is Sellers.

We are a joke on short yardage runs. The line does not blow anyone off the ball. All 5 guys are completely stuffed on EVERY SINGLE SHORT YARDAGE PLAY!

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=prinzeofmoval;506412]For me to only see 5 winning seasons in 15 years I think I have the right to be a little impatient at this point. I feel like I'm stuck in groundhog day or something. Teams are taking big strides to win or at least compete and I think we're a little over due and deserve more then a one and done like we've seen so many times as of late.[/quote]

Tell that to Bills fans. Or Chiefs fans. Or Packers fans who stick it out in the worst conditions. How about Browns fans who have been through hell and back. I guess it's just tough coming to terms with the fact that our fanbase is not in that elite group, especially given my passion, the passion of my family, and the passion that electrified our stadium not so long ago.

We have been to the playoffs twice in the last three years and are right in the thick of things this year. For people to not show up for a game of Sunday's magnitude because it was raining is shocking. We aren't the Patriots, OK, but we aren't the Bengals either. Our team is much more competitive than it was a few years ago and yet that doesn't seem reflected in the stadium.

This sense of entitlement that you demonstrate Prinze, while not uncommon among our fans, is ultimately self-defeating. It's costing us homefield advantage.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=djnemo65;506427]Tell that to Bills fans. Or Chiefs fans. Or Packers fans who stick it out in the worst conditions. How about Browns fans who have been through hell and back. I guess it's just tough coming to terms with the fact that our fanbase is not in that elite group, especially given my passion, the passion of my family, and the passion that electrified our stadium not so long ago.

We have been to the playoffs twice in the last three years and are right in the thick of things this year. For people to not show up for a game of Sunday's magnitude because it was raining is shocking. We aren't the Patriots, OK, but we aren't the Bengals either. Our team is much more competitive than it was a few years ago and yet that doesn't seem reflected in the stadium.

This sense of entitlement that you demonstrate Prinze, while not uncommon among our fans, is ultimately self-defeating. It's costing us homefield advantage.[/quote]

Thank you. I went to Lambeau Field twice in 2005 when the Packers went 4-12. I went in God awful conditions and the stadium was packed, the fans were out in full force, and the crowd noise was great. My question is, why can't a city like D.C., which is 10 times bigger than Green Bay, field a similar crowd?

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=djnemo65;506427]Tell that to Bills fans. Or Chiefs fans. Or Packers fans who stick it out in the worst conditions. How about Browns fans who have been through hell and back. I guess it's just tough coming to terms with the fact that our fanbase is not in that elite group, especially given my passion, the passion of my family, and the passion that electrified our stadium not so long ago.

We have been to the playoffs twice in the last three years and are right in the thick of things this year. For people to not show up for a game of Sunday's magnitude because it was raining is shocking. We aren't the Patriots, OK, but we aren't the Bengals either. Our team is much more competitive than it was a few years ago and yet that doesn't seem reflected in the stadium.

This sense of entitlement that you demonstrate Prinze, while not uncommon among our fans, is ultimately self-defeating. It's costing us homefield advantage.[/quote]

Actually i chalk it up to the game I'm what you can immune to the crap we deal out year after year. You wanna cry about fans come to LA where every fan shows up late and leave early. look i dont know what we're going through out there because i havent been to a game to see but when is it time? That we'll get them next year speech is no good over here with me. Thank god for my trojans.

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[B]Jim Zorn:[/B] I won't complain about the playcalling or the system. There is an adjustment time for you and the players.

But I have a problem with accountability of the players. If a guy is playing like crap, He needs to be benched.
It's obvious that players on the team arent worried about their roster spot.

If guys are going to drop passes and miss blocks, we might as well get young guys in there because anyone can drop a pass or miss a block.

Plankemeier needs to go. I don't think i've ever seen a punter as bad as he is.

Bring in someone to challenge Suisham. This is a pressure league and If he can't deal with it, He needs to go too.

I know it's hard to replace a linemen but they are playing like crap....

Smoot needs to see less time on the field.

Jason Taylor needs to be benched. Evans is flat out outplaying him, So is Wilson. Let's see what they can do.

Is Yoder doing anything? Why isn't davis getting more time? Get involved and make the defense atleast gameplan for him.

If Randle El is going drop balls, Put in Thrash or Thomas. Thrash isnt going to drop balls and Thomas atleast has the ability to make a play. A drop on third down is pretty much a turnover...
Also, What is being done to correct all the drops?

