Two big problems on offense: 3rd downs & red zone

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

Yeah, without statistical evidence I'd say we seem to be in 3rd and long a hell of a lot. That is killer. It's a lot easier to get creative on 3rd & 3.5 rather than 3rd & 9. I'd also like to see Portis in on 3rd more often.

I'd dont see why leaving him in to chip and release would be bad. Especially on a 3rd and mid-range.

Without the benefit of data to back this up, from my memory this hits the nail on the head! In the dallas game CP was protecting McNabb from the interior blitz (& Ratcliff), which dallas had no fear in running on virtually every pass play.

In the Houston & Rams games CP didn't play as much in the 2nd half & it showed at crucial times. At this point in his career he really is a 3rd down back, and he makes a huge difference w/blitz pick ups. He covers up how poorly the interior line has played when blitzed.

Of course, can't argue w/those that point out the lack of running game that leads to 3rd & long to begin with.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by GMScud

You alluded to it earlier- running game epic fail.

Hey Scud did you get my PM?

[GusFrerotte]

I just hope we make a game of it on Sunday. Adam Schein actually picked us to win it, but at this point with the pass defense being god awful, we will be lucky to keep the Eagles win margin around the 10-14 pt margin.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

The guys on Inside the NFL split on picking this game as well.

It is amazing that some in the National media are actually picking us to make a game of it.

I think we can win, but it is going to take a hell of an effort by our Team.

[KLHJ2]

UUUHHHMMM! Ditto? I mean what else can you say? The team needs work all around, if we can sure up a couple of things on both sides of the ball then we are contenders. If not then we are 4-12 all over again.

I have a feeling that we are going to continue to struggle on 3rd down and Redzone because the fact of the matter is that you need BIG targets and a strong running game in both areas. Now if they start using both Cooley and Davis in such situations then we miight have a shot, but they have to go to 2 WR 2 TE sets to do that which make us extremely predictable. Until we have a big WR without injury issues, then things are going to stay the same.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by Angry

UUUHHHMMM! Ditto? I mean what else can you say? The team needs work all around, if we can sure up a couple of things on both sides of the ball then we are contenders. If not then we are 4-12 all over again.

I have a feeling that we are going to continue to struggle on 3rd down and Redzone because the fact of the matter is that you need BIG targets and a strong running game in both areas. Now if they start using both Cooley and Davis in such situations then we miight have a shot, but they have to go to 2 WR 2 TE sets to do that which make us extremely predictable. Until we have a big WR without injury issues, then things are going to stay the same.

When did it become a fact that you need a big WR to be successful on 3rd down or in the RZ?

We just need to be more effecient in the passing game.
If our passing game can produce sustained scoring drives everything else will work itself out including the defense.
The onus is on Kyle and McNabb as goes the passing game so go the Redskins.

-PS The 1st half of the Rams game was almost exclusively Double TEs sets.

[SirClintonPortis]

I bet Heyer was a big reason for those double TE sets. Goes to show what a dropoff he is from Williams.

[GusFrerotte]

I think we can win, but Philly is going to have to help us in terms of turnovers. They just look really solid to me.

[skins89moss]

Originally Posted by skinsfaninok

VINCENT JACKSON would have fixed that

No he would have fixed us again giving away draft picks for other teams problem child.

[skins89moss]

How is Devin Thomas not getting any time at WR behind Galloway, Armstrong, and Roydell Williams? How is this possible that Devin is worse than a 39 year old WR who can still run but does not threaten the defense. Can we just give Devin a chance and lets see if he can give Santana some help. We will continue to struggle if our other WR can not make plays on the other side.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by irish

The Skins best WR (Moss) is just too small to be a factor in the Red Zone and cant win jump balls. Everyone know the Skins cant run the ball and cant do a fade route with their small WRs so IMO it makes them easy to defend.

Great point. It would just be nice to have a 2nd reciever in this offense which can make plays down in the redzone or anywhere on the field.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by SirClintonPortis

I bet Heyer was a big reason for those double TE sets. Goes to show what a dropoff he is from Williams.

No argument that there's a huge drop off from Williams to Heyer.
But, about Heyer being the reason for running a lot of Double TEs sets don't know about that.
Being a football nerd i watched the game again.
Heyer received very little help and did a decent job.
Short of a couple times Heyer didn't receive that much help from the TEs (maybe twice in the 1st half) and a few times from Lichtensteiger.
He faired better then Jamal Brown who had his hands full with Chris Long.

I would bet the Double TE sets were used:
o to get our running game kick started
o b/c our TEs corps is better then our WR corps
o to maintain the versatility to pass or run from the same formation without having to change personel
with Cooley, Davis, Sellers, Portis/Torrain, Moss we can run power but still get down the field in the passing game

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by 30gut

No argument that there's a huge drop off from Williams to Heyer.
But, about Heyer being the reason for running a lot of Double TEs sets don't know about that.
Being a football nerd i watched the game again.
Heyer received very little help and did a decent job.
Short of a couple times Heyer didn't receive that much help from the TEs (maybe twice in the 1st half) and a few times from Lichtensteiger.
He faired better then Jamal Brown who had his hands full with Chris Long.

I would bet the Double TE sets were used:
o to get our running game kick started
o b/c our TEs corps is better then our WR corps
o to maintain the versatility to pass or run from the same formation without having to change personel
with Cooley, Davis, Sellers, Portis/Torrain, Moss we can run power but still get down the field in the passing game

Agreed on all points.

[MTK]

We were much better converting on 3rd down today

[Lotus]

^ Yes we were. Hopefully the offense is starting to gel.