Washington Redskins thread (2013)

[Slateman]

so he was worried about being fired and walking away with ~$21 million in salary for sitting on his ass?

well except for that Elway fellow.

I really don't think people like Shanahan care about the money. For them, it's all about winning and the competitive drive. Shanhan made plenty of money before coming to Washington.

He inherited a John Elway that was in the twilight of his career. There were rifts at first, but when Elway committed to Shanhan's scheme, they went 48-10 over three seasons.

[HalfSmokes]

He inherited a John Elway that was in the twilight of his career. There were rifts at first, but when Elway committed to Shanhan's scheme, they went 48-10 over three seasons.

your point being? His only success was with a QB who by far eclipsed "Griffin's level of stardom." Jake the Snake and Coulter may have too if they won (since you used to have to actually do something to have stardom in the NFL)

[Slateman]

your point being? His only success was with a QB who by far eclipsed "Griffin's level of stardom." Jake the Snake and Coulter may have too if they won (since you used to have to actually do something to have stardom in the NFL)

My point is that when it's Shanahan's call, he doesn't bring in the superstar. Griese, Plummer, Beck, Grossman . . .  none of them were superstars. Cutler was raw when he was drafted. Shanahan is arrogant about his abilities and his system. A guy like RG3 would rub against that grain, as we've seen lately. Elway wasn't in his heyday. He was more interested in winning and was willing to play in Shanahan's system in order to do it.

BTW - Plummer had back to back 10 win seasons with the Broncos. So I wouldn't say that Elway was his only success.

[HalfSmokes]

I guess that depends on how you define success then

[PC]

I guess that depends on how you define success then

For this 2013 Redskins team, .500 would be a raging success.

[spidernat]

For this 2013 Redskins team, .500 would be a raging success.

That would be Shiner paradise. Some shiners have chimed in on how encouraging it is that they were down 24-0 and were within one play of tying it (which isn't even the case). 

[varoadking]

I'm glad I'm not a skins fan anymore.  I don't think I could handle the Nats+Skins combo of disappointment year-round.

Don't forget the Caps now...

[TigerFan]

I'm glad I'm not a skins fan anymore.  I don't think I could handle the Nats+Skins combo of disappointment year-round.

Give up cheering for a certain team or choose a new one? 

[Terpfan76]

I'm an unabashed Griffin fanboy and I make no appologies for that but, at this point, if Griffin continues to do stupid crap on the magnitude of that INT, then he may need benched just to get the message across that he hasn't done enough to justify his stardom. He's shown signs of being a superstar, but he hasn't produced anywhere close to that level. I don't for a second feel that would be saying they made a mistake or anything, I just think that sometimes even the best players need to be advised that production is 99% of what keeps you on the field. Hell, he doesn't need to be perfect but he needs to show that he understands what's expected and is making the efforts on and off the field to make it happen.

Gettis, LeRiebus and Compton need to start seeing some playing time because the way the middle and right side of the line is getting blown up, changes need to be made. I like the idea of LeRiebus playing more because in college he was known for having that mean streak that our line seems to lack. He was a 3rd rounder so lets see if he can play. As Spider said, Rocca isn't producing and I imagine their are guys on the street right now that can punt a football with at least a little skill. Why the freak do we have so much trouble finding a guy that can return kicks? Hell, put Moss back there, at least he knows when to fair catch or when to let it go. The only guys on offense that have been earing their keep has been Morris, Reed and Trent Williams and to a lesser extent, Garcon.

[The Chief]

Give up cheering for a certain team or choose a new one? 

Gave up.  I just don't follow NFL anymore aside from what I read here or happen to see elsewhere.

[spidernat]

I'm an unabashed Griffin fanboy and I make no appologies for that but, at this point, if Griffin continues to do stupid crap on the magnitude of that INT, then he may need benched just to get the message across that he hasn't done enough to justify his stardom.

Stop for a second and imagine the media storm that would cause. That motherfreaker would pout and probably ask to be traded (and then probably say he was joking  ). You can almost guarantee that benching him would ensure that all the draft picks used to acquire him will go down the drain because he would not re-sign and would look to go elsewhere once he hit free agency. There's nothing worse in sports than a diva with a wounded ego. And he would suddenly become convinced that the Redskins name is offensive on his way out of town.    My position is that he needs to continue to play and use the next 6 games as experience. There's nothing like real experience. It's not like his learning on the job will hold back a playoff contender anyway since the defense sucks, the special teams suck and they still need pieces on offense. What they need to do is have him learn under fire. Force him to see different looks, different blitzes and to try his hand at running an NFL caliber passing scheme (there was a time in yesterday's game when the clock was winding down that he was so confused he wanted to call timeout ). Then he can the benefit of an offseason to hone whatever he learned in the trial by fire.

