1st

Sean Taylor once peeled an onion and the onion cried.

NO GIVING UP '08 PICKS

sorry didnt mean to type so loud...I get emotional

I second that Cheyenne. I'll take my chances on the current roster before giving up next year's picks. Unless it's a late rounder (5th, 6th or 7th) for someone who will come in and start at DE like that guy from Boofalo.

JLac, can you absolutely positively without a doubt verify we lost our Fourth Rounder next year?

Anyone know if we've signed any free agents today, whom did not get drafted?

JLC any chance that we would take a chance on Walter Thomas, that 6-6 370lb monster that played at OSU?

Also read somewhere that Chicago was interested in shopping DE Alex Brown. I know he killed us in the '05 opener, and he'd be a quality pickup.

We gave a 3rd rounder in 2007 and a 4th in 2008 for Duckett. Will post a link as soon as I can find it.

If we keep Springs and are able to get a D-Lineman, then I think we'll have had a really good offseason. I like our offense and with the running game we have and the progression of JC, we should be fine there. Landry and Taylor are monsters, so if we could rush the passer a little bit better, who knows how well we could do.

P.S.--with everything the Pats have done this offseason, over/under we get beat by 3 TD's when we play them this year in Foxboro?

From last JLC post:

Brunell is a very capable back-up... as long as he heals okay. Dont let your hatred for the man blind you.

Posted by: Inigo Montoya | April 30, 2007 10:59 AM

Damn forgot all about the 4th pick in the Duckett debacle...I mean trade.

I believe the Redskins are not through with making personnel moves, but I highly doubt they'll make any big trades. Landry's contract is going to take up quite a bit of cap room, being a #6 overall pick. This would make it hard for the Skins to pick up a bunch of other players. Especially starter quality D-Lineman. But then again they could cut a few players and get creative with the cap like they always seem to do. Whatever it is, I just hope we retain all our first day draft picks in 2008.

One more thing, Now that we have the Taylor and Landry safety pairing, I propose we refer to them as the Bash Brothers.

Yeah a capable backup if you want to throw 3 yard screen passes to betts and portis all game!

That is a good point...what would a great name be for Taylor and Landry.

I think Bash Brothers has been used to death. Great concept though

Springs is no doubt, the best cover corner on the Skins...when he is HEALTHY and actually plays. I'd rather cut/trade him and make cap room than run the risk of once again watching him sit on the sidelines for 10 games.

The sky isn't falling JLA. London Fletcher should prove to be a huge improvement over Lemar Marshall. That alone will toughen up the middle. Drafting a first round D-lineman isn't much of a guarantee anyway (the Skins have certainly learned that lesson). I wish they could have traded down, but apparently no one else was all that interested in the 6th pick. I also think Carter will have a much better year this year. He finally started turning it on at the end of the season.

One more thing: Any chance you could try to proofread your blog? For a writer you have an amazing number of typos and misspelled words.

Hello 3-13!

The Washington Redskins are suing NBC because the name "Law and Order" is better suited for their new safety tandem.

If the Verizon center is called "The Phone Booth:, shouldn't Fedex Field be called "The Package"?

Springs should not be released! There is no one on the team who can do what he does (when healthy)or available for that salary. Then it is last season all over again.

The Duckett deal. Obviously the first scenario didn't work out so the second is what happened....

This is in reference to the three-team deal the Broncos were a part of that sent Ashley Lelie to Atlanta, Duckett to Washington and draft considerations to Denver. It is a complex set of scenarios based on a points system that absolutely will not be official until both teams have completed their seasons.

And contrary to what you've seen elsewhere, there is only one scenario where the Broncos get only one of Washington's draft picks in that deal. The rest of the scenarios call for the Broncos to receive two picks.

The best scenario, in the Broncos minds, would be if -- again this is just a general approximation at this point -- Denver finished as one of the Super Bowl teams in the draft order (Nos. 31 or 32 in the first round) and Washington was the last team to make the playoffs (No. 20 in the first round).

In the deal, that kind of finish would mean the Broncos and Redskins would simply flip-flop No. 1 picks. That approximately 12-slot move up in the first round would be a coup for the Broncos since Lelie had made it clear he wasn't going to report to the Broncos anyway and Duckett isn't getting much playing time in Washington.

But if the Broncos finish too far in front of the Redskins in terms of record, the Broncos get Washington's third-round pick in the 2007 draft and fourth in '08 (the Redskins don't have a four in the '07 draft, so that's why the second pick is in '08).

Those are the two picks the Broncos would also get if they finish too close to the Redskins as well -- likely within two or three draft positions.

Springs should not be released! There is no one on the team who can do what he does (when healthy)or available for that salary. Then it is last season all over again.

Posted by: bangkokben | April 30, 2007 11:28 AM

Agree with ya completely. Compared to the other FA signings this year, Springs contract is a bargain if he is healthy. I think it is a risk worth taking. I would love to see Springs and Smoot starting with double move playing nickel.

bangkokben--

You nailed the problem with Springs: "When he is healthy." How many games do you figure him to play next year? Six? Eight? We can't afford the kind of money he's getting for so few minutes on the field.

If the Skins got either Schobel or Burgess, I might poop my pants and try to get season tickets. That would be sickness incarnate.

Bash Brothers? I believe the proper name would be the poach off the RI's very own ... Bang Brothers.

This offseason has been terrible. Maybe that's a good sign. Every year we win the Superbowl in March and flop by November. Maybe we will reverse the trend this year...maybe not.

I have a terrible feeling that we're in for a loooong season.

dcsween--Is there a special section at FedEx for pants poopers?

dcsween--Is there a special section at FedEx for pants poopers?

Posted by: KK | April 30, 2007 11:38 AM

The owners box.

KK, I hope so ... [maybe that place where the Bills' punter is supposed to sit]

Springs has only played in all 16 games of the season in 3 out of the ten years that he has been in the NFL. He hasn't played a complete season since 2000. Smoot, Macklin and Rogers would be fine at corner and maybe we could swing a deal for Asante Samuel. I would hate to go into next season knowing that he accounts for the highest amount of cap space on our team and then have him go down halfway through the season.

Sean Springs for Michael Strahan!!

etrod--

Okay, it will be a long season, but aren't you looking forward to seeing Landry shake people's teeth loose? Sure, the score will be 35-10, but someone's going to pay for those 35.

Who do you think will have more personal fouls -- Landry or Taylor?

I'm listening to Vinny on Sports Talk 980, and he just said the Briggs thing is a dead issue. I'm glad to hear that next year's picks won't be going out the window for that.

Wait, if we get of Vinny won't Danny's right hand get cold?

Objectively, I guess it would be OK if they got Strahan (a guy w/ one year left for a guy w/ one year left). Subjectively, I just really don't like Strahan. Even on the bench sitting next to Landry ... if LL were to shake any more of Strahan's teeth loose, ...

JustMe--Do you think they even tell Vinnie whether the deal is dead or not? One call to the owner and, like a vampire, it's out of its coffin.

