The Washington Redskins: Road to Redemption

I remember being a young boy watching the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI, with Mark Rypien tossing it around the yard to Art Monk and Gary Clark. I remember Charles Mann dominating the line of scrimmage and Daryl Green picking off errant passes left and right. Like many of the Resdkins faithful, I also rode out the dark years that followed the departure of Joe Gibbs. I rooted through the disappointments of Norv Turner, Heath Shuler, Jeff George, Marty Schottenheimer, Donovan McNabb, Fat Albert, and so many more, all the while knowing that we will again have our day on top. So here I am, giving my take on everything Redskins, until we once again raise that Lombardi, and even then... Hail to the Redskins!!!

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So You’re Saying There’s a Chance?!

With a walk off win against the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars, a jubilant Josh Johnson and the Washington Redskins have extended their season’s relevance for another week, as they remain just a half game out of a wild card berth with two games to go.

While it was an ugly win against a struggling team with nothing to play for, it was their first win since losing Alex Smith, and came just week after all hope seemed to be lost. But will the win inspire enough confidence to give the team a legitimate shot at a playoff berth?

One thing is for sure, this defense never needed a confidence boost, as they have been amongst the leagues best aside from a couple bad outings.  The defensive line is simply dominant, and the trio of Kerrigan, Allen, and Payne lived in the Jags backfield all day long.  You can tell they have orchestrated stunts and blitzes that teams just don’t know how to handle.

But while the D-line leads the list of reasons they still have a shot, the O-line is the biggest reason they don’t.  Their’s no one to blame here, you lose pro-bowlers and the line suffers.  If you lose experienced backups, plugging the gaps becomes that much tougher.  

As I’ve watched the offense struggle the past few weeks, and also at times with Alex Smith behind center, one strategic debate comes to mind.  Should Jay Gruden have shrunk the playbook in terms of blocking schemes after losing Sheriff and Lavao?

He has always looked to pull guards, run intricate screens, and get his big guys out in space.  It has honestly been one of his greatest strengths as an offensive-minded coach, and the reason the skins always ranked highly in rushing statistics.

But when you lose those star players, like Sheriff, Morgan Moses, or Trent Williams, you’re replacing them with players who simply aren’t as capable of getting to the block in the same time, with the same power.  Not to mention the oft overlooked intellect and experience it takes to actually play the positions, pick up the blitz, pass off rushers and make the right block, ect.

As a result, AP, despite his career-long ability to fall forward for a few yards, has more negative rushing plays than any back in the league.   It is also not unfair to say that asking reserve lineman to be so mobile against the Texans beastly defensive line is what cost Alex Smith his season, and maybe his career.  Clowney and Watt are not players you want to get too fancy with, and they showed why.

Peterson’s leadership and pure desire last weak was evident, but even he can’t will this team to victory unless Josh Johnson can figure out a way to stretch the field.  Johnson proved his gamesmanship against the Jags, finding ways to move the chains, and he actually made some really nice throws, but he didn’t show anything that would ever have a secondary on it’s heels, and that is the first step to opening up mid range throws across the middle of the field.

This will be a huge problem against the Tennessee Titans, who are riding a winning streak, have everything still to play for, with a running back that has all of a sudden become unstoppable.  They also boast a defense that has better season statistics than the Redskins.

That said, the Skins D matches up well with the Titans, and is capable of containing a weak passing game solely with their secondary, allowing them to stack the box as well to neutralize Henry.  The Titans best response may be to try and get Dion Lewis out in space to test the linebackers, and I fear he’ll be the one to spark some big plays.  

The Titans have also struggled in the red zone overall this season, although not at all in recent weeks, and a balanced Redskins defense could keep the field goal kicker busy.

Unfortunately, that Titans D is really good too, and despite weak corners, the Redskins don’t have the talent out wide to make the big plays.  Crowder could put together a nice yardage game, but it is hard to see the Redskins putting up many points, let alone getting into the end zone at all. 

It will be interesting to see how many more RPOs Gruden is currently working into the game plan.  The Ravens and Seahawks have both proven at times this year that a run-dominant scheme can still be effective in the NFL, but can be done by a beat up makeshift line?

Unfortunately, as far as predictions are concerned, it looks to be Tennessee’s day.  The skins D will show up, but game script will simply require too much from them, as the Titans cruise to 20-6 win.   

[redskinsredemption]

Guice Gone, But Hope is Not:  The Redskins Backfield Explained

With the signing of Adrian “All Day” Peterson, the Redskins have immediately addressed the injury concerns to Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall and the season-long loss of Derrius Guice.  AP will battle with Rob Kelley for early down work, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the veteran get good usage.  

Looking at the tapes, AP clearly isn’t the same back that could bust through a hole and never look back, but he does still have great vision and an array of impressive jump cuts, which will allow him to find small lanes for good chunk gains.  He also is a physically imposing back, even at his age.  He has a wide frame that is hard to wrap up and a stiff arm that makes sure you won’t.  He also still has traces of the shiftiness at the second level that can lead to double digit gains.  

The downside to his game now is speed and explosion.  He simply can’t get to top speed as quick as he used to, which may cause him to struggle with sweeps and runs to the outside, and i find it hard to believe he will break out many 20+ yard runs, but he will be a great asset in finding yards in the trenches and converting on third-and-short and goal line opportunities.   Also, a well-timed screen play that allows him to get up sprinting speed could bring back flashes of the days in which AP earned his spot in Canton.

How does he fit in?

