Akh's Thoughts: Week 1

[akhhorus]

http://www.hailredskins.com/blog/index.php?p=313

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Regarding your first ten points, I agree with all but one of them, especially numbers 1, 7, and 10. I don't know what Betts has ever done to prove he is a starting-caliber RB. Seeing Snyder talking with Cruise and having to hear Jamie Foxx (a Cowboys fan) talk about nothing for about 15 minutes was making me sick. The combination of the 3 man rush and the soft zones has got to be wiped out from the playbook. Now.
As for the one I disagree with, it's #3. I don't care how or why, but Hall missed, and by a mile. And I challenge anybody to honestly say they were confident he would have made the kick. What really bugs me is that if we wanted to, we could have seriously upgraded that position with either Vinatieri or Longwell in the offseason.

Edit: Oh yeah..good read as usual!

[C-7]

Good write up, thanks.

Our play in the redzone was horrible.

I would like to see Brunell take a few more risks out there, you simply can't throw that many balls away. If one gets picked, so be it, but you got to be more gutsy on third down.

Taylor was all over the field.

Rodgers covered fairly well.

Johnson should have been blitzed more often.

At least the first team offense went from 0 points in the entire preseason to 16 points last night.

[IllinoiSkinFan]

You know I wanted to blame hall and frost for this lost, but after reading this write-up I now realize the blame rest solely on TOM CRUISE! His thetans must have jump off him and on to our players! that is why they didnt looked fired up.

I be they were letting him try his hand at play calling. I mean they have to find someway for him to earn his keep. It certainly wont be with his acting.

I know the offence didn't do great, but too me they seemed better then last year. They just didn't seem to into the game last night. No one really seemed fired up.

As far as Taylor goes, I completely agree. That first penalty was just a bad call. It is the second penalty that he really screwed up on. That facemask was unnecessary, the guy was already on the way down and there was two other skins there.

[skins74]

AKH... I was just about to post a new thread regarding the real reason we lost and you already hit it on the head......Tom Cruise. He brought the dark cloud that has been following him to our Redskins game.

[dj_stouty]

I don't think Carlos played well at all. Troy Williamson torched him all night, and if Troy had softer hands, he would have ended the night with 150+ yards. He also got beat on the Robinson TD.

Betts doesn't look like an all-downs running back. He doesn't seem to get to full speed quickly...and he only racks up big chunks of yardage when he is given the time to pick up that speed. (like on the 25 yard dump off reception)

[akhhorus]

Regarding your first ten points, I agree with all but one of them, especially numbers 1, 7, and 10. I don't know what Betts has ever done to prove he is a starting-caliber RB. Seeing Snyder talking with Cruise and having to hear Jamie Foxx (a Cowboys fan) talk about nothing for about 15 minutes was making me sick. The combination of the 3 man rush and the soft zones has got to be wiped out from the playbook. Now.
As for the one I disagree with, it's #3. I don't care how or why, but Hall missed, and by a mile. And I challenge anybody to honestly say they were confident he would have made the kick. What really bugs me is that if we wanted to, we could have seriously upgraded that position with either Vinatieri or Longwell in the offseason.

Edit: Oh yeah..good read as usual!

We should consider replacing Hall in the offseason, but I would be concerned if he didn't even get it 48 yards last night. He could have kicked that from 53. It just went left. He's not the reason we lost. We lost because we couldn't execute in the red zone. Getting POrtis back full time will help with that.

[dallasadmin]

I would definately have to agree with Cooley. Where was he? I don't remember seeing hi9m more than a handfull of times. Checking his stats he had 2 catches for -3 yards?? We need him more than that for sure.

Archuletta lived up to the non-hype i'd heard as well. Good in run support, not so good in coverage. All those 3rd and long situations and Brad just threw down the middle for 1st down and a lot more.

Disapointing, but not the end of the world. I just hope we get it fixed before next week.

[akhhorus]

I know the offence didn't do great, but too me they seemed better then last year. They just didn't seem to into the game last night. No one really seemed fired up.

I think again, thats where Portis was missed. He's clearly the leader of this team(Gibbs apparently lets him choose which uniform to wear) and they looked like a different team with him on the field. They have the weapons, and know how to use them, but they just need CP back to be the engine for the whole thing.

[PennSkinsFan]

Hall was a problem last year and will be this year. This is the one area that I cirticize the Gibbs front office on. Hall has not been the same since his injury, period. We know it and so does everyone else. Expect more of this in 06.

[akhhorus]

I would definately have to agree with Cooley. Where was he? I don't remember seeing hi9m more than a handfull of times. Checking his stats he had 2 catches for -3 yards?? We need him more than that for sure.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again for posterity: if Saunders stays, Cooley goes. He can't deal with being a on the line TE. And someone will give up high picks for him.

[hailj]

my main concerns :

1) Stupid play calling.
2) Anemic offense.
3) Inability to score in the red zone.
4) weak QB play.
5) weak FG kicker.

focus. address. modify.

[OCSKINSFAN]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again for posterity: if Saunders stays, Cooley goes. He can't deal with being a on the line TE. And someone will give up high picks for him.

Could you explain this. What about Gonzalez in KC?

[akhhorus]

Could you explain this. What about Gonzalez in KC?

Cooley's problem is that he's an undersized TE/Oversized FB. He can't seem to deal with getting jammed on the line by DEs. Gonzalez is much bigger(6-5) and a traditional TE. Thats why I think Cooley is a goner.

[Dolla Bill]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again for posterity: if Saunders stays, Cooley goes. He can't deal with being a on the line TE. And someone will give up high picks for him.


That will leave the fanbase divided. I know alot of fans are devoted to Cooley, but that will just about end badly if that happens.

[OCSKINSFAN]

Cooley's problem is that he's an undersized TE/Oversized FB. He can't seem to deal with getting jammed on the line by DEs. Gonzalez is much bigger(6-5) and a traditional TE. Thats why I think Cooley is a goner.

