Tony McGee on Houston Texans

[Gmanc711]

Hello Everyone,

Tough 30-27 OT loss for Washington last week, so lets get right into things. This was obviously a game the Redskins could have won but still lost. I thought they lost because the defense could not hold at all towards the end of the game. There are some specifics which we'll get to in your questions, but in this league when you score 27 points, you should come out on top. Offensively, I thought the pass game was great, but the running attack was really lacking. I'd like to see the Redskins get more receivers involved in the game.

Did I think Houston made better adjustments or the Redskins poor ones? I honestly thought the Redskins did a great job adjusting at the half. They controlled the ball after the half, and extended their lead another 4 points to take a 27-10 lead after being up 20-7 at the half. I think the play of the game was that blocked field goal. If the Redskins convert that field goal, they're 2-0 and looking for only their second 3-0 start in 20 years. That's the second time in two weeks that there was a special teams breakdown that cost the Redskins a field goal. The same thing could have put the game against Dallas out of reach, and cost them the game against Houston. You cannot let these games become losses because of special teams play.

The issues with the secondary being personnel or play calling? I think it's starting up front. I think the Redskins are forced to blitz a lot because they're not getting enough pressure from their front four (or three). Their two best pass rushers last year are playing linebacker now, and have their hands out of the dirt, so they need to bring people to pressure the quarterback. They will need to find ways to get pressure without bringing LaRon Landry in. Overall, I think they need more out of the initial pass rush. When you're playing quarterbacks like Romo, Schaub, Rogers and Manning coming up, you need pressure, which is why they're forced to bring so many guys.

What do I think of the coaching time out rule? I don't like it, but its a part of the game and I can't see it going anywhere. As a player, you need to be able to adjust to what's going on. In addition, I don't think that a field goal is any different than any other point in the game. I can remember a game I was in against Miami, where a similar thing happened and a coach called a time out right at the snap of the football and I could tell what the offensive linemen was going to do. When they came back out from it, I adjusted to that move and wound up with a sack. These players are paid to perform, and they can't use that as an excuse.

What will make the offensive line better? I think they're still evaluating who they want to start. I know they're rotating guys in and out, then with the injury to Trent Williams, we're going to have to see where they are going to go from here. I don't know if the running issues are completely on the offensive line, running backs or the play calling. I think that Kyle Shanahan is coming from a pass offense down in Houston and is bringing that here in Washington. The Redskins cannot let themselves become one dimensional, and I think eventually Mike Shanahan will step in and ensure the run is a bigger part of this offense, as it was in Denver. The Redskins cannot let themselves become like the Eagles where when McNabb was there and be a pass only team. It will only get you so far in this league; and I expect the Redskins to attempt to establish the running game this week.

When do I think the Redskins are seriously good again? It's hard to say, a lot can happen from year to year. However, when they go through a rebuilding process like they did this past off-season and add the pieces they added, I think they're aiming for the window to start next season. Now we'll see what happens within the league, but I think next season is when it's time to really put up. They need to stay consistent from year one to year two.

Against St. Louis this week, I need to see the team run the ball better. They need to establish the run and run until they cannot anymore. Then let McNabb pick them apart with the pass. This should not be a game the Redskins take lightly, but its one that they should be successful in.

I did also want to mention that the place where we are filming the show this year does allow for a small studio audience. If anyone is interested in attending later this season, please let me know (PM Gmanc711). We'd probably get some refreshments, you'd be able to get autographs from whomever the guest is that week. It's something we're tossing around, and trying to gauge interest in. So please let me know.

Thanks Everyone,
Tony.


################################################## ###

Tony McGee's NFL career started in 1971 where he was a starting defensive end for the Chicago Bears. In 1974, Tony began a 7 year stint with the New England Patriots and earned the nickname, "Mac the Sack." His unique ability to swarm opposing quarterbacks helped coin the phrase, "designated pass rusher." Tony's career as a Washington Redskin began in 1982, and included a Super Bowl championship. Tony ended his spectacular career in 1985 with 106 career sacks and played in over 200 games -- a feat achieved only by a select group of NFL defensive linemen.

[CRedskinsRule]

Wow,
Excellent breakdown. Thanks!

[NYCskinfan82]

Good stuff.

[Lotus]

Awesome as always, Tony. It is always so kind of you to take time out of your schedule for our questions.

I also enjoy your show. I'd love to come but I don't live in the area.

[SirClintonPortis]

Rak is rushing a lot. It's just that he's standing up instead of being a down lineman.

[Hog1]

Thanks Tony I know your weekly review is enjoyed by many on the WP!

[tryfuhl]

Great insight as usual. Where is the show being filmed?

[JWsleep]

Great stuff! Thanks!!!!!

[Gmanc711]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

Great insight as usual. Where is the show being filmed?

I'll double check on this. It's in the DC area, but I'll double check on Monday.

[DCtoAZ]

He knows his stuff ... the front 3 need to step up .. i think the AH situation has really proved to be such a black eye on this franchise.