What it takes to be a playoff team

[Daseal]

The Redskins didn't score more than 30 points once this year. Not a single time. It's important to have balance. All the teams you listed with high powered throwing attacks, don't have anything remotely resembling a running game. However, the run teams you listed are all able to pass the ball VERY effectively. Having a run game helps, but having a TRUE #1 WR helps a ton too. Keeps them from stacking the box every play.

Like it or not, this makes the Giants radically different with and without Plaxico Burress.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Daseal

The Redskins didn't score more than 30 points once this year. Not a single time. It's important to have balance. All the teams you listed with high powered throwing attacks, don't have anything remotely resembling a running game. However, the run teams you listed are all able to pass the ball VERY effectively. Having a run game helps, but having a TRUE #1 WR helps a ton too. Keeps them from stacking the box every play.

Like it or not, this makes the Giants radically different with and without Plaxico Burress.

Radically? That's debatable. The Giants had good games without him. They scored 44 against the Seahawks (and only beat the Bengals 26-23 in OT with him) and scored 34 against Carolina. In fact, his only 100 yard game was against the Skins in week 1 when they scored 16 points. His best game after week 2 was 4 catches for 58 yards against Cleveland. I know he draws coverage, but the Giants are still a good team, running AND passing, without him and it won't surprise anyone if they still win it all.

Now watch them go out and lay an egg against the Eagles

I wouldn't describe Carolina's or Minnesota's passing games as VERY effective either. Their passing games were credible and it was impossible to make either of them one dimensional (Eli killed us when we held the run in check).

And I'm not sure a "true" #1 WR is all that important. The Chargers, Ravens and Eagles looked pretty good without one. As much as I'd like to have a top WR, I think there's better places to spend money. There are a lot of top WRs who didn't make the playoffs this year or probably won't be going that far - (Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, TO, Wes Welker, Roddy White, Greg Jennings, Brandon Marshall, Reggie Wayne, etc.). I think it's more important to spread the ball around (WRs, TEs, Backs, etc.), so the offense can still function if any single player is taken out.

We heard all year long that Moss was being double teamed downfield. If so, why not design more plays underneath to the RBs? McNabb had a 71 yard TD pass on a 5 yard dump off yesterday and Sproles and Cobbs had big plays in the passing game for SD and Miami.

I think the Skins could have had a better passing offense with better coaching and better play calling.

But in the end you're right. It takes balance.

[GusFrerotte]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

Radically? That's debatable. The Giants had good games without him. They scored 44 against the Seahawks (and only beat the Bengals 26-23 in OT with him) and scored 34 against Carolina. In fact, his only 100 yard game was against the Skins in week 1 when they scored 16 points. His best game after week 2 was 4 catches for 58 yards against Cleveland. I know he draws coverage, but the Giants are still a good team, running AND passing, without him and it won't surprise anyone if they still win it all.

Now watch them go out and lay an egg against the Eagles

I wouldn't describe Carolina's or Minnesota's passing games as VERY effective either. Their passing games were credible and it was impossible to make either of them one dimensional (Eli killed us when we held the run in check).

And I'm not sure a "true" #1 WR is all that important. The Chargers, Ravens and Eagles looked pretty good without one. As much as I'd like to have a top WR, I think there's better places to spend money. There are a lot of top WRs who didn't make the playoffs this year or probably won't be going that far - (Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, TO, Wes Welker, Roddy White, Greg Jennings, Brandon Marshall, Reggie Wayne, etc.). I think it's more important to spread the ball around (WRs, TEs, Backs, etc.), so the offense can still function if any single player is taken out.

We heard all year long that Moss was being double teamed downfield. If so, why not design more plays underneath to the RBs? McNabb had a 71 yard TD pass on a 5 yard dump off yesterday and Sproles and Cobbs had big plays in the passing game for SD and Miami.

I think the Skins could have had a better passing offense with better coaching and better play calling.

But in the end you're right. It takes balance.

Shit, Minnesota doesn't have a passing game dude!!! Jackson can't take any heat at tall and makes too many mistakes. When your best QB is an old journeyman QB like Frerotte is now, you are screwed. Tarvis Jackson is going to be seen as a major bust. My advice to Minnesota is to draft a Qb with their first pick. Maybe the kid from Missouri will be available for them.