First off, let me say that I have a lot of faith in Rob Kelley.  I think he starts every game that he is healthy.  The former bowling ball with dreads known as “Fat Rob” has slimmed down and chopped the locks, added some shiftiness, but still has the same battering ram style while finishing his runs.

While Peterson may be the better dual threat back, Kelley is the type of back that will wear defenses out, and in only his third season, we have yet to see his best.  Ideally, he learns a lot from the veteran this year, and is able to have a career year while AP spells him occasionally.  Chris Thompson is still the lightning rod on third down, so no need for AP there.  I imagine Rob Kelley gets 12-16 carries a game for 60-80 total yards, while AP gets 6-10 carries for 30-50 yards, as well as a few important conversion runs.

What the Backfield Lacks

The complete back, the one teams spend all week prepping for.  Each of the backs on the roster is missing a key ingredient, whether is be size, speed, or vision, and that is what makes the loss of Guice so devastating.  He could bust a run or catch a pass on any down and take it to the house, and that will surely be missed.

Challenge Accepted

The challenge now will be to find a diverse set of plays that maximizes the versatility of each back (albeit it fairly limited versatility from Perine and Thompson), then disguise their usage in the offense.  While the Guice loss stings, the power of Kelley, AP, and Perine, mixed with the burner Chris Thompson and the precise route runner Kapri Bibbs, this backfield still has the ability to baffle defenses and move the chains, a nice compliment to the efficient Alex Smith.  

Despite adding another power back, the team may still be best served to give Chris Thompson more work, mixing in screens and plays where he is motioned out of the back field and targeted on short passes.  With two healthy and dynamic tight ends, Thompson becomes a nightmare in one-on-ones with linebackers.  I like a two headed monster of Kelley and Peterson, but a full route tree for Chris Thompson frees up Jordan Reed, Crowder and others, creating a pick-your-poison situation for opposing defenses.  

[redskinsredemption]

Ranking the Redskins Top 5 Pickups

Another year of NFL football is upon us, and while we’ve had a few stagnant years as the Kirk Cousins era proved to be good, but not good enough, in comes Alex Smith, Derrius Guice and others to give the new look ‘Skins squad a real shot at winning the stacked NFC East.  Let’s take a quick a look at the major offseason acquisitions.

1)  QB Alex Smith

Alex Smith had the talent of the 1st pick in the NFL draft.  Throughout the course of his career teams have decided he wasn’t good enough to keep.  He battled TD for TD with Drew Brees in a thrilling 2011 NFC Championship game, and was shipped out two seasons later.  Last year he threw for his first-ever 4,000-yard season and was a fluky last second playoff loss away from meeting the Patriots in the Divisional round, a team he dismantled on national television earlier in the year.  And yet, off he went again.

What he brings to Washington is a strong arm, nimble feet, and all the intangibles a coach can ask for.  He commands the huddle, moves the chains, keeps the ball, and routinely sets his team up to put points on the board.  He has a great snap count, and uses it when he needs it most, often to convert before an important third down, or to get a 3rd-and-long into a manageable distance.  

If you remember week 3 of last season, we put together a great game, but gave him too much time in the end.  I always felt as if we had a good chance with Kirk leading a game-winning drive, but with Alex Smith I see a good chance of us having the ball and the lead late. Although Kirk could have a huge year himself, I think we needed to end his chapter here in DC, and have found the man to do it right.

2.)  RB  Derrius Guice

Finally... a complete three down back.  Rob Kelley was a bull, but not as nimble in the passing game.  Chris Thompson is a burner, but can get much in the trenches, and now Guice, a proven star at LSU, comes in to connect the dots, and gives the Skins a chance to open up the playbook on first and second down. He showcases strength in the trenches, a Marshawn-like stiff arm at the second level, and break away speed to take it to the house. Alex Smith is vital to keeping us in the hunt, but Guice is the player who has the potential to put us over the top.  If the fans take to him like the players have, he could very soon be a fan favorite in Washington.

3.)  Da’Ron Payne

I haven’t seen many defensive players, with the exception of maybe Jadaveon Clowney and JJ Watt, enter the league as the most physically dominant guy on the team.  To put it in perspective, he bench pressed 460 pounds in high school, and has been turning baby fat to muscle ever since. Fast forward to the combine a few months ago, when he ran a 4.9 40 at 312 pounds.  Consider that he caught a touchdown pass, and scored multiple defensive touchdowns on both interceptions and fumbles, and you begin to realize that he’s not your average lineman.  More impressive than any of this is that he dominated the national championship game against a daunting Georgia front. Linking up with Alabama teammate Jonathon Allen, these two will assert themselves early, and barring any bad injuries, Payne strikes me as a surefire Pro Bowler, perhaps before anyone else on this list.

4.) Paul Richardson

Like Alex Smith, I think his generic name, (think inverted Freakonomics) may have people thinking “who is he?”  but let’s be clear, he’s and up-and-coming receiver in the league and a great addition to the receiving core. 

He’s drawn comparisons to Desean Jackson, and although I think it exaggerates his speed a bit, it underestimates his great hands, his ability to run a more diverse route tree, and his ability to win balls in the air. My hope is that Gruden will use his speed in the same way, to sprint to the second level and make a move, while clearing room for Jordan Reed and Crowder underneath.  

Alex Smith has quietly become one of the games best deep passers, (think Tyreke Hill) and will be able to consistently find Richardson for chunk gains.  I’d still like to see the team add an all out burner, (the Aldrick Robinson role) but Richardson should come in and have a big impact right away.

