The Washington Redskins finished the first half of their 2008 season with a record of 6-2. A fine accomplishment for rookie Head Coach Jim Zorn and the Redskins' much-maligned front-office staff.
The Redskins have enjoyed a four-game win streak that included road wins over division rivals Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, as well come-from-behind victories at home against New Orleans and Arizona.
The two losses include an ugly season-opening loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants and a disgusting self-destructing loss to the then-winless St. Louis Rams. The Redskins are 2-1 in their division, with each divisional opponent yet to travel to Washington.
The Redskins rank seventh in total offense, second in rushing, but only 23rd in points per game. Defensively, they rank sixth overall, fifth against the run, 11th against the pass, and eighth in points allowed.
Running back Clinton Portis and quarterback Jason Campbell have been stellar, especially late in games.
But will any of this prevent a second-half collapse?
Through the four game win streak, the Redskins dominated the fourth quarter in time of possession, points scored/allowed, and yardage. In their last two games, they have lost the yardage and time-of-possession battles, though the Redskins won both games.
In each game, the defense has allowed sustained drives that resulted in points in the fourth quarter, while the offense was unable to achieve sustained drives of their own.
The Redskins have lacked a serious pass rush and have not been able to convert the offensive yardage into points all season.
While the Redskins completed the toughest part of their schedule (the league's highest strength of schedule through the first six games of the season), they still have upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2), the Dallas Cowboys(5-3), the New York Giants (6-1), and the Philadelphia Eagles (4-3).
The only "saving grace" in each case is that they are ALL home games. A sizable advantage to be sure. However, the road games, Seattle, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and San Fransisco, are all teams the Redskins might struggle against for one reason: complacency.
Aside from the loss to the Giants, the Redskins have played their worst football in games where they were considered easy favorites to win. Does this mean the Redskins are playing "down" to their competition, as has been suggested by many, overlooking "lesser" teams?
If this is the case, the fact that each of these games is on the road may help. The added discomfort level in these games by the need to travel may in fact help the Redskins maintain the necessary focus to take care of business in the games they "should win."
Injuries and the wear and tear of an already long season are also taking its toll on the Redskins. The Redskins have already played 13 games this season, including the preseason, more than any other team at this point. This fact, along with the earliest start to training camp, the oldest starting offensive line in the NFL, and being one of the four oldest overall teams in the NFL will surely come into play as the season progresses.
The Redskins had 12 starters listed on the injury report prior to last week's game against Detroit. There were eight starters the week before, and they averaged only five starters on the injury report for each of the first six games.
In the last two weeks, the Redskins have rested close to three quarters of their starters during the week, with players sitting out at least one practice each week, and in many cases, these players only practiced one day.
The Redskins' depth has been tested at several key positions on the field already, but can they sustain injuries to many other key areas and still maintain a high level of performance on the field?
Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels did not play against the Lions, and it may have showed. The Redskins finished with a subpar rushing day and gave up three sacks, which caused two Jason Campbell fumbles, one recovered by Detroit.
Clinton Portis, the league's leading rusher (in both yards and carries) is taking a beating. He didn't practice, save for the Friday walk through. His primary backup, Ladell Betts, has been out the last two weeks with a knee sprain and is not likely to return until after the bye week, which comes in Week 10.
Before they get to the bye week, they will host an angry Pittsburgh Steelers team. The Steelers lost at home last week to the New York Giants; it was the Steelers' second loss to an NFC East opponent. The Steelers are likely to bring their physical style of play into FedEx and test the Redskins' health and determination early and often.
Again, though, there may be a saving grace for the Redskins: The Steelers are suffering from a number of injuries and the looming legal issues that may prevent young stud wide receiver Santonio Holmes from playing against the Redskins.
How long can the Redskins' luck hold out? Can they reach their bye week without losing yet another player to injury? Can they get past their current slate of injuries and eek out a win against another ailing team this week in the Pittsburgh Steelers? Will the bye week be enough to get key players healthy, or will these minor injuries continue to plague the team?
Head Coach Jim Zorn has done an outstanding job thus far in his rookie campaign. The management of his personnel may be the biggest test he will face this season, and it may just be the most important.
55 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
j j 8 months ago
take a position for cryin out loud! I hate articles that weigh pros and cons and never take a stand. Garrison, what are you, a fricking lawyer?!
