For those looking for something positive about our team....

[hail2skins]

here you go.

Thanks in part to two games -- non-common dates against the Lions and St. Louis Rams -- the Redskins' non-division schedule is .406, second-easiest in the league. You also have to figure the offense should improve. It scored only 16.6 ppg last season. Jason Campbell is better than that. Everyone is going to be talking up the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, but don't forget the Redskins.

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=4163640)

[Biggie]

here you go.

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=4163640)
We managed to lose to the Bengals last season. Easy schedules don't comfort me.

[HAWGZHEAD]

We managed to lose to the Bengals last season. Easy schedules don't comfort me.

Yeah, one of the teams making our schedule easy this year beat us too lol. I guess there is no positivity left in me.

[native skin]

championship!

[Skins3]

We managed to lose to the Bengals last season. Easy schedules don't comfort me.

As well as the Rams beat us at home as well

[shally]

We managed to lose to the Bengals last season. Easy schedules don't comfort me.

+1

we lose to crappy teams EVERY year.. we need a killer instinct

[MadDog97]

Gibbs was a good coach but a nice guy. Zorn tends to be a bit more on fire and that could translate into instilling more of a killer instinct. Add Haynesworth and a ticked on Campbell, and things could get interesting.

[ClubSandwichGuy]

If anyone watched that Cooley interview on NFLN he said that Campbell is really starting to take control of the team after the Cutler/Sanchez thing. I think he has a chip on his shoulder.

[greatest2]

We managed to lose to the Bengals last season. Easy schedules don't comfort me.

they do a little more then tough schedules, but i hear what you saying.

[shally]

Gibbs was a good coach but a nice guy. Zorn tends to be a bit more on fire and that could translate into instilling more of a killer instinct. Add Haynesworth and a ticked on Campbell, and things could get interesting.

we will go as far as our big uglies take us...

[Taylor21TheUndertaker]

If anyone watched that Cooley interview on NFLN he said that Campbell is really starting to take control of the team after the Cutler/Sanchez thing. I think he has a chip on his shoulder.

I think he has chips(plural) on his shoulder.

[Patrick]

If anyone watched that Cooley interview on NFLN he said that Campbell is really starting to take control of the team after the Cutler/Sanchez thing. I think he has a chip on his shoulder.

It will not surprise me if he comes on this season and puts up some big number. This is his "make it or break it" season because he's playing for that BIG pay day. And I do think it's his last season with the Skins regardless of what he does.

[NamVet4]

Even accepting the premise of a "soft schedule", I can't see this Team going beyond 5 -11. We play the soft part in the first half of the season, before wear and tear ruptures any cohesiveness this Team develops.
The second half of the season is a buzz-saw that will tear up a beleaguered and woefully aged offense and an exasperated and tiring defense.
Not too much feel good here for me. Reality bites!

[Ibleedburgundy]

Sometimes I think Clayton is being charitable.

[Hr fan]

we will go as far as our big uglies take us...

that is, until injuries reveals our lack of oline depth...

[shoogknight]

If anyone watched that Cooley interview on NFLN he said that Campbell is really starting to take control of the team after the Cutler/Sanchez thing. I think he has a chip on his shoulder.


You know I have had these thoughts regarding the Cutler/Sanchez fiasco and Danny Boy lately. Here is my conspiracy theory.....

We all like to rag on the Skins ownership and managment, and rightfully so. But I dont think there is any denying that Dan Snyder is a very smart guy. I mean he has created a lot of wealth from scratch. So regardless of past mistakes, I find something really hard to believe. I know it seemed as if the Skins showed some restraint in not over paying for Cutler or Sanchez, but DID THEY REALLY WANT EITHER GUY??? I just feel that if the plan was to aquire either QB, why not throw in the extra pick. When has that mattered in the past?

Is it possible that this has been a head game with Campbell from the start? Maybe Danny felt he had nothing to lose. If he tried for either QB and got them for a steal, then GREAT. If not than he has provoked his QB to step up and prove something this year. Either way the Skins win/win?

I am getting the feeling that this has been a brilliant plan all along, and IF, big IF, Campbell steps it up this year. Then god forbid, we say Danny looks brilliant???

I know some of you will say that just puts them in a bind to sign JC or he potentially walks. But i beg to differ there, Danny will have no problem throwing the cash at him to stay if he plays well.

