Friday Night "Mights": Redskins vs Rams - My Bold Predictions

by Sugar on Sep 18, 2009 2:30 PM EDT in Analysis Comment 43 comments

This is the week Brian Orakpo makes it onto Sportscenter.

I got a bit harassed after last Friday's edition of the "Mights". First of all, I was 0-5. Secondly, some of my predictions were simply not bold enough by my own standards as well as those of some of our most ardent commenters (TheOverLordMarshl). As much as I hate being wrong, I hate being anything less than bold even more. Please note: the "Mights" pre-suppose victory and indicate those things which would either likely or hopefully occur if and when the Redskins are operating on all cylinders against their opponent on any given Sunday.

1) Jason Campbell: 300+ yards, 3+ touchdowns - This pick is officially NOT based on any indication or predicton of JC's skills. I firmly believe the entire coaching staff/organization is at a crossroads right now. This week is going to quickly turn into a referendum on the state of the franchise. Jim Zorn must weigh carefully the "play-it-safe" philosophy against a team he knows he has to walk away from with a win versus establishing his offense's identity through riskier play-calling that he would otherwise not employ against a better team than the Rams. My gut tells me he is going to feel compelled to do the latter. I envision a day where Campbell puts 40 balls in the air. This should result in weighty stats for JC and a sigh of relief (albeit a brief sigh) from the Redskins' faithful.

2) Redskins defense scores a touchdown - This season is desperate to put itself on the map. At #4 overall last year, the Redskins were the only top 5 defense not to make the playoffs. The lack of big plays--i.e. turnovers and sacks--kept them from emerging onto the NFL landscape and the everyday fan's radar. This week is a perfect chance to impose their will on an opponent in a way that shows up in the scoreboard, stat box, and Sportscenter.

3) Santana Moss: 9 catches, 150 yds, 2 TDs - If last week's Giants' game was the dating equivalent of having your heart trampled on by the love of your life, this week's Rams' game is our rebound chick. You know, the girl at the bar who is determined to get as bombed as you intend to get and is willing to get freaky with a dude she just met. In football terms, she is going to let you catch 9 balls for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.

4) Fred Davis: first NFL touchdown - It might come at the end of the game, in a meaningless play that adds points and disrespect to the final tally of the game. But Fred Davis has been getting on the field, and at some point in this game, the Rams are going to forget to cover him. I even have the perfect touchdown celebration for him: put the ball down and pretend it is a pillow and then pretend to take a nap on it. Come on!

5) Brian Orakpo: 2+ sacks - It might have too bold to pick this last week, but it is just bold enough for this game. Orakpo should cut his teeth in a major way against the Rams. It would be extra bold of him to throw in a turnover as well, but if he gets two sacks, I would be ecstatic.

There you have it. Where am I way off? What are your predictions and what is the final score of this game?

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So, you have the Redskins scoring 88 points?

I think these are a lot more reasonable than last week. Orakpo getting 2 sacks might be the hardest one since the Rams have some good O-line man. They haven’t played much together tho, so perhaps not.

I foresee Cooley having a MONSTER day. Cooley vs Rookie LBs = WIDE OPEN.

by KevinE on Sep 18, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Your Fred Davis obsession lumbers on

by smutsboy1 on Sep 18, 2009 2:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Isn't it more like

slumbers on?

Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!

by bigbluethruandthru on Sep 19, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

zing!

by smutsboy1 on Sep 19, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say this

is Kelly’s coming out party. I’m thinkin he’s gonna end up with more yards than Moss.

Also, I hope the O-line is geared up. There D-line is not to be overlooked with Leonard Little and Chris Long.

by CJHutch on Sep 18, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and

PLEASE guard Donnie Avery!!

by CJHutch on Sep 18, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You Forgot One Prediction

What will Stacks best shotgun time be on Sunday? So far his personal best is 4.09 seconds.

by Kurtstack on Sep 18, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I see a personal record!

Stacks holds, in his hand and his heart, the KEYS to our victory.

by Sugar on Sep 18, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another Prediction

Incognito gets ejected.

by KevinE on Sep 18, 2009 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

before or after

Big Al punks him. I heard he was talking smack about Haynesworth too, but I can’t find it anywhere. Anyone know what he said?

by CJHutch on Sep 18, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Richie Incognito said He knows how to beat Haynesworth. Since it’s so hot in DC this time of year Haynesworth will be tired by the 3rd quarter. He won’t last the whole game and a no huddle/ hurry up pace would sideline him

by Elaw6 on Sep 18, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure it was the Rams center who said that

I doubt Incognito has the reasoning abilities to come up with that.

by BayAreaBullet on Sep 18, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it hasn't been hot here in a while.

so now what’s his plan.