5.)  Pernell McPhee

He’s gotten lost in the shuffle of new players, perhaps because he is not likely to start, but he is the most proven acquisition of them all, having put in successful stints with the Ravens and the Bears.  He can play traditional linebacker or put a hand in the dirt, and is able to play almost anywhere in the front seven. This not only protects the team from last year’s injury woes, but also gives them the ability to bulk up around the goal line and bring more exotic blitzes on the edge.  The signing takes a page out of Tom Coughlin’s playbook, and you could see the Skins shuffle D-Line and edge rushers like the Jags.  If the motto this year is to be the biggest baddest defense, McPhee is certainly a step in the right direction.

[redskinsredemption]

Redskins Ready for Rematch

There are two ways to make the playoffs: 

1) Win your division

2) Win enough games to get a wild card berth

If the Eagles defend their home turf tonight, the Skins lose option number 1.  The win would push the Eagles to 6-1 as the skins would slide to 3-3, and give the eagles the clear tiebreaker should the teams finish with the same record.

One thing Philadelphia has made quite clear this year, is that there won’t be another 9-7 champion of the NFC East.   ESPN’s FPI already has the Eagles as the team with the best chance (91.5%) to make the playoffs.  A win tonight make as well make it 99.9%. 

Prediction:  Skins Win 27-26

While Wentz has been shocking the league week in and week out, he has yet to face a team for the second time, and I believe Manusky, even with a makeshift secondary, will be able to keep it close.

The week one matchup featured several crazy (Wentz/Agholor TD) and controversial (pass called fumble to end the game) plays that all went Philly’s way, and we still had a chance to win it in the final minutes.

Kirk has found a great rhythm and the O-line is protecting well, staving off Khalil Mack and a once feared Kansas City pass rush.  I think he gets another chance to take them down in the final minutes, and that new kicker Nick Rose comes up with the winner, just like Philly’s Jake Elliot did in his first start.

HTTR!!!

[redskinsredemption]

Eagles vs. Redskins | NFL Week 1 Game Highlights

The Philadelphia Eagles battle the Washington Redskins during Week 1 of the 2017 NFL Season. Watch full games with NFL Game Pass: https://www.nfl.com/gamepas...

[redskinsredemption]

Johnathon Allen’s Injury Explained From Firsthand Experience

When Johnathon Allen has suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his foot, I knew his season was over.  The Redskins organization surprisingly labeled him out for 3-4 weeks, which simply is not possible.

I suffered a Lisfranc fracture in 2004 and missed an entire calendar year, both soccer and basketball seasons in my first year at Emerson College.  Like Allen, I had 2 pieces of metal hardware inserted through the bones of my foot.  Unlike Allen, my initial X-rays did not show the break, and so I continued to play on the foot nearly a month with very little improvement, before finding a great Patriots physician to surgically repair the foot.

While most following Allen have now declared him out for the season)  there seems to be some speculation from the Redskins organization that the rookie sensation will be back to finish the year.

Here is why that will not happen.

The Lisfranc fracture breaks a metatarsal in the middle of the foot away from the tarsus.  With it often comes ligament damage, or in a worst-case-scenario, ligament tears that the pull pieces of the bone with them.

The injury was common in old war days when men would be thrown from their horses, only to have their feet still caught in the stirrup.  My injury occurred planting the foot to leap over a sliding goalkeeper only to have the foot crushed during takeoff.

In Allen’s case, they have determined the break was clean, which is surely good news long-term, but doesn’t reduce the time need to get back to full speed.  The surgery requires metal screws to hold bones in place and allow the ligaments to heal.  In my case, perhaps partially due to the extended time on the injured foot, I was unable to put any pressure on the screws, meaning I was on crutches for 6 months.

Fourteen years and many medical advancements later, it appears Allen wont have to endure that lengthy of a stint off of his foot, but a similar timetable should be allowed for those ligaments deep in the foot to heal.

It is also important to note that unlike any ankle or knee sprain, there is no way to target or strengthen these ligaments.  It simply is a matter of time and rest.

The good news is that with a seemingly worse version of the injury, I was able to play two sports collegiately the following three years, at a level I would say was around 90% of what I had been prior. I noticed a small loss in sprinting speed and lateral agility, which should be keys to the final stages of Allen’s rehab.

Over the course of time, I have found it difficult to stay healthy.  The initial feeling is the painful version of an unscratchable itch, that can make foot feel like a painfully clenched fist.  It is hard not to compensate when walking, running, or even standing.  After 6 months on crutches, one leg looked like belonged to Diego Maradona, the other like a dangling sock.

Allen will have all the medical experts there to aid in his recovery, but in order to preserve his career potential, the staff should look to lay him up for the full mending period, then slowly work back his entire leg to establish equal strength and balance.  

The injury has potential to affect his burst off the line, his agility juking to get to the passer, and his ability to maintain balance against 300-pound offensive line thrust upwards into his upper body.

Knowing firsthand what it feels like to have an entire athletic career held hostage by tiny little bones in the foot, I will be wishing you a speedy recovery, and can attest that a strong return is very possible.

[redskinsredemption]

Chris Russell Fears Redskins Set Jonathan Allen Up to Look Soft

Chris Russell has a pretty... pretty wild theory.

[redskinsredemption]

The Timeout that Cost Jay Gruden the Chess Match

You have to feel for Jay after nearly calling a game-winning touchdown pass to Josh Doctson.  He and Jordan Reed ran great routes and had the Chiefs on their heels.

