Tiller's Dollars and Cents: Redskins Rookies vs. Buffalo
by Tiller56 on Aug 14, 2010 10:07 AM EDT
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PrintMost rookies need to impress during the preseason, some to earn playing time, others to make the team. In Friday night’s win over Buffalo, the Redskins rookies entered a little wet behind the ears, but emerged as cool as the other side of the pillow.
Here is a look at how our rookies fared.
Trent "Silverback" Williams - Williams certainly lived up to the hype against the Bills, but lets try to remember, it was just the Bills. Either way, he was facing NFL caliber talent, and did more than just hold his own; he dominated. He looked like a man-child on the field, excelling in both the run and passing game. He showed excellent mobility and footwork for a man 6’5" 315 pounds. He did not allow a defender near his quarterback, which is saying something when your up against the speed of an Aaron Maybin. I was also impressed with his ability to pull around the end on the lead run, or as some like to call it, "student body left". He also showed excellent mobility getting to the second level on the linebackers. Overall I would grade his performance as an A.
Perry Riley - The linebacker from LSU was the most impressive rookie on the field for the Redskins. He was all over the field, both as a middle linebacker and on special teams. He showed excellent speed and flow to the football on run plays, and was even more impressive in the passing game, showing the staff he definitely has the ability to play in space. I watched him a few times take a step up on play-action, and figured he would never recover to get downfield to cover the seam, but he proved me wrong every time. Not only was he able to recover quickly, but he was also in position to defend the middle of the field. We just may have gotten a steal when we drafted Riley.
Brandon Banks - The undrafted rookie showed the explosion that we have been lacking in the return game since as far back as I can remember. I can’t say we have ever had a player with this type of speed on our football team (maybe Darrell Green). He looked excellent on punt returns. His 77 yard touchdown made others around him look like they were running in quicksand. I am interested to see what he can do on kickoff returns if given the opportunity. I hope Banks sticks around, because that kind of speed and quickness in the return game can be a huge boost to the Redskins.
Terrence Austin - Austin showed good ability in both the return game, and as a wide receiver. He was close to breaking a few punt returns. He also showed surprising toughness going over the middle of the field as a receiver. His big play ability, and toughness should help him earn a spot on the 53 man roster. I am interested to see him play a little more in the slot over the next couple preseason games. If he can distinguish himself as a legitimate receiving threat, we may have found a diamond in the rough with our 7th round draft choice.
Overall, I was impressed with how our young guys played on Friday night. I am interested to see Morris, Cook and Capers throughout the rest of the preseason. If our young guys can not only provide quality depth, but contribute in all facets of the game, we have an exciting young nucleus to build for our future.
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It was just buffalo & it was just preseason however
This is the expected result that you want when playing an inferior opponent. I mean look at the easy schedule last year and how we dicked that all up.
I was most happiest to see the team get in and out of the huddle with no issues. I enjoyed seeing the entire team hustle throughout the game as well. Shanny is having an impact. Grossman looked like he could keep our heads above water should McNabb go down.
It was an altogether great team performance. Let’s not punch our tickets to the show yet, but this is the first step you wanted to see!
Hail!
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 Aug 14, 2010 10:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
WELL, NOT QUITE.....
Overall, I agree….However, Williams DID allow a defender near his QB….in fact Maybin would have been credited with a sack if he hadn’t hit McNabb in the head (and gotten called for roughing the passer)…..Riley was WILDLY out of position at times, but does show speed….and speaking of speed….Banks has a ton of it….but at 5-foot-nothing, I shudder to think what might happen to him if he ever gets HIT…..(Run, Forrest…or Brandon…Run!)
Still, there were some very encouraging signs.
Not a sack
on the roughing the passer call, McNabb had already gotten rid of the ball, fwiw.
I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong.... except when someone else beats me to it.
by Backhanded Complement on Aug 14, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
What does Banks size have to do with getting hit? You don’t think he ever got hit hard playing Big 12 football?
by Parks Smith on Aug 15, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
It was not just the rookies.
