Akh's Thoughts: Week 11

[akhhorus]

Link (http://www.hailredskins.com/?p=616)

Guff on.

[silverspring]

So in the last paragraph, which players are you talking about ?

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

Are you saying if we tie Dallas we likely wont have the tiebreaker?

[akhhorus]

So in the last paragraph, which players are you talking about ?

If I was going to name them, I would have.

Are you saying if we tie Dallas we likely wont have the tiebreaker?

I don't want to it to get to tiebreakers.

[BurgundyNGold]

Great write up and nice catch about Rocky. I watched the game again earlier and, to my dismay, Rocky was clearly taking some plays off.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Accurate but depressing take.

I think your last paragraph applies specifically to Rabach and Thomas. I think Jansen is probably a little tired and beat up. He had a good run for a while this year, but I think it is time for some fresh legs, which is on Zorn to make the switch. There is no excuse for how badly Rabach has played against Clev., Pitt and now Dallas. Even in some of the games where he did block well, he had some bad mental breakdowns like the first Dallas game.

[skinsfan36]

nice write up and agree with you thomas,heyer must start. mw is out for a while will be interesting to see if we sign a linebacker who can play

[akhhorus]

Also, one more thing I didn't think deserved it's own mention:

We need to ***CENSORED BY DJ*** or get off the pot with Malcolm Kelly. If his knee won't allow him to contribute, then he needs to be IRed and we can find some veteran WR to play STs and if someone gets hurt.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Also, one more thing I didn't think deserved it's own mention:

We need to ***CENSORED BY DJ*** or get off the pot with Malcolm Kelly. If his knee won't allow him to contribute, then he needs to be IRed and we can find some veteran WR to play STs and if someone gets hurt.

Thank You. Send this to Zorn immediately. We hear Kelly is healthy but just behind. Catch him up. This is your job.

[akhhorus]

Thank You. Send this to Zorn immediately. We hear Kelly is healthy but just behind. Catch him up. This is your job.

At this point, he can get caught up faster by spending all day in the film room. And start any real physical work right after the season ends.

[esmith1790]

Also, one more thing I didn't think deserved it's own mention:

We need to ***CENSORED BY DJ*** or get off the pot with Malcolm Kelly. If his knee won't allow him to contribute, then he needs to be IRed and we can find some veteran WR to play STs and if someone gets hurt.

It seems like they think MK is the second coming, they need the roster spot more then trying to bring him along hoping to make an impact in a game or 2.

It kinda seems they are that desperate for WR help they keep trying to coddle him.

[akhhorus]

It seems like they think MK is the second coming, they need the roster spot more then trying to bring him along hoping to make an impact in a game or 2.

It kinda seems they are that desperate for WR help they keep trying to coddle him.

Or they don't want to cut bait on a 2nd round pick after less than a year. I don't think you can call what they're doing with him as "coddling" by any stretch.

[esmith1790]

Or they don't want to cut bait on a 2nd round pick after less than a year. I don't think you can call what they're doing with him as "coddling" by any stretch.


Now that i re-read it, coddling isnt the best term, they can IR him and save the spot, At some point they gota roll with the WRs they got and free up the roster spot, If they are trying that hard to get him ready each week in and out, it says alot about the current WR guys.

[jtovb2005]

Yep looked about like the game I was at.

Could not miss the lack of protection.

Could not miss NO pressure to speak of. Some plays looked close but what we really need are some sacks. As a whole I kept wondering were the front 4 and LB's were. Good god the poor DB's where left out there facing down a blocker and a big fat back heading right for them. They really didn't do a bad job in that situation, kept those runs from being big gainers that’s for sure.

After Moss the WR's are just no threat. We made a big big mistake getting rid of, who was it McMullen? I forgot but our leading receiver in the preseason. I know he was not going to scare anyone (you never know though) but he got open and caught the ball. With out Kelly and Thomas not helping we are a bit naked at WR.

OL is just showing their age I think? We are paying on both lines really for not developing full time help there.

