Commanders Post at The Warpath - Biggest surprise thus far?

Commanders Post at The Warpath (http://www.thewarpath.net/forum.php)

- Locker Room Main Forum (http://www.thewarpath.net/forumdisplay.php?f=2)

- - Biggest surprise thus far? (http://www.thewarpath.net/showthread.php?t=8470)

Biggest surprise thus far?

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Vote for what? Brunell hands down.

I love how the analyst are comparing the Brunell today with the Brunell of the past. The man never complained last year when it was apparently clear he was playing injured and could not plant his feet do to a bad knee. I respect this guy because he has found a way to attack defenses with his ability to scramble and throw off of his back leg. No one expected this from him including myself in such an early part of the season. If the fourth game serves as a measure to where a team is headed, you have to be optimistic about our chances in the post season. As long as we keep Brunell from harm.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=SUNRA]vote for what?[/QUOTE]

Who is your daddy? :biggthump

I went with Brunell cause I didn't think he still had it in him.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

I think the easy answer is Brunell, and he's definitely deserving. To me Brunell is living up to what we expected from him when he first landed in D.C. - although he's been a very, very pleasant suprise so far!

But Santana....I don't think anyone saw him making this kinda impact. I'm mean he can really change a game fast, quick and in a hurry. He's everything that they said he wasn't - tough, can run routes, so far hasn't been injured, and he's such a team player.

Go Santana!!!

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

well brunell sucks, he couldn't do shit last year, i have seen better throws by highschool girl QBs and he was as accurate as dr.z's picks. He is a horrible QB and we pay his ass too much, he is never gonna do anything but warm the bench for ramsey and hold the clipboard for gibbs, come June 1, 2006 his ASS is gone.......wait he threw for over 300 yards and 2 TDs against a top 10 D last week??? wow i am surprised

Brunell

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=BigSKINBauer]well brunell sucks, he couldn't do shit last year, i have seen better throws by highschool girl QBs and he was as accurate as dr.z's picks. He is a horrible QB and we pay his ass too much, he is never gonna do anything but warm the bench for ramsey and hold the clipboard for gibbs, come June 1, 2006 his ASS is gone.......wait he threw for over 300 yards and 2 TDs against a top 10 D last week??? wow i am surprised

Brunell[/QUOTE]

:headbange

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

lavar 4 me, i would have never predicted that

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Brunell. He was so bad last year he made me want to :vomit-smi every time he threw the ball. What an amazing turn around! I am really happy for him personally because he has class and he was nothing but supportive of Ramsey when he went in. Any other guy would've pouted like a little bitch.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

I said in another thread that I am eating serious crow and will likely continue to do so as Brunell shows how he's got plenty in the tank. I was furious with Gibbs when he decided to replace Ramsey with Brunell. Apparently, Gibbs knows more about football than I do (which I always admitted). Also, he apparently knew a lot more about Brunell than I did.

PS-I'm also eating crow on the Coles-Moss deal. I thought Coles was the real deal and Moss was an unknown quantity. Well, that unknown quantity appears to be a heck of a lot better than anything we've had here in D.C. since Art Monk. I guess I'll be eating crow for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

for me it's Lavar. Don't get me wrong, i think Brunell and Moss have been great suprises so far, but i have doubts that Brunell will finish the season healthy, and this Lavar thing has been bothering me more than anything else. Especially after hearing he called out G. Williams on sportstalk 980 today, i think his time here is almost to an end, but i really want everything to get settled and him back on the field.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=SUNRA]I will admit Ramseyfan, Gibbs does know more about football than you. But it's okay, your'e a winner now buddy![/QUOTE]

Thanks, it's just unfortunate that Gibbs has not quite grasped the game of football like you SUNRA.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

I'm going to go a different route here and say "Where's Patten?"

Moss as the number one receiver doesn't surprise me all that much, but the gap between him and Patten is huge. I think someone hear, in another thread, had correctly said that the gap between Brunell and Ramsey and between Portis and Betts isn't nearly as big as that between Moss and Patten.

I don't know why it is, but Patten has been essentially irrelevant this season so far. I really thought he'd be a much bigger factor.

And also, where's the aggression on defense? When are they going to break Springs loose on one of those classic corner blitzes?

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Patten is starting to be a factor, he had 7 catches last week and would have been close to 100 yards if it wasn't for that ticky tack PI call.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Patten is starting to be a factor, he had 7 catches last week and would have been close to 100 yards if it wasn't for that ticky tack PI call.[/QUOTE]

You know I forgot all about that PI call. I sure hope they start to get him more involved.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=Ramseyfan]Thanks, it's just unfortunate that Gibbs has not quite grasped the game of football like you SUNRA.[/QUOTE]

Thank you. Don't patronize me. :smashfrea

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Patten is starting to be a factor, he had 7 catches last week and would have been close to 100 yards if it wasn't for that ticky tack PI call.[/QUOTE]

Every week it seems like he gets closer to getting a big play. I think it is just a matter of time. Maybe this week.