Do people honestly believe that Grilliams will start Landry anytime before the first 6-8 games unless someone else goes down? As much as I'd like to see it, I don't think he will do it unless Landry absolutely impresses everyone during OTA's, spring training and pre-season.

KK,

I think Springs is good for about 13 games next year. If the FO is going to give the benefit of the doubt to the D-line and M Washington, I think they owe it to Springs. It is a risk but cover corner cannot be replaced with this roster or that amount of cash. FYI: Samuels is the highest on the cap; Springs two.

I'm way late on this, but I just wanted to give mad props to the Gov and AMTTS for calling Landry MONTHS ago. Nice work. Hopefully this will be fun to watch...

Greg,

Vinny said they signed 10 free agents last night after the draft was over, including the QB from Maryland.

"... FYI: Samuels is the highest on the cap; Springs two.

Posted by: bangkokben | April 30, 2007 11:45 AM"

I thought that Portis was the highest on the cap (I remember that, until recently, Brunell was between Portis and Samuels). Is Springs really higher than Marcus? That surprises me.

Strahan would be just like getting B. Smith when we did - no way he meets the expectations. Much more chance he plays less than Springs this year.

dcsween - I don't like Strahan a whole lot either but we would be filling a position of need with a pro-bowl caliber starter and a leader in the locker room. Both players are on their last years in the NFL but the difference is that Strahan has a better chance at staying healthy.

BIGfish - Landry might not start, but he should get plenty of playing time as Williams likes to rotate players and give different looks on Defense. Also, I'm sure Danny doesn't want to see #6 type money sitting on the bench.

Ok - her are a few names for the boys...

Assault & Battery

The Black & Blues Brothers

The Hitmen

The Punishers

The Crunch Bunch

I'm excited for the Landry & Taylor experiment to begin. Maybe with more help over the top, Carlos Rogers can learn to sit on those 7 yard hitch patterns on 3 and 5.

According to this Springs is the highest towards the cap. Not Samuels.

http://www.skinsfans.com/pcinoz/Rule%20of%2051.htm

Peter, actually his right hand will now be warm... hint hint wink wink

So I have been off the radar last couple of days, fam situation... but what has any of the Branch supporters have to say about him going 1st in the 2nd round. Not to start anything, but I just wondered if they were surprised or if any of the talking heads on the broadcasts gave good reasons why.

I think we should call them Unneccesary Roughness.

Bigfish,

How do ya figure? Strahan couldn't even walk last year.

DC,

I think I read that Springs cap number in a recent JLC article. He or Ocho-ocho will probably have to clarify.

I know I'm in the minority, but I like the Landry pick and think if Springs misses the middle 8 games we're still a 11-5 team who can push in the playoffs. It'd be nice to grab another DE (Burchette from Va Tech went undrafted... he'd be a nice pickup) but if not I don't feel too bad about the defense right now.
Of course, if D-Line is supposed to mainly tie up blockers and allow LB's to blitz like crazy, why did #56 never dominate and was constantly in the doghouse? Seems contradictory to me.

Maybe "Automatic First Down" would be a good nickname for them.

How about "Crash and Burn"?

Or the "fifteen yarders".

Not to raise a nickname from the past..
but how bout Capital Punishment?

The BRUISE BROTHERS

bangkokben - Good point about the health. Does anyone know what the injury was to Strahan last year anyway?

Wow! I'm suprised about those first few guys and what they look like for cap purposes. I forgot about all the 'restructurings' in the off-season (presumably cash pay downs, esp. for Portis). I remember about Springs not wanting to do a restructure. Probably just b/c doing so makes it easier to be traded away (and making it more difficult, dead space-wise, to cut him).

I believe Strahan was out with a nagging wife....

I was all for getting Landry and I know he's going to be a good player, but I'm sick to my stomach after the draft because we completely ignored the D-line. I figured we'd take someone later on.

Now we're going to mortgage our future by trading away more picks for average talent and then over-paying them.

Oye.

Wasn't it his foot? Or was that the year before.

I wonder who will play deeper off the line of scrimmage. Other than Rogers of course who will be 64 yards off the line of scrimmage.

Must have been last year. The year before he played in all 16 games and had 11.5 sacks.

Sween,

Springs refused a restructure like the others because his, like Wynn's recent restructure, would include a pay cut. He stated very early in the offseason that he wouldn't have an issue with a restructure, but he absolutely would not take a pay cut.

Hello Justme,
I actually agree with you regarding Wynn not doing anything for some time. Daniels has been better when healthy, no question.

The question is then, why was Wynn's contract recently restructured, if the Skins are planning on keeping Daniels and cutting Wynn?

Seems the plan is restructure Wynn, because he is not earning anything, look and see who becomes available June 1, and cut Daniels if the player is not as much a risk as the unhealthy Daniels.

I think Springs' father told him not to take the pay cut.

I see some June cuts on our D-Line. Plus, don't forget Kenard Lang, Big Daddy Wilkinson, Courtney Brown. There's plenty of "talent" out there to tide us over 'til next year's draft when we can go after a big wideout.

Like etrod said, looong year.

First thing... PLEASE FIRE VINNY!

2nd thing... as for a nickname tandem: Burnt Bruisers

BRUISE BROTHERS

Let me get this straight the Patriots only have to give up a Rd 4 pick for a WR that perhaps [I didn't say will be] has a shot at being in Canton one day.

Meanwhile Vinny coughs up a #3 for Duckett?
A #2 for an over-the-hill QB who was already going to be cut soon anyway?

Unbelievable!!
Teams must joke behind closed doors:
"Well, don't make that trade until you at least call Washington. There is a sucker born every minute".

Vinny has no bargaining courage, it appears.
You have to hang in there, and not cough it up so easily.

What's worse our FO says publicly "we are aggressive". No, we are unwise, not frugal, not good negotiators; ie. we can't play poker!!

How about "The Playoff Spectators"

Sean Springs is only 32. Old but not for a DB. His injury was not to his legs. He doesn't want a pay cut because if he got cut he likely would have made that money back again. Didn't we give 7M to Smoot? Not one year, but bonus. Still Sean would have a guaranteed bonus similar. The market was crazy. Now after June it probablly will have cooled.

How about "Pump and Fake"

Free Agents -- ive seen a couple names on the wires: DE from UCLA Hickman, Long Snapper from WVU, WR from Boston College Sele... anyone have a good list?

Bruise brothers? Let's see what they call themselves or what the coaches call them.

What do you think the coaches call the front office: Heckyl and Jeckyll? Mutt and Jeff? Abbott and Costello? Tweedledum and Tweedledee?

From Peter King (so grain of salt...)

"And H.B. Blades going in the fifth? The Redskins stole him. Just stole him."

I'm fine with the 'skins "aggressive" philosphy in pursuing players and giving up draft picks. But, your absolutely right about where those picks are. The Ducket deal is the worst trade the 'skins ever made. The Lloyd deal, second worst. However, getting Coles was a good use of a draft pick. Throwing in a 2 along with Champ is where that trade went bad. When you have a track record of 'giving' away draft picks it makes trading for fair value that much more difficult.