[firehawk157]

Even accepting the premise of a "soft schedule", I can't see this Team going beyond 5 -11. We play the soft part in the first half of the season, before wear and tear ruptures any cohesiveness this Team develops.
The second half of the season is a buzz-saw that will tear up a beleaguered and woefully aged offense and an exasperated and tiring defense.
Not too much feel good here for me. Reality bites!
We're a better team this year than last and the schedule is easier. How do we win only half the games? That makes no sense.

[Meatsnack]

We're a better team this year than last and the schedule is easier. How do we win only half the games? That makes no sense.

Because every team in the division got better except Dallas? The Vagiants get Umenyiori back and had a productive draft. Philthy gets Maclin to pair with Jackson for some real outside speed and got realistic relief for Westbrook and an improved O-line. Dallass crapped the bed in FA and on draft day so they are the division cellar dweller in my opinion.

The only way we break out of the 7-9/9-7 Land O' Mediocre is if we catch some breaks we can't rely upon happening. IF the defense gels we could get better by a couple of games but I am not a believer in Orakpo as an instant impact player having to play in a new position 2/3s of the time. IF Thomas or Kelly step up and provide a legit 50 catch/6 TD target, the offense will improve IF the Ancient and Grizzled Order of the O-Line can remain healthy.

If we get to December with a shot at the division and a split with NY, we are a better team. I wouldn't lay odds on that right now, though.

[akhhorus]

We're a better team this year than last and the schedule is easier. How do we win only half the games? That makes no sense.

We lost to too many "bad" teams in 08 for me to take an easier schedule for granted at all.

[NamVet4]

We're a better team this year than last and the schedule is easier. How do we win only half the games? That makes no sense.

Since you asked . . .
We win 5 games because they are early in the season, before injuries and exertion reign supreme. This is an old team with an unsure coaching staff and a meddling owner and his toady, butt boy GM wannabe!

Oh.. and the posters who responded before me summed it up rather nicely!

[HanburgerBum]

You know I have had these thoughts regarding the Cutler/Sanchez fiasco and Danny Boy lately. Here is my conspiracy theory.....

We all like to rag on the Skins ownership and managment, and rightfully so. But I dont think there is any denying that Dan Snyder is a very smart guy. I mean he has created a lot of wealth from scratch. So regardless of past mistakes, I find something really hard to believe. I know it seemed as if the Skins showed some restraint in not over paying for Cutler or Sanchez, but DID THEY REALLY WANT EITHER GUY??? I just feel that if the plan was to aquire either QB, why not throw in the extra pick. When has that mattered in the past?

Is it possible that this has been a head game with Campbell from the start? Maybe Danny felt he had nothing to lose. If he tried for either QB and got them for a steal, then GREAT. If not than he has provoked his QB to step up and prove something this year. Either way the Skins win/win?

I am getting the feeling that this has been a brilliant plan all along, and IF, big IF, Campbell steps it up this year. Then god forbid, we say Danny looks brilliant???

I know some of you will say that just puts them in a bind to sign JC or he potentially walks. But i beg to differ there, Danny will have no problem throwing the cash at him to stay if he plays well.


So, Snyder decided to play the "heavy" in order to light a fire under Campbell? Man, that's deep.

I doubt Snyder had intended to do that, but what you said may accidentally work out to be the case.

[HanburgerBum]

It will not surprise me if he comes on this season and puts up some big number. This is his "make it or break it" season because he's playing for that BIG pay day. And I do think it's his last season with the Skins regardless of what he does.


If Campbell has a big year in 2009, why wouldn't he re-sign here? Sure, having Snyder as an owner would be a drag. But, what team will give you a bigger deal than Wash, especially if it is an uncapped season coming up?

And, why wouldn't JC want to come back and play with the same guys that at least in part made his success possible? If Campbell has a big year, the team will likely have a winning record and a trip to the playoffs. That would mean the return of Jim Zorn. Wouldn't JC want to return and play for JZ instead of having to learn yet another offense with a different team?

If Campbell has a mediocre or poor year, does it really matter?

[ClubSandwichGuy]

I could really see this season going either way.

[sinskin]

we will go as far as our big uglies take us...

+1

[firehawk157]

If Campbell has a big year in 2009, why wouldn't he re-sign here? Sure, having Snyder as an owner would be a drag. But, what team will give you a bigger deal than Wash, especially if it is an uncapped season coming up?

And, why wouldn't JC want to come back and play with the same guys that at least in part made his success possible? If Campbell has a big year, the team will likely have a winning record and a trip to the playoffs. That would mean the return of Jim Zorn. Wouldn't JC want to return and play for JZ instead of having to learn yet another offense with a different team?

If Campbell has a mediocre or poor year, does it really matter?
More importantly, why would JC want to play in yet another system?

[firehawk157]

Because every team in the division got better except Dallas? The Vagiants get Umenyiori back and had a productive draft. Philthy gets Maclin to pair with Jackson for some real outside speed and got realistic relief for Westbrook and an improved O-line. Dallass crapped the bed in FA and on draft day so they are the division cellar dweller in my opinion.

The Giants lost Plex though. They have Dominik Hixon and the lesser Steve Smith slated to start for them. They basically have no passing game to speak of (unless the unexpected happens). Umeniyora is decent but he's not all-world. Antonio Pierce was exposed pretty bad.

The only way we break out of the 7-9/9-7 Land O' Mediocre is if we catch some breaks we can't rely upon happening.

I don't agree personally, but I can see your point. However, the 5-11 thing I think only occurs if we get really unlucky (anybody can get unlucky though).


IF the defense gels we could get better by a couple of games but I am not a believer in Orakpo as an instant impact player having to play in a new position 2/3s of the time.

I like Orakpo at SAM as long as they don't require him to do anything but cover the flats on rare occasion. Let him rush the passer and play the run second and I think he'll be good wherever you line him up at.

IF Thomas or Kelly step up and provide a legit 50 catch/6 TD target, the offense will improve IF the Ancient and Grizzled Order of the O-Line can remain healthy.

For all my Campbell bashing, he should be better. I liked Thomas in the late portions of 2008 and I really think he's going to provide a decent #2 this year and a good/great #1 in the future. I'm waiting on pins and needles as to how our OL falls out, so we'll see.

If we get to December with a shot at the division and a split with NY, we are a better team. I wouldn't lay odds on that right now, though.

Who knows?

We lost to too many "bad" teams in 08 for me to take an easier schedule for granted at all.

Rams, Cincy and San Fran (though I wouldn't call San Fran bad at the point we lost to them). We swept the Eagles though and beat AZ. That can't be discounted.

[Redskin4Life]

You know I have had these thoughts regarding the Cutler/Sanchez fiasco and Danny Boy lately. Here is my conspiracy theory.....

We all like to rag on the Skins ownership and managment, and rightfully so. But I dont think there is any denying that Dan Snyder is a very smart guy. I mean he has created a lot of wealth from scratch. So regardless of past mistakes, I find something really hard to believe. I know it seemed as if the Skins showed some restraint in not over paying for Cutler or Sanchez, but DID THEY REALLY WANT EITHER GUY??? I just feel that if the plan was to aquire either QB, why not throw in the extra pick. When has that mattered in the past?

Is it possible that this has been a head game with Campbell from the start? Maybe Danny felt he had nothing to lose. If he tried for either QB and got them for a steal, then GREAT. If not than he has provoked his QB to step up and prove something this year. Either way the Skins win/win?

I am getting the feeling that this has been a brilliant plan all along, and IF, big IF, Campbell steps it up this year. Then god forbid, we say Danny looks brilliant???

I know some of you will say that just puts them in a bind to sign JC or he potentially walks. But i beg to differ there, Danny will have no problem throwing the cash at him to stay if he plays well.
Also don't forget... we'll be able to keep him here with:

(1) RESTRICTED Free Agency if the CBA doesn't get renewed (potentially a 1st and 3rd if we don't resign him)

or

(2) the Franchise Tag (in which we'll get AT LEAST a 1st and 3rd for Campbell)


So basically instead of trading him for a 2nd we'll get a Campbell that's worth a 1st and 3rd, assuming he steps up his game. If he doesn't, we need to move on anyway.

[firehawk157]

Also don't forget... we'll be able to keep him here with:

(1) RESTRICTED Free Agency if the CBA doesn't get renewed (potentially a 1st and 3rd if we don't resign him)

or

(2) the Franchise Tag (in which we'll get AT LEAST a 1st and 3rd for Campbell)


So basically instead of trading him for a 2nd we'll get a Campbell that's worth a 1st and 3rd, assuming he steps up his game. If he doesn't, we need to move on anyway.
But what if he's just barely above average? 20 TDs and 7-8 INTs? Do we go another year hoping that NEXT year is his leap? We certainly won't franchise him.

[skin4ever]

We lost to too many "bad" teams in 08 for me to take an easier schedule for granted at all.


isnt that how we always are. We always seem to drop the ball when it comes to playing inferior team.

[skin4ever]

But what if he's just barely above average? 20 TDs and 7-8 INTs? Do we go another year hoping that NEXT year is his leap? We certainly won't franchise him.

Why wouldnt we franchise him. Without a cap, that wouldbe our best op to keep him should he show some promise. At least then, we could take time to see what the leagues interest is and move him if we wanted to. (Note: i am ignorant as to what the No cap actually means with regard to franchising)

[shally]

More importantly, why would JC want to play in yet another system?

uh... the other system (and head coach) actually wants him ????

[firehawk157]

uh... the other system (and head coach) actually wants him ????
Yes, but what I'm saying is beyond any financial system, you have to imagine that JC wants to just be in one system and that's he tired of switching back and forth.

[joethefan]

If anyone watched that Cooley interview on NFLN he said that Campbell is really starting to take control of the team after the Cutler/Sanchez thing. I think he has a chip on his shoulder.


I'll believe it when I see JC tackle Dock for getting a false start.....:D

[hail2skins]

You know I have had these thoughts regarding the Cutler/Sanchez fiasco and Danny Boy lately. Here is my conspiracy theory.....

We all like to rag on the Skins ownership and managment, and rightfully so. But I dont think there is any denying that Dan Snyder is a very smart guy. I mean he has created a lot of wealth from scratch. So regardless of past mistakes, I find something really hard to believe. I know it seemed as if the Skins showed some restraint in not over paying for Cutler or Sanchez, but DID THEY REALLY WANT EITHER GUY??? I just feel that if the plan was to aquire either QB, why not throw in the extra pick. When has that mattered in the past?

Is it possible that this has been a head game with Campbell from the start? Maybe Danny felt he had nothing to lose. If he tried for either QB and got them for a steal, then GREAT. If not than he has provoked his QB to step up and prove something this year. Either way the Skins win/win?

I am getting the feeling that this has been a brilliant plan all along, and IF, big IF, Campbell steps it up this year. Then god forbid, we say Danny looks brilliant???

I know some of you will say that just puts them in a bind to sign JC or he potentially walks. But i beg to differ there, Danny will have no problem throwing the cash at him to stay if he plays well.This is wishful thinking on your part. You don't do all of this to light a fire under a player in his last year of his contract. Remember, we were told that Zorn was bought in to develop him and after one season they're ready to abandon that plan. I don't buy that it was planned to light his fire.

[shally]

Yes, but what I'm saying is beyond any financial system, you have to imagine that JC wants to just be in one system and that's he tired of switching back and forth.

sure.. in a perfect world that would be the case.. but these days, once a QB is released (really, fails) in his first job in the nfl, it gets progressively harder to find another team that is willing to pay starters money..

[shally]

This is wishful thinking on your part. You don't do all of this to light a fire under a player in his last year of his contract. Remember, we were told that Zorn was bought in to develop him and after one season they're ready to abandon that plan. I don't buy that it was planned to light his fire.

i totally agree with your slant.. i think, this is snyderrato, or at least Snyder himself, signaling clearly he has, at the very least, major doubts about Campbell being the right QB for the team to pin it's long term hopes on.. i dont know how else you can reasonably comprehend this past months flirtations with cutler/sanchez.

i dont think they have completely abandoned the concept of Campbell as starter, but by allowing him to play out his contract without ANY extension being offered that we know about, it is his last chance.. how fair is that chance ? we will have to see how it plays out..

[Axegrinder]

We often play to the level of the competition.

[HanburgerBum]

uh... the other system (and head coach) actually wants him ????


But, the issue was framed on the assumption that Campbell has a good season. If he doesn't have a good year, who cares? He may stay if he and the Skins don't have better options. However, if Campbell does have a good season, why would the Skins not want him back? Even if Snyder harbors doubt about Campbell at that point, it would be a public relations disaster for Snyder (and Snyder can ill-afford more public relations disasters) not to make a huge attempt to re-sign Campbell. More over, who would be a better alternative to Campbell then?

[firehawk157]

sure.. in a perfect world that would be the case.. but these days, once a QB is released (really, fails) in his first job in the nfl, it gets progressively harder to find another team that is willing to pay starters money..
HanburgerBum said it best. I was presuming a good year by him. Everyone said that JC will have no incentive to stay here (other than money) and I just wanted to add that he'd have the incentive of staying in the same system for three years straight. That's longer than he's ever had.

[colkurtz]

We have an average head coach, an average QB, a weak GM and one of the league's worst owners.

We have stayed with a contrary strategy to invest very heavily in FA, even though it causes the team to be old, lacks depth and we cap out every season; we are the ONLY team over this last nine years to stay with this one plan which has lead to a below average record.

I see a really good defense this season - certainly in the top 5. Unfortunatly the offense will be ok, but he will have to be much better in the NFC East to be good. I REALLY hope I'm wrong.

[shally]

We have an average head coach, an average QB, a weak GM and one of the league's worst owners.

We have stayed with a contrary strategy to invest very heavily in FA, even though it causes the team to be old, lacks depth and we cap out every season; we are the ONLY team over this last nine years to stay with this one plan which has lead to a below average record.

I see a really good defense this season - certainly in the top 5. Unfortunatly the offense will be ok, but he will have to be much better in the NFC East to be good. I REALLY hope I'm wrong.

+1

in years past under gibbs, i was hopeful that the defense could hold on until the offense caught up.. with zorn, it is the opposite, in that the offense fades over time..

i have little hope that the offensive brain power of the coaches will produce a superior scheme.. the only other option is to have superior talent to out execute the opponents.. i dont see that either

that translates into mediocrity and frustration.. that was why i was in favor of upgrading the QB position this offseason.. but failing that, we have to hope for exponential growth by Campbell, and an offensive line that can hold together..

2010 ? i will worry about that next offseason..

[firehawk157]

+1

in years past under gibbs, i was hopeful that the defense could hold on until the offense caught up.. with zorn, it is the opposite, in that the offense fades over time..

i have little hope that the offensive brain power of the coaches will produce a superior scheme.. the only other option is to have superior talent to out execute the opponents.. i dont see that either

that translates into mediocrity and frustration.. that was why i was in favor of upgrading the QB position this offseason.. but failing that, we have to hope for exponential growth by Campbell, and an offensive line that can hold together..

2010 ? i will worry about that next offseason..
Too much can change over a season to really worry about next offseason.

[colkurtz]

+1

in years past under gibbs, i was hopeful that the defense could hold on until the offense caught up.. with zorn, it is the opposite, in that the offense fades over time..

i have little hope that the offensive brain power of the coaches will produce a superior scheme.. the only other option is to have superior talent to out execute the opponents.. i dont see that either

that translates into mediocrity and frustration.. that was why i was in favor of upgrading the QB position this offseason.. but failing that, we have to hope for exponential growth by Campbell, and an offensive line that can hold together..

2010 ? i will worry about that next offseason..

+1

What I REALLY don't understand is why they don't replace Collins with an experienced WCO vet?

I think that perhaps they believe Colt AND Chase Daniels will move up in a youth movement at QB. This is Collins last year as a QB in the NFL (my prediction). If the team is going to sink (as most of us) - why not bring up the young guys and roll the dice to see if they can do anything in the second half of the season?

[shally]

+1

What I REALLY don't understand is why they don't replace Collins with an experienced WCO vet?

I think that perhaps they believe Colt AND Chase Daniels will move up in a youth movement at QB. This is Collins last year as a QB in the NFL (my prediction). If the team is going to sink (as most of us) - why not bring up the young guys and roll the dice to see if they can do anything in the second half of the season?

zorn had a lot of positive things to say about collins at the redskins.com site..
if nothing else, the guy is smart and a very hard worker.. maybe he has been able to "forget" saunders' system and can actually implement a WCO ?
he sure looked bad last year in preseason, but maybe now ?

i just hope that Colt has progressed enough to claim the #2 spot. what zorn said implied that he was still behind collins, but has the innate ability to make plays happen.. anybody who has watched him play in college makes the same
comment. the guy just has a knack of turning broken plays into successful plays

as much as i liked daniel, he is way away from being even roster ready now.. he probably needs a year on the PS to develop slowly.. but again, how do you throw out a guy who has had college seasons with 4000, 4000, and 3000 yards passing ? well, you can say he is too small to play in the nfl.. or that his arm strength is marginal.. or that his mechanics suck... or he is a "system" qb... one way or the other, let's see what he can do with a year or 2 to develop.