Observations/Predictions from Camp

[MTK]

Originally Posted by skins009

Fellow brothers of the warpath, as the “self proclaimed” guru of this forum I give you my in-site and observations from my one visit to training camp this year.

The Good
1. Cooley looks unstoppable. He has trimmed down a bit to about 250 lbs, but the biggest improvement seems to be his understanding of the offence and his route running ability. Most importantly he is catching the ball really well.

2. Brandon Lloyd is in incredible shape. I hate to say this but at first glance he almost looks like a mini TO. I’m expecting big things. The only problem is that the guy in front of him on the depth chart, Randle El looks great too. This of course is a GOOD problem for the skins.

3. JC looks to have quickened his release and has really improved the accuracy of his throws. Their has been a lot of media reports on this so I won’t go into further detail.

The Bad
1. Todd Wade is not a guard. This is not going to work guys. I consistently saw dlinemen get under his pads and drive him back. He just doesn’t have the leverage to play guard. My prediction is that he will not be starting at left guard by week 1. If he does it’s because of a lack of an adequate replacement. This is by far by biggest concern on the offensive side of the ball.

2. Don’t believe the Rocky McIntosh hype. This guy looks average at best. He missed a tackle against Todd Heap in the Scrimmage and clearly can’t cover Cooley. I really hope I’m wrong on this but I don’t see the qualities required of an elite LB in the NFL.

3. Buzzbee will not make the team. Every year coaches hope to find a hidden gem. Well let me give it too you straight, this guy doesn’t have it.

I'm so glad you have such a handle on things after going to one practice.

[dmek25]

thanks for the info, but way too early to tell if some of these things will play out

[MTK]

Originally Posted by dmek25

thanks for the info, but way too early to tell if some of these things will play out

Exactly.

Skins009, you open by saying Cooley is unstoppable... but then you ding McIntosh for not being able to cover him. Doesn't make much sense.

[skins009]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Exactly.

Skins009, you open by saying Cooley is unstoppable... but then you ding McIntosh for not being able to cover him. Doesn't make much sense.

Perhaps my choice of the word "unstoppable" was not a good one. I didn't mean literally unstoppable. I was trying to imply that he was playing great in scrimmage. This could be a result of his own personal ability OR weakness from the defense. I believe primarily it’s the former, but the defense needs to improve its coverage on TE as well.

[sbaughone]

Good analysis Skins009, but I must ask: How long have you been an offensive line coach?

Anything less than 10 years and I'm afraid I'll have to stick with buges analysis over yours...

[SmootSmack]

This was from a recent ESPN Insider

• The Redskins have worked long and hard on making QB Jason Campbell's delivery more compact, and the results appear obvious early in camp. Campbell is making determined throws and is doing so with a far shorter throwing motion. Also saving time is Campbell's improved knowledge of the offense, which has been clear throughout the summer.

[irish]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

This was from a recent ESPN Insider

• The Redskins have worked long and hard on making QB Jason Campbell's delivery more compact, and the results appear obvious early in camp. Campbell is making determined throws and is doing so with a far shorter throwing motion. Also saving time is Campbell's improved knowledge of the offense, which has been clear throughout the summer.

Good. I'm glad to see he's being coached in the right direction.

[Daseal]

I think you people are being slightly tough on the guy. He's giving observations on what he saw. He's not the first person to mention the Todd Wade problems. When they announced that Wade was probably our starter, the first thing former D lineman, Tim Ryan said was that he wouldn't last long. Said the DT would get under him and push him back all day. So it wouldn't surprise me at all if he doesn't make it to week 1.

This guy isn't saying that all of these things will be consistent throughout the season, just what he saw from a practice. While not as nice and well written as what Joe Crisp used to send us when he was allowed to go, but the same thing.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by Daseal

I think you people are being slightly tough on the guy. He's giving observations on what he saw. He's not the first person to mention the Todd Wade problems. When they announced that Wade was probably our starter, the first thing former D lineman, Tim Ryan said was that he wouldn't last long. Said the DT would get under him and push him back all day. So it wouldn't surprise me at all if he doesn't make it to week 1.

This guy isn't saying that all of these things will be consistent throughout the season, just what he saw from a practice. While not as nice and well written as what Joe Crisp used to send us when he was allowed to go, but the same thing.

Then who do we get?

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by skins009

....2. Don’t believe the Rocky McIntosh hype. This guy looks average at best. He missed a tackle against Todd Heap in the Scrimmage and clearly can’t cover Cooley. I really hope I’m wrong on this but I don’t see the qualities required of an elite LB in the NFL....

I agree with this statement. The hype was based on potential and athletic ability, NOT based on actual play on the field. The ironic part is Lemar Marshall has been playing better; I wonder how much longer Marshall will be a backup behind Rocky?
I was one of the people on a thread this summer that questioned the bad decision of the Redskins coaches of awarding the starting WLB postion to Rocky with out a training camp and preseason competition. It does not send a good message to the players that a position is not earned by level of play, but instead in this case based on potential, draft position, salary and cross our fingers and hope it works.

[skins009]

I love the critic I’m getting from everyone. Part of making a post like this one is putting your neck out on the line with predictions. I’ve made my observations. Perhaps Matty we can revisit this post in say November and see how many of my predictions are indeed correct. I again summarize my predictions below.

1. Todd Wade at guard will be unsuccessful.
2. Rocky McIntosh will be average at best
3. Buzzbee will not have record 1 sack.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by skins009

I love the critic I’m getting from everyone. Part of making a post like this one is putting your neck out on the line with predictions. I’ve made my observations. Perhaps Matty we can revisit this post in say November and see how many of my predictions are indeed correct. I again summarize my predictions below.

1. Todd Wade at guard will be unsuccessful.
2. Rocky McIntosh will be average at best
3. Buzzbee will not have record 1 sack.

Sticking your neck out also involves receiving some friendly fire.

We'll glady revisit this one.

I'll already scratch off #3, I'm not expecting anything from him either and I'll be surprised to see him on the active roster.

[sbaughone]

Originally Posted by skins009

1. Todd Wade at guard will be unsuccessful.
2. Rocky McIntosh will be average at best
3. Buzzbee will not have record 1 sack.

I will bet you one "You're wrong" post that you are wrong on all three. But honestly, saying buzzbee won't record a sack is like saying Jason Adderly won't have one TD. Neither one will make the roster.

I will stick my neck out and say both Wade and Rocky will play, and will play well.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I think you're probably right with your number one and three predictions, but I think Rocky will be better than that.

[GusFrerotte]

Thanks for the insight. No coverage of course in Detroit on Skins camp. It is great Lloyd looks in shape. Previous threaders made it seem like he might have a 'tude problem this year. If he is back to 49er form, JC will put up some nice numbers this season and the playoffs will be a reality. Always never really bought into the Rocky hype like some folks did in the Wash Post Skins message board. If he was so good he would have been a starter from the get go and especially with Pierce splitting. He might end up being the Taylor Jacobs of the defense.