Lets look at future positives
 

So, shit sucks for this year, and I don't see us being a superbowl team anytime soon, but I can draw some (hopeful) positives from this year.

1. Laron Landry going on IR and Fred Davis getting suspended in their contract years. Will probably lower the price on both their heads to retain (hopefully other teams don't swoop in and overbid for either one of them...which I'm kinda afraid of)

2. Perry Riley starting over rocky. I dunno how well he's actually played considering I've been watching less and less of the Redskins as the year goes on, but I hate rocky and its good to see that one of our draft picks has outplayed him.

3. Roy Helu looks like he can contribute in the backfield. I'm still not sold on him being our featured back. The numbers are there but my personal philosophy likes consistency over 1-2 good runs a game that inflate the numbers (especially on 3rd and long draws), which I don't believe Helu is doing. But he looks good enough to contribute to our team for a while.

4. Jarvis Jenkins, Leonard Hankerson, Kory Lichtensteiger, and possibly Tim Hightower coming back. Especially Jenkins, who looked like a beast in pre-season. I'm not going to be sold on either rookie until they produce well for a solid season, but I'm hopeful that they both will be positives on our teams to come. The run game had a significant drop off after Kory went down. Hightower looks like more of a workhorse than helu, but I don't like big backs...don't think they last too long.

5. Our (hopefully) high draft picks. Here's to hopefully doing worse than the dolphins, and the jaguars new head coach taking a chance on gabbert (who I'm saying right now, will never be good). And Here's to there hopefully being quality nfl qbs beyond Luck in the draft. What I believe the most underrated part of having a top pick is that EVERY round we have a top pick. The worst team's 2nd pick is essentially the same value as the best team's first.

6. Trent Williams/Fred Davis's suspension. Hopefully they realize they are in the doghouse, come back with new attitudes and take the game more seriously.

7. The outside linebackers blitzing better. We all love the orakpo/kerrigan mix, but I'm not as in love as everyone else. Orakpo seemed like a much better DE, and Kerrigan seems to get his numbers when he gets mismatches. I'm looking for both of them to have better years after another year in Hasletts system. I think they'll need it as I anticipate a worse year for our secondary.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

That pretty much summs it up, not a bad assessment rook. Itl be interesting to see how Hightower heals, i liked how he ran, but if not for his injury we might not have seen much of the other rb's.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

These might be the most backhanded positive I've ever read

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=SmootSmack;868145]These might be the most backhanded positive I've ever read[/quote]

Lol sorry, just trying to be realistic. I do believe that all the things I said are potential positives though, but I don't like hoping for things that probably won't happen (i.e. terrence austin becoming a competent receiver).

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=SmootSmack;868145]These might be the most backhanded positive I've ever read[/quote]

lol seriously

hey lets look at the kinda sorta somewhat positives we may possibly have going for us... maybe

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=Mattyk;868157]lol seriously

hey lets look at the kinda sorta somewhat positives we may possibly have going for us... maybe[/quote]Here's a positive for the near future: we only have to watch terrible football for a few more weeks!!! Yay for the offseason!

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;868162]Here's a positive for the near future: we only have to watch terrible football for a few more weeks!!! Yay for the offseason![/quote]

And if they dont get the ship right, we're gona be watching it for 16 weeks again next year!!! This years draft to me is the most important one we have had since we got the 2nd and 3rd picks way back when!!!

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

I'm not sure there are any real positives on the horizon under the existing regime i.e. the risk/reward ratio just doesn't engender optimism. FO/coaching decisions at QB, and probably on offense as a whole, have been one mistake after another for two consecutive seasons, and I don't think the law of averages applies in this case to "reward" them with better luck in the third season. Fundamental errors, based on poor player/talent evaluation, do not tend to correct themselves.

On the other hand, given our draft outlook and personnel on defense especially (though probably in a version of the 4-3), we could be optimistic under a different regime and FO structure.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;868162]Here's a positive for the near future: we only have to watch terrible football for a few more weeks!!! Yay for the offseason![/quote]

The big positive is playoff football is right around the corner. Whether the Skins are involved or not, it's always the best time of the year.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=Mattyk;868169]The big positive is playoff football is right around the corner. Whether the Skins are involved or not, it's always the best time of the year.[/quote]

Gotta agree with that...