How about "Pump and Fake"

Posted by: Dorf | April 30, 2007 12:12 PM

----
I second this

I liked Law and Order, who threw that out threre?

I don't know if it'll be as long of a year as some of you guys think. Ok, so the D-line still needs to be addressed. I think a lot of next season is resting on our starters being healthy. If Griffin is healthy, he is an impact player. If Springs can stay healthy enough for at least a dozen games, the same can be said for him. If Marcus and Rocky are healthy they should play pretty well. Fletcher is a definite upgrade at MLB over Marshall. I'll also take Smoot over Wright and Rumph any day. I don't see our Defense finishing 31st again.

We also have several things to look forward to on the offensive side. A healthy Portis + Betts combination. The whole offense now beaing familiar with Al Saunders's offense, and Campbell having some game experience from last year.

Now I'm not saying we're gonna go 13-3 or 16-0 or something ridiculous like that, but I don't think next season will be anywhere near as long as this past season.

Assault & Battery

Posted by: hail to 'em | April 30, 2007 11:49 AM

Good one, it's got my vote. So far anyway

I think we want to be careful calling this a "terrible" off-season. I think it is more of a "boring" off-season which is atypical given the Redskins track record or FA signings.

This is how most teams do it. Not too many big splashes in free agency and building through the draft. The redskins are a year or two away from being able to do that because they have given up so many picks in the past years on players that didnt work.

I think the slow off-season could be viewed as the Redkins learning a lesson that the big aquisitions does not equate to playoff berths or superbowl appearances.

I am Cheyenne, WY and I approve this message

If there are any trades this offseason, they should be to aquire draft picks in '08. This season is already lost.

I know it won't happen because St. Joe only has 2 years left in his divine plan.

Bite and Whiff? No and Danny?

Cheyenne,

Most teams address needs in the offseason, they don't pick up 37 linebackers and safties.

I agree that the offense will be fun to watch next season, but I can totally see the defense finishing at 31 or worse. We'll see a lot of 42-35 losses this year.

K-tron--

The whole problem with your rosey scenario is that every sentence includes the phrase "if ... stays healthy."

Now, some of the them will stay healthy, but all of them won't. And, when they go down, who is there to back them up?

No one. All the backups were traded away in the form of draft picks. There is no depth at any position except safety.

Bite and Whiff? No and Danny?

Posted by: SMACK | April 30, 2007 12:24 PM

I think we have a winner. Leave it to a Cowboys fan.

Considering the fact that the NFL doesn't allow anything that used to be considered football anymore they will likely be known as "PERSONAL FOUL" and "UN-NECESSARY ROUGHNESS" or maybe if you consider Taylor's favorite foul they will be known as "SPLISH" and "SPLASH".

The whole trade thing is relative...

Lloyd is considered the second worst trade behind Duckett only because he was ineefective last year.

If he comes out this year recharged and leads the league in receptions, YAC, and TDs then of course it would be one of the best traes in history.

The jury is still out on Lloyd.

Spit and Roasted?

enough already about we gave up to get Brunell. Would you have rrrrrrrrrreally rather taken your chances with Ramsey? #8 did take up to within a few playes of the Championship game. I am not a huge fan of #8, but he was the best option. So what we paid a little much for him. Wasn't the price really worth that playoff run we had?

As far as Duckett, were any of us in the locker room, on the practice field? Did you honestly think Betts was going to have the kind of season he had? The same people that are bashing the trade would have been bashing Gibbs had he NOT got another running back on the team, with Portis hurt. If you don't think for one second that Betts didn't look at the signing of Duckett as a challange, you are wrong. Betts knew this was his chance to shine or else his career could be coming to a close. Again, to see Betts take the reins, and become someone we could actually depend on, was worth the Duckett trade. Again I realize we gave up too much, but I would have rather had that trade, lit a fire under Betts, than to have Betts and Rock share carries.

When we traded up to get Soups, most of you complained, we gave up too much. Who knows best? The guys that watch countless hours of film on these players, visit with their former coaches, or the guys working a 9-5 job who post comments on how they could do it better while they are on the company clock? I will take my chances with the Hail of Fame coach and a excellent staff over Bob Petertugger who works in accounting.

As always Hail to 'em and love 'em or leave em.

So we have Bite and Whiff teamed up with Double-Move. We just need a nickname for Springs.

I suggest A-Game because that's about how much he'll play this season.

Well put Hail to 'Em

They will probably make some sort of trade for a DE. They're willing to part with future picks to do it (as we seen time and time again).

We've been blogging about the Defense like crazy for days now.

Can the offense keep our defense off the field? Or at least keep them fresh late in the game?

Springs should be 'Ouch'. As in, "pumps once to get Double-Move to bite, then the receiver blazes past Ouch!"

This will be even more funny on the radio, because you won't know whether it was Springs getting burned or the WR getting decapitated.

I think you are mistaken about our 4th rnd pick in '08. We were supposed to give the equivilent of a high 3rd rnd pick, and we did. the 4th would have come into play if the 3rd was to low. So we should still have our complete draft for '08.

its all a beauty contest at this point. this teams picks are better than that teams picks, this guy they should pick, past on this guy, yada yada yada.

Has there been a study on lets say kipers rating of players vs how well they perform in the league. I bet no.

I'm waiting till i see them play.

Hail to em.... I love your posting name!!

However what do you mean, enough already?
You miss the point.
Vinny and Danny are not savy when it comes to trading draft picks!

Everyone knew the Jags already determined that Brunnel was now only going to be a veteran back up at best in Jax.

His value was down; we come in and offer a #2 and they probably couldn't keep a straight face! They jumped up and down laughing we gave them all of that when they had two much younger, stronger, mobile QB's already!

Same w/ Duckett and Lloyd.
Those trades are inexcusable.
I'm not saying they couldn't trade for those players but to give up what they did, is a fireable offense, and they should be publicly criticized!

AFter all, they want to be publicly praised if LL turns out to be a good choice don't they? YES!

Dana, that's what I thought. So JLC saying next year's 4th is a bit of a disappointment. Even if the 5th pick in the 3rd round isn't high enough shouldn't it be a 6th or 7th not another "Randy Moss."

How about Mantle and Maris?

[two heavy hitters]

KK I understand what you're saying. I just don't buy into the thought that we're automatically doomed again next season. Even with some injuries I don't see us performing as bad defensively. If Springs goes down again, I'd much rather have Smoot and Rogers starting than those bums Wright or Rumph. Lemar Marshall isn't a bad backup at LB. He can play middle or outside if need be if one of those guys goes down. I'm not saying this is a Super Bowl team, but I believe we'll have more to cheer about than we did last year.

RR,

It wasn't a 2 we gave for Brunell we gave that to Denver with Champ for Portis. It was a 3, I think, maybe a 4.

H.B. Blades was the steal of the 2007 draft, hands down.

I have no confidence in the handicappers. They were too busy with stopwatch and measuring tape to see what these guys have done on the field. Blades commanded the defense in college and will be a solid backup to Fletcher for two or three years before he makes his mark in the NFL.

Aside from Landry, the other picks should fill out the practice squad nicely.