Thanks, but according to the roster, Cooley is 6-3/265. I question if its size. It may be as you say that he just has trouble with technique on the line.

[Redskin4Life]

Akh, honestly this doesn't happen often but I can say I agree with you 100%. GREAT writeup.

Last night, all I could think about was how Coach made three bad decisions: keeping Hall, keeping Frost and not playing Duckett. After having sometime to think about things... you're right about Hall, it hooked a little left and it was a 48 yrder. He went 3/4 which is good for anyone in the league.

I honestly think that if Duckett was in, we would have scared their defense some with the run in the red zone and allow for more man on man in the endzone. I was disappointed with the redzone offense but I can't fault one of the dropped TDs... that was a NASTY hit by Sharper on Moss.

[Patrick]

Point 2 / 7 ........... Agree about the Vike O-line and could develop into the best in the NFL this year. BUT NOT having Springs also had a lot to do with us not blitzing as much. Without your best corner to take on the coverage responiblity, Coach Williams couldn't rise as many blitzes as he would have wanted. As you pointed out Rogers and Rumph did a decent job .... BUT.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

We should consider replacing Hall in the offseason, but I would be concerned if he didn't even get it 48 yards last night. He could have kicked that from 53. It just went left. He's not the reason we lost. We lost because we couldn't execute in the red zone. Getting POrtis back full time will help with that.
He could have kicked it from 53, but it would have gone 25 yards wide left. The combination accuracy/range is what concerns me. I don't think it's a coincidence that it has been 3 years since he hit a FG from more than 46 yards.
But I agree that replacing him now would probably do more harm than good. It should have been taken care in the offseason, when there were many opportunities to do so.

[wewantdallas]

I agree with most of this, but I feel much more anger towards Hall after reading some of these snippets from the Post article this morning:

"Hall said the last 50 seconds of last night's game passed quickly for him, and he felt somewhat confused about the game situation as the Redskins drove down the field to set up his final kick. Hall was standing behind a coach when Mark Brunell threw a five-yard pass to Antwaan Randle El on third and six. Hall, who had kept busy warming for most of the Redskins' drive, saw the completion and thought Washington had converted a first down."

"I didn't think I was going on yet," Hall said. "I didn't really know what was happening."

Confused? What the hell is there to be confused about? This is inexcusable. As a fan, I was completely aware from the stands of the time remaining, the yards needed for a first down, etc., etc. For the KICKER to be confused at this point speaks very badly of him and, to be honest, Danny Smith.

They barely got the kick off before the play-clock ran out. Who knows what would've happened if he'd had a few more seconds to line up his kick and concentrate a bit more.

I'm not blaming the loss on Hall by any means. It was a complete team letdown. But I'm really disappointed in his lack of awareness here, and I think he DEFINITELY needs to be called out on that. I'm not at all in the mood to thank him as other threads have suggested or to just let him off the hook. Get in the game, John!

[hailj]

We've seen the goodtimes, The Super Bowl wins, the bad times (Steve Spurrier anyone? How about Heath Shuler?), and the in between times.

Was the offensive playcalling really that bad? Yes it was. I have faith that Joe Gibbs and Saunders are going to have many meetings about what went wrong, and why Brunell couldn't check down thru his receivers properly, instead of just dumping off the easy short pass. They'll evaluate the running game, and try to run up the gut a few times hopefully instead of always pitching out to the left. They'll involve the TEs more I hope. Cooley and Fauria were non existant tonite. Moss and Randle El showed a LOT of potential as well.

Was the defense that bad? No they weren't. They weren't dominant, but the Vikings would up with what, 2 field goals and 2 TDs ? The only "bad" plays were Rogers biting on the pump fake and Rumph getting beat over the top. With Springs out, Rogers is battling the #1 receiver, a spot he isn't used to yet. Taylor had some dumb plays, but he was the only one there who seemed to show up tonite. Lots of heart out there tonite.

Perhaps Mark Brunell is the reason we failed? Perhaps not having a QB on the bench who could come in and take his job easily doesn't give him a reason to perform like he did last year, having Ramsey on his heels, and the fans behind Ramsey early on... maybe he was trying to prove soemthing last year, I don't know.

What I do know, is that we aren't as bad as you all seem to making us out to be. We have a LOT more work to do then I was hoping we would, but next week at Dallas, we are playing a team that doesn't have a good QB, allows defenseive pressure to get to the QB, and has a suspect defense at spots. I'm not saying we're going to go in there, and beat the **** out of Dallas, what I'm saying, is that next week will be a true judge or how our coaching staff is. They contained the Vikings quick run offense , but our offense couldn't convert the points needed to put the 7 ont he board instead of 3.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again for posterity: if Saunders stays, Cooley goes. He can't deal with being a on the line TE. And someone will give up high picks for him.
I unfortunately agree. For two reasons. One, his size and his blocking skills make him a bad fit as the lone TE in a 3 receiver ace set, which we are gonna run alot of. Two, once again, I'm really starting to think we have too many people who want the ball in their hands as much as possible. The Chiefs never had 4 great to decent WRs, and keeping Cooley as a 30 catch TE makes no sense.

[skinfanatic]

the only thing that ticks me off is the "lay off john hall. he had plenty of leg but pushed it left." well, so what? the kickers job is to MAKE the fg, not to kick it far and miss. this, to me, is like all the praises kyle boller received because he could throw it 70 yds on his knees. well, so what if you have zero accuracy. right now i dont feel as stupid as i was made out to be when i thought we shouldve drafted a kicker in the 6th or 7th. i like the pt about tj. why do we sign him if we arent going to use him for the appropriate times? i also really believe that there needs to be more questions regarding cooley. why wasnt he used more? he should be NUDE in the middle because of our speedy wrs. he should, yes should, put up tony g's type numbers. why dont we use him more?

this is not an attack against you. i thought it was a good blog. my favorite was the thoughts on the sf - ari game. i CARE. (only due to the fact that i have warner and boldin on one of my fantasy teams.)

