Redskins 2005 Report Cards - Offense

[MTK]

Alright, I'm bored and I've decided to make a contribution to the site other than complaining about duplicate threads.

Here's my 2005 Redskins Report Cards, I'll do as many players as possible but I'll probably just focus on the guys who saw significant playing time. In the interest of keeping things neat, comments won't be allowed until I'm done posting all the grades, which might be a while. So save up those comments til the very end!

Enjoy!

[MTK]

#8 Mark Brunell - Brunell discovered a fountain of youth in 2005 and posted a career high in touchdown passes with 23. He posted a QB rating of 85.9 that was good enough for 5th overall in the NFC. Despite a late season swoon he had an admirable comeback season following up an absolutely dreadful 2004 campaign.

Final Stats:
262/454 att/comp
3050 yards
57.7% completion percentage
6.7 yards per attempt
23 touchdowns
10 interceptions
85.9 rating

Season highlight: 2 late scoring strikes to Santana Moss led the Redskins to a thrilling Monday Night Football win over the hated Cowboys.

Season lowlight: A dismal 25.7 QB rating punctuated what was a dreadful offensive output for the Redskins in their wild card matchup against the Bucs. Despite the severe lack of offense the Redskins managed to win the game, 17-10.

Grade: B

Looking ahead to 2006 - Brunell has to be the early favorite to open the 2006 season as the starter, but the talented Jason Campbell will be waiting in the wings.

[MTK]

#26 Clinton Portis - After a disappointing 2004 season in which many wondered if Portis was the wrong fit for a Joe Gibbs' offense, Portis established himself as one of the better all-around backs in the NFL setting a team record with 1516 yards rushing. Perhaps more impressive than his rushing stats is what Portis does when he doesn't have the football. Portis is a fearless blocker who frequently gives up his body to make a crucial block to protect his QB. Portis is quite the character off the field as evident by his comical weekly press conferences in which he would dress up as different characters, but there's nothing comical about him once he steps on the field.

Final stats:
352 rushing attempts
1516 yards
4.3 yards per carry
longest run of 47 yards
11 rushing touchdowns
30 receptions
216 yards receiving
7.2 yards per catch

Season highlight: In a must win game that turned out to be the first of a 5 game winning streak that propelled the Redskins into the playoffs, Portis gashed the Rams for 136 yards on 27 carries scoring 2 touchdowns.

Season lowlight: On October 30th the Giants overwhelmed the Redskins 36-0. In the game Portis was never a factor carrying just 4 times for 9 yards.

Grade: A

Looking ahead to 2006 - With Al Saunders running the offense, it looks like Portis will have an excellent chance to top the 1500 yard mark for the 4th time in his 5 year career.

[MTK]

#89 Santana Moss - Prior to coming to the Redskins in 2005, Moss was known as an exciting but oft-injured wide receiver. The so called experts in the media scoffed at the notion the Redskins were getting a playmaking #1 wide receiver, fast forward a year later and there is no question as to who got the better end of the Coles/Moss trade. Moss quickly established himself as a dangerous playmaker capable of taking any reception all the way to paydirt. His 1483 receiving yards set a team record and was good enough for 2nd in the NFL behind Carolina's Steve Smith.

Final stats:
84 receptions
1483 yards
17.7 yards per catch
longest catch of 78 yards
9 touchdowns
24 catches of 20 yards or more
10 catches of 40 yards or more

Season highlight: Avenging a poor first meeting, Moss ripped the Giants on December 24th for 160 yards on 5 receptions and scored 3 TDs.

Season lowlight: A red-hot Moss was brought to a halt against the Giants on October 30th. He entered the game with three consecutive games over 100 yards, against the Giants he caught 4 balls for just 34 yards.

Grade: A

Looking ahead to 2006 - Moss proved to be a true #1 WR in 2005, but it's obvious he needs a viable receiving threat across from him in 2006. Al Saunders will likely have alot of fun finding ways to get the ball to the explosive Moss.

[MTK]

#47 Chris Cooley - H-back Chris Cooley has developed into a sure handed receiving threat for the Redskins. In just his second season he snagged 71 passes and scored 7 touchdowns. Cooley has a great feel for the passing game and he should be a reliable safety valve for Redskins QB's for years to come. Cooley has quickly become a fan favorite because of his down to earth personality, and he's branded himself with the nickname Captain Chaos.

Final stats:
71 receptions
774 yards
10.9 yards per catch
7 touchdowns
6 catches of 20 yards or more

Season highlight: Cooley put himself on the map with a monster day against the Cowboys on December 18th. Three first half touchdown catches helped put the Redskins out to a huge early lead and for the game he finished with 71 yards on 6 catches.

Season lowlight: The Giants game on October 30th seems to be a common theme among the season lowlights and it rears it's ugly head again here. Cooley had just 19 yards on 3 catches, fumbled and took a wicked shot that briefly knocked him out of the game.

