Redskins Closer then ever

[Skinzaholic]

As we brace for another week of negative comments, an imaginary QB controversy, and Gibbs imminent re-retirement... I thought I would point out the positives that are staring right at us.

Unlike any team since Gibbs left (including '99)... the team which played against the Bengals last night was... well... different. They obviously had made some major changes... and Gibbs' fingerprints were all over it.

Let's list them...


1. Our Starting Defense will be VERY GOOD. While still missing a few starters, they still managed to swarm Cinncy, rattle Carson Palmer repeatedly, and basicly stifle the Bengals starting O for the first qtr. (The scoring didnt start until our 2nd string D was on the field... ANY starting QB should be able to score against the 2nd stringers... except maybe Patrick). Hats off the GW for this!

2. Our Offensive line was solid AGAIN. Despite a few mistakes which could be attributed to Ramsey - the line was quite impressive. Opening huge holes for our backs. The stats were something like 6/44 yds and 6/40 yds for Betts and Rock. That is like a 7 yard average. Attribute this to the O line... I really think with Portis they will be even better!

3. Not a bad return game. Usually 20 yard returns were common. Obviously Brown is a TD waiting to happen.


That is just to name a few.


Im not implying we are a Superbowl team... or even a Playoff team as we speak. What I am implying is that Coach Joe Gibbs is the Master (despite what some youngsters say around here). You could tell by his gestures during the Post-game interview last night that he is well aware of how close they are. Stupid mistakes ruined a pretty decent pre-season performance. I fully expect him to work that out of the guys this week.


Our main area of concern is still Ramsey and that passing game. It was almost mind-numbing to watch the deep game materialize a bit this time. I wasnt impressed with the lack of separation by our WR's at times... and Ramsey DID make a few bonehead throws... BUT he also looked more comfortable and made several NICE throws.


Im feeling better about things... much better then the past 12 years. Instead of hype... we may have the start of a football team.


Just my thoughts.

- Skinz

[smoak]

I agree, but I felt like our past 13 years were mostly filled with teams that beat themselves. I want more than anything for Gibbs to win, but to do that, we MUST cut back on turnovers. Without turnovers last night we win that game, and this team need to start experiencing some wins to get their confidence.

Also, I think the defense the past two year is the best we've had since Gibbs left, but we are razor thin at some spots and need to stay healthy.

[dabro]

I wasnt impressed with the lack of separation by our WR's at times...

Actually, I was kind of amazed at the number of wide-open receivers we had last night. I mean, the camera would show the receiver, and the lens would capture no defenders around them. Maybe if there had been a wider angle, or if I had been at the game, it would have looked different, but I'm starting to really like our receivers.

[CapitalDefense]

The team rushing stats were...

20 carries 101yds 5.1avg

[GoDannyBoy]

The return game looked good at it started at the wedge. Guys were blocking and Brown was running hard.

The "O" line looked really good. There were big holes for every runner we had. Nemo continues to look good as well as Rock. Tough call on that one.

The WR were all getting open all day. Hopefully Ram calms down because he is our best chance at winning big this year.

Improvement over last week. We'll see what happens next week.

[skinfan43]

The team rushing stats were...

20 carries 101yds 5.1avg
That's what Portis pretty much averaged before he came here last season... re-vamped OLine with Jansen and Rabach there makes ALL the difference, shoot, even two seventh round picks were running strong (Rock, 7+yds/carry - Nemo, goal line terror, 1TD, 68 total yds, albeit one costly fumble:(

[Agrawog]

I tell you what I am just happy to see this team not having motion penalties and delay of game stuff. They look professional with only a couple of penalties (one on Rogers on 3rd and long) and that is an improvement from last year. I don't think we had to call one timeout due to time issues or confusion.

Baby steps but positive ones.

[BurgundyNGold]

I tell you what I am just happy to see this team not having motion penalties and delay of game stuff. They look professional with only a couple of penalties (one on Rogers on 3rd and long) and that is an improvement from last year. I don't think we had to call one timeout due to time issues or confusion.

Baby steps but positive ones.
True, but there has been noticeably less motion and fewer formation shifts this preseason as compared to last season. This might be how Gibbs is going to do things now or it could be that he is just keeping it vanilla.

[Cruising270]

Yes the offence in design showed much improvement, while execution of plays still needs improvement. I love what Gibbs has done and I think this game was a vast improvement over last weeks. It was not quite as "Vanilla" as the previous and gets me wondering what to expect come the start of the real season.

I agree with you 100% that Ramsey did show a higher level of comfort but he still looked like he was "forcing" every play rather than letting it happen. I think the QB contraversy has some validity to it because it's a big part of execution.

The new WR's are showing solid performaces, Patten ran several nice routes, followed the ball well, displayed good hands, and presence of the field when he toe tapped that one catch. I also like what I saw in Moss going for more yards after the initial hit.

