Official Washington Redskins Forum Thread

[x0xHumblex0x]

Almost time for training camp!



The receiver battle is definitely a position to watch, but the offensive line is where most of my attention is going to be. I wasn't impressed with who we've brought in so far (except Long) and I want to see what combinations are put together.

yah - the OLine was pretty bad last year. a few more weeks until pre-season begings too!!

 

[ThomasTomasz]

My thing was that it was on the quarterback and not the line. I posted a bunch of stats a while back and slateman and I argued the point. Mine is that our line was actually pretty good, just made to look bad by RGIII holding onto the ball way too long. They made some moves, so lets see if they are upgrades.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Same article for the defense

We’re now just one day away from the Redskins’ training camp report date, and today – a day after examining key areas to monitor on offense – we take a look at the defense, and the most pressing aspects to keep an eye on over the course of the next 20 days in Richmond.

1. Hatcher’s recovery – The biggest offseason acquisition on defense, Jason Hatcher, has a chance to make an impact as the Redskins look to address their glaring weakness in the pass-rushing department. But Hatcher could get off to a slow start as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery in late June. There’s no official word yet on whether Hatcher will be able to practice right away, or open camp on the physically unable to perform list. But given that doctors told him to expect a four- to six-week recovery time, and July 23 represents five weeks since the procedure, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Redskins give Hatcher a little extra time to work with the trainers and strengthen his knee for safety’s sake. Once Hatcher does return, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is expected to use him in a variety of ways in a defensive attack that coaches and players claim will feature a more aggressive approach this season. If Hatcher can reclaim his 11-sack form from last season with Dallas, Washington should accomplish its goal of improving its defensive front. If his knee proves a reoccurring issue, the Redskins have a problem on their hands.

2. Murphy’s role – In another move to improve their pass rush, the Redskins drafted outside linebacker Trent Murphy with their top pick of this year’s draft, the 15th of the second round. Haslett envisions pairing Murphy with Pro Bowl bookends Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan and frequently rotating the rookie in and out at several positions this season. Murphy during offseason practices lined up as a lineman at times, and as an edge rusher from both the right and the left side at other times. Murphy led the NCAA in sacks last season, but he still has much to learn about the pro game. Outside linebackers coach Brian Baker has the task of coaching him up and ensuring that the Redskins get the most out of him. The offseason represented a crash course in NFL pass rushing and Washington’s defense. The education process continues during camp.

3. Robinson’s takeover – Gone is inside linebacker London Fletcher, the longtime heart and soul of Washington’s defense and team as a whole. Poised to take over as the defensive signal-caller is 2012 fourth-round pick Keenan Robinson. The Texas product has limited experience, however, as he missed half of his rookie season with injury, and all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle. Redskins coaches believe that Robinson is up to the task, though. They name him as one of the bright spots of the offseason practices. Because he remained at Redskins Park during his rehabilitation and continued to attend defensive meetings, he understands the schemes and knows the calls. Now it’s a matter of reigniting muscle memory and knocking off rust. Robinson says he feels comfortable, but that he’s not too proud to lean on veteran teammates as well. The Redskins hope he can stay healthy, and play at a high level. If he struggles, however, Washington has veterans Akeem Jordan and Adam Hayward, whom they signed in the offseason to bolster the depth of the inside linebacker position and improve special teams.

4. Safety improvements – Another area of great weakness last season, Washington officials and coaches hope that the addition of 13th-year veteran free safety Ryan Clark and the healthy return of second-year pro Phillip Thomas helps spark improvement. Clark and returning strong safety Brandon Meriweather will start, and coaches are banking on their experience and Meriweather being a second season removed from anterior cruciate ligament surgery to make a difference. Meanwhile, they aim to groom Thomas – a fourth-round pick in 2013, who missed all of last season with a Lisfranc foot injury and surgery – to eventually take over as a long-term answer. Clark will try to prove that despite his age (he’ll turn 35 this fall), the Steelers were wrong when they released him, and that he still has plenty left in the tank. One thing is sure, his leadership skills will serve a relatively young locker room well. Meanwhile, 2013 sixth-rounder Bacarri Rambo will try to learn from Clark and further develop after a trying rookie season.

