Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Even though I'm going to go ahead and preface this by saying, "PLEASE DON'T OVERANALYZE LAST NIGHT." being the fact that we have a whole week until the regular season it will inevitably happen, but anyway. Already I'm hearing cut Brown, keep Farris, come on now, how fickle ARE we? Farris played a great single game, just as Brown played a poor single game. Just remember to take a look at someone's performances during the WHOLE preseason not just last night. Even though we lost there were many positives and a couple negatives that can be taken from this game:

Positives:
1) No injuries to the starters.
2) Starting offensive line still played great regardless of two sacks.
3) Portis running like a BEAST.
4) Ramsey making good decisions and not forcing the ball when he didn't have to.
5) THE ADE MADE A HIT!

Negatives:
1) Penalties. That HAS to be frustrating for Antonio Brown.
2) Manuel White being our only injury.
3) I am concerned about our backup DBs.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Farris makes a good argument for a roster spot. He played well, got open, and had super glue on his hands. I still think A. Brown can be a good receiver, but Farris shouldn't be overlooked. Cutting brown FOR farris isn't the answer though.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Brown won't get cut, his spot is cemented as the return man so let's stop with that foolish talk.

We wouldn't have a team left if the fans ran things, we'd be cutting players left and right. LOL

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Seriously! I'm fine with him at return man and we'll leave it at that. I'd also be cautiously optimistic if he had to come in as a WR as well. I agree that Farris should be given a look, but not at the expense of someone who deserves a spot. Maybe Farris can take the spot Rufus Brown will obviously be vacating? ;)

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

I'm impressed with the D-Line, especially C.Griff. He's gonna have a great year, as will Jansen. I think Friedman stays over Raymer on the O-line too.

Overall a lot of positives coming out of this preseason. No team has worked out all the kinks so far, so we should be encouraged. And I think we can take comfort in knowing that if Ramsey falters, we now have a rejuvenated and capable back-up in Brunell.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Brown won't get cut, his spot is cemented as the return man so let's stop with that foolish talk.

We wouldn't have a team left if the fans ran things, we'd be cutting players left and right. LOL[/QUOTE]

I understand Brown had a great camp, and he has blazing speed, and he still deserves to be on this team, but he by know means is untouchable. ... (not saying you said that)

He hasn't had a real good return in four preseason games, and one thing I noticed about him is that he will go down with an arm tackle. He has dropped several balls - I mean, if it means keeping him and keeping, let say farris or T. Jacobs, the possibiilty of him being let go should be there.

Lets not forget, he has been released already or a reason ...

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

What's intesting is that last year the Chiefs experimented with expanding Dante Hall's role at wide receiver. It's certainly possible that it diminished his ability as a return man. He certainly didn't have a breakout year like in '03. So I think Vermeil is going to pretty much keep him focused in that role and not try to transform him something he's not.

What I'm saying is, like Hall (no comparison skill wise, D. Hall is the man!) A. Brown is just a specialist and really nothing els, and perhaps Gibbs and Co. just wanted to make sure that he is indeed just a specialist. Of course anything more would be icing on the cake, IMO.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Times like this you have to look at the big picture. Look at what Brown did at the end of last year. The guy turned a stale return game into an exciting one. One bad game in the preseason isn't going to get him cut.

He hasn't done a whole lot this preseason to make the coaches think he should get more reps at WR, but his place as our return man is set.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

that might be true 12thman. brown isn't gonna get cut because he's not a good wideout. rufus brown is headed for the practice squad, i'm willing to bet on that cuz they need him if we get injured. sideeq shabazz is gone, dude gets burnt for big catches more often than the ade. we can't keep farris, cartwright, and broughton, and anyone of those three might be gone. penalties absolutely killed us, they need to work on that. i don't know how anyone can say portis ran all over them last night, he only had 2 carries for 16 yards. ramsey only played a couple series too, he went 2-4.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=12thMan]What's intesting is that last year the Chiefs experimented with expanding Dante Hall's role at wide receiver. It's certainly possible that it diminished his ability as a return man. He certainly didn't have a breakout year like in '03. So I think Vermeil is going to pretty much keep him focused in that role and not try to transform him something he's not.