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Not lawyer, I just present evidence, receive input, and then take it from there!
Thanks for the comment! You must have felt fairly strong about, joining just to write this comment, try to come back and leave some more stuff!
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Jack Anderson 8 months ago
Great article, Craig. I like to hear some concern. The season is not over and we do have plenty of issues. We can't just mosey along through the season and blindly expect to win every game. We need to be prepared to lose because it can happen.
We have a great team, but through the halfway point that means very little. Btw J, if you want to see more of Craig's stance then check out this week's Roundtable which will be coming out by Thursday. He doesn a piece on the team's second half.
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Rohit Banerjee 8 months ago
subpar rushing day? 126 yards on 24 carries is subpar?
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Yep, the Redskins were averaging well over 150 per game, only had 134 against Detroit (who has been THE WORST RUSHING DEFENSE ALL YEAR), that's sub-par.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Note that I didn't say Portis had a sub-par day: "Redskins finished with a subpar rushing day".
But as a team, it was NOT what they should have been able to do.
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Craig Garrison Jr 8 months ago
Yes, considering the Redskins have the most productive back in the league.
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Zachary Ball 8 months ago
Not gonna lie, but the Moss hamstring issue scares me. Let's hope Devin Thomas and Randle-El can step up
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
You got that right Zach, a Moss injury could be a serious issue. Then again, it could be the kick in the ass Thomas and the Skins' coaches need to get him really involved.
The Samuels' injury also worries me, not because Heyer is such a big drop-off(he is, but he still can play well) but because Heyer is the ONLY other tackle on the roster. If this happened, Rinehart would be moved up into the third tackle spot, he played well in preseason, but I'm not sure he's ready.
Thanks for the thoughts, Zach!
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Earl Cooper 8 months ago
The injury argument and lack of depth is so overused. All teams have a few players if they lose they are toast. Eli, Romo, Westbrook....all come to mind. The skins cant lose Moss or Samuels, they have a backup QB unlike B. Johnson and D. Carr.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
I agree with that Earl, they have already weathered a number of injuries quite well. But if Portis also continues to wear down as well, it could be an issue as well.
Appreciate the thoughts, Earl!
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Chris Reis 8 months ago
I don't like this comment and don't know how you could agree with it. For one the Eagles had a lot more injury troubles than Westbrook that caused them to lose. They were missing Curtis, Smith, and Andrews in those games and beat San Fran without Westbrook also. And for the Cowboys without Romo they are still 1-1 in his absence. They beat a tough Tampa team by playing good defense. And Eli never really has been injured for his name to be on that list. The Skins could lose Moss or Samuels and still be productive because they have 2 rookie recievers who are at least decent recievers and a running game to carry the load also with a offensive line that has some depth.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Chris, good points. I'll explain myself.
Samuels on his own isn't my fear, but the fact that there isn't another option at tackle, if he goes down, no more depth.
Moss is also one that would concern me only because we haven't seen enough of Thomas to know how he would respond if forced to play NOW and Kelly has the knee issue, will it suddenly get better?
I understand anyone not liking the injury argument, it's the same problem on every team across the NFL.
The Skins have handled injuries as well as any team in the league the last two years (last year and this year so far).
the Eagles and the Cowboys: I saw that 49er game, and the Eagles got dam lucky to pull that out, they had been soundly outplayed until the 49ers self destructed -- the Cowboys, I still don't think the Bucs are a very good team myself, but they did have a good record, but the the 'Boys got TOASTED by the Rams, the Skins lost to the Rams but not like that.
And if Eli does get hurt, it's over in NY. Brady hadn't ever really been hurt before either, how'd that help them with him staying healthy?
Thanks man, good stuff!
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Craig Garrison Jr 8 months ago
The Skins have 2 ok backup quarterbacks and before you reply to this read. Last season when Todd Collins was playing the Redskins were coming off the emotional stress of losing Sean Taylor and probably would have been 4-0 with JC. Colt .95 hasn't been tested during the regular season at all. If the Redskins lose their receivers, Coach would be forced to pound Clinton until he just can't move anymore. With Betts, Samuels, and Moss out, the Skins would be dead in the water in a few weeks. Not to mention Shawn Springs and Chris Horton on the defense. The Redskins have to many injuries.
