Cooley put on IR

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

One of the most important facets of a "fundamentally sound team" are players that can score points. I would argue that all of the things you mentioned, pass pro, run blocking, and defensive pressure, have improved. Granted, the running game is sometimes there, and sometimes it isn't. But when I talk about "playmakers" I'm referring specifically to wideouts who can get separation, run precise routes, and have the speed and elusiveness to find the endzone.

As I said, the only player we have that remotely fits this description has been Santana Moss and even he hasn't been there when we've needed a score most. Fred Davis comes after that, but now all opposing defenses have to do is focus in on him and our offense is effectively grounded.

What bugs me is this idea that you can't rely on young receivers to fill these needs because the learning curve takes so long to go from college to the pros. I'm not sure I buy that. Nonetheless, it's a problem and year after year this franchise doesn't have an answer for it.

The bolded point is THE point. Playmakers are great but only if an offense, or defense, can - in all other facets- at least keep an opposing teams on an even keel. Much like we hoped RK would allow Orakpo more freedom to blitz. Playmakers still, generally, need a solid team in order for their abilities to shine through, otherwise opponents zero in, and can prevent them from making plays.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

The bolded point is THE point. Playmakers are great but only if an offense, or defense, can - in all other facets- at least keep an opposing teams on an even keel. Much like we hoped RK would allow Orakpo more freedom to blitz. Playmakers still, generally, need a solid team in order for their abilities to shine through, otherwise opponents zero in, and can prevent them from making plays.

See, we always hear that our team has a lot of solid, but not spectacular players. At this point, I'd say our offensive line is getting to be solid, but not star-studded by any means.

I would also submit that we have *solid* running backs. Nothing particularly special to be sure. QBs and wide receivers, -- that's where we have problems.

Defensively, Landry, Hall, Otogwe, Carriker, Bowen, Kerrigan, Rak, are all "solid" players -- not necessarily perennial Pro Bowlers, and not guys that will show up on a box of Wheaties. But guys who are competent, know their positions, and can basically be counted on to perform consistently.

My point is, we don't have a set of players that take everybody else to the next level. The thing that separates the winners from the losers in this league are the teams that are able to collect the most playmakers. We don't have those guys and it shows.