What I'm saying is, like Hall (no comparison skill wise, D. Hall is the man!) A. Brown is just a specialist and really nothing els, and perhaps Gibbs and Co. just wanted to make sure that he is indeed just a specialist. Of course anything more would be icing on the cake, IMO.[/QUOTE]

I agree, but to be honest, a guy who strictly just returns kicks better be exceptional at it, and so far when I think of Brown, I think of that good return last year, (against Minnesota?), moster fumble at Dallas, 4 straight drop balls last night, dropped touchdown earlier in preseason, I really don't think he is lighting up right now, Parson's put him to shame last night!

I think Gibbs is the type of coach that expects guys to be a little more than one dimensional, ala Thrash, and Jacobs and their special teams play, pass catching ability and with Thrash, his return ability ...

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=mooby]that might be true 12thman. brown isn't gonna get cut because he's not a good wideout. rufus brown is headed for the practice squad, i'm willing to bet on that cuz they need him if we get injured. sideeq shabazz is gone, dude gets burnt for big catches more often than the ade. we can't keep farris, cartwright, and broughton, and anyone of those three might be gone. penalties absolutely killed us, they need to work on that. i don't know how anyone can say portis ran all over them last night, he only had 2 carries for 16 yards. ramsey only played a couple series too, he went 2-4.[/QUOTE]

Farris will be the odd man out, much to our dismay as fickle fans. LOL He displays Thrash like qualities anyway - and since Thrash is better and proven I think we'll be fine. I think the Manny White injury, unfortunately, helps Nemo make the team. White was pretty much going to be an H-Back/Fullback.

I don't think it was that Portis ran over anyone, I think it was more that he broke the line of scrimage for more than five yards!! Which is encouraging because last year he earned some tough yards. By the way, he did drag one of the their DBs a couple of yards for a first down and Suggs had to help out on the tackle.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=gortiz]I agree, but to be honest, a guy who strictly just returns kicks better be exceptional at it, and so far when I think of Brown, I think of that good return last year, (against Minnesota?), moster fumble at Dallas, 4 straight drop balls last night, dropped touchdown earlier in preseason, I really don't think he is lighting up right now, Parson's put him to shame last night!

I think Gibbs is the type of coach that expects guys to be a little more than one dimensional, ala Thrash, and Jacobs and their special teams play, pass catching ability and with Thrash, his return ability ...[/QUOTE]

One dimensional he is - I'm not convinced that he's on the bubble though.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=12thMan]One dimensional he is - I'm not convinced that he's on the bubble though.[/QUOTE]

I'm sure he is know where close to being cut - but he for sure, raised eyebrows and hurt stock value after those drops! And not just as a WR ...

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

I just can't wait until next week!!! The reasons are two-fold.

1) I get to party with some good friends from WP.
2) I just have a gut feeling we'll decimate the Bears. People haven't seen all Portis has to offer yet. Running a PURELY vanilla offense, he's been able to rack up yards.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]I just can't wait until next week!!! The reasons are two-fold.

1) I get to party with some good friends from WP.
2) I just have a gut feeling we'll decimate the Bears. People haven't seen all Portis has to offer yet. Running a PURELY vanilla offense, he's been able to rack up yards.[/QUOTE]

I think we will dominate defensively, and the offense will be adequate, then in a few weeks, the offense will make strides and catch up ... skins 21-13 in a defensively dominated game!

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Honestly, I don't think there will be many teams who can contain Portis this year.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]Honestly, I don't think there will be many teams who can contain Portis this year.[/QUOTE]

Man, you're a huge Portis fan. LOL

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Who isn't? 6.0 average in the preseason? What's not to love?

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

I too think Portis is in for a monster season. The holes he's been running through this preseason are ridiculous. The offensive line is playing with chips on their shoulders.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

I was trying to talk this guy into making Portis his fantasy pick over Alexander! The football pundits would kill me for saying that. LOL

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

how can you not be a fan of Clinton Portis??

all the man needs is a hair crack and he slips through in a blink. he has an amazing ability to find room and can dart off in any direction. what i love most is he runs low and instantly builds momentum, he always falls FORWARD even if its just for a handful of yards.

he's been the most exciting Redskin to watch in a loooong time, sooo worth Chump Bailey.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

What I saw in the game:
Brunnel played great~ I wonder will Gibbs stick up for Ramsey like he did for brunnel last year or will he pull the plug sooner, especially with Mark good.

