The Biggest Surprise of the Offseason

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

No, I'm not talking about Sean Taylor's recent arrest (I'm pretty much done with that until more information comes to light). I was convinced that the Redskins would acquire at least one free-agent tight-end and would draft another. Wow, I was wrong.

The major offseason moves are over and the only tight-end on our roster that is even worth talking about is Robert Royal (Cooley is an H-back). Robert Royal started to produce late in the season, but he's hardly a "quality" starting tight-end. Moreover, Royal is more of a pass-catching tight-end; not the prototypical Gibbs' TE.

Is anyone else as surprised as I am about the tight-end situation? What do people think will happen between now and the season-opener to improve our depth at tight-end? Does anyone know if any tight-ends of note on other teams might be released?

[paulskinsfan]

I sooooo agree with you on this issue. Everyone seems to have forgotten the necessity of having a good tight end in the Gibbs offense. Back in the days, it was Clint Didier, he could block and catch the ball over the middle. I think that's why I got so upset on draft day when we took Campbell with our second pick. At the time, the highest rated TE was on the board and he would've been a perfect fit for the O. And before anyone starts going on and on about Cooley being awesome, he's not the TE, he's the H-back. As a perfect example, just look at our last game of the season against the Vikings, where Robert Royal caught a TD from the TE position. Yes, we need a solid TE and absolutely nothing has been done to acquire one.

[MTK]

I know Cooley is technically the H-back, but he's basically our tight end in the sense he's the main non-WR receiving option.

In this current offense it seems Gibbs is using the TE as more of a pure blocker, and because of Cooley's versatility and smarts, he was a great fit for the H-back.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Is Royal's blocking really that bad?

[backrow]

Originally Posted by paulskinsfan

I sooooo agree with you on this issue. Everyone seems to have forgotten the necessity of having a good tight end in the Gibbs offense.

I don't agree. I didn't think it was an issue for HOF Coach Gibbs last year, and I still don't think it's an issue. We have what we have. It will all work.

[BrudLee]

The inactivity (at least until after training camp cuts) we are seeing could be a sign that Mike Sellers is going to see some action. With his size and aggressiveness, he could be the blocker we need out there - especially if Portis's dream of more outside runs is to occur.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by backrow

I don't agree. I didn't think it was an issue for HOF Coach Gibbs last year, and I still don't think it's an issue. We have what we have. It will all work.

Yeah, because our offense was so sweet last year. lol j/k

[MTK]

I don't think a TE is the answer to our offensive woes.

With the way Gibbs loves TEs, I would think if he was dissatisfied with his current group he would have looked for an upgrade already.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

That's a good thought about Sellars. If he could develop into an aggresive blocker without all the penalties, he would be great.

[dirtbag2112]

Heath Miller....Argh, sorry guys

[JWsleep]

I wonder if something isn't up with Gibbs and his formations. They picked up a lot of fullback types. Wonder if we're going to see more two-back sets? But it has to be that they've got a lot of confidence in Royal. Who's next on the depth chart--not at H-back, but at TE?

[Paintrain]

To me the biggest suprises are what's happened at the WR position.. At the end of last season I expected Coles to return, Gardner to be gone and for us to draft a WR in the 1st round.. Ok, Coles wanted out so we got Moss. I'm fine with the trade for Moss, Coles didn't exactly light up the scoreboard but his toughness will be missed. On draft day as much as CB was discussed I just KNEW that if Mike Williams was available they would take him. Shock # 2 when we drafted Carlos Rogers. With the NFL becoming more offense oriented and the huge need we had at that position last year I thought that was a no brainer.. Now we are going into the season with 4 WR from last year (Jacobs, Thrash, McCants, Brown although he's primarily a returner), Moss and Thrash and got nothing in return for Gardner (assuming his release). I think the 2nd weakest part of our team got a little weaker.

[Paintrain]

Sorry for the double post, network issues.

[backrow]

Originally Posted by Ramseyfan

Yeah, because our offense was so sweet last year. lol j/k

There were a number of contributing factors, M. Brunnell being the single biggest detriment; and not the TE! Ramseyfan, you should be the ONE person to know that we blame the record on Brunell! Portis did his job, the O-line didn't. Coles did his, and 50/50, well, he performed at a 50% rate! So, bottom line, not everyone was bringing their sweets to the O!

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by backrow

There were a number of contributing factors, M. Brunnell being the single biggest detriment; and not the TE! Ramseyfan, you should be the ONE person to know that we blame the record on Brunell! Portis did his job, the O-line didn't. Coles did his, and 50/50, well, he performed at a 50% rate! So, bottom line, not everyone was bringing their sweets to the O!

I know, I was just making a cheap shot....it was all in fun.