The only guys on offense that have been earing their keep has been Morris, Reed and Trent Williams and to a lesser extent, Garcon.

I totally agree with your assessment on Morris, Reed (although he may be proving to be soft since he is always hurt and misses time) and Williams but I disagree on your take of Garcon. The dude has not just been earning his keep, he has been balling his ass off whether it's catching balls or blocking. He is a beast. He may not be a number 1/ace type receiver but that's not his fault. If he played with other weapons and a QB that could anticipate routes and throw him open he would produce at a much higher level. Think what would happen if Griffin could hit him in stride from time to time.

[Terpfan76]

Stop for a second and imagine the media storm that would cause. That motherfreaker would pout and probably ask to be traded (and then probably say he was joking  ). You can almost guarantee that benching him would ensure that all the draft picks used to acquire him will go down the drain because he would not re-sign and would look to go elsewhere once he hit free agency. There's nothing worse in sports than a diva with a wounded ego. And he would suddenly become convinced that the Redskins name is offensive on his way out of town.    My position is that he needs to continue to play and use the next 6 games as experience. There's nothing like real experience. It's not like his learning on the job will hold back a playoff contender anyway since the defense sucks, the special teams suck and they still need pieces on offense. What they need to do is have him learn under fire. Force him to see different looks, different blitzes and to try his hand at running an NFL caliber passing scheme (there was a time in yesterday's game when the clock was winding down that he was so confused he wanted to call timeout ). Then he can the benefit of an offseason to hone whatever he learned in the trial by fire.

I totally agree with your assessment on Morris, Reed (although he may be proving to be soft since he is always hurt and misses time) and Williams but I disagree on your take of Garcon. The dude has not just been earning his keep, he has been balling his ass off whether it's catching balls or blocking. He is a beast. He may not be a number 1/ace type receiver but that's not his fault. If he played with other weapons and a QB that could anticipate routes and throw him open he would produce at a much higher level. Think what would happen if Griffin could hit him in stride from time to time.

Yeah, I guess I was being a little hard on Garcon, but there again, he seems dinged up a lot too With Griffin though, he needs to know that his play has to improve and he'll be held accountable for his performance. The kid clearly has the natural abilities to be a superstar and he's also clearly intelligent but I guess we all, or maybe just me, who knows, assume that being smart equates to becoming a top notch qb. I think he has the desire to be great but he must be held accountable. With him being one of the Captains, someone else is going to have to take him to task. Moss? Williams? Garcon?

I do want to see if Gettis and LeRiebus can play. Compton needs a shot too. The only reason we aren't mathmatically eliminated is because of how bad the division is. Maybe Shanahan needs to do what he said last year and see who on the team wants to play and contribute...

And find some freaking Returnmen!

[spidernat]

I guess we all, or maybe just me, who knows, assume that being smart equates to becoming a top notch qb.

If that were the case Ryan Fitzpatrick would be a beast.    Being football smart is totally different than being generally intelligent. There are some guys who really know the ins and outs of the game but when you hear them talk you can tell they are really dumb outside the lines.

I do want to see if Gettis and LeRiebus can play. Compton needs a shot too.

It really concerns me that these guys don't even get the chance to play. It could mean they wasted draft picks on them.

[HalfSmokes]

It really concerns me that these guys don't even get the chance to play. It could mean they wasted draft picks on them.

Compton is sixth rounder, so no exception there, but LeRiebus not playing when the guys there are trotting out at his position are terrible and he was the second pick by the team (ok 3rd round, but still) is worrying

[Terpfan76]

While line continuity is big, at some point you gotta mix it up when the job isn't getting done. These guys run block pretty well or Alf makes them look better than they are but they can't protect Griffin at all. I'd hazard that Lichtensteiger is solid, but with Montgomery and the right side not being worth a crap, Lichtensteiger looks even worse. Could be the same with Montgomery but he just gets blown up waaay too much for me to believe that.

Has Shanny et al gotten too predictable as suggested by Trent Cole?