Who would have thought that the WR position would be a strength for the team? Oh yeah, I did! Moss, Patten, Thrash, Jacobs!!!

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=TAFKAS]I'm going to go a different route here and say "Where's Patten?"

Moss as the number one receiver doesn't surprise me all that much, but the gap between him and Patten is huge. I think someone hear, in another thread, had correctly said that the gap between Brunell and Ramsey and between Portis and Betts isn't nearly as big as that between Moss and Patten.

I don't know why it is, but Patten has been essentially irrelevant this season so far. I really thought he'd be a much bigger factor.

And also, where's the aggression on defense? When are they going to break Springs loose on one of those classic corner blitzes?[/QUOTE]

I think Patten is getting more balls thrown his way. Unfortunately, the plays have worked against us rather than helped us. The TD called back was a prime example. Patten is going across the middle and a catching the screen pass which was successful in getting first downs. What I like about the two WR's is their ability to gain first downs consecutively in a drive. That spells more points in the near future.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Maybe it's because Patten's catches so far haven't had quite the immediate impact that Moss' have that I'm not noticing DP. I'll be sure to pay closer attention this week as he goes for 105 and a touch.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

man outside of this past week patten hasn't even been a factor, it is a disappointment because i thought he was gonna be huge.... i thought the same about antonio brown, where is that pass dropping return fumbling d-bag now??

Patten is gonna show up this week, 5 catches 70 yards

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

For me, Brunell surely is a surprise, but I was not one of the ones who completely had him written off. Moss is no surprise to me at all, when he was a Jet he was a big playmaker when healthy. That's the thing about him, he's still a big injury risk. But I'm not surprised he's playing well. Arrington being out is surprising too, but I fully understand and support GW's decision on that. To me the biggest surprise is the missed tackles and leaky run defense.

I counted that phase of our game as the biggest lock to repeat last year's performance. I think it's still correctable.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

our D isnt as good as last year :( some of its injuries, but 4 big plays in 3 games is way too much... which also makes the lavar benching more surprising since pierce + marshall had WAY more talent (apparently) than marshall + holdman.

i mentioned patten'ss lack of doing anything ass fairly surprising too, he showed up on sunday for the first time though.

brunell isn't as surprising as the three above, since he played well in preseason and people were talking him up for a long time before he started a game this year.

moss is the least surprising ;) I thought he'd be good, not 1836 yards good, but respectable.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Hands down Brunell.
Who woulda thunk it?
Noone, cept Gibbs.
Doubt Brunell envisioned such a story book season (atleast so far).
Redskins offense totalled 447 yds, most of the season in their first loss 21-19 in Denver. Portis had over a 100 yds rushing and Brunell over 300 passing. Not bad stats for a loss and somehow our first. Brunell has run like a 25 yr old but held the poise of a 35 yr old since seeing his first action of the season off the bench in the first game. Shock to all is Brunell's stats and ability to ball at age 35. More shocking to me than Arrington has played like 10 downs this season. He missed almost all of last season and we had a top 5 defense. Will Brunell end up in Redskins folklore along side Sonny and Sam??? Could happen... Let's all hope so...

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

with how absolutely terrible Brunnel played last year, the biggest suprise has to be his turn around. then it would the lavar situation which no matter how much G Washington has me on his side, this defense badly needs more playmakers on the field.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

TK on 980 this morning mentioned an e-mail about a similar situation with the bills, some LB got in GW's doghouse for apparently no reason or whatever... i don't thinkt here's no reason here, but its obvious GW isn't nearly as fond of lavar as washington or taylor etc.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Has to be Brunell. I am surprised by Lavar, but, c'mon - whoda thunk Brunell would be SO much improved from last year?

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=Ramseyfan]I said in another thread that I am eating serious crow and will likely continue to do so as Brunell shows how he's got plenty in the tank. I was furious with Gibbs when he decided to replace Ramsey with Brunell. Apparently, Gibbs knows more about football than I do (which I always admitted). Also, he apparently knew a lot more about Brunell than I did.

