Redskins News and Notes for August 7

[smoak]

Not much news today, but feel free to add anything I missed.

Collins Is an Expert in His Field (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/06/AR2006080600825.html)
Redskins' Backup Was Brought in for His Grasp of Offense

Uh huh. :rolleyes:

For Starters, a Day of Rest (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/05/AR2006080500513.html)
Redskins' Backups Get Their Chance During A 'Rough' Scrimmage

Southeast Jerome, a.k.a. Clinton Portis, Is People's Choice in a Redskins-Crazy Town (Mike Wise) (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/06/AR2006080600826.html)

Redskins banking on Griffin (http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20060807-012114-8984r.htm)

Then there are these numbers: The Redskins last season allowed 97 rushing yards a game when Griffin was a regular, 120 when he wasn't. They surrendered 126 yards on the ground in the one game he missed in 2004, and an average of just 79 when he was in the lineup. The same season Griffin led the NFL with 15 tackles for loss, which caused many around the league to believe he should've been chosen for the Pro Bowl.

Redskins need John Hall to be healthy (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/football/4098654.html)

Redskins' Kicking, Punting Start Slowly (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/05/AR2006080500820.html)

Redskins grab McNair's spotlight (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ravens06aug06,0,610763.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines)
New Raven has interception returned for TD in scrimmage

[AliBabba]

Not much news today, but feel free to add anything I missed.

Collins Is an Expert in His Field (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/06/AR2006080600825.html)
Redskins' Backup Was Brought in for His Grasp of Offense

this article is more information than I think anyone needs or possibly cares to know about Todd Collins. man I hope he never has to throw a meaningful pass for us.... that said we are lucky to have him.

For Collins, a quick-witted Revolutionary War buff, following Saunders was a no-brainer.

[smoak]

this article is more information than I think anyone needs or possibly cares to know about Todd Collins. man I hope he never has to throw a meaningful pass for us.... that said we are lucky to have him.

Ugh! You aren't kidding, but at least everyone seems to be getting along and supportive of each other. Collins may look great in practice, but all he does is dump off in games. It was frustrating to watch.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Redskins' Kicking, Punting Start Slowly (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/05/AR2006080500820.html)
Should I officially start to worry?

[smoak]

Should I officially start to worry?

Frost looked great in the scrimmage. Hall missed two makeable kicks, but Gibbs isn't worried so I don't think I would hit the panic button just yet. Lets see the game Sunday first.

[AliBabba]

Ugh! You aren't kidding, but at least everyone seems to be getting along and supportive of each other. Collins may look great in practice, but all he does is dump off in games. It was frustrating to watch.
As far as JC is concerned ... I spoke to a few people about this on Saturday (earlier, when people could still stand to be around me) .... I got concerned reading Joe's TC reviews, because I had always considered it a given that JC would be ready when needed. but after hearing the reviews from last week and seeing it myself on saturday, I realize, yeh he is not quite there yet.

But from what I understand the development of young QBs or any QB in a very new system is slow and gradual, but not necessaralily steady. My friend Brant, who played IAA Qb in college told me that a lot of times, you learn everything you need and you are out there practicing everyday then, all of a sudden, everything clicks... like an epiphany type deal. He said that when it "clicked" for him he just all of a sudden was comfortable and everyone could see it immediately in his game.

Basically, I have been thinking more and more about our schedule next year, specifically the pass rushes: Tampa, Carolina, Atlanta, Indy, NY (twice), Dallas (twice), Jim Johnson blitzes (twice) .... and I have serious doubts about MB lining up for 16+ starts this year.... I hope it "clicks" for JC sooner than later because there is a reason that Collins has less than 30 passes since '97

[smoak]

As far as JC is concerned ... I spoke to a few people about this on Saturday (earlier, when people could still stand to be around me) .... I got concerned reading Joe's TC reviews, because I had always considered it a given that JC would be ready when needed. but after hearing the reviews from last week and seeing it myself on saturday, I realize, yeh he is not quite there yet.

But from what I understand the development of young QBs or any QB in a very new system is slow and gradual, but not necessaralily steady. My friend Brant, who played IAA Qb in college told me that a lot of times, you learn everything you need and you are out there practicing everyday then, all of a sudden, everything clicks... like an epiphany type deal. He said that when it "clicked" for him he just all of a sudden was comfortable and everyone could see it immediately in his game.

