Stepping Up in 2009
 

So now that free agency is dying down, I wanted to take a look at our team and what we are bringing from last year and ask the question....who needs to step up to make this team a success? We've added/kept youth with the Dockery, Haynesworth, and Hall signings. We could potentially pick up a young stud of a player with our #13 pick as well. And granted we expect these young players to step up and play to their potential. But what other areas of the team need to do the same thing, here are my thoughts.

Player: Kelly and Thomas. Very obvious one, however once the season start they will have one year of being around the league, and an entire training camp (knock on wood that they stay healthy). By the end of training camp this year I expect them to be comfortable with the offense, and develop their skills to make Campbell feel confidence in them. I think the biggest expectation will be on Malcolm Kelly, hopefully his knees are healthy, but given that he didn't play much (and is seem as having the most talent) I expect him to step up big in '09.

Coaching Staff: Defense. I mentioned many times that the Redskins defense was good but not an elite defense. I think they need to step up to the elite level. They have an impact player at the d-line with Haynesworth, three seasoned veterans in Carter, J. Taylor, and Fletcher. A young talented safety duo in Landry and Horton, and what I hope becomes one of the best CB tandem in the league with Hall and Rogers. I think it is on the defensive coaching staff to take these talented/experienced players and turn them into an elite defense. Not just ranked 4th (yards allowed), but get to the quarterback, create turnovers, and turn some of those turnovers into points.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Jason Campbell... But maybe he is already good and the oline/recievers/playcalling is the problem. I'm ready for next season, I'm tired of speculating already.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

OL needs to step up in pass protection. Thomas ans Kelly need to produce. I also think the D needs to get more turnovers. Hall should be a big help.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

1st - Kelly/Thomas - most of our season will hinge on one or both of these players having a big year opposite Moss. If they develop the rhythm with JC that comes from experience our offense should explode.

2nd DB's I think the loss of S Springs is going to noticed alot against the bigger receivers of the league. Hall will need to step up to the plate now that he has gotten (over) paid again.

3rd Special Teams IF ARE is the return man(Lord forbid) then he needs to have a sit down with Santana and re-learn what explosive returns are. Punting/FG/Kick offs units all need to step it up.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

For me the choice is clear: Jason Campbell

I am tired of the Campbell apologists making excuses for his subpar play. I have said this so many times that this guy needs to play with a sense of urgency. Sorry, but this guy just looks lost out there. He just doesn't inspire confidence in me with his play on the field.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

I love how if you try to present some logical reasons as to why JC struggled in the 2nd half of last season (as did the entire offense, but let's just ignore that) you're an "apologist". :rolleyes:

Ok, we'll see how he plays with an improved OL and the benefit of being in the same system for 2 years in a row. I'm betting on marked improvement.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

In short, most of the young guys will at some point have to be able to play quality minutes & produce. The vets on this team, as always, are solid but not great across the board, and depth is still an issue.

Thomas & Kelly as well as JC are obvious. At some point they're gonna have to count on one or more of these guys:
Rinehart
Heyer
Fincher
Blades
Buzbee/Jackson/Wilson
Tryon

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Im going to go with Blache. I think he better come up with some new schemes on defense in order to pressure the quarterback. Haynesworth was the prize of the offseason and Danny is gonna wanna see some sacks in order to warrant the 155 million he spent on Hall and Haynesworth.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=freddyg12;532585]In short, most of the young guys will at some point have to be able to play quality minutes & produce. The vets on this team, as always, are solid but not great across the board, and depth is still an issue.

Thomas & Kelly as well as JC are obvious. At some point they're gonna have to count on one or more of these guys:
Rinehart
Heyer
Fincher
Blades
Buzbee/Jackson/Wilson
Tryon[/quote]

Fincher is a UFA

[url=http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Redskins_Free_Agency_Monitor_Promotion_32406.jsp]Redskins Free Agency Monitor Promotion[/url]

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Well apart from the obvious (receivers, Campbell) I'll also say Dockery. He was starting to develop some here under Bugel, went for the money in Buffalo and practically regressed. He'll need to step it up in 2009.

Also, Andre Carter and Jason Taylor (understanding that he had a major injury last season). Haynesworth's signing first and foremost is supposed to allow our pass rushers to do their thing. So the better

And finally...Shaun Suisham. Make more field goals. Not only does that put more points on the board, it helps our field position and makes thing easier on our defense.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

if jason cambell has what it takes we will see it next season.he didnt show up last year won a few big games but he has to step up

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

JC needs to step up or I see Colt taking over in 2010 season.

Kelly & Thomas need to step up and prove worthy of their draft status. I'll give them a slight pass on their rookie seasons because receivers typically develop slowly.

Rhinehart needs to prove to be, at least, a servicable back-up.

Jason Taylor needs to reaffirm his future HOF play.

Heyer needs to lay permanent claim to his spot on the o-line.

ZORN - needs to justify his cocky attitude. I like him alot and hope he can lead this team back to promenience!

