Official Washington Redskins Forum Thread

[manchild24]

Chris Cooley had seven catches for 68 yards and touchdown Sunday.

Cooley and Jason Campbell got it going over the middle once the Redskins picked up the pace of their offense. The 17-yard touchdown came once the game was already out of reach, but it's worth noting that Cooley had just one touchdown all of last season.

 

[manchild24]

Despite being named the starting flanker last week, Malcolm Kelly had just one catch for six yards Sunday.

Jason Campbell was clearly more comfortable throwing to Chris Cooley and Antwaan Randle El. Kelly's lone catch came in the fourth quarter when he went over the middle and took a huge hit. Even if Kelly remains the No. 2 receiver, he is only roster-able in very deep leagues.

 

[manchild24]

Antwaan Randle El had seven catches for 98 yards in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

It's surprising Randle El had such a good game after he lost his No. 2 WR job to Malcolm Kelly. But Jason Campbell looked more comfortable targeting Randle El and Chris Cooley than any of his other receivers. For now, none of the Skins' secondary receivers are very appealing options

 

[manchild24]

Redskins rookie Brian Orakpo started Sunday's opener at strong-side linebacker but finished with just two tackles.

The prized rookie simply didn't have a big impact on the game. Orakpo lined up on the edge often but wasn't able to bother Eli Manning at all. Expect better games in the future as he continues to learn how to play with his hand up.

 

[manchild24]

Albert Haynesworth had four tackles and no sacks against the Giants Sunday.

Haynesworth looked out of shape, constantly coming off the field to catch his breath. He probably could have used some more snaps in the preseason

 

[manchild24]

Redskins MLB London Fletcher led all Week 1 defenders in tackles, recording 18 (11 solo) in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

Panthers WLB Thomas Davis (16) and Rams MLB James Laurinaitis (14) were next. Fletcher, 34, still plays at a high level and will see a ton of tackle chances as runners flow to him with Albert Haynesworth at defensive tackle

 

[manchild24]

Clinton Portis played just 24 of 49 offensive snaps for the Redskins in Week 1.

He did carry the ball 18 times, so he's getting the ball when he's in the game. Ladell Betts was in for 19 snaps, which is a sign that the Redskins are going through with their plans to rest Portis on passing downs

 

[manchild24]

Antwaan Randle El was the field for two more snaps than Malcolm Kelly Sunday.

The more revealing number is that Randle El had seven catches while Kelly had one, evne though Kelly won the No. 2 receiver job. Randle El had man coverage all game while the Giants shaded toward Santana Moss on the outside. The former college quarterback will be an inconsistent performer out of the slot this season.

 

[manchild24]

Albert Haynesworth played 72 percent of the snaps Sunday and according to beat writer Ryan O'Halloran, "that will be the norm this season."

O'Halloran says that just because Haynesworth is making $41 million guaranteed, he shouldn't play on every down. It's worth pointing out that all teams have rotations at defensive tackle, and Haynesworth may be most effective playing 70 percent or less of the snaps.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins signed FB Mike Sellers to a new six-year contract, including a $600,000 signing bonus.

The 34-year-old won't make it to the end of the deal, which now runs through 2014, but it appeases his offseason demands. Sellers sat out voluntary OTA work because he wanted a new deal. Sellers is a fine lead blocker and reliable in short yardage, but rarely gets the ball. He saw 18 touches in 2008

 

[manchild24]

Clinton Portis said he woke up Monday morning feeling like he had 25 or 30 carries Sunday, even though he only had 16.

The Redskins are trying to keep Portis fresh, but he has a lot of tread on his tires. When Jim Zorn was asked if he'd like to see a big game from Portis this week, he said "I'm hip-hip-hooraying that thought." A home game against the Rams is a great matchup for Portis.

 

[manchild24]

Beat writer Jason Reid says players and coaches told him Antwaan Randle El could lead the team in receptions.

Randle El is a nice fit in the slot and had seven catches for 93 yards in Week 1 to lead the team. Jason Campbell is clearly more comfortable throwing to Randle El than Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas. Still, Randle El's production will be inconsistent in the 'Skins conservative scheme

 

[manchild24]

Redskins coach Jim Zorn admitted he needs to get Santana Moss more involved this week after he was held to two catches for six yards in the opener.

Moss is easily the most explosive option as well as the most reliable receiver in the Redskins' passing attack. He's a good buy-low right now after Antwaan Randle-El outproduced him in Week 1.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins QB Colt Brennan, who is out for the year, underwent surgery to repair a torn left labrum in his hip this week.

It's his second hip surgery since entering the pros. Doctors confirmed that Brennan's preseason hamstring problems resulted from the ongoing hip injury. He will return in 2010 to compete for a roster spot.

 

[manchild24]

Santana Moss and Giants' corner Corey Webster were both fined $5,000 for their on-field scuffle last Sunday.

The official reason for the fines was "striking his opponent in the head area."

 

[manchild24]

Redskins beat writer Jason Reid expects Jason Campbell to take more shots downfield with receivers Santana Moss and Malcolm Kelly in Week 2 against the Rams.

Moss (two catches for six yards) and Kelly (one catch for six yards) were outshined by Antwaan Randle El in Week 1 against the Giants' formidable defense. Sunday will be a different story, as Moss and Kelly will be working against an obviously much weaker team. Expect better games from the two receivers this week.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins CB Fred Smoot (rib) has been downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Not a huge deal for the 'Skins defense. Carlos Rogers will be on Donnie Avery while DeAngelo Hall will deal with Laurent Robinson. We still like the Redskins as a spot start for your fantasy defense

 

[manchild24]

Redskins declared CB Fred Smoot, CB Kevin Barnes, OL Edwin Williams, LB Robert Henson, OL Chad Rinehart, OT D'Anthony Batiste, DT Anthony Montgomery, and DE Renaldo Wynn inactive for Week 2.

Smoot and Montgomery are both banged up, but neither loss is major. The Skins did a surprisingly good job of staying healthy during training camp.

 

[manchild24]

Redskins RG Randy Thomas left Sunday's game with a right triceps injury and will not return.

He was replaced by third-year offensive lineman Will Montgomery. If Thomas has to miss significant time, Clinton Portis could be in real trouble. He's by far their best run blocker.

 

[manchild24]

Jason Campbell completed 23-of-35 passes for 242 yards and scrambled seven times for 28 yards as the Redskins beat the Rams 9-7 in Week 2.

It wasn't pretty, but the Redskins found a way to win. Campbell used his feet several times to pick up crucial first downs and delivered accurate short passes when he was given time in the pocket. The offense struggled to find the end zone despite multiple red zone appearances, but most of that blame lies with the play calling of Jim Zorn and Clinton Portis' lack of burst.