John Clayton Addresses The Skins

[81+83+84=Posse]

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Q: Hey John. Big fan. My question is how do you see the combination of Jason Taylor and Andre Carter performing this year? How good can LaRon Landry be, and lastly, what's your take on the Skins' rookie wideouts?

Rob in D.C.

A: Modestly, the Redskins' defense should be able to get between 45 and 50 sacks. This is the best pass-rush combination for the team since Dexter Manley and Charles Mann. I believe both Taylor and Carter will have double-digit sacks. Landry can be a great one. He has range and hitting ability. The receiving corps -- tight ends included -- is deep and gives new coach Jim Zorn plenty of versatility. The key for the season, though, is injuries, and the long list of injuries concern me.

[Sean"Big Hurt"Taylor]

I believe that we can get 50 to 60 sacks this year barring any injuries. I believe Landry will have a career that Sean Taylor would have had if it wasn't for tragedy. Landry is one of the most talented safeties to come up in a long time. It will take time for our rookie receivers to step up in this offense but they eventually will be productive. Look at Darrell Jackson's rookie season for Mike Holmgren.

[4olddc]

I think that our LB corp might play a lot better as well if out D line plays as good as everyone think they will be. Man, it we can stay healthy, I think we'll have a very solid year.

[Daseal]

If the Dline plays well, so does everyone behind them.

[scowan]

Originally Posted by 4olddc

I think that our LB corp might play a lot better as well if out D line plays as good as everyone think they will be. Man, it we can stay healthy, I think we'll have a very solid year.

Yes, IF we can stay healthy. Do we even have enough guys at this point to field a team Sunday night? Geez! we are snake bit with these injuries, and we haven't even played a game yet. We may not have 53 players left by September!

[That Guy]

60 sacks won't happen... i just don't see how.

[HughHog]

Wow 45 sacks is a lot i'm glad to see an expert that optimistic about our defense!

[MTK]

Originally Posted by That Guy

60 sacks won't happen... i just don't see how.

hey... never say never

[Hog1]

Best since Manley, and Mann? That's saying something

[hesscl34]

I don't want to speculate and believe that this is going to be a great JT and AC year... We've had too many great trades blow up in our faces before. I'm reserving judgment.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

I don't want to speculate and believe that this is going to be a great JT and AC year... We've had too many great trades blow up in our faces before. I'm reserving judgment.

You make a good point. While anything can happen with this DE tandem, the only thing that I'd like to point out is that in previous years the team has made flashy trades and/or super star free agent signings, bringing a lot of expectations that (as you put it) blow up in our faces. However, I do feel that this situation with Jason Taylor is different, and it is not like the signings of Archuleta, Lloyd, Bruce Smith, and Deion Sanders.

I honestly don't like for the team to get much hype, but I do hope that this makes teams really think hard when they play our defense, knowing that there are two outstanding pass rushers in the line.

[MTK]

Taylor can still ball and put up double digit sacks. The only way I don't see that happening is if he gets inj...

I don't even want to say it.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Hog1

Best since Manley, and Mann? That's saying something

Not really. Probably says more to our lack of doing anything over the years to get anything like Manley and Mann

[MPNRedskins]

I enjoy hearing great things about the Redskins, but I want to see the finished product. On paper, everything looks good. I have confidence we will do well this year and surprise a lot of people.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

hey... never say never

LOL......amen,after last year...well....you just never know.