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

1. Offensive line- There is absolutely no way the Redskins will win 11- 12 games without a young healthy OL. We need depth at that position. Just a thought, is it possible that the Redskins have already worked out a deal for Andre Smith after his stock dropped after the combine? Jake Long was signed before the draft last year although he was the 1# draft pick. If so, we need him.

2.WR's-Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly The injury riddled rookie season is over. There are no more excuses for Mr. Kelly. It's time to show up like Desean Jackson and Eddie Royal showed up. In addition, Fred Davis must be more active in the offense besides blocking. He's a fast TE who can really make a difference if given more plays to do so.


3.Jim Zorn- Stop thinking his shit doesn't stink. Listen to the suggestions that the OC gives him and learn to adjust to what the defense is giving rather than forcing his philosophical schemes down the offenses throat.


4.Jason Campbell-If he can not take advantage of the pass protection and make his progressions like he did in the first part of the season, he will be traded or cut this year and it will nobody's fault but his. Colt Brennan will be working harder this year and will get a chance to play more in the preseason. I hope he understands the opportunity before him.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=Angry;532591]Fincher is a UFA

[URL="http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Redskins_Free_Agency_Monitor_Promotion_32406.jsp"]Redskins Free Agency Monitor Promotion[/URL][/quote]

Good catch. I figured he'd be a guy they'd re-sign to a modest deal. If not him, then some other rookie or free agent is gonna have to play some significant minutes at OLB this year. Aside from Rocky, who's not known for durability, it's pretty slim pickins for that position.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=freddyg12;532622]Good catch. I figured he'd be a guy they'd re-sign to a modest deal. If not him, then some other rookie or free agent is gonna have to play some significant minutes at OLB this year. Aside from Rocky, who's not known for durability, it's pretty slim pickins for that position.[/quote]

I kind of want Fincher to return myself, but I do not think that the coaching staff is as high on him as we are. I am starting to believe that the only reason that he made the squad last year was due to

1. His performance in the Final preseason game

2. Lack of Depth at LB

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

1) All of our ROOKIES from last year need to step up except Horton. We had a weak class of rookies last year so far. They better show up in shape this time.

2) OL and Campbell - Our O-line needs to step up. It will help Campbell.

3) Pass Rush - Neeed DL and LB to produce more sacks, while staying stout against the run.

4) Outside LB's - We need WLB and SLB to step up and play physical. Our oustside LB were not disruptive last year.

5) Nickel Back - Now that Shawn Taylor is gone and Rogers & Hall are our two starters, we need Smoot or someone else to step up and play well as nickel CB. Smoot was not up to the task last year. HE was the weak link when he played.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=Mattyk72;532583]I love how if you try to present some logical reasons as to why JC struggled in the 2nd half of last season (as did the entire offense, but let's just ignore that) you're an "apologist". :rolleyes:

Ok, we'll see how he plays with an improved OL and the benefit of being in the same system for 2 years in a row. I'm betting on marked improvement.[/quote]
Agreed. I'll admit that JC did not have sufficient time in the pocket to look for his receivers. It was pretty pathetic that as soon as the ball was snapped that JCs' pocket had already collapsed around him.

My main dig on JC is that when I look at him on the field trying to orchestrate the game winning drive, that he just looks unimpressed with the whole situation that is before him. If I'm in that huddle and I see my qb looking like that, I question if this guy has his heart in it. I want to see a confident warrior, give me a look of, we are going to take this ball and shove it up in there sideways on them.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[B]Stepping Up in 2009[/B]

1) [B]OFFENSIVE PASS PRODUCTION[/B] - The passing game has to improve drastically. Wide receivers could not consistently get separation. Quarterback reads were too slow. Pass protection broke down too often. The passing plays relied to much on run after the catch and many times failed to get sufficient yardage to convert third down situations.
[I]KEY PLAYERS THAT NEED TO STEP UP:Campbell, Thomas, Kelly, entire offensive line[/I]

2) [B]PASS RUSH[/B] - The acquisition of Albert Haynesworth is a godsend. If he performs as he has done in the past the pass rush will be greatly improved. Investing so much into one player is a big gamble and if he misses any stretch of games, the defense will regress. Need Jason Taylor to revert back to form and Andre Carter needs to continue to play at a high level.
[I]KEY PLAYERS THAT NEED TO STEP UP:Haynesworth, Taylor, Carter, Griffin[/I]

3)[B]LINEBACKERS[/B] - With the release of Marcus Washington, the age of London Fletcher and the lack of production of Rocky McIntosh, this unit is the weak link of the defense. I have nothing bad to say about London Fletcher, he may be one of the best free agent acquisitions of the Snyder era. With the 13th pick in the draft, the Skins need to get an outside linebacker that can play immediately. I'm not sold on H.B. Blades being a starter.
[I]KEY PLAYERS THAT NEED TO STEP UP:Rocky McIntosh, #13 Draft pick
[/I]

4)[B]PLAY CALLING[/B] - Jim Zorn's play calling in the first half of the season caught the rest of the NFL by surprise and was successful. As the season progressed, it seemed as though the rest of the league caught onto what they were trying to do and the offense backtracked. Zorn continued to attack teams the same way and did not adjust to what other teams were doing. The NFL is all about adjustments and it didn't seem the Redskins did a good job of adjusting to their opponents. I think Zorn needs to delegate more responsibility to other coaches. He is trying to do too much. You can't be head coach, offensive coordinator, play caller and quarterback coach, all at once.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

how about the backup tailback, that we've been paying to pretty much take up space on the team Ladelle Betts he hasn't doe anything since 07, which is why I'm one of the people who think tailback is a big need, cause when CP went down we had nothing...

