Snide Debate: Who Needs to Step Up More? Kareem Moore or Devin Thomas?
by Kevin Ewoldt on Aug 20, 2010 9:47 AM EDT
in Redskins Analysis
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PrintWashington Examiner columnist Rick Snider's first Redskins story was in 1983 and his work can be found at the WashingtonExaminer.com and TheRickSniderReport.com.
"Who's more important to the team in terms of stepping up...Kareem Moore or Devin Thomas?"
Snider: Devin Thomas is more important. Kareem Moore has improved tremendously over camps and will be a decent player, but there are playmakers around him to compensate if he has a bad game. Thomas doesn't. Thomas will be a 40-50 catch player this season, but the Redskins don't have a third receiver to bail him out if playing poorly.
Kevin: As crucial as it is for Thomas to step up, the Free Safety position is much more important. If a team wants to be a Super Bowl contender, you gotta have a play-maker there. Troy Polamalu, Bob Sanders, Ed Reed, Darren Sharper, Rodney Harrison, John Lynch...all 1st class safeties and huge reasons for those teams' success. Look no further than the 2009 Redskins to see how a poor Free Safety affects the teams. Drives are extended and lack of turnovers wears a team down. Devin Thomas is definitely needed, especially if Moss goes down, but Kyle Shanahan can exploit mismatches with Moss, Portis, Cooley, Davis, and the slew of other WRs.
Snider: But if Moore makes mistakes, and he will, then the corners can compensate. If Thomas makes a mistake, it's a wasted play or a turnover. Your side is about avoiding negatives and mine's about finding positive plays. Without Thomas playing well, the defense rolls over on Moss just like they have the last two years and goodbye long passing game.
Kevin: Kareem is the last line of defense. There's no one behind him, so if he makes a mistake, it's a TD. Frankly, we need our offense to do well. The more drives McNabb has the better, and the way Kareem has been intercepting balls in camp so far, he can be a big part of making that happen. Shanahan can always rotate guys in and out and make adjustments based on the D he's facing. You can't do that with a Free Safety. Check. Mate.
Snider: If you're so quick to grab the check, lunch is on you next time. You can wipe some of that egg off your face from once saying I was nuts for backing Galloway in our early debates.
Well, the bet was Galloway would have 30 catches, but I think my under is still looking good.
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DOUBTING THOMAS
Tough question, guys…and a good one…..however, for the ’Skins to really improve this year, I say Thomas stepping up his game would make the biggest difference.
While I don’t think Moore can be considered in the same breath as Polamalu, Reed, et al., the comments coming out of Ashburn about him have been pretty positive.
That said, if Thomas were to (finally) become a bona fide THREAT opposite Moss, it would not only open things up for Moss, it would make covering the two WRs plus Cooley & Davis & a running back next to impossible.
Of course, the MOST IMPORTANT “stepping up” will be the O-line. If they come together, good things could be closer than I’d have ever thought a few months ago.
What a difference 8 months makes.
Of course, the MOST IMPORTANT "stepping up" will be the O-line. If they come together, good things could be closer than I’d have ever thought a few months ago.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
good question....
I think the crux of the biscuit here is that we need them both to step up and be at least solid. Taken to extremes this question is like asking “if we could bring back Art Monk or Sean Taylor who would you pick?:” I will be happy if they both just look solid and dependable. If you ask me who I would rather become and elite player for the next 8-10 years I’ll take Moore……who can help us most this year? Thomas.
I realize this isn't your point, but Sean Taylor in a heartbeat!
"if we could bring back Art Monk or Sean Taylor who would you pick?"
Only because of the tragedy ... if bringing him back could change that then ABSOLUTELY
- is in Canton, #21 looked to be finally moving his career towards Canton. I don’t think the question is cut & dried for #21. I do agree with MagicHat – I want both!
NO WAY, JOSE!
Taylor died young. A shame. Monk was consistently GREAT. (And never spit in anyone’s face.) No contest. MONK!
I agree with Kevin here
As we witnessed in the preseason game, McNabb has the ability to spread the ball around and make no-names (Armstrong) show up in the box score. We need DT to step up. But if he doesn’t, McNabb will find someone else. If Moore doesn’t live up to all of the training camp hype again, then it’s back to watching Landry play out of position.
The Shanahans and Haslett will try and exploit other teams weakness.
Of course, the opposite is also true. Other teams’ coaches will try to exploit the Skins’ weaknesses.
The Skins’ OLBs may well be the Skins greatest weakness and these positions are important to make the 3-4 defense work.
The pass coverage skills of the Skins OLBs is lacking. No doubt that Orakpo will still be a great pass rusher. As a 4-3 DE,
Carter had better overall skills than Orakpo, particularly on run defense. That part of Orakpo’s game will improve. Carter’s
limitations were already showing against the Bills, even though MK wouldn’t criticize him. Alexander may take over the LOLB position and a trade for Carter would be good to a team with a 4-3 defense.
McNabb’s past history with an inadequate receiver corp was good. That plus KS innovative skills should minimize concerns over D Thomas or any 3rd WR. The two TE sets will also help the passing and running game – play action.
Incidentally, the Bills did alright against the Colts.
The Bills kick cover still was not good, but their pass coverage was excellent during the 1st quarter while P Manning was playing.
The implication may be that the Skins-Bills game was a better sign of the Skins quality than many have thought. We will get a better idea against the Ravens on Saturday.
by Jefferson1935 on Aug 20, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I would like to believe that implication, but I can't....
Just because it is the Colts (I wonder if division rival fans call them the clits) Over the last 5 years they have been in the superbowl twice, won once and the Patriots were their only rival for a long time. They are in the nice position of only having to replace one or two important players (on each side of the ball) per year, an enviable position indeed. Preseason runs at 3/4 speed for them. Add to that the Bills being blown out by “the lowly” Washington Redskins, they are searching for pride here. We have the Ravens and the Jets coming up……..I like 4-16 much better that 2-18, I think it is necessary. (different subject I know.)
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