[Slateman]

I don't know why LeRiebus isn't playing. He can't be any worse. Try him at center or something (actually, I think Lich would be a superb center). Shanny needs to swallow his pride this offseason and sign some offensive linemen. I'd prefer a center and a RT.

[Terpfan76]

I think LeRiebus played center some in college fwiw. I'd rather see him at guard though.

[Slateman]

I just want to see him.

Offseason:
Alex Mack
Jairus Byrd/TJ Ward
Jeremy Maclin/Kenny Britt/Eric Decker
Lamar Houston

Whether we re-sign Orakpo is really up to him. I'm not willing to spend big money on the guy. We need to draft an OLB to replace him, not a speed rushing defensive end.

[Terpfan76]

I just want to see him.

Offseason:
Alex Mack
Jairus Byrd/TJ Ward
Jeremy Maclin/Kenny Britt/Eric Decker
Lamar Houston

Whether we re-sign Orakpo is really up to him. I'm not willing to spend big money on the guy. We need to draft an OLB to replace him, not a speed rushing defensive end.

depends on if we stay 3-4 or not. Kerrigan can play end and he's done pretty well at lb. Po would be a bette end I suspect but he better not expect a huge payday here. I'm with you on Byrd for the right price.

[Slateman]

depends on if we stay 3-4 or not. Kerrigan can play end and he's done pretty well at lb. Po would be a bette end I suspect but he better not expect a huge payday here. I'm with you on Byrd for the right price.

I think Shanahan stays, therefore we stay with the 3-4. I hope Haslett goes.

That leaves us with draft needs as OLB, offensive line, corner/safety, ILB, and receiver.

[HalfSmokes]

That leaves us with draft needs as OLB, offensive line, corner/safety, ILB, and receiver.

so no draft need at RB, QB, TE and LT- good job shanny, way to increase the talent level

[Slateman]

so no draft need at RB, QB, TE and LT- good job shanny, way to increase the talent level

I would view those as more luxury than need. Don't get me wrong, if the next Trent Williams falls to you in the third round, take him. But if it's a choice between a good QB and a good corner, take the corner.

[HalfSmokes]

I would view those as more luxury than need. Don't get me wrong, if the next Trent Williams falls to you in the third round, take him. But if it's a choice between a good QB and a good corner, take the corner.

I wasn't being sarcastic, I think those are the only positions the team doesn't need to focus on in the draft - realistically, they are desperate at corner, safety,  interior O-line, pass rush (be it OLB or DE or a dominant NT), ILB, receiver and right tackle

[Terpfan76]

I think Shanahan stays, therefore we stay with the 3-4. I hope Haslett goes.

That leaves us with draft needs as OLB, offensive line, corner/safety, ILB, and receiver.

Being approximately 30mil under the cap should help with filling some of those needs so long as Danny doesn't go full retard on us... again.

At this point, you'd have to assume that Haslett is going to be let go, maybe before the year is out even, but who knows. With the defensive roster we have right now, you could go 3-4 or switch back to 3-4 and I don't think it'll be a huge transition personel-wise. If we keep Po, he can move to DE. Kerrigan would be better suited at DE but I think he has the athleticism and work ethic to develop into a good 4-3 OLB. Is he fleet of foot enough though? A hybrid scheme may be a good direction to go. 4-3 may be the better choice just because I think there would be fewer players needed to do it. You would need linebackers mainly as Kerrigan and Po move to DE assuming we re-sign Po. Kick the tires on Randy Starks. Jenkins, Bowen et al fill the middle and you still need secondary help. I think Amerson solidifies himself as a starter and D. Hall may be willing to come back at a decent price if not, freak him. Take a look at Talib and DRC. Thomas moves to FS and Meriweather is SS or Rambo at SS. This takes in to consideration no draft picks or trades etc...

Offense? Kick the tires on Jeremy Maclin and perhaps Jacoby Jones (kr/pr/wr). Offensive line help depends on if they stay with the zone system or not. Even if they do, they must upgrade RT. Oher should be a FA and I suspect he'd be an upgrade over Polumbus. That said, I'd still like to see the guys we have on the team now get the PT and see if they can fill the spots next year.

I'm just spit balling here based on who I could see are 2014 FAs. I'm not advocating a Extreme Skins thought process SPIDEY! Just throwing crap out there and looking for alternatives. I don't have my heart set on anyone, just early hotstove... sigh

[HalfSmokes]

If you're hoping to build a team via FA (because that works ), then you're advocating that Shanny go full retard