Blache Excited About Returning
 

Here's the link to JLC's newest article about Blache returning next year:

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/12/blache_enthused_about_returnin.html]Blache Enthused about Returning - Redskins Insider[/url]

So I think that says he isn't retiring. Are we all sure he is definitely 100% he will be back? I have no reason to think otherwise. Thoughts?

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

Good news. I'm glad Greg is returning if that is the case, as it appears to be. The D has been solid this season.

[url=http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Blache_Willing_to_Return_For_Another_Season_29945.jsp]Blache Willing to Return For Another Season[/url]

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

As how good news it is; it means we definitely need to either sign or draft a good DT, in order to get the D-line to be productive such as collapsing pockets and get sacks (IMO)

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

Yeah there seems to be no reason to think otherwise. He's a straight shooter:

[QUOTE]"And honestly, to be quite candid, this time of year is never a good time of year to make a decision, when you're tired," Blache said. "And that's what I did last year, I made a decision when I was tired. It's better for me to wait until I'm not, but right now, yeah, I'm up for it. I mean, it's been fun. Quite candidly, it's been fun. If I have this same quality of people to work with, it's easy to come to work every day."[/QUOTE]

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

I'm happy to hear it. Maybe we are actually going to build on what we have for a change! I have a feeling next year will be great for the Skins!!!

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=44ever;515340]I'm happy to hear it. Maybe we are actually going to build on what we have for a change! [B]I have a feeling next year will be great for the Skins!!![/B][/quote]

Right there with you 44!

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

Surprised to hear it, but it could be a good thing.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

Currently betting on Vinny drafting a corner with our first pick.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;515354]Currently betting on Vinny drafting a corner with our first pick.[/quote]

Should have taken a corner last year, thankfully Hall has fallen into our laps. I'd have been in heaven if we got Cason last year.

This year? No cornerbacks in the draft really impress me

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=SmootSmack;515356]Should have taken a corner last year, thankfully Hall has fallen into our laps. I'd have been in heaven if we got Cason last year.

This year? No cornerbacks in the draft really impress me[/quote]

I'm hoping the front office agrees with you. Actually my real guess is the team will focus on LB's, RT's, and DT's. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if their first pick was a LB but I would still prefer a DT, unless of course a guy like Rey Meluga falls to us.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

I'm thinking we're best off with the same DL we currently have. Yeah, this group needs some youth. But we make them play very strict gap schemes against the run and the pass, so adding more talent to that, considering how talented they are already, seems like a waste of resources.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;515354]Currently betting on Vinny drafting a corner with our first pick.[/quote]

Don't be suprised if they look for a running back high this year. Call it a hunch.

I also had a hunch about them taking Malcolm Kelly after they picked Devin Thomas.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=Beemnseven;515377]Don't be suprised if they look for a running back high this year. Call it a hunch.

I also had a hunch about them taking Malcolm Kelly after they picked Devin Thomas.[/quote]


HA!!! Don't make me laugh I predicted they would take Laron Landry back in 2007!!!!!!!!.......alright fine I lobbied for him and they happened to take him.....sad face :(.

In the meantime I'm hoping that they do address some of their needs in free agency particularly OLB and RT. As that would give them a little more freedom to go with BPA during the draft.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

Good to hear that Blache will be coming back. I hope we get him a pass rusher or two.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

They will pick the best available for there first pick. So if there is a good TE or WR available we got to go for them. We don't really need any line help. :smashfrea

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=SmootSmack;515356]Should have taken a corner last year, thankfully Hall has fallen into our laps. I'd have been in heaven if we got Cason last year.

This year? No cornerbacks in the draft really impress me[/quote]

ya dante hall what a lucky situation hope they keep him.he is our best corner right now

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=redskinjim;515454]ya dante hall what a lucky situation hope they keep him.he is our best corner right now[/quote]

I think they need to do what they can to keep that starting 4 (including Rogers not Springs as starting CB) together in the secondary. If anything they're the main reason our team has been able to define convention and have a top 5 defense while lacking a pass rush.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=GTripp0012;515375]I'm thinking we're best off with the same DL we currently have. Yeah, this group needs some youth. But we make them play very strict gap schemes against the run and the pass, so adding more talent to that, considering how talented they are already, seems like a waste of resources.[/quote]

I'd like a little infusion of youth on the exterior. Even if Buzbee comes back healthy he's just the White Phillip Daniels...meaning he's a solid player who probably does better against the run than the pass for a DE, but he's not a playmaker in the Dexter Manley mode. Not that Connor Barwin, the guy I'm targeting in the 3rd round, is either actually.

But you know me, I've for the past several weeks said that more than anything I just want this line to consistently play together and I think they'll naturally improve.

For me we need the most change on the interior of the offensive line and at LB (props to EternalEnigma for seeing that need long before many of the rest of us did).

As for Beem's hunch, yeah I think a running back/returner will probably be our 4th pick (maybe 3rd) this draft.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

Top 10 defense... Yeah... I'll say he SHOULD stay home...

