Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

And more thoughts from him here

[url=http://www.homermcfanboy.com/2012/05/23/getting-to-know-joshua-morgan/]HomerMcFanboy » getting to know joshua morgan[/url]

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

glad to see him excited and ready to go, just like me. I know it varies on the type of offense but i wonder what the major difference in our offense between the x and z, im guessing garcon (x) will have more vertical routes?

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

Well typically the Z is your deep threat/vertical guy since he has the cushion off the line to avoid jamming and get speed up. But that is somewhat old school thinking. The passing game has become far more complex and less standard in the last decade. Guys like Shanahan have changed a lot conceptually to try and take advantage of mismatches in the secondaries. I still would guess that Garcon, with his speed, will be the stretcher.

I am terribly excited by the small possibility that Moss moves to the slot. I think Moss might be a fantastic slot guy if we end up keeping him.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=Bubba305-ST21-;918249]glad to see him excited and ready to go, just like me. I know it varies on the type of offense but i wonder what the major difference in our offense between the x and z, im guessing garcon (x) will have more vertical routes?[/quote]

In the base offense:

The "X" or split end is on line of scrimmage away form the TE
The "Z" or flanker is off the line of scrimmage (thus gets a 'free' release) same side as the TE

Either the X or Z can be the "feature" WR and run the entire route tree in a given offense

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=30gut;918256]In the base offense:

The "X" or split end is on line of scrimmage away form the TE
The "Z" or flanker is off the line of scrimmage (thus gets a 'free' release) same side as the TE

Either the X or Z can be the "feature" WR and run the entire route tree in a given offense[/quote]

yeah i know all that but i was just wondering in our offense particularly if the x or z ran more deep routes which i have to believe garcon (x) will but i know they both run everything

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

So I am guessing Hankerson will start in the slot with Moss spelling him from time to time?

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

i guess so too, but i feel like hankerson's body type and skill set isnt really for a slot. A slot is typically smaller and shifty and quick just what moss is.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;918259]So I am guessing Hankerson will start in the slot with Moss spelling him from time to time?[/quote]

i doubt he plays slot. i think its more likely he just backsup morgan or garcon.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

I'm guessing we'll just have packages that feature different guys in different ways. I would think Hankerson and Moss are hardly interchangeable strategically.

Best guess is that we now have some flexibility ona week-to-week basis to run custom packages designed to create mismatches. Meaning Hank could move inside mostly one week then outside the next. Probably the same goes for Garcon and Moss. Morgan seems the least versatile to me.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=Bubba305-ST21-;918262]i guess so too, but i feel like hankerson's body type and skill set isnt really for a slot. A slot is typically smaller and shifty and quick just what moss is.[/quote]

Well there are two schools of thought.

Big guy who can operate in the middle of the field and take the pounding versus small guy who is quick and shifty and get open against inferior cover guys like LBs.

Shanahan typically leans toward a small shifty slot guy. See...E. Royal.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=Bubba305-ST21-;918257]yeah i know all that but i was just wondering in our offense particularly if the x or z ran more deep routes which i have to believe garcon (x) will but i know they both run everything[/quote]

Well, Armstrong two years ago played a lot of Z, and all he did was go deep

That said, Mike Shanahan had this to say last year...

[quote]On the different responsibilities of the X and Z receivers:

“Sometimes, they are the same. Sometimes, we ask a little bit more out of the X to get downfield a little bit more on more explosive routes. Sometimes, we’ll ask our Z to be a little bit better blocker at the point of attack. We can switch it up. It all depends on what our game plan is and who we’re going against. You have to be able to be a football player first. That’s what we think [Paul] is.”[/quote]

[url=http://www.billsintoronto.com/fanzone/redskins-october-26-interviews-mike-shanahan-john-beck-santana-moss]Bills Toronto Series: The Official Site for the NFL in Toronto[/url]

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;918263]i doubt he plays slot. i think its more likely he just backsup morgan or garcon.[/quote]


Since Hankerson has been rehabbing his hip injury, Morgan, Garcon and the other wide outs have gotten the coaches attention. I was under the impression that Hankerson and Garcon would be the two starting wide receivers with Morgan playing in the slot. If Morgan is starting alongside Garcon then that leaves Moss or Hankerson playing in the slot.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;918263]i doubt he plays slot. i think its more likely he just backsup morgan or garcon.[/quote]

Yeah, probably backs up Morgan I think

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

Good point on the Z being a better blocker since the Z is usually on the strong side which is where runs typically go.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

I welcome Josh Morgan and wish him the best with the Redskins.