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Travis Evans 8 months ago
i never foget what has happened the past couple seasons when game day comes im nervous im never confident in us
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
I know the feeling Travis, there are days when I feel good on game day but others I'm a nervous wreck!
But it sure is fun man, I wouldn't trade it for much that I can think of off the top of my head!
Thanks Travis!
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Andy Cap 8 months ago
The Redskins have NOT lost the yardage and time of possession battle the last 2 games. Outgained Detroit 439-274, TOP was 35:45 to 24:15. In the Cleveland game, the Browns DID have more TOP, 31:08 to 28:52, but Washington had more yardage 351-236.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Fourth quarter Andy, I was noting FOURTH QUARTER STATS WITH THIS STATEMENT:
"Through the four game win streak, the Redskins dominated the fourth quarter in time of possession, points scored/allowed, and yardage. In their last two games, they have lost the yardage and time-of-possession battles, though the Redskins won both games."
I appreciate any criticism, but please make sure it's valid first.
Thanks for the comments though Andy!
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Andy Cap 8 months ago
My bad, I'm an idiot
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Not an idiot, just read past it, we all do it on occasion. Thanks again, any other thoughts?
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Jace 8 months ago
Well, a 2nd half collapse is something the redskins haven't done awhile, because well, they haven't been this good for awhile. Lately in their 2 playoff seasons the last four years they have Rallied to just squeak in the playoff picture, winning 5 in a row at the end in both cases. In terms of injuries, the redskins have them, but they still have Key players in Moss, Campbell, Cooley, and especially Portis. If the skins lose Portis, our running back is shaun alexander, which doesn't look good to me, and It will be a test for Campbell. I believe that a collapse is a concern, but it is for any team. Look at the dallas cowboys, who are barely getting by with brad johnson at quarterback. Finally, in every single game besides the Giants game, the score has been decided by a touchdown or less. Bad team or good team, it's just how the redskins play.
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Jace 8 months ago
Well, a 2nd half collapse is something the redskins haven't done awhile, because well, they haven't been this good for awhile. Lately in their 2 playoff seasons the last four years they have Rallied to just squeak in the playoff picture, winning 5 in a row at the end in both cases. In terms of injuries, the redskins have them, but they still have Key players in Moss, Campbell, Cooley, and especially Portis. If the skins lose Portis, our running back is shaun alexander, which doesn't look good to me, and It will be a test for Campbell. I believe that a collapse is a concern, but it is for any team. Look at the dallas cowboys, who are barely getting by with brad johnson at quarterback. Finally, in every single game besides the Giants game, the score has been decided by a touchdown or less. Bad team or good team, it's just how the redskins play.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Good points Jace, and your absolutely right: games are going to be close, that just the way it is for the Redskins! As fans, we should be used to it by NOW!
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Jack Anderson 8 months ago
My big question is why don't we just throw Rock Cartwright in there. The guy has a determined running style unlike Alexander and he has proved he can do it. The guy is immensely talented and I feel we underuse him quite a bit.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
I agree with that basically Jack. I do think it's possible that his amount of time on Special Teams is part of it, and he seems to lack good "vision" in the running game. Something he might be able to overcome that with practice and time on the field.
There are issues for Zorn to deal with, but he has handled so well up to this point that I have to give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
Thanks for your thoughts Jack, HTTR!
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Dakota smith 8 months ago
I was actually fearing the same things you said in this article before you said them. I looked at all the power rankings and I am worried as hell. Especially for this Monday Night Game. You look at the two games we won that created a big commotion for us, Dallas and Philly. The Dallas team we played, everyone thought they were incredible. Obviously not. The Philly team, was semi-Brian Westbrook-less. He scored that opening drive touchdown (where he broke his ribs). If he's healthy that whole game, its a totally different game. Nevertheless, these games are huge in our playoff hopes and rank in the NFC East.
The two games that I think showed the most about us, was the Cardinals and Saints game. Again, the Saints were injured as anything, but beating Drew Brees in a comeback says something. The Cardinals was an additional huge comeback, with another monster quarterback being faced. Showed a lot about our defense, and our ability to comeback.
