Keys to victory

[skinfanjon]

Its not quite a second chance, but it'll have to to do. The casket has been permanetly sealed on last seasons debacle, but if the Redskins are wise, they will use their lesson in futility to their advantage on opening day. The similarities are eerie-an offensively challenged opponent strolling into Fed Ex sporting a brand new re-tread quarterback, a shiny new coaching staff, and a tough as nails defense threatening to put the clamps Al Saunders enigmatic offense. Once again, Washington finds themselves a team with more questions than answers, particuarly concerning the superbly talented Clinton Portis. And of course, a Monday Night battle on a division rivals' soil looms a week later, begging to distract the all-star coaching staff and overlook its more immediate threat. Funny how coincidence and fate often look so much alike.

This Sunday is the first step in a watershed season for a once proud franchise. Win, and the bandwagon might begin to crank once again. Lose and...well, do we really need to go there? Rarely has confidence in an entire season hinged so crucially upon a first test, but the natives are getting restless. This was supposed to be the time when Gibbs version 2.0 was picking up speed, armed and ready to take the league by storm, not rebounding from an atrocious season that was by his own admission the worst of his NFL career. The outcome of Gibbs glorious return the gridiron most likely hinges on how this season unfolds, and Sunday afternoon will either inspire confidence in a team that desperately needs to feel good about itself or give everyone a healthy case of deja vu.

Tomorrow's afternoon affair will likely be reminiscent of the last few home openers- a low scoring game played in the teens that is decided by less than a touchdown. If the Redskins are to be victorious, there are several key objectives that must be fulfilled.

1. Protect Jason Campbell
This is an absolute must. The first string offensive line did not take a single snap together in the preseason and the chemistry will probably be lacking, so the gameplan should include plenty of help for the left side of the line. Jason Taylor is probably the scariest opening day opponent Samuels could have drawn, so expect tight end help and plenty of chip blocks from the running backs to keep him subdued. If the Miami front seven is allowed to re-establish the line of scrimmage and play in the Redskin backfield with regularity, this game could get away from us. Protecting Campbell will inherently cut down down on mistakes, which brings me to my second point....

2. Protect the football
Turnovers will be the most important statistic tomorrow, so mistake free football should be the goal. The defense cannot exactly be counted on yet to provide the game changing play, so the offense must be sure not to committ one themselves. Campbell must go through his progressions quickly and get rid of the ball because plenty of pressure will be coming for him. One mistake deep in our territory could cost us the game.

3. Go to Cooley early and often
Miami is terrific at stuffing the run and likes to send blitzers from all over the field, so the Skins will be best served to implement a short passing game. Cooley is the best possesion receiver on the roster and a matchup nightmare for the Phins, so he should get plenty of looks early in the game. If we can use Cooley to move the chains and get into a rythym offensively, the running lanes will open up a bit and eventually we'll be able to hit some big downfield plays to Moss.

4. Punish Ronnie Brown
Assuming the defense plays its usual game and doesn't force many sacks or turnovers, we can still come out of this game alive if Ronnie Brown gets shut down. There isn't much to worry about in the passing game, so all eyes should be on #23. Look for Laron Landry to become Brown's personal shadow for the afternoon and if the front four can tie up blockers long enough for the linebackers to shoot the gaps, it should be enough to keep Trent Green on the sideline.

5. Avoid careless penalties
Again, this game will be about not committing mistakes. There are bound to be some minor infractions, but penalties that keep drives alive on third down or back us up in our own territory are almost as bad as turnovers. We need to play smart, calculated football in order to notch our first win of the season. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win.

If the Redskins keep these objectives in mind and excute to the best of their ability, the fans will have something to get excited about again. This is a curiously sensitive team and tomorrow's result will likely have a lingering effect on the entire season. Miami is a talented, but inferior opponent, just like Minnesota was a year ago. While a win won't exactly count as a mulligan, it will go along way toward healing our wounds.