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=Beemnseven;515377]Don't be suprised if they look for a running back high this year. Call it a hunch.

I also had a hunch about them taking Malcolm Kelly after they picked Devin Thomas.[/quote]

If we drafted Moreno with the first i wouldn't complain. Nothing against Betts but i would love to have a dynamic back like Moreno to split carries w/ Portis thus keeping Portis form being worn down. Moreno could also help w/ the return game.

Imagine a Portis & Moreno 1-2 punch.
Hey its the holidays i can wish right?

Oh, about the D-Line i wish we saw enough of Wilson and Jackson to know if they are/ could be good pass rush specialist types. I always thought Wilson showed flashes but he never gets that many snaps.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=GTripp0012;515375]I'm thinking we're best off with the same DL we currently have. Yeah, this group needs some youth. [B]But we make them play very strict gap schemes against the run and the pass, so adding more talent to that, considering how talented they are already, seems like a waste of resources.[/B][/quote]

I likey the analysis here. For one thing our needs at OL and OLB seem to far outweigh DT, so hearing that a big infusion of talent on the d-line probably wouldn't make the group significantly better gives me a little piece of mind. IMO a big infusion of talent along the o-line will make this offense significantly better. Studs at C and RT especially will solidify the rushing and go a long way in developing JC and his young WR corp. OLB is a need too. I really, really hope we keep Marcus but I also know we need some real talent behind him when he inevitably sits out a few games.

... I will be pissed if we don't draft a stud C or RT in the 1st. OLB in the 3rd makes sense because the guy can learn behind Marcus for a while and be ready to make an impact down the road (any talented OLB we acquire through FA will probably want to start right away). Realistically I see us drafting 2 o-lineman, an OLB and a RB. I think we bring in another starter for the o-line from FA cause only the 1st rounder will start.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=SmootSmack;515467]I'd like a little infusion of youth on the exterior. Even if Buzbee comes back healthy he's just the White Phillip Daniels...meaning he's a solid player who probably does better against the run than the pass for a DE, but he's not a playmaker in the Dexter Manley mode. Not that Connor Barwin, the guy I'm targeting in the 3rd round, is either actually.

But you know me, I've for the past several weeks said that more than anything I just want this line to consistently play together and I think they'll naturally improve.

For me we need the most change on the interior of the offensive line and at LB (props to EternalEnigma for seeing that need long before many of the rest of us did).

As for Beem's hunch, yeah I think a running back/returner will probably be our 4th pick (maybe 3rd) this draft.[/quote]I would definately not argue with any sort of additional youth at the end position, but I'm just looking at it as a potential investment in our future. I think that, pound for pound, our DL right now is one of the better ones in the league, and they figure to be so again next year.

We don't have many weaknesses in general on defense. I'd like to see more production out of our WLB, but I'm not totally against the fact that Rocky could still give it to us. We're not as deep in the secondary as we should be with all the draft picks we have spent there, but that's due to some really crazy circumstances.

I'd really love a superstar LB in the first round, but the offensive line needs the youth infusion so desperately.

This team has surprisingly few glaring holes for a team that lost 7 games.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=30gut;515495]If we drafted Moreno with the first i wouldn't complain. Nothing against Betts but i would love to have a dynamic back like Moreno to split carries w/ Portis thus keeping Portis form being worn down. Moreno could also help w/ the return game.

Imagine a Portis & Moreno 1-2 punch.
Hey its the holidays i can wish right?

Oh, about the D-Line i wish we saw enough of Wilson and Jackson to know if they are/ could be good pass rush specialist types. I always thought Wilson showed flashes but he never gets that many snaps.[/quote]As crazy as it might sound, a first round RB might not be as bad a pick as some might think it would be. Our running game needs to be better than it was in the second half of the year pure and simple.

Of course, like any first round running back, if Moreno isn't a complete back who can do it all by midway through his rookie year, then he probably wasn't worth such a high pick given RB fungibility and everything.

A great running back is invaluable, but an average RB is very replaceable.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=GTripp0012;515505]I would definately not argue with any sort of additional youth at the end position, but I'm just looking at it as a potential investment in our future. I think that, pound for pound, our DL right now is one of the better ones in the league, and they figure to be so again next year.

We don't have many weaknesses in general on defense. I'd like to see more production out of our WLB, but I'm not totally against the fact that Rocky could still give it to us. We're not as deep in the secondary as we should be with all the draft picks we have spent there, but that's due to some really crazy circumstances.

I'd really love a superstar LB in the first round, but the offensive line needs the youth infusion so desperately.

[B]This team has surprisingly few glaring holes for a team that lost 7 games.[/B][/quote]

Have thought the same since mid-season but doubted i knew enough to really make a judgment. I'm thinking 3 key additions - C, RT, and OLB - and we're back in the playoffs next year. Any big additions [B]beyond[/B] those will just be gravy.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

I would love to see Blache's defense with a monster DT, but at this point I think offensive line help would be more beneficial.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=GTripp0012;515508]As crazy as it might sound, a first round RB might not be as bad a pick as some might think it would be. Our running game needs to be better than it was in the second half of the year pure and simple.