The error occurred before the play, when Jay seems to panic a bit as the clock runs under a minute and calls timeout with 57 seconds left. I looked at the clock and it instantly  gave me the feeling I get right before hastily making a costly endgame chess move.  Let me explain.

Knowing the likelihood that you will pass the ball on your next play, you leave open a good possibility that an incompletion stops the clock and gives your opponent another possession.  When the play call is a pass to the end zone, you 100% guarantee it.

Perhaps Jay went with a reverse psychology approach: call the timeout, make them think we will keep moving incrementally closer, and take the shot.  Perhaps the extra time on the clock pulled the defense to the line of scrimmage and made room for Doctson to score.  

The problem even then is that it isn’t a killshot if you the opponent can get up and try again.  The score would have forced KC to score a touchdown at the other end, but with such a banged up defense, the Chiefs may have had time to go the distance anyways.

So what were the traditional options?

1)  Let the play clock run down, then call time out.  Take a shot to the end zone, and kick a field goal if unsuccessful.  A safe play that at least ensures overtime barring a missed field goal.

2.)  Get everyone back to the line of scrimmage quickly, run a draw or sneak to pick up the first then call timeout.

3.)  Call Timeout.  Choose a reliable short yardage play to get the first down and spike the ball after.  Keep the drive alive with a chance still to win it with a touchdown

*Despite limited time on the field in the second half, the offense had been very efficient. It may have been worth leaving it in their hands with something safer than a jump ball.

A non-traditional, yet very interesting option to consider:

-Call the timeout.  Take the shot on third, go for it on fourth.

This one occurred to me afterwards.  On the road playing a team no one expects you to beat, and you want to gamble to win it in regulation.  Why not double down and keep pushing for the win?

[redskinsredemption]

Is Hope Back in Washington?  A Look at the Skins Three Weeks In

After watching two former Redskins offensive coordinators put up a combined 80 points on Thursday night football, and with a tough test against the Raiders looming, I assumed this piece would be asking questions of a team moving in reverse. That was before I saw the Redskins announce themselves on the national stage with a dominant 27-10 win at FedEx, shutting down one of the best offenses in the game.

There’s no question the offseason approach was to bolster the defense and rely on offensive depth, and after three weeks it all appears to be going as planned. 

Chris Thompson has battled through his injuries to become one of the most electrifying players in the game (as can be statistically argued with an incredible 13 yards per touch). Ryan Grant has been a model of consistency, and Josh Doctson is starting to get his feet under him, as evident with a jump ball touchdown he made look ridiculously easy.  Vernon Davis has been excellent, and is proving to be much more than just a way to keep Jordan Reed healthy. I also have a hunch that in the next few weeks you will see a star born in Mack Brown.  He strikes me as a man driven by his destiny, and opportunity is knocking in our banged up backfield.  He has incredible open field speed, and with the athleticism of our line, I could see him exploiting a couple holes for game-changing plays.

On the other side of the ball, the defense looks tenacious, almost ravenous at times, from DJ Swearinger’s profanity-laced pregame condemnations of his opponents, to the menacing scowls of approval from defensive guru Jim Tomsula.  But while many defenses take on this persona to prove their desire to dominate, the Redskins have the players to actually do it.  

Ryan Kerrigan and Josh Norman lead the way with perennial Pro Bowl talent, and the team’s signal caller, Zach Brown, is the complete package, with the ball awareness and lateral speed the team will need to neutralize runners like Ezekiel Elliot and (knock on wood) Kareem Hunt.  Swearinger gives the team that Taylor-esque presence in the secondary they have so desperately searched for since his passing (RIP).  The two ‘Bama rooks are showing their pedigree right off the bat, and there is a whole crop of youthful talent competing for bigger roles week in and week out. The improved play of cornerbacks Breeland, Fuller, and Dunbar will also give defensive coordinator Greg Manusky versatility when matching up with his opponents.  The former Colts DC had previously served two seasons a Redskins Linebackers coach (2001, 2016), and has proven thus far that he belongs in the coordinator role.

As for Jay, he never ceases to amaze me.  I always use this blog to urge patience to ‘Skins fans who are rightfully running out of it, because for some reason I just believe in the guy, and that sure wasn’t the case when he first brought his goofy smirk to Washington.  If you are like me, and believe that Kirk’s “fumble” in week 1 was actually an incomplete pass, this team could potentially still be undefeated.

ENTER KANSAS CITY  

Washington would be foolish to celebrate Sunday’s glory for too long, as they now travel to Kansas City to take on one of only two undefeated teams left in the league.   Vegas has the Chiefs as 9-point favorites, but I believe the strengths of each team will lead to a much closer contest.  Here are matchups to watch on each side of the ball.

Redskins O-Line vs. Kansas City D-Line

Considered among the best in the league for their respective sides of the ball, this battle in the trenches will determine if Kirk can get going in Arrowhead. If he can, the Chief’s secondary has actually been more susceptible to big plays since losing Eric Berry in Week 1.  If Jordan Reed can suit up, look for him to exploit Berry’s replacement.

Josh Norman vs. Tyreke Hill

This is an interesting matchup for Josh, who I think would prefer a receiver with the size/speed combination, like an Dez or OBJ, to a straight speed guy like Hill.  If Norman can lock him up, it will allow Manusky to shift focus to stifling TE Travis Kelce.  The problem is, all it takes is one mistake to send Hill to the house.

