5 Questions going into training camp

by kseandoyle on Jul 11, 2009 12:25 AM EDT Comment 39 comments

I got this idea from the Saints blog (Canal Street Chronicles), so thanks to Saintsational! 3 of his 5 questions I've got here verbatim, the other 2 I've changed just slightly per our team.

1. Who will be the Redskins' surprise player of the year?

2. Will we all regret the contract Snyder gave DeAngelo Hall?

3. Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyone's surprise?

4. Who will emerge as starting strong-side linebacker?

5. If the Redskins disappoint again this year, what will be the reason?

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My answers

1) TE Fred Davis: IF the other young wideouts mack controbutions he’ll be left open in Zorn’s spred sets.

2) No. Hall is hungry to show the NFL he’s an elite corner and was humbled after going to Oakland. I saw him on NFL network sawing he was spoiled on how easy the game came to him in Atlanta. He’s also pissed that he got a low rating in Madden 10 haha.

3) Purly a guess but Rock Cartwright/ Laddel Betts. When’s the last time we had a RB that was a threat to go all the way? I could see one traded and Marcus Mason elevated.

4) I think that will be determined by what package/situation the team is in. Maybe Robert Thomas intially because of his starting experiance.

5) O-line or D-line.

I'm worried about the beer supply. After this case, and the other case, there's only one case left- Barney Gumble

by CptChaosSidekick on Jul 11, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

1.) Fred Davis. He’s been dominating OTAs and minicamp.
2.) No. His job should be easier this year now that the Skins have a pass rush. If I had to pick a disappointed player…it’d be big Al. He has had injuries almost every year of his career so if he gets hurt where he has to sit out 2 games, fans will probably react strongly.
3.) Geez…tough one. I suspect it’ll be a defensive end or LB…maybe Chris Wilson.
4.) I don’t see Robert Thomas making the squad. I think Orakpo will start.
5.) Campbell.

by KevinE on Jul 11, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Strong Side LB

Taken from here

Question: A few months ago the Redskins signed linebacker Robert Thomas out of Oakland. There hasn’t been much talk about him since. How is he progressing?

— Glen N.

Gary: According to linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti, Thomas has "engulfed himself" in learning the Redskins’ defense and has spent countless hours in the meeting room. Thomas feels a sense of urgency because, as a 7-year NFL veteran with prior stints in St. Louis, Green Bay and Oakland, this could be his last opportunity to secure a starting job in the league. He has experience playing all three linebacker positions, but he has primarily played the weak-side in his career. He must adjust as he competes for playing time at strong-side linebacker with Brian Orakpo, H.B. Blades and Chris Wilson. His experience gives him an advantage over some of the younger linebackers on the roster.

I'm worried about the beer supply. After this case, and the other case, there's only one case left- Barney Gumble

by CptChaosSidekick on Jul 11, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1) Mike Willams I hope
2) No way
3) Smoot
4) Orakpo
5) Injury to Samuels or Moss

by hsoup on Jul 11, 2009 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1. Devin Thomas/Malcolm Kelly/Fred Davis. One or two of these 3 will establish themselves this season.

2. Not this year. For all of the reasons listed in the comments above.

3. Rock Cartwright. Only Clinton Portis is “a threat to go all the way.” He’s respected by every defensive coordinator in the league. But with Betts and the additions of Mason, Alridge, and Dorsey, Rock has a lot of competition for the backup RB slot and KR duties. Both Betts and Cartwright are about to hit 30.

4. Orakpo and Wilson.

5. Jim Zorn (play-calling) and Jason Campbell.

RAK EM UP!

by VA_Skin on Jul 11, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

CP Great RB but

In no way is he a home run threat. Since getting him from Denver in 2004 ,his longest runs have been: 64, 47,38, 32, 31. I love him and think he’s all pro material but I really doubt every defensive coordinator in the league is afraid of him taking one the distance. Last season his longest TD was a 9yd rush vs New Orleans.

