Better days ahead. (Off season part 1 thread)

[30gut]

Originally Posted by Bangee7

But, in looking at the top tier NFC team stats, the common theme I see is they all ran the ball well and they all stopped the run well.

OK, I know we need more sacks right? If we had just 0.5 more sacks per game, then we'd be elite!
Car: 44, Sea: 37, Arz: 36
(Note: Was with 38, had more sacks than Sea & Arz).

OK, OK, it's more total take-aways (Int+Fumbl) that we need to be elite. Getting pressure causes more Int's & Fumbles....
Car: 39, Arz: 33, Sea: 22
(note: Was: 26 had more take-aways than the vaunted Seattle Defense)....

Good post, and I agree with most of your points (and have laid out similar stats/observations in another thread).

But I would add that the stats still indicate that getting turnovers is an area we need to improve and a team can never have enough pass rush and that pass rush is more then just sack numbers. I think to get a more accurate look at pass rush you have to look at sacks but also hurries and QB hits.

You are spot on about stopping the run. It's important to stop the run if only to create more all out pass rush opportunities.

The question is how do you think we go about addressing these problems? Which units/personnel do you think are key to solving the problems?

For me I think the quickest way to improve run d is to get better at ILB. And turnovers will improve with better secondary in addition to upgrade at ILB.

I'm not too concerned about the run game though, I think there will always be limits to the quality of the run game in Jays scheme.

[Bangee7]

Originally Posted by 30gut

.....

The question is how do you think we go about addressing these problems? Which units/personnel do you think are key to solving the problems?

For me I think the quickest way to improve run d is to get better at ILB. And turnovers will improve with better secondary in addition to upgrade at ILB.

I'm not too concerned about the run game though, I think there will always be limits to the quality of the run game in Jays scheme.

For stopping the run, I'd focus on 3 spots...

1) ILB- I'd want someone who's quick & can get off blocks to make a play.
2) NT -I want someone strong, but in shape.
3) SS- big & quick fits the bill for me....a mini linebacker type.
The key for me would be to find more athletic folks at those 3 positions.

To jump start the run, I'd focus on 3 spots...
1) Center - a road grader type
2) RB -someone who can hammer & protect the ball
3) Blocking TE - I'd be looking for quick feet, someone who could motion and change direction quickly

Give me all that & I think it would lead to 2 more wins next year.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by Bangee7

For stopping the run, I'd focus on 3 spots...

1) ILB- I'd want someone who's quick & can get off blocks to make a play.
2) NT -I want someone strong, but in shape.
3) SS- big & quick fits the bill for me....a mini linebacker type.
The key for me would be to find more athletic folks at those 3 positions.

There's gonna be some ILB available through the draft and through FA. Anyone in particular stand out to you? I like Reggie Ragland, Scooby Wright and some other later round down hill thumper types.

For the run defense I'm content with our DL. So I would re-sign Knighton or upgrade via FA in addition to adding youth via the draft.

SS--I fine with Jarrett/Duke but would always be in favor of adding talent via the draft.

To jump start the run, I'd focus on 3 spots...
1) Center - a road grader type
2) RB -someone who can hammer & protect the ball
3) Blocking TE - I'd be looking for quick feet, someone who could motion and change direction quickly

Give me all that & I think it would lead to 2 more wins next year.

I don't expect them to be able to address all the issues in 1 offseason. And I don't really expect the run game to become a strength in Jay's scheme so its hard for me to see them allocating top resources to the run game. But I would expect them to draft a center/RB/TE 4th round and down.

[Bangee7]

Originally Posted by 30gut

There's gonna be some ILB available through the draft and through FA. Anyone in particular stand out to you? I like Reggie Ragland, Scooby Wright and some other later round down hill thumper types.

For the run defense I'm content with our DL. So I would re-sign Knighton or upgrade via FA in addition to adding youth via the draft.

SS--I fine with Jarrett/Duke but would always be in favor of adding talent via the draft.