PS-I'm also eating crow on the Coles-Moss deal. I thought Coles was the real deal and Moss was an unknown quantity. Well, that unknown quantity appears to be a heck of a lot better than anything we've had here in D.C. since Art Monk. I guess I'll be eating crow for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.[/QUOTE]

I have been behind all of the moves so far this year starting from sitting Taylor for his trouble, Ramsey vs Brunell, Bailey vs Portis,(which isn't over by the way; by the end of the season Portis will be the man) Coles vs Moss & the benching of LA. LA will not be leaving us no time soon. He just signed a new contract before the season started. The coaching staff just don't want LA to reach the incentives in his contract(# of sacks, #of downs played, ect) and most of all make the pro bowl. He needs to make it twice for him to be a free agent but we have the right to pay he like 3 Mill and we keep his rights. So he's going nowhere. So everyone just calm down and we will be a monster of a team come playoffs with LA on the field. This gives Holdman real time in the system so when LA gets back in and if something happens to him we will have an experianced backup coming in. I voted for the D having leaks as my surprise.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=SUNRA]Thank you. Don't patronize me. :smashfrea[/QUOTE]

I was just kidding, had to throw a little "smart-assness" your way. I'm bitter that you were right about Brunell and I was wrong. :biggthump

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

The biggest surprise, which by now is not such a surprise to say, is Brunell rising up from the ashes! I, too, felt Brunell was done for and staying with the team meant he was very desperate to hang around football to be a second or third stringer, but I have been pleasantly wrong so far! I hope he continues to play as well as he has!

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

I also voted for Brunell, but I wanted to post something that changed even the hatred my buddy had for Brunell and made him send me this this with the title this makes me kinda like the old geezer. He still hasn't completely come around but a good post I am pasting from another message board. Kinda long hope you enjoy and can take something from it.

"This is my first post, so nice to meet you all.

First of all, I'm a Jaguar fan. I know this isn't as detestable as being a Cowboys or Eagles fan - and certainly not as detestable as the inflated ego of Terrell Owens or Keyshawn Johnson.

When our former quarterback, Mark Brunell, left Jacksonville to become a Redskin, the fans of Jax were pretty heartbroken. Brunell had just come off of another knee injury, and the new head coach, Jack Del Rio, had other things planned for the QB position with Byron Leftwich.

Brunell was the marquee player of the Jaguars. He will always be the King of the City, irregardless of whether or not Byron Leftwich becomes a successful quarterback in his own right. Brunell led us to two AFC Championships games. He saved more games in the fourth quarter than Phil Mickelson lost golf majors.

This may seem to be an pretty insane statement, but the city of Jacksonville hasn't been the same without Mark Brunell. It really hasn't - and I'm not being overly dramatic in any way. Brunell was a born leader - on and off the field. From 1995 to 1999 - you couldn't go anywhere without seeing a Brunell jersey or a Jaguars flag hanging from a car. There was just a different spirit about the city, and it started with Mark. He had unflagging optimism and the will to win and succeed no matter what the cost while retaining humility and grace - and whether it was the cultural tune that the city was searching for, or whether Mark had tapped into a vein of goodness within the city, he changed the city of Jacksonville.

In Jacksonville, from 1995 to the early 2000's, Jaguar fever had hit, and fans couldn't get enough of our new team. We had Jaguars talk radio on five different AM channels, the Jaguars Inside Report, and Jaguars sections of the newspaper (things that don't exist today). Brunell was the featured article in all of these.

Mark Brunell never used these media outlets to "preach from the pulpit". But he always let us know where his strength came from....from God. And as we saw that strength being demonstrated from the field every Sunday, it's source became that much more meaningful. As our team became more and more comfortable playing with each other, the media embarked on a hunt to figure out what drove them. It culminated with a series of Florida Times-Union articles about the team's faith.

What had started as a small Bible study for Jaguar players and their families at Brunell's home blossomed into a full-fledged Church boasting over 2,000 members and over 25% of the Jaguars football team. Maybe it was true that the team that prayed together played together (and quite well, indeed). I'm a member of that Church - Southpoint Community - where I often prayed with Mark Brunell, and I have never met a better, more dedicated, nicer, and more humble man in my life. I was a member of the Church when Mark and Pastor Ball had just started to get it going, so I did get the chance to talk with him often.

When my wife was battling cancer, Mark would often call or visit us to check up on her and pray with us. Mark was a very busy man, and it meant a great deal to us that he would take the time out of his schedule to do so. You will never, ever see a greater class act.

When I found that Brunell would be teamed with Joe Gibbs, I knew something special would come of it. These two men are filled with so much faith - in their teammates, their families, themselves, and God - that their chests sometimes seem about to burst. When Brunell had that bad season last year, after having closely watched him for years, I knew that he was playing hurt. Parishoners at Church who are good friends of the family confirmed it, but Mark wasn't going to make any excuses or complain publicly about it. I also noticed that Gibbs wasn't utilizing Brunells great shotgunning ability, which is Mark's greatest offensive strength.

