Wasn't the prettiest win and The Raiders didn’t have their starting quarterback and lost their star running back early in the second half but I am not going to apologize for any victory and the Skins found a way to win their first game 24-14 against Oakland.
Didn't look good early as the Skins gave up a blocked punt in their end zone recovered by the Raiders giving them a quick 7-0 lead. Oakland engineered another drive making it 14-0 in the first quarter. However, borrowing the Iggles playbook, the Skins went no huddle and quickly drove down the field to inside the Raiders five yard line but an intentional grounding call on RG3 killed the drive and we settled for a FG. On the ensuing Raider drive, perhaps the play of the game, when rookie David Amerson stepped in front of a Raider WR crossing over the middle and got a pick six to make the score 14-10 and the momentum had quickly shifted.
The rest of the game, SURPRISINGLY, the Redskins defense took over. They stopped the run and put consistent pressure on Matt Flynn sacking him seven times total with quiet superstar Ryan Kerrigan in on three of them which included knocking the ball out with a Barry Cofield recovery. The Skins offense did enough to score two more TDs (a short RG3 to Garcon pass for a TD and a good run by Helu to seal the game).
Again, it was pretty but a win is a win and we needed it. It does boost morale and motivation going into the bye week. The other great part is that all the other teams in the NFC Least lost allowing the Skins to only be one game out of first with our next game against divisional leader and rival Dallas Cowboys. A win there and all is grand in Redskin land.
A couple of notes:
1. Morris had to leave the game with what was described as a bruised rib. I suppose the injury comes at a good time with the bye week coming but Roy Helu certainly seems capable of handling the load should Morris be out for an extended amount of time.
2. Kerrigan is a superstar. The guy is the most unassuming star I have ever seen. Just seems like a nice guy that goes out and plays hard each and every week and makes big plays. I am happy for him.
3. Special teams needs to improve. We've had some issues this season and the blocked punt didn't help. Danny Smith left the Skins to go to his hometown Steelers and we brought in T.C. Williams grad and for Denver Broncos special teams great Keith Burns. This group has to improve. Our return game is minimal and short/blocked punts has to improve.
4. RG3 was okay. He did some scrambling and I think he is still trying to get his legs back but it's good to see him move around more. Again, I expect better play week to week.
5. Offensive coaching questions. One thing I have noticed a lot of in the first few games is that opposing teams are blitzing a lot. Maybe it's because they want to see how healthy RG3 is and make him beat teams with his arm. That's fine. However, seems like we need to have more shorter passes called to address the continual blitzing. I noticed that guys are still in their routes as the blitz is coming and it puts RG3 in a vulnerable position. I may be wrong on this but would like to see the game film to see what's going on.
6. I like Amerson. He seems like a keeper. The guy is big, physical, and athletic. He's made some mistakes but by in large, I think he has played pretty well so far this season. He came in known as a playmaker and he had a huge one yesterday. I expect good things from him over the years.
7. Help coming for the defense. The bye week also brings the return of Jarvis Jenkins and Rob Jackson to the Skins as they finished serving their four game suspensions. These two guys should help out so it's good to be getting them back for our next game.
In the end, we did what we needed to do and we are right back in the thick of things. Funny how much can change in one week. The Skins should get some time off to rest and then it's back to work to prepare for the Assboyz.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Skins vs. Raiders preview
So this is about as much of an early season must win game there is for the Skins. They can ill afford to go drop to 0-4. While I expect the Skins to win, I don't think this will be an easy game by any means. The Raiders have shown some flashes and it is always hard for a team to travel cross country to play. Still, I won't make any excuses. The Skins have to win this game. Keys are as follow:
1. More running: The run game is our bread and butter and when we have run this season, we have been effective. Unfortunately, because we have been down, we have been forced to pass much more. This isn't our game. We need to get Morris going and ride that as much as we can. I'm sure Morris wants it and the O line would love to run block all day.
2. Defense: We blitzed a lot in the Lions game and relied on man to man coverage. It appeared to be more successful. Will be interesting to see if we employ the same strategy this week. I say might as well as it is more high risk/high reward as we could give up big plays but we could also create big plays for our defense.
3. Who is the Raiders QB?: I don't think it matters too much. Pryor looks better than I thought in the little I have seen from him but he is coming off of a concussion and Matt Flynn was supposed to be the guy. I think each guy will present their own challenges and each guy will definitely want to impress if they are in there as there doesn't seem to be a strong hold on the QB position. I expect Pryor to play and all the more reason to send pressure and force the kid to make plays.
4. RG3: Have to throw him in there as you just want to see improvement week to week. I've seen that so far and want to see another step this week. Per #1 above, I don't want to see him throw 50 times but would rather see a better selection of passes but I would prefer the focus to be on the run to take pressure off of RG3. Still, I'm sure he will have to make his share of plays and I'm expecting continued stronger play from him.
5. Kickoff/Punt returns: We need better production from this group. Looked like Josh Morgan picked up for Chris Thompson on the kickoff returns. Thompson hasn't done much but it's still early to make a definitive decision on him. He seems fast but seems more linear and less quick and able to make guys miss. However, the bigger problem I have with him is his decision making. He will catch the ball on punts when he should let it drop or try and run a ball 9 yards deep in the end zone. I appreciate a young guy wanting to make plays but not at the cost of hurting his team. Will be interesting to see how well we do in the return game.
In the end, I expect a determined group to come out and win the game 31-17. I think we will run the ball effectively and create two turnovers that will help bring us our first win.
HAIL SKINS!!!
1. More running: The run game is our bread and butter and when we have run this season, we have been effective. Unfortunately, because we have been down, we have been forced to pass much more. This isn't our game. We need to get Morris going and ride that as much as we can. I'm sure Morris wants it and the O line would love to run block all day.
2. Defense: We blitzed a lot in the Lions game and relied on man to man coverage. It appeared to be more successful. Will be interesting to see if we employ the same strategy this week. I say might as well as it is more high risk/high reward as we could give up big plays but we could also create big plays for our defense.
3. Who is the Raiders QB?: I don't think it matters too much. Pryor looks better than I thought in the little I have seen from him but he is coming off of a concussion and Matt Flynn was supposed to be the guy. I think each guy will present their own challenges and each guy will definitely want to impress if they are in there as there doesn't seem to be a strong hold on the QB position. I expect Pryor to play and all the more reason to send pressure and force the kid to make plays.
4. RG3: Have to throw him in there as you just want to see improvement week to week. I've seen that so far and want to see another step this week. Per #1 above, I don't want to see him throw 50 times but would rather see a better selection of passes but I would prefer the focus to be on the run to take pressure off of RG3. Still, I'm sure he will have to make his share of plays and I'm expecting continued stronger play from him.
5. Kickoff/Punt returns: We need better production from this group. Looked like Josh Morgan picked up for Chris Thompson on the kickoff returns. Thompson hasn't done much but it's still early to make a definitive decision on him. He seems fast but seems more linear and less quick and able to make guys miss. However, the bigger problem I have with him is his decision making. He will catch the ball on punts when he should let it drop or try and run a ball 9 yards deep in the end zone. I appreciate a young guy wanting to make plays but not at the cost of hurting his team. Will be interesting to see how well we do in the return game.
In the end, I expect a determined group to come out and win the game 31-17. I think we will run the ball effectively and create two turnovers that will help bring us our first win.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
ESPN Power Rankings - Week 3
Skins drop three to #27.
Pears climb five to #4.
Puckers tumble seven to #12.
Again, I'm fine with the rankings. Pears are generating some buzz. Would like to see them play some stiffer competition to see if they are truly deserving of the ranking.
Puckers looking vulnerable and need to find a way to get on track.
Pears climb five to #4.
Puckers tumble seven to #12.
Again, I'm fine with the rankings. Pears are generating some buzz. Would like to see them play some stiffer competition to see if they are truly deserving of the ranking.
Puckers looking vulnerable and need to find a way to get on track.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Skins fall to Lions 27-20
It was a better performance than the previous two weeks but not enough to get the job done. The game pretty much boiled down to a couple of plays in the fourth quarter. They include:
1. With the game tied 17-17, RG3 scrambled and ran for a 25 yard gain and dove head first with the intent of declaring himself down. When he hit the ground, the ball popped loose and was recovered by the Lions at the Lions 30 yard line. It's unfortunate as the intent was clear but the rule is if you dive head first and lose the ball, it is live. If you slide feet first and lose the ball, you are down by contact. Unfortunate but the rule is the rule and it should have been Lions ball.
2. With the score 20-17 Lions, RG3 throws a brilliant 57 yard bomb to Aldrick Robinson who caught it as he was crossing the goal line. When Robinson hit the ground, the ball was bobbled. While it looked like his hand was underneath the ball at all times, it was still bobbled and ironically the Calvin Johnson rule took effect as he did not maintain full possession for the entirety of the catch. That one hurt as it went from a potential 24-20 lead to us having to punt. There was a lot of energy/emotion/momentum shifts in that call. I didn't see enough replays to see if he maintained control but it certainly looked like it was bobbled and it was most likely the correct call.
Despite the defeat, the positives you have to take from the game was that it was a better overall performance. RG3 looked better than the previous week. Again, I have said in previous posts that he is playing catch up and he is trying to shake the rust off and I wanted to see him improve week to week. I thought that was the case this week as he looked solid. Special teams was better as Rocca was much better in punting and Potter converted his two FG attempts. The punt/kick return game still needs to improve and each week, Chris Thompson isn't showing me much. Doesn't seem to have the speed or quickness needed for that role. Still, it's amazing the difference field position makes as we were much better in our punt game.
While the defense was better, this is still an issue. Thought D. Hall did a good job on Calvin Johnson. No team will ever stop CJ but Hall was locked up on him the entire game and played him pretty well even recording and INT for a TD. Thought Amerson was good at the other CB spot. Looked like we brought much more pressure this week and allowed our CBs to lock up man to man. This seemed like a better strategy. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get the necessary stops we needed on third downs particularly in the fourth quarter. There were also some continued cases of poor tackling. However, the strategy seemed better as it is probably better to send the additional pressure to force quicker decisions by the opposing QB and hope for a mistake.
In the end, I'm not thrilled with the loss but I do feel like it was a better performance and I think this team is still trying to play catch up. It's early in the season and a lot will change, we need to see continued improvement week to week. I believe that will happen. It's not how you start but how you finish. There's a lot of football left and I don't think anyone will run away with the division so no need to panic. I will say next week's game against Oakland is a must win and if you can get one and build some momentum, it makes things easier. Losing is contagious but so is winning and we need to get that first "W."
1. With the game tied 17-17, RG3 scrambled and ran for a 25 yard gain and dove head first with the intent of declaring himself down. When he hit the ground, the ball popped loose and was recovered by the Lions at the Lions 30 yard line. It's unfortunate as the intent was clear but the rule is if you dive head first and lose the ball, it is live. If you slide feet first and lose the ball, you are down by contact. Unfortunate but the rule is the rule and it should have been Lions ball.
2. With the score 20-17 Lions, RG3 throws a brilliant 57 yard bomb to Aldrick Robinson who caught it as he was crossing the goal line. When Robinson hit the ground, the ball was bobbled. While it looked like his hand was underneath the ball at all times, it was still bobbled and ironically the Calvin Johnson rule took effect as he did not maintain full possession for the entirety of the catch. That one hurt as it went from a potential 24-20 lead to us having to punt. There was a lot of energy/emotion/momentum shifts in that call. I didn't see enough replays to see if he maintained control but it certainly looked like it was bobbled and it was most likely the correct call.
Despite the defeat, the positives you have to take from the game was that it was a better overall performance. RG3 looked better than the previous week. Again, I have said in previous posts that he is playing catch up and he is trying to shake the rust off and I wanted to see him improve week to week. I thought that was the case this week as he looked solid. Special teams was better as Rocca was much better in punting and Potter converted his two FG attempts. The punt/kick return game still needs to improve and each week, Chris Thompson isn't showing me much. Doesn't seem to have the speed or quickness needed for that role. Still, it's amazing the difference field position makes as we were much better in our punt game.
While the defense was better, this is still an issue. Thought D. Hall did a good job on Calvin Johnson. No team will ever stop CJ but Hall was locked up on him the entire game and played him pretty well even recording and INT for a TD. Thought Amerson was good at the other CB spot. Looked like we brought much more pressure this week and allowed our CBs to lock up man to man. This seemed like a better strategy. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get the necessary stops we needed on third downs particularly in the fourth quarter. There were also some continued cases of poor tackling. However, the strategy seemed better as it is probably better to send the additional pressure to force quicker decisions by the opposing QB and hope for a mistake.
In the end, I'm not thrilled with the loss but I do feel like it was a better performance and I think this team is still trying to play catch up. It's early in the season and a lot will change, we need to see continued improvement week to week. I believe that will happen. It's not how you start but how you finish. There's a lot of football left and I don't think anyone will run away with the division so no need to panic. I will say next week's game against Oakland is a must win and if you can get one and build some momentum, it makes things easier. Losing is contagious but so is winning and we need to get that first "W."
Friday, September 20, 2013
Iggles offense
The NFL is funny and how quickly fans/media will react. Many people were curious about Chip Kelly's offense coming into this season and how his high tempo, quick paced offense would translate in the NFL. Obviously, the first game it looked good. Although now the question is how much of those results were because of the Eagles offense being good or the Redskins defense being bad? Whatever the case, after that game, the Eagles offense became national news and everyone thought Kelly was bringing this cutting edge style of offense that would revolutionize the game.
Two weeks later and it's funny how tunes change. I don't think people have given up on the offense but certainly the excitment has dwindled. In fact, a poll in Philadelphia asking who's offense was better Kelly's or Andy Reid's and 70% felt Reid's was better. I'm sure the results are skewed with fans still smarting from the fresh loss to KC. Point is that fans change their tunes with the drop of a hat. Wins and all is wonderful. Losses and everyone's a goat.
My thoughts are that Kelly certainly brings a new wrinkle to the game which is interesting. Not sure it is sustainable. As teams get more game film on the offense, they will have more opportunities to study it and plan against it. The up tempo also means that both teams are tiring out. Not sure the Iggles offensive players can sustain the pace. If the losses mount, it will be funny how quickly the fans will say Kelly is nothing more than a college coach and can't handle the pro game. It's what fans/media do.
Last year when Schiano took over in TB. People commended him for his hard nose, no nonsense approach. Now people are saying that that doesn't work in the NFL and he's too strict for the professional player. When Zorny started out hot, his coach ratings were very high. People loved his unorthodox, relaxed, "hip hip hooray" coaching style. Once things turned, people said he was a push over and the Skins needed more discipline.
Will be interesting to watch Kelly's offense unfold over the course of this season. Will he be revolutionary or will the offense just be a fad that putters out over the course of the season? We'll see.
Two weeks later and it's funny how tunes change. I don't think people have given up on the offense but certainly the excitment has dwindled. In fact, a poll in Philadelphia asking who's offense was better Kelly's or Andy Reid's and 70% felt Reid's was better. I'm sure the results are skewed with fans still smarting from the fresh loss to KC. Point is that fans change their tunes with the drop of a hat. Wins and all is wonderful. Losses and everyone's a goat.
My thoughts are that Kelly certainly brings a new wrinkle to the game which is interesting. Not sure it is sustainable. As teams get more game film on the offense, they will have more opportunities to study it and plan against it. The up tempo also means that both teams are tiring out. Not sure the Iggles offensive players can sustain the pace. If the losses mount, it will be funny how quickly the fans will say Kelly is nothing more than a college coach and can't handle the pro game. It's what fans/media do.