Game Prediction- KC -23-17

This is simply one of the best teams in the game, playing in a place they usually win.  I think this game is an excellent chance to see what the Redskins can do in a playoff-like atmosphere, and the type of early test that will have them fully prepared for a playoff run.  I think Hunt, Hill, and Kelce do just enough in this one, and that the opportunistic Chiefs defense and the safe play of Alex Smith allows them to win the turnover battle and narrowly squeak this one out.  

For all the bettors out there, (not anything I condone or promote), an interesting play here would be to tease the lines by five points and take Washington with the new spread of +14 and the under with 54 total points.  The less conservative could try just a two-point teaser to give the Redskins an 11-point cushion and 51 total points.

Season Prediction

If you had asked me after Week 2, I would have been confident that the home loss to Philly and a tough non-division schedule would mean an uphill battle to a playoff berth.  Having since seen the Redskins knock off one of the toughest opponents on that schedule, both a division championship and a wildcard birth seem more plausible.

That said, the schedule and parity in the division makes it appear as if it will be another year that only the division winner will move on from the NFC East, and two key stretches will determine whether the Redskins can be that team.

The first is three week stretch after the bye week, in which they host the 49ers and Dallas, two home games a playoff team needs to win, and also travel to Philly, a game they have to win to stay on track.    Assuming they lose in Kansas City, pulling off a run in these games would position them at 5-2, and likely give them the confidence to pull it off.

The second important stretch is the three non-division games week 14-16, in which they travel to L.A. to take on the Chargers, then host the Cardinals and Broncos.  Skins fans can hope that the Chargers and Cardinals have lost relevancy by then, which would make 3-0 here much more likely.

MAKE A PREDICTION ALREADY!!

Although there is a good possibility that the Giants spoil the party again in the Meadowlands in Week 17, I actually have the Skins beating Denver week 16 to clinch a playoff berth.  There’s something special going on with this team, and I’ll be the overly passionate homer that says this is not only the year we get back to the postseason, but it is the year we actually get a playoff win!!!

[redskinsredemption]

Mack Brown - Don't look where you're at now, look at the future

Inspirational story of a man who took a long and hard route to make his dreams come true. Mack Brown doesn't let a road block stop him from his goals. NFL in...

Although I’d love to see a healthy group of backs on the sideline, perhaps the silver lining is that Mack could get his chance to shine.  Gotta love this kid, and don’t be fooled by the depth chart, this guy has breakout talent and an uninhibited drive for success.

[redskinsredemption]

Jay with a Silent Bob Strikes Back!

If you had told me at the beginning of the season that the Redskins would win the division with a game in hand, then use that game to crush the Cowboys, I would have replied, “RG3′s back baby!!!”  Well, that or “did we find a new coach?”

Seventeen weeks later, and I am pleasantly shocked at the success of this year’s Washington Redskins.  Although I urged fans to let Jay’s plan play out, (for continuity more than pure belief), I also roasted he and Kirk Cousins on several occasions, and am equally deserving of Kirk’s aggressive “You like that?!” berating of local sportswriters.

As an avid fan of the Inside the Redskins show, I have watched Gruden break down plays with Chris Cooley, and it has been evident his playbook possesses beauty in its simplicity.  Its greatest strength is the ability to combine routes that stretch defenses in every direction, giving our great cast of playmakers winnable one-on-one matchups in space.

This is why Desean jackson was such and important key to the offense, and why the team became wildly successful after his return to full form.  No player in the NFL can stretch a defense quicker than Desean.  Nearly every fly route or skinny post requires help over the top, pulling multiple defenders 40 yards from the line of scrimmage.

This enables Jay Gruden to attack the initial 20 yards he leaves in his wake.  He has found great success isolating Jordan Reed in the flat against a linebacker.  Pierre Garcon has once again shown his great one-on-one abilities when stacked next to Desean (and otherwise).  He has also kicked out Matt Jones and Chris Thompson on Desean’s side for huge plays in the screen game.  One less obvious utilization of this space are the late crossing patterns from Jamison Crowder.  In these plays, Desean will fly down the sideline, and either Garcon or Reed will run a deep route down the seam of the same side, which gives the quick cutting speedster a foot race to the opposite sideline, one he usually wins with ease.

Of course, the praise should begin with Bill Callahan and the offensive line.  In order to utilize this space, or even call the plays that require so much time to develop, you must have great offensive line play.  The test for Callahan’s bunch will be to create running room against playoff calibur defenses, units that will surely spend the majority of their prep week slowing down the passing game.  

As I look forward to seeing the Skins go for their first playoff win since 2006, I can’t help but remember another of my inflammatory posts that still rings true.  In this post, I discuss the deterioration of the Redskins defense, not by fault of the coaching staff, but by a series of unfortunate injuries.  This week, the Skins to signed cornerback Cary Williams off the street.

It is said that defense and a strong running game are the keys winning playoff games (Kurt Warner may disagree), but the Redskins will surely have to develop their own recipe for postseason success.

[redskinsredemption]

Why the Redskins’ Players Are So Frugal

The Washington Redskins, the surprise team of the NFL playoffs, is comprised of highly compensated pros who drive beat-up cars and share apartments.

Here’s a nice article in the Wall Street Journal about the culture in Washington.  It is very interesting that these players all play for an owner known for throwing millions around to “fix” his problems. 