Grade: A

Looking ahead to 2006: Cooley is a talented young player that should continue to develop. Under Al Saunders' system he'll play the role of Tony Gonzalez and even though those are some big shoes to fill, Skins fans have to be confident that Captain Chaos is up to the task.

[MTK]

#46 Ladell Betts - As the primary backup for Clinton Portis, Betts again provided solid relief efforts in 2005. He is more of a north-south type runner than Portis and he gives the Skins a quality 1-2 punch. Betts is a quality backup and a back who is viewed as having starting potential, but injury problems continue to hamper his effectiveness. He is also a quality receiver coming out of the backfield and is a valuable return man on kickoffs.

Final stats:
89 rushing attempts
338 yards rushing
3.8 yards per rush
1 rushing touchdown
10 receptions
78 yards receiving
1 receiving touchdown
24 kick returns
621 kickoff return yards
25.9 yards per kickoff return
1 kickoff returned for touchdown

Season highlight: In a losing effort against the Bucs on November 13th, Betts flashed his multi-purpose skils when he rushed 7 times for 26 yards, caught 3 passes for 19 yards with a touchdown, and returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.

Season lowlight: Betts was unable to suit up for 4 games due to injury in 2005.

Grade: B

Looking ahead to 2006: Betts is a valuable all-around player for the Redskins. It might be a wise move on the coaches part to find him a few more carries in '06 to save some late season wear and tear on Clinton Portis. This would also hinge on Betts' ability to stay healthy himself.

[MTK]

#88 Robert Royal - Royal enjoyed his most productive season as a pro in 2005 contributing 18 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Royal is an athletic player with good speed and while he had some shaky moments with his hands, he's generally a reliable receiver in the open field.

Final stats:
18 receptions
131 yards
7.3 yards per catch
1 touchdown

Season highlight: Following up a miserable performance against the Chargers, against the Rams on December 4th Royal caught 4 passes for 40 yards.

Season lowlight: On November 27th against the Chargers, Royal had his worst day as a pro dropping several key passes which nearly brought him to tears in the postgame locker room. Joe Gibbs had his back however in the postgame press conference and Royal responded a week later.

Grade: C+

Looking ahead to 2006: Royal is due to be a free agent in 2006 and at this point it appears he will be a player the Redskins will look to re-sign.

[MTK]

#45 Mike Sellers - Sellers became an important red zone target for the Redskins in 2005 where he caught and ran for a career season high 8 touchdowns, more than doubling his previous career total of 6 touchdowns. Sellers is also a key contributor on special teams.

Final stats:
12 receptions
72 yards
7 touchdowns
1 rush
1 yard
1 rushing touchdown

Season highlight: Against the 49ers on October 23rd Sellers caught two touchdown passes in a 52-17 rout.

Season lowlight: Against Oakland on November 20th Sellers lost his cool after taking a block to the back in which he suffered a hairline rib fracture. Despite the painful injury Sellers took the field on the next punt return and sought some revenge and was called for a holding penalty.

Grade: A

Looking ahead to 2006: Sellers second stint with the Redskins has been a very productive one as he's become a valuable role player. While he may not repeat his 8 touchdown outburst, his contributions on special teams make him a keeper.

[MTK]

#76 Jon Jansen - After missing the entire 2004 season, Jansen returned to the Redskins lineup in 2005 and didn't miss a game. Even more impressive is the fact Jansen played a portion of the season with two broken thumbs. Jansen's return helped to solidify the right side of the offensive line and he helped pave the way for a record breaking season for Clinton Portis. With lefty Mark Brunell in the lineup, Jansen was responsible for protecting his blind side and he often did this with little help from the backs or tight ends.

Jansen's efforts may have gone unnoticed by Pro Bowl voters, but Joe Bugel definitely took notice stating: "This has been Jon's best season, I think he had a Pro Bowl year, especially considering what he had to fight through."

Grade: B+

[MTK]

#60 Chris Samuels - Samuels enjoyed a very solid 2005 campaign and was rewarded for his efforts by being selected to his third Pro Bowl. After struggling with his technique and fundamentals under the Spurrier era, Samuels has had a re-birth of sorts under the guidance of offensive line guru, Joe Bugel.

Despite being handed the largest signing bonus in franchise history this past March ($15.75M), Samuels never got complacent and he worked even harder during the offseason.

“Believe it or not, he was here seven days a week,” assistant coach Joe Bugel said. “We’d come in on Sundays, and he’d be on that treadmill. And he’d say, ’I’m going to show you, coach. I deserve that money.”’

Grade: B+

[MTK]

#61 Casey Rabach - When the Redskins entered the offseason last year one of their most glaring needs was at the center position. Once free agency opened the Redskins moved quickly to sign the best available center in Casey Rabach who had previously started all 16 games at center for the Ravens in 2004.

