1st?

1st?

Who did we end up with as FA? Surprised Wapo hasnt run a story yet

Maryland's Hollenbach, for one.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.nflnotes01may01,1,1453623.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Thanks for the insight. Sorry, but I don't read guest blog's.

You can't be trusted unless you are labeled an 'Insider'.

Now, the real question of the Day should be who is going to be cut - Brunell or Collins?

This wil happen because we got LBP now on the team. I think Brunel is pretty much out the door now because Saunders still wants Collins as a safety net for atleast this year since he knows the offense.

Thoughts? Discuss.

Nice post Sheriff. Hope your right. I also liked Boswell's article today saying opposing teams won't know which safety is blitzing and which is covering due to the speed of both Taylor and Landry. Should be interesting. TO and Terry Glenn will be looking for a tailor soon as I'm sure there arms just got a bit shorter already.

I think they should hang onto Brunell as long as he doesn't cost too much. I don't think Collin's offense knowledge helped much last year, or will this year when everyone knows it better.

Of course, what will happen is a whole different thing ...

They did, see the Hollenbach article.

Food for thought:

Many DB and LB DIP's are a direct result from pressure up front. (ie, Forced passes, LB coming free beacuse DT occupies extra blockers) Without that, the number of DIP's in the back 7 is sure to drop off.

Sheriff Gonna Getcha, I appreciate your post and the research you put into it. But DIP stats can't convince me that our d-line isn't a huge we reason we were so bad on D last year.

There's a lot that d-lines do that don't show up in a stat sheet, and I don't think our guys are capable of doing those things.

Look what Haloti Ngata did for Ray Lewis. Or what Chicago's DTs did for Urlacher & Co.

Without a stout D-line, you simply can't have a good defense. Stats are one thing, being effective is another.

To continue my post from a previous thread: anyone who thinks an over-paid Shawn Springs for 12 games is a worse option than Carlos & Smoot as starters for 16 games did not watch the 2006 season.

I am convinced of this fact.

we're not in a cap crunch and we don't need Springs' money. Weakening our secondary because we're over-paying Springs (debatable) doesn't make any sense, especially if there's nowhere better to spend the money in '07.

Posted by: Clinton Hill | May 1, 2007 12:47 PM

Clinton Hill--

I think we're going to need his money first to pay Landry, second to resign Cooley and, once we've paid Landry, to cut a new deal with the Reaper. Also, I'm betting that there's one trade coming up, for a pass rusher, with a big paycheck attached to it. This team is always "in a cap crunch."

I'm pretty sure we have the money right now to sign Landry. And we'll have the room to renegotiate with Taylor & Cooley later on, if our FO even chooses to do that. (Their track record of re-signing guys to extensions is not good.)

As for having money to make a huge DE addition this off-season, that would be a mistake for a multitude of reasons.

A shrewd team doesn't go out and break the bank to fix every problem as soons as they come up. A shrewd team would go into the season with the roster we have, and fix the DE problems next off-season. We simply had more holes than fixes this off-season.

We may be able to improve our DEs with a trade now, but it will hurt the team in the long run.

This is the fundamental flaw in Gibbs II.

Clinton, injuries were a HUGE reason, and playing two rookie DLs as well. Plus, my man, schemes are different for each team. Offense does take pressure off defense. effective linebacker and DB blitzing takes pressure off DLs as well. The main concern is LBs and DBs in the pass. In the run, thats another story. It was ONLY two seasons ago that the Skins WON a playoff game. Gibbs has been back 3 seeasons now. You put a new CEO in a company thats Chapter 11, and has a recent history of failure. You have to change the culture. We joke about how Snyder only appars once a year now. Prior to Gibbs return he was HEAVILY criticized for being too out front. I dont know if we doubt cause its fun, or doubt cause its not fun when everyone is positive, and havin fun about winning the last 3/4 over the enemy...

True, Clinton. This team's made good steps so far by not making huge trades over the offseason, and not trading away more of next years picks. The best thing they can do is take their lumps this year, withstand the criticism, and continue to build in the next offseason.

Harry,

Great post my brotha! Way to put all of that in simple terms for people.

Everyone, just please tell yourself this :

Gibbs and the staff knows more than we do.

Its that simple. Stick to your day job.

Murf, part of being a fan is coming up with your own theories and analysis!

If I had to rely on Gibbs pressers and the ramblings of Sean Salisbury, I'd shoot myself in the head.

Clinton,

I don't think they can get out of a new contract for Taylor, once he sees Landry's numbers. He's never been happy with his contract. And, it might be a good idea to get a new contract and extend him a few more years.

On Cooley, I'm thinking they may have learned from seeing the deal that Dock got from Buffalo. The way they've handled this off season, there's a lot of evidence of learning out there.

On a DE, it wouldn't be my choice either, and if there's been the learning that I just mentioned, then they won't do it. But the path from insanity to rationality is not a straight line.

Posted by: Gonzo, MD The best thing they can do is take their lumps this year, withstand the criticism, and continue to build in the next offseason.

That's what good teams do: stick to a long term plan and deal with one problem at a time.

Gibbs & Snyder try to fix everything immediately and that's a very short-sighted way of doing business.

I would like to see us get one other de who can rush the passer. the other 7 dl we have in rotation will be fine if we stay healthy (?). my point fom the ealier thread is i no longer see the value in renaldo w.

The gg d of tenn/buf/wash creates havoc with pressure and coverage together.forces the qb to get rid of the ball to a place that is almost predetermined by the D... ie on the 3rd and 9 we blitz from your right leaving the quick option rb left flat as the only place you can throw (we know that) you hold the ball and get sacked or go there and we swarm the rb for 3 yd gain or you throw it away. the whole thing is designed to make the offense make quick decisions and because of the speed and coordination of coverage most options on the field are taken away. it breaks down when you can't get the coverage combos and thus play preditable and the blitz then becomes slower to develope and easy to read.

all that being said williams d is at its very best when it adds a dominate rusher ( jevon Kerse) to the mix of mayhem. thats the element we are missing. in other words we can be good if the back seven is better but to get over the top you still that rusher.