Again he’s great, if our team can maintain a lead and we ground them to death old school style.

Stats don’t lie.

I'm worried about the beer supply. After this case, and the other case, there's only one case left- Barney Gumble

by CptChaosSidekick on Jul 11, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stats don't lie.

Here’s the list for starting RBs with 20+ yards (CP is top 5):

Player – 20+ yards
Adrian Peterson – 20
DeAngelo Williams – 15
Steve Slaton – 13
Clinton Portis – 13
Brandon Jacobs – 12

Link.

Portis is also top 10 in average yards per rush for starting RBs (with 4.3). Any DC that overlooks Portis would be a fool, especially with CP dropping 10 lbs off his playing weight to add more speed, and our OL using more zone blocking schemes.

Zone blocking. From “Daily Slop: Scratchin”.

RAK EM UP!

by VA_Skin on Jul 11, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Touche err however you spell it

Ok I need to clairify. I think Portis is a Top-5 back in the NFL and don’t think any DC doesn’t make him their number 1 priority. That being look at your list and you’ll notice that those other RB’s have been in the NFL less then Portis, Slaton was a rookie and Peterson only has two years in and they already have more long runs the CP.

Again CP is a franchise back but we need a Steve Slaton type that is a home run change up threat.

I'm worried about the beer supply. After this case, and the other case, there's only one case left- Barney Gumble

by CptChaosSidekick on Jul 11, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

If Alridge or Dorsey can step up as our # 3, that might help. Betts is useless in the red zone.

RAK EM UP!

by VA_Skin on Jul 11, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bETTS

Is useless all together, unless we need to give up a quick fumble, then he is legendary

by Elaw6 on Jul 12, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

by CJHutch on Jul 23, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

stats do lie

how many times have we seen portis turn a 40 yarder into a 20 yarder?
He can’t break open field tackles, it’s like he gets winded after 10 yards, i never expect anything over 25 yards from him.
He’s a great back and i’m more than happy he’s a redskin but when he breaks through the first line of defense i want to see him make some open field moves or something. He never gets by the safety or anyone in the backfield

by travisjh86 on Jul 13, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

CP lost that second gear he had in Denver where he could burst past tacklers. He normally looks for contact and tries to run over people once in the second level. Maybe dropping the 10lbs will help, but he is getting older.

by liger99 on Jul 13, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously?

Why am I having to defend our best offensive weapon and a major reason for us starting out 6-2 last year? How many times have we seen Portis turn a potential loss of yards into a 1st down?!

i never expect anything over 25 yards from him.

Then you should have been pleasantly surprised last season when he ended up tied for 3rd in the NFL for # of runs with 20+ yards. LOL

Speaking of defending CP, Marshall Faulk recently shared his opinion on who he thinks the top 5 RBs in the NFL are right now…

1st Adrian Peterson
2nd DeAngelo Williams
3rd Michael Turner
4th LaDainian Tomlinson
T-5th Maurice Jones-Drew
T-5th Brian Westbrook

CP didn’t make the list because Faulk considers him “one-dimensional” (meaning he can’t catch). The way I see it, there are 3 “dimensions” that a RB must master to be great:

Running (duh)
Blocking
Catching

CP has clearly mastered the first 2. He’s on pace to move into the top 25 for total rushing yards in the NFL this season (at age 28). As for blocking, name me a RB in this league who can block like Portis. Most DEs and OLBs have learned to respect that aspect of CP’s game. Mathias Kiwanuka sure has.

Marshall picked Adrian Peterson as his #1 RB (which I agree with it). But when you compare receiving stats from last year, it looks like this:

Adrian Peterson: 21 receptions for 125 yards (6.0 YPC) and zero TDs.

Clinton Portis: 28 receptions for 218 yards (7.8 YPC) and zero TDs.