Snyder’s football team, however, has quietly transformed into a finely tuned machine in recent weeks.  Perhaps some of the success to their calculated approach is due to the frugal nature of their players.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t give credit to Mike Shannahan and Bruce Allen.  Three of the thrifty players mentioned, (Cousins, Morris, and Kerrigan), along with Jordan Reed were all drafted during his tenure.  Reed, Cousins, and Morris were drafted in the 3rd, 4th, and 6th rounds respectively, and have all massively exceeded that value.

The challenge this off-season will be to maintain the down-to-earth mentality of the organization, while also giving their franchise quarterback a new deal. 

Barring an incredible playoff run, Skins Nation may have been better served with a more up and down run from Cousins, rather than his recent statistical dominance.  He leads the league in both completion percentage and third down conversion rate, two categories some would argue are the most important in football.

Kirk’s talent undoubtedly puts him in the same class as second tier QBs like Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco, who both signed new deals in recent years with completely opposite results.

For Dalton, a accurate passer and efficient game manager, the new deal gave him the confidence the settle in and lead his team to a 10-2 record, losing his two games by a combined 7 points.  However, a recent thumb injury will deny him the opportunity to get the playoff win that has eluded him his entire career.  The injury is also a brutal reminder of the risk of paying one player such a large sum of money.

Another example of those consequences is the decline of Joe Flacco and the Ravens.  His playoff run to lift the Lombardi was the best statistical postseason in the history of football, and so the Ravens rewarded the University of Delaware standout with six year, $120 million dollar contract.  As Ravens Nation remembers, this also led to release of the veteran core of their defense, and the departures of the wide receivers and tight ends that helped Flacco put up those numbers.  With one playoff appearance in 3 years since, and a record of 5-11 this past year, it seems apparent that giving Flacco the big money has shrunk their chance of making it back the the Super Bowl.

But back to the Skins.  Despite my undying loyalty to the team, claiming that this is year they win it all is downright preposterous to me.  If my life depended on it, I’d bet on a win this weekend and great losing effort next week.  The way Kirk Cousins is playing, he could very well run through a couple postseason games with great numbers.  Thinking long term, the question then becomes:  at what cost to the organization?

[redskinsredemption]

Redskin Realities

Just when they thought they had figured it out, the burgandy and gold were subjected to four quarters of slow torture, as the New York Giants embarrassed the Skins on national television.  

Although this Sunday is a huge opportunity to get back on track against 1-2 Eagles, Last week’s loss raised huge questions of the teams ability to compete in the division.

For those like myself, who believed Week 2′s win was the start of something better, here are 3 realistic takeaways from the season thus far.

Alfred Morris is Not Being Utilized in the Offense

It’s a cruel league.  One minute you’re shocking the football world, the next you’re watching your backup run into the endzone.  While Alfred Morris surely isn’t awaiting a pink slip, it is apparent his days of being the bell cow back in Washington are over.

Let’s face it, he’s a Shanahan guy.  In fact, he is the real gem of Shanahan era.  As a humble, 6th round pick with a great work ethic and an old ride, he shocked the league with 1500 yards in each of his first three seasons.

Back then, he greatly benefited from the zone blocking scheme Shanahan had used to churn out great runners in Denver.  This system shifts the entire line in unison, as opposed to pulling guards or tight ends to overload one side.

In this system, he could lumber laterally, building up steam to hit the gaps in the defense. He was amongst the best in the league at getting yards after contact, and this contact generally didn’t come until after the line of scrimmage, negating a lot of negative plays.

Jay Gruden clearly has different ideas, and in fairness, Kirk Cousins is not someone you want running the zone blocking scheme, as it benefits a QB that throws well on the run, which is why it was designed for RG3.

Morris has historically put up fewer yards with Cousins at QB, and is now being challenged by a more spry Matt Jones.  His shiftiness and ability to get off his line quicker seems to be preferred method to the bowling ball style of Alfred Morris.  And sadly, in this offense, that may be the right decision.

Although Jay Gruden recently called “Alf” the “lead dog” in the Redskin backfield, it’s clear he wants to go with the beast he picked from the kennel.  Expect the feel-good articles circulating on Alfred Morris to get him a boost in carries this week, but his overall workload will continue to shrink as the year goes on.

2.)   We Are Experiencing the Growing Pains of Another Head Coach

As discussed with Alfred Morris, a change in offensive systems alter the role, and effectiveness, of every player within it.  Even in the second year of a new regime, these changes don’t come without inconsistent play.

In Week 1, we saw signs of Gruden’s plan, but it wasn’t well enough disguised for a Miami defense that has since been atrocious.

In Week 2, our smash mouth approached worked to perfection, as we dominated a Rams team that beat Seattle the week prior.  Perhaps a gritty divisional win made St Louis seem better than they actually were, but the gameplan was good, and the execution was excellent. 

In Week 3, we took on a divisional foe ourselves, and our weaknesses were exposed by a proven,  experienced coach.  Gruden, in only his second season as a head coach in the NFL, is learning that there are extra levels of preparation required for playing teams that are familiar with your personnel.

Despite my declining confidence in Jay Gruden’s ability to take our team to the next level.  I’m not ready to throw him under the bus, as I believe that hurt us with Mike Shanahan. We will certainly be sharing Gruden’s headaches this season if we keep our expectations where they were following Week 2.

The Defense is Deteriorating

While the media was consumed by the drama of another offseason QB controversy in Washington, the Redskins front office was quietly developing one of the best defenses in the NFL.  Unfortunately, just three games in, that defense has lost three key components.

