Quote:
Originally Posted by Paintrain
We've all had window seats on the Bitter Bus the past few weeks (and I stirred up enough negativity with the Vick thread) so I figured I'd put forth a few positives entering this year vs. last year:
1. Stability-The dreaded "s" word. For the first time in a long time we're not going into the offseason either installing a new offense or a new defense or someone learning an important position on the job (Campell in '07). We should be able to focus on execution, expansion of the offense and fine tuning the defense.
2. Injuries-Other than Samuels, we've got no other starters that will require significant offseason rehab and recovery. Remember last year we had questions about Rogers, McIntosh, R. Thomas and Jansen being able to start the season healthy. This year we're going into the offseason work with virtually all hands on deck.
3. Familiarity-While the roster will see some much needed change, we are almost assured to enter 2009 with the same skill position players we ended the season with. Campbell, Portis, Cooley, Moss, Randle El, Kelly, Thomas, Sellers on offense, Landry, Horton, Springs, Hall & Rogers (assuming Hall signs and Rogers isn't traded) on defense. It's been said ad naseum that our major flaw is in the trenches. I think it's significant that the players we count on to have or be around the ball are not having to learn anything new or differently and can just build on whatever foundation is here.
What are some of the other positives we can highlight?
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I'm not down with the familiarity or stability excuse. Guys move around all the time and it's business as usual (rookie QBs, RBs and WRs who produce right away, rookie coaches make the playoffs, veteran QBs like Brees going to NO and putting up huge numbers from day 1 and others like Pennington this year, backup QBs stepping right in, etc.). This is the Pros.
I am optimistic that the Skins will dust off all of their weapons next year and become more dynamic and difficult to defend on offense - use a 2 or 3 back system, get Kelly, Thomas and Davis on the field early and often (and use ARE like he was used in Pittsburgh), better utilize Campbell's legs, more creative play calling (use the backs in the passing game, some Wildcat and other gadget plays every game, no huddle here and there, move the pocket around, naked bootlegs on the goal line, etc.).
Throw in some tweaks on defense to create more sacks, turnovers and be generally more disruptive - and presto chango, the Skins are back in the playoffs, maybe even going deep.