I guess im so worried because of the overestimation of us right now. The barely beating the Lions has got me all worked up. I think we're a good team, but No.5 in the league?? I don't want our team getting all excited because of where we are now, I want them to get excited about winning the rest of the games. We lost to the best team we've played, and to one of the worst teams we've played. Why are we just beating everyone in the middle (besides the lions but you practically have to win for them)? Adding injuries even worries me further. If they beat the Steelers and Giants, my confindence will have
restored and everything any of us just wrote, wouldn'tve meant a thing.
Go skins.
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Dakota smith 8 months ago
oh yeah sorry for all my grammer mistakes and incorrect spelling
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
No need to be sorry for it man, in the comments all types of language will be used!!!
Great stuff Dakota, you gotta stick around.
See my thoughts below.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Just a quick addition to my thoughts, I do think Zorn can get this done:
"It's just the little things that are keeping us from playing a very solid game," Zorn said. "We haven't played a solid game yet."
They haven't played a solid game yet, 6-2? Not a solid game yet? Cool.
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Dakota smith 8 months ago
Good point. Im so confused on how he can have that mentality and then they lose to the Rams.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Well, I think the Rams game was just a "letdown" game, two big time games on the road, lots of emotion, very physical, they couldn't maintain that high, and the Rams were coming off their bye week with a new coach, and all that they have been dealing with. They made a few plays and came up with the win.
At least it wasn't like the Browns rolling over the Giants, that would have concerned me.
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Craig Garrison Jr 8 months ago
The loss to the Rams was a good thing. It showed the team that we arent as good as the press says we are and that even the best teams can lose to a sucky team.
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Eric Moon 8 months ago
I personally think the Redskins will be just fine, as was pointed out all teams are nicked up at this point of the season. The skins sit 6-2 at the halfway point and has yet to play their best ball, now that is scary. No doubt in my mind Zorn will keep them afloat and take care of business. With the second half schedule in their favor (in my opinion) they will win the division. Keep the faith Craig and Hail to the Redskins!!!!
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Love the faith Eric, I do agree with you, but I'm a little concerned. Zorn doesn't have quite enough history yet for me to be completely comfortable with our overall situation. But I do agree, my heart tells me this will still turn out to be a fine season!
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Joe Smith 8 months ago
I must say, every time I look at the schedule, I think we're in good shape for the rest of the season. But the problem, and many of the other comments have pointed it out already, is that we always seem to play down to the competition. Now I'm a lifelong skins fan, and I'm used to it, but there is "something" about this team that we haven't had in a while. Maybe it's the Zorn factor. Maybe it's the guts or bravado of a first time head coach that will go for it on 4th down, (and even throw sometimes!) But it is there. I can't figure it out. I was a little worried about the team collapsing internally after the whole Zorn/Portis sideline clash, but that seems to have been resolved as well. So I'm still pretty confident, but I do get the butterflies before every game. Especially this Monday Night game coming up with Pittsburgh...BTW, I'm not huge on the Shaun Alexander signing, why don't we pull Marcus Mason off the practice squad and give him a chance. He's a hard worker, and kills it every preseason!
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
I agree Joe, there is something about this team, and I do think it's all about Zorn. This guy has a confidence about him that we haven't seen around the Skins in a very long time. And it does seem to be carrying over to the team, it's in the way they play.
I think the issue with Mason was his poor showing in pass protection, I think it's the same problem that Cartwright has in Zorn's eyes. Zorn is confident that Alexander at least KNOWS what to do and when to do it. That's a pretty big deal to Zorn.
Thanks for your thoughts Joe, come back again!
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Jimmy Ryan 8 months ago
I would like an opinion on why Devin Thomas isn't playing more... I understand that rookie receivers often take time to develop, and that Zorn isn't totally happy with his "route running". But he's a talented rookie that could make plays if given the chance... He obviously doesn't have numbers like the other rookies, but that's because they (Jackson, Avery, Royal) had to come in and immediately be starters... We already had established receivers (Moss, Randle El, Thrash), so our rookies weren't thrown into the fire. But I think if Thomas IS thrown into the fire... he'll make plays...
In order for pressure to be taken off Moss, someone else has to become a factor. Zorn likes Thrash (and so do I) but he isn't going to be much of a factor... This is a big deal... If someone else (Thomas) starts making plays... the defense will have to respect that... Therefore taking some pressure off of Moss... So in order to help the team... there HAS to be some emphasis on getting the ball to Thomas...