Other young skill players looked good. The two RBs, Torain and K Williams, and numerous WRs made the depth at those positions something for optimism. In other words the Skins may not need to wait for the 2011 draft.
There still does seem to be a need for better depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
Buffalo is not going to win many games this year...
and it was just a pre-season game. Getting the rookies on the field to get their feet wet and to see what decisions the coaching staff has. I see some positive signs at any rate and still will wonder about Thomas and hope that he can get better at his route running. A bigger test comes with the Ravens defense coming up this week and we will know if are rookies are learning anything. No injuries on our side is a plus sign considering years past.
TRUE, TRUE
The Ravens WILL be a much better barometer. I’ll admit I was thrilled last night that with Heyer subbing for Jammal Brown, there was no pressure on the QB from that side….it will be interesting to see how Brown/Heyer fare against a D like Baltimore’s.
Torain was a stud
and I was really impressed by the the entire team’s effort and execution the whole game.
Perry Riley’s sack with Haynesworth taking up three blockers was awesome to behold. But like TeeL said, he did get caught out on a 3rd down reception that ended up getting big yards.
DT needs to step it up. He definitely didn’t do himself any favors by muffing the opening kickoff.
Just the preseason, I know, but it is so freaking sweet to have the Redskins back in my life.
He did do himself a favor by getting seperation on the 44 yd TD
For me that outweighs a possible buck fever adrenaline surge on the opening kickoff of a long season. I’m not sold on Thomas, but I would call the game yesterday a net positive for him.
He did redeem himself with the TD
but he also dropped a couple passes and ran some poor routes. I really want Devin to make this team, but if he is going to be our #2 receiver he needs to leave no doubt about it when he’s up against 2nd and 3rd stringers.
I feel like Shanahan keeping Devin on the 3rd line is a lot like him putting Albert as a backup. Devin has the ability to be a playmaker, but he has to earn it.
I wanna see
Torain EARN the #2 job. I will be ecstatic if a young buck can move past some of the older, “bigger name” players ahead of him.
Willie has to show so much...
Shanahan said that he will get the start in the Jets game. That is a tough task to run on that defense. Torain looked great and williams was awesome with the 2 touchdowns. Awesome game all around.
Larry Johnson also
Apparently LJ will get a start in one of the preseason games too. So we will get to see all of the OLD 3 debut with the 1st string at some point. But Torain and Williams both look promising so far.
AGREED...BUT
While Torain and Keiland Williams looked good, I do feel sorry for Johnson & Parker. I mean, I think Shanahan is right in saying you can’t judge a RB by 3-4 plays, but running against the Bills in their first season using the 3-4, has to be an easier task than running against Ray Lewis and the Ravens…..which is what Johnson and Parker will be doing…..
I think there was plenty to be happy about last night
Riley just might have been the biggest story. As you said, he was all over the field. Not sure he might be the biggest steal out of the draft though. I’m interested in seeing what all the other rookies do for the rest of the preseason.
IMO the best story about last night was what wasn’t mentioned much last night, Stephon Heyer! He played very good. perhaps with the coaching change and all we could be seeing a different player, time will tell.
I've said this before
and I’ll say it again. Heyer is a good backup and a descent spot starter at RT. I know Kevin will rip me for saying this, but I believe he was the product of a bad offensive line and bad overall system in 2009.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Agree/disagree
Heyer is a good backup and a descent spot starter at RT.
agree
I know Kevin will rip me for saying this, but I believe he was the product of a bad offensive line and bad overall system in 2009.
disagree. He was what he was. Not capable of being a full time starter
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I was at the game and there were a few things that need work.
I think it was minor things but I will like to see us play a team like the Ravens. They have a much better offense then the Bills. So, our defense will be tested.
Torain looked stunned
when he found himself in the open field on one play – did not make the most of it. He doesn’t seem very fast to me. Williams looked a little better. Shanahan explained LJ and Parker not playing, saying he didn’t want to give a guy a few plays at a time, preferring to give each guy a good number of plays so he could get in a rhythm. So LJ and Parker will get their chances. I was surprised they put Beck in there – he wasn’t ready.