The problem with statistics is that they don't adequately tell the story, particularly if you limit your assessment to sacks, interceptions and forced fumbles. The key deficiency that I remember from last season was the inability to stop the opponent from picking up huge chunks of yards on first and second down run plays. Once you've given up that kind of yardage, the opponent has you on your heels and can execute 3rd down conversions with ease.

The landry pick doesn't help in this regard unless it allows Taylor to play in the box as a 4th linebacker. But that would have its obvious drawbacks, as it would make the secondary more vulnerable. With no upgrades at defensive line, this team will continue to struggle stopping the run, thereby allowing teams to move the ball steadily up the field.

There is hope, however. Maybe, just maybe, having a legit middle backer, will improve the run D. Of course, this is contingent upon a healthy Marcus W. and a serviceable Macintosh.

KK, no doubt.

It's just that my overriding thought here is that Carlos & Smoot are not a starting NFL CB tandem right now and no matter what else we add to the equation, relying on them is asking for disaster.

Gibbs and the staff knows more than we do.

Posted by: Big Murf | May 1, 2007 01:17 PM

Murf,

Mostly, I think this is right. Then I see stuff like Archuleta, Lloyd, and Duckett, and I know I'm smarter than that. If I weren't, I wouldn't be able to write a complete sentence.

Say, any of you rusty trombones know where I can score some Fun Dip?

Old School, no doubt: "it breaks down when you can't get the coverage combos and thus play preditable and the blitz then becomes slower to develope and easy to read."

And it blows my mind that people are advocating getting rid of Springs.

How about "Smash" and "Crash" for Taylor and Landry?

I agree with La-C on the D-LINE & Draft 100%......I've been a CA Redskins fan for 33 years and Gibbs is still a great coach, however - a great GM - he is not. It doesn't help having Snyder chime in when he really doesn't have the knowledge. They've spent this enitre off season trying to repair damagages to last years horrific off-season (Arch-Deluxe, Carter & letting go of Harris and Clark...oh, yeah - Duckett was a ridiculous decision. You need a D-Line to 1) stuff the run and 2) put pressure on the QB = period, case closed. Landry could turn out to be great, but they desperately needed a young; run-stuffing Lineman (okoye). But, they went for the "safe pick" because they just don't have the confidence or "instincts" that a solid GM would have.

i agree with most who say can't fix it all in one year.

We do have a plan, its called Jason Campbell.

Can't build anything without the franchise qb.(the rearranging chairs on the titanic has been our approach) don't confuse staying aggressive and making deals etc. as not having a plan, its just maybe we have something to finally build around QB/Coach. will it work, don't know. but we do have a good young qb and very good and Stable coaching.

I am just going to take a "wait and see" approach. We needed help on the DL and we needed some help at safety. Next year's draft has to be DL and CB throughout, but you can't change everything in one year (even though the Skins try to), especially when you don't have many picks.

very good and Stable coaching.

that's debatable.

Al Saunders play-calling last year scared me sh*tless.

MrSpartan, thanks for the stats... btw where the hell did you find those??? It wasn't a pointed a question, just a question.

I remember being awfully dissapointed with Duckett's play, just didnt seem like he had any burst. Proabably just a bunch of dissapointing memories being piled onto one player... I still dont think he played very well, awful might have been a little harsh though.

Clinton Hill - I liked Saunder's play calling, but it didn't look great because Brunell couldn't execute them and then Al couldn't open it up as much with JC under center. Some of the plays take some time to develop and Brunell was too impatient to sit in the pocket so he quickly checked down too early all the time. I think now that JC will have a full offseason/camp with the 1st team, the plays will be executed much better and the offense will seem fluid and not as sporadic as it was last year.

CH

I think you will see more of what the end of the year brought in terms of play calling.

We were so handicaped with brunell that we had to finese our running game (reverses) to try and losen the defense because we could not pass them out of 8 and 9 in the box. I offer as further evidence 2 other things

1. the wr/te screen a staple in the brunell offense we would run it every game muliple times a game. became what it should have ben all along a play you run once in awhile to make it more effective.

2. the middle and deep ball back in play . the mere threat of having a qb capable of throwing to all parts of the field makes defenses play you differently.

clinton what you saw last year was a brunell lead version of the nfl's most dynamic offense. If we get this rolling we will be very very hard to stop.

Al just seemed way too willing to call pass plays, especially considering he had a first yr starter at QB and a very run oriented offensive roster.

too many passes on third and short.

i just sincerely hope we didn't get ourselves one of those idiot off. coordinators who's obsessed with pass plays.

possible DE option:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6762758

I think Coach Gibbs made it obvious to everyone (esp Saunders) that he wanted to run.

I think last year we were behind quite a bit and forced us into passing the ball more.

I'm sure the return of Portis will improve the running game right there. But really, the team has to grow with Soup - will stand or fall with him.

Everyone seems to assume that the Skins are keeping the Reaper. They don't need two head busting safeties who consistently get beat by quick receivers. I'd look to focus on Landry and Prioleau, and trade the Reaper for a superior freak-of-nature DE.

rustytrombone.com would be a good place to start, pretty entertaining, if your down with that and all.

Trade the Reaper???

Getting dizzy

We actually ran the ball quite a lot last year.

2005 - 525 rushes for 2,183 yards
2006 - 490 rushes for 2,216 yards

If they can get him cheap Hicks would be a great pick up for the skins.

Trading the reaper might be a good idea, but not this year. They'll be depending on him to become a much better cover safety, and if he doesn't in the next couple of years, he might yield his place to Laundry.

A bit off the subject but I'm curious...

Who is viewed as the "face of the franchise"

I think in years past it was LaVar Arrington; but I dont know who it would be these days.

It's easy to find and compile stats when you only touch the ball 40 times. I agree bringing Duckett here was a waste and we might have ben able to find a decent gem for those picks. (Alan Branch and Paul Posluszny went just a whisker BEFORE our scheduled 2nd round selection)

How about "Pain and Agony" for the two safties?

