Smoak Signals - Redskins News for August 13 [Archive]

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smoak

08-13-2008, 05:34 AM

Despite His Fumble, Redskins Could Find It Hard to Drop Mason (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/12/AR2008081202972.html)
A shirtless Marcus Mason stood at attention in front of his locker Saturday, seconds after his Washington teammates praised his running style and minutes after his head coach lauded his performance during a 17-14 win against Buffalo.

Yet all Mason could ponder was fumbling the opening kickoff. Never mind that the Georgetown Prep graduate rushed for 80 yards on 16 carries. Forget he ran for 98 yards and caught a touchdown pass in the Hall of Fame game six days earlier.
I've said it many times. I am officially sold on Mason. It was even more impressive to see from the cheap seats b/c you got a sense that consistently the kid makes one cut/move and gets going north/south. I don't think we can PS the kid even if he is elligible (?) b/c SOMEONE will snatch him. Not to mention I think he can contribute right now in the even that Portis or Betts get hurt. So yeah, after years of being pessimistic about new and young players... I have my "Lumsden".

More quotes:
"Marcus is a talented back," tackle Chris Samuels said. "He has great vision and great cuts."

"He ran north and south," Zorn said. "When he was first hit, it wasn't, 'Now I've got to go down because they got me.' He just pulled back and accelerated. They had a rough time tackling him."

"A running back's job is to make people miss," said Betts, the Redskins' No. 2 back. "He's been doing that."

Rogers and McIntosh Are Nearing Returns From Injuries (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/12/AR2008081202703.html?sid=ST2008081203214&s_pos=list)
Defensive coordinator Greg Blache hinted yesterday that cornerback Carlos Rogers could play Saturday against the New York Jets, marking a significant accomplishment in his recovery from major knee surgery, and said linebacker Rocky McIntosh also will be ready to play a regular season game.

Rogers underwent season-ending knee surgery in November and was expected to miss about a year, but he has been impressive in practice. He was cleared for full contact a few weeks ago and has withstood a few accidental collisions in practices, including popping up after tangling with wide receiver Maurice Mann in practice yesterday.

Blache said Rogers may be playing in a game "sooner than you think." Rogers has been targeting a return in one of the next two games.
Great news, but here is a case where I am more than just skeptical. I just don't see how Rogers can get back so quickly...

Taylor, Randle El Sit Out
Defensive end Jason Taylor was held out of practice with plantar fasciitis, Zorn said, while starting wide receiver Antwaan Randle El rested his sore hamstring. Both participated in the morning session.

Nothing major for Randle El (http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/redskins/2008/Aug/12/nothing-major-randle-el/)
Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El did not practice this afternoon, but he said it was only a minor injury. Randle El got the last two fingers on his left hand caught in someone else's jersey during the morning practice and his hand swelled up as the day went on.
As someone who was decidedly UNHAPPY with signing ARE as a FA, I think he is going to have a decent season. Maybe the best of his career as a WR so I want him out there obviously.

smoak

08-13-2008, 05:44 AM

Tackling an opening (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/13/tackling-an-opening/)
Campbell positions himself as starter for now

In his seventh NFL season, Washington Redskins linebacker Khary Campbell has accomplished a career first.

Campbell has started consecutive games, albeit preseason ones, and he leads the team with 13 tackles. Plus, the 29-year-old could remain in the lineup for the season-opener against the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Coach Jim Zorn said McIntosh will "work his way" back into the lineup, perhaps as late as September, and praised Campbell for "making a statement and an impact."

"Khary has done well," Blache said. "He's smart enough to be able to play any of the linebacker positions. He can finish a game for you, but I don't know if he's physical enough to be an every-down starter. He's got a problem maintaining his weight [232 pounds] even though he eats like he's three people."

Campbell also sticks every year because, as linebacker coach Kirk Olivadotti said, "he's accountable," always doing what's asked and always being where he's supposed to be.

THE BUZZ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/12/the-buzz-11542892/)
ERASMUS JAMES [UP]
Took part in individual drills for first time

KEVIN HUNTLEY [DOWN]
Defensive end cut after hitting Bills QB with helmet on Saturday

DEVIN THOMAS [UP]
Rookie wideout took part in team drills for first time in 18 days

KHARY CAMPBELL [UP]
Could open year at weak-side linebacker if Rocky McIntosh isn't ready

"He's the poster child of taking full advantage of looking at his situation and saying, 'I've got [those] three guys in front of me. How I'm going to make this team?' And he's gone ahead and made a difference."