HUGE bummer that Kelly's knee has been such an issue by the way... I feel that if he had stayed healthy he would be putting up great numbers right now. Hopefully by next year, Thomas and Kelly are much further along and playing well... Hopefully they work hard and earn an opportunity from Zorn. This is VITAL to the offense...
Cuz if given the chance... these guys will be very VERY good... What's your opinion? Think these two will be okay?
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
You brought some good stuff here Jimmy, pretty much all of which I agree totally with. Thomas should get more time on the field, Zorn does seem to have a little of "Gibbs" in him in that "trust" in a given player is very important to him. Thomas has just been inconsistent and hasn't gotten there yet, but I'll be shocked if we don't start seeing more and more over the next several weeks, especially after the bye. Perhaps a little "scare" with Moss will provide a little "kick in the ass" to push Thomas onto the field more too.
And I couldn't agree more with your take on Kelly, I really thought Kelly was on his way to supplanting Randle El as the number 2 before Kelly pulled the hammy, and then the knee acted up. If they can get that guy going, this offense would become scary in a hurry.
If both get on the field and become a part of this offense any time soon, JC could end up with league MVP type numbers by the time the playoffs arrive, and at that point, Lord only knows how far this team could go.
Mostly though, I would say that no matter what happens this year, play off wins or not, this team is on track to be something quite special next year. JC has been fantastic, and he will only get better.
Great stuff Jimmy, appreciate the comments.
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Andrew Stephan 8 months ago
I don't think there will be a collapse, not with games against Seattle, San Fran, and Cincy. The Redskins realistically need to get to 10-6 or 11-5 which means that if they even if they get upset by one of those three teams they will only need to go 2-3 or 3-2 in the other games. I think that they can handle Baltimore, but beware Pittsburgh. They really should have beaten the Giants on Sunday. I'm gonna say that the Skins end up going 11-5. Wins against: Dallas, Philly, Baltimore, San Fran, Cincy Losses against: Pittsburgh, New York, Seattle. I got a feeling that Seattle's getting ready to right the ship.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Interesting selections for which ones will be losses Andrew. I don't know, I have a feeling Philly finds a way again this season, but I think Zorn takes care of business against the G-Men at home. The others, well, hard to say.
Appreciate the thoughts Andrew, thanks man!
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Eddie Rossell 8 months ago
i dont think that the Skins will collapse, at least not out of the playoffs. I think that over the next few weeks, (after they lose to the Steelers) the Skins will continue to play great, and even if they lose a few, I still think they can get a wild card spot at the least. Good Luck to you guys, and would love the possibility of beating you in the SB.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
LOL!
Great comment Eddie, love it! This is going to be a good one, if you guys thought the Giants played a physical game, you aint seen nothin yet!
It'll be a great game, hopefully the Skins can get it done, the Steelers can get their ONE NFC East win against the 'Boys!
And it would be great to meet in the SB, one of my best friends is Steeler fan, and we're always bemoaning the fact that we never really play each other, gonna be good on Monday night!
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Eddie Rossell 8 months ago
oh i cant wait. the next day will either be the best day of my life or the worst. Especially being in VA around tons of Skins fans. Most of my friends r skins fans so that will be nice, or not so nice.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Oh yeah, your in for some fun!
Enjoy!
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Warren Montgomery 8 months ago
As I just published on http://allhailredskins.com, the real season is about to begin. Everything else was just a preliminary warm-up to the games ahead. How the Redskins respond to the reality that they are NOT playing as they should (like the south-end of a north bound skunk), will determine their ultimate success for this season, regardless of their success thus far.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
I couldn't agree more with your overall assessment Warren. This line "Relative to the rest of the league, the Redskins can either improve, or they will decline." from your post tells the story, which is ultimately why I wrote this, because I feel the same way. The many issues they face are key to their second half, they need to improve on them or it could be a very disappointing second half of the season.
Good comments Warren, and welcome to B/R!
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Kevin Moore 8 months ago
If I was redskin's fan I would not worry. You have history on your side. The previous two times that the Giants have won a superbowl the Skins won one the following year.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Yeah Kevin, that's an interesting stat, I would be thrilled to see history repeat itself, but of course, at this point, I am not quite ready to bet on it!