Last year when Schiano took over in TB. People commended him for his hard nose, no nonsense approach. Now people are saying that that doesn't work in the NFL and he's too strict for the professional player. When Zorny started out hot, his coach ratings were very high. People loved his unorthodox, relaxed, "hip hip hooray" coaching style. Once things turned, people said he was a push over and the Skins needed more discipline.
Will be interesting to watch Kelly's offense unfold over the course of this season. Will he be revolutionary or will the offense just be a fad that putters out over the course of the season? We'll see.
Skins vs. Lions preview
Big early season game as the Skins can ill afford to go down 0-3. Obvious pressure on many parts and individuals on this team. No doubt they will be put under the microscope. Namely RG3 (which is pretty much always the case) and the entire defense. No doubt we can't afford to get down big early as we have done the last two weeks.
Lions have the best WR in the game in Calvin Johnson and Stafford, when on, can be a very dangerous passer. The addition of Reggie Bush (assuming he plays) gives the Lions another playmaker that can turn small catches into big yards.
That said, here are the keys:
1. DEFENSE NEEDS TO IMPROVE: This is a given. The defense has been horrendous the first two games and they can't get much worse. The key will be to slow down Calvin Johnson. Don't think it is possible to stop him so we just need to make sure we don't let him go nuts and have a career day. Tackling will also need to be better particularly in the case of Reggie Bush so that we don't allow him to get a ton of YACs. Have to find ways to put pressure on Stafford and make him uncomfortable. He's a QB if given the time will tear you apart. However, he hasn't shown he is elite and can be forced into making mistakes. Just in general we need defensive improvement.
2. RG3: What to expect from him? It's obvious he is shaking off the rust. He mentioned this week the possibility of running more. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing. I want RG3 to be RG3 but I don't want him to put pressure on himself and force something trying to create a play and hurting himself. He's a competitor which you love to have but he can't be reckless. The other thing I want to see is assuming the score remains relatively even, will be interesting to see him operate our normal offense as opposed to the two minute offense which we have been forced to do early in the game the last two weeks.
3. Establish run game: The run game is there. Morris has been limited in his carries to due to us getting down big early. Have to be able to get him going and create longer sustaining drives.
4. Convert 3rd downs: We have had a number of 3rd and shorts but have not been able to convert the third downs. We need to correct this in order to keep drives alive and keep the opposing offenses off the field.
5. Better Special Teams play: This group needs to play smarter. I think the talent is fine; however, it a group that has hurt the team with bad penalties and poor decisions in the punt/kickoff return game. I'm assuming this gets fixed.
It's an interesting game as many people will, fairly or unfairly, be put under the microscope. A win and all is well. A loss and the pressure mounts. This is typically the situation for all teams in the NFL. I feel like it's a bounce back game for the Skins and we pull out a 27-24 win at home.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Lions have the best WR in the game in Calvin Johnson and Stafford, when on, can be a very dangerous passer. The addition of Reggie Bush (assuming he plays) gives the Lions another playmaker that can turn small catches into big yards.
That said, here are the keys:
1. DEFENSE NEEDS TO IMPROVE: This is a given. The defense has been horrendous the first two games and they can't get much worse. The key will be to slow down Calvin Johnson. Don't think it is possible to stop him so we just need to make sure we don't let him go nuts and have a career day. Tackling will also need to be better particularly in the case of Reggie Bush so that we don't allow him to get a ton of YACs. Have to find ways to put pressure on Stafford and make him uncomfortable. He's a QB if given the time will tear you apart. However, he hasn't shown he is elite and can be forced into making mistakes. Just in general we need defensive improvement.
2. RG3: What to expect from him? It's obvious he is shaking off the rust. He mentioned this week the possibility of running more. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing. I want RG3 to be RG3 but I don't want him to put pressure on himself and force something trying to create a play and hurting himself. He's a competitor which you love to have but he can't be reckless. The other thing I want to see is assuming the score remains relatively even, will be interesting to see him operate our normal offense as opposed to the two minute offense which we have been forced to do early in the game the last two weeks.
3. Establish run game: The run game is there. Morris has been limited in his carries to due to us getting down big early. Have to be able to get him going and create longer sustaining drives.
4. Convert 3rd downs: We have had a number of 3rd and shorts but have not been able to convert the third downs. We need to correct this in order to keep drives alive and keep the opposing offenses off the field.
5. Better Special Teams play: This group needs to play smarter. I think the talent is fine; however, it a group that has hurt the team with bad penalties and poor decisions in the punt/kickoff return game. I'm assuming this gets fixed.
It's an interesting game as many people will, fairly or unfairly, be put under the microscope. A win and all is well. A loss and the pressure mounts. This is typically the situation for all teams in the NFL. I feel like it's a bounce back game for the Skins and we pull out a 27-24 win at home.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Should RG3 be benched?
The question is nonsense. I know there are media and fans mentioning that RG3 should be benched. Theses are the same guys that thought Kirk Cousins should continue playing after his one start against Cleveland last season.
If RG3 was injured and he was risking further injury or if he was throwing 4-5 INTs a game, I could better understand the question. However, most of the people bringing this issue up are morons that have kneejerk reactions to everything and think real football is fantasy football where you can swap guys in and out whenever you feel like.
RG3 has not been the problem. Sure, he hasn't played his best football the last two weeks but it's also not hard to understand why that is the case. He is coming off of a major injury and didn't get any work in preseason. Last season, Peyton Manning looked rough to start the season coming off of a major injury but we all know how he finished. Also, last time I checked, RG3 is not playing defense and isn't giving up 30+ points a game. He isn't playing special teams and shanking punts or making dumb penalties or poor decision in punt/kickoff returns resulting in us being pinned back deep in our zone.
Sure, he looks a little rusty but to shake the rust off the guy has to play. Unfortunately, the last couple of games are the work we would have hoped he would have gotten in preseason. I expect him to improve week to week and he will do that by playing. Putting in Cousins would be a mistake on many levels. Aside, from the fact that RG3 is better, putting in Cousins has further implications as it would tick off RG3 and disrupt the team and then if Cousins wasn't good, it would be even more disruption to go back to RG3. Plain and simple, it doesn't make sense.
While I wish people would just shut up with the bench RG3 talk, I recognize that is what people do and it is part of the game. The funny part is the strongest proponents to bench RG3 would be praising him should the Skins win on Sunday. It's the nature of sports fans.
If RG3 was injured and he was risking further injury or if he was throwing 4-5 INTs a game, I could better understand the question. However, most of the people bringing this issue up are morons that have kneejerk reactions to everything and think real football is fantasy football where you can swap guys in and out whenever you feel like.
RG3 has not been the problem. Sure, he hasn't played his best football the last two weeks but it's also not hard to understand why that is the case. He is coming off of a major injury and didn't get any work in preseason. Last season, Peyton Manning looked rough to start the season coming off of a major injury but we all know how he finished. Also, last time I checked, RG3 is not playing defense and isn't giving up 30+ points a game. He isn't playing special teams and shanking punts or making dumb penalties or poor decision in punt/kickoff returns resulting in us being pinned back deep in our zone.
Sure, he looks a little rusty but to shake the rust off the guy has to play. Unfortunately, the last couple of games are the work we would have hoped he would have gotten in preseason. I expect him to improve week to week and he will do that by playing. Putting in Cousins would be a mistake on many levels. Aside, from the fact that RG3 is better, putting in Cousins has further implications as it would tick off RG3 and disrupt the team and then if Cousins wasn't good, it would be even more disruption to go back to RG3. Plain and simple, it doesn't make sense.
While I wish people would just shut up with the bench RG3 talk, I recognize that is what people do and it is part of the game. The funny part is the strongest proponents to bench RG3 would be praising him should the Skins win on Sunday. It's the nature of sports fans.
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