Junior Gallete

Prior to Week 1, it was the dominant defensive lineman Junior Gallete, who was poised to pack a one-two pass rushing punch with Jason Hatcher.  Hatcher has been incredible, but the loss of Gallete was as big as his 6′2′‘, 258 pound frame.

Duke Ihenacho

The safety position has been a weakness of the Redskins since losing the late legend Sean Taylor.  The coaching staff seemed to solve the problem by signing Dashon Golson and Duke Ihenacho.  Then they lost Ihenacho for the season in Week 1.  While the Skins have been decent against the deep ball, the combination of Golson and Ihenacho would have provided the ball hawks needed to provide interceptions, as the Skins are still looking for their first of the season.  

Deangelo Hall

This past week we lost Pro Bowl Corner Deangelo Hall for a month with a toe injury.  If we were to start intercepting the bal, he would be the best candidate to do so.  Paired with Ihenacho injury, our once stellar secondary will rely heavily on Chris Culliver and Breeshaud Breeland to be shutdown corners, while Trenton Robinson will step in at safety,

The defense should still be able to perform at a top ten level, but it is getting harder to see them being a unit that can win games when the offense struggles.  They will get a good chance to reestablish themselves this week against Sam Bradford and a thus far underwhelming Eagles offense.

[redskinsredemption]

Redskins Running Strong

As I watched the Eagles succumb to the kneels of Brandon Weeden, with word of another Giant collapse, I thought to myself:  “Man, this is as comforting a day of football as I have watched in years.  The division in shambles, and we resemble the truest contender, ready to ride that running game into the postseason.“

Cruising back to .500 with 24-10 victory over St. Louis,  the ground-and-pound gameplan overpowered a strong Ram front 7.  Kirk Cousins looked like he could take command of the offense, and the Skins defense answered the call time and time again, containing big plays and rejecting the Ram’s attempts to move the chains.  In fact, after two games, the Skins top the league in both rushing yards, and fewest total yards allowed.

The most important sign of success, however, was that the game plan was clear, concise, and deliberate, a huge change from the shenanigans of freestyle Kyle and his predecessors.  It’s becoming evident that to beat the Redskins, you’ll have to break through the Callahan castle and slay the two-headed monster in the backfield.   But be prepared, there is an army on defense ready to battle.....

Ok, you’re right, let’s not get carried away.  We’re 1-1 and we beat Nick Foles.  However, the reality is that the Washington Redskins finally have an identity.  For years our training camps resembled state fairs, full of QB/coaching carousel’s, big name merry-go-rounds, and Bozo the Clown in the luxury box. 

With the hiring of General Manager Scot McCloughan, it appears Bozo finally found someone who can fill those shoes.   Time will tell if he can turn this circus act into the greatest show on earth, but he has already pulled a rabbit out of a Cowboy hat with the addition of offensive line coach Bill Callahan.

Sitting back following last Sunday’s win, I watched one of the poorest offensive displays I had ever seen in the NFL, as the Dallas Cowboys crawled to a win over the shiftless Philadelphia Eagles.

I imagined Demarco saying, “Maybe it was the O-line,”  Jerry Jones thinking, “Maybe it was Demarco,“ and Matt Jones saying, “Man, those holes were big today!“

Whatever the case may be, the division is just heating up, and the Redskins will need to prove their strength on the ground against a top 5 run defense, in a huge divisional showdown against the Giants.  In a league full of ups and downs, consistency is always the key.

Prediction:  The Skins will win in the trenches tonight.   Although the Giants boast a top-5 run defense thus far, they have done so against smaller backs and backups.   Alfred will get back to chewing chunks of yardage with his power running.  I expect a slightly quieter game from Matt Jones overall, but he will have at least a couple huge plays in the win.

The defense will finally be rewarded for their relentless tenacity with a pair of turnovers, and Eli will be giving that befuddled look over to Coughlin early and often, as he pulls himself off the turf..

With the Giants as 3.5 point favorites, could be a great opportunity to pay your bar tabs.  Take the points and enjoy the game!

[redskinsredemption]

With the rumors swirling around Washington that Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III can’t stand each other, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith seems to think it’s media hype.

However, I was able to slowdown a quick sideline snippet from the Dolphins game that may suggest otherwise.

It’s very unclear as to what’s being said, but it appears Kirk was hoping to pass by without a conversation, and visibly shrugged off whatever he was being told.

Is it time to part ways with RG3?  Read my “Takeaways from Week 1″ article below for my initial thoughts, and stay tuned to see how this story develops.

I have a feeling the buzz will fade and life will go on...

[redskinsredemption]

Three Takeaways from a Missed Opportunity in Miami

3.)  The Defense Will at Least be Decent  

With all the quarterback calamity, most have failed to acknowledge the great improvement to the Redskins defense.  Dashon Golson is the (Sean) Taylor-esque safety we’ve been asking for ever since the legends passing in 2007.   His great range and ability to read the game compensates the teams inexperience at linebacker, and allow for adventurous blitz packages.

Jason Hatcher and Terrance Knighton have great ability to stop the run, and if the young corners can hang in there and continue to improve, the Redskins have a great shot at being a top 10 defense.  The competition will sure get tougher, but so will the Skins D.

2.)  Kirk Cousins Will be Decent at best

We analyze quarterbacks in terms numbers, ratings, and evaluations, but with Kirk Cousins, it is far more simple.  He is just too darn easy to gameplan for.  He doesn’t enough outside of the ability to complete open throws, and I believe he became the starter with a simple willingness to stick to an unproven playbook.