Rabach quickly solidifed the interior of the Redskins' offensive line that just a year ago was very much a problem area with the rotation of Raymer and Friedman. Rabach is an above average center with decent power and quickness and he did an excellent job making all the line calls in 2005. He's also known for a tireless work ethic which fits in perfectly with a Joe Gibbs' coached team.

Grade: B

[MTK]

#77 Randy Thomas - Thomas has been one of the better free agent acquisitions the Redskins have made in recent memory. Since coming over from the NY Jets in 2003, Thomas has excelled at left guard with his athletic ability and toughness.

Before breaking his leg in the week 15 romp over Dallas, Thomas was having a Pro Bowl caliber season as he was frequently the lead pulling guard on running plays that helped lead Clinton Portis to a record breaking season.

Perhaps his shining moment of the season came when he was injured. As he was carted off the field he pumped his fists in the air and the FedEx Field crowd responded with a raucous ovation.

"We just whupped the Dallas Cowboys, and I was part of it for three-and-a-half quarters."

Grade: A

[MTK]

#66 Derrick Dockery - Still regarded by many as the weakest link on the offensive line, Dockery made some nice strides in 2005. Since being drafted by the Redskins in 2003, Dockery has been an iron man of sorts making 45 starts in 48 games. For a man who stands 6'6 and goes about 335 pounds, he's surprisingly agile and he's often utilized on the Joe Gibbs' staple, the counter. Dockery is still susceptible to mental errors such as false starts, though he has managed to cut down on them compared to earlier in his career.

Dockery is due to be a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Redskins could possibly look to upgrade with a free agent such as Seattle's standout guard Steve Hutchinson. Hutchinson is likely to command a lucractive deal however, so in all likelihood the team will look to re-sign Dockery at a much more affordable price tag as he seems to be well liked by line coach Joe Bugel.

Grade: C+

[MTK]

#10 John Hall - Hall came to the Redskins in 2003 as part of the infamous Jet-Skins raid. Since coming over Hall has battled injury problems that have limited his effectiveness. After an injury free 2003 season in which he knocked through 25 of 33, he's gone on to miss 14 games the past 2 seasons and his range is the one area that really seems to have taken a toll due to the injuries.

Hall is a very well paid kicker and the Redskins will likely look to bring in some healthy competition during training camp. If Hall can shake the injury bug and regain some his earlier form he's definitely worth keeping around. However it's yet to be seen if the Redskins are willing to suffer through another season of instability from the kicking game. Hall has alot to prove this offseason.

Final stats:
12/14 Field Goals
85.7 %
Long of 45 yards
27/27 XP

Grade: C

[MTK]

Quick Hitters:

Patrick Ramsey - played well in relief on 12/24/05 during the blowout win over the Giants. Saw limited mop-up duty in two other games after beginning the season as the starter. Not likely to be back with the Redskins in 2006.

Grade: Incomplete

Rock Cartwright - solid on special teams and filled in well when called upon at RB. Had a career day against the Rams on 12/4/05 when he rushed for 118 yards on just 9 carries. While he seems to be a favorite of the coaching staff, he could be pushed for his spot in camp by last year's 7th round pick Nehemiah Broughton.

Grade: B

James Thrash - another high performer on special teams, Thrash is also a reliable veteran in the passing game at times. At this point in his career though he's a #4 WR at best. Thrash has always been known for his work ethic and is a good locker room presence.

Grade: C+

David Patten - had his season cut short by injury, but even when he was healthy he was a bit of an enigma. Patten was becoming frustrated with his role with the team before his injury and it should be interesting to see how he fits in with Al Saunders' offense in 2006. The Redskins will likely look to acquire another WR to compete for the #2 spot.

Grade: Incomplete

Antonio Brown - world class speed but he's still raw when it comes to the fundamentals. Assigned to NFL Europe this offseason to hopefully hone his skills. Contributed a huge kick return for a score in week 12 against the Cardinals, but at other times he was a fumble just waiting to happen.

Grade: C-

Taylor Jacobs - a former 2nd round draft pick, Jacobs could be on his last legs with the Redskins. When Patten went down Jacobs had a golden opportunity to step in and claim the job, but he did nothing but solidify the opinions fans have formed about him. Soft, lacking confidence, often injured... 3 traits that will get you run out of town very quickly in any NFL city.

Grade: F

Nick Novak - hit on 5/7 field goals including the game winner in OT against Seattle in week 3 while filling in for the injured John Hall. A local product from Maryland, Novak was a nice early season success story. Novak caught on with the Cardinals once Hall was healthy filling in for Neil Rackers.

Grade: B

Ray Brown - Brown was called upon late in the season when Randy Thomas went down and he filled in admirably. There was an understandable dropoff in production from Thomas to Brown, but the 42 year old Brown proved he could still hold his own with guys half his age as he closed out a remarkable career in 2005. Brown gets a 'A' here as a tribute to his stellar career.

Grade: A