After watching a few of your preseason games, I saw the old Mark waiting to come back, he just needed an opportunity. After reading a few articles on the Washington Post about how Mark had befriended Patrick, and about how he wanted another chance to prove himself, I knew that Mark would be back in better form than ever.

Then I read this messageboard and saw all of the negative things still being written about Mark. "He sucks, he's too slow, he's to wild in the pocket, can't run, can't throw long, remember last year...". I waited a week. "Well, we beat the Bears, but no thanks to him", and waited a bit longer, "I can't believe that Gibbs is benching Ramsey. Does he not remember last season???". I read a week later, "Good game, Santana. Mark sucked except for those two lucky throws at the end", and I knew that the bubble was close to bursting.

After the Seahawks game, the naysaying had vanished. Brunell had finally conquered the stubborn minds and hearts of the fans he alienated the previous season. I knew that Mark still had it in him to win, he had convinced me yet again (not for the first time). I'm now an unabashed Redskins fan in Jacksonville.

I know this is a long post, but it's important to me. You don't know the weapon you have in your hands when it's utilized the right way. I challenge each and every one of you to research the Jaguars '96 season, when Brunell lead our team to a huge winning streak at the end of the season. We were one win away from the playoffs, tied with the Falcons in Alltel at the end of the game when Morten Anderson (who had made a record streak of field goals that was still counting) was up for the game winning kick. He missed - whether on purpose, wink wink, or not, we made it into the playoffs as a wild card.

We went to Buffalo and beat the Bills (and ended Jim Kelly's career), then went to Denver. Woody Paige disparaged Brunell and called us the Jagwads, and using his column in as motivation in the locker room, Brunell and Coughlin motivated the team to beat Denver. Then we went all of the way to the AFC Championship game and Brunell almost won that for us. No one, NO ONE believed that this 2nd year team with an unproved QB could do it. But we did.

And here's to Washington. I'll be rooting for the Redskins knowing that the same magic might just be resurrected. You're the same team, deserving yet underrated, strong yet disrespected, and I see the same strength of resolve in your players. Here's hoping. (fingers crossed.)

I'm proud to be a Redskin."

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

wow, thats a really good post...

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Well I am sure most of you know what I voted for, but I am through talking about that. Brunell has to be the most surprising story. Last year the man couldn't throw a 10 yard out without it hitting the ground. Now he looks like his arm is 10 years younger. He is making great decisions on the field, looks to be very commanding in the huddle and a true team leader. As the season goes on, people will have to start respecting his ability to throw the ball down field, move around the pocket and make quality throws, which will cause a chain reaction of events. Portis will start getting his yards, with scoring , and breaking those long ones, and we will start scoring alot more points.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

I voted other because to me the biggerst surprise of the season is that inspite of an O that still does not score many points the Skins are 3-1 instead of 1-3.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

[QUOTE=skins052bgr8]I also voted for Brunell, but I wanted to post something that changed even the hatred my buddy had for Brunell and made him send me this this with the title this makes me kinda like the old geezer. He still hasn't completely come around but a good post I am pasting from another message board. Kinda long hope you enjoy and can take something from it.

"This is my first post, so nice to meet you all.

First of all, I'm a Jaguar fan. I know this isn't as detestable as being a Cowboys or Eagles fan - and certainly not as detestable as the inflated ego of Terrell Owens or Keyshawn Johnson.

When our former quarterback, Mark Brunell, left Jacksonville to become a Redskin, the fans of Jax were pretty heartbroken. Brunell had just come off of another knee injury, and the new head coach, Jack Del Rio, had other things planned for the QB position with Byron Leftwich.

Brunell was the marquee player of the Jaguars. He will always be the King of the City, irregardless of whether or not Byron Leftwich becomes a successful quarterback in his own right. Brunell led us to two AFC Championships games. He saved more games in the fourth quarter than Phil Mickelson lost golf majors.

This may seem to be an pretty insane statement, but the city of Jacksonville hasn't been the same without Mark Brunell. It really hasn't - and I'm not being overly dramatic in any way. Brunell was a born leader - on and off the field. From 1995 to 1999 - you couldn't go anywhere without seeing a Brunell jersey or a Jaguars flag hanging from a car. There was just a different spirit about the city, and it started with Mark. He had unflagging optimism and the will to win and succeed no matter what the cost while retaining humility and grace - and whether it was the cultural tune that the city was searching for, or whether Mark had tapped into a vein of goodness within the city, he changed the city of Jacksonville.