I agree with your last about players. Really this is no different than the past couple of years. Had enough hopes at start to make us think "this is different". I don't think so, basically same players at most positions so we get the same frustrating games and race to the wire to make the playoffs. Now to be fair I guess one thing that I have been saying is we are not hitting prolonged loosing streaks this year. Offensive performance wise we sure are in a slump, but we pulled some games out thanks to the D.

Lets hope they pick it up again.

Oh, big turn around for the fans last night. I was pretty happy at the crowd.

[akhhorus]

Now that i re-read it, coddling isnt the best term, they can IR him and save the spot, At some point they gota roll with the WRs they got and free up the roster spot, If they are trying that hard to get him ready each week in and out, it says alot about the current WR guys.

Well, not really. They're hoping to get him out there so they can see what they have, not pushing him because they have no faith in the Moss/ARE/Thomas.

[SimplyZ]

Or they don't want to cut bait on a 2nd round pick after less than a year. I don't think you can call what they're doing with him as "coddling" by any stretch.

I dont like saying "cut bait" that implies we're giving up on him in some manner. Plenty of teams don't let rookies see the field in the first year including (recently at least) guys like manningham and meachem. Injuries or not, he must just be sitting on the fine line of almost healthy enough and a better option than anyone else we could sign.

I dont know who you envision we fill the roster spot with. Is any DL or OL going to realistically come in and help us at this point? Might as well keep him inactive and hope hes available for 4 wr sets later this season.

Believe me though, im just as frustrated with the LACK of impact from our 2nd rounders, im just not sure they're saving much face by keeping him around or that they're achieving that by not IR'ing him

[akhhorus]

I dont like saying "cut bait" that implies we're giving up on him in some manner. Plenty of teams don't let rookies see the field in the first year including (recently at least) guys like manningham and meachem. Injuries or not, he must just be sitting on the fine line of almost healthy enough and a better option than anyone else we could sign.

I was responding to Esmith's characterization of the situation.

I dont know who you envision we fill the roster spot with. Is any DL or OL going to realistically come in and help us at this point? Might as well keep him inactive and hope hes available for 4 wr sets later this season.

Believe me though, im just as frustrated with the LACK of impact from our 2nd rounders, im just not sure they're saving much face by keeping him around or that they're achieving that by not IR'ing him

We could use a fresh body at OLB pretty badly...

[OCSKINSFAN]

Unfortunately, what I read (and also what I am seeing) are a weak def line (no pass rush), weak offensive line (cannot pass block), weak group of wide receivers, weak linebackers, motivation issues, and questionable coaching. That does not translate into a playoff team unless there are dramatic changes.

[culpeper]

8-For the first 20 minutes, the Skins played like they were looking for blood. For the final 40, they looked apathetic. This is precisely why they lost. I can’t put it any clearer than that.

bingo...

and why do we always have to make it hard on ourselves? we just let three teams back into the playoff picture for sure and possibly more.

weve got our finger on the trigger and then we "get emotional". the giants beat baltimore 30-10 yesterday...30-10!!!! 200 yards rushing and embarassed a good team. where is our killer instinct?

[silverspring]

If I was going to name them, I would have.

Huh? So you are writing an editorial but keeping your opinion a secret? I am truly curious, who do you think these players are that need to go?

[shally]

bingo...

and why do we always have to make it hard on ourselves? we just let three teams back into the playoff picture for sure and possibly more.

weve got our finger on the trigger and then we "get emotional". the giants beat baltimore 30-10 yesterday...30-10!!!! 200 yards rushing and embarassed a good team. where is our killer instinct?

we havent had one for quite a few years.. let's face it, this is essentially the same group of players that waited until desperation time under gibbs to get
it done.. same players-- same attiitude-- same results

let's see how desperate they are next week in a must win game

[akhhorus]

Huh? So you are writing an editorial but keeping your opinion a secret? I am truly curious, who do you think these players are that need to go?

I'm not under obligation to scratch your itches. I think who I'm talking about is very obvious.