[wewantdallas]

I unfortunately agree. For two reasons. One, his size and his blocking skills make him a bad fit as the lone TE in a 3 receiver ace set, which we are gonna run alot of. Two, once again, I'm really starting to think we have too many people who want the ball in their hands as much as possible. The Chiefs never had 4 great to decent WRs, and keeping Cooley as a 30 catch TE makes no sense.

This is depressing me beyond belief. I hope you guys are wrong about Cooley, that's all I can say. A weapon like that, developing as well as he did last year ... it would be an absolute shame to see that all disappear.

Gibbs' was great at adjusting his schemes to his players. Let's hope that Saunders, being from the same mold, will do the same and will rework some things to accomodate Captain Chaos.

[Redskin4Life]

Has anyone heard anything about Pierson? Was the injury bad???

[Redskin4Life]

This is depressing me beyond belief. I hope you guys are wrong about Cooley, that's all I can say. A weapon like that, developing as well as he did last year ... it would be an absolute shame to see that all disappear.

Gibbs' was great at adjusting his schemes to his players. Let's hope that Saunders, being from the same mold, will do the same and will rework some things to accomodate Captain Chaos.
I think Cooley was used more to help block the DLine... they were in the backfield a LOT in the game. Could have something to do with Cooley's condition cause that pass to him from Brunell should have been caught... he just looked gassed for some reason.

IMO, we'll see a different Cooley against Dallas.

[wewantdallas]

Has anyone heard anything about Pierson? Was the injury bad???

It's an ACL. Will know more after the MRI today. Probably done for the year, certainly for a few weeks at least.

[Redskin4Life]

the only thing that ticks me off is the "lay off john hall. he had plenty of leg but pushed it left." well, so what? the kickers job is to MAKE the fg, not to kick it far and miss. this, to me, is like all the praises kyle boller received because he could throw it 70 yds on his knees. well, so what if you have zero accuracy. right now i dont feel as stupid as i was made out to be when i thought we shouldve drafted a kicker in the 6th or 7th. i like the pt about tj. why do we sign him if we arent going to use him for the appropriate times? i also really believe that there needs to be more questions regarding cooley. why wasnt he used more? he should be NUDE in the middle because of our speedy wrs. he should, yes should, put up tony g's type numbers. why dont we use him more?

this is not an attack against you. i thought it was a good blog. my favorite was the thoughts on the sf - ari game. i CARE. (only due to the fact that i have warner and boldin on one of my fantasy teams.)
The kick wasn't like Longwell's missed FG... it was close but not close enough. Hall should have got it but I'm still a little confused by the play before... we had enough time to get the ball further down the field?!?!? A 5 yard pickup when the first down marker is 6 yards away?!??!? That's just terrible...

[Redskin4Life]

It's an ACL. Will know more after the MRI today. Probably done for the year, certainly for a few weeks at least.
Is that definite or just a guess/conjecture? I hope he's not lost for the season... we need him back there.

[wewantdallas]

Is that definite or just a guess/conjecture? I hope he's not lost for the season... we need him back there.

That's what was said last night on the radio postgame show.

[skinfanatic]

again, i think a fg miss is a miss is a miss is a miss. it doesnt matter to me if he missed it from 15 or 45. a kicker in the nfl should be able to make up to 50 yds relatively easily and on a reliable basis. im not the only one here who cursed his name when he who shall not be mentioned missed at the end of the game.

[danny's stogie]

Akh, at least Braylon played when he wasn't supposed to be back in the lineup for 7 weeks. However, the pass at the end of the game that went through his hands into the defender's was inexcusable.

You know I wanted to blame hall and frost for this lost, but after reading this write-up I now realize the blame rest solely on TOM CRUISE! His thetans must have jump off him and on to our players! that is why they didnt looked fired up.



How could you want to blame Frost? Did you watch the game or did you prepare a hate speech in advance?

The kick wasn't like Longwell's missed FG... it was close but not close enough. Hall should have got it but I'm still a little confused by the play before... we had enough time to get the ball further down the field?!?!? A 5 yard pickup when the first down marker is 6 yards away?!??!? That's just terrible...

ARE's fault for not making his cut at the first down marker.

Perhaps Mark Brunell is the reason we failed? Perhaps not having a QB on the bench who could come in and take his job easily doesn't give him a reason to perform like he did last year, having Ramsey on his heels, and the fans behind Ramsey early on... maybe he was trying to prove soemthing last year, I don't know.

Yup, because any old QB can walk in and digest an offense as complex as Saunders' in a single offseason. Without Brunell the Skins get shutout.

[Dolla Bill]

Akh, at least Braylon played when he wasn't supposed to be back in the lineup for 7 weeks. However, the pass at the end of the game that went through his hands into the defender's was inexcusable.



How could you want to blame Frost? Did you watch the game or did you prepare a hate speech in advance?



ARE's fault for not making his cut at the first down marker.



Yup, because any old QB can walk in and digest an offense as complex as Saunders' in a single offseason. Without Brunell the Skins get shutout.


I agree on all accounts, and I doubt that the same mistake will be made again with ARE. The turning point to see how things pan out will be around week 5-6, for the offense. If we are still not getting the ball downfield, I will have to question Saunders or the lack of playmaking ability of the players.

[Biggie]

Great write-up akh. As has been said, I agree with everything except for the Hall comment. There are plenty of guys who can kick a ball 50 yards, but that doesn't mean they can make a 50-yard field goal in the clutch. Getting it in-between the uprights is sort of important. Hall was a great kicker, but he's been hurt so much that he can't be consistent anymore.

[danny's stogie]

Great write-up akh. As has been said, I agree with everything except for the Hall comment. There are plenty of guys who can kick a ball 50 yards, but that doesn't mean they can make a 50-yard field goal in the clutch. Getting it in-between the uprights is sort of important. Hall was a great kicker, but he's been hurt so much that he can't be consistent anymore.