In Jacksonville, from 1995 to the early 2000's, Jaguar fever had hit, and fans couldn't get enough of our new team. We had Jaguars talk radio on five different AM channels, the Jaguars Inside Report, and Jaguars sections of the newspaper (things that don't exist today). Brunell was the featured article in all of these.

Mark Brunell never used these media outlets to "preach from the pulpit". But he always let us know where his strength came from....from God. And as we saw that strength being demonstrated from the field every Sunday, it's source became that much more meaningful. As our team became more and more comfortable playing with each other, the media embarked on a hunt to figure out what drove them. It culminated with a series of Florida Times-Union articles about the team's faith.

What had started as a small Bible study for Jaguar players and their families at Brunell's home blossomed into a full-fledged Church boasting over 2,000 members and over 25% of the Jaguars football team. Maybe it was true that the team that prayed together played together (and quite well, indeed). I'm a member of that Church - Southpoint Community - where I often prayed with Mark Brunell, and I have never met a better, more dedicated, nicer, and more humble man in my life. I was a member of the Church when Mark and Pastor Ball had just started to get it going, so I did get the chance to talk with him often.

When my wife was battling cancer, Mark would often call or visit us to check up on her and pray with us. Mark was a very busy man, and it meant a great deal to us that he would take the time out of his schedule to do so. You will never, ever see a greater class act.

When I found that Brunell would be teamed with Joe Gibbs, I knew something special would come of it. These two men are filled with so much faith - in their teammates, their families, themselves, and God - that their chests sometimes seem about to burst. When Brunell had that bad season last year, after having closely watched him for years, I knew that he was playing hurt. Parishoners at Church who are good friends of the family confirmed it, but Mark wasn't going to make any excuses or complain publicly about it. I also noticed that Gibbs wasn't utilizing Brunells great shotgunning ability, which is Mark's greatest offensive strength.

After watching a few of your preseason games, I saw the old Mark waiting to come back, he just needed an opportunity. After reading a few articles on the Washington Post about how Mark had befriended Patrick, and about how he wanted another chance to prove himself, I knew that Mark would be back in better form than ever.

Then I read this messageboard and saw all of the negative things still being written about Mark. "He sucks, he's too slow, he's to wild in the pocket, can't run, can't throw long, remember last year...". I waited a week. "Well, we beat the Bears, but no thanks to him", and waited a bit longer, "I can't believe that Gibbs is benching Ramsey. Does he not remember last season???". I read a week later, "Good game, Santana. Mark sucked except for those two lucky throws at the end", and I knew that the bubble was close to bursting.

After the Seahawks game, the naysaying had vanished. Brunell had finally conquered the stubborn minds and hearts of the fans he alienated the previous season. I knew that Mark still had it in him to win, he had convinced me yet again (not for the first time). I'm now an unabashed Redskins fan in Jacksonville.

I know this is a long post, but it's important to me. You don't know the weapon you have in your hands when it's utilized the right way. I challenge each and every one of you to research the Jaguars '96 season, when Brunell lead our team to a huge winning streak at the end of the season. We were one win away from the playoffs, tied with the Falcons in Alltel at the end of the game when Morten Anderson (who had made a record streak of field goals that was still counting) was up for the game winning kick. He missed - whether on purpose, wink wink, or not, we made it into the playoffs as a wild card.

We went to Buffalo and beat the Bills (and ended Jim Kelly's career), then went to Denver. Woody Paige disparaged Brunell and called us the Jagwads, and using his column in as motivation in the locker room, Brunell and Coughlin motivated the team to beat Denver. Then we went all of the way to the AFC Championship game and Brunell almost won that for us. No one, NO ONE believed that this 2nd year team with an unproved QB could do it. But we did.

And here's to Washington. I'll be rooting for the Redskins knowing that the same magic might just be resurrected. You're the same team, deserving yet underrated, strong yet disrespected, and I see the same strength of resolve in your players. Here's hoping. (fingers crossed.)

I'm proud to be a Redskin."[/QUOTE]

great post

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

After that post I can just say, Brunell.

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

Brunell was a suprise, but even when I was bitching and moaning about Ramsey being benched, I always had to give a twinge of merit to Gibbs's asessment and even though there have been some tough times as of late, he's still Gibbs. I wouldn't have made the same decision, but I can't say I was taken aback by his accomplishments thus far.

At least not as much as Lavar. If anyone had said he'd be healthy and number 5 on the depth chart... I'd have laughed in their face. The guys been Mr. Redskin since he came to us. I'm still reeling about all this.:confused-

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

skins052bgr8,

That is a quality post; keep it up!

Re: Biggest surprise thus far?

That is one of the greatest posts ever.
Thank You