[FanFromArizona]

GREAT POST. Definitely got me pumped up for tomorrow.

[firehawk157]

I agree with everything here 100%. We need to play OUR game and make them adjust to us. We have the personnel to dominate their offense, but the game will be decided (IMO) while we have the ball. If we are playing on our heels then they can do what they want without worrying about us making them pay. They'll win.

[DoGood]

In terms of keys to the season, I would definitely include causing TURNOVERS. We have been so inept in that area that any improvement whatsoever will make a world of a difference.

[skinfanjon]

In terms of keys to the season, I would definitely include causing TURNOVERS. We have been so inept in that area that any improvement whatsoever will make a world of a difference.


No doubt, forcing turnovers will be a significant indicator to our success this season. We have to get better in that area and I hope it starts this week. If we get better pressure, we will almost certainly get more turnovers. The two go hand in hand.

As for this specific game, I think we can get by without forcing turnovers, so long as we don't make our own mistakes. If it's a clean game and we keep JC upright, I think we win. Hopefully, the defense will come out and prove that they are ready to change the game, but until that happens, I will not expect it. As long as they stop the run we should be okay.

[skinfanjon]

I agree with everything here 100%. We need to play OUR game and make them adjust to us. We have the personnel to dominate their offense, but the game will be decided (IMO) while we have the ball. If we are playing on our heels then they can do what they want without worrying about us making them pay. They'll win.


And that is why I think Cooley will be such a big factor. He can be a terrific security blanket when they blitz, or a nightmare of a matchup when we have time in the pocket. Miami will probably focus on shutting down our running game and the best way to counteract that IMO is to move the chains with Cooley. We probably won't have time to go downfield early, but Cooley could give us a chance at establishing a rythym, which would in turn open up other opportunities in both the running and passing game.

[santanadasavior]

I think there are two major keys to the game. The first is our O-Line versus their front seven. That is more than likely going to be a top 10 defense this year led almost entirely by their front seven, and if we can give Portis and Betts space to run and Campbell time to throw, we should run away with this game. The second key to the game is out special teams coverage preventing Ted Ginn Jr. from making a big play. He is capable of doing it and we need to stop him from putting their subpar offense in good field position.

[greatest2]

agree with all your points, they where spot on:beer:


now, opposed to the fan base and the craziness of the game. I believe, like you said, this is the year that we had an established winner, and were begging to become a powerhouse for years to come under gibbs second tenure. This hasn't happen, and this is probably the biggest year under gibbs.

He has had time to adapt to todays nfl, 2nd year under AL, has his players in place, has a defense that should be decent if not spectacular. If gibbs doesn't do it this year, then there will be some serious thought all the way through the fan base. I for one, even if gibbs does mediocre, will never want him fired, but there will be those thoughts by others in the fan base. The fact that this year will be the biggest in his career, puts even more emphasis on this first game, and starting fast (considering 4 out of the first 6 are at home)




basically what im trying to say, though most of the time i don't agree when people say the first game of the season is huge (cause there are many more games), i really do believe this game is gigantic to the season and therefor, cause the season is crucial for how people few gibbs, huge for him as well

[44FAN]

I think the defense will be vastly improved. I think the team speed at defense is better and they seem to be flying to the ball.

Personally I'd like to see more of Betts. I think he's earned the chance to showcase himself. Protect Campbell, pound Betts and sting 'em with Cooley and Moss. And PLEASE have a Positive turnover ratio.

[Skins4life1]

1) Force/recover turnovers.
2)sack/protect QB.
3)Make/prevent big plays.
4)Run/Stop the Run.

For Offense and Defense

[MadDog97]

This is a great post. The lack of chemistry between Kendall and Samuels should be a concern. They must protect Campbell's blind side from Mr. Taylor. I think the Skins will turn to Betts & Cooley for ball control. I am concerned that Saunders will get pass happy and that will put Jason in a dangerous predicament.