Glad to see we pass judgement after one kick. I guess 6-7 last season from 40-49 means jack. :rolleyes:

[akhhorus]

Thanks, but according to the roster, Cooley is 6-3/265. I question if its size. It may be as you say that he just has trouble with technique on the line.

Well, he's probably smaller than that. The TE needs to be 6-5 250ish.


That will leave the fanbase divided. I know alot of fans are devoted to Cooley, but that will just about end badly if that happens.


True, but we made it through Lavar, Smoot, Coles, Chump etc etc leaving without a revolution. Getting something good back will help ease the suffering.

[akhhorus]

Akh, at least Braylon played when he wasn't supposed to be back in the lineup for 7 weeks. However, the pass at the end of the game that went through his hands into the defender's was inexcusable.

lol. Just pointing out the facts, my friend. And if anything, you might want him to miss enough time to negate the bet.

[danny's stogie]

lol. Just pointing out the facts, my friend. And if anything, you might want him to miss enough time to negate the bet.

I'd rather him get back in the lineup game 1 than sit until week 7 and not miss enough time to negate the bet.

[akhhorus]

I'd rather him get back in the lineup game 1 than sit until week 7 and not miss enough time to negate the bet.

Just giving you some playful crap man, nothing serious lol.

And Priloeau had to have blown out his knee. He looked badly hurt. This hurts, but I think that Rumph can move to ROV when Springs gets back, or Wright can to provide that tweener presence.

[Biggie]

Glad to see we pass judgement after one kick. I guess 6-7 last season from 40-49 means jack. :rolleyes:

You mean you actually thought he would make the kick last night? I'm not rooting against him, but I knew from the second Randle El didn't get the first that our chances of tying the game... well, sucked.

[akhhorus]

Great write-up akh. As has been said, I agree with everything except for the Hall comment. There are plenty of guys who can kick a ball 50 yards, but that doesn't mean they can make a 50-yard field goal in the clutch. Getting it in-between the uprights is sort of important. Hall was a great kicker, but he's been hurt so much that he can't be consistent anymore.

We'll see. He's the best option we have at Kicker right now, unles Vanderjagt gets cut or something. Should we address this when we can? Sure, but right now isn't the time.

[Dolla Bill]

Since the OL didn't give up a sack, is that more an attribute to Brunell or the line since he had about less than a breath to get rid of the ball? Its going to be up to the defense to carry this team for the first 3-4 games, and the defense is a slight concern with regards to injuries.

[bgforever]

That will leave the fanbase divided. I know alot of fans are devoted to Cooley, but that will just about end badly if that happens.

To say the least for the lockerroom

[danny's stogie]

You mean you actually thought he would make the kick last night? I'm not rooting against him, but I knew from the second Randle El didn't get the first that our chances of tying the game... well, sucked.

I expect it to average out just like it does with all kickers. If he makes 6-7 from 40-49 last season and had the distance on that kick I don't see why he wouldn't make the next one or the next dozen. I think people need to put a face on the blame to justify the loss when some of the major culprits from last night are extremely popular players who the fans are hesitent to call out, on the other hand, unless your name is Vinateri, the kicker is frequently the most popular goat.

[danny's stogie]

Since the OL didn't give up a sack, is that more an attribute to Brunell or the line since he had about less than a breath to get rid of the ball? Its going to be up to the defense to carry this team for the first 3-4 games, and the defense is a slight concern with regards to injuries.

The Oline was fine. I'm even impressed by the lack of penalties.

[akhhorus]

Since the OL didn't give up a sack, is that more an attribute to Brunell or the line since he had about less than a breath to get rid of the ball? Its going to be up to the defense to carry this team for the first 3-4 games, and the defense is a slight concern with regards to injuries.

Both. I think opposing defenses are not going to try to bother attempting to cover the weapons this year and just go after the QB(which is another reason why Brunell should be the starter for now). This is another area where getting Portis back full time will help, both with Blitz pick up and with draws to keep them honest. I don't agree that the D is going to have to carry the team for a few games, the offense was effective with Portis in, and will just get better when he gets his 25 touches per game.

[silverspring]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again for posterity: if Saunders stays, Cooley goes. He can't deal with being a on the line TE. And someone will give up high picks for him.

Cooley did look a bit lost out there last night, but I also saw him wide open several times.

I don't agree with your comments about betts. When healthy, Betts has a track record of being fairly successful for years now. I agree with your statements that this offense is not ideal for him. I just hope it isn't too late to trade him. If he is going to stink it up it is going to be difficult to deal him.

[helimech24]

Both. I think opposing defenses are not going to try to bother attempting to cover the weapons this year and just go after the QB(which is another reason why Brunell should be the starter for now). This is another area where getting Portis back full time will help, both with Blitz pick up and with draws to keep them honest. I don't agree that the D is going to have to carry the team for a few games, the offense was effective with Portis in, and will just get better when he gets his 25 touches per game.Not only will the offense work better with Portis in more often than not, Brunell and the WRs will have more rythem with a full game under their belt and game tape to see what they all missed.

[akhhorus]

I don't agree with your comments about betts. When healthy, Betts has a track record of being fairly successful for years now. I agree with your statements that this offense is not ideal for him. I just hope it isn't too late to trade him. If he is going to stink it up it is going to be difficult to deal him.

How so? One game where he did anything? He's never shown that he's even a servicable backup in this league. He fumbles way too much compared to his touches(he had as many fumbles as Portis did last year I believe, only Portis had 352 carries to Betts' 89). I don't think anyone would have dealt for him, at least given up much for him.

[helimech24]

How so? One game where he did anything? He's never shown that he's even a servicable backup in this league. He fumbles way too much compared to his touches. I don't think anyone would have dealt for him, at least given up much for him.I think Betts should be the #3 back with TJ backing up Portis. They mentioned a couple of times that Betts should have cut it back instead of going straight ahead. He doesn't have any vision for the holes, so he just tries to pound the ball in.