Haven't you guys gotten the point? A top middle linebacker and solid D-tackle is the key to stopping the run. Besides, most of the big runs last year were to Warrick Holdman's side of the field and if either macintosh or l. marshall can play better against the run to that side and Griffin and Fletcher can stop everything up the middle, then we will be GREATLY improved over last year. Also, the reason we didn't get sacks last year is because QB's were releasing the ball quickly on us because we had a terrible secondary and receivers were open constantly. We will increase our sack totals this year simply based on coverage sacks. Add to that an improving Andre Carter, and we could be a lot better on defense than most of you are expecting. I'm predicting top 10 defense. Plus our young d-linemen will improve with great coaching. Picking a defensive lineman this year in the draft would not have helped, as Greg Williams would keep him on the bench for most of the season anyway, based on his track record. Landry on the other hand has the raw talent to see the field early and often. Most are saying Landry is the best position player in the draft. Of course only redskins fans would complain about taking the best position player available in the draft, and a guy who ran the 2nd fastest 40 time of all the players in the draft. We made a great pick and you all will be singing praises when our defense shocks the world this season.

Clinton Portis is clearly the face of the franchise, but I could throw Marcus Washington in the mix as well.

CC, you make good points. I guess my complaints with Saunders were when he chooses to run (or pass), not how often.

I think Portis, with his Thursday Pres Conference personalities was beginning to take on that role but the injury put a damper on that momentum. Looks like St. Joe is the image most often used to accompany any skins news. Would love to see someone step up.

I imagine they hope that Soup will become the face, but right now, it's gotta be Taylor, for good or for bad.

More on trading - I imagine that a good DE would come at a higher price than a safety, unless he he plays in Pittsburgh.

Max, you are vastly mis-representing what Skins fans are mad about.

Of course only redskins fans would complain about taking the best position player available in the draft, and a guy who ran the 2nd fastest 40 time of all the players in the draft. We made a great pick and you all will be singing praises when our defense shocks the world this season.

Trading star/good players simply does not get a good return in value. This isn't Madden.

I think Portis WAS the face in 2005... 2006 the face of the franchise:

http://hosted.ap.org/photos/B/bf332b79-7eba-441b-9ac8-bbcfc363701d-big.jpg

did someone really suggest trading the Reaper???

does that deserve an ITA? Or break some sort of RI blog rule???

The face of the franchise?...
I don't think we really have one. The closest would be Gibbs and Portis.
Personlly, I kinda like not having a "face of the franchise"...seems too individualistic.

Clinton - I read most of the posts on this article and it seemed like most people were mad we didn't get a DE with the 6th pick. So those are the comments I was addressing with my post. I agree the FO has made some bad moves in the past, but I'm very happy with what they have done so far this off-season, and it seems that others around here think we could have done more. I'm not sure we could have done more without giving up a lot more. I'm very pleased with how we conducted this off-season, despite past mistakes which have been made by our FO.

Yeah, if we could get him cheap Hicks would be a good one to bring in.

Face of the franchise... Moss,Portis,Taylor

In the end, it's hard to draft well, and long-term without making at least some of your fans mad. Either you're a good team, and you make picks that seem to have no explanation, or you're a bad team, and you just can't fix all the holes. Ideally your draftees should start a year or two later, and aren't aimed at this years holes - that's too much pressure to put on a rookie, even a first round pick. (Apart from running backs, apparently). But fans all demand that big impact, first day starter pick ...

BTW - great guest blog, and since our defense was at the bottom of the league last year, it won't take much to improve. Comparing the roster talent of our defense to others around the league, I see no reason we shouldn't be top 10. Not every good defense has a beastly pass rushing DE.

Basically, "The U" is the face of our franchise...

BTW - great guest blog, and since our defense was at the bottom of the league last year, it won't take much to improve. Comparing the roster talent of our defense to others around the league, I see no reason we shouldn't be top 10. Not every good defense has a beastly pass rushing DE.

Posted by: Max | May 1, 2007 02:28 PM

Right on Max. We certainly didn't in 2004 or 2005 when we had good defenses.

Pulling out two hammers. JJGeezer Smack to the back of your damn head. WTF is wrong with you? Trade the Reaper. Man just say no whatever it is you are taking over there.

I think Landry was who we had to take there. This guy has all-pro written all over him for many years. Drafting D-line is a crapshoot with that high of a pick. Look at Mario Williams. He would have been rated much higher than Okoye or Anderson if he was in this draft. Were any Texans fans happy with his production last year. I don't think so. Landry will beast out.

I loves Joe Gibbs. God knows I do. But, I'll KILL HIM DEAD if he let dem trade away Da Reaper!

For any Color Purple fans out there...LOL

Trade the Reaper???

Getting dizzy

Posted by: Cheyenene, WY | May 1, 2007 02:07 PM

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

I'm feeling a little woozy, myself. I think I need a drink.

I'd have a tough time supporting Gibbs if he let the reaper go too. We can't continue to let our young home grown talent slip away.

Jason Campbell doesn't have the kind of face that can be the face of a franchise (at least, not until he loses the caterpillar crawling btwn his nose and upper lip). He's not Nate Clements-ugly, but he SHOULD try to be a franchise face. He should focus on his game (and from his comments about Landry at the Wiz game, he should not try to be the mouth of the franchise either). Clinton Portis is the face of the franchise. [and, until late in the season, Cooley was the hair of the franchise.]

Last night, a friend who works for the Skins gave me the new cheerleader calendar. Leanne should be the body of the franchise.

max

i don't think many of us would be shocked if the d improves and plays more along the lines of 04 an 05. i and most of us like what we have done to improve the quality overall and add an impact player in landry.

another edge rusher (vet or project) is the missing piece provided that the guys who should make an impact (taylor, springs, carter, washington, landry, double move) play to or above what we expect, and the other 15 or so guys play with chemistry in their roles.