Morgan on RGIII: "I see why they did what they did to get him,” Morgan said. “You’re gonna see this season. I can’t say too much, but I can definitely see why they did what they did and I’m happy with the decision I made to come play with a quarterback of this caliber."

Josh said "I can't say too much...". H-m-m-m-m. Sounds like Shanny may have some creative and exciting plans for using RGIII's rare talents to the greatest effect possible. I certainly hope so.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

The Z position was played by Gaffney last year, and by Moss in 2010, for point of reference.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

I just don't see Morgan or Garcon as major contributors early in the season. They're new to the team and scheme. By mid-season Garcon especially should be racking up the yards (to justify his contract), but Mike and Kyle need to help Griffin by putting Moss in the lineup for his familiarity w/ the scheme and routes.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=The Goat;918288]I just don't see Morgan or Garcon as major contributors early in the season. They're new to the team and scheme.[B] By mid-season Garcon especially should be racking up the yards (to justify his contract),[/B] but Mike and Kyle need to help Griffin by putting Moss in the lineup for his familiarity w/ the scheme and routes.[/quote]

Yeah. Those idiots - they should never have sighned Garcon, but just kept Gaffney. <sarcasm font off> :doh:

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

Let's not forget about Leonard Hankerson. He could overtake Morgan as the #2 receiver and end up with more production out of any of the wide receivers. Morgan is currently the #2 only because Hankerson is still rehabbing his hip and he hasn't had any offseason activity with the offense yet.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;918296]Yeah. Those idiots - they should never have sighned Garcon, but just kept Gaffney. <sarcasm font off> :doh:[/quote]

Yeah I agree. That's his motivation for putting up numbers, is so his contract can be justified? He doesn't have any motivation to prove he's elite? Or that he can get it done without Peyton? Or to help his team win?

Honestly if Garcon didn't put up any stats this entire year and yet made the game winning catch in the Super Bowl, I wouldn't give two shits about his lack of production in the regular season.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;918296]Yeah. Those idiots - they should never have sighned Garcon, but just kept Gaffney. <sarcasm font off> :doh:[/quote]

Remains to be seen on Garcon. He's no more an elite or # 1 WR today than Gaffney, except that Garcon has a curious number of fumbles for his short career. But it's really about the opportunity cost of Garcon's contract.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

Here we go again with the fumbles... he has 3 in his career on 188 catches.

Moss had 3 in 2010 alone, on 93 catches.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=Mattyk;918322]Here we go again with the fumbles... he has 3 in his career on 188 catches.

Moss had 3 in 2010 alone, on 93 catches.[/quote]

I remember 2010 and Moss did have the fumbles...I even felt like he mailed it in a few of those games. He needs to focus on his consistency as does Garcon.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

3 fumbles on 188 catches is not a lack of focus at all.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

Garcon makes alot of yds after the catch , something we have had very little of the past few years . I think we are in good shape at WR , Im looking forward to seeing if Robinson ( 2nd yr ) can use that speed to make the roster at WR and K/PR ? I would not be suprised to see N.Paul make an inpact at both WR and TE this year .

Garcon is a number 1 and he'll prove it with a pro bowl year

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;918358]Garcon is a number 1 and he'll prove it with a pro bowl year[/quote]

This would be awesome!! If he becomes a legit #1 the FO deserves mad props..

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=budw38;918355]Garcon makes alot of yds after the catch , something we have had very little of the past few years . I think we are in good shape at WR , Im looking forward to seeing if Robinson ( 2nd yr ) can use that speed to make the roster at WR and K/PR ? I would not be suprised to see N.Paul make an inpact at both WR and TE this year .[/quote]

A lot of it has been the lack of any QB that can hit the WR fast AND in stride. I can't remember the last time I watched a Redskins WR catch a bullet in stride.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

I remember reading that Rich Tandler said that Hankerson could start with Morgan backing him up.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;918358]Garcon is a number 1 and he'll prove it with a pro bowl year[/quote]

Agree, and I tend to think this is closer to reality than a a lot of people. He put up nice numbers last year on a bad team with Curtis Painter throwing the ball. Plus we've got Moss, Hankerson, Morgan, and some good TE's that will give Garçon plenty of single coverage. I'm not saying he's an upper echelon #1 WR, but I think he's very capable of pro-bowl numbers.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;918407]A lot of it has been the lack of any QB that can hit the WR fast AND in stride. I can't remember the last time I watched a Redskins WR catch a bullet in stride.[/quote]