Here’s Turner:
Michael Turner: 6 receptions for 41 yards (6.8 YPC) and zero TDs

RAK EM UP!

by VA_Skin on Jul 14, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

what’s his numbers for runs over 25?
he had ZERO runs over 40 yards, his longest run was 31 yards (which he did twice and neither were touchdowns)
yes he had 13 runs over 20 yards last year, but how many times did we givei t to him?
he had 5 rushes over 25 yards last year FIVE
thats it, and none of them he took to the house
he lacks the ability to take it to the house plain and simple

all i’m saying is that portis lacks the ability of taking it to the house
I’m completely satisfied with him in the backfield and we all know he was one of the main reasons we started off 6-2 and hopefully he can stay healthy for years to come

by travisjh86 on Jul 20, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

Clinton Portis transformed his game when he came here to play under Joe Gibbs. He no longer was a “home-run threat.” But despite his big-play ability, he has become better, in my opinion. He became exactly what a classic NFL back is supposed to be: grinding, physical, hard-working, in on nearly every play. What I touch on in my other set of questions is that I love all of those attributes except the last. I want to see Betts play more, simply because CP needs to stay on the team for as many years as possible. I say CP is better now because he has improved greatly on his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and is, as is often pointed out, one of the best blocking backs in years. He doesn’t put up quite the same numbers that he used to, but he has an impact on every play that he is on the field for, not just the plays where he is handed the ball. But I’ll say this: a team does NOT need a “home run threat” running back. Look at the Vikings. They have possibly the best running game in the league and it is basically built up around Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson — two guys who have very similar running styles. They aren’t on the same roster because they “compliment” each other with differing skill sets. They have the same skill set, and it’s the one that the Vikings’ running game is built around. Same situation with CP and Betts, as far as I see.

Look Mr. James, I lived near the Chesapeake Bay for the first 21 years of my life, at times as close as a 5 minute walk. I know about crabs. And let me tell you something about crabs: they travel every time they get in the lane.

by kseandoyle on Jul 20, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

are you saying teams don’t need a “home run threat” running back then backing it up with the vikings? because peterson is the definition of someone who can take it the distance and taylor is twice the backup betts will ever be, i have no clue why you are comparing them
i want to see betts cut, because he sucks and we don’t need a worse version of portis, we need someone to compliment him, not come in and run the same play portis could have ran just not as well
and please, portis doesn’t give 100% every play he’s in, he gets lazy sometimes and takes plays off

by travisjh86 on Jul 21, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hold on

First, Ladell Betts got over 1000 yard in 9 games a couple of years ago. How does that classify him as a bad back? Second, what I’m saying about the Vikings is that they have two backs who play the same way. They don’t have one who is a big bruiser and one who is a speedy little guy and one who is a down the hill, etc, etc… People saying that they want a home run threat on this team have been saying that they want that guy backing up CP. Therefore, they want him to specialize in one thing. I’m saying that that is a waste of a roster spot unless the guy is really really good. AP can take it all the way, but he is not a one-dimensional back, and the “home-run threat” people have been talking about is a guy who would only come in for, at most, 10-15 touches per game. Unless that guy is going to get us a first down or touchdown every time we give him the ball, what’s the point? I stand by my argument that Betts is valuable to us, if the coaches would actually give him the touches. When he’s been given the opportunity to be a real part of our offense, he has shined.
And by the way, I never said CP gives 100% every play. I said he has an impact on every play he’s on the field for. But he rarely gets lazy. Why do you think he was so mad last year when he got sat down during the Baltimore game? If he takes a play off it’s because he’s exhausted, not because he wants to wave to the camera. That guy has led the league in carries for two straight years, so how can you accuse him of being lazy?

by kseandoyle on Jul 21, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+26

RAK EM UP!