As for the D, we will see if the youth movement pays off. We must get pressure on Trent Green, or it is all over. I agree that Ronnie Brown must pay each time he touches the ball. I look to see some mistakes, but the D will be much improved from last year.:sun:

[shally]

Its not quite a second chance, but it'll have to to do. The casket has been permanetly sealed on last seasons debacle, but if the Redskins are wise, they will use their lesson in futility to their advantage on opening day. The similarities are eerie-an offensively challenged opponent strolling into Fed Ex sporting a brand new re-tread quarterback, a shiny new coaching staff, and a tough as nails defense threatening to put the clamps Al Saunders enigmatic offense. Once again, Washington finds themselves a team with more questions than answers, particuarly concerning the superbly talented Clinton Portis. And of course, a Monday Night battle on a division rivals' soil looms a week later, begging to distract the all-star coaching staff and overlook its more immediate threat. Funny how coincidence and fate often look so much alike.

This Sunday is the first step in a watershed season for a once proud franchise. Win, and the bandwagon might begin to crank once again. Lose and...well, do we really need to go there? Rarely has confidence in an entire season hinged so crucially upon a first test, but the natives are getting restless. This was supposed to be the time when Gibbs version 2.0 was picking up speed, armed and ready to take the league by storm, not rebounding from an atrocious season that was by his own admission the worst of his NFL career. The outcome of Gibbs glorious return the gridiron most likely hinges on how this season unfolds, and Sunday afternoon will either inspire confidence in a team that desperately needs to feel good about itself or give everyone a healthy case of deja vu.

Tomorrow's afternoon affair will likely be reminiscent of the last few home openers- a low scoring game played in the teens that is decided by less than a touchdown. If the Redskins are to be victorious, there are several key objectives that must be fulfilled.

1. Protect Jason Campbell
This is an absolute must. The first string offensive line did not take a single snap together in the preseason and the chemistry will probably be lacking, so the gameplan should include plenty of help for the left side of the line. Jason Taylor is probably the scariest opening day opponent Samuels could have drawn, so expect tight end help and plenty of chip blocks from the running backs to keep him subdued. If the Miami front seven is allowed to re-establish the line of scrimmage and play in the Redskin backfield with regularity, this game could get away from us. Protecting Campbell will inherently cut down down on mistakes, which brings me to my second point....

2. Protect the football
Turnovers will be the most important statistic tomorrow, so mistake free football should be the goal. The defense cannot exactly be counted on yet to provide the game changing play, so the offense must be sure not to committ one themselves. Campbell must go through his progressions quickly and get rid of the ball because plenty of pressure will be coming for him. One mistake deep in our territory could cost us the game.

3. Go to Cooley early and often
Miami is terrific at stuffing the run and likes to send blitzers from all over the field, so the Skins will be best served to implement a short passing game. Cooley is the best possesion receiver on the roster and a matchup nightmare for the Phins, so he should get plenty of looks early in the game. If we can use Cooley to move the chains and get into a rythym offensively, the running lanes will open up a bit and eventually we'll be able to hit some big downfield plays to Moss.

4. Punish Ronnie Brown
Assuming the defense plays its usual game and doesn't force many sacks or turnovers, we can still come out of this game alive if Ronnie Brown gets shut down. There isn't much to worry about in the passing game, so all eyes should be on #23. Look for Laron Landry to become Brown's personal shadow for the afternoon and if the front four can tie up blockers long enough for the linebackers to shoot the gaps, it should be enough to keep Trent Green on the sideline.

5. Avoid careless penalties
Again, this game will be about not committing mistakes. There are bound to be some minor infractions, but penalties that keep drives alive on third down or back us up in our own territory are almost as bad as turnovers. We need to play smart, calculated football in order to notch our first win of the season. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win.

