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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Malcolm Kelly released!

Not much of a surprise. The guy couldn't stay healthy. First it was his knee, then the hammy, and now the foot. He's only caught like 28 passes in three years and once again, he couldn't get out on the field this preseason. Given that there is more depth at the position, we couldn't hold out on him any longer.

Too bad that we never got to see what he could do but it was the right thing to release him.

In listening to Kelly, doesn't even sound like he is committed to football anymore. He has other ventures that he says are going well and that interest him so he will pursue those until he feels like he is fully healthy to play again. Will be interesting to see what happens to him.

Maybe he will go to the Pears where according to Muhsin Muhammad, WRs go to die. That was an unnecessary knock but I couldn't resist.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Pears Botch Chester Taylor Dealings

The running back, who left Halas Hall on Monday morning in the belief he was being released, will return to practice Tuesday to serve out a few more days in uniform before he likely will be … released.

There is no secret the Pears aren't satisfied with their investment in Taylor and Barber is going to be the #2 RB. However, the Pears are keeping Taylor around as trade bait.

Taylor met with Lovie Smith and apparently was told he was no longer in the Pears plans and he took that to mean that he would be cut but that wasn't the case. They want to hold on to him in hopes of a trade but will not play him because of risking injury but will ultimately cut him any way.

Funny. Sounds like the way the Redskins would operate before.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Thoughts on the Skins/Ravens game

Deepie already put out some of his thoughts in the previous post but wanted to share my overall thoughts since my thoughts are better. : )

1. Good performance: Just an overall solid effort by the team. Like the calmness and athleticism of the team. We are much younger and it shows with guys appearing hungrier and faster. Also, coaches seem to have this team under control and everyone seems to be working from the same page. These are all huge positives.

2. Strong running game: Hightower seems to be a great fit for this team. He runs hard and can hit the hole well. The patented Shanny running game/zone blocking scheme seems to have taken effect. Saw some great blocking that created large holes for Hightower. Hightower has been impressive in each of the preseason games and he is running like a guy that is out to prove something. He is also playing for his hometown team. Again, all positives and hopefully this will continue into the regular season.

3. WRs seem to be fleshing itself out: It's clear that Moss and Gaffney are the starters with Armstrong being the third WR. Hankerson will make the team because of his upside (size and talent). The guy that is really creating a buzz in my opinion is Terrence Austin. He is a strong kick/punt returner and can also contribute as a WR on the offense. I'm not sure he is the guy that can break it like Banks so there may still be a spot for him but Austin can certainly be a contributor. Pretty certain this is the end of the road for our beloved Malcolm Kelly and not sure Stallworth will make the squad either. They don't add anything more than what we have in the other guys I mentioned.

4. Jarvis Jenkins: HUGE loss with his injury. He was having a great camp and was expected to be a big contributor to the defense so his loss hurts. You have to feel badly for him. The only thing you can hope for is a smooth recovery and his ability to come back next season strong (physically as well as mentally).

5. Defense: Very good effort. We were able to apply consistent pressure. D. Hall scored on a pick six. However, he also gave up a big TD pass. That's the thing about him. As a risk taker, he will make plays but he will probably give up some as well. You just hope that he makes more good plays than bad ones. Still, I like him and feel good with him back there. Kerrigan had a pretty good game but he had two offside penalties called on him that made 3rd and longs into 3rd and shorts. Those are easy mistakes to be corrected. All in all, good effort by this group.

6. QB play: Saved this for last. This is obviously the most pressing topic. Rexy got the start but both players played equal amount of time. I thought both players were largely even. I did like the drive that Rexy engineered ending with the TD to Moss. I would give the edge to Rexy but just slightly. Beck entered the game and his first pass was a deep fly to Armstrong. Each of them had some decent passes but each missed a couple of easy ones that could have kept drives alive. Again, don't think either one separated themself during this game. I still like Rexy as I think he gives us the best chance to win. Either way, I don't expect either one of these guys to last the entire season (whether it be due to injury or ineffective play) so I think both QBs will get their chance this season. Will be interesting to see who ultimately gets the nod. I will support whoever is chosen.

All in all a very good effort in what is considered the dress rehearsal to the regular season. Don't expect to see much, if at all, from the starters in the final preseason game. Regular season is just a week and a half away!

NFL...I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!

HAIL SKINS!!!!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

It's on like Donkey Kong!

In what is widely considered the dress rehearsal to the regular season, the Skins will take on the Ravens in the third preseason game tonight. It is the Battle of the Beltway.

The big story is who is starting at QB. Don't think it matters too much who starts as both QBs will get time with the starters. Their play tonight will certainly have an impact on who the regular season starter is going to be. Not sure if either one knows yet who is starting but they have both been taking reps with the starters this week in practice.

Either way, it's a good test for the Skins and a good barometer for where we stand. There is no question we are in rebuilding mode. What you really have to love is that the air seems much cleaner at Redskins Park. No more are the distractions of Haynesworth and McNabb and both players and coaches can focus on football. When ever you hear a player or coach speak, they seem much more happy and confident. That is huge. I also like that we have gotten much younger and that there is competition at several key positions (RB and WR namely).

Should be fun tonight.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Grossman predicts the Skins to win the East

Rexy likes being under the radar and playing the surprise role. I have to admit that I love the confidence. However, judging by the looks of Rexy's off season training regiment (which looks like it consisted of drinking a 12 pack of beer and eating 2 dozen chicken wings daily) I'm not sure he is in proper condition to play.

Who knows what will happen. I think there is talent on the team but it is a transition year and a year of rebuilding so expectations have to be realistic. I will really be pulling for Rexy and hope the Skins surprise me this year.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Skins sign O lineman Sean Locklear

The Washington Redskins have signed right tackle Sean Locklear, a free agent, who last season started 15 out of 16 games for the Seattle Seahawks.