If Sean Taylor goes, it will be because Sean Taylor wants to go. In his free agent year, if we don't sign him by October, that means he wants out. To a certain extent, Landry is insurance in case that happens.

In the last post, someone was tooling on the UTEP QB as mediocre. I read earlier today that he holds most of the UTEP QB records.

Has anyone seen this guy? He would definitely be worth a shot. Can someone please get this to the Front Office!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/sports/football/25nfl.html?_r=2&ref=sports&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

I thought this blog had a filter that deleted any posts that contained the words "trade" and "Taylor" or "Reaper" in the same sentence.

What happened? Is the filter on vacation. Did JJGeezer learn how to override the filter.

I meant to say that Campbell should NOT try to be the face of the franchise. He should work on being a silent leader and earn respect. He should emulate Santana, not Clinton. The Skins have only one Clinton Portis, and his name is Clinton Portis.

Portis will be the face if/when he returns to the roster and performs well.

It's good for a franchise to have a face - not necessarily the most elite player, but one with good standing in the locker room, and a good relationship with the fans. For marketing, for order amongst the players. Someone to speak out for the team, or to the team if necessary.

Walter Thomas? Looks BIG. Even his FACE looks big. http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/thomas_walter

He remains undrafted and unsigned.

That dude posted as JJBaby, and Reaper turned him into JJGeezer

Does anyone else think Campbell has that Eric SaSalle look.

http://www.redskins.com/team/profile.jsp?id=7413

PS. His best role was in Coming to Aamerica as the JeriCurl model)

the only thing i can say about the players, any of them don't fall in love ...cause they are ALL gonna go sometime.

besides you can still say "sean taylor eats gunpowder and shtis dynamite" even if he doesn't play here anymore.

root for the uniforms.

Nobody wants to think about life without the Reaper, but who thought LaVar would leave.

The fact is that Taylor has been anything but stable since he got here. The agent flip flop, blowing off the rookie symposium, DUI, spitting (inexcusable and gutless), and his atrocious tackling last year are hard to ignore. Yes, he is an incredibly physically gifted maneater. But if you want that pull that crap, you better be Ronnie Lott, year in, year out.

Landry offers a back up plan. If Taylor can't get his head right or bolts for a bigger payday, we can move on with someone seemingly more dedicated. If Taylor reverts to the '05 form, then pay him proper.

Without Landry, Taylor could hold the team hostage in negotiations. With the right motivation, he might revert to the player we all know he can be.

The inmantes can not run the asylum.

I also think the Sheriff Gonna Getcha guest blog was great.

One thing to remember is that the Grilliam's defense in Washington was at it's best in 2004 when he was bringing pressure from all angles. If I recall correctly, Springs led the team in sacks in 04. While pressure from the front 4 is the preference, this blitz from anywhere approach can be very disruptive to opposing offenses.

Looking back at last year, our back 7 wasn't good enough to cover man to man and allow pressure from the corner, safety or even linebacker positions. Therefore, we ended up playing a vanilla defense, which resulted in less pressure from up front and still yielded big plays in the passing game.

So it can be argued that the play of our D line will be enhanced for the strengthening of the back 7 via free agency and the draft. Let's hope that is born out in the play calling and the play of the defense in 07.

dcsween: that dudes face can't even fit into the photo frame. In terms of brains, this guy had to sit out because of academics at Northwest Mississippi Community College!!! that is pretty sad.

This is totally aside from the blog (JLC, I check this daily), but for those folks who INSIST on putting "1st" just to show they're so awesome that they could hit refresh enough to be the first to post a comment, grow up JUST a touch.

Somebody else thinks it was a brilliant draft, too

http://www.dcoptimist.blogspot.com/

Walter Thomas? Looks BIG. Even his FACE looks big. http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/thomas_walter

He remains undrafted and unsigned.

Posted by: dcsween | May 1, 2007 02:47 PM

Check out the post 5 minutes before this one. The guy can do a standing back flip at 375 lbs!!

Good Guest blog,

As to the FA thing, the article is in the Redskins section of the website and I commented on these guys earlier.

Terry Caulley is a local guy who played at Patuxent in Lusby. He is small, fast and strong. He is a Dave Meggett type and could be a threat in the return game. Had some injury problems in college but he was an all-state track guy in HS.

Stephon Heyer is a physical specimen at OL. He had some serious knee problems, but he was MD's stud on OL.

Zach Latimer is a smallish LB from OK, but has solid numbers, most likely a special teamer if he makes the team.

Lando's Teammate is a CB that only started 3 games his senior year but is described as a special teams standout.

The guy from UCLA was tied for the PAC 10 sack lead his senior year but is small and described as weak at the pint of attack. He is a stand up end/pass rushing stituatiional guy if he makes the team.

Hollenbach has great physical gifts and a solid arm, but iffy decision making. He didn't look bright in Fridge's system. I saw him and Heyer play a lot. Sam needs a lot more experience and most likely will be practice squad material at best.

I'm missing the RB from Youngstown. Maybe someone else has the dirt on him.

Keyshawn Johnson has just been released by the Panthers.

BIGfish: think dcsween was responding to your post not introducing him.

With that Guest Blog, I would like to give this young man a 4th round pick in the 2008 draft. Oh, crap, wait, already lost that one to TJ Duckett. But wow, werent those 24 carries something special? Totally worth 2 draft picks!!!

Sheriff Gonna Getcha, good work. Especially like the DIP acronym ... but it would sound less goofy and more scary if it were DPI (defensive plays of impact). Still, DIP works. "When Sean Taylor plays, he double DIPs".

Look for the Eagles to try and sign Keyshawn. During the ESPN draft coverage, Andy Reid mentioned on air that he would like to have him on his team. Others on set even mentioned that those comments might be seen as an infraction of the rules on team interference. Lets see how that fleshes out.

Deyon Williams from VA, too.

6'3", 192, 4.52 "low" 40. Coming off a foot injury.

No big deal Spartan or Sween. I was just trying to point out that there is another article that goes deeper into the physical capabilities of this guy. We should be trying to get him in for workout.