[Biggie]

I expect it to average out just like it does with all kickers. If he makes 6-7 from 40-49 last season and had the distance on that kick I don't see why he wouldn't make the next one or the next dozen. I think people need to put a face on the blame to justify the loss when some of the major culprits from last night are extremely popular players who the fans are hesitent to call out, on the other hand, unless your name is Vinateri, the kicker is frequently the most popular goat.

Alright, we'll see what happens next time he's in that spot.

[PennSkinsFan]

How so? One game where he did anything? He's never shown that he's even a servicable backup in this league. He fumbles way too much compared to his touches(he had as many fumbles as Portis did last year I believe, only Portis had 352 carries to Betts' 89). I don't think anyone would have dealt for him, at least given up much for him.

I agree. Betts is so overrated in Redskins Land it is unbelievable.

[Skinz4lyfe]

I agree that Betts can be a starter in this league but I do not think he'd be a good one. I agree w/your assessment on him totally. He doesn't fit our offensive running scheme.

However, I am cutting John Hall little slack. IMO, he is not responsible at all for the loss but he's developing a history of missing kicks from various distances (last year's Seattle game, this preseason and last night). That kick, while at 48 yds, was not even close. But it was a beautiful thing to see Frosty the Rollman punt well last night. That needs to be noted as well.

[silverspring]

How so? One game where he did anything? He's never shown that he's even a servicable backup in this league. He fumbles way too much compared to his touches(he had as many fumbles as Portis did last year I believe, only Portis had 352 carries to Betts' 89). I don't think anyone would have dealt for him, at least given up much for him.

Personally I would like to trade Betts now that we have duckett. I don't think betts is great but he has produced. Last year he did have 3 fumbles, no doubt unacceptable. But 2003 and 2004 he had zero. He averaged 3.8 yards last year, 4.1 the year before both on 90 carries. You can't deny that those are servicable stats. His notable problems are that he is injury prone and not really consistent. I do think betts is decent, but you can't compare betts to a high caliber running back like portis, they just aren't in the same league as each other.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Cooley did look a bit lost out there last night, but I also saw him wide open several times.

I don't agree with your comments about betts. When healthy, Betts has a track record of being fairly successful for years now. I agree with your statements that this offense is not ideal for him. I just hope it isn't too late to trade him. If he is going to stink it up it is going to be difficult to deal him.
What is this track record you speak of? He has never rushed for 400 yards in a season, has a career average of 3.9, which sucks (and he had even less last night), he fumbles too much (and he added another one last night), and he never scores (5 career TDs). To put things in perspective, Ladell's BEST season is worse that Duckett's WORST one.

[silverspring]

What is this track record you speak of? He has never rushed for 400 yards in a season, has a career average of 3.9, which sucks (and he had even less last night), he fumbles too much (and he added another one last night), and he never scores (5 career TDs). To put things in perspective, Ladell's BEST season is worse that Duckett's WORST one.

I never said betts was better the duckett and two posts ago i again suggested that we should trade him because we have duckett. 3.9 yds avg is pretty good considering he is a straight ahead runner by nature. And it is hard to complain about his lack of rushing when he doesn't get the touches. He is a great backup in my opinion and has served us well on many occassions. But having him and duckett at the same time is completely unnecessary.

[bergiemoore]

I don't think that anyone is getting traded/cut based on last night's game. I will say that Betts vision and his inability to hit the holes quickly really limited his production. I think that Betts works best running between the tackles, especially behind a blocker, or catching the ball in the flat. Honestly, I think if the Skins had committed to keeping it on the ground last night with straight ahead running, Betts would have looked a lot better. It all starts with the running game. Despite decent production on the ground, we never really established the run game last night. Our offensive line didn't have that mentality/confidence, and it showed. The pass protection wasn't what anyone had hoped it would be.

I would have loved to see us pound TJ behind Sellars on any of those 3rd and short situations, rather than watch Brunell scramble to the sideline while tossing the ball to the bench. *sigh* Hopefully, Saunders will reevaluate his play calling for the Dallas game.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I never said betts was better the duckett and two posts ago i again suggested that we should trade him because we have duckett. 3.9 yds avg is pretty good considering he is a straight ahead runner by nature. And it is hard to complain about his lack of rushing when he doesn't get the touches. He is a great backup in my opinion and has served us well on many occassions. But having him and duckett at the same time is completely unnecessary.
I really, really, REALLY agree with this (and more with the rest of your post now that I get what you were trying to say. One of the things I am most curious to see is just how this RB situation is gonna pan out, because each and every scenario I can come up with ends up with somebody being extremely unhappy.

[Dolla Bill]

I really, really, REALLY agree with this (and more with the rest of your post now that I get what you were trying to say. One of the things I am most curious to see is just how this RB situation is gonna pan out, because each and every scenario I can come up with ends up with somebody being extremely unhappy.


I agree. I think we will see more Duckett next game. We saw what Betts had to offer, and it wasn't much. I want to see Duckett and Sellers in the same backfield.

[BurgundyNGold]

We've seen the goodtimes, The Super Bowl wins, the bad times (Steve Spurrier anyone? How about Heath Shuler?), and the in between times.

Was the offensive playcalling really that bad? Yes it was. I have faith that Joe Gibbs and Saunders are going to have many meetings about what went wrong, and why Brunell couldn't check down thru his receivers properly, instead of just dumping off the easy short pass. They'll evaluate the running game, and try to run up the gut a few times hopefully instead of always pitching out to the left. They'll involve the TEs more I hope. Cooley and Fauria were non existant tonite. Moss and Randle El showed a LOT of potential as well.

Was the defense that bad? No they weren't. They weren't dominant, but the Vikings would up with what, 2 field goals and 2 TDs ? The only "bad" plays were Rogers biting on the pump fake and Rumph getting beat over the top. With Springs out, Rogers is battling the #1 receiver, a spot he isn't used to yet. Taylor had some dumb plays, but he was the only one there who seemed to show up tonite. Lots of heart out there tonite.