I don't think they necessarily plan to get rid of any starters on the Dline. Even though it might not be ideal, I think they believe they'll be okay on the Dline and that they would have been fine last year had Griffin, Salave'a, and Daniels not been banged up to varying degrees the entire season.

More sacks from the line would be nice, but if you check out the stats from all 3 years Grilliams has been here, the difference in sacks last season reflects a decline in production from the linebackers and the secondary. The Dline was about the same, and I guess it makes sense since they seem to be asked to stop the run before anything else. No, for the most part they didn't do that well last season, but I don't think they're interested in a better pass rush at the expense of stopping the run. And, I think they believe the old guys they have on the roster now are perfectly capable of doing that if they are healthy.

Have there been any crazy proposed deals involving DTs or DEs? None that I can think of (unlike the Samuel and Briggs shabingi). It looks like they wanted to bolster the secondary and the LBs so they could get back to playing Grilliams' defense instead of a BS cover two, which is more dependent on pressure coming directly from the Dline in order to be successful.

I'm actually not all that upset that there's been no move to upgrade the Dline yet, as they can upgrade *both* lines next season with a full compliment of picks if they choose to. What *will* upset me, though, is if they get rid of Springs in addition to not upgrading the personnel on the Dline. In the couple of games last season that Springs played near his normal level, the entire defense looked much better. So, my guess is the thinking is if they can improve the defensive backfield enough to prevent getting gashed by the deep ball, the rest will take care of itself.

I can understand why they do not want to have to depend on Springs to be healthy for the success of the defense. But (and I hate this saying), it is what it is, and Springs is the best corner on the roster, and there are no corners available who are at least as good. They need to suck it up and pay him because they have no hand in this situation. Even though he hasn't entirely earned his pay by missing so many games, he still holds all the cards.

How saavy was it for the BEAGLES to trade with the COWBOYS and let someone in your own division get a player that we will be getting creamed by for the next 10 years?
Everybody is always calling that FO a bunch of brainiacs! How stupid was that! You never, never, never help anyone in your own division! STUPID BEAGLES!

Hail to 'em--

I'm with you on Brunell, but can't see your case for Duckett. Skins had talent here that was better than Duckett. Duckett was never worth more than a fifth. Remember, they weren't trying to get him, but to keep him away from Philly at the time.

Lloyd, they're stuck with for another year, so maybe he can make something of himself. But, they way overpaid. They had a year on his contract and didn't have to give him a new one with the big signing bonus.

Damn, sorry for the book. I didn't realize I had gone on for so long. LOL

Im with k-tron

I think we will be much better than last year.

We had to make a trade for Lloyd because he was under contract. I think we gave up a 4th rounder and I don't have a problem with that.

The issue I have is the extention we gave him. That was a joke. Everyone knew his story, tons of potential but a complete kuckle head. If we had made him play for a new contract he would have had some motivation to play well. Instead we rewarded him for having potential and have him no reason to live up to it.

Another disappointing year ahead I fear. London Fletcher is a talent, but has problems sheading blocks. Guess what, since we haven't addressed our DL needs.. he'll have OGs all over Fletcher. Landry will be a solid player, but not what we needed. Springs is a huge liability, but the best cover corner we have BY FAR !?!?! Welcome to the 08' Season boys... our bad free agency move has put us in the dog house for the forseeable future.

hey... didn't really stay on top of the FA situation before the draft, and i don't know what the salary situation looked like, but why didn't we even take a look at Charles Grant before he resigned?

Etrod --

As I recall it, we gave up two picks for Llyod -- a fourth last year and a third this year -- or vice versa. That was too much, but the really bonehead move was giving him a new contract and signing bonus, equal to Randle El's before he'd ever even played a down.

Mr. Diamond- OK,I'm admittedly an hour behind, but with all due respect- I don't see JLC's tone as desperate as you seem to (you should refer back to some of the Archuletta posts); this is more of a generally pointing out the obvious. The Skins D-Line was subpar. An "improved" secondary (still lots of uncertainty here- Springs and Prix back from injury, Carlos needs to prove himself, Macklin and Smoot are somewhat unknown quantities) may or may not provide "coverage pressure." Also, a major cog the LB core, Washington, is coming off major surgery. Yes, Fletcher will be an improvement in the middle, but that doesn't answer possible questions to his left and right. While we all think Landry is a beast and are glad to have him, the majority of folks out here- blogging or not- wanted D-line help. That's all Jason was saying.

Also, this is a blog, not a published article; typos are and have been for a long time 1.)common 2.)expected 3.)even appreciated as amusing and anecdotal. Not trying to hate- just gotta back my man.

Pain and Sufferin?

Mike Diamond smack to the back of your damn head. It's a blog.

Just got Burned Brothers (No pass rush)

Nickname for saftey combo:

Oh Snap!

pessimist: Oh snap! there's another six.
optimist: Oh snap! Was Terrel Owen's fibula?

etrod,
Isn't the free-spending a bigger problem?

If you're at the top of the pay scale some of the incentive to work hard is siphoned away.

Are the contracts full of incentives? Or does Danny just rely on their competitive instincts?

Skinsrule - I agree the cowboys/eagles move trade made no sense- but who helped who? I've heard both sides - Hopefully all of the players involved have the same impact as Andre Johnson - the skins traded up with the cowboys to get him. You don't trade within your division.

Well, at least one of my burning questions was answered. PDSquared, you asked about Branch -- I didn't hear anything from the wandering herd on TV, but much like Quinn, once he started falling it wasn't too surprising that he kept falling. Only one other DT (Harrell?) was taken between him and Okoye, and everyone thought that Green Bay picked him a little early.
I believe the Governor said it best; when it reached about #25, I started to think about how the skins could get a pick right about there to grab him. But there really wasn't any way that would have worked. A 2nd and 4th rounder would've come in handy...

But I will note that I had us taking Tyler Ecker in the 7th in January; of course, that was part of my all-Michigan fantasy FA/draft, but I still have the Mel Kiper acorn in my mouth.

The Seahawks traded Darrell Jackson to the Niners. You make a trade when you feel you are getting the upper hand in the deal. Why not hoodwink someone within your own division? I don't get that.

If the Giants offered two #1 picks for Brunell, you guys would be like, sorry, you're in our own division? Please dismount your high horse.

beep beep! new post

I'm with you "Hail to em,"...I get sick of rehashing the same trades from bandwagon fans.

Here's what the Skins have done well so far.

1) Hold the line on Springs. 7.2 million for a corner coming off of a sports hernia is too much. He's one of the best we've got but I wouldn't send us into cap hell for him.

2) not paying 18 million for Dockery. That would have been insane!

3) Resigning Sellars and Randy Thomas(give the FO some credit for locking up their own)

4) drafting the best available defensive player in positon of need (even though not the most need)

5) Naming Campbell the starter going into the season

6) drafting H.B. Blades (good pick, he was a beast...we'll see in the pros)

On another note...Is it me, or does the New England Patriots draft seem a bit over the top. I'm not giving them the trophy yet...Remember, we've done the fantasy football thing.

"How about Mantle and Maris?

[two heavy hitters]

Posted by: Redskin Ray | April 30, 2007 12:40 PM"

You must be thinking about JaMarcus Russell and Gaines Adams. Am I the only one who noticed Brady Quinn trying to start smoking pot right around pick #14?

First of all - I love the Landry pick. Obviously the guys that sat around for the last 60 days and did nothing but review tape decided that there were no other defensive players worthy of that pick and did the right thing. He and Taylor will put the fear of God in a lot of receivers for years to come. As mentioned by others before, it is easy for those of us that have full time jobs outside of football to sit back and criticize like armchair quarterbacks.

Second - For those of you who are upset that we didn't go after a DT or DE in the later rounds, please go take a look at our roster on the Redskins website and see for yourself how many young DT's and DE's that we already have been developing. A late round pick would end up in the exact same spot as these guys. It would have been different if we would have had 2nd or 3rd round picks to get a D-lineman but we didn't.

I love The Crunch Bunch, that fit's perfectly...

As for extending Lloyd's contract before he played in DC, that's the exact same tactic we used when we traded for Portis. It's a show of faith and in CP's case it worked out because he felt wanted and respected and rewarded the Skins with a pretty darn good season including that TD rip on his first carry at FedEx. So I can't blame them for thinking the same thing would work with Lloyd eventhough it's obvious now that his character is quite a bit different than CP. But hind site is perfect at RI...as always

Great point BIGfish! the Skins get criticized for not developing young players, but when you look at the youn lineman we have (Golston, Montgomery), it's not so bad. Personally, I don't think any DE can change a game without a good secondary.

It's not just Golston and Montgomery though and people don't realize that. Have a look at the young D-lineman we have. Not toppicks but they probably have a leg up on anyone that we would have taken in the later rounds.

http://www.redskins.com/team/;jsessionid=MJIJIIONPNAH

"I don't think they necessarily plan to get rid of any starters on the Dline. Even though it might not be ideal, I think they believe they'll be okay on the Dline and that they would have been fine last year had Griffin, Salave'a, and Daniels not been banged up to varying degrees the entire season. ...

Posted by: JustMe | April 30, 2007 12:42 PM"

Although the mouthpiece was Clinton Portis, I recall that it was the D-linemen who attributed, in part, the squallid performance and injuries to last season's early preseason workout grind. Something about how their bodies needed some downtime to recoup/recover/regenerate/heal. Hopefully, that was accurate and the change of plans this season results in a healthier team next season.

SMACK - so who got hoodwinked there? Looks like Seattle. The niners get a decent vet WR for only a 4th rounder? So sure from the niners standpoint do the deal, but now the seahawks have weakened themselves and strengthened a rival - seems like a dumb move.

SMACK - now if your division rival is going to be stupid then your absolutely right - Brunell for 2 #1's Git er done.

sicwidit,

I enjoyed the 1:03pm post and, like you and others, am absolutely exhausted with the constant rehashing of the misdeeds of our Front Office since Snyder's owned the team. I swear, some people act like the Redskins are a lover who has repeatedly cheated on them, so they "take them back" after every incident, but throw the incident back in their faces at every opportunity. If I felt that way, I wouldn't even bother.

Anyway, it's nice when folks focus on the positive.

There's a bunch of guys out there. We are gonna target somebody and see what happens. Hopefully we will get somebody who will play their guts out and give us 110%. It's too early to crown the Cowboys and that's just what you guys are trying to do. Crown them.

"SMACK - so who got hoodwinked there? Looks like Seattle. The niners get a decent vet WR for only a 4th rounder? ...

Posted by: skinswest | April 30, 2007 01:14 PM"

The hoodwinking is on the Skins. Patriots get Randy Moss (bad attitude) for a 4th rounder. The Niners get Darrell Jackson (fine attitude) for a 4th rounder. Skins got Brandon Lloyd (bad attitude) for a 4th AND A THIRD rounder.

how bout "Shake and Bake"

Sween,

Daniels was another of the players who wanted to work out on his own as he felt he was more productive, and that his body held up better over the course of the season, when he was able to train in his own way with his own trainer(s).

We'll see if it makes a difference. Hopefully, it will.

dcsween - ugh - that puts it in perspective.

I think the max I'd ever give up for Strahan at this point in his career would be a 5th rounder. For the past 3-5 years, when people bring him up in a trade scenario, I'd always think- are you kidding?! He's a thousand years old! I think that's been a partial reflection of my distaste for all things Giant. Now, of course, I think he is actually approach a thousand. No more giving up serious leverage for old guys who have max 70% of one season left.

Just wanted to say I love you guys... Barry Svrluga is a great writer and keeps his loyal well informed, but the people that follow his blog (Nationals Journal) are fairly boring/and or too serious.

well done friends.

For those of you who are too serious and get annoyed by people like me, back off... I was here first.

The difference between Portis and Lloyd is that Portis had a body of work that warrented an extention. Back to back 1500 yard seasons to start your career warrants special treatment.

Lloyd's best season was 48 catches, 733 yards and 5 TD's. Average at best.

SMACK makes a great point if you think your trading partner is stupid then bombs away. The Giants would have to think we are stupid to trade an over-the-hill DE like Strahan to your division rival for less than oh let me see? 2 2nd round picks say in 08 and 09! That's about the equivalent of 2 #1's for Brunell! Strahan was great back in the day but like Springs can't stay healthy for 16-18 games.

I wasn't here much this weekend. Did we already talk about Goodell's idea for a 17 game season (with only 3 preseason game) where every team has to play a game where both teams are "away"?

Personally, I love it (and Portis probably does too).

4-12, however, might need to change his name to 4-13.

A redskins fan since consciousness and the son of a 'skins fan since before Sammy Baugh. I got creds, my friends.

The secret to Gibbs football was to pump the score and make opponents play from behind. Defense had to be good enough. Looks to me that were in that position going into the season. I'm not annointing anybody in the coaches box or the FO, but I'm not ready to apply my fervent but limited knowledge to critiquing these guys. Give me an average offense of 25pts and an avg def of 20pts. It's funner that way. And I like GiGi's defensive scheme: Let the backers make the plays. It worked pretty well for the Ravens (never did like any Baltimore team, BTW...) I think we have a fine QB in Jason. Most of the passes he missed were in the dirt where nobody could catch the ball. I like that. We don't need a D that lights 'em up. We need a D that keeps us in the game so the O can light 'em up. Redskins: love 'em or leave 'em. Me, I've had a love hate with them for >45 yrs. It's fun.

Well we shouldn't be surprised but the Redskins draft was a bit of a non-event. Landry and then a bunch of guys. We're screwed for next year.

4-12, however, might need to change his name to 4-13.

Posted by: dcsween | April 30, 2007 01:30 PM

Man thats harsh :)

sicwidit,

I agree with you optimism but disagree with your take on the 'skins holding the line with Springs. "He's one of the best we've got but I wouldn't send us into cap hell for him."

No, Springs is THE best we have. No, paying his salary now would not put us in cap hell. Right now it fits under the cap. The FO was trying to get him to take a cut so that they could have more room to sign free agents.

Trading him makes no sense because he will still count against the cap.

does anybody have the list of undrafted free agents we signed last night?

How about naming the Giants bookend DE's

"Pissed off" and "Urination"

I can't believe anyone is advocating getting rid of Springs.

Does a starting tandem of Carlos "still plays like a rookie" Rogers and Fred "got benched for a rookie last year" Smoot scare anyone else?

Without Springs, our CBs become a huge liability. Anyone who's banking on Carlos becoming a #1 CB next year needs to take them burgundy sunglasses off.

Clinton's right!

If you look back at all the players that have created contract noise while with the skins where the the skins have backed down and submitted to the player...

probably not too often. It seems like the Skins have very little patience for these types of guys.

With that being said, Im not sure that Springs fits into that category . Fact is he is owed that money in his contract and has no obligation to restructure.

But that kind of money for a guy whos health coming into the season is risky (as are all players) he has the distinction of already being hurt much of last year.

Has anyone crunched the numbers on the defensive stats before and after Springs made his return...

was the defense that much better with him there (I mean 7 million dollars better)?

Darrell Jackson, like Springs, is also injury prone. If he stays healthy this year, it'll be a good trade for the Niners.

Right now we are 5 mil under the cap and we still need to sign Landry. If we find a good DT or DE in a FA or a trade that requires a decent contract then Springs may just be a "cap casualty" If we cut him or trade him after June 1st then we clear up almost 5 mil of cap space. The only other player that can clear up close to that cap space if cut or traded would be Marcus Washington (4 mil).

How come no one says "If Jason Campbell stays healthy he will..." or "if chris Cooley stays healthy he will..."

That is because their bodies are not viewed as compromised like Springs' is.

Clinton Hill, not sure anyone is actually advocating releasing Springs, just predicting it based on stuff coming out to date. Personally, I think the math has to have changed from the Skins perspective. Given the salaries that #1 CBs are now getting in the NFL, the Skins MUST realize they are getting more value from the Springs contract compared to what they would have been thinking before.

Cheyenne, my 4-12 comment is not harshing on the Skins. Its just that 4-12 indicated earlier he would not change his blogname till the Skins win their 5th game, i.e., they have to EARN his new nickname. Here's to that happening at the beginning of Week 6!

Has anyone crunched the numbers on the defensive stats before and after Springs made his return...

I don't really need stats to tell me how bad Carlos was as a #1 last year, or how bad Kenny Wright was as a #2.

Springs value was obvious just watching the games.

Yes Springs has injury issues (although last year was abnormally bad) and yes he's probably a little over-paid. But I don't see any other viable options. We need to over-pay him for one more year and deal with the secondary next year.

It's not worth cutting Springs so that we can spend his $7M on Lance Briggs or some other new big name.

Still, for all we know, instead of Springs being a June 1 cap casualty, maybe he could end up as a May 30 contract restructuring.

S. Taylor and Landry will combine to provide "Capital Punishment" for opposing offenses. Landry is faster than any of our current CB's, including s. springs by the way.

Here's to hoping D.C. (Springs restructuring)

LaReaper.

4-13

Why are we trading 3rd and 4th round pics for a backup running back in TJ Duckett, when the Pats can get Randy Moss for only a 4th.

This FO is a joke.

spicarde, I object to your use of the English language: "Why are we trading..."

We are not. We did. And knock on wood will never do it again.

Landry and Reaper = Bang Brothers

'cause some of their hits on the opposition are just OBSCENE.

Hey sicwidit!

You do bring up some good moves the Skins FO has made this year.
And that is the point, it is this year, finally!

But do you know why we had no #2, 3, 4 picks this past weekend? Because we are reaping what our FO sowed the last few years!

But don't refer to someone as a bandwagon fan, when you have no evidence of such!
I have posted on here several times, that I have been with this team since my childhood, and I am not jumping on ANY wagon that comes down the road.

To me, it is a mark of character and guts.
It takes more of both to continue to support one team than jump to another team.

I recall vividly the 13-13 year under Norv Turner.
I recall being upset with Joe Gibbs starting o-5, but they were my team.
I recall the Skins in 78 starting something like 6-2 but finishing 2-6 in the second half! That was agonizing to be so excited and finish so weakly.

No jump on wagons here;
I'm in for the long haul.

poor english aside, I would like to see JLaC ask Vinny to justify that one...

Thanks spicarde...
my point in my earlier posts exactly!

Like I said, other teams say, "hey, did you call Washington yet? They will give you anything!!!"

I just hope Landry and Taylor don't get into a contest on who can hit the hardest during the games and forget that they still have to "tackle" the player. Not that I don't mind seeing the Reaper laying wood, but often times the players take a lick and keep going for another 5-7 yards...

Redskin Ray just have me a great idea for nicknames for the safeties.

The Reaper and The Sower!

Hey spicarde, while you're at it, ask Vinny about

Bruce Smith
Mark Carrier
Deion Sanders
Jeff George
Randle- El getting All-Pro $
AA getting Canton $
Giving up a #1 for Jason Campbell when he wasn't on anyones board for another 20 selections?

SeanRon?

Hey Etrod,

What did you think of Mantle and Maris?

They were the two heaviest hitters in baseball and on the same team! Made for a powerful one-two punch!

Toast?

Hey Etrod,

What did you think of Mantle and Maris?

They were the two heaviest hitters in baseball and on the same team! Made for a powerful one-two punch!

Posted by: Redskin Ray | April 30, 2007 02:12 PM

And a lot of strikeouts. Works for me.

The big question is can Landry quarterback the secondary like Clark used to do (which was the only negative on Landry's scouting). The Reaper needs to be told where to go. If Landry can be the QB or Fletcher takes on that responsibility we will be in good shape.
If Taylor is back there with another guy who doesn't know where to position himself...we could be in trouble.

Wow. I'm a real negative nancy today, aren't I?

I think Fletcher is more suited to QB the defense.

I recall vividly the 13-13 year under Norv Turner.

Posted by: Redskin Ray | April 30, 2007 02:03 PM

13-13? Now that's what we're talking about when we say it's going to be a loooong year!

Yes, swinging for the fences, lots of big hits but some big whiffs as well.

Mantle and Maris works for me.

There is no hacggobing for ki i 207. Check the salary cap - thn't nough cap space to sign the players who were drafted. There aren't enough contracts left to be restructured. Someone has to go. Springs will be the one. Maybe they use him in a trade for Schobel. But Springs is GONE.

I think Springs is also a QB on the field for Taylor, that is WHEN Springs is on the field.

Why are we trading 3rd and 4th round pics for a backup running back in TJ Duckett, when the Pats can get Randy Moss for only a 4th.

This FO is a joke.

Posted by: spicarde | April 30, 2007 01:57 PM

this is a great point!

Thanks KK, hadn't noticed my typo.
That was supposed to be the 94 year where we went 3-13.

Norv: how many times did he always seem to reply:
"We didn't make plays".

Every single play is a play to make.
What is that supposed to mean anyway?
It is really lame, you know?
It says absolutely nothing about anything.