Beck's mechanics looked awful
But I still think it was a good idea to sit Grossman. We aren’t really in a position to lose him if/when McNabb gets hurt again.
Considering the fact that Torain hadn’t played in what, 2 years(?), I thought he did a helluva job.
MAYBE WE SHOULD TRY GLEN BECK?
I agree. John Beck did not look good. He had more balls batted than one of theNationals pitchers…..maybe because he’s so new to the system….but he seemed to throw some sidearm. That said, I think Shanahan is better qualified to make that decision than I am. (Though Iwould love to see Ray Lewis blitz up the middle and level GLEN Beck!)
Beck looked awful. Even just his mechanics and body language
This is what, his 4th training camp, and he still walks around like a rookie.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Considering all of the new faces
and the OL and defensive system changes, I was shocked at how well they played. The first offensive and defensive series were a little rough, but Shanahan/Haslett made some adjustments and got the team on track. You know if that was Zorn out there trying to manage things, it would have been one giant CF.
I expected more positive comments
I think everyone is cautious which is understandable. The truth is, they had an inferior opponent and they blew them out which is good. I was surprised with the quality of our receivers. All of them looked good. Moss and Galloway did nothing, but didn’t need to. Thomas had one drop but caught everything else including a touchdown. I wonder if this means Galloway is for sure making the roster seeing he didn’t play much; like the other starters. Receiver and running back is going to be a tough choice for the coaching staff as far as who makes the team. Cooley looked good, Fred Davis looked good, the first team defense looked good with the exception of a few long runs. The second team everything was great. They dominated Buffalo’s second team which means we could have some depth people. Grossman played great but was fortunate that he didn’t have two passes picked.
Lastly Banks has to make this team. He will be primarily a return man b/c of his size, but allowing his size to stop us from giving him a roster spot is nonsense. Use him where he can excel. We haven’t had a great return game since Brian Mitchell. I am intersted to see what happens with the RB’s. My thought is LJ or Willie is gone and we keep the others, but I have a hard time choosing b/w Williams and Torain.
"Opposition in my face, trying to play the fence, I'm bigger than this dude, this don't make no sense, I Air Jordan on 'em". - K-Drama
by Sterling Platinum on Aug 14, 2010 4:02 PM EDT reply actions
It definitely makes the rest of the preseason interesting.
Austin looked like he could have broke a few returns too, more kudos to the special teams blocking than anyone.
Choosing the RBs and WRs is going to be so tough after this game. I’m really anxious to see what Johnson, Parker, and Kelly do.
And I’d like Williams or Torain to have similar dominance on one or two more games before I choose.
My guess is
Johnson and Torain are the other 2 backs we keep. Keeland, IMO, will be on the practice squad.
The wildcard in this whole mess is if Westbrook selects the Redskins on monday(he was quoted as saying he will decide then). Personally, I hope he picks Denver. I like the youth we have, and signing Westbrook would most likely assure he is due a roster spot.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Brian Westbrook
I hope so too. Bringing in another old, injury prone RB just doesn’t make any sense to me. Shanahan may have an idea though – throwing to BW on third down. But it would probably mean that neither of the rookies (Torain and Williams) make it (except maybe on the practice squad).
Thankfully Westbrook picked the 49ers!
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Malcolm Kelly
Has he been gone that long that some of us have started to forget who he is? I guess it’s understandable considering the amount of time he hasn’t been practicing or playing.
buffalo is horrible but their defense is not that bad. though i dont know how long the starters stayed on the field. and it the season is still a month away with a lot of time for everybody to work out kinks
by les boulez bomber on Aug 14, 2010 6:07 PM EDT reply actions
I know Maybin played most of the first half
This I know because I watched Williams dominate him for the entire first half : )
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
I think Maybin was still in during the 2nd half
I remember being shocked to see him still out there with the backups.
Guys....
Maybin is a backup for the Bills.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Yeah but he's not a hack.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Not this year he's not
He considered a starting OLB in their new 3-4 defense. This was part of the reason they parted ways with Schobel.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
After watching Miami-TampaBay, the Skins were performing efficiently for their first game on offense.