Perhaps Mark Brunell is the reason we failed? Perhaps not having a QB on the bench who could come in and take his job easily doesn't give him a reason to perform like he did last year, having Ramsey on his heels, and the fans behind Ramsey early on... maybe he was trying to prove soemthing last year, I don't know.

What I do know, is that we aren't as bad as you all seem to making us out to be. We have a LOT more work to do then I was hoping we would, but next week at Dallas, we are playing a team that doesn't have a good QB, allows defenseive pressure to get to the QB, and has a suspect defense at spots. I'm not saying we're going to go in there, and beat the **** out of Dallas, what I'm saying, is that next week will be a true judge or how our coaching staff is. They contained the Vikings quick run offense , but our offense couldn't convert the points needed to put the 7 ont he board instead of 3.
You're not kidding. Fauria sucks the carrot.

[lakeskin]

You're not kidding. Fauria sucks the carrot.

I actually forgot he was on the team until someone mentioned him this morning in another thread.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I actually forgot he was on the team until someone mentioned him this morning in another thread.
Me too as a matter of fact...

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

AKH... I was just about to post a new thread regarding the real reason we lost and you already hit it on the head......Tom Cruise. He brought the dark cloud that has been following him to our Redskins game.
so, so true........:banghead:

http://www.redskins.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/PMKLLHLLOECE/71854117PG.jpg

[shally]

so, so true........:banghead:

http://www.redskins.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/PMKLLHLLOECE/71854117PG.jpg

THAT explains the play calling totally... cruise was being piped into saunders headset and was doing his flyboy routine.... cue up "takes my breath away"....

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

I think once we start getting Cooley involved the steamroller will start moving.

A couple of smashes a quarter from Duckett could pay off in the ends of games too. Just a thought.

[akhhorus]

Personally I would like to trade Betts now that we have duckett. I don't think betts is great but he has produced. Last year he did have 3 fumbles, no doubt unacceptable. But 2003 and 2004 he had zero. He averaged 3.8 yards last year, 4.1 the year before both on 90 carries. You can't deny that those are servicable stats. His notable problems are that he is injury prone and not really consistent. I do think betts is decent, but you can't compare betts to a high caliber running back like portis, they just aren't in the same league as each other.

No, they are selective stats. Betts is a terrible RB who has only made a mark as a STer and occasional 3rd down back. We wouldn't miss him one bit if he were to go down, and with Duckett on the roster, one wonders why they still play him.

[BurgundyNGold]

so, so true........:banghead:

http://www.redskins.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/PMKLLHLLOECE/71854117PG.jpg
Jeebus, is his wife in mourning or is her thetan count just low?

[shally]

No, they are selective stats. Betts is a terrible RB who has only made a mark as a STer and occasional 3rd down back. We wouldn't miss him one bit if he were to go down, and with Duckett on the roster, one wonders why they still play him.

you think that might have something to do with atlanta's willingness to part with duckett? maybe they know something we are just beginning to see? it seems odd they would not use TJ more

[PennSkinsFan]

THAT explains the play calling totally... cruise was being piped into saunders headset and was doing his flyboy routine.... cue up "takes my breath away"....

Too much fooling around and not enough game planning

[shally]

Jeebus, is his wife in mourning or is her thetan count just low?


it has something to do with the "aura" around tom...

[shally]

Too much fooling around and not enough game planning

i will say this much.. there seemed to be more "attitude" being displayed by the vikes lines than ours.. they were not on their heels all game

[Syllable]

Whats up with our middle zone? soft coverage let Marcus Robinson Tear us up through the middle.

[akhhorus]

you think that might have something to do with atlanta's willingness to part with duckett? maybe they know something we are just beginning to see? it seems odd they would not use TJ more

I think he's the short yardage back more and exclusively. I don't think he's good for the outside running and might still be learning the offense. I don't think they dealt for him unless they knew what they were getting.

[BurgundyNGold]

I think he's the short yardage back more and exclusively. I don't think he's good for the outside running and might still be learning the offense. I don't think they dealt for him unless they knew what they were getting.
I liked your assessment, as usual. I agree with pretty much everything, except I think that if you're inside the 10 -- and definitely inside the 5 -- you bring in Duckett. Otherwise, why trade for him? I mean, I'm tired of hearing how he doesn't know the plays yet. He only needs to know two plays: gut and power, baby.

[akhhorus]

I liked your assessment, as usual. I agree with pretty much everything, except I think that if you're inside the 10 -- and definitely inside the 5 -- you bring in Duckett. Otherwise, why trade for him? I mean, I'm tired of hearing how he doesn't know the plays yet. He only needs to know two plays: gut and power, baby.

Yeah, but I have to think that again, not having Portis in his traditional role upset things a bit here. Duckett will be the power back, but having Portis as a part timer upset the rotation, I think.

[oldskinfan]

Akh, great write up. You get a lot of points across with just a few words for each point.

My 2 cents on #6, 1 and 3:

Sean Taylor - Agree first call was ticky-tack. You can add inconsistent w/ the B Lloyd no-call later. I hope the NFL doesn't begin to "label" Sean Taylor as a perennial bad boy. I know they say they don't do it, but it seems they pay pretty damn close attention to everything he does on the field. They are just going to $#$%$ flag the beast out of him.

Betts vs. Portis - funny how we used to hear about how Betts was a better fit for Gibbs offense than CP. With the the playbook full of outside running plays, looks like the opposite now. Skins' should have stuck to between the tackles w/ Betts. My guess is LB is gone next year while Duckett takes over as a bigger version of a between-the-tackles guy a la Brandon Jacobs.

John Hall & kicker thoughts - agree w/ you defending Hall... to a point.
Hall may have been 6/7 from 40-49 recently, but lifetime he is 59% from that range...Good but not great (i.e. there was a good 40% chance he was going to MISS last night). Vinateri is much better at 71% (hence impression he is MONEY, along w/ hitting all those kicks in CLUTCH situations). Problematic of course is if you cut Hall, who could you possibly put in his place w/o some significant risk? It is annoying though that the boy can't handle kickoffs any more.