Thanks for the comment!
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Lee Barrett 8 months ago
An interesting twist regarding the Steelers game: The Steelers have had to sign a rookie long snapper Who has never played a down in a regular season game, and if Mitch Berger's leg/hamstring does not heal, they also will be using a rookie punter also with no game experience That combination could open the door for one or more very costly mistakes in the Redskins favor, in an areathat normally would not be a factor in affecting a game's outcome.
Lee
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Yes indeed Lee, the special teams play, punting and field goals/extra points, could end up playing a major role in this game.
The punter is their usual holder as well, so that could be just another messed up cog in the gearbox.
Good points Lee, and welcome to B/R!
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Nik Scalise 8 months ago
Lee I like the thoughts! I will be at the game and think the Steelers are in for some smash mouth running. They have yet to see a Portis like runner and I could care less about Brandon Jacobs experience from last week. He is NOT Portis.
I am scared about pass game because we are a run blocking O-line not passing.
Craig good stuff as always!
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Thanks Nik, appreciate the comments, and YELLLLLL! a bit for me!
HTTR!
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Nik Scalise 8 months ago
Will do...I think I need to get a good write up about the skins....will re-post on B/R from my blog
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Jennifer Johnson 8 months ago
Craig,
Good article, but I do not agree we have to worry about depth on either line. Last year when we had Jansen and Thomas go down, Jason Fabini and Stephon Heyer(a rookie) plugged what would have been holes that ruined the season. Fabini is still on the roster, and we have the little used offensive/defensive iron man Lorenzo Alexander who can step in and get the job done for Portis to continue his MVP season.
Chris Samuels is our starting left tackle. He has to protect Jason Campbell's blind side, and when he couldn't play, Detroit was able to knock Jason around and force some fumbles.
He still didn't throw a pick, and I believe he was holding the ball too long, and should have stepped up in the pocket sooner. Jason for some reason plays QB like he's got all day on the occasion where he needs to make a quick read. Now being able to do that takes experience. But how much experience does he need before he makes those necessary elite plays with his head?
We forget how mental this game can be? Especially at the QB position. A sack here, a fumble there creates panic, and effects overall team performance. Case in point the Rams game.
The argument that the Skins were overconfident is a cop out for poor execution. Playoff bound teams do not fumble the ball after going the length of the field, and watch the opposing defense run the ball back for a 14 point swing very often. That was troubling, and the Skins should be weary of having that kind of performance no matter what record their opponent has.
Pittsburgh will be pissed they blew it against the New York football Giants, but so freakin what? Our run defense is stellar, and London Fletcher is a tackling machine. Rocky McIntosh is also healthy and quite capable of laying a big hit on somebody. Troy Palumalu besides having an outstanding curly phro takes plays off. Some games he's everywhere, some he's MIA.
Not so for the Skins. Each week one of our guys is a hightlight reel of solid play. Chris Horton, a 7th round pick, is back this week to cause havoc in the Steelers passing game. Beware Hines Ward and Santonio "Officer, that wasn't my weed" Holmes, cuz we are going to inflict a heaping pile of woop arse on you come Monday night.
For once, we should finally play like we are a good team, that can be great. That starts with taking some chances down the field, and staying aggressive.
Portis can continue his impressive season, but he doesn't have to do it alone. Spell him with Alexander. Alexander says he's healthy, and I am inclined to believe him. Why not throw a screen pass or two his way, like they did in Seattle and see what happens? Be earnest and control the ball with taking what Pittsburgh gives us.
Alrighty then. Special teams tackling has gotten better each week, so look for that to be a key to this defensive struggle. I don't see both teams scoring much past 20 points. In fact I say final score
Redskins 20 Steelers 17 OT win And this newlywed will be in line for a pacemaker, and thanking Jesus for the bye week.
Hail to the Skins. Play to win, not to lose.
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Craig Garrison Sr 8 months ago
Nice stuff Jennifer! I need to respond to the O-Ling thing though, I was pointing out that once we hit our third tackle(Heyer or Jansen, however one wants to view it) there becomes an issue, I know this is the case with pretty EVERY team in the NFL, it's not easy to have four solid tackles on ONE team.
But excellent stuff Jennifer, wonderful insight, and I appreciate you offering it up here! Thanks
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