I'm to young to Die Danny...don't make me do it tomorrow....

by Rekka on Sep 18, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I know Jason Brown said that. He said he knows from when he was with the Ravens and they played Tennessee. But I heard that Incognito said something as well.

by CJHutch on Sep 18, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"This mofo here is rabid....."

I appreciate the ackowledgement of my froth-filled jowls as it pertains to my beloved Redskins. Sugar, these are a tad better predictions than last weeks, and i like how you state:

Please note: the “Mights” pre-suppose victory and indicate those things which would either likely or hopefully occur if and when the Redskins are operating on all cylinders

It sounds like a solid disclaimer but i dont believe you will need a disclaimer for such MEAGER predictions!!!

My bold predictions are as folows:

1. Spagnuolo gets vomited on his way to the locker rooms at half time down by 35 points.

2. #’s 11, 12, 84, and 86 either have at least 1 TD or a make a catch that is major play to set a TD up

3. Leonard Little is ironically hit and killed by a drunk driver on Saturday night, who in turn is also a chronic alcoholic and is good friend of mine, “J” Gutweiler. (I wont throw him under the bus entirely, though i will make sure he gets hammered on Saturday night)

4. Hanyesworth steps on Richie Incognitos groin in route to a sack. Incognito’s vocal chords are perpetually tightened to a high C sharp

5. Orakpo embarasses Jason Smith, blowing him up and pushing him around like a rag doll. End result: 5 sacks; He is the reason I skim by and beat my brother in fantasy (whos team consits of AP and Brees)

by TheOverLordMarshl on Sep 18, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Solid

by dr WNC on Sep 18, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Portis....Portis.....Portis

All day long….He goes for 128 yds and 2 td’s

by tmarine17 on Sep 18, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll take bold prediction #2 for the win Alex

I'm to young to Die Danny...don't make me do it tomorrow....

by Rekka on Sep 18, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If Campbell passes 40 times,

then I predict that we lose.

by artmonk4ever on Sep 18, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Last week the Seahawks had 70 total offensive plays

Hasselbeck threw two picks that probably cost their offense roughly 5 or more plays too.

40 passes, 35 rushes would be acceptable to me, if it is clear that Zorn is trying to get something going through the air.

by Sugar on Sep 18, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should have made sure that it was clear...

Seahawks played the Rams last week.

by Sugar on Sep 18, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought the Rams played the Seahawks last week

by dr WNC on Sep 18, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

300 / 40 = 7.5.... Not Good Enough!

1. Campbell throws for 300 yds, 3 passing tds. Throws less than 30 times, making his yards per attempt somewhere in the double digits.

2. Defense Shuts Them Out! Has any team ever been shut out 2 weeks in a row?

by DCtoAustralia on Sep 18, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If he is 30 of 40 though....

That is 10 yds per completion. That would be decent. But I hear you…maybe I should have made it 350 yds!

by Sugar on Sep 18, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Might as well make it 400 yards

by bigrm18 on Sep 18, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

More REASONABLE Prediction

Buddy of mine (a long suffering Lions fan) had this same discussion earlier today (like, two hours ago).

Washington 34, Rams 13. JC 270 yds, 3 TDs, 1 Int – Calls for his head continue, because he didn’t put up 300.
TDs for Cooley, El, and Kelley. Leading receiver is Moss, but no TD; he’s doubled in the redzone, but he’s the reason we get to the redzone. Portis goes 92 yards, TD. Betts gets another 40. Portis pulls down two passes on his own.
Defense gets three turnovers off the Rams, 1 Int, 2 FF. Orakpo gets 1/2 sack, Haynesworth gets 1, Daniels gets 1, Horton gets 1/2. Hall with the pick, BTW. Redskins 3/4 in the redzone (though only one play was in the redzone for the series they don’t get the TD), but they’re perfect with FGs.

Rams total 218 yards for the game, but they do have one long return on a kickoff (40+ yards returned) which is the key to the one TD they pick up. Bulger spends a LOT of time being pressured.