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

Springs, Washington, Jansen, Betts and Rabach get my vote.

[RedSkinBrit]

Unfortunately, what I read (and also what I am seeing) are a weak def line (no pass rush), weak offensive line (cannot pass block), weak group of wide receivers, weak linebackers, motivation issues, and questionable coaching. That does not translate into a playoff team unless there are dramatic changes.

That about sums it up for me at the moment.JC has a no win situation at the minute with little protection and receivers not open.

[Death_Venom]

Springs, Washington, Jansen, Betts and Rabach get my vote.

At this point I would keep Betts-the others should be gone....

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

At this point I would keep Betts-the others should be gone....

Yeah, I would only trade Betts. But if there was a market for him, I suspect it has probably evaporated.

[Death_Venom]

Yeah, I would only trade Betts. But if there was a market for him, I suspect it has probably evaporated.

The only way I would trade Betts would be if we could get a decent Power Boack for him (obviously we would have to sweeten the deal, besides apparently Betts reputation precedes him to some degree).....

[superskin]

I just had a chance to punish myself and watch the game on DVR. It's nice to be able - even with a loss - to watch the game broadcast and dissect things I cant see AT the game, due to the lack of replays, etc.

I was even more frustrated because - and I am going a step further than most have here - we owned this team for nearly three full quarters. And I dont think I am exagerrating by saying that. Save for the one nice Cowgirl drive that ended in the Barber touchdown. We moved the ball enough, and ate em up defensively.

The turning point was clear, and it was when I cut it off and refused to watch any more. A 20 + yard pass to Randle El, followed by a 20 + yard run by Portis, with 5 minutes left in the third and closing in on a 17-7 lead.

Ugh, you know the rest. We have GOT to put teams away when we have a lead.

[akhhorus]

I just had a chance to punish myself and watch the game on DVR. It's nice to be able - even with a loss - to watch the game broadcast and dissect things I cant see AT the game, due to the lack of replays, etc.

I was even more frustrated because - and I am going a step further than most have here - we owned this team for nearly three full quarters. And I dont think I am exagerrating by saying that. Save for the one nice Cowgirl drive that ended in the Barber touchdown. We moved the ball enough, and ate em up defensively.

The turning point was clear, and it was when I cut it off and refused to watch any more. A 20 + yard pass to Randle El, followed by a 20 + yard run by Portis, with 5 minutes left in the third and closing in on a 17-7 lead.

Ugh, you know the rest. We have GOT to put teams away when we have a lead.

The Giants game was the only game where we didn't have a chance to put the dagger in their heart. You're 100% right.

[GenMgr]

Akh,

What role does Campbell play in all this? Do you think he has a mobility problem or a lack of pocket presence?

[akhhorus]

Akh,

What role does Campbell play in all this? Do you think he has a mobility problem or a lack of pocket presence?

He doesn't run when there's no pressure on him, so I don't think its the latter. He has plenty of mobility(as he demonstrated against the boys). He makes his progressions, he might hold on a tad too long, but the Line needs to make their blocks. You can't just run hot reads all day long.

[shally]

He doesn't run when there's no pressure on him, so I don't think its the latter. He has plenty of mobility(as he demonstrated against the boys). He makes his progressions, he might hold on a tad too long, but the Line needs to make their blocks. You can't just run hot reads all day long.

there is nothing wrong with campbell that having a dominating offensive line wouldnt cure- completely
also, if he had another receiver who could get deep, it would help also.. zorn said thomas was wide open deep on one play and JC threw to cooley instead.. for some reason that seems to happen to him as well. but again, i believe it is a function of the lack of offensive line protection

but you know, with all those slants and screens to receivers he throws, maybe having kelly to throw to would make more of a difference than anything else ??

[culpeper]

I just had a chance to punish myself and watch the game on DVR. It's nice to be able - even with a loss - to watch the game broadcast and dissect things I cant see AT the game, due to the lack of replays, etc.

I was even more frustrated because - and I am going a step further than most have here - we owned this team for nearly three full quarters. And I dont think I am exagerrating by saying that. Save for the one nice Cowgirl drive that ended in the Barber touchdown. We moved the ball enough, and ate em up defensively.

The turning point was clear, and it was when I cut it off and refused to watch any more. A 20 + yard pass to Randle El, followed by a 20 + yard run by Portis, with 5 minutes left in the third and closing in on a 17-7 lead.

Ugh, you know the rest. We have GOT to put teams away when we have a lead.

im glad you posted this. i usually watch the replay myself, but i deleted the game right away when i got back to the house last night. personally, i always feel better after a loss when i watch the tape, (because most of the time its just a couple plays that we could have made that changed the game) but i was just angry...and still am.

so with that said...i for sure didnt see a soul open all night. not like theyve been all year. the last two games the opponents stepped up their game for us and we didnt have an answer. oline didnt give time, the wrs didnt create separation, and JC didnt let it fly. wheres the tempo we saw earlier in the year?

we havent had one for quite a few years.. let's face it, this is essentially the same group of players that waited until desperation time under gibbs to get
it done.. same players-- same attiitude-- same results

let's see how desperate they are next week in a must win game

unfortunately i see your point. how great did it feel in the first quarter after we physically beat them up and challenged their manhood!? but after that...meh...cruise control.

[RedSkinBrit]

in the next 2 drafts do we need to concentrate on upping the talent in the lines as a prioirity?

[MPCSkins]

Agree with pretty much everything.

I can't take another game with Jansen in. I know we ran well with him in for that five game stretch but that is gone now and he has been GAWD-awful in pass protection. Campbell has no time at all to throw the ball and we're never going to get our offense moving if Campbell has to get rid of the ball right away or avoid the run and roll out every time.

[MPCSkins]

in the next 2 drafts do we need to concentrate on upping the talent in the lines as a prioirity?

Always. We aren't getting a pass rush at all. There is no reason why we shouldn't have gotten atleast one sack against the Cowboys O-line.

[akhhorus]

in the next 2 drafts do we need to concentrate on upping the talent in the lines as a prioirity?

I think we have the young talent on the Oline with Rinehart and Heyer. We need, frankly, to replace Carter, Griff and Golston. If it means shelling out the cash for Albert Haynesworth: so be it.

[shally]

I think we have the young talent on the Oline with Rinehart and Heyer. We need, frankly, to replace Carter, Griff and Golston. If it means shelling out the cash for Albert Haynesworth: so be it.

the feeding frenzy for haynesworth will be unreal.. only if we have an uncapped year will he be affordable
plus,
he is inherently a player who can go off at any time.. another facial stomping incident and goodell could conceivably end his career.
and i would be very worried about him taking the money and easing back down
into mediocrity

that said, i would go after him full bore despite the risks because a player like that can make an entire defense dangerous

but i think that the giants have proven how much mileage you can get from a line comprised of one player like tuck, plus a whole bunch of players like robbins, cofield, alford, kiwi.. etc

[shally]

I think we have the young talent on the Oline with Rinehart and Heyer. We need, frankly, to replace Carter, Griff and Golston. If it means shelling out the cash for Albert Haynesworth: so be it.

we need to replace rabach.. he has gotten by on guile before this.. he is not anchoring worth spit now

[skinsfan36]

we need to mimic the giants draft dlinemen for years and some will become beast(tuck,kiwi,robbins) but some not (joseph)

[shally]

we need to mimic the giants draft dlinemen for years and some will become beast(tuck,kiwi,robbins) but some not (joseph)

it is what happens when you KEEP drafting linemen.. you have some high busts like joseph, but you strike gold with lesser picks like Osi and Tuck (2 and 3)

[skinsfan36]

it is what happens when you KEEP drafting linemen.. you have some high busts like joseph, but you strike gold with lesser picks like Osi and Tuck (2 and 3)

yeah if we took 3 dlinemen 1,3,4 i would not argue whatsoever. if we sign an olinemen somewhere. heres the problem vinnys dumb and daniels will be back so he wont go after a DE. so we have to hope for a DT which we are prob in more dire need of

[RedSkinBrit]

it is what happens when you KEEP drafting linemen.. you have some high busts like joseph, but you strike gold with lesser picks like Osi and Tuck (2 and 3)

Agreed ,we have to start investing some picks in the trenches to move forward.