The Bills’ offense might look better in the regular season. They were missing several OL starters.
by Jefferson1935 on Aug 14, 2010 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Link to Buffalo Ramblings - http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/8/14/1622844/bills-defense-stays-vanilla-in-pre
by Jefferson1935 on Aug 15, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
According to Rabach
our offensive was very Vanilla too.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Dennis Morris
Did Dennis Morris play
by Wizardsfan35 on Aug 15, 2010 12:15 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I saw him playing...
Solitaire with a iPAD on the sidelines.
The report on him was that he was supposed to be Mr. wonderful and play two or three positions.
Turns out he doesn’t have the football smarts to learn even one position. I bet the only time we see him play is late in the third and fourth preseason games, unless he makes some outstanding plays then, I don’t think he will make the team unless there is an injury to Vickers (or Paulson).
The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button
by Skins Fan '77 on Aug 15, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Buffalo is awful but in the preseason that's irrelevant
Watching pre season is the opposite of real football: it’s all about individual play. You want to see how guys do one on one. How they handle their assignments and the mental game. See if they make plays.
So that’s why I’m happy about the game, regardless of opponent. Lots of guys looked I thought. Torain and the other RB. Perry Riley (played well and made mistakes). Grossman looked like a pro. Devin Thomas ran two fucking sweet routes both for catches.
But by far what I was most happy about was the OL. Hicks looked solid, and Silverback looked above solid. Looked like he had good technique and positioning. Regularly beat his man 1 on 1. He looks good. Like a goofy, good player.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
And our boy Robert Henson had a sack, right?
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Henson was flying around pretty good in the second half.
by Parks Smith on Aug 15, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't believe this
Smuts showing a bit of positivity, dare I say… optimism about this team???
Don’t tell me you’re going soft on us Smuts.
And the 2011 draft is still
months away! Who knew we could build a team without it?! :)
Actually, having said that, it’s looking (and I know it’s early) like we may have had one of the best drafts of anyone this year. Williams, Riley, Austin (Banks as a walk-on – ironic use of terminology intended), and possibly Capers all look to make the team and even be impact players. WIth Riley, we may need to seriously think about trading Carter, since I think Riley will move ahead of him on the depth chart with his speed.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
But Riley plays inside...
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Let's slow down just a tad
Actually, having said that, it’s looking (and I know it’s early) like we may have had one of the best drafts of anyone this year. Williams, Riley, Austin (Banks as a walk-on – ironic use of terminology intended), and possibly Capers all look to make the team and even be impact players. WIth Riley, we may need to seriously think about trading Carter, since I think Riley will move ahead of him on the depth chart with his speed.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I dunno
by halftime Friday I felt like someone had pulled an abscessed tooth that had been bothering me for years. It was such a great sensation. Today I feel like I can do my job and not have to do the Redskins FO job as well.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Hey, I've got a rep to uphold!
Also, if we’re not talking about team management & front office, I can be as positive as anyone.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I'm sure reality will strike
but until then I’m dancing until the fat lady sits on me…..er, well some kind of mixed metaphor, if you catch my drift.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Heyer looked pretty good
Could be Tiller is right about him. Hope so. By the way, anybody watch Kemoeatu much? How did he do? Just curious, I was watching other guys more. I don’t think Beck should be judged on that game – he literally didn’t know the plays and terminology. They were just letting him get a feel for things in garbage time, protecting Donovan and Rex.
Off topic – I know some of you sneer at Joe Theismann and think he talks too much, but he really does know the game, and often makes devastating comments. Like on Thomas and Wade not adjusting their routes to get open – to a place the QB could hit them. Several times Joe told what really happened on some seemingly routine failed plays.
I like Theismann as an announcer.
Like I’ve said, he talks to you like you understand football, which is a refreshing change from most announcers.
Sometimes he talks a little too much, and Friday he talked through a penalty announcement which nullified the play he was ‘analyzing’. But still, I’d rather have too much intelligent talk than too much moronic talk.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Agreed, but
If the Redskins get Kenny Albert as an announcer at any point in the season, we are not going to win more than six games.