Basically, I have been thinking more and more about our schedule next year, specifically the pass rushes: Tampa, Carolina, Atlanta, Indy, NY (twice), Dallas (twice), Jim Johnson blitzes (twice) .... and I have serious doubts about MB lining up for 16+ starts this year.... I hope it "clicks" for JC sooner than later because there is a reason that Collins has less than 30 passes since '97

I think Campbell will be fine. It is his first year in this system and in addition he has yet to attempt a pass in the regular season. The key is to see how he looks in the preseason games. He'll get plenty of snaps and we'll have a better idea of how he'll do when the bullets start flying. Honestly though, I don't think anyone behind center for the Skins has to do much. Limit turnovers, manage the game, and take what the defense is giving... We don't need Peyton Manning. We need a Ben Roethlisberger (sp?).

[Shabba]

Collins will bring a lot to the team even if he does not throw a pass. He is very helpful, especially to the youngsters. I'm glad he is here.

[Patrick]

I think Campbell will be fine. It is his first year in this system and in addition he has yet to attempt a pass in the regular season. The key is to see how he looks in the preseason games. He'll get plenty of snaps and we'll have a better idea of how he'll do when the bullets start flying. Honestly though, I don't think anyone behind center for the Skins has to do much. Limit turnovers, manage the game, and take what the defense is giving... We don't need Peyton Manning. We need a Ben Roethlisberger (sp?).

Agree ............... it's just that it might take him more time that we are willing to wait. Just thinking about how he did in college - it was between his junior and senior year that he made his most improvement and he was a three year starter. AND that's what concerns me a little BECAUSE he was on the field learning each year he made improvement. JC no doubt learned a lot about the NFL last year but he wasn't on the field and I don't see him playing much this season. By the time he becomes our starter he'll STILL need a year or two of seasoning before he blooms - IMO.

[smoak]

A day old, but still interesting.

Show and tell at FedEx Field (http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/082006/08062006/211796)

The two-hour scrimmage was split into three parts. After a brief warm-up, each team lined up to take 12 punts, six of which were returned. Redskins punter Derrick Frost had several impressive boots, including one that carried about 60 yards. Rookie David Lonie shanked one punt and was unimpressive on his others. The undrafted free agent from Australia impressed Redskins coaches in the opening week of camp.

"There's a lot of guys in this league that can carry things out until they have to execute under pressure," Smith said. "That's what we've got to improve with [Lonie]."

Kicker John Hall had a difficult afternoon, as his first two field goal tries sailed wide left from 47 and 46 yards, respectively. Hall returned to hit a 38-yarder on the Redskins' final offensive series.

"One-for-three ain't good enough," Redskins special-teams coach Danny Smith said. "He knows it, I know it, you know it."

[hockeygoalie29]

"We want to be the No. 1 defense," Griffin said. "We're not trying to sneak up on anybody. We're going to hit [offenses] in the mouth from the first play. We know we're good, and we're going to beat you. But we've got to work every day. You can't put hard work on a credit card or on a layaway plan. You have to work every day and then go out and perform.

I love this quote, especially the part about not being able to charge hard work and pay for it later, I've never heard that one before!

[IowaSkinsFan]

I didn't even see Tyler Jones attempt a kick. Good thing for Hall.

[Redblood]

[QUOTE=smoak]Not much news today, but feel free to add anything I missed.

Are these the Smoak Signals, or are they still under a blanket?

[smoak]

[QUOTE=smoak]Not much news today, but feel free to add anything I missed.

Are these the Smoak Signals, or are they still under a blanket?

LOL! There wasn't anything good enough to be considered a "Smoak Signal".

Same concept though... All articles in one thread unless there is something of upmost importance.

[BurgundyNGold]

[quote=Redblood]

LOL! There wasn't anything good enough to be considered a "Smoak Signal".

Same concept though... All articles in one thread unless there is something of upmost importance.
I think you should use the name "Smoak Signals" for these great threads. Don't minimize the value of branding. ;)

[smoak]

[quote=smoak]
I think you should use the name "Smoak Signals" for these great threads. Don't minimize the value of branding. ;)

LOL! I will, but it felt a little too much like self-promoting.

[BurgundyNGold]

[quote=BurgundyNGold]

LOL! I will, but it felt a little too much like self-promoting.
Yeah, but it's too cool not to do it.

[tbfoster1]

Yeah, but it's too cool not to do it.

I have to agree. Smoak Signals is very catchy