The truly great quarterbacks have audibles for plays and playbooks, paired with a knack to use them at the right time.  Average QB’s do their best with the calls they are given. They “take what the defense gives them,“ as opposed to attacking the weak spots and outhinking their opponent.   The lack the killer instinct to expose the chink in the armor, then go for the jugular when the opponent covers their wound.

I like Kirk Cousins, and I hope I am wrong, but Week One was obvious sign of mediocrity, and overall lack of play making ability.  Thinking long-term, he’s the type of quarterback that in a good system can take you to the playoffs, but at the end of the day, any Super Bowl ring on his finger would have to be earned with headset and a clipboard

1.)  RG3 Needs to be Involved in the Offense

We are all aware of the Jay Gruden’s dislike of his franchise quarterback, he hasn’t used much of a poker face.   We also know how much it would cost the team financially if Robert Griffin III were to suffer another big injury.  But does that merit leaving one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the history of the game on the sideline?

We didn’t trade him, so why not try the wildcat?  Or as a tailback like Denard Robinson? Try him at wideout.  Give him a series or two at QB each game.  At least make teams strategize and game plan for him.  Otherwise a week to figure out Kirk Cousins is simply giving the other team the leg up.

But don’t try to sell your fans on the idea you are doing everything to win with your best offensive talent on the bench.

Griffin’s heavily criticized decision making has been behind a line that doesn’t give much time to think. Despite the preseason woes, this year’s offensive line stood up well against Suh and the Dolphins.  Who’s to say Robert can’t use the extra time in the pocket to show what he’s learned in two tough seasons in the league?

One last thought before I move on... If you compare RG3′s timeline to Aaron Rodgers, Sunday would have been his first start.  

We pulled the plug too early, and we are losing the life of our offense.   We are letting that life drain in order to save money, like trust fund babies waiting on the will. 

But the fact remains, if we want to be successful this year, Big Shot Bob needs a role.   Otheriwse it’s just more if this...

[redskinsredemption]

Top 5 Benefits of Adding Desean Jackson

It was the signing that rocked the NFC East, but will it be enough to tip the scales and prevent Philadelphia from repeating as division champs? Despite the naysayers, here are 5 reasons I believe Redskin fans should be very optimistic of the acquisition…

5.)     He will no longer torch our secondary.

D-Jax has been dancing in our endzones for years.  He went for 104 and a touchdown last year at FedEx, and had an 88 yard score in the miserable Monday Night Massacre of 2010.  No player in the NFC East presents a worse match up for our defense (maybe Dez Bryant), and would be a constant threat to exploit the age of veteran acquisition Ryan Clark.  Instead, Jackson comes to Washington with a chip on his shoulder, ready to do our opponents what he so often did to us....

4.)      Reed Will Continue to Rise

Without a doubt, the biggest positive to pull from the 2013 campaign was the emergence of Jordan Reed.  In nine games as a rookie, Reed averaged five catches and 55 yards a game.   With Jackson and Garcon demanding coverage on the outside, defenses will be stretched thin across the middle, and there are only a handful of middle linebackers in the league that can contain the superior athletic skillset of the old Gator standout.  Look for Jay Gruden to exploit those matchups downfield, a la Antonio Gates a few years back… Could be a huge year for Reed.

3.)       Garcon in One-on-One Coverage

  Pierre Garcon is coming of a monster season, his best since coming into the league in 2008, recording 113 of his 345 career catches in 2013, and amassing 1,346 yards.  What makes this more jaw dropping is the fact he did it alongside Joshua Morgan, Leonard Hankerson, and Santana Moss, three receivers that in this stage of their careers simply don’t command enough respect from opposing secondaries.   If Jordan Reed was able to breakout and alleviate some of the pressure on Garcon, imagine what Desean Jackson will do!  

Opponents will be forced to apply double coverage to at least one of the star wideouts almost every single play, and both have proven they can torch teams that resort to one-on-one coverage.   If RG3 can improve his accuracy, look for this to be the most dynamic and productive wideout pairing in the NFL, since Julio Jones and Roddy White broke out in Atlanta.

2.)  Running Up Nickels and Dimes

I could go on and on about the receiving core and RG3, but the real beneficiaries of development of a passing game are Alfred Morris and Roy Helu Jr.  Morris has finished in the top 5 in rushing the last two years, and now will have the benefit of seeing nickel and dime defenses on first and second down.  Teams have to account for the wideouts, creating bigger gaps for Morris, who is probably the third best “north south” runner behind AP and Beastmode.

Roy Helu Jr., despite a couple terrific performances last season, was greatly underutilized in Mike Shannahan’s offense.  However, Jay Gruden is fresh off a year in which he gave Benjarvus Green Ellis and Gio Bernard a 50/50 split.   I expect Morris to dominate the touches, but Helu’s ability to catch out the backfield make him dangerous on third down and unpredictable otherwise.  Like Reed, Helu will have tons of space to operate over the middle of the field.  Look for him to run wild on dink and dunk passes.

1.)        HE IS BIG PLAY DESEAN JACKSON!!!

No player has tallied more 25+ yard scoring plays in the past 3 seasons.  It will take improved knee and arm strength from RG3, but if the third year quarterback can toss the deep ball half as well as he did in his college days, D-Jax could have a colossal career in DC.  Just as all the aforementioned players will benefit from the addition of Jackson, the diverse array of weapons will also force teams to gamble in single coverage on Desean.  As history has proven, such a gamble can be a game-changing mistake!