I’ve always liked Joe Theismann has a color guy, he does a great job. But please, please no more of that chucklehead Kenny Albert!
The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button
by Skins Fan '77 on Aug 15, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Kenny Albert is a weird looking dude.
He kind of freaks me out, in that uncomfortable, please come to my car and have a piece of candy type of way.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Kenny Albert, Aikman, Collingsworth
Not seen him a lot, but I really like his voice, makes things seem exciting. Is he any relation to Marv Albert? I also think Troy Aikman is terrific, and not a “homer”. Very knowledgeable. Another one who really knows his stuff is Cris Cllingsworth. Seems that many of the ex-QBs (and WRs) really understand the game, and especially the passing game.
Collinsworth might be my favorite announcer. period.
And yeah, Kenny is Marv’s son.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Sports Media
the home of nepotism as an institution. I guess you can say the same for coaching as well…
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
And American society on the whole
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I thought nepotism
was generally frowned upon. Maybe not..
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
you see it in every industry, IMO
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
you see it in every industry, IMO
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I’m not a huge Theismann fan as a an announcer, he never shuts up… He’s not as bad as Moose or Aikman though
I think Aikman is one of the better announcers
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Theismann yes,
Aikman, I’ll have to respectfully disagree(eventhough he’s a Cowboy)
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
It's kinda weird
Because I almost never ever pay attention to how well or how bad an announcer is during the game. I guess I’m just too focused on the game or just don’t care. But Theismann said some things that had me scratching my head. Most notably when he said that Hurricane Katrina occurred in 2000, and when he said that we grabbed an interception, even though we were actually just returning a punt.
Like I said I don’t really care for the announcers either way, but some of the things he said were kinda odd.
I get strangely preoccupied with them
which is bad b/c most of them suck.
I like Theismann, Moose and Aikman. All are on the intelligent end of things.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
The only time
I really notice the announcers is when they’re noticeably bad or noticeably a homer for the opposing team. Other than that, everyone is pretty much “eh, whatever” for me.
Madden was one of those guys you couldn't help but notice.
God, I miss that man.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Actually, he grew tiresome for me
the last several years. Doesn’t detract from his greatness and what he’s done for the game, but you can only take so much. I do entirely respect his knowledge of the game, though.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
John Keim's report on Kemo
“Disliked: Kemoeatu was driven back on one play more than five yards. Even if it was a double team, it was surprising to see.”
This was one play, not all of his plays.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/blogs/redskins-confidential/Game-review-Redskins-defense-100690559.html?utm_source=feedburner+Redskins-Confidential&utm_medium=feed+Redskins+Confidential&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Redskins-Confidential+%28Redskins+Confidential%29%24{distribu&utm_content=%24{distributionCha&utm_term=feed%24{
by Jefferson1935 on Aug 15, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Keim's report
Really good stuff guys like me don’t usually notice. Thanks for posting. Kemo did not seem as big as I expected. When you consider the underwhelming reports on Bryant and Green, it’s a little worrisome. Speaking as a neophyte on defense, I was impressed by all the different looks on defense – much of the time I couldn’t tell what the heck they were playing – 3, 4, 2, 5 man lines. And that’s a good thing (especially for a team with no great, pure NT). It appears that the 3-4 will be one of the many things they do.
I suspect they will
really start to mix things up once the season gets going. I took it that they were doing a lot of experiments to see how each player would do for each situation and formation. After the Bill’s first drive, they seemed to do quite well for the most part.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Banks
Banks was interviewed on the Junkies this morning and said he was hit twice pretty hard in college, but got up without issue….he was blind-sided when playing receiver. Also of note was that he reported to camp at 5-6 and 139lbs. The Skins bulked him up to 151. He was timed at 4.24 sec in the 40 during his pro day at K State, this was his best time ever. He also said that he has never raced Chris Johnson as it is rumored that Banks beat him twice in a race…he did hang out with Johnson at East Carolina a few times. Oh, and the Junkies were discussing with their Redskins reporter (forget his name) that Banks has the edge on Austin b/c it would be more likely that Banks would get pickup from the practice squad by another team based on his speed.
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