by VA_Skin on Jul 21, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes he had that good season from him but what has he done since? absolutely nothing, the only reason he had that good season was because our line was dominating, portis was on track for a ridiculous season, hasn’t done a damn thing since, you’ll say lack of carries or whatever but maybe they’d give him more touches if he actually showed he could contribute? he has a tendancy to fumble although he’s gotten better, but we still should have traded betts after that season and gotten some value for him, and to be quite frank he doesn’t do shit for us when he goes in. I’d rather have a small speedy back to back up portis. AP and chester taylor have similar styles but are still completely different RB’s. chester is twice the back up betts will be or has been and he does have the ability to take it all the way also. unlike either of our rb’s
betts is not good and we have to see what our other options at rb can do if we want to have that compliment back. i have no idea why you are trying to defend betts.
portis got pissed he got benched because it was shaun alexander going in there instead of him and rightfully so, only reason alexander was brought in was because he was a seahawk. and i’m saying he gets lazy on some of those league leading carries he has. It’s highly known how lazy portis is especially when it comes to practice. Having said that I would rather have a lazy portis than 20 100% betts, i’m happy portis is the skins RB and hope he can stick around for a long time, to do that we need a back to tack 10-15 touches a game off of him, someone other than ladell betts.

by travisjh86 on Jul 22, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Betts

has 13 career fumbles. 6 came the year he came in for CP and he only lost 3 of those. Since then he’s only had 2 fumbles. He’s only had multiple fumbles in a year 3 of his 7 seasons. You’re being way too hard on Ladell Betts. He’s not a starting quality RB, but he’s well above average for a backup.

by kseandoyle on Jul 22, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i guess you missed the part where i said “although he’s gotten better” after i said that he has a tendancy to fumble…

how do you justify him being well above average for a backup?please explain

by travisjh86 on Jul 23, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Betts

has hit the wall. He is no more than a decent passcatcher out of the backfield. I cringe whenever he gets the ball, awaiting the fumble. Not that he fumbles all the time, just at the most inopportune times. I’m hoping that Mason is able to overtake him this year.

by CJHutch on Jul 23, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Practice?!?

It’s highly known how lazy portis is especially when it comes to practice.

Now I know that [Portis is] supposed to lead by example and all that but I’m not shoving that aside like it don’t mean anything. I know it’s important, I honestly do but we’re talking about practice. We’re talking about practice man. We’re talking about practice. We’re talking about practice. We’re not talking about the game. We’re talking about practice. When you come to the arena, and you see [Portis] play, you’ve seen [him] play right[?], you’ve seen [him] give everything [he’s] got, but we’re talking about practice right now…

But seriously, Portis really won me over last year after our O-line collapsed in the 2nd half of the season. He was injured and declared “doubtful” for like 4 weeks straight (I know because I had him on one of my fantasy teams), but CP willed himself to play and really showed his grit and toughness.

A lot of people (B. Mitch) really don’t like it when Portis takes himself out of the game to rest for a play. I don’t have a problem with it. Like you said, he needs another RB who can step in and take away like 15-20 touches. And that other RB needs to do it more effectively than Betts (especially in the red zone). I would love to see Mason beat out Betts in training camp.

RAK EM UP!

by VA_Skin on Jul 22, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so wait, are we talking about practice?

ha dude, here it is i too believe that he is a tough guy and a great hard working (on the field) guy, but occasionally when he’s on the field it seems to me that he isn’t hitting the holes 100% or getting to the outside 100% and just looking sluggish (and not because of injuries), when on other plays (and the majority of them) you can tell he’s giving it all he’s got

i’m not trying to bust on portis or anything, he’s a damn good player and i’m more than happy to have him

by travisjh86 on Jul 23, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Practice...

http://www.youtube.com/AI/practice/remix//

RAK EM UP!

by VA_Skin on Jul 27, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1. Malcolm Kelly on offense, Laron Landry on D

2. No. He will be our best corner since Darrell left.

3. Lorenzo Alexander

4. Probably Orakpo, but I’d like to see Wilson convert smoothly and win it, with BO starting at DE.

5. O-line and/or Zorn

by CJHutch on Jul 11, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wow, hall best corner since green left?
thats a pretty ballsy claim

by travisjh86 on Jul 13, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It sure is hell more accurate than saying Rogers is.