Locklear, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound eighth-year pro, arrived at Redskins Park on Thursday night and signed his deal Friday afternoon.

“It’s a good opportunity,” Locklear said. “I’m glad to be here. It’s a chance to come in, compete and see what happens. I was excited. It’s a chance to come back to the east coast. I’ve been in Seattle my whole seven years, so now to be able to come back East.”

The 30-year-old North Carolina State product entered the league as a guard, and in 2005 made the switch to tackle. Locklear has started 51 out of 54 games for Seattle since 2007.

Like the signing as the guy is a proven vet and provides much needed vet depth at the O line.

Andre Carter to Pats

Interesting because the Pats seem to be revamping their D line with older vets. First, Haynesworth. Then Shaun Ellis from the Jets and now Carter. I like Carter and he is going to another 3-4 defense. However, that 3-4 does show multiple looks and does have defenses with 4 down linemen so it could work with Carter.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Malcolm Kelly hurts his foot

SHOCKING!!!

Skins resign Doughty and McIntosh

Good moves. I like Doughty. Not the most talented guy but seems like a good team guy. He's gritty and solid. He is a good special teamer and a guy that is capable of playing either safety position.

McIntosh is okay. Not sure how well he fits in the 3-4 scheme and he is not guaranteed to start as Perry Riley has been manning the other inside LB spot. Riley seems more suited for that position but it's still good to keep McIntosh as he is familiar with the team and if he doesn't start, he can certainly provide depth.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!

A Pear fan, a Redskins fan, and a Packer fan are climbing a mountain and arguing about who loves their team the most. The Pear fan insists that he is the most loyal. ''This is for Chicago!'' he yells and jumps off the mountain. Not to be outdone, the Redskins fan is next to profess his love for his team. He yells "This is for Washington" and pushes the Packer fan off the mountain.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Pear notes

As Robs is a big Pear fan, wanted to highlight a few notable Pear moves:

1. They allowed Olin Kreutz to leave over $500K. Tough thing to do given that he is a solid leader in the locker room. They brought in Spencer from Seattle but apparently there have already been several muffed snaps. It will take some time.

2. Marion Barber brought in. Not sure what this means for Chester "the Molestor" Taylor. They just brought him in last season so will be interesting.

3. Roy Williams added. Guy thinks he is an NFL superstar but he is overrated. Perhaps reuniting with Martz will be just what he needs to resurrect his career. Love how he drops the ball or does something stupid and then just gets that big grin on his face.

4. O line will be interesting. They were bad last year and doesn't look much improved this year. J'Marcus Webb (I believe a 7th round pick) is going to take the most difficult position at LT. The guy they envisioned to be their answer, Chris Williams, may not even start. They could certainly use some help here.

There have been a few other moves but these are probably the ones of most interest. Of course, things will really hit the fan when Jeff Cutler starts showing up on Cavallari's MTV show The Hills.

Carlos "Brick Hand" Rogers signs with the 49ers

As frustrating Rogers was with dropping all those easy picks, I still liked the guy. He is a good cover corner and seemed to have improved on recognizing the double move that hurt him so much in his early years. He is also a pretty physical corner so a decent signing for the 49ers who needed to find a replacement for Nate Clements. The thing is it is only a 1 year deal so not exactly what Rogers had in mind. I am sure he thought he was going to get something much bigger.

Well, best of luck to you Double Move!

Skins are bringin' Rexy back

Rexy signed a 1 year contract and will be back with the Skins. As strange as it sounds, I’m actually happy about that because I do not like the idea of Beck being the QB. Should at least create a competition among the QBs. While I am not a Rexy fan, he understands this offense better than anyone on this team and has a good relationship with Kyle Shanahan so I believe he gives us the best chance to win. The other thing that I have always found strange is the when Rexy was on the Pears and now with the Skins, he seems to always develop a good relationship with his teammates. They all seem to rally around him when everyone else seems against him. This is really Rexy’s last shot at becoming a starter in this league. He’s like 30 years old so if he doesn’t prove himself this year, he most likely will end up a journey man backup for the remainder of his career.

The other interesting twist is that Beck seems like Mike Shanahan’s guy while Rexy seems like Kyle’s guy. Will be interesting to see how it plays out in the preseason. I imagine Beck won’t be that great and Rexy will be stronger and win out the competition.

Hard to believe to that I am actually rooting for Rexy to be our starting QB.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Skins resign Buchanon and bring in Shayne Graham

I like bringing back Buchanon for depth. He was solid for the most part last year so it's good for depth.

Bringing in Graham is good as well. He's a proven veteran and it gives Gano some competition. Gano finished last season very uneven so we'll see if he can step up and keep his position on the roster.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Skins resign Jamal Brown and add Hightower

Addressing a HUGE need at RT, the Skins opted to resign Jamal Brown. I like the move as Brown is relatively young and has talent. The big question is if he can stay healthy. He had a hip injury a few years ago and has had difficulty getting back to 100% since then. He was forced to sit out a few games last year. However, prior to his injuries, he made the Pro Bowl multiple times. I like the signing ASSUMING Brown can stay healthy. Only time will tell.

The Skins also added veteran RB Tim Hightower. I kind of figured we would bring in a veteran RB to add to all of our young guys. Nice pickup as Hightower has been productive and is looking for a place where he can be the starter. I think it forces competition between Hightower and Torain for the starting job. It also buys times for the two RBs we drafted to learn.

Once again, feel pretty good about the ongoing moves this front office is making.

HAIL SKINS!!!