Antonio Brown gave another good performance and continues to impress me. I just can't see him ever being the 3rd reviever because of his size along with Patten and Moss.

The starting O-line came out to play again proving to be rock solid. The opened nice holes for the run and provided enough protection time for our QB. They also picked up most of the Blitz's as well as you can ask of any o-line. Did anyone see that Safety get blocked when coming in to blitz.

Thanks to the o-line Betts was able to deliver another good showing. He ran well up the middle pushing for every extra yard. I was also impressed with his speed on the runs to the outside. I like many people expect to see him in a good amount of rotation with Clinton Portis. I'm accually forced to wonder if our revitilized o-line could make any back look good. (Makes me think of Denver)

I'll end this message with something I was glad not to see the offence produce and that is penalties! Both QB's had the offence lined up and were never racing the final seconds of the clock. I don't think I saw but one or two holding penalites from the O-line. The only false start came from Dyson if my memory serves me correct. This one thing alone is reason for praise!

Can't wait to see what next week brings!

[ihatedallas]

What I like most about this team is that were not expected to do good...the last 5 years we go into the offseason and buy ourselves a whole new team...were returning players and coaches steadily for the first time in a long time...For players like Lavar, Samuels, and Jansen, that means alot. I think we will see an improvement this season, Our running game is going to light up everyone...Betts and Rock can average 6-7 yards a carry, what do you think Portis will do? I saw improvement in our passing game against cincinatti, even though we had some very stupid Int's, Ramsey was averaging close to 20 yards a completion. This is WITHOUT portis and without screens, slants, and hitches...This was all corners and posts...For our offense only throwing deep balls, I thought we accomplished alot, becuase in the season Ramsey will not be throwing 40 yards down the field every play....

[IMALILTEAPOT]

i think our 2nd defense needs to step up though, our secondary isnt good behind our starters. i know its preseason, but i want to see a more dominant showing by our defense. our first defense did well, but i the defense as a whole to play better. last year during preseason our defense was spectacular, we had 2 shutouts. i would love to get a shutout next week on natl tv!

[MWballer]

That was not our 2nd string D out there remember we had 7 guys out on the defensive side of the ball so that means that ppl from 3rd string had to play 2nd D. And we had guys like Shabazz(who played alrite but who is he) on our 3rd D.

[chad101]

The schedule isn't bad either.

Good luck.

[Edskins_RVA]

Yes the offence in design showed much improvement, while execution of plays still needs improvement. I love what Gibbs has done and I think this game was a vast improvement over last weeks. It was not quite as "Vanilla" as the previous and gets me wondering what to expect come the start of the real season.

I agree with you 100% that Ramsey did show a higher level of comfort but he still looked like he was "forcing" every play rather than letting it happen. I think the QB contraversy has some validity to it because it's a big part of execution.

The new WR's are showing solid performaces, Patten ran several nice routes, followed the ball well, displayed good hands, and presence of the field when he toe tapped that one catch. I also like what I saw in Moss going for more yards after the initial hit.

Antonio Brown gave another good performance and continues to impress me. I just can't see him ever being the 3rd reviever because of his size along with Patten and Moss.

The starting O-line came out to play again proving to be rock solid. The opened nice holes for the run and provided enough protection time for our QB. They also picked up most of the Blitz's as well as you can ask of any o-line. Did anyone see that Safety get blocked when coming in to blitz.

Thanks to the o-line Betts was able to deliver another good showing. He ran well up the middle pushing for every extra yard. I was also impressed with his speed on the runs to the outside. I like many people expect to see him in a good amount of rotation with Clinton Portis. I'm accually forced to wonder if our revitilized o-line could make any back look good. (Makes me think of Denver)

I'll end this message with something I was glad not to see the offence produce and that is penalties! Both QB's had the offence lined up and were never racing the final seconds of the clock. I don't think I saw but one or two holding penalites from the O-line. The only false start came from Dyson if my memory serves me correct. This one thing alone is reason for praise!

Can't wait to see what next week brings!


Well said! You captured my thoughts exactly! Saves me all that typing... :)

[TupaFan]

Excellent words Skinz!! I was able to watch the game on TV last night and did notice the improvement of the OL and return teams from last year. Glad to see those improvements. The QB and penalties are still question marks now. Coach will whip those problems into shape. :)

[whitskins]

Thank you Skinzaholic, you hit the nail on the head. This team is a solid QB away from being a legitimate playoff threat in my opinion. Our defense still looks dominating and still hasn't gotten Lavar back. And our offense is VASTLY improved in all areas outside of the QB position, and I still think the QBs are better than last year. If Pat or Mark can truly step up and lead this team, manage the game, and not give the ball to the other team, we have a very solid squad. I am really confident that we'll have a good showing this year, no matter who the QB is.

