Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post - What Changes Should We Make Going Into 08?

jamf · 01-06-2008, 04:13 PM

The first thing we have to realize is that we can't address all of our needs...

Priority: Quality Center, Depth Offensive linemen( because of the injury history of our linemen) and Pass Rushing Defensive Linemen.

We need a quality Center. Rabach does not get any push on short yardage plays. On most 3rd and 1 plays, the Defensive Line overpowers Rabach and pushes him into the backfield. We need a guy big enough to hold his own ground and athletic enough to pull.

We also need more quality depth on the Offensive Line. Jansen scares me. He might not be able to play at a quality level because of all off the injuries he's sustained in the last few seasons. Randy Thomas should be ok but he's also had injuries

Another area in drastic need, Defensive Line. Part of the problem is scheme. Williams has the defensive line clog up the gaps first so Fletcher can run side line to side line without getting blocked and rushing the passer is second priority.
They need to bring in few young guys who can run.

Luxury Additions: Safety, Cornerback, WR, LB, and Special Teams.
We can't have a probowl caliber player at every position.
Reed Doughty held his own the last few weeks. If there is an opportunity to get a player with more speed and who can be more physical against the run, we should bring him in. But we should not draft a Safety in the first 3 rounds.

Same with corner. Rogers won't be the same. Springs had a great year but was injured the whole year. Smoot was inconsistent at times and great at other times. Torrence has problems,but then again every 4th cornerback in the league sucks. I would like to see another insurance cornerback just incase springs goes down. Torrence should be counted on to be a nickel back.

At WR, We need to get rid of the garbage on the team. I love james thrash but it might be time to part ways with him too. Santana Moss has some injury issues but we are going to have to bite the bullet. we can't bring in a #1 WR. I'm so proud of Randle El. He really stepped up for us. 10 catches yesterday... He plays hard and in my eyes he is a quality #2 WR. He earned alot of respect this year. Hopefully Mike Espy can step up, but i'm not counting on him. Hopefully we can find a big target who can run routes. We also need to increase team speed at WR. McCardell and Caldwell are not deep threats.

The McIntosh injury scares me. He is probably done for 2008. Godfrey played well but he is older and a little slow. HB Blades looked good at times. It would be nice to bring in a quality veteran just incase Blades or Godfrey cant step up. Also, Washington has been battling injuries the last two years, it might be time to start grooming a replacement for him.

Special teams has played pretty well all year. I love Rock Cartwright, But there is no way we can afford to pay him starting Running back money.
We need to bring in competition for the punting and kicking.

01-06-2008, 04:13 PM	#30
jamf Pro Bowl Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: San Diego Ca Posts: 5,427	Re: What Changes Should We Make Going Into 08? The first thing we have to realize is that we can't address all of our needs... Priority: Quality Center, Depth Offensive linemen( because of the injury history of our linemen) and Pass Rushing Defensive Linemen. We need a quality Center. Rabach does not get any push on short yardage plays. On most 3rd and 1 plays, the Defensive Line overpowers Rabach and pushes him into the backfield. We need a guy big enough to hold his own ground and athletic enough to pull. We also need more quality depth on the Offensive Line. Jansen scares me. He might not be able to play at a quality level because of all off the injuries he's sustained in the last few seasons. Randy Thomas should be ok but he's also had injuries Another area in drastic need, Defensive Line. Part of the problem is scheme. Williams has the defensive line clog up the gaps first so Fletcher can run side line to side line without getting blocked and rushing the passer is second priority. They need to bring in few young guys who can run. Luxury Additions: Safety, Cornerback, WR, LB, and Special Teams. We can't have a probowl caliber player at every position. Reed Doughty held his own the last few weeks. If there is an opportunity to get a player with more speed and who can be more physical against the run, we should bring him in. But we should not draft a Safety in the first 3 rounds. Same with corner. Rogers won't be the same. Springs had a great year but was injured the whole year. Smoot was inconsistent at times and great at other times. Torrence has problems,but then again every 4th cornerback in the league sucks. I would like to see another insurance cornerback just incase springs goes down. Torrence should be counted on to be a nickel back. At WR, We need to get rid of the garbage on the team. I love james thrash but it might be time to part ways with him too. Santana Moss has some injury issues but we are going to have to bite the bullet. we can't bring in a #1 WR. I'm so proud of Randle El. He really stepped up for us. 10 catches yesterday... He plays hard and in my eyes he is a quality #2 WR. He earned alot of respect this year. Hopefully Mike Espy can step up, but i'm not counting on him. Hopefully we can find a big target who can run routes. We also need to increase team speed at WR. McCardell and Caldwell are not deep threats. The McIntosh injury scares me. He is probably done for 2008. Godfrey played well but he is older and a little slow. HB Blades looked good at times. It would be nice to bring in a quality veteran just incase Blades or Godfrey cant step up. Also, Washington has been battling injuries the last two years, it might be time to start grooming a replacement for him. Special teams has played pretty well all year. I love Rock Cartwright, But there is no way we can afford to pay him starting Running back money. We need to bring in competition for the punting and kicking.