Too many if's and when's to justify that kind of money for Springs.

I understand the logic that the alternatives are nbot great...but when you lose Springs for the season; you have the same depth chart and 7 million less than you had.

It's risk vs. reward.

"There is no hacggobing for ki i 207. Check the salary cap - thn't nough cap space to sign the players who were drafted."

Can someone translate this for me?

There is no hacggobing for ki i 207.

Posted by: | April 30, 2007 02:16 PM

That's what I'm talking about!

Let's see here:

Hurt in 2005 when we needed you in the playoffs.

Hurt in 2006

Age 32,

trying to play corner and can't get your hip / thigh healthy.

Oh, you won't take a restructured contract for the team when you are scheduled to make 7 mil?

C-YA.

The Raiders wouldve traded Moss for an assortment of Hot Pockets....he's an a$$

They wanted him gone.

I like the Mantle and Maris for now until they prove they can be consistent on the "swinging for the fences" part and not the "whiffs" but can we shorten that up to M&M to make it easier on the carpal tunnel?

Redskin Ray--

Didn't mean to rag on you about a typo -- it just fit in well with the earlier posts about a loooooong season as well as the nature of memory -- I was sitting here asking myself, "Why can't I remember that 13-13 season? What's he know that I don't? Damn, I need a record book like his."

Hell, maybe Brunell could QB the defense. At least we wouldn't be asking him to make any tough throws, or ANY throws for that matter, and he'd fit in really well with all the senior citizens on the other side of the ball. He couldn't be any worse back there than Archuleta.

Cheyenne, you just made me think of Jim Gaffigan's glorious riff on Hot Pockets. I do love me some Gaffigan.

Springs missed 7 games last year and one each of the other years here. What makes you think he'll miss the whole year. He will be a year past his surgery. It wasn't a wheel. He'll be fine. I'm all for restructuring, I just think it's hogwash to ask him to take a cut. Hell we just gave Wynn 500,000 to restructure.

Why are we trading 3rd and 4th round pics for a backup running back in TJ Duckett, when the Pats can get Randy Moss for only a 4th.

This FO is a joke.

Posted by: spicarde | April 30, 2007 01:57 PM

**********************************

While I agree that far too much was given up for TJ Duckett, particularly considering how little he was used, I don't think you can really compare the situations. They truly have nothing in common other than desperation. And, the Skins were desperately trying to make an acquisition, hence the over payment for a player who wasn't as good as those already on the roster. The Raiders, however, were desperate to unload a problem player in time to get a pick in this year's draft. Further tying the Raiders ability to get good value for that same problem player was that he refused to take a pay cut for any team other than New England, making him virtually untradeable to anyone else. Under normal circumstances, there's no way a player like Moss (at least Moss when he doesn't quit on his team) gets dealt for just a 4th rounder.

There is no hacggobing for ki i 207. Check the salary cap - thn't nough cap space to sign the players who were drafted.

Posted by: | April 30, 2007 02:16 PM

ack da hacggobing ki? i 207? splundh ertas en gniboggcah salary cap!

I'm not sure if this has been discussed in the past but does anyone know if the Redskins would be eligilble to recieve a compensatory pick next year for Derrick Dockery signing with the Bills?

Let's see here:

Hurt in 2005 when we needed you in the playoffs.

Hurt in 2006

Age 32,

trying to play corner and can't get your hip / thigh healthy.

Oh, you won't take a restructured contract for the team when you are scheduled to make 7 mil?

C-YA.

Posted by: Redskin Ray | April 30, 2007 02:22 PM

BINGO!!!!

Gaffigan on Hot Pockets.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QUVmSBGyKm0

You can thank me later.

"Did I eat it or rub it on my face?"

The FO's Nickname should be "Left Hand and Right Hand".

i love hot pockets!

straight cash homey.

How about

Tom and Jerry?

Two quick cats back there as safety?

What would be even worse is Springs stays, We go 13-3, win the division and make it to the playoffs, then he gets hurt on the last game of the regular season and we lose the first game of the playoffs because Rogers continously gets burnt.

If we do trade/cut Springs then we better be making some moves to get Samuel from the Pats. Oh wait - I bet that would involve next years picks. Maybe we should keep him after all?

Redskins Ray...

There are many out here who know nothing about the Redskins except what they hear on SportsTalk 980.

Personally, I think Springs is gone...

Thanks Jason. :)

- Ray

When is the NFL draft?

2004 Shawn Springs led the team in interceptions and sacks.

probably a dumb question but here it goes...

If the doctors all say that Springs is 100% and he appears to be in great shape and ready to dominate...

do the Skins cut him anyway just to save the money, or do we give him what he is owed (legally not ethically)?

This idle talk about Asante Samuel - I don't think he is going anywhere. There was that little flare-up a few weeks ago and then nothing. My guess is the Patriots management told him to cool his jets until the draft was over and then his contract would be taken care of. The Patriots had the cap space and probably still do. They are probably just trying to work out the structure for his deal.

2004 Shawn Springs led the team in interceptions and sacks.

Posted by: bangkokben | April 30, 2007 02:30 PM

This is known as "the good old days." Hell, in 2004 I had all my hair.

Everyone seems to be forgetting that Springs is the best corner on the freakin' team. Last I checked that counts for something.

And he's a bargain if you compare his current salary to whatever we would forfeit in cutting him or trading him, which would almost certainly yield a lesser CB.

Our bed is made for '07 personnel, to a HUGE extent. We're going to war with the players we have, with a very few exceptions. I'll take Springs' known knowns (including the injury history and age) over the known unknowns of anybody else we might dream up to be our #1 corner.

And by the way something, where is Lisa to leap to her boy's defense up here?

new post, and it's terrible news.

beep beep

new post

sicwidit, I'll have you know that I don't listen to Sportstalk 980 now that I'm not a NoVA commuter, so I know even less than the 980-informed fans up here. Ha!

Otter - Be it Samuel or any other young shut down corner...if we cut/trade Springs then we better have something in mind. Smoot could return to form being back at "home" and Rogers could improve but that's taking a big chance.

Going to keep my silly talk over here on this thread in deference to the sad news on the next thread.

I agree that we need to keep Springs even if we can only count on him for 12 games. Smoot hurts his sturnum every time he makes a tackle. Without Springs on the roster that leaves Double Move covering the opponents #1 receiver at least a couple of games next season. We saw how well this worked out last year.

If I had t listen to the radio for my football information then I would have to kill myself being that I live in Dallas.

Does anyone have the list of FA's we signed last night?

Apples to Oranges on the Moss/Duckett trades. Neither is the same. Without Duckett, we are looking at Betts (who had a history of staying healthy) Rock (history of putting the ball on the ground) and Nemo (exactly... no history)

remember we were building on going BACK to the playoffs without the services of our number 1 back. If things went differently. you guys would have been praising Gibbs for how great he was in keeping the team together.

Now there is a great thread idea:

Vinny and Danny, what is their nickname to be?

Right hand left hand? That was creative!

What do you think of:

Felix and Oscar

Nickname for Springs should be "ER".