5. Position battles – As with the offense, there are few starting openings. But there are a couple. With Hatcher expected to start at right end, left end remains up for grabs. Chris Baker and Jarvis Jenkins are expected to go head-to-head for this position, while Stephen Bowen, Kedric Golston and Clifton Geathers compete for key spots in the rotation. Meanwhile, Chris Neild will try to remain in the mix as the backup to starting nose tackle Barry Cofield, although Baker also has the capability to play that position. DeAngelo Hall and David Amerson are the starting cornerbacks, but the nickel back role remains up for grabs. E.J. Biggers, Tracy Porter, rookie Bashaud Breeland and possibly third-year corner Richard Crawford ( who is recovering from knee reconstruction) will battle here, with Biggers and Porter seemingly having the edge. Meanwhile, Hayward, Jordan, Darryl Sharpton and second-year pro Will Compton are expected to compete for spots at inside linebacker behind Robinson and Perry Riley Jr. And Rob Jackson and second-year pro Brandon Jenkins will battle for spots in the outside linebacker rotation behind Orakpo, Kerrigan and Murphy.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...aining-camp-five-areas-to-monitor-on-defense/

 

[x0xHumblex0x]

Hatcher is on PUP list.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk;
MFer

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Sucks about Hatcher. Their plan for a pass-rush hinges on him being there to help disrupt things. Hopefully he is back in full force shortly. Though Stephen Bowen isn't a bad back-up either (but also on the PUP list.) I'm impressed with our depth on the line after signing Hatcher with some of our developed players.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Day 1 observations from Washington Post

RICHMOND — Day 1 of Redskins training camp got off to a water-logged start, but skies eventually cleared about midway through the practice, and the team finished their on-field session under clear skies.

The team didn’t have a flawless practice, but players classified the day as a good start to camp and said they believe improvement will naturally come.

Quarterback Robert Griffin III didn’t get off to the sharpest start to camp, missing a handful of opportunities for big plays, most notably with wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Jackson’s speed was on full display as he beat his defender deep on one play early in practice only to have Griffin underthrow him. Later, Griffin threw a high-arcing pass downfield. Jackson had to slow up a bit and then got underneath the ball as it descended. But he dropped it. Later, Griffin led Jackson too much on a crossing route, and missed his target.

Griffin had one near-interception when backup cornerback Peyton Thompson jumped an out route intended for wide receiver Nick Williams. But the high throw went off a leaping Thompson’s hands and out of bounds.

Giving his assessment of the day, Griffin said, “As an offense, we weren’t as efficient as we wanted to be today all around. … But it’s a good thing to have to work through the rain and have to throw those wet footballs, have to catch those wet footballs, have to work on [handoffs with running backs]. All those things.”

Jackson, like Griffin, downplayed the miscues, reiterating that “It’s Day 1” and that the Redskins still have a number of weeks ahead of them before their first preseason game, and the regular season opener.

Griffin at times seemed to hold onto the ball a little too long, waiting for plays to develop downfield. A couple of times, he would’ve gotten sacked had these been full-contact practices. It wasn’t a good sign for the offensive line that there were struggles to hold off the pass rush. But, as Jay Gruden said on Wednesday, every practice rep is precious, and the quarterback benefits from those throws, whether or not the defense had to hold up and avoid dropping him or not.

I’m still trying to pry apart the rain-soaked, ink-smeared pages of my notebook, but here are some other observations from today’s practice.

● Cornerback Richard Crawford didn’t show any limitations as he returned to action 11 months after tearing ligaments in his left knee. He ran step-for-step with Andre Roberts up the sideline and got good position as a deep pass came toward the two. Roberts shoved Crawford in the back, leapt and made the catch before trotting into the end zone. Crawford pointed at the receiver, who had committed an obvious penalty, then shook his head and jogged back downfield. Crawford, who didn’t wear a knee brace, also fielded punts during the special teams portions of practice.