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=skinster;868142]So, shit sucks for this year, and I don't see us being a superbowl team anytime soon, but I can draw some (hopeful) positives from this year.

1. Laron Landry going on IR and Fred Davis getting suspended in their contract years. Will probably lower the price on both their heads to retain (hopefully other teams don't swoop in and overbid for either one of them...which I'm kinda afraid of)

2. Perry Riley starting over rocky. I dunno how well he's actually played considering I've been watching less and less of the Redskins as the year goes on, but I hate rocky and its good to see that one of our draft picks has outplayed him.

3. Roy Helu looks like he can contribute in the backfield. I'm still not sold on him being our featured back. The numbers are there but my personal philosophy likes consistency over 1-2 good runs a game that inflate the numbers (especially on 3rd and long draws), which I don't believe Helu is doing. But he looks good enough to contribute to our team for a while.

4. Jarvis Jenkins, Leonard Hankerson, Kory Lichtensteiger, and possibly Tim Hightower coming back. Especially Jenkins, who looked like a beast in pre-season. I'm not going to be sold on either rookie until they produce well for a solid season, but I'm hopeful that they both will be positives on our teams to come. The run game had a significant drop off after Kory went down. Hightower looks like more of a workhorse than helu, but I don't like big backs...don't think they last too long.

5. Our (hopefully) high draft picks. Here's to hopefully doing worse than the dolphins, and the jaguars new head coach taking a chance on gabbert (who I'm saying right now, will never be good). And Here's to there hopefully being quality nfl qbs beyond Luck in the draft. What I believe the most underrated part of having a top pick is that EVERY round we have a top pick. The worst team's 2nd pick is essentially the same value as the best team's first.

6. Trent Williams/Fred Davis's suspension. Hopefully they realize they are in the doghouse, come back with new attitudes and take the game more seriously.

7. The outside linebackers blitzing better. We all love the orakpo/kerrigan mix, but I'm not as in love as everyone else. Orakpo seemed like a much better DE, and Kerrigan seems to get his numbers when he gets mismatches. I'm looking for both of them to have better years after another year in Hasletts system. I think they'll need it as I anticipate a worse year for our secondary.[/quote]


Losing Laron Landry in free agency would not be the worst thing that could happen to the Redskins. Losing Fred Davis in free agency would be tougher to overcome than losing Landry, but that would still be far short of disastrous.

I sure would love to see a Tim Hightower (healed and healthy)/Roy Helu tandem at RB. Play them in whatever order pleases you; both look like they can play well.

I will temper my enthusiasm for both Jenkins and Hankerson until I see them play well on Sundays in games that matter against guys who have made the final cuts on other NFL teams. Jenkins looked good in exhibition games and Hankerson had one very good real game. Great! Now do it every Sunday in the Fall and Winter.

I do not know that Gabbert will NEVER be any good - - but I do know that he is not good now. That should be a cautionary tale for the Redskins who will be looking to draft a QB this year. Gabbert was highly rated and sought after in last year's draft. College football and the NFL are not the same game.

If Trent Williams comes back next year and the team allows him to have the "Captain's Insignia", then the inmates are running the asylum.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

I am always guilty of analyzing only the offense, but i feel like I know the most about that.

QB: I think Grossman returns next year. Even if we draft a QB, unless he is absolutley top flight, i think Grossman starts until the skins get out of playoff contention. There will be temptation to try and pick up Manning and "win right now", but I honestly hope we look the other way. He is on the way wrong side of 30, and by all accounts is physically disabled after his 3rd surgery. He is throwing the ball again, but his arm strength has plateaued, he has problems with his tricep because of the nerve damage, and he also has to get back injections because of spasming, also a result of nerve damage. I'm not honestly sure if Peyton will play ever again.

RB: I like what I see from Helu, not sure if he can be a feature back. I am intrigued at the thought of a Helu / Hightower combination. I think a two back system is a must in today's NFL.

WR: I think its the same old same old. Moss returns, but we are basically going to try and do more with less. I would like to see a big, physical wide receiver that is at least 6'3" or so.

TE: If Davis comes back from his suspension and he is all there mentally, then we are set. I really don't think Cooley will return. He might be brought back for depth if he can work a new deal out, but I honestly think he might run into a situation where he is put on PUP or something. I last heard that one of his legs is slightly shorter than the other because of the infection / bone injury whatever.