If the Redskins keep these objectives in mind and excute to the best of their ability, the fans will have something to get excited about again. This is a curiously sensitive team and tomorrow's result will likely have a lingering effect on the entire season. Miami is a talented, but inferior opponent, just like Minnesota was a year ago. While a win won't exactly count as a mulligan, it will go along way toward healing our wounds.

good analysis.. even simpler

no turnovers
protect JC
swarm on defense

[Meatsnack]

The 8th grader lurking shallowly beneath the surface of my personality always wants to say: "Score more points than them" in these Keys to Victory threads. ;)

Since it was such a well rendered analysis, though, I will add:

Campbell will have to provide some of his own pass-pro by having the pocket clock in his head tell him to throw quickly. Ramsey never learned this to his detriment.

No turnovers, no turnovers, no turnovers.

I think that this will be a battle of defenses. Green is a good QB but he has an iffy line and this is their first year in Cam's offense. Campbell is basically a rookie and while I think he is good with a chance to be great he will make errors. If our back 7 is better than the Dolphins front 7 on defense, we win.

[skinfanjon]

The 8th grader lurking shallowly beneath the surface of my personality always wants to say: "Score more points than them" in these Keys to Victory threads. ;)

Since it was such a well rendered analysis, though, I will add:

Campbell will have to provide some of his own pass-pro by having the pocket clock in his head tell him to throw quickly. Ramsey never learned this to his detriment.

No turnovers, no turnovers, no turnovers.

I think that this will be a battle of defenses. Green is a good QB but he has an iffy line and this is their first year in Cam's offense. Campbell is basically a rookie and while I think he is good with a chance to be great he will make errors. If our back 7 is better than the Dolphins front 7 on defense, we win.


LMAO. Hey man, I never claimed to have keys to victory that weren't obvious to everyone:D.

Honestly, you could probably say these things about any game and be correct, but there is nothing complex about this particular game. As close to mistake free football as possible is what we need to come out with a win. We absolutely MUST get off to a good start this year.

[smoak]

Turnover ratio abnd third down conversion are what I want to see us win. If we do that then the TOP, yards, and score should follow.

[bigcmr]

Lets play D. Lets run it down there throuts. And attack all the way!

[Hr fan]

agree with all your points, they where spot on:beer:


now, opposed to the fan base and the craziness of the game. I believe, like you said, this is the year that we had an established winner, and were begging to become a powerhouse for years to come under gibbs second tenure. This hasn't happen, and this is probably the biggest year under gibbs.

He has had time to adapt to todays nfl, 2nd year under AL, has his players in place, has a defense that should be decent if not spectacular. If gibbs doesn't do it this year, then there will be some serious thought all the way through the fan base. I for one, even if gibbs does mediocre, will never want him fired, but there will be those thoughts by others in the fan base. The fact that this year will be the biggest in his career, puts even more emphasis on this first game, and starting fast (considering 4 out of the first 6 are at home)




basically what im trying to say, though most of the time i don't agree when people say the first game of the season is huge (cause there are many more games), i really do believe this game is gigantic to the season and therefor, cause the season is crucial for how people few gibbs, huge for him as well

Both the thread post and yours are thoughtful and thought provoking. A sidebar is a remembered saying by Gibbs in his first tour. Asked what the single most important factor was in winning games he said turnovers - if you went back and analyzed game stastics the team with the plus TO ratio won much more often than the team who lost the TO battle.

I am hoping that this becomes an asset with our new D's talent and speed. If not GW's tendency to blitz will deprive the D of double teams, hence not allowing plays on the ball.

[The Skinsinator]

Protect Campbell. Run effectively and stop the run. Win the turnovers and field position battle. Victory Redskins. Mark it down.

[American Soldier]

We're starting off on the wrong foot. Good job Carlos Rogers on giving up the TD w/4 seconds in the half. Way to play behind the guys as if he's going to burn with a long in the freakin' endzone.

I don't have a good feeling about this at all. No offense and the Dolphins seem to have found a weak spot (lack of speed on the corners).