OTA fines or not, Bugel has whipped that line into shape, injuries with standing we won't fail this year because the line isn't a problem, thats for sure.

The defense first team is outstanding. Lavar is a changed man and willing to do what it takes to get the team as far as possible.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=gortiz]I think we will dominate defensively, and the offense will be adequate, then in a few weeks, the offense will make strides and catch up ... skins 21-13 in a defensively dominated game![/QUOTE]

I think we'll beat the Bears, but getting 21 points from this offense could be asking too much. If you figure there's a score from a defensive play or a special teams return, that's one thing.

But It took overtime to score 20 points last night. Every other outing so far has been good for 17 points or less. Yes, I know. We haven't seen the starters for a full game, but unless there's drastic improvement from Ramsey and his cohesion with Moss and Patten, it could still take some time before we become an offensive juggernaut scoring 21 points.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

For those of you calling for Antonio Brown's head because he's not a good receiver, just remember this:

He won't be in position to catch many anyway. Gibbs rarely uses 4 wideout formations. Even when he does, it's usually a trick to spread the defense and call a draw play. Moss, Patten, Cooley and Thrash will catch the majority of all passes thrown this year, barring injury. If you go back to Gibbs' offense from the glory days, take a look at how much the fourth wideout was a part of the passing attack. Very, very little.

Worst case scenario if one of the starters gets injured, Brown will stay where he is fielding punts and kickoffs, while Taylor Jacobs steps up and becomes the Hall of Famer so many people think he will be. If he's able to come back from the chapped lips and ankle blisters that keep him sidelined, that is.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

We also played against some of the top defenses in the league. The Panters were back at full strength at D, regardless of their standings last year. The Bengals are Marvin Lewis coached, enough said. And the Steelers and Ravens, we all know how their defenses operate.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]We also played against some of the top defenses in the league. The Panters were back at full strength at D, regardless of their standings last year. The Bengals are Marvin Lewis coached, enough said. And the Steelers and Ravens, we all know how their defenses operate.[/QUOTE]

And that my friend may be as tough as any defenses we'll see all season long - Bengals included, who will be good by the way.

I would think that this offense can put up at least 21 point on the Bears though.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

I agree. At LEAST 21...

And honestly, I really want to see Ramsey throwing a lot of intermediate passes where he can put zip on the ball and let our receivers run after the catch. Ramsey looks WAY more comfortable doing that and he's typically way more successful.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

The only thing that really stood out was the penalties. It seemed like every punt return, there was some kind stupid penalty. I'm sure Danny Smith had a lot to say to his players. If theres anything that Gibbs hates, its penalties and turnovers......and last night they didn't do a good job controlling those things.

The bright spots was our starting D, Brunell, O-line, and the reserve receivers (except for A.Brown.).

Did anyone notice all the tackles Nemo made on special teams? He had at least 3 nice tackles.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=Redskins_P]The only thing that really stood out was the penalties. It seemed like every punt return, there was some kind stupid penalty. I'm sure Danny Smith had a lot to say to his players. If theres anything that Gibbs hates, its penalties and turnovers......and last night they didn't do a good job controlling those things.

The bright spots was our starting D, Brunell, O-line, and the reserve receivers (except for A.Brown.).

Did anyone notice all the tackles Nemo made on special teams? He had at least 3 nice tackles.[/QUOTE]

Nemo also had a couple of costly penalties on ST.

But as far as penalties, has anyone else noticed that Derrick Dockery has very quitely, and I say quietly because he hasn't been flagged, had a good preseason. The offensive line seems really focused on not making mental errors.

There's a short clip on redskins.com showing Jansen rallying the troops before the game - what a leader he is for this team!

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=Beemnseven]I think we'll beat the Bears, but getting 21 points from this offense could be asking too much. If you figure there's a score from a defensive play or a special teams return, that's one thing.

But It took overtime to score 20 points last night. Every other outing so far has been good for 17 points or less. Yes, I know. We haven't seen the starters for a full game, but unless there's drastic improvement from Ramsey and his cohesion with Moss and Patten, it could still take some time before we become an offensive juggernaut scoring 21 points.[/QUOTE]

I said 21 cause I"m a fan, Portis is killing, our line is much improved, (PLEASE SEE JANSEN'S blocks on the A. Brown reverse and the Rock TD run last week) - OUR BELOVED P. Ramsey is the only question mark, he is not looking comfortalbe, I agree Bees, he still has not gelled with our Off and WR's ...realistically I say we put up 17, and do so for a few games till PR warms up.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

mohr looked bad, rufus looked bad,
kol??? (TE) looked good, groom looked good...
farris looked ok, but he may not even make the PS and i'd be fine with that.
brown had a bad game, i'll give him a pass this time and send him to go catch balls all week.

I think rock and nemo both make it, they've both looked good all preseason, I can't see either one getting cut right now. white has also potentially cleared up a spot which helps.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

Nemo has been one hell of a special teams tackler.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=That Guy]mohr looked bad, rufus looked bad,
kol??? (TE) looked good, groom looked good...
farris looked ok, but he may not even make the PS and i'd be fine with that.
brown had a bad game, i'll give him a pass this time and send him to go catch balls all week.

I think rock and nemo both make it, they've both looked good all preseason, I can't see either one getting cut right now. white has also potentially cleared up a spot which helps.[/QUOTE]

Actually Kozlowski could be the biggest benefactor of White's injury seeing that he's plays tight-end, but I wouldn't be suprised to see Gibbs use him at H-B as well.

The reality is that during this time of the year good players are released and find work elsewhere. Three ex-Skins under the Old Ball Coach's era: I. Ohalete,(sp) Sage Rosenfel, and Sulton McCollough could all get significant playing time with other teams this year.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=12thMan]Actually Kozlowski could be the biggest benefactor of White's injury seeing that he's plays tight-end, but I wouldn't be suprised to see Gibbs use him at H-B as well.

The reality is that during this time of the year good players are released and find work elsewhere. Three ex-Skins under the Old Ball Coach's era: I. Ohalete,(sp) Sage Rosenfel, and Sulton McCollough could all get significant playing time with other teams this year.[/QUOTE]

not S. McC, he's like #4 on their depth chart and the 3 guys above him are all a good bit better. and i doubt sage see the field either... either way, the teams they've landed on are just terrible, so their careers are still on equivalent of NFL life support.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=That Guy]not S. McC, he's like #4 on their depth chart and the 3 guys above him are all a good bit better. and i doubt sage see the field either... either way, the teams they've landed on are just terrible, so their careers are still on equivalent of NFL life support.[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't be suprised if Sage sees the field this year. But I do agree they all play for miserable teams. I think Iffy will get time in Cincy too.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=Redskins_P]The only thing that really stood out was the penalties. It seemed like every punt return, there was some kind stupid penalty. I'm sure Danny Smith had a lot to say to his players. If theres anything that Gibbs hates, its penalties and turnovers......and last night they didn't do a good job controlling those things.

The bright spots was our starting D, Brunell, O-line, and the reserve receivers (except for A.Brown.).

Did anyone notice all the tackles Nemo made on special teams? He had at least 3 nice tackles.[/QUOTE]

Yeah... I couldn't believe that many stupid penalites, especially the number in the first half. Hopefully Gibbs will get rid of these dumb players that don't know how to play smart at all....

I also can't believe how good Brunell is looking in all four games. I was a Ramsey fan for a long while but my gut tells me now that Brunell should be starting. He's throwing so accurate with so much zip on the ball whereas Ramsey seems to be still so inaccurate and throwing his balls so soft.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

yeah, iffy is the most likely, since he actually had SOME talent, but three teams in three years when he started the whole time is kinda a red flag.

Re: Review: Redskins vs. Ravens
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]I agree. At LEAST 21...

And honestly, I really want to see Ramsey throwing a lot of intermediate passes where he can put zip on the ball and let our receivers run after the catch. Ramsey looks WAY more comfortable doing that and he's typically way more successful.[/QUOTE]

Exactly. For some reason Ramsey is throwing the ball so soft most of the time... like's he just wants to float the ball to the receiver instead of throwing the ball with some zip and authority. He's taking so much off the ball and that is why it seems to me that he has been underthrowing the receivers so badly on the longer passes. During the preseason, it seems to me that Brunell's passes are traveling twice as fast as Ramsey's... and much more accurate.