Bingo. Our guys have all at one point or another shown they could make the catch, but we didn't have a QB who could make most of the throws. I don't think that's an exaggeration. Now, according to more and more observers, we have a QB who can make almost every throw. This offense could really fly even in it's first year. I think we have the talent, and hopefully the scheme comes together this year too.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

Reggie Wayne was the Colts #1 WR and they chose to keep him over Garcon

Could Garcon become a #1 WR? I think he can but it remains to be seen

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=30gut;918437]Reggie Wayne was the Colts #1 WR and they chose to keep him over Garcon

Could Garcon become a #1 WR? I think he can but it remains to be seen[/quote]

I don't think that's exactly true. Remember, Garcon turned down an offer from the Colts before choosing to explore free agency. And they didn't make an offer to Wayne before free agency hit

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

Well, maybe they thought Garcon's future potential was higher but, after losing out on him, they didn't want to be stuck with a pedestrian WR like, oh.. I don't know, Jabar Gafney?

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[url=http://www.hogshaven.com/2012/5/23/3039367/pierre-garcon-to-play-x-receiver-according-to-joshua-morgan]Pierre Garcon To Play 'X' Receiver According To Joshua Morgan - Hogs Haven[/url]

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=SmootSmack;918446][url=http://www.hogshaven.com/2012/5/23/3039367/pierre-garcon-to-play-x-receiver-according-to-joshua-morgan]Pierre Garcon To Play 'X' Receiver According To Joshua Morgan - Hogs Haven[/url][/quote]

Nice article. I think he is right on. bootleg/rollouts w/ a ZB run scheme mesh well. It's all about getting the defense moving and exploiting gaps or misdirection. My only concern is that, in near the goal line or short yardage situations, you still need to line up and push a guy out of the way who isn't moving and doesn't want to move.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;918450]Nice article. I think he is right on. bootleg/rollouts w/ a ZB run scheme mesh well. It's all about getting the defense moving and exploiting gaps or misdirection. My only concern is that, in near the goal line or short yardage situations, you still need to line up and push a guy out of the way who isn't moving and doesn't want to move.[/quote]

Don't worry, RGIII is bringing "the sniffer" just for those times!

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=SmootSmack;918446][url=http://www.hogshaven.com/2012/5/23/3039367/pierre-garcon-to-play-x-receiver-according-to-joshua-morgan]Pierre Garcon To Play 'X' Receiver According To Joshua Morgan - Hogs Haven[/url][/quote]

I love the threat that play brings. The defense has to respect the run, even if we just get average production. That leaves Garcon's cb in a dilemma, if he holds his coverage on a deep route, Griffin could have seriously open field in front of him (and by the sideline! it's ok to step out griffin, it's ok to step out). If the defense keeps a spy on Griffin that's one less defender for the run play. And if Garcon's cb hesitates based on Griffin driving the line, well
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2_TZdnnvrA]Robert Griffin Game Winning TD Pass to Terrance Williams Highlight rg3 [HD] - YouTube[/ame]

Man I LOVE that play, with Griffin driving toward the line, pulling up and launching a perfect pass. I know he takes a hit, but that play is awesome.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=30gut;918437]Reggie Wayne was the Colts #1 WR and they chose to keep him over Garcon

[B]Could Garcon become a #1 WR? I think he can but it remains to be seen[/B][/quote]


Not sure how anyone could argue w/ this. I've never heard anyone (outside Skins nation) refer to Garcon as a #1 WR. He certainly hasn't produced like one. So if Garcon raises his game to that level the FO deserves all the credit, even I will worship at the Allen/Shanny alter lol. If Garcon is above average but nothing more, and if he is inconsistent over the course of this season, you have to put this signing in the "head-scratcher" category given the opportunity cost of his contract.

Re: Morgan Says He Will Play the Z
 

[quote=SmootSmack;918438]I don't think that's exactly true. Remember, Garcon turned down an offer from the Colts before choosing to explore free agency. And they didn't make an offer to Wayne before free agency hit[/quote]Quite right, maybe 'chose' doesn't accurately express how things happened but Wayne was still their #1 WR.

And imo if the Colts really wanted Garcon he would still be a Colt.*shrugs*

Bottom line for me is that Garcon is a talented young WR (that we may have over paid for) but if a marginal talent like Gaffney can have a career year in this offense then Garcon best days could be ahead of him