Not as bold, but mine are the more likely.

by BillWard on Sep 18, 2009 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Realistic Predictions:

5. Redskins Defense gets 3 sacks
4. Redskins offense scores a minimum of 24 points but no more than 28
3. Jim Zorn’s play calling is truly balanced. By that i mean he’s not erratic and not lackluster.
2. D.Hall to the house (I’d say Carlos Rogers to the house but he can’t catch a cold standing butt-naked in 22 degree weather)
1. Orakpo actually shows up to Fedex Field this sunday with a pass defended, assist on a sack, and crushing hit on Steven Jackson

Since Jim Zorn’s been coach the Redskins haven’t beat a team by a double digit margin.

by Elaw6 on Sep 18, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

foot[ball] in mouth

Rogers will catch his first of 9 INTs this season (on his way to the Pro Bowl), and celebrate by throwing the ball into the stands. The cameraman will pan up into the crowd and zoom into Elaw6’s face where the football is perfectly lodged, nose first, in his mouth…

Needless to say, Elaw6 will then become Carlos Rogers #1 fan.

by VA_Skin on Sep 19, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 dropped picks 8 more to go

Rogers couldn’t even catch that fumble that hit his hands.

by Elaw6 on Sep 20, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

THIS GAME WILL NOT BE A BLOW OUT

I think you guys are being a little delirious by thinking the redskins will score 30+ points.
Correct me if need be but i don’t think the Skins exceeded 24 points last season….and we only obtained 24 points in the last game of the season.

Do you guys honestly believe the Rams are just going to lay down? On the flip side do you honestly believe the Redskins are just going to showcase a high-octane offense that hasn’t been seen since Mark Rypien was dropping bombs to the Fun Bunch?

by Elaw6 on Sep 18, 2009 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Correction

We scored 29 points against the Saints
26 points against Dallas
25 against Detroit
and we got 24 points on two occasions
once against Arizona and against the 49ers
23 points against the Eagles

by bigrm18 on Sep 18, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am corrected

Tip of the hat

by Elaw6 on Sep 18, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Drawn and Quartered.

by TheOverLordMarshl on Sep 18, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately you are hitting on a valid point

This will be an easy game for us if we score touchdowns instead of field goals. If we continue to pussyfoot around in the red zone, the game will be closer than we would like and keep the rams in the game. In the detroit game last year we attempted 5 fgs where one or two more tds instead would have created a blowout. Anything can happen if the game stays close. Red zone execution and playcalling will be big in this game as well as for all games this season.

by liger99 on Sep 19, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

we have all

the TALENT to score 30+. It’s like a bridge we need to cross. Once Zorn uses the rest of the playbook, puts more trust in Campbell, and runs plays for everyone, WE CAN DO IT!!! Then it will be 30+ the REST OF THE YEAR!!! We’re gonna average 36.7 points a game, while giving up 16 for the next 4 weeks. I’m getting so excited while writing this I’m actually shitting as I type. WHERE’ MY BEER??

by CJHutch on Sep 19, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our lack of defensive turnovers and defensive scoring has held us back from getting 30+. I think we get it tomorrow! My gut tells me that Zorn is sensing that he needs to open things up more and take some risks.

by liger99 on Sep 19, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like

how BIG your gut is thinks. You should buy it a beer.

by CJHutch on Sep 19, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who's More Hungry?

I don’t believe the Rams are going to lay down. But I do believe our team feels like it has a few things to prove this week:

We embarrassed ourselves when we lost to the Rams last season. This time I’m sure the guys will be making sure they don’t overlook St. Louis.

We are coming off a hard fought loss against a division team. The team knows that if they are going to be seen as legit in the playoff hunt, they must not come out flat for this game. We can’t start 0-2.

With all the talk about underperformance and some fans saying they played soft last week, these guys will be pissed off and ready to make a statement.

Basically I just think the Skins players are hungry for a win right now. More hungry than St. Louis. I don’t think it’s too unlikely that we come out and dominate them this Sunday.

by DCtoAustralia on Sep 18, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough, but if it does happen (30+ points), then you should chew off what tiny balls you have left, including your sack and feed it to your one of your numerous stray cats. I hope you are wrong because hopefully you’ll shut up and stop being Andy Polin. Needle dick pessimistic douche bag.

by TheOverLordMarshl on Sep 18, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

we were only 3 touchdowns shy of 30 points….realistic, not pessimistic

by Elaw6 on Sep 20, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blow Out

The Skins Team We Have Been Waiting To See!!!

by joeyjust4u2 on Sep 18, 2009 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand

“At #4 overall last year, the Redskins were the only top 5 defense not to make the playoffs. The lack of big plays—i.e. turnovers and sacks—kept them from emerging onto the NFL landscape and the everyday fan’s radar.”

How were you a top five defense with a lack of big plays? Did you hold teams to low points?

2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: 11-5

by Grady90 on Sep 20, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

When defenses in the league are ranked, they’re ranked by the amount of yards they give up. We gave up 288.8 yards a game which made us 4th best. We gave up 18.5 points per game which was 6th best in the league last year. When you realize that we didn’t have a lot of the “big plays” that makes our defense all the more special IMO. Imagine if we were or are now able to create the big plays.

Look here for yourself

http://www.nfl.com/stats/team?seasonId=2008&seasonType=REG&Submit=Go

by bigrm18 on Sep 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs