Lavar, Samuels, and more in the new Quick Hitters column!

[Spence]

The first thing I want to do is discuss Chris Samuels for a moment. Samuels came into the game hobbled with injuries and facing a Dallas pass rush that, at times this season, has looked ferocious. He shut it down and completely dominated his side of the field. Not only did Clinton Portis often find room to run over left tackle, Samuels never let his man so much as graze QB Mark Brunell. It was a truly magnificent performance from a left tackle playing with more pride than good health. Redskins fans who rush to heap abuse upon Samuels every chance they get [and you know who you are] should take note of this.

The second thing I want to do is to address this Lavar Arrington issue that has been roiling the HR membership all season. Lavar didn’t play again yesterday and the official reason was a bruised thigh...

Read it all. (http://www.hailredskins.com/blog/index.php?p=207)

[CNYSkinFan]

I can't agree with you more on Marcus Washington. I still love Lavar and want him on the opposite side of Washington, but Washington is playing better and I have more respect for him now more then ever. Marcus Washington is having an MVP type season on this defense and it my early nod for Defensive MVP of the year for the Redskins.

[MONK_in_HOF]

I think that is a good overall assessment.

I agree on the Marcus Washington being the player we all wanted Lavar to become angle. I without a question think he is the heartbeat of the defense.

The secondary stepped up huge. Walt Harris played great. I saw a lot of shortarming by their WR too.

On that handoff to Moss he did outrun his blocker. Looked kinda like Portis at times last season.

[BurgundyNGold]

The first thing I want to do is discuss Chris Samuels for a moment. Samuels came into the game hobbled with injuries and facing a Dallas pass rush that, at times this season, has looked ferocious. He shut it down and completely dominated his side of the field. Not only did Clinton Portis often find room to run over left tackle, Samuels never let his man so much as graze QB Mark Brunell. It was a truly magnificent performance from a left tackle playing with more pride than good health. Redskins fans who rush to heap abuse upon Samuels every chance they get [and you know who you are] should take note of this.
Hear, hear! Samuels has been shutting mouths the second half of the season. He is definitely getting better and has earned his keep. Personally, I liked how he got hot and was pushing and yelling at Dallass players yesterday.

To me, emotion has been a missing element of Samuels game the last few years. I love to see he's got the fire now!

[PennSkinsFan]

I think that is a good overall assessment.

I agree on the Marcus Washington being the player we all wanted Lavar to become angle. I without a question think he is the heartbeat of the defense.

The secondary stepped up huge. Walt Harris played great. I saw a lot of shortarming by their WR too.

On that handoff to Moss he did outrun his blocker. Looked kinda like Portis at times last season.

Agreed. The defensive leaders are clearly Grif, Washington, and Salave'a. Taylor has the potential to become a leader, but right now, i really don't want him to, I prefer he just continue terrorizing receivers.

Here Here Tom! Samuels has gotten very UNFAIR treatment ont his forum and I can not understand. He has had a heckuva year!

[MWballer]

I loved it till you dampered the mood with the last paragraph!!! I really hope Greg Williams sticks around to be the successor here in D.C. and I think Snyder will pay to keep him here if he has to. Williams is in a great situation sitting on a coaching gold mine. Here he'll know the talent and the change would be quite comfortable and he wouldn't have to move his family.

Gr8 write up!!!!!

[Spence]

Thanks.

I'd love it if Williams stays here, but he should be offered at least two, maybe more, head coaching jobs this offseason. If I owned a team in need of some defensive direction [like the Rams or the Chiefs], my first call would be to Gregg Williams' agent. We just have to hope the Hunt family and Georgia Frontiere are too stupid to think of it.

[CNYSkinFan]

Thanks.

I'd love it if Williams stays here, but he should be offered at least two, maybe more, head coaching jobs this offseason. If I owned a team in need of some defensive direction [like the Rams or the Chiefs], my first call would be to Gregg Williams' agent. We just have to hope the Hunt family and Georgia Frontiere are too stupid to think of it.

IF Daniel matches any monetary offers and promises GW the mantle when Gibbs stpes down then GW would lose nothing but time by waiting. We can only ope that GW wants to keep some continuity for his family and take over a franchise at it's height (when Gibbs leaves after a superbowl) then be impatient and jump at franchises in trouble (like St. Louis)

[MWballer]

IF Daniel matches any monetary offers and promises GW the mantle when Gibbs stpes down then GW would lose nothing but time by waiting. We can only ope that GW wants to keep some continuity for his family and take over a franchise at it's height (when Gibbs leaves after a superbowl) then be impatient and jump at franchises in trouble (like St. Louis)

Thats what im saying IF Williams is already gauranteed to be the successor why would you leave when he's basically been building the team the last two years with Gibbs. Hes making the money of a Head Coach already! I think if he stays this year it'll go far in the Williams is to be the predecessor theory!!!

[chrisbcbu]

I think Williams is making more money here than he will as a head coach anywhere else.

[dj_stouty]

Will front offices look past Gregg Williams' 17-31 record as a Head Coach and give him another shot simply for his defensive coaching?

I'm not 100% sure about that.

I know Joe Buck mentioned on the broadcast that Williams would be a HC somewhere next year, but I can't say that with as much authority.

Snyder is already paying him HC-type money. (In fact, I believe he makes more than Mike Tice) Anyone wanting his services would have to make the offer very lucrative. I don't think Williams jumps ship in Washington unless the job is too good to be true, or the money is a ridiculous amount.

Plus, I believe him when he says he loves this area. *dunno*

[dj_stouty]

Quick tidbit of trivia on Gregg Williams.

He inherited a top 3 defense in Buffalo and turned them into the leagues 21st ranked defense his first year. His second year, he upgraded them to 15th. It wasn't until his 3rd (and final year) that he got them back to top 3.

I think Williams knows the great position he is in right now...and I don't think he will leave.

[Spence]

Will front offices look past Gregg Williams' 17-31 record as a Head Coach and give him another shot simply for his defensive coaching?

I'm not 100% sure about that.I'm not sure of it either, but I would give him another shot. Bill Belichick flamed out pretty badly in Cleveland in his first head coaching job, but now many people consider him the best head coach in the NFL. Sometimes you just need to find the right team at the right time.

Williams does earn more than Tice, but Tice is the lowest-paid head coach in the league. If Williams is offered $3 million/year [which is pretty much the going rate these days], that would be a raise over what he earns now. He makes more than any other assistant coach in the NFL, but there are many head coaches who earn more.

[Biggie]

Gregg is an incredibly smart guy. He has one of the deepest purses in professional sports waiting at his beck and call, he has his own hand-picked defensive squad, he doesn't have to worry about any offensive aspects of the game, he already has authority amongst the coaching staff, and Gibbs as team president will probably serve as a protective buffer between his forceful personality and one Mr. Daniel Snyder. I just don't see him leaving.

[The Skinsinator]

Not only is Marcus our best overall linebacker he is one the friendliest Redskins I met at camp. He's got a great personality, a smile that could charm a DI, and a coolness about him. Him and Griff were incredible fa pickups upon Gibbs' return.

[oldskinfan]

Aside from the tipped pass and interception by Griffin to start off the Cowgirls 1st posession, I think a Marcus Washington play set up the rest of the game.

You guys remember when he *CLOCKED* TE Jason Witten? Yes, it drew a late hit penalty (incorrect call...even Aikman said the call was wrong). Witten's bell was rung for quite a while and that helped set the tone in the secondary. Then later he had the bit INT.

He had about as complete a game for a linebacker as you could have Sunday. AWESOME.

[helimech24]

I am definitely on the Samuels bus, but I am one of the few that have been all year. I don't believe that he is as good as the hype, but he is one of the best linemen out their at tackle. To be honest, he isn't the best lineman playing, Randy Thomas and Jon Jansen are, but he is a great #3 and it sucks that he is also responible for helping Dockery too. I can't wait to get rid of that guy.

As far as GW is concerned, it would be a tragedy if he left. It sucked when Marvin Lewis left, and it would be a bigger hit if GW did. We are now known as a defensive team that flashes offense.

[BurgundyNGold]

I'm not sure of it either, but I would give him another shot. Bill Belichick flamed out pretty badly in Cleveland in his first head coaching job, but now many people consider him the best head coach in the NFL. Sometimes you just need to find the right team at the right time.
I don't think that St. Louis is a great situation. Look how they are doing the current coach (Matrz) who has taken the team to the NFC title game. Why would anyone not named Campo want to go there as the head coach?

In KC, you'll be inheriting, nay, rebuilding a team in flux with an aging QB and OL and a malcontent star RB. Not to mention their D is Scheisse. Oh, did I mention you'd have to follow the Dick Vermiel Show as head coach while trying to rebuild? No way a sane person does this.

I think GW will get offers (maybe from New Orleans after Haslett effectively negotiates his way out with this extension ploy of his) and I think that Mizzou would be a logical choice. I just don't think leaving the situation in DC for any of those choices is a better decision than just staying put and building the team you want from the shadows for a few years.

Williams does earn more than Tice, but Tice is the lowest-paid head coach in the league. If Williams is offered $3 million/year [which is pretty much the going rate these days], that would be a raise over what he earns now. He makes more than any other assistant coach in the NFL, but there are many head coaches who earn more.
No way Danny lets him go without at least matching the $$$ somebody else would be willing to give him. There is no salary cap on coaches. Yet.

[CNYSkinFan]

Quick tidbit of trivia on Gregg Williams.

He inherited a top 3 defense in Buffalo and turned them into the leagues 21st ranked defense his first year. His second year, he upgraded them to 15th. It wasn't until his 3rd (and final year) that he got them back to top 3.

I think Williams knows the great position he is in right now...and I don't think he will leave.

The only way in my mind GW leaves is because Gibbs has told him not only does he plan to honor his 5 year contract but he wants another 5 years on top of that.

So in my mind if GW leaves it is becasue he knows Gibbs is here to stay for more then 3 more years and he wants to strike while the iron is hot. If not then Gibbs turns over the reigns to GW after 2009 or after a Superbowl win allowing Gibbs to retire early.

[vabeach_skinsfan]

The only way in my mind GW leaves is because Gibbs has told him not only does he plan to honor his 5 year contract but he wants another 5 years on top of that.

So in my mind if GW leaves it is becasue he knows Gibbs is here to stay for more then 3 more years and he wants to strike while the iron is hot. If not then Gibbs turns over the reigns to GW after 2009 or after a Superbowl win allowing Gibbs to retire early.

Yeah, I think GW realy wants to stay. We started something here, and I think he wants to finish it. Depending if Gibbs decides to stay longer than his 5 year promise will probaly be heavily influential on GW's choice to stay.

[Brokenstriker]

Just like the military ... eventually most get promoted out of the thing they do best and into a job they can't handle.

Williams can obviously handle defensive coordinator/head coach. He's had some problems with Head Coach. I hope we have one of two situations here. I hope he is perfectly happy as defensive coordinator/head coach and working "with" Joe Gibbs ... or that he understands he needs some Head Coach mentoring and will watch and learn from Gibbs and then perhaps take over for him.

[ConradCountry]

Washington is the most important player on the defense, not only is he a stud but he leads by example.

LaVar is wearing thin on my patience constantly missing games, does anyone here think that Washington would miss a game with a bruised thigh.

[Axegrinder]

Another great assesment by Spence.

I might also add that the coaching staff did a great job.
From the domination of the line of scrimmage to the great playcalling,this team was ready to play.

I must admit that I was a little worried the morning of the game.
I stay at the same hotel and something different was going on.The hotel had a very different vibe.I couldn't feel the energy or enthusiasm.
The players were still cordial,but not as gregarious.
I thought that they may come out a little flat,but it turns out that they were strictly focused and business like.
:honor: :honor: Props to the coaches!!!