Surprise kicker stats:
We all know VanderJagt is advertised as one of most accurate kickers of all time in the league (despite recent choke tendency). He is 85% from 40-49and a whopping 67% from 50+. Guess who has similar (or better stats) than Vinateri?.....Akers (Iggles), Kasay (Panthers), and.....*surprise*...Shayne Graham (Bengals). Graham is 79% from 40-49 and 56% from 50+.

For reference, old time legends Morten Andersen and Jason Elam were, respectively, 67 and 63% from 40-49.

[akhhorus]

Oh and let me add that Blondie and I were impressed by the play of the rookie DT Golston.

[shally]

Oh and let me add that Blondie and I were impressed by the play of the rookie DT Golston.

me too. very high motor.. did you catch the play where he rolled over and across the pile.. looked like something a kid would do but i bet the guys on the bottom felt it..LOL

[akhhorus]

me too. very high motor.. did you catch the play where he rolled over and across the pile.. looked like something a kid would do but i bet the guys on the bottom felt it..LOL

ProFootballWeekly had an item today about Golston:

The Redskins believe that rookie DT Kedric Golston can develop into an inside rusher, despite the fact that he had only 31⁄2 sacks in his 44-game college career. He showed good quickness in the preseason and beat out veteran Cedric Killings for a job. The team might use Golston in some passing-situation subpackages if he continues to develop.

[shally]

ProFootballWeekly had an item today about Golston:

i think he has potential to develop into a pass rusher from the tackle position in selected schemes
he did not have alot of sacks in college because he was hurt and because of the schemes that richt used at UGA... but he is quick getting off the ball and he pursues like crazy

[Brokenstriker]

my main concerns :

1) Stupid play calling.
2) Anemic offense.
3) Inability to score in the red zone.
4) weak QB play.
5) weak FG kicker.

focus. address. modify.

Adapt and Overcome

Ew-RAH

[gibbsisgod]

my main concerns :

1) Stupid play calling.
2) Anemic offense.
3) Inability to score in the red zone.
4) weak QB play.
5) weak FG kicker.

focus. address. modify.


it wasn't weak it was left:Peace:

[shally]

it wasn't weak it was left:Peace:

WAAAAAAYYYYYY left....
:lol1:

[redskinz#1fan]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again for posterity: if Saunders stays, Cooley goes. He can't deal with being a on the line TE. And someone will give up high picks for him.


I really hope your in left field on this one. If we let Cooley go, we would be giving up a great talent that would come back to bite us in the :moon1: at some time in the future. He can be used the same way that Gonzalez was used in KC. He has the quickness and great size to make this possible. He showed flashes of it during the scrimmage. He just had an off night!

[shally]

I really hope your in left field on this one. If we let Cooley go, we would be giving up a great talent that would come back to bite us in the :moon1: at some time in the future. He can be used the same way that Gonzalez was used in KC. He has the quickness and great size to make this possible. He showed flashes of it during the scrimmage. He just had an off night!

i think getting yoder frees up cooley for more ofhis old role.. improves 2 positions at once.. i bet we see more ofhim next week by a long shot

[redskinz#1fan]

i think getting yoder frees up cooley for more ofhis old role.. improves 2 positions at once.. i bet we see more ofhim next week by a long shot


Yes the pick up will definitely help free Cooley up to do more of what he's good at.....stretching the defense! Theres not to many LB's that can cover Cooley without some help.

[akhhorus]

I really hope your in left field on this one. If we let Cooley go, we would be giving up a great talent that would come back to bite us in the :moon1: at some time in the future. He can be used the same way that Gonzalez was used in KC. He has the quickness and great size to make this possible. He showed flashes of it during the scrimmage. He just had an off night!

If he doesn't look comfortable soon in the saunders offense, he'll be dealt. He's a rfa soon anyways and will be looking for a substantial deal. I like him, but if he's not going to work here and someone is offering a decent 1st rounder for him, i would take it. Its either that or hand him a 40 million dollar deal and struggle in an offense he doesn't have a real role in.

[shally]

If he doesn't look comfortable soon in the saunders offense, he'll be dealt. He's a rfa soon anyways and will be looking for a substantial deal. I like him, but if he's not going to work here and someone is offering a decent 1st rounder for him, i would take it. Its either that or hand him a 40 million dollar deal and struggle in an offense he doesn't have a real role in.

i hope that the aquisition of yoder means that saunders is open to moving cooley back into the kind of role he had last year. they dropped nemo so i could see them using cooley out of the fullback position and putting him in motion while yoder plays the more traditional role of tight end and blocks.

i think it is disheartening to have a player as productive as cooley was and not find a way to utilize his talents.. they are paying saunders 2 mil per year so iexpect he can find some plays in that 700 page tome of his to feature cooley and get him the ball. he ain't gonzales but he shouldn't be wasted

[3644Skins]

We should consider replacing Hall in the offseason, but I would be concerned if he didn't even get it 48 yards last night. He could have kicked that from 53. It just went left. He's not the reason we lost.


We just got done with the offseason, we've had most of 06 to bring in a replacement but we didn't, we didn't even bring in any competition for him, don't you even think somebody worth while should have been brought in?

[3644Skins]

Is it just me or am I the only one that think Carlos Rogers played horribly? He consistently got beat on comeback routes and once again he fell for the double move on the TD. Not only that but he missed a few tackles, the one thing he usually does well!!!

[Redskin4Life]

I think the acquistion of Yoder wasn't a fluke or a "last minute buy". With the Portis injury, I think there was some real concern if we needed another RB with Betts and Cartwright (since we had NO INTENTION of using Duckett).

Now that Portis is healthy (or at least can play), we pick up another BLOCKING TE and let Cooley go back to what he knows how to do. I'm sure Saunders had every intention of using Cooley the way he was last year (if it ain't broke, don't fix it) cause we DID have Robert Johnson on the team before his injury.