[Rich77]

As we brace for another week of negative comments, an imaginary QB controversy, and Gibbs imminent re-retirement... I thought I would point out the positives that are staring right at us.

Unlike any team since Gibbs left (including '99)... the team which played against the Bengals last night was... well... different. They obviously had made some major changes... and Gibbs' fingerprints were all over it.

Let's list them...


1. Our Starting Defense will be VERY GOOD. While still missing a few starters, they still managed to swarm Cinncy, rattle Carson Palmer repeatedly, and basicly stifle the Bengals starting O for the first qtr. (The scoring didnt start until our 2nd string D was on the field... ANY starting QB should be able to score against the 2nd stringers... except maybe Patrick). Hats off the GW for this!

2. Our Offensive line was solid AGAIN. Despite a few mistakes which could be attributed to Ramsey - the line was quite impressive. Opening huge holes for our backs. The stats were something like 6/44 yds and 6/40 yds for Betts and Rock. That is like a 7 yard average. Attribute this to the O line... I really think with Portis they will be even better!

3. Not a bad return game. Usually 20 yard returns were common. Obviously Brown is a TD waiting to happen.


That is just to name a few.


Im not implying we are a Superbowl team... or even a Playoff team as we speak. What I am implying is that Coach Joe Gibbs is the Master (despite what some youngsters say around here). You could tell by his gestures during the Post-game interview last night that he is well aware of how close they are. Stupid mistakes ruined a pretty decent pre-season performance. I fully expect him to work that out of the guys this week.


Our main area of concern is still Ramsey and that passing game. It was almost mind-numbing to watch the deep game materialize a bit this time. I wasnt impressed with the lack of separation by our WR's at times... and Ramsey DID make a few bonehead throws... BUT he also looked more comfortable and made several NICE throws.


Im feeling better about things... much better then the past 12 years. Instead of hype... we may have the start of a football team.


Just my thoughts.

- Skinz

WELL PUT. Someone has to look ahead.

[RedskinsVision]

well i did see some improvement.. some is better then none but not as good as a bunch. but we can't take baby steps.. we need to start jogging before the sprint comes sept. 11.

[NCskinsfanatic]

As we brace for another week of negative comments, an imaginary QB controversy, and Gibbs imminent re-retirement... I thought I would point out the positives that are staring right at us.

Unlike any team since Gibbs left (including '99)... the team which played against the Bengals last night was... well... different. They obviously had made some major changes... and Gibbs' fingerprints were all over it.

Let's list them...


1. Our Starting Defense will be VERY GOOD. While still missing a few starters, they still managed to swarm Cinncy, rattle Carson Palmer repeatedly, and basicly stifle the Bengals starting O for the first qtr. (The scoring didnt start until our 2nd string D was on the field... ANY starting QB should be able to score against the 2nd stringers... except maybe Patrick). Hats off the GW for this!

2. Our Offensive line was solid AGAIN. Despite a few mistakes which could be attributed to Ramsey - the line was quite impressive. Opening huge holes for our backs. The stats were something like 6/44 yds and 6/40 yds for Betts and Rock. That is like a 7 yard average. Attribute this to the O line... I really think with Portis they will be even better!

3. Not a bad return game. Usually 20 yard returns were common. Obviously Brown is a TD waiting to happen.


That is just to name a few.


Im not implying we are a Superbowl team... or even a Playoff team as we speak. What I am implying is that Coach Joe Gibbs is the Master (despite what some youngsters say around here). You could tell by his gestures during the Post-game interview last night that he is well aware of how close they are. Stupid mistakes ruined a pretty decent pre-season performance. I fully expect him to work that out of the guys this week.


Our main area of concern is still Ramsey and that passing game. It was almost mind-numbing to watch the deep game materialize a bit this time. I wasnt impressed with the lack of separation by our WR's at times... and Ramsey DID make a few bonehead throws... BUT he also looked more comfortable and made several NICE throws.


Im feeling better about things... much better then the past 12 years. Instead of hype... we may have the start of a football team.


Just my thoughts.

- Skinz

Nice summary, I agree, we have much to be thankful for, especially in comparision to last season. My only concern thus far has been Ramsey, with better Wr's, a much improved line and good running lanes, shouldnt he already look better than he has? I would love to see him succeed, but I'm having some real doubts about his ability to read NFL defenses. One more week of more Int's than TDs, with the 1st string, against both 1st and 2nd string Ds and I'll be more than a bit concerened .I stuck by Brunell until Gibbs pulled him last season, and IMO, Marks clearly the QB that looks the most improved from last season. However, If Gibbs sticks with Ramsey, then he'll have my support........ :typeR2: !