- Coach Jim Zorn on running back hopeful Marcus Mason

(Sorry, I can't help it.)

smoak

08-13-2008, 05:49 AM

Zorn Takes on New Adventure as Redskins’ Coach (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/sports/football/20redskins.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin)

This is an old AP article, but it is interesting that Zorn has tranformed the perception and expectation in the minds of the fan base.

Patrick

08-13-2008, 07:33 AM

I’m VERY skeptic about McIntosh and Rogers both. I understand that we all heal at different rates but for the injuries they sustained – a full year recovery would be outstanding for any good athlete – any less is flat out amazing IMO.
If an injury does occur to either one I’ll be waiting for that “ rushed back too soon “ quote.

shane88

08-13-2008, 07:59 AM

I have to agree with you Smoak on Marcus Mason. I thought last year that the kid was special and this year has only solidified that. The "fumble" WAS a bad thing, but, EVERY ball carrier fumbles once in a while. You can't eliminate it, but good coaching and technique can certainly minimize it (see:Tiki Barber). I see no way they can keep him off the final 53 man roster. If they do, he WILL be lining up in some other team's backfield!

colkurtz

08-13-2008, 09:13 AM

InsomniaKiller

08-13-2008, 12:34 PM

Rogers and Rocky's return are EXCELLENT news. I know there is some concern about bringing them back early, but we've got guys paid to make sure that doesn't happen. Yeah, they can screw up, too, but if either of these guys is playing in the PRESEASON of all places, I think it's safe to say he's healthy.

We need them both on the field for the regular season. The team knows this as well as the fans.

I would still be very surprised to see Rogers get any time against the Jets. If he comes back the next week, I'm officially ecstatic.

LATrueRedskin

08-13-2008, 12:50 PM

Good to hear that Khary Campbell seems to be up to the task to fill in for Rocky for a while. I don't mind having him in there at all. He's not a big playmaker, but he can play.

hogskins

08-13-2008, 01:00 PM

As someone who was decidedly UNHAPPY with signing ARE as a FA, I think he is going to have a decent season. Maybe the best of his career as a WR so I want him out there obviously.

I agree that we spent too much on him originally. However, that's not really his fault. The guy really has "played his guts out" in a turgid offense.

LadyNRedskinsfan

08-13-2008, 01:47 PM

I too, am firmly planted on the Marcus Mason bandwagon. The guy has to make the team, or we'll lose him.

I don't want to worry about JT's foot, but it is kinda bothersome. I hope thats not something that'll linger although it does have the capapbility to do that.

I know it seems like the coaches are confident that Carlos and Rocky are almost ready to come back, but I know I'll be grimacing every time either one of them hits the ground. Speaking of injuries, I'd like to hear an update on H.B. Blades. I'm hoping he heals well, because I'm not really a big fan of our linebacker depth at the moment.

jaylen

08-13-2008, 02:18 PM

Marcus Mason presents a strange dilema, we're leveraged into Rock and Betts when in my eyes I think Mason is probably a better running back then both guys. I think if we're really paying attention we'd keep Mason as the Portis replacement in a few years.

smoak

08-13-2008, 02:31 PM

I agree that we spent too much on him originally. However, that's not really his fault. The guy really has "played his guts out" in a turgid offense.

Oh I agree it wasn't his fault.... I have my whipping post(s) for the mistakes in terms of player acquisition. :D

smoak

08-13-2008, 02:35 PM

redskin_rich

08-13-2008, 02:37 PM

Not only would I keep Mason, but I would try to get him ~ 3-5 touches per game. One thing I haven't watched is his blitz pickup. Can anyone comment??

He won't be as good as Portis but couldn't be any worse than Betts or Rock at picking up the blitzer.

LATrueRedskin

08-13-2008, 02:44 PM

Not only would I keep Mason, but I would try to get him ~ 3-5 touches per game. One thing I haven't watched is his blitz pickup. Can anyone comment??

Really? I wouldn't. I'd use Portis as much as I could, then use Betts. I think Mason is good, but I don't think he's good enough to be stealing carries away from Portis and Betts.

smoak

08-13-2008, 02:45 PM

He won't be as good as Portis but couldn't be any worse than Betts or Rock at picking up the blitzer.

Fair enough... I'd like to really watch that this weekend though b/c there is where a lot of awfully talented RBs fail to sniff the field.

And Betts has gotten much better over the past four years (IMO).

redskin_rich

08-13-2008, 02:53 PM

Fair enough... I'd like to really watch that this weekend though b/c there is where a lot of awfully talented RBs fail to sniff the field.

And Betts has gotten much better over the past four years (IMO).

You mean he has actually blocked somebody since the matador act on Ed Reed, that effectively cost us the '04 game against the Ratbirds.

skinguy

08-13-2008, 04:30 PM

Aug. 13, 2008
Home > The Way We Hear It

~ ~ ~ Washington
Aug. 6, 2008

Safety picture taking new look with Redskins

The release of FS Stuart Schweigert shouldn’t be a surprise, team sources say, despite the fact that he joined the team with a chance to start. It turns out that Schweigert was a poor fit in the Redskins’ aggressive style of defense, and the coaches just felt more comfortable with LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty starting. Landry, when he gets back on the field, should play most of his snaps at free safety alongside Doughty, who is better closer to the line of scrimmage. There also have been a few surprise performances of note at the position that will help the depth, even without Schweigert around. Rookies Chris Horton (seventh round) and Kareem Moore (sixth round) have played well, but Horton especially has caught the team’s eye. He had an auspicious debut against the Colts in the Hall of Fame game, with two sacks, a recovery of an onside kick and a near interception. Moore has been more of a factor on special teams to date, but he, too, has impressed.

> http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/default.htm?mode=nfceast

akhhorus

08-13-2008, 04:31 PM

What do those 2 pictures have to do with the thread at all?

whitskins

08-13-2008, 04:35 PM

Uh oh... This seems a little familiar.

fent

08-13-2008, 04:40 PM

Uh oh... This seems a little familiar.

i was thinking the same thing...someone needs to do an IP check to see if we have our least favorite Jets fan back on the board.

akhhorus

08-13-2008, 04:43 PM

Uh oh... This seems a little familiar.

Yeah, they seem to have forgotten the:

:golf:

LATrueRedskin

08-13-2008, 04:47 PM

I removed the pictures from your post because they were completely irrelevant.

skinguy

08-13-2008, 04:49 PM

my bad . sorry fellas. jugglin' a few too many things. apol.'s :Peace:

smoak

08-13-2008, 04:52 PM

You mean he has actually blocked somebody since the matador act on Ed Reed, that effectively cost us the '04 game against the Ratbirds.

Yeah, I never really forgave him for that one. So "better" is certainly relative.

smoak

08-13-2008, 04:55 PM

Injury bothers Brennan a little (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/13/injury-bothers-brennan-a-little/)

Colt Brennan was a media star after his first preseason game with the Washington Redskins, in which he went 9-for-10 with 123 yards and two touchdowns.

His second NFL exhibition was less stellar. The sixth-round draft pick finished 4-for-8 for 37 yards. In three drives, he produced one first down and took a sack.

"He was less disciplined in his approach," coach Jim Zorn said. "He was moving when he didn't need to and not moving when he had to move. Those things cost him completions. He didn't make throwing errors per se, but he made a couple of nondecisions that should have been decisions. He saw it on video, and he had a much better day today."

Where is that crying smiley again???

Dolla Bill

08-13-2008, 05:37 PM

Quick note, on the sack on Brennan, Mason did chip the 2nd blitzer to give Brennan maybe a second to throw the ball. He did an alright job on picking up the blitz, but he kind of whiffed on it a tad bit. He didn't nail the guy like Portis can, but he kind of just nudges the blitzer instead of taking him head on.

shally

08-13-2008, 06:00 PM

Rock weht out on the FA market and NO ONE wanted him. If they put Mason on the PS he will be gone.

we dont know that for sure.. might be that his asking price was so high that no one wanted to even bother working him out..??

Keino

08-13-2008, 08:40 PM

You mean he has actually blocked somebody since the matador act on Ed Reed, that effectively cost us the '04 game against the Ratbirds.

I don't think I've ever really forgiven that either, Rich.

I was impressed the way he stuck his nose in there against the Bills, but I too am on the Marcus Mason bandwagon. I kind of hope some team loses a RB starter and gives us the opportunity to deal Betts for a good price....like maybe the 2nd rounder we gave up for Taylor (I know, no chance of that). I really like the Mason kid better, even though I could be getting carried away. He's still doing it against bums, relatively speaking.

colkurtz

08-13-2008, 11:06 PM

we dont know that for sure.. might be that his asking price was so high that no one wanted to even bother working him out..??

I think both Rock and Mason will get reps and KO returns these next games. I'm just not convinced they will keep both guys and how they do will determine their future here. Personally, i think they'll go with Mason, as long as he doesn't fumble anymore balls....

joethefan

08-14-2008, 12:24 AM

been talking about mason since last year and no one would believe me. Now many of you are on the marcus mason bandwagon...I liked the kid since i say him last year....he's giving someone a run for their money...but i don't know who....

bergiemoore

08-14-2008, 01:26 AM