I just hope the secondary steps it up... they believed the media that Minny was weak at WR and they would be pushovers. There's NO WAY they can overlook the Girls WRs...

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I think the acquistion of Yoder wasn't a fluke or a "last minute buy". With the Portis injury, I think there was some real concern if we needed another RB with Betts and Cartwright (since we had NO INTENTION of using Duckett).

Now that Portis is healthy (or at least can play), we pick up another BLOCKING TE and let Cooley go back to what he knows how to do. I'm sure Saunders had every intention of using Cooley the way he was last year (if it ain't broke, don't fix it) cause we DID have Robert Johnson on the team before his injury.

I just hope the secondary steps it up... they believed the media that Minny was weak at WR and they would be pushovers. There's NO WAY they can overlook the Girls WRs...
Uhm..then why exactly did we trade for him??

[smoak]

Great writeup Akh (as usual)... My general thoughts as I read throiugh:

1. One game does't make or break anyone, and I expect Betts to contribute to this team down the road. I agree that if Portis was healthier, we probably win, but if my butt didn't get so swampy all the time, I wouldn't have to shower as much. The team needs to play better and not rtely on one man.

2. As expected, we were beaten at the LOS by the superiopr Vikings o-line. Johnson, one of the most under rated QBs of my time, is too smart to make mistakes unless he is constantly pressured,

3. Yep. Hall went 3-4 and missed a chance to tie the game, but he is NOT the reason we lost.

4. Agreed completely. I'm sure there is not a n offensive player on the team upset with John Hall.... Put responsibility where it is due. I think once Duckett gets up to speed, he can be a threat from any where on the field. On first and goal from the 8, you grab you friggin o-line by the shirt and tell them that you are running four straight times and they darn better get push up front.

5. Lloyd played Monday? I thought maybe he was off with McCants working on their art. Cooley will be fine.

6. I didn't see the replay on the face mask, but I was ballistic on the first one. It was BS. This is football not table tennis.

7. I thought the entire defense looked awful.

8. I think it is as close to a must win as you'll ever see in the first 8 games.

9. Shoulda, woulda, coulda, didn't... This team is better than how they played and they need to get it together. But I agree.

10. It is the Cruise factor. We lose every game he attends this year IMO.

[Keino]

http://www.hailredskins.com/blog/index.php?p=313


I agree on all 10 points, though John Hall deserves some criticism.

[joethefan]

I say we had an oppotunity to go after two decent kickers....and didn't jump on it....I do hope Hll will be fine I don't blame the loss on him...We could have gone into overtime and they still could have won it. It wasn't like our defense was doing anything anyway....they could never get off the field on third down...so what now if we go into overtime ...more misery...the offense wasn't on all cylinders anyway....Brunell didn't look comfortable IMO.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

10. It is the Cruise factor. We lose every game he attends this year IMO.

You mean he is planning on attending MORE games??!! Good lord....

[akhhorus]

We just got done with the offseason, we've had most of 06 to bring in a replacement but we didn't, we didn't even bring in any competition for him, don't you even think somebody worth while should have been brought in?

Hall, when healthy, is a very good kicker. His nagging groin pull was a serious muscle injury that was fixed. I give Gibbs the benefit of the doubt that he believes that Hall will be healthy and the Skins didn't have to shell out the cash for Viniteri or Longwell.

[redskinz#1fan]

i hope that the aquisition of yoder means that saunders is open to moving cooley back into the kind of role he had last year. they dropped nemo so i could see them using cooley out of the fullback position and putting him in motion while yoder plays the more traditional role of tight end and blocks.

i think it is disheartening to have a player as productive as cooley was and not find a way to utilize his talents.. they are paying saunders 2 mil per year so iexpect he can find some plays in that 700 page tome of his to feature cooley and get him the ball. he ain't gonzales but he shouldn't be wasted


You could pay me $200 dollars a game, a bucket of popeyes chicken, 4 season tickets and a lifetime supply of margaritas and I could easily have everybody involved in this offense, including Cooley! And did I mention that the offense would be successful, which means putting points on the board! :D

[smoak]

I say we had an oppotunity to go after two decent kickers....and didn't jump on it....I do hope Hll will be fine I don't blame the loss on him...We could have gone into overtime and they still could have won it. It wasn't like our defense was doing anything anyway....they could never get off the field on third down...so what now if we go into overtime ...more misery...the offense wasn't on all cylinders anyway....Brunell didn't look comfortable IMO.

What if Hall makes the kick and in the OT we lose three starters to season ending knee injuries. I am going out on a limb and saying that Hall saved our season by keeping the team rested and healthy for a trip to Little d.

:D

[SpicyMcHaggis]

What if Hall makes the kick and in the OT we lose three starters to season ending knee injuries. I am going out on a limb and saying that Hall saved our season by keeping the team rested and healthy for a trip to Little d.

:D
Long live John Hall!!!! ;)

[Redskin4Life]

Uhm..then why exactly did we trade for him??
Sarcasm doesn't work well without the smiley faces... I meant to say is that we had OBVIOUS situations where we could have used Duckett. He was dressed and eligible to play but didn't get in. I'm just really confused by all of that.... I figured we spent the draft pick with the intention of TJ being our BIG BACK for short yardage. We had the need but didn't use him...

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Sarcasm doesn't work well without the smiley faces... I meant to say is that we had OBVIOUS situations where we could have used Duckett. He was dressed and eligible to play but didn't get in. I'm just really confused by all of that.... I figured we spent the draft pick with the intention of TJ being our BIG BACK for short yardage. We had the need but didn't use him...
Oh ok..then we're on the same page..the Confusion page I guess...

[shally]

What if Hall makes the kick and in the OT we lose three starters to season ending knee injuries. I am going out on a limb and saying that Hall saved our season by keeping the team rested and healthy for a trip to Little d.

:D

i think hall just wanted a chance to show he is better than VDJ...