And he playe HS ball at Suitland High.

Don't all hate me at the same time but I wouldn't mind having Keyshawn in Washington as a big possession guy IF his contract isn't too big. He's bigger than anyone we have on the roster now.

That Thomas guy has no brains, has played 2 games in the last 3 years and has at least one arrest in the last year. Too risky. Don't bother.

Please don't pick up Me-Shawn

Don't all hate me at the same time but I wouldn't mind having Keyshawn in Washington as a big possession guy IF his contract isn't too big. He's bigger than anyone we have on the roster now.

Posted by: BIGfish | May 1, 2007 03:16 PM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

MrSpartan: I wish they would! (Being a fan of the Birds). I imagine that money will be a sticking point, though ...

I'm not sure I can remember having a face of the franchise during the super bowl years of 87 and 91. Pretty quite teams...they assumed the face of the coach. It seemed to work out just fine. I think that's where this team is headed...a unified face. Of course, in the early 80s there were many faces to choose from. :)

hummmm...Wonder if Keyshawn has anything left!?!?

Marcus Mason: went to G-town prep, then illinois, then youngstown state.

Check him out:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2YYyCSlPjq0

Marcus Mason
5-9, 200lbs

Earned Gateway Conference Offensive player more than 1,800 yards rushing. Described as having good vision and cut back skills as well as good lower body strength. Not a great pass catcher.

Taylor Sele,

5-11, 185. Caught 11 passes all year in '06 and just 13 in '05. Native of Liberia.

sorry guys...that should be "pretty quiet teams" should have read it before I posted it.

I got my hand upon my hip... when I DIP u DIP we DIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know everyone would make fun of the organization once again for signing another receiver but it would be interesting to see what he's asking for contract wise. Not sure how much he was making in Carolina.

I hate Me-shawn... dont even entertain the idea!!!

Mr Spartan;

Where is the risk? He signs the lowest tender possible and we figure out if he has any game.

Even if he is dumb as bricks, I am sure someone can 'coach him up' on how to manhandle and O lineman

Yeah I wouldn't mind seeing the skins sign Keyshawn IF he's affordable. Bet he's not still excited about the Panthers drafting Dwayne Jarrett. He went on and on about how excited he was. I wouldn't feel too sorry for him though - the Panthers reportedly gave him a $3 million bonus earlier in April.

Just musing over Landry's past performance, measurables and vast skill set. It should be pretty interesting to see the reaction of people like T.O. when Landry lines up at CB to play bump-and-run against him, with Taylor and Prioleau at Safety.

Don't all hate me at the same time but I wouldn't mind having Keyshawn in Washington as a big possession guy IF his contract isn't too big. He's bigger than anyone we have on the roster now.

Posted by: BIGfish | May 1, 2007 03:16 PM

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

I don't hate you at all. As a matter of fact, I think it's a great idea. He and B Lloyd would kill each other, getting rid of yet another problem on our roster. LOL

The chefs also just released another former UMD guy, Eric Hicks. He ussed to be a decent DE. He's going on 10 years in the league, though.

If we want a big reciever lets look at this guy for an FA pick up. He has been discussed before. http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/trannon_matt

6-6, WR/TE hybrid with great hands. Good for going across the middle or on screens and slants....oh, and he is a Spartan.

All I'm saying is.....

Keyshawn would be an interesting addition. Although I'm not sure there's enough balls to go around.

Keyshawn isn't the cancer the media often makes him out to be. He plays hard has mellowed in his old age.

Everyone more or less agrees that the Redskins could use a stud Defensive End, so here's a quiz -

Name your favorite DE in the league (pick one - I don't care - the choice is up to you).

Okay, now that you have the name of that person in mind, ponder this -

Would you trade Sean Taylor for him, even up?

MrSpartan - I read earlier that Trannon already signed - Arizona I think

I don't hate you at all. As a matter of fact, I think it's a great idea. He and B Lloyd would kill each other, getting rid of yet another problem on our roster. LOL

Posted by: JustMe | May 1, 2007 03:25 PM

Funniest thing I've seen all day!!

MrSpartan, Trannon signed with the Cardinals.

Otter;

I would have said Freeney, but his season lacked last year.

Ogunleye

Would you trade Sean Taylor for him, even up?

I will trade a safety (not named Ed Reed or Brian Dawkins) straight up for a stud DE 7 days a week and twice on Sunday.

How about "Crash" and "Burn" for Landry and Taylor?

Yo big Fish, I would take Keyshwan...

The thing is, this defense has shown it can be one of the league's top defenses without a stud DE. It has also shown it canNOT be successful without ballers in the backfield.

St. Joe responds to the RI blog about not drafting D-linemen via an official Skins mouthpiece. http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=3510
[OK, my bad. Replace "responds to RI blog" with "speaks about what everyone is thinking" and "official Skins mouthpiece" with "Gary Fitzgerald, probably a decent guy".]

I forgot to finish the last post.

No trading The Reaper!

We had one great year and one good year without a D-line. Given how horrible our D was last year, I'm not convinced that Carter, Golston, Griffin and Daniels comprise an adequate d-line.

Just b/c Gregg did it once or twice, doesn't mean we don't need a great DE. Most good defenses have one. I don't think that's a coincidence.

The question is, who would give away a stud DE for a safety? I know I wouldn't, not even for my beloved Dawkins in his prime.

I would not trade Taylor for a DE right now. Maybe if LaRon turns into the stud we all think he will after this year then I would consider trading Taylor for Julius Peppers.

Well, sorry I gave you all heart attacks. I love the Reaper when he's making great plays and hard hits. But he really hasn't gotten much better since he's been here, and he blew more big plays than he made last year. If he has another bad year, I'd make him an OLB.

You wouldn't trade Sean Taylor for Julius Peppers?

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills © Mugatu

Do you know how much easier it is to find a decent safety than to find a decent pass rusher?

You all say that you want Keyshawn now...but after the Skins overpay for him and then he has 15 catches all year, 0 TD's, you all will be on here b*tching about why we would ever sign him in the first place.

We're fine with Lloyd, Moss, ARE, Thrash, and Espy. Lloyd didn't lose 11 games last year. Our defense takes the bulk of the blame, followed by injuries on both sides of the ball, and an aging QB plus a young QB in a new and complexed system.

The facts about Hicks (DE, Kansas City) -

Hicks was a Terp.
Hicks was a good DE at one time.
Hicks is done - check his stats.

He is not the answer - he is just an old guy.

I don't want Keyshawn if we overpay for him. But I sure as heck take him for $2.5M a year.

Otter....Taylor for Julius Peppers, let's roll.

Sheriff-

Excellent guest blog. While I have to agree, it sounds better as DPI, the overall argument makes sense and shows the real weakness last year stemmed from the Springs injury and the inability of Rodgers and Archuleta to take over greater responsibility in coverage.

Another major factor were the 3-and-outs from Saunders' offensive gameplan. With Gibbs contributing more input in 2007 I expect the Redskins will run more, leading to longer offensive possessions. This will allow the D Line to rest and reach their full potential when they are playing.

Anyone who watched NFL Network on Draft weekend and saw the very funny piece by Will F. on the famous training guru "Chuck Barry", "working" with Ryan Kalil (USC) -

Did you notice how freakishly similar the Chuck Barry character looked like Mark Mosely?

I like what we have going on right now with Taylor and Landry. I'd be torn on whether or not to trade Taylor for Peppers now since Landry hasn't yet played a down in the NFL. I guess I'd get over it though once Peppers came in and put up 10 sacks in the first 6 games.

IMO, the injuries weren't the problem, the lack of depth was.

Injuries happen, the lack of depth is on our GM.

In the WaPo 'draft profile' about LL, I found this nugget: "Landry is only the seventh player in LSU history to finish with over 300 tackles in his career. He had 315, seventh on LSU's all-time list and tied with Ryan Clark."

That's my point ... Landry replaces Clark. Peeps who obsess about not using the first pick on a D-lineman (and frankly, peeps here seemed like they wanted DT Okoye more than DE Anderson) forget that the Skins do have a roster hole at Strong Safety (or, when you consider the position that Sean Taylor play, Strong Danger).

Archuleta was a monumental misfit and the loss of Prioleau was the nail in the coffin. Landry re-loads at the position.

I just think dominant pass-rushing DEs are way more valuable to a defense than hard-hitting safeties with dubious coverage skills.

Can someone please remind me about who the nickel was in 2005? I know that this past year the honors went to CB Kenny Wrong, but wasn't it SS Pierson Prioleau in 2005? I think Grilliams' D relies more on safeties than corners, even on passing downs calling for another DB.

I just don't think it's shrewd use of draft picks to use two top 6 picks on the safety position.

Law of diminishing returns, and all that.

dcsween: that dudes face can't even fit into the photo frame. In terms of brains, this guy had to sit out because of academics at Northwest Mississippi Community College!!! that is pretty sad.

Posted by: MrSpartan | May 1, 2007 02:53 PM

At his size, Walter Thomas just needs to be a DT and plug up the middle effectively. Maybe get a sack once in awhile. That is what a good DT does. I don't care if his Wonderlic score is 3.

Sween - I think you're right, it was Pierson P.

K squared, taylor for peppers, took the words right out of my mouth. Lets work this thing up

Walt Harris was in the mix but mostly it was Prioleau

Walt Harris & Carlos Rogers

Rogers early in the season and Harris towards the end.

RBIs - "ribbies

DPIs - "dippies"

Great point Sween. Also, unlike Archie, Landry can run AND cover. Landry started every game in college, and evolved into the cerebal player the Reaper needs, ala Clark.

I just think dominant pass-rushing DEs are way more valuable to a defense than hard-hitting safeties with dubious coverage skills.

Posted by: Clinton Hill | May 1, 2007 04:00 PM

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

Dubious coverage skills? It may have looked that way last season because the secondary was so depleted, ST was unable to play his game. If you can check out his meetings with Randy Moss and TO from his first 2 seasons, you can see coverage is not a weakness for the Reaper. This season, with actual NFL talent in the secondary, and people who are able to actually play their roles in Grilliams' defense, I expect The Reaper to return to form.

25% of the world is covered by Fred Smoot. The 75% covered by water is under water because Sean Taylor put it there.

Where does this stuff come from about Landry having dubious pass coverage skills? Though I have heard a criticism that he sometimes goes for the killing hit instead of the sure tackle, the other stuff I read calls him a ballhawk.

Yahoosports guy said this: Landry is similar to Michigan's Hall in that he could be used as a kind of hybrid player. He's a free safety prospect who could thrive in man coverage, particularly over slot receivers and elite TEs. Against the run, he's quick and loves contact. Doesn't often get caught out of place by misdirection. Should be an immediate contributor on special teams.

Rereading that, I see the damnation by faint praise saying Landry should be an immediate contributor on special teams. Note, however, that Sean Taylor, the "every down" safety (more accurately, danger) also plays "every down" on special teams. To me, this seemed like a mistake, esp. b/c I HAVE seen Taylor "take plays off" on protection against extra points, but then again, he will forever be known as the guy who tackled a punter's mouth in the Pro Bowl.

An insider just told me that after reading this fabulous post, Kornheiser and Wilbon will be devoting five good minutes to the DPI on PTI. and then might discuss A-Rod's April RBI's before catching a flight at BWI. This is just TMI.

The question is, who would give away a stud DE for a safety? I know I wouldn't, not even for my beloved Dawkins in his prime.

Posted by: Gonzo, MD

Sure, but the new reality in the league is that not every team is going to be able to re-sign every player, due to non-football issues. Add salary cap madness and player envy and the rules are going to change again soon. (Taylor may be one of these situations very soon.)

Franchising a player leads to lots of bad feelings in some cases. Trading players in similar situations will become more common. So let's play a little game -

Would you trade Sean Taylor (even up) for:

Lance Briggs?
Asante Samuel?
Justin Smith?
Aaron Schobel?