● Crawford, Santana Moss, Jackson, Andre Roberts, Nick Williams, Lache Seastrunk, Chris Thompson, Rashad Ross all continue to compete for punt return duties and took turns fielding punts Thursday.

● Defensive end Stephen Bowen continued his rehab work on a separate field and wore a brace on his surgically-repaired right knee. Bowen ran a series of cross-field sprints. He has a noticeable hitch in his step when running, but said that he’s encouraged by his progress and will continue to train patiently while confident that he will soon return to full strength. Bowen said that he was told he could possibly come off the PUP list sometime during training camp.

● Nose tackle Barry Cofield said he feels great as he makes his return after rehabbing from hernia surgery this offseason. Cofield likes improved depth, talent level of the defensive front. He also says the front seven feels like it has finally evolved to point it needs to be.

● With Bowen and Jason Hatcher out, Chris Baker took the bulk of the first-team snaps at left end, and Jarvis Jenkins at right end. Jenkins started at left end last season, but based on offseason practice reps, appears to have lost that job to Baker. Hatcher would presumably start at right end. But Bowen’s position remains unclear. It’s possible that he could serve as one of the linemen that rotate in and out at multiple spots to keep the starters fresh.

● The first 11-on-11 play of camp was a run play where Alfred Morris took the handoff, running left. Morris hit a cutback and slipped between the left guard and tackle and picked up about 15 yards before being run out of bounds.

● Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said he is aiming for improved consistency this season and wants to dominate each week rather than play down to competition as he believes he did at times last season.

● Rookie tackle Morgan Moses didn’t have the strongest of days today. Playing on the second unit, the third-round pick lined up at his more natural position of left tackle, but still struggled. He seemed to play too upright, and didn’t knock defenders off the line. He didn’t appear to get the best jump off the line while blocking on stretch plays, either. A couple times, he got stood up and shoved into the backfield while supposedly playing in pass protection.

● Tom Compton lined up at second-team right tackle and appears to be the more technically sound of the two battling young tackles.

● Third-year guard Josh LeRibeus looks quicker and more effective than he did at this point last season. LeRibeus – battling for backup duties behind left guard Shawn Lauvo – drew the praise of offensive line Chris Foerster as he executed his assignments on a run-blocking drill. “Excellent, Josh. Excellent,” Foerster said as LeRibeus hit his initial assignment and then got to the next level for a combo block with the center. There was no praise of any kind directed at an out-of-shape LeRibeus last season.

● Speaking of out of shape, Maurice Hurt struggled badly through a series of exercises on the sled while working on a side field with a trainer and defensive end Jason Hatcher, who like Hurt is on the PUP list. Hatcher, who is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, looked good as he shoved a weighted individual sled, but Hurt appeared badly winded as he shoved his. After the round of work was complete, Hurt huffed and puffed as he trudged off, retreating to the trainer’s tent for a drink. Hard to believe he’s still in this poor condition after going through the offseason program.

● Keenan Robinson continues to work as the starting ‘mike’ linebacker. He often drew the assignment of covering tight end Jordan Reed, but had mixed results. On some plays, he stopped Reed for no gain after receptions. On a couple of other plays, he appeared to grab Robinson’s jersey to keep the tight end from getting separation.

● That’s one practice in the books, and this afternoon will feature a 4 p.m. walkthrough, which is prep work for tomorrow morning’s practice session.

Great to hear Crawford isn't limited right now. He's a wild card both for the secondary and for special teams. He has a long way to go to make the roster, but I think he has a chance to make it.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

You probably remember the huge debate last training camp about Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III potentially practicing and if he should start the first few games as he recovered from the ACL tear he suffered in the 2012 playoffs.

Well, Reds general manager Bruce Allen revisited the subject Monday and said what the team asked of Griffin wasn't fair.