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=Mattyk72;532583]I love how if you try to present some logical reasons as to why JC struggled in the 2nd half of last season (as did the entire offense, but let's just ignore that) you're an "apologist". :rolleyes:

Ok, we'll see how he plays with an improved OL and the benefit of being in the same system for 2 years in a row. I'm betting on marked improvement.[/quote]

I think JC showed such a sizable improvement last year, that there is no way he hit his ceiling in terms of potential. Like you mentioned, the entire offense struggled, so we can't put all the blame on JC. He certainly has some blame there, but when other teams figured us out, it was only natural that JC had difficulty. He WILL be better this year. So yes, I'd put him on the "step up" list, but I KNOW he will.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=Eknox;532640]how about the backup tailback, that we've been paying to pretty much take up space on the team Ladelle Betts he hasn't doe anything since 07, which is why I'm one of the people who think tailback is a big need, cause when CP went down we had nothing...[/quote]

We had nothing with CP in there too later in the year. It's called poor blocking up front.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=Mattyk72;532661]We had nothing with CP in there too later in the year. It's called poor blocking up front.[/quote]

Definatly poor blocking up front but if you look at Portis' injury report, he started to break down mid season as well. I think we should be using a 2 back system

With that said, the poor blocking was more the problem

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=44ever;532671]Definatly poor blocking up front but if you look at Portis' injury report, he started to break down mid season as well. I think we should be using a 2 back system

With that said, the poor blocking was more the problem[/quote]

Praise the Football Gods, someone understands what I'm saying our running game is outdated Oline, RB, and backup RB for sure..

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Whoever our punt returner is that is not named Moss.

And all of our wide recievers...............they need to learn how to catch a pass. Especially when it hits them in the hands and/ or chest.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

i think we need a better backup betts did not look good last year and portis is looking older he really takes a pounding

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

The ENTIRE OFFENSE! 16 points per game is unacceptable. Especially when the defense stepped up the way they did in terms of turnovers, and points per game allowed....

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Without a doubt, Jason Campbell is the player who absolutely [I]NEEDS[/I] to step up the most. If he's 2nd-half 2008 Jason Campbell, we're in for a long and disappointing season. However, if he improves from his first half 2008 performance (and the additions we've made to the team thus far live up to expectations), were going to the playoffs.

Who do i [I]KNOW[/I] will step up?

1. Kareem Moore - Injuries hurt his progression during the first half of the season, but if he had been healthy, its very likely that when Reed Doughty went down with injury, Moore would have been starting FS and Landry would have moved to SS where he belongs and Horton wouldnt have become everyones favorite rookie. Coaches were very impressed with Moore before he was injured and he was playing solid ball by the time the season ended. By the end of 2009 (at the latest), Moore will be our starting FS and Landry will be making all kinds of plays near the line of scrimmage as our SS.

2. Fred Davis - A month or so ago, Shawn Springs was on ESPN980 and said Fred Davis would be [U]THE[/U] best TE in the league within a couple years. His laziness really hurt him early last year, but i fully expect coaches to devise ways to get him and Cooley on the field as much as possible in 2009. Zorn seemed to allude to this month in a recent interview. Davis is going to have a monster year and the person who's going to be hurt most by this is Mike Sellers. 2TE sets are going to be far more common in our offense next year and most of the time, this is going to mean Sellers is on the bench. Who is it going to help most? Jason Campbell. Up until now, Cooleys been the only guy he can rely on. Our rookie WRs are still a work in progress and Moss and ARE are about as unreliable as WRs can get. When we look back on the 2008 draft in two years, i think we're going to find that Fred Davis was the best pick of the draft.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=SmootSmack;532598]Well apart from the obvious (receivers, Campbell) I'll also say Dockery. He was starting to develop some here under Bugel, went for the money in Buffalo and practically regressed. He'll need to step it up in 2009.

Also, Andre Carter and Jason Taylor (understanding that he had a major injury last season). Haynesworth's signing first and foremost is supposed to allow our pass rushers to do their thing. So the better

And finally...Shaun Suisham. Make more field goals. Not only does that put more points on the board, it helps our field position and makes thing easier on our defense.[/quote]

God I hope Suisham is not our kicker

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Well I guess now we can scratch Jason Taylor from this thread.