by Elaw6 on Jul 13, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

in terms of shut down or int’s?
either way i disagree

by travisjh86 on Jul 13, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are missing

the part where I said “WILL BE”. His only competition in that category is Springs, but Springs wasn’t on the field enough.

by CJHutch on Jul 13, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well he better be with the money snyder’s paying him

by travisjh86 on Jul 15, 2009 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

why does

everyone assume a player gets worse after signing a contract? I’ll give you that it usually goes that way for us, but it’s not always that way. I personally feel Hall would like to get back into the discussion of “top 5 CB’s in the league.”

by CJHutch on Jul 23, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he might want to get back into the discussion for personal reasons but not team wise
and i doubt he’ll ever be top 5 corner in the league

by travisjh86 on Jul 24, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

THE ANSWERS

1. Reed Doughty
2. No, but we will regret not trading Carlos “butterfingaz” Rogers
Fat Mike Williams
Rocky apple Macintosh
Jason Campbells, Jim Zorns, but NOT CP’s

by Elaw6 on Jul 12, 2009 2:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think

1. I can’t believe I am saying this…Jason Campbell…but in a good way.
2. Certainly not.
3. Not sure who would be “to everyone’s surprise” But Chase Daniels won’t make it. Hopefully, another team will scoop him up, and he will develop well.
4. Orakpo is most likely, but I’d like to see Blades on the field more.
5. If they disappoint thi year, it will be becasue of the same person I picked to surprise, Jason Campbell

ARMY STRONG

by JustinU804 on Jul 12, 2009 3:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

5 answers

1. Surprise player – Malcolm Kelly
2. No regrets – Comes back strong and hungry
3. Either Philip Daniels or Renaldo Wynn
4. Marcus Washington after he re-signs
5. Coach Zorn

by stl skinzfan on Jul 13, 2009 8:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Zone Blocking and the Redskins

Va_Skin that was a good link – Zone blocking. From "Daily Slop: Scratchin". CP was not the ball carrier in most of those zone blocking schemes according to this article.

By comparison to the Skins, the Eagles have by far the heaviest offensive line. Does anyone know about their use of zone blocking? How much substance is there to the article? Denver does have lighter offensive linemen.

by Jefferson1935 on Jul 13, 2009 12:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1. Campbell – Zorn will be crisper/quicker with the play calling, allowing for adjustments to be made at the line instead of sloppily rushing to the line and allowing the D to jump the count. Plus our D will put Campbell in position to succeed more often this year. A lot of Skins fans think that Campbell sucks, so he will be a big surprise to most even if he just takes a small step forward due to Zorn being a better OC and the D getting more turnovers.
2. Doubtful – Hall will benefit from an improved pass rush.
3. Betts due to age/salary, was thinking Lorenzo Alexander or Chris Wilson, but they are young and cheaper.
4. Orakpo and Blades will share the strong side with Orakpo moving to end on passing downs. Blades will not play on passing downs, prob see Barnes come in for him as the nickel db. I think we are lacking LBs that can cover well, so Barnes (who is bigger) will play more…Moore will be in the mix too.
5. The only way I see the Skins doing poorly this year is if the D disappoints. We placed our bankroll on the D and I expect them to produce. The NFL averaged 4+ defensive scores per team last year and it is a crime that we got a big fat zero. Four defensive scores last year would have changed the entire season. 22 turnovers and 24 sacks is not going cut it this year (NFL average 28 turnovers and 32 sacks). Moving up to just the league averages on defense should net the Skins a few more wins this year even if the offense repeats their crappy play. Haynesworth is the key here, he needs to play well enough to command double teams and we should at least creep up to the NFL defensive averages. I know his injury history is a concern, but when looking at his games played it should be noted that he was suspended 5 games in 2006 with 11 games played…he also sat out a meaningless game last year when he could have played. That is only 4 games missed in three years due to injury. It is also nearly the same defense as last year without him (no spring and washington, add orakpo and hall).

by liger99 on Jul 13, 2009 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs