Handicapping the Redskins

by Skin Patrol on Jul 20, 2007 2:24 PM EDT

As an admitted degenerate gambler, I don't know how I missed this Pro Football Weekly handicapper focus on the NFC East. Truth be told, there are some things that are worth missing about this article. Of note:

Key veteran additions: OT Jason Fabini, MLB London Fletcher, CB Jason Macklin, CB Fred Smoot, S Omar Stoutmire, OL Ross Tucker.

Key veteran losses: SS Adam Archuleta, OG Derrick Dockery, RB T.J. Duckett, TE Christian Fauria, PK John Hall, OT Jim Molinaro, WR David Patten, CB Troy Vincent, CB Kenny Wright.

I don't know if Ross Tucker and Fabini are "key". I do know that the losses of Adam Archuleta and Kenny Wright are "key", though not in the sense that the author probably intended. Anyways, here's how we did against Vegas:

2006 Record (Straight-Up): 5-11

2006 Against the Spread: 5-9-2

2006 Over-Under: 7-8-1

Mike Wilkening suspects this team could be good if JC plays well and the defense rebounds around London Fletcher. Our puss rush and growing pains under The Mustache would be reasons against betting on your 'Skins. Nothing earth-shattering there. He does remind on one interesting point, that I hadn't commented on much:

Wilkening's opening line: Four of Washington's first six games are at home, and I won't at all be surprised if Redskins are one of the surprise hits of the first half of the season. Whether that momentum carries into the holiday season is another issue altogether.

Reader(s), is that a blessing or a burden? I say blessing, as those four home games are Miami, Giants, Detroit, and Arizona -- all very winnable. Our road game against the Eagles is tough, but @ Green Bay does not intimidate. Anytime you're developing a young quarterback, it's best to start the season soft says I, and ease him into the tough games with a bunch of confidence builders.

After that first 6 games things get brutal, with 4 of the next 5 on the road against the likes of New England, the Jets, and Dallas. Our schedule closes managably enough, with only Chicago at home a truly scary game. @ Giants, @ Minnesota, and @ Tampa Bay don't seem so tough, though it is still July.

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Comments

KEY LOSSES!

The only key lose i see is Dockery. Everyone else was either injured often,did not fit well into the system which we can also say they were not very good, was a backup and rarely played, or just plain sucked! Although I will say that Troy Vincent did a nice job after arriving only mid- season and we will never forget that block.

Even Dockery though could be looked at as a huge savings as he commanded way to much for that position. Wade will fit in respectively there.

by Sincethebeginning @ Hogs Haven on Jul 20, 2007 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

I tend to agree

which one of those guys saw field or performed admirably in that role? I think we'll miss Jim Molinaro for the depth, but does that make him a "key" loss?

Go Register. Or else.

by Skin Patrol on Jul 20, 2007 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

lol...

I guess he was a lil borad in the listing of "key players" but it was certainly more then just Dockery-who we will be fine without (on the field, and in the cap).

I do tend to agree with SP, as it's good to have plenty of winnable games to kickoff the season (not at first, but ulitimately, pun itended). JC being still inexperienced needs it-especially with the pummeling we stand to get in the middle of the season. It's not those games in NE (regionally) that bother me much as I've already accepted around 5 losses this season-barring injuries. I think that the first true test of our defense will come against the Cards. The lions put up plenty of points, but we should get an INT or two off of them-those will determine the game.

The part of the season that really matters is the last 4 games or so-because the middle of the season may not go too well-and the team (epsecially The 'Stache) will need to show some real heart.

by JustinU804 on Jul 22, 2007 3:10 PM EDT reply actions