OL: We are seeing improvement, but i still think this could be addressed through the draft. It might just be me, but I think the line has played great at times this year. we need consistency out of those guys, maybe one big free agent lineman pickup.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

Helu and Royster
Hankerson and Paul
Gomes and Thompson
Hurt and Willie Smith
Markus White
Kerrigan and Jenkins
Riley

Drafting a QB, CB, G/C, T and S, WR.

Injuries, lack of depth, suspensions and QB play killed this team. Now they are starting to find depth in the OL, another great draft starting with either Barkley or RGIII, a cover corner with the 2nd pick and filling more depth all around this team could next years 49ers. There's a lot to be positive about, can't wait for the draft and next year.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;868220]Helu and Royster
Hankerson and Paul
Gomes and Thompson
Hurt and Willie Smith
Markus White
Kerrigan and Jenkins
Riley

Drafting a QB, CB, G/C, T and S, WR.

Injuries, lack of depth, suspensions and QB play killed this team. Now they are starting to find depth in the OL, another great draft starting with either Barkley or RGIII, a cover corner with the 2nd pick and filling more depth all around this team could next years 49ers. There's a lot to be positive about, can't wait for the draft and next year.[/quote]

I disagree with just about everyone when its said that qb play killed this team. I think that Rex Grossman is a capable qb in this system, IF the system works. IF the run is set up well, rex seems to do well on the play action passes. We have to consider that the run game was terrible, the wrs were scraped together, and the o-line was in a dissaray this whole season. I think rex played well considering the circumstances, and I don't think it was qb play that killed the team. Rex isn't a guy that will put the team on his back, but I think he played well enough to say that we could have won if he had the proper support (which he didn't have).

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=skinster;868225]I disagree with just about everyone when its said that qb play killed this team. I think that Rex Grossman is a capable qb in this system, IF the system works. IF the run is set up well, rex seems to do well on the play action passes. We have to consider that the run game was terrible, the wrs were scraped together, and the o-line was in a dissaray this whole season. I think rex played well considering the circumstances, and I don't think it was qb play that killed the team. Rex isn't a guy that will put the team on his back, but I think he played well enough to say that we could have won if he had the proper support (which he didn't have).[/quote]

16 games w/ 16 int's. How do you explain that? Grossman is not a starting caliber QB, have you watched the games? I won't blame Grossman for everything but he is a big part of the problem.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

Rex can be a backup, but he really can't handle the rigors of a full season. And his mechanics do get sloppy at times, which then leads to his bad throws.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;868227]16 games w/ 16 int's. How do you explain that? Grossman is not a starting caliber QB, have you watched the games? I won't blame Grossman for everything but he is a big part of the problem.[/quote]

I think I already did explain it. An offensive system that is built for the run to set up the pass that is 31st in the league in rushing. Crap WR's and crap/banged up o-line.

There's more than just the qb on plays. An incomplete pass might be thrown because nobody is really open, we don't know until we watch the tape, which I have not done intensively, but believe rex to be a middle of the road qb capable of winning games given that he has a good supporting cast.

I'm going to seemingly contradict what I've been saying in this thread when I say that I believe that this is a qb driven league, and the qb has to be able to carry a team for the team to be a contender. Rex is NOT that caliber of qb. At most a third of the league has that caliber of a qb. But it is still possible to win with a mediocre qb. Rex can play respectable ball as a system qb. If the players around him do their jobs, he can do his adequately. He has not had ANY of the players around him do their jobs; he has ZERO supporting cast. Rex is not good enough to make the players around him look better, but that doesn't mean that he is the problem that killed our team. Our team is bad 360 degrees around. Rex is not a "problem" in that he can't play qb in this league. He can given the right situation, and he is just not in it. I am NOT saying that Rex is good, just adequate. Going back to what I said earlier, this is a qb driven league, and of course improved qb play would improve our team, but I feel like people are saying that rex is the problem because he is not elite. That to me just doesn't make sense. Only the elite qbs can win without a good supporting cast.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

I personally like where the team is going and believe with another offseason draft (if as good as last year) and a few good FA signings to fill some holes, we could compete for the division next season. Our Defense is a good enough defense that will keep us in games if we have a rookie QB learning the ropes. (my hopes are for RGIII) Imagine the one QB that has killed the Redskins year after year, the mobile QB's, finally in a Redskins uniform. One that has the pocket passing ability of a legit starting QB in the NFL and the running ability of a Mike Vick, with one of the strongest arms coming out.
ok, back to my original post....
Helu is a rookie, and is having quite a good year when FINALLY given the ball as the starter. Not sure what Hightower situation may be, but he may be signing else where along with Torain. I still believe that Helu, Royster and a draft pick are going to be the RB's of the future.
Hankerson showed flashes in one game, but with the young guys we have I am excited about the possiblities of the big WR's.
O-line is going to be pretty damn good next year. Kory coming back, Trent, Montgomery at center, Chester and hopefully a new RT should be pretty solid. Plus these young guys really playing well the last few weeks.

For those who think Shanny screwed up the QB situation. He thought McNabb given his past 11 years of success was going to be a guy to get us in the playoffs, and who honestly (i say Honestsly) thought differently. Regarding the draft, only QB we had the possiblity of drafting was Blayne Gabbert, and how good is he doing right now and that is with MJD.. Jacksonville is looking at possibly drafting another QB he is so bad. So maybe Shanny looked ahead and saw the class coming out this year and decided to play Grossman knowing we were going to get our franchise QB this draft. I say that he was looking ahead, and has a plan. A plan that needs 4 years to see what this team is really capable of.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=skinster;868225][B]I disagree with just about everyone when its said that qb play killed this team[/B]. I think that Rex Grossman is a capable qb in this system, IF the system works. IF the run is set up well, rex seems to do well on the play action passes. We have to consider that the run game was terrible, the wrs were scraped together, and the o-line was in a dissaray this whole season. I think rex played well considering the circumstances, and I don't think it was qb play that killed the team. Rex isn't a guy that will put the team on his back, but I think he played well enough to say that we could have won if he had the proper support (which he didn't have).[/quote]

This statement takes into account a "what have you done lately" fact which is Rex has played better recently. Skinster, you have to take into account the entire season and QB play has been the leading contributor of why this team is bad. Not only Rex, but Beck as well. Rex/Becks turnovers and generally ability are the leading reasons why our record will have double digit in losses, they are a turnover factory. Lack of depth is another major reason we are bad.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

A lot of things killed the team this year... including the QB play.

The excuses for Rex never cease to amaze me.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=Mattyk;868398]A lot of things killed the team this year... including the QB play.

The excuses for Rex never cease to amaze me.[/quote]

I don't' think the Rex sympathizers say that he has done nothing wrong, it's just a reaction to how people think once we draft a QB (OMG!!! RGIII SUPERBOWL!!DONTH8TE) everything will be okay is discerning.

How good would you feel saying you had to go throw to Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney? Or have to sit behind that offensive line, knowing everyone is playing out of position?

By all means, Rex can make very, very bad decisions, but he can run the system well. Holding that ball for so long in the end-zone is just typical of what he does wrong and really hurts the team.

But, for those people who are thinking Rex has been the overall negative, I don't think is right. I think he can run the system and is average. But, it's taken this long to get the running game steady. The Skins don't have WRs that are able to make separation. The offensive line isn't exactly the epitome of consistency. There are no playmakers except maybe Fred Davis.

I guess it comes down to either hauling the hate on Rex or spreading it around evenly. Just bringing in a new QB isn't going to be an automatic fix; there are more than just one problem.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

Obviously we're going to make a few more moves in the offseason than just QB, and all of our problems aren't strictly related to Rex. But the simple fact is Rex is not the long term answer.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

Positives: Roy Helu, Lenard Hankerson, Perry Riley, Evan Royster, Chris Neild, Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, Jarvis Jenkins returning from injury.

Hopefully the 'skins add an upgrade at QB and continue adding depth on the OL and the secondary. Believe it or not, this Redskins team is starting to come together.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=skinsguy;868426[B]]Positives: Roy Helu, Lenard Hankerson, Perry Riley, Evan Royster, Chris Neild, Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, Jarvis Jenkins returning from injury. [/B]

Hopefully the 'skins add an upgrade at QB and continue adding depth on the OL and the secondary. Believe it or not, this Redskins team is starting to come together.[/quote]

Your list has one constant that all fans should be very pleased with, those listed players were obtained through the [B]draft[/B]. This FO culture shift is key to our success for the future. We need to continue to scout hard and draft well, at the minimum you develop quality, affordable depth.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=Bushead;868413]I don't' think the Rex sympathizers say that he has done nothing wrong, it's just a reaction to how people think once we draft a QB (OMG!!! RGIII SUPERBOWL!!DONTH8TE) everything will be okay is discerning.

How good would you feel saying you had to go throw to Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney? Or have to sit behind that offensive line, knowing everyone is playing out of position?

By all means, Rex can make very, very bad decisions, but he can run the system well. Holding that ball for so long in the end-zone is just typical of what he does wrong and really hurts the team.

But, for those people who are thinking Rex has been the overall negative, I don't think is right. I think he can run the system and is average. But, it's taken this long to get the running game steady. The Skins don't have WRs that are able to make separation. The offensive line isn't exactly the epitome of consistency. There are no playmakers except maybe Fred Davis.

I guess it comes down to either hauling the hate on Rex or spreading it around evenly. Just bringing in a new QB isn't going to be an automatic fix; there are more than just one problem.[/quote]
Don't associate smart fans with morons who believe any good acquisition going to lead to a superbowl appearance. The truth is we haven't had a good qb here in a very, very long time. That is the main reason we haven't been consistent on offense in a very long time. Qb is our biggest need going into this offseason. Rex sucks regardless of how much you try to redirect the blame.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=skinsguy;868426]Positives: Roy Helu, Lenard Hankerson, Perry Riley, Evan Royster, Chris Neild, Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan, Jarvis Jenkins returning from injury.

Hopefully the 'skins add an upgrade at QB and continue adding depth on the OL and the secondary. Believe it or not, this Redskins team is starting to come together.[/quote]
I agree but we also need a #1 wr.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=skinster;868142]

3. Roy Helu looks like he can contribute in the backfield. I'm still not sold on him being our featured back. The numbers are there but my personal philosophy likes consistency over 1-2 good runs a game that inflate the numbers (especially on 3rd and long draws), which I don't believe Helu is doing. But he looks good enough to contribute to our team for a while.

[/quote]


The fact that he's capable of those 1-2 good runs tells me plenty. You have to consider the run blocking for the reason you don't see consistency out of Helu.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=Mattyk;868398]A lot of things killed the team this year... including the QB play.

The excuses for Rex never cease to amaze me.[/quote]

exactly. Rex grossman is pathetic, period. Can he show capability at times? yes, but taking everything into account, the guy is the fukkin pits.

Truth is.....

Watching him play is like having someone shove bamboo shoots under your fingernails all while someone is scratching their nails on a chalkboard......

Grossman is far from pathetic, Beck is pathetic. Grossman is more frustrating than pathetic

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=SmootSmack;868441]Grossman is far from pathetic, Beck is pathetic. Grossman is more frustrating than pathetic[/quote]

Agreed.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

[quote=SmootSmack;868441]Grossman is far from pathetic, Beck is pathetic. Grossman is more frustrating than pathetic[/quote]

Sexy's turnover streak was what 13, 14 games? Dunno SS, that was kinda pathetic. Brad Johnson's stunt double was depressing. Think Sexy gonna be back though to back up and mentor Matt Barkley. The Kyle and Rexy bromance will continue a couple more years.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

Positives: Helu, Jenkins, Orakpo, Kerrigan, Neild, Hankerson (possibly), Gomes, Riley, and a good 2011 draft class. I expect the same in 2012, with some FA signings.

I don't expect to contend in year 3 but I do think we'll be much better. If we can stay somewhat healthy and if our knuckleheads can lay off the weed for a few mo's, I think we'll be a much different team next year.

I would mention TW and FD as positives but just can't anymore. Cooley will be back (i'm assuming). We're moving forward, getting younger, just have some patience.

Re: Lets look at future positives
 

If Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan keep building through the draft then this Redskin team will be just fine. The improvements on defense this season took them from ranked 31st last season to 11 or 12 this season. The offense is getting better. It seemed like the offense stalled or disappeared 5 weeks after the bye week, but has played very well since the Miami game. This team on offense has had it's opportunities derailed by turnovers. Mostly interceptions by Rex Grossman.

Maurice Hurt, Leonard Hankerson, Roy Helu, Evan Royster, have all contributed on offense during their rookie campaigns. Add a Robert Griffin III or a Matt Barkley to next year's draft class, and the offense will be even better while it picks up additional weapons through the draft and free agency.