I don't expect them to be able to address all the issues in 1 offseason. And I don't really expect the run game to become a strength in Jay's scheme so its hard for me to see them allocating top resources to the run game. But I would expect them to draft a center/RB/TE 4th round and down.

to be honest, adding athleticism to just 6 positions should be possible in just one off season, considering none of the positions we're talking about was even close to Pro Bowl level. I'm just looking for improved play, which I think is definitely do-able.

I'm not as close to the draft as you, especially for the later round guys.

But, I know Scott McL & staff are, so I trust that they can improve the positions. We had an ILB(or two) go to IR, so maybe they can come back & be better.

I do think DT, C, & RB upgrades can be found in the draft, if the cards fall the right way.

As far as jarret goes, I like him alot...very versatile. Just not sure he can be a big hitter and stay healthy, but time will tell on that. The 1st year is always tough to judge.

[OmahaRedskins]

Has anybody seen any articles on arie kouandjio. Is he developing? Will he start next year?

[SFREDSKIN]

Originally Posted by OmahaRedskins

Has anybody seen any articles on arie kouandjio. Is he developing? Will he start next year?

My guess is he wins the LG position next year, he plays with a nasty streak.

[MTK]

How did they overspend on RGIII? His rookie deal was quite reasonable.

[mooby]

Originally Posted by MTK

How did they overspend on RGIII? His rookie deal was quite reasonable.

Don't you remember? The 40 mil signing bonus? The average annual value rivaling that of the league's elite? Oh wait I'm thinking of JaMarcus Russell's contract. RG3's was after they went to the current system, where rookie contracts are slotted based on where you're drafted. So in conclusion, you are absolutely right his contract was very reasonable.

[irish]

By overspending I mean giving up all the draft picks. More like over-investing than over-spending. RG had one good year and now looks to be the biggest bust in Skins history. The Skins are reluctant to risk another to over-investment in another potential one and done QB.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by irish

By overspending I mean giving up all the draft picks. More like over-investing than over-spending. RG had one good year and now looks to be the biggest bust in Skins history. The Skins are reluctant to risk another to over-investment in another one and done player.

I honestly don't think one situation has anything to do with the other. RGIII isn't McCloughan's or Gruden's guy so there's no emotion tied in the player or how he got here. And Snyder has never been afraid to spend.

It just comes down to it being very early in the process, and getting a deal done that makes sense for both sides. These things take time.

[irish]

Originally Posted by MTK

I honestly don't think one situation has anything to do with the other. RGIII isn't McCloughan's or Gruden's guy so there's no emotion tied in the player or how he got here. And Snyder has never been afraid to spend.

It just comes down to it being very early in the process, and getting a deal done that makes sense for both sides. These things take time.

RG3 isnt McCloughan's or Gruden's guy but he is Snyder's guy and no matter what anyone says Snyder still has input into the decisions. Snyder definitely isn't afraid to spend but I do think he doesn't want to look bad again.

I don't think its very early in the process anymore but I do think there is still plenty of time to get this done.

[metalskins]

Originally Posted by irish

By overspending I mean giving up all the draft picks. More like over-investing than over-spending. RG had one good year and now looks to be the biggest bust in Skins history. The Skins are reluctant to risk another to over-investment in another potential one and done QB.

RGIII had at least one good year, saving him from that bestowed title. Don't worry Heath Shuler, you're still the biggest bust in 'skins history!

[Irrefutable]

Originally Posted by metalskins

RGIII had at least one good year, saving him from that bestowed title. Don't worry Heath Shuler, you're still the biggest bust in 'skins history!

Shuler did not cost three 1st round draft choices and a second round pick

[metalskins]

Originally Posted by Irrefutable

Shuler did not cost three 1st round draft choices and a second round pick

Neither did RGIII.

[MTK]

I think a lot of people also think he's already been paid that $16M 5th year option, which he hasn't.