“What you saw last year was almost a little disrespectful to the game of football,” Allen told ESPN 950, via the Washington Post. “It's impossible to ask a player to perform well during the regular season if you haven't practiced. Last year at this time, he's still rehabbing his knee, he's not allowed to practice, he's not allowed to work in team drills at all because he's still rehabilitating himself. We put him, really, on the spot by trying to do that. And this year he's had a full offseason, his knee is 100 percent -- knock on wood -- and he's had all of that, and that's how you get ready to play a football season. Maybe in basketball you can go out and just play in games, but in football, when you're trying to synchronize 11 players on every play, you need to practice.”

Allen didn't mention former coach Mike Shanahan by name, but surely, Shanahan bares some of the blame for that. Allen does, as well. But here's the difference. Allen still has a job. Shanahan does not.

As a reminder, here's what Allen said in mid-August 2013 regarding Griffin: "He is ahead of schedule, he gets his work in. We've had no setbacks so far. The goal is for him to play in Week 1. I don't know if that will happen."

Part of the problem was increased expectations. After Vikings running back Adrian Peterson emerged ahead of schedule from his ACL tear in Week 17 of 2011 and then lit up the league in 2012, the expectations for Griffin were raised. Particularly when Shanahan in May 2013 said things like, "He'll set a record for coming back because that's how hard he works.

Shanahan also declared, "He will not come back until he's 100 percent.”

Well, that wasn't exactly right. It was clear that, for much of the season, Griffin was playing at less than 100 percent, and perhaps Shanahan's poor management of Griffin (especially in the 2012 playoffs) and then benching him near the end of last season was a big reason Shanahan ultimately was fired.

Allen on Monday also was asked if the team should have waited four or five games before inserting Griffin onto the field last year.

"Well, it's part of his development," Allen said. "It was only his second year in the league and he got to see some new defenses, and he saw some things he shouldn't do and saw some things he should do. So, the experience probably will help him for the long run, but to hope that we were going to have much more success than we did, is really, as I say, to the game -- the beauty of the game, the integrity of the game, you need to practice in order to play well. And you need to practice well in order to play well."

If that's the case, 2014 should be a much better season for Griffin.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...g3-in-week-1-last-year-a-little-disrespectful

Why do we keep going here? Just leave the past in the past, Allen doesn't benefit anyone by saying what he did, truth or not.

 

[staylor0wnzu]

Why do we keep going here? Just leave the past in the past, Allen doesn't benefit anyone by saying what he did, truth or not.

I agree. Listening to 980 right now and they are dissecting the hell out of this. Seems like this happens with every coaching change. hopefully it dies down once the season starts.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

This is going to be interesting to follow. I know it's been whispered, but if the Patriots are the ones doing the whispering and it starts catching on this pre-season, we get a full-blown controversy on our hands. Of course, the easiest way to avoid that is having RGIII shut up the doubters, but they are still there.

Robert Griffin III has a lot to prove this season. After winning offensive rookie of year honors in 2012, the former first-round pick struggled in 2013. The culprits: a bum knee and a dysfunctional head coach. The knee is healed and Mike Shanahan is gone, which means that RG3 is out of excuses.

Last week, the Redskins and Patriots practiced together before facing off in Thursday's preseason game. Tom Brady didn't play in the game but he didn't need to; he's a future Hall of Famer -- you know what you're getting. Griffin, meanwhile, is a different story.

It might explain all the post-joint-practice media reports comparing Brady to RG3. The general sense of those reports: "Brady is masterful, Griffin is raw." That's like comparing a 13-month-old just learning to walk to Usain Bolt. Yes, they're both bipeds, but one is slightly more experienced than the other.

That's not to excuse RG3's performance last season, or to suggest that he doesn't deserve scrutiny. Like it or not, he's the face of the franchise and first-year coach Jay Gruden is tasked with getting the most out of him.

But what happens if RG3's best isn't better than backup Kirk Cousins?

We've heard this before, but we're bringing it up again because of what ESPN.com's Mike Reiss wrote in his Sunday notes column. Forget comparing Griffin to Brady, this is about Griffin and Cousins.