[The Jake]

A couple things:

1. I love Marcus Washington as well so it really pissed me off when i watched sportscenter sunday night and he was called "Marcus Williams" when he intercepted Bledsoe's pass. It just shows how no one gives this guy respect because he isn't in your face and in love with the media like our friend LaVar.

2. Sean Taylor finally living up to draft status? I think he's been one of the biggest reasons our D has had an intimidating presence the past 2 seasons. With all the plays he's made last year and this, I think criticizing him for anything other than stupid personal fouls is unwarranted. Without him, we'd still have Ohalete back there, I liked him but he's not exactly a game changer. I'll always love Taylor for that Pinkston play last year against the eagles that showed everyone that no receiver wants any part of our secondary.

Otherwise, I think the assessment was perfect

[redskn65]

Excellent assessment on our Skins ! I have to add though that I am not down on Lavar like it seems a lot of people who post here are. I`d like to see him come back next year healthy and I think for those of us who are impressed with Marcus Washington now imagine what havoc they both could wreak on the league when they are both on the field at the same time and how much more things would open up for the both of them. I guess I just want to see Lavar continue to be a Redskin for years and years to come. I`m stoked with the way Samuels has been laying lately and I think he will silence DE Umenyiora from the Giants this week. Hail Redskins!!!

[nmskin]

Anybody who's seen Inside the NFL this season will remember Cris Carter has constantly ended any observation good, bad, or indifferent about our Skins with a smug expression and the phrase; "they won't make the playoffs." Now that we are sitting in the six hole with every possible tie-breaker over ATL, MIN, and DAL what does he have to say? I am literally cirlcing the Wednesday after Christmas so that I can remember to tune in and watch that moron eat a king sized helping of crow.

Ladies and Gents we're beating the Giants and they're losing at Oakland, hello NFC East and I am just going to sit back and watch every football "analyst" back track and stumble over themselves to praise Coach Joe and this team, but don't buy any of it. This team has grown before our eyes in these two years and while they're still not close we know it's going in the right direction but we might as well be playing in Siberia for the fact that nobody outside of PTI and Ditka has put us in the conversation.

Getting back to Carter, a part of me appreciates the fact that he says what he thinks and makes bold statements but shouldn't there be repurcussions? If you want to say we won't make the playoffs after week 6 fine, but when we do either you lose your job as a "football expert" or have to dress up like a hogette. Don't producers of the show have to ensure they don't completely alienate or antagonize one of the most prominent fanbases in football? We haven't been Texans or Niners bad right? Why do we either get sh*t on every week or simply ignored? Do you think the Giants or the Eagles in the same situation as us would be getting overlooked and disrespected as much as we do? There would be stories of the gritty Giants on a three game tear or the indominable Eagles with a fighters chance even at 5-6. Yet we don't get put in any playoff graphics until we absolutely skull f*ck the Cowboys?

For any fan this season has really been trying, from the agonizing loses at DEN and KC to the injustice of the Alstott 2pt. conversion and the three game losing streak, yet there have been more highs than lows, and it really undermines a team and it's fans when the reasons for success are always heaped on the doorstep of the opposition. We destroy the Niners because THEY are a div 2 team?, We beat the Eagles because THEY don't have TO? We beat the Cowboys because THEY weren't prepared? What excuse are they going to have next week when we pop the upitty Giants right in their mouths? They won't have an excuse because when everyonelse loses we'll be holding the brass ring and they will all be saying the same thing; "Hey the Redskins! where'd this team come from?"

Being a Redskins fan is hard enough, yet when the media is constantly underplaying and devaluing what you know is progress under the same criteria that they use to bolster other no account teams, it really gives you a chip on your shoulder. That's personified most by Cris Carter who had us eliminated before the half-way point. December 28th I'll be tuning in, Cris better have a spoon handy.