Arguably the best pass rusher in the game for a FS who struggles in coverage with baggage? Yeah sounds good. While you're at it let's do Portis for P. Manning.

I love the thought but it aint gonna happen.

In all of the pre draft b.s., the only knock on Landry was his missing out on more interceptions, he was too busy laying wood.

And he playe HS ball at Suitland High.

Posted by: Larry Bud | May 1, 2007 03:13 PM

So did I for about three days.

GO RAMS

What happens when Landry and Taylor go to lay the wood on somebody and end up colliding with each other? Will this cause the next tsunami only this time in DC?

Say, which one of you geeks is using my name to post comments?

Anyone think Keyshawn Johnson will wind up here?

JustMe, I'm aware that Sean Taylor had some nice plays against Randy Moss in '04, and he laid some nice hits on TO in '05, but he regularly blows coverages whether the starting CBs are Springs and Rogers or Harris and Jimoh.

I don't know what games you're watching where you don't see teams exploiting us in the middle of the field.

Sorry man, I love ST and think he's a beast. But he is simply not good in coverage right now.

What happens when Landry and Taylor go to lay the wood on somebody and end up colliding with each other? Will this cause the next tsunami only this time in DC?

Posted by: BIGfish

Someone mentioned over the weekend that Sean Salisbury predicted that such a collision would destroy the universe, or some such.

SI.COM says that LB Dallas Sartz (Skins 6th round draft choice) is one of the top 10 steals of the draft.

"Sartz is a quality linebacker who many graded as first-day material. He'll offer competition at linebacker and could eventually start."

Could it be that they got at least one right? As much as we need DL help, we are really hurting all over the defense when it comes to depth. Drfting any def position would have been acceptable. We're not as close as we hope we are.

Keyshawn would help our offense tremendously. We do not have a tall possesion receiver. He has matured over the years as well and can be a leader. He won't cost us any draft picks either. That is always a plus when you are talking about this team.

Hicks is only 30. He had only 7 tackles but played in 15 games. I guess the chiefs didn't use him last season. He's worth a try out.

"Sartz is a quality linebacker who many graded as first-day material. He'll offer competition at linebacker and could eventually start."

Which also means he will be an Eagle or giant when it happens...

"Sartz is a quality linebacker who many graded as first-day material. He'll offer competition at linebacker and could eventually start."

Which also means he will be an Eagle or giant when it happens...

minus 100 points for me for the double post.

Players like Hicks don't get used for a reason - because they aren't very good anymore. They get too old. They get too slow. They get too banged-up. That sounds like many of the D-Linemen the Redskins have now. Why would you want more of the same?

Hicks is DONE.

Thanks for the Trannon info. had not seen that.

Didn't have a chance to read through all of this but who the hell would suggest to trade Taylor after 3 years. Yeah he didn't have a great year last year but is only 24 and one of the few playmakers we got.

I read positive comments on both Sartz and Blades. If we had a 2nd, 3rd and 4th we may have had a great draft.

"Head coach Joe Gibbs said the team felt no sense of urgency to add defensive linemen in the draft. "

No real urgency???????????????

"So the combination of getting everybody healthy, the guys we do have healthy coming back and being productive, playing Marcus more out there, and certainly adding some new players, we hope we'll play better defense."

We hope???????????????????

It's obvious that Old Coach Joe has lost it. It seems like he doesn't even remember anymore that he used to have Manley and Mann playing for him. Now he wants to depend on the secondary to make the QB hold the ball longer?

Joe, it's time to hang it up and take up permanent residence at NASCAR's Retirement Resort in Carolina.

Can we talk about how HB Blades has incredible first and middle names?

Horatio
Benedict

sounds like british royalty.

I'm more baffled that someone would try to defend Sean Taylor's coverage skills.

I would suggest we also add Tackles for a Loss to the DIP

Would you please stop it with the D-line depth. You can't have starter quality guys everywhere you look. We have loads of young guys on our practice squad not too mention Golston, Montgomery and Boschetti who all saw a little playing time last year.

Go take a look at some of those DE's we have as well like Jamaal Green, Joe Sykes and Chris Wilson. Green and Sykes were both college stand-outs and Wilson played in the CFL. We would have a slim chance of getting anything better than them as an undrafted free agent right now.

At his size, Walter Thomas just needs to be a DT and plug up the middle effectively. Maybe get a sack once in awhile. That is what a good DT does. I don't care if his Wonderlic score is 3.

Posted by: | May 1, 2007 04:03 PM

At that size, the risk is that this dumbass misses a block in practice and falls on someones leg and breaks it.

Joe Sykes - Southern University
Chris Wilson - Northwood College

It's easy to be a DE standout in college when you play against schools like Moorhead State with their 225 lb. offensive tackles.

"A former Maryland star, Hicks, 30, beat the odds in 1998 by earning a roster spot as an undrafted player and then maximized his modest abilities for nine seasons. He appeared in 128 games, including 104 as a starter, and rang up 574 tackles, 44½ sacks, nine forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries."

We are going into the season with the players we have. There will be no trade for peppers or briggs, and there will be no signing of Keyshawn Johnson. We will fight with what we have, and I'm pretty confident in what we have out there. Taylor may give up some big plays on coverage, but he also creates TD's on defense. I like the TD threat on the defense. Great defenses score touchdowns out there. Our depth is weak, particularly on offense. I say we play the pre-season with our practice squad.

Joe Sykes - Southern University
Chris Wilson - Northwood College

It's easy to be a DE standout in college when you play against schools like Moorhead State with their 225 lb. offensive tackles.

Posted by: | May 1, 2007 04:53 PM

If you're going to criticize or have an opinion please come up with a name otherwise I will just be forced to ignore you. I am familiar with ITA.

Dream on, Max. We're the Redskins Front Office.

Core players? So what!

Future draft picks? Who needs them!

WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED!

Sorry - The ITA comment was from me. I guess I'll have to ignore myself on that one.