"One of my biggest takeaways from Patriots-Redskins joint practices was surprise that Robert Griffin III didn't look like the best quarterback on his own team," Reiss wrote. "In fact, I thought Kirk Cousins was better than him, from the perspective of running the offense, fine-tuned mechanics and how decisively the ball came out of his hand. I wondered if I was alone, and then heard the same sentiment echoed by some others in the Patriots organization."

This doesn't mean that RG3 isn't the team's long-term answer at quarterback, or that he doesn't deserve the job in the short term. Still, it's troubling to think that the second-overall pick isn't farther along, especially when the competition is a fourth-rounder from that same draft.

Of course, Brady was a sixth-round pick but that's not the point here. The Redskins are in transition, and if it turns out that Cousins is better than RG3 then, yeah, he should play. But that reality means that the team gave up a 2012 second-rounder, and first-rounders in 2013 and 2014 for a glorified backup. And that goes a long way in explaining why the Redskins are perpetually mediocre.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...-cousins-is-better-qb-than-robert-griffin-iii

 

[x0xHumblex0x]

This is going to be interesting to follow. I know it's been whispered, but if the Patriots are the ones doing the whispering and it starts catching on this pre-season, we get a full-blown controversy on our hands. Of course, the easiest way to avoid that is having RGIII shut up the doubters, but they are still there.

i guess the media has to write this kind of stuff up.
Adrian Peterson came after his ACL with an off the charts season.
RGIII came back after ACL
BUT
also did NOT have the same amount of time to recover like AP.

i will surprised if RGIII does not have similar season like his rookie year
and
earning "ComeBack Player of the 2015 season"

comparing him to Tom Brady is really premature.
Brady also didnt get hurt in his 1st year as a starter.....

thats my thoughts anyway.

Redskins looked good in preseason and so did RGIII.
Brady didnt play, not because he didnt need but because he is much older.......

looking forward to seeing the Browns/Redskins preseason game

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I think that when we drafted Cousins, there wasn't anyone thinking this. Many questioned it, but I think it was a great decision. Then Cousins won some games in 2012 when RGIII was hurt and performed well. It's in the back of our minds now, what if Cousins is a better QB for us than RGIII? You wouldn't complain about getting a franchise QB either way, but then the price we gave up- two first rounders and a second rounder- is wasted.

I'm definitely rooting for RGIII, but like many, this is still in the back of my mind.

 

[x0xHumblex0x]

I think that when we drafted Cousins, there wasn't anyone thinking this. Many questioned it, but I think it was a great decision. Then Cousins won some games in 2012 when RGIII was hurt and performed well. It's in the back of our minds now, what if Cousins is a better QB for us than RGIII? You wouldn't complain about getting a franchise QB either way, but then the price we gave up- two first rounders and a second rounder- is wasted.

I'm definitely rooting for RGIII, but like many, this is still in the back of my mind.

well this will be RGIII's year to prove himself again.........
after this season, we will be getting our 1st round pick back in the next draft.
so; reality of that sacrifice will only be effected for this season and could always resort back to Cousins.
thus, letting him develop.

and this also meaning;
if RGIII is on the money season , then its a good deal (to give up those 2 1st rounders)
But
if RGIII turns out to be a bust, we can tank (again) and get a high 1st rounder for next year.

i mean like, how much worse can it be than last year's 3-13
:domestic:

and to think we were either leading or in close games with most of our schedule last year......
Lions, Broncos, Cowboys (both games, Giants (1st game), Falcons and Eagles (2nd game) are ones that i surely remember "shoulda won" games

 

[ThomasTomasz]

This team just doesn't have a track record developing QBs. Look at spending a high first on Shuler, and turns out a seventh rounder beat him out and started for five years and had a long NFL career. Jason Campbell ended up being a dud, he had one good half season under Zorn and the rest was average. We pick Jeff George over Brad Johnson, and Johnson helps take the Bucs to the Super Bowl. Nothing will surprise me anymore at this position.