Laurel and Hardy? Moe and Curly? Beavis and Butthead? Dumb and Dumber?

Kevin Mitchell. Former Redskins LB passed away this morning.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1547

I'm afraid they think they are Batman and Robin, but are more like:
Kermit and Miss Piggy

That's it for me for awhile.... got to get back to work.

Actually, since Batman smells and Robin layed an egg, that may not be too far off.

Wow. I'm a real negative nancy today, aren't I?

Posted by: etrod | April 30, 2007 02:15 PM

*****************************

Yep. I normally really enjoy your posts -- especially the Sean Taylorisms. Come on... Dig up one to bring yourself out of your funk. You can do it. ;-)

I think you overemphasize how bad the Skins DL was last year. The D line held strong, it was the linebackers who couldn't fill, and make plays.

"London Fletcher is a talent, but has problems shedding blocks"

I just love when people make stupid comments like this.

London Fletcher has been in the top 10 in tackles made in every season since he became a starter. That must be a really difficult feat when one is on one's back, flattened by an O lineman. Since he is generally regarded as a "tackling machine", he must do all of that with his arms only, eh?

Try watching a few games - you'll be amazed at what you'll find.

I think you overemphasize how bad the Skins DL was last year. The D line held strong, it was the linebackers who couldn't fill, and make plays.

Posted by: Mittens | April 30, 2007 02:53 PM

19 sacks. NINETEEN SACKS! In 16 games! Yeah, the DL was great last year.

Roy Williams + Talent = Sean Taylor.

(I tried, justme)

The D-Jack trade between Seattle and San Fran was about two issues. First, the Seahawks have more receivers than the Redskins have safeties. Second, D-Jack's attitude is somewhat suspect and his play varies accordingly. This is the last year of his contract and he was already making noise about getting restructured to a Branch-like pay level. By trading D-jack to San Fran, Seattle gets rid of a potential cancer in the locker room and makes room for their younger receivers to move up.

Totally agree mittens, excellent point. We have a HUGE improvement at middle linebacker this year which should help us stop the run. After all, the middle linebacker should lead the team in tackles.

How about

Tom and Jerry?

Two quick cats back there as safety?

Posted by: Redskin Ray | April 30, 2007 02:28 PM

RR, this works for me, but Jerry was a mouse. I'm just sayin'.

Strahan won't be coming to DC. There is no cap space available in Ashburn. He is old and would need a short contract, but he wants big money, so there is no way to spread out a large bonus. (After his recent divorce settlement, vet minimum is going to look like big money to Strahan.) That earlier nonsense appears to be an attempt to create a better bargaining positioning with the Giants.

etrod,

Yeah, you did. But, you're obviously not feeling it. :-(

Oh well, wallow in your funk now so you can be especially happy when they win a few more games this season. I'm not an especially optimistic person, but the moves they've made this off-season make sense to me. They're not necessarily perfect moves, but they've been fairly reasonable ones.

If this defense can just be in the top 15 or so, I think the Skins can have a winning record this season. I'm with Old School. Assuming the defense is even just average, the key to this season will be how much Campbell has developed. We will sink or swim based on what Soupie does.

BRUISE BROTHERS

Over the past 5 years London Fletcher has between 133-157 tackles per year. Lemar Marshall had 106 last year. The biggest mistake the skins have made thus far is believing that Lemar Marshall could be a middle linebacker. He was never cut out to play middle linbacker and it showed. We have improved our run defense DRAMATICALLY by adding fletcher. And the secondary looks solid. Enough of the negativity. The redskins could trade a 7th round pick for Tom Brady and Randy Moss, and you fans would still spin it as a negative trade for us. Enough of the negativity. We've had a solid off-season this year and we haven't made any mistakes this year. Defense is GREATLY improved, and offense will only get better in Al Saunders second year. I guarantee playoffs this year.

A little humor for all you O's fans, if you haven't already seen it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21bb-Yo2W4g

The redskins could trade a 7th round pick for Tom Brady and Randy Moss, and you fans would still spin it as a negative trade for us. Enough of the negativity. We've had a solid off-season this year and we haven't made any mistakes this year. Defense is GREATLY improved, and offense will only get better in Al Saunders second year. I guarantee playoffs this year.

Posted by: Max | April 30, 2007 03:24 PM

so true Max, so true. I think we have had a GREAT off season. well ok - better off season. We seem solid to me. (the team)

"There is no hacggobing for ki i 207. Check the salary cap - thn't nough cap space to sign the players who were drafted."

We're either going to have to get a Finn or Jason to translate this for us.

I second Bruise Brothers. Has a nice ring to it.

A name for taylor and Landry, how about the Snot Bubblers. They hit u so hard your snot bubbles

I can see the poster and T-shirts now. Burgandy hat with gold trim, burgandy suits with glasses on - fist clinched - BRUISE BROTHERS

"ack da hacggobing ki? i 207? splundh ertas en gniboggcah salary cap!"

This is proof that the spirit of John Candy is still alive in North America.

Undrafted free agent signing ...

Seven LSU players head to NFL camps as undrafted free agents

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Seven LSU players who were not taken in
the seven-round NFL draft last weekend will be off to pro rookie
camps nonetheless, including one with the New Orleans Saints, after
agreeing to free-agent contracts.

Offensive tackle Peter Dyakowski will be making the 80-mile trip
southeast along the Mississippi River to New Orleans when the
Saints open their camp for first-year players on May 12.

Meanwhile, two former Tigers will join a couple of the Saints'
rivals in the NFC South Division.

Safety Jessie Daniels has agreed to terms with the Carolina
Panthers, while running back Justin Vincent is headed to the
Atlanta Falcons.

The Washington Redskins picked up defensive back Daniel Francis,
the Arizona Cardinals signed offensive lineman Brian Johnson and
the St. Louis Rams reached a deal with defensive lineman Ryan
Willis.

Punter and place kicker Chris Jackson, who also plays on LSU's
baseball team, has signed on with the Buffalo Bills.

The seven undrafted free agents bring to 12 the number of LSU
players headed to NFL teams.

Well, you all know how much I LOVE Springs so these constant rumors about cutting him are driving me insane.

For whatever it's worth, Gibbs stated yesterday at his presser that he is looking forward to having a great secondary now that Shawn is healthy and the additions we have made.

Snot Bubblers

Middle linebacker has always been key in the G. Williams defense. Our defense has been very solid under G. williams when we've had a serviceable MLB. So I expect good things this year. L. Marshall is a good OLB, but wasn't cut out for middle. Our stellar defense is back baby.

Jason, thanks for the info. Must say I love these up-to-the-minute blogs from someone who (it feels like) is camped out at Redskins park on our behalf.

I think it's ironic that in Gibbs v 1.0 when we won all those superbowls, our front seven was invariable solid / excellent and our secondary (with the exception of Darrell Green) was just good enough. Can you name a pro-bowl safety on any of our Superbowl teams?

Now it seems like we have the reverse situation.

Roy Williams pushes children on swings, one swing at a time.

Sean Taylor just stares at the swings, and all the kids start swinging at once.