I love cooley but If he is going to continue to drop a ball every game, Bench him for a series or two. I know he is too talented to not play but you cant let those types of plays go unnoticed.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

I think our fan dissension, if you will, is a symptom of a few things:

1) Huge overall drop off in performance (W-L wise) since Gibbs retired the first time

2) Moving the stadium from a metro-accessible, downtown location to a harder to reach, crappy location.

3) The gigantic price hike on EVERYTHING Redskins related

4) Adding nearly 40,000 seats to the new stadium as compared to RFK

I could probably ramble on, and I don't offer any of these things as excuses, just possible reasons. I love the Warpath, but overall our fanbase is kinda soft.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=jamf;506418]We are a joke on short yardage runs. The line does not blow anyone off the ball. All 5 guys are completely stuffed on EVERY SINGLE SHORT YARDAGE PLAY![/quote]Last year, this was a problem. This year, we rank in the [B]top five in the NFL[/B] in value on short yardage runs.

[url=http://footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol]FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Football analysis and NFL stats for the Moneyball era - Authors of Pro Football Prospectus 2008[/url]

So, I would recommend you tune in to this year's team on Sunday's because Portis has been pretty darn impressive in short yardage this year.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

What do you think the problem is Gtripp? Is it Zorn's playcalling/schemes? Or it is JC/line/receivers?

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=hooskins;506466]What do you think the problem is Gtripp? Is it Zorn's playcalling/schemes? Or it is JC/line/receivers?[/quote]I'm only a quarter away through the breakdown, but let me say that Zorn understands the game of football in a way that I could only dream of. If you stop him on one drive, he dials up something to beat you on the next drive. I think he could have used the conditions to his advantage much better, but overall, having Zorn calling plays is anywhere between a break even proposition and a huge advantage depending on perspective. His game management skills are iffy, but his understanding of NFL defenses probably exceeds Joe Gibbs.

Enemy number one is the inconsistency and unreliability of the receivers. In the first quarter, the OL was not an issue, in fact Campbell has not been pressured yet. The conditions are helping the OL for sure, but they are doing a good job in blitz pickup.

Campbell hasn't made any mistakes yet, but I'm confident that will change as the game goes along.

So, expect to see a mix between OL, WR, and QB play at the end of the day that kills the Redskins, but I'll have to get there first.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

Well I am glad someone was impressed with Sundays run blocking performance.

I love the link. I'm not being sarcastic, I love statistics but are they that significant in this case?


The second, third and fourth best rushing teams( yards per game ) aren't ranked in the top 5. Atleast they got the Giants correct.

I'm not sure Denver has the best running line the league since they aren't ranked in the Top 15 in the league in yards but with the way they turn out RBs it's hard to argue against them.

I know there are other variables involved with their calculations but you can't tell me our short yardage blocking is as dominant as the stats say they are.

If you look at my post again, I said that the 5 guys on the line are stuffed, Basically stood up at the line on short yardage plays. I wasn't questioning Portis' ability to pick up the yardage. Offensive linemen are supposed to blow people off the ball on running plays, but that's not happening.

The article you posted also says:
[quote]A team with a very good running back will appear higher no matter how bad their line, and a team with a great line with appear lower if the running back is terrible.[/quote]

I think it's safe to say Portis is a very good back...

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=jamf;506474]Well I am glad someone was impressed with Sundays run blocking performance.

I love the link. I'm not being sarcastic, I love statistics but are they that significant in this case?


The second, third and fourth best rushing teams( yards per game ) aren't ranked in the top 5. Atleast they got the Giants correct.

I'm not sure Denver has the best running line the league since they aren't ranked in the Top 15 in the league in yards but with the way they turn out RBs it's hard to argue against them.

I know there are other variables involved with their calculations but you can't tell me our short yardage blocking is as dominant as the stats say they are.

If you look at my post again, I said that the 5 guys on the line are stuffed, Basically stood up at the line on short yardage plays. I wasn't questioning Portis' ability to pick up the yardage. Offensive linemen are supposed to blow people off the ball on running plays, but that's not happening.