 

[staylor0wnzu]

I like what ive been hearing and seeing from camp. I really have grown to like the gruden hire. Guy has a ton of experience as a player and coach and is young. I think we will be okay and RG3 will blossom.

Sidebar yall see the madden 15 playbook? looks pretty good. Seems like they have some of last years plays also added wildcat which was im cincys playbook. Very interesting on the madden side of things.

 

[x0xHumblex0x]

This team just doesn't have a track record developing QBs. Look at spending a high first on Shuler, and turns out a seventh rounder beat him out and started for five years and had a long NFL career. Jason Campbell ended up being a dud, he had one good half season under Zorn and the rest was average. We pick Jeff George over Brad Johnson, and Johnson helps take the Bucs to the Super Bowl. Nothing will surprise me anymore at this position.

Doug Wiliams
(my personal fave)
:jack:


Mark Rypien
:yup:

Joe Thiesmann
:notbad:


not much development or known for being the elite but good enough

 

[x0xHumblex0x]

RGIII isnt looking tight

:misogi:

 

[staylor0wnzu]

RGIII isnt looking tight

:misogi:

Hes getting there.

 

[BigBucs]

:yao: Once upon a time I was called a jealous hater for calling that offense a gimmick. :dead: @ the commentator "The Ravens young defensive player showing tremendous aathleticism and keeping up with one of the really great athletes that plays QB in this league"

If Robert Griffin III sits out the Washington Redskins' game versus the Tampa Buccaneers on Thursday night, he will go the entire preseason without directing a single touchdown drive.
Griffin's transition from gimmick offense to pocket passer was fully expected to feature a few bumps in the road. What has had us concerned since the preseason opener, though, is that the bad habits in his footwork and throwing motion seem to have carried over from last season's return from ACL surgery.
Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd this week, ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski confirmed, after watching hours of preseason film, that Griffin's mechanics have regressed.
"They have regressed in the fundamental way of throwing the football," Jaworski said, via The Washington Post. "His throwing slot, his footwork, his inability to remain consistent in that."
The preseason attention has primarily focused on RGIII's reckless playing style, exacerbated by aninability to execute a proper slide.
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Jaworski is more alarmed by the mechanical issues and Griffin's rudimentary understanding of what it takes to succeed versus NFL defenses.
"Because you have to play from the pocket, you have to play smart," Jaworski added. "Bill Walsh said it best: You have to process information quickly, and that's really what the position is about.
"You know, every year there's hundreds of guys coming out that can throw the football. But the great ones can process information, throw it accurately, and with pinpoint accuracy, and velocity when necessary."
RGIII's struggles have been an ongoing topic of discussion on the Around The NFL Podcast. Whereas the offseason was filled with the promise of a return to 2012 form, the harsh reality is that Griffin is the rare franchise quarterback currently being outplayed by his backup.
On the latest "Around The NFL Podcast," the heroes preview the entire NFC and chat with Giantslinebacker Jon Beason.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000384792/article/analyst-robert-griffin-iiis-mechanics-have-regressed?utm_medium=twitter

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I still wouldn't call it a gimmick offense, because it featured plenty of run and play-action. People will call it a gimmick offense because of the pistol and option looks, but I don't think they were run much more than what other teams did. RGIII took off more than most other passers, but many were not on gimmick plays.

I think that word gets thrown around way too much. Spurrier's "Fun and Gun" was a gimmick offense. What we ran under Shanahan and RGIII wasn't anywhere close to something like that.

If you want to come in here and criticize the fact that the best QB is playing, I'm more than happy to discuss that. I think most Redskins fans who aren't mouthbreathers will agree that Cousins looks a whole lot better than RGIII. There isn't a debate to that. I have been so busy with work I haven't watched games, but Jaws is a credible source. The knee is a big concern, and we will soon find out if that's the case, or whether or not it's just the pre-season.

 

[x0xHumblex0x]

Cousins only looks good against 2nd and 3rd stringers.