[Skins7ny]

Not much to criticize in Akhhorus' take.
I thought his criticism of Griffin/Golston was a little exaggerated - the Cowboys got most of their yards until the final drive by running outside, hence Akh's well-deserved criticism of McIntosh and Blades. The Cows game-planned away from Griffin and Golston, presumably because they got tired of reading Barber's terrible statlines from Skins games past, when they stuck to running Barber into the middle of our line with little success.
I was disappointed with the play of Demetric Evans. We needed him to show up big-time given the Cows' game plan, and I hardly heard his name called all night. We need a #2 WR, ARE is at best a #3. As Akh pointed out, ARE cannot get open. That is kind of a big problem when you are playing WR! I think Kelly gets on the field this week and is starting (health permitting) ahead of ARE by the end of the year.
Akh is right about the Seahawks. They are a dangerous team at home, they still have a lot of talented players, they got their QB back healthy, they know Zorn's style better than anybody, and this could be a redemption game for them. We had better bring our "A" game this week, or we can kiss the playoffs goodbye!

we need to mimic the giants draft dlinemen for years and some will become beast(tuck,kiwi,robbins) but some not (joseph)
The Giants almost always have their full complement of draft choices. When was the last time that they traded a draft pick for a veteran player?

[shally]

Not much to criticize in Akhhorus' take.
I thought his criticism of Griffin/Golston was a little exaggerated - the Cowboys got most of their yards until the final drive by running outside, hence Akh's well-deserved criticism of McIntosh and Blades. The Cows game-planned away from Griffin and Golston, presumably because they got tired of reading Barber's terrible statlines from Skins games past, when they stuck to running Barber into the middle of our line with little success.
I was disappointed with the play of Demetric Evans. We needed him to show up big-time given the Cows' game plan, and I hardly heard his name called all night. We need a #2 WR, ARE is at best a #3. As Akh pointed out, ARE cannot get open. That is kind of a big problem when you are playing WR! I think Kelly gets on the field this week and is starting (health permitting) ahead of ARE by the end of the year.
Akh is right about the Seahawks. They are a dangerous team at home, they still have a lot of talented players, they got their QB back healthy, they know Zorn's style better than anybody, and this could be a redemption game for them. We had better bring our "A" game this week, or we can kiss the playoffs goodbye!


The Giants almost always have their full complement of draft choices. When was the last time that they traded a draft pick for a veteran player?


plus their linebackers are the strength of their defense and absolutely killed our offensive line the last time we played them.. kearny is hurt and i dont know if he plays. they are short receivers, but overall they will play the skins very tough

[Skins7ny]

plus their linebackers are the strength of their defense and absolutely killed our offensive line the last time we played them.. kearny is hurt and i dont know if he plays. they are short receivers, but overall they will play the skins very tough

Remember in the pre-seaon when Zorn was so effusive in his praise of James Thrash, acting like he was going to get lots of passes this year and he is starting-caliber? Where has Thrash been all year on offense????

I never root for injuries, but I will not miss seeing Kearney out there. He owned Heyer in that playoff game.

[akhhorus]

Remember in the pre-seaon when Zorn was so effusive in his praise of James Thrash, acting like he was going to get lots of passes this year and he is starting-caliber? Where has Thrash been all year on offense????

I never root for injuries, but I will not miss seeing Kearney out there. He owned Heyer in that playoff game.

Trufant's hurt also. He's 50/50 to play. I won't miss him either.

[skinsfan36]

Trufant's hurt also. He's 50/50 to play. I won't miss him either.

is trufant still wearing a cast on his hand?

[BurgundyNGold]

We could use a fresh body at OLB pretty badly...
This is the point where I would normally point out that Erin Henderson was available for a song in the 7th.

http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/ahab.jpg

And so it begins, lol.

[akhhorus]

This is the point where I would normally point out that Erin Henderson was available for a song in the 7th.

http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/ahab.jpg

And so it begins, lol.

We have enough punt coverage players there Ahab lol.

[BurgundyNGold]

We have enough punt coverage players there Ahab lol.
Available in the 7th... 2 time All ACC... we still have no OLB depth. That's all I'm saying, lol.

[Keino]

is trufant still wearing a cast on his hand?

He was knocked out of the Cards game with a concussion.

[guess88]

I never root for injuries, but I will not miss seeing Kearney out there. He owned Heyer in that playoff game.

And to think Heyer's supposedly better than Jansen in pass protect. :eek:

[Keino]

And to think Heyer's supposedly better than Jansen in pass protect. :eek:

To be fair, Heyer has come a long way in his development since that game. Frankly, I would like to see Heyer get the RT job back. Jansen has sucked lately.....

[shally]

To be fair, Heyer has come a long way in his development since that game. Frankly, I would like to see Heyer get the RT job back. Jansen has sucked lately.....


both thomas and jansen have looked bad in the past 2 games.. add in rabach's problems and it really makes for huge issues onthe entire right side while pass protecting.

the good thing is that we are finally going to face another 4/3 team defense after cleveland, pittsburgh and dallas..the bad thing is that same defense torched our offensive line the last time we played them

[guess88]

To be fair, Heyer has come a long way in his development since that game. Frankly, I would like to see Heyer get the RT job back. Jansen has sucked lately.....

Ditto. If the old Jansen we knew were going to show up, it would've happened by now. He's been exposed the last few games, we need to see what we have in Heyer. He's not going to get any better sitting on a bench.

[akhhorus]

Available in the 7th... 2 time All ACC... we still have no OLB depth. That's all I'm saying, lol.

Can't seem to get much PT with the vikings, despite their LB probs...thats all I'm saying lol.

[BurgundyNGold]

Can't seem to get much PT with the vikings, despite their LB probs...thats all I'm saying lol.
That's the Vikings. I think we could do more with him. That said, he's not here but Gatewood is. At this point, I am seriously contemplating the merits of putting MW on IR and promoting Gatewood.

[silverspring]

both thomas and jansen have looked bad in the past 2 games.. add in rabach's problems and it really makes for huge issues onthe entire right side while pass protecting.

the good thing is that we are finally going to face another 4/3 team defense after cleveland, pittsburgh and dallas..the bad thing is that same defense torched our offensive line the last time we played them

I might be wrong but if i remember correctly kearney was the big threat on the right side and i think he is hurt

[BurgundyNGold]

I might be wrong but if i remember correctly kearney was the big threat on the right side and i think he is hurt
In keeping with that idea, why not experiment with an overloaded OL? Put Heyer and Jansen in the game at the *same* time and pull back the FB or a TE? You could still run formations with X, Y and Z receivers and it should help the running game too.

[akhhorus]

In keeping with that idea, why not experiment with an overloaded OL? Put Heyer and Jansen in the game at the *same* time and pull back the FB or a TE? You could still run formations with X, Y and Z receivers and it should help the running game too.

Mike Sherman did that a lot with the Packers, I surprised people don't do it more. He had a good OT play as a TE and ran a 6 OL formation.

[Moe]

In keeping with that idea, why not experiment with an overloaded OL? Put Heyer and Jansen in the game at the *same* time and pull back the FB or a TE? You could still run formations with X, Y and Z receivers and it should help the running game too.

Nah, you put Lo Alexander in there tackle eligible.....indefensible!!!

[BurgundyNGold]

Nah, you put Lo Alexander in there tackle eligible.....indefensible!!!
I don't think Lo is much of a pass blocker, lol. He's a Jumbo set mauler.

[skinsfan36]

Nah, you put Lo Alexander in there tackle eligible.....indefensible!!!

watching him run a route makes me want to vomit tho