The article you posted also says:


I think it's safe to say Portis is a very good back...[/quote]All of the above is true. Just saying it's a rarity that we get stopped in short yardage this year.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

Shawn Springs: you have done nothing for this team this year except getting injured and tackling teamates who have sure interceptions. I am confident you [B]will[/B] be gone next season.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

Thanks for filling in while I was away SGG

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=vallin21;506500]Shawn Springs: you have done nothing for this team this year except getting injured and tackling teamates who have sure interceptions. I am confident you [B]will[/B] be gone next season.[/quote]

I gotta agree with you there that he'll be gone next season. That play in the NY game was some of the worst judgment from a veteran DB I've seen in a while. I honestly thought SS was coming over to block for DH, and I'm pretty sure DH thought the same thing until the ball was knocked away from him and he was getting up off the ground. It's almost as if Springs was jealous he lost his spot and was trying to steal Hall's light away. Dumb, disappointing move, and I think that particular play helped suck a little more life out of us during the game. He had to of seen him, there's just no excuse.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=vallin21;506500]Shawn Springs: you have done nothing for this team this year except getting injured and tackling teamates who have sure interceptions. I am confident you [B]will[/B] be gone next season.[/quote]

Aside from the game saving INT against Seattle that covered Betts' ass when he fumbled. If not for that pick we may have lost 4 in a row instead of 3 outta 4... Plus he was outstanding in our road win vs. Dallas.

I agree he'll be gone next year, but I'll give props where they're due. And yes, as far as injuries he's a cupcake for sure.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=GTripp0012;506473]I'm only a quarter away through the breakdown, but let me say that Zorn understands the game of football in a way that I could only dream of. If you stop him on one drive, he dials up something to beat you on the next drive. I think he could have used the conditions to his advantage much better, but overall, having Zorn calling plays is anywhere between a break even proposition and a huge advantage depending on perspective. His game management skills are iffy, but his understanding of NFL defenses probably exceeds Joe Gibbs.

Enemy number one is the inconsistency and unreliability of the receivers. In the first quarter, the OL was not an issue, in fact Campbell has not been pressured yet. The conditions are helping the OL for sure, but they are doing a good job in blitz pickup.

Campbell hasn't made any mistakes yet, but I'm confident that will change as the game goes along.

So, expect to see a mix between OL, WR, and QB play at the end of the day that kills the Redskins, but I'll have to get there first.[/quote]

Alright man, just wondering what your perspective was. Pretty much what I thought, the blame isn't mainly Zorn or Campbell.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;506292]Smootsmack is out, and I've been tabbed to fill in. Here goes:

[B]Receivers[/B]. Three of our five receivers dropped balls on critical third downs and, by my count, everyone but Devin Thomas dropped at least one catchable ball. This isn't rocket science, when the ball hits your hands, hold onto it.

[B]Offensive Line[/B]. As GTripp pointed out, you've got the "offensive" part down. The running lanes were clogged, you guys drew those pesky yellow flags, and you looked pathetic in pass protection. If your objective is to see Jason Campbell sent to the hospital, go out and buy that "Mission Accomplished" banner.

[B]Special Teams[/B]. Plack and Suishy. Sigh. It's too bad you won't be here in 2009, you both looked promising at points.

[B]Zorn[/B]. You have shown us a lot of potential, but I'm starting to get a little frustrated with the playcalling. I realize your players aren't executing, but this offense is starting to become very predictable and one-dimensional. Also, as a coach, it is indeed your job to see to it that the players are executing.

[B]Fans[/B]. You are the worst of the bunch. Your incessant whining is driving me nuts. Your lack of patience is laughable. Your inability to actually show up for games is driving me nuts. Moisture is not an excuse for failing to show up for a game. Oh how the mighty have fallen since the days of rocking the stands at RFK.[/quote]

I really like your writeup except in one area. Yes, I have problems with Zorn's OC playcalling. HOWEVER, this is his rookie year. As you pointed out - people are dropping balls, JC missed open WR, the OL is getting outplayed more each game. Zorn inherited this team and I think is doing well with what he has. I consider him a real success story. Let's give the guy a chance and time to build a team. He's doing very well as a rookie coach.

I second the fans thing. Empty seats, lack of fan noise once we start to get behind; a lack of appreciation for a team that is winning more than losing. Whinners!

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[quote=vallin21;506500]Shawn Springs: you have done nothing for this team this year except getting injured and tackling teamates who have sure interceptions. I am confident you [B]will[/B] be gone next season.[/quote]

Shawn Springs has made $7 mill this season. We got to be happy about that.

NOT! Time for him to go. We have a new replacement who can actually catch INT.

Re: Smoot Lays the Smack Down
 

[quote=A10sROCK;506702]Shawn Springs has made $7 mill this season. We got to be happy about that.

NOT! Time for him to go. We have a new replacement who can actually catch INT.[/quote]


wow... i always still see that...

NOT. :)