Of course, like any first round running back, if Moreno isn't a complete back who can do it all by midway through his rookie year, then he probably wasn't worth such a high pick given RB fungibility and everything.

A great running back is invaluable, but an average RB is very replaceable.[/quote]

How do you think CP would react if we drafted Moreno?

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=30gut;515584]How do you think CP would react if we drafted Moreno?[/quote]Ultimately, it wouldn't matter, but I can't imagine he would be pleased.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=GTripp0012;515508]As crazy as it might sound, a first round RB might not be as bad a pick as some might think it would be. Our running game needs to be better than it was in the second half of the year pure and simple.

Of course, like any first round running back, if Moreno isn't a complete back who can do it all by midway through his rookie year, then he probably wasn't worth such a high pick given RB fungibility and everything.

A great running back is invaluable, but an average RB is very replaceable.[/quote]

I agree. We didn't exactly give Betts a massive extension a few years ago, so he could be expendable if a good first round talent is available.

Pounding Portis early and often worked great for a while (and our record reflected as much), but when he got hurt our running game faltered and so did our record. When I look at teams like Carolina, NYG, Tampa, Miami, etc, it shows the importance of at least two good RBs. Carolina in particular has used a 1st round pick on a RB each of the last two years. You think they regret it?? Hell no.

If we want to maximize Portis' health (and not look retarded for giving him $20M guaranteed last offseason), we need to give him help. That needs to be either in the form of rookie RB or more carries for Betts.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=GMScud;515603]I agree. We didn't exactly give Betts a massive extension a few years ago, so he could be expendable if a good first round talent is available.

Pounding Portis early and often worked great of a while (and our record reflected as much), but when he got hurt our running game faltered and so did our record. When I look at teams like Carolina, NYG, Tampa, Miami, etc, it shows the importance of at least two good RBs. Carolina in particular has used a 1st round pick on a RB each of the last two years. You think they regret it?? Hell no.

If we want to maximize Portis' health (and not look retarded for giving him $20M guaranteed last offseason), we need to give him help. That needs to be either in the form of rookie RB or more carries for Betts.[/quote]

Betts can handle it.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

I think this says alot about Zorn and Blache must think that Zorn has what it takes for the Skins to win. I think he would have retired if he did not believe in Zorn.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=GMScud;515603]I agree. We didn't exactly give Betts a massive extension a few years ago, so he could be expendable if a good first round talent is available.

Pounding Portis early and often worked great for a while (and our record reflected as much), but when he got hurt our running game faltered and so did our record. When I look at teams like Carolina, NYG, Tampa, Miami, etc, it shows the importance of at least two good RBs. Carolina in particular has used a 1st round pick on a RB each of the last two years. You think they regret it?? Hell no.

If we want to maximize Portis' health (and not look retarded for giving him $20M guaranteed last offseason), we need to give him help. That needs to be either in the form of rookie RB or [B]more carries for Betts[/B].[/quote]

I agree, but then does Portis go on another talk show and bitch about it?

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=53Fan;515619]I agree, but then does Portis go on another talk show and bitch about it?[/quote]

Who cares?? He's a diva. All his rants are attention seeking and pretty self serving. Don't get me wrong, I love his toughness, and think he's an awesome player. As long as we're clear about our plan from day one, he can't really talk shit with a leg to stand on.

If we draft a back to share some carries with Portis, or plan on using Betts more, we just have to tell Clinton what's up from the get-go.

Something along the lines of, "Look Clinton, we want to keep you as fresh as possible to keep you at the highest level for as long as possible, for the betterment of the team."

If he and his $20M guaranteed have issue with that, then too bad.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

That would probably be the way to go about it. I personally don't care if he likes it or not as long as he does'nt disrupt the team.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

I saw on WashingtonPostLive that Wade is returning as coach of the Cowgirls next year. GOOD!

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Drafting a RB high would be pretty dumb. It's just not a pressing need.

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Good news...he did a really good job with what he had to work with.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=firstdown;515611]I think this says alot about Zorn and Blache must think that Zorn has what it takes for the Skins to win. I think he would have retired if he did not believe in Zorn.[/quote]Great point, firstdown.

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

I know everyone knows Cliton is a Prima, but before Edge went to Zona Portis was lobbying hard for him to come here. I know he is not that bother about sharring a back field ... Still I think we have bigger needs .....

Re: Blache Excited About Returning
 

[quote=Mattyk72;515626]Drafting a RB high would be pretty dumb. It's just not a pressing need.[/quote]Well, all the pressing needs on this team (given the assumption of the WRs developing) are on the OL, so while the pick should go there, a BPA pick at the RB position would give us a nice boost to the running game, which we need.

I am in no way implying that a RB will or might be the best player available when we pick in round one.

And there are plenty of other holes on this team that seem more pressing, but I would argue that explosively talented RB that compliments Portis is a need. But it's one that we could easily satify in round 5 or 6 if we aren't in love with any of the highly touted RBs.