No post in close to a half an hour. Guess the whistle blew on the East Coast. Well some of us are still stuck at work, so if anyone has a good joke or link don't hold back.

As one that works with stats on a daily basis I can understand and appreciate the correlation the young man is trying to point out. However, the first thing he has done wrong is limited his sample. that is he is only looking at the skins in relation to an overall ranking. How did the other teams DIP compare by position in relation to the SKins ranking. I could only have an appreciation for the DIP if I could compare it to teams that had comparable ranked defenses. Football is a physical sport that defies logic more times than not. I would comfortably venture to say that our DIP for the DL and LB is low in comparison to other teams. Frankly our DL has been worn down and stagnant for 3 years, yet the LB play and as noted the DB play has deteriorated. IF this points our DL and LBs have DIP's comparable to chicago or Baltimore, I could buy the approach.

I tried this one when the blog was closing in on 50k, but no one bit.

Jumper cables walk into a bar ... bartender says "I'll serve ya, but I don't want ya starting anything."

eh? eh?

In college I had a professor that would scream BALDERDASH! when folks submitted such unsubstantiated arguments. nevertheless, if Snyder reads this guest blog, I think our friend from UVA may have a job offer awaiting. I still think this approach does not work in football. Baseball maybe, but not football.

DC, do you have Nate's email? I think he is in NYC and looking to have a drink. IF he has a blackberry I will offer to join him. Thanks

stupid work. severely curtailing blog time.

I know what you mean 4-12. Ive been trying to catch up all day and all these clolonels want to do is talk about nukes.

knuckleheads

Now that Kansas City has released Eric Hicks (DE out of Maryland U) and Carolina has released Keyshaun Johnson, what's taking the Redskins so long to sign these guys?

Jumper cables walk into a bar ... bartender says "I'll serve ya, but I don't want ya starting anything."

eh? eh?

Posted by: dcsween | May 1, 2007 05:39 PM

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

ROFL I have to admit, I laughed. And, I'm still chuckling a little bit. Just caught me in a goofy mood, I guess. LOL

I'd also look at the overall record and factor that in as well. I don't consider the number crunching on any of these seasons without the context of where the team was record-wise. For example, the defensive numbers in 2004 are impressive but need to be tempered by the losing record and the number of games that teams didn't have to put up massive offensive yardage or points to best the exceedingly anemic Skins offense. The cracks began to show in 2005 when the whole Lavar benching saga erupted, and it wasn't until the Skins were 5-6 and playing with nothing to lose that Williams put playmaker Arrington back into his packages that the Skins' D caught fire.

However, 2006 showed that injuries, bad personnel decisions and opposing offenses catching up with Williams' blitzing schemes (which Williams shockingly admitted to at the end of last season) exposing the paper-thin, undersized, and underwhelming DL, which had benefitted from additional pass-rush help from the blitz packages.

So over the past 3 years, the lack of turnovers has stayed as consistent as the lack of sacks and growing inability to stop the run. As much attention as the Redskins want to lavish on the LBs and secondary, the team has to show a respectable degree of attention to the DL.

now that i know I wasnt the only one...I laughed at the jumper cable thing too.

thanks dcsween...much needed

Cheyenne- do the colonels pronounce it "Noo-klee-ar", or do they use the big boss' pronounciatimification?

It is pronounced the correct way here. Although since the big guy is the boss, he could call them pretty much whatever he wants

Did anybody catch the Len Shapiro article on Dan Snyder.

"Eye on the D-Line" posted at redskins.com addresses the issues raised here today.

Gibbs has a point that better coverage will lead to more sacks. Last year, it seemed like opposing teams were throwing the ball for long completions (or pass interference penalties) like there was no coverage. Give the line a chance.

Also, could Golston or Montgomery be switched to DE on the strong side of the formation? Golston is undersized at tackle, but played better than Montgomery. Which one would you switch?

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6756046

Kiawanuka to move to LB

Think Cooley and Portis/Betts (out of the backfield) might like this matchup?

"Eye on the D line", yet they don't take any D lineman in the draft or sign any UDFA's, except the dude from UCLA.

I agree with many here that you can't just "hope" that your aging, often injured, dline is going to find the fountain of youth and turn it back around...

I hope they're right on this one, or it could be another long year...

Excellent guest blog, way to go Sheriff. I really like the statistical analysis. Much better than pure opinion. It sheds a lot of light on where the real weaknesses are.

But consider this. When trying to address team weaknesses it makes sense to draft college players so that rookies can work their way into a starting position in a year or two.

Few rookies can learn the system and make an immediate impact.

Drafting DL talent in 2007 would have still made sense to build for the future.

To make an immediate impact, it makes more sense to go the free agent/trade route for a player that is familiar with your system.

Good work Sherrif, those stats are good illustration of the fact that Grilliams' defense doesn't rely on pressure from the front 4, other teams may, but not us. We generally require our front 4 to keep the O-line busy, allowing us to bring pressure from the DB's and LB's. But if the back 7 isn't up to scratch, and they can't afford to blitz them, then the D-Line is in trouble. We have a huge amount of depth at DB now, hopefully that will amount in more pressure, sacks and turnovers. I mean, the Reaper has only 2 sacks in his career, and none last year! I think that will change in a big way this season!

Harry - Nice post Im a skins fan in Sydney as well. Where are you studying? Would love to catch up for a cold one sometime - give me a shout

spclare AT gmail DOT com

Wow! This place is getting overrun by Aussies! I love it!! Hahaha

Just read a piece on Redskins.com, the guy has had a big crack at our JLC!

thanks 4-12 and inigo. craigslist kinda scares me. does that mean i'm getting old?

if griff stays healthy (and he hasn't been) and AC has a year like the last half of the season the D line will be fine. but can Griff stay healthy? i'm sorry but they can't replace a guy like griff with golston, montgomery and others from scrap heap. you could replace daniels with scrap heap but not griff.

so here's my big, going out on a limb prediction. the whole defense/season rests on one guy's health (thanks to this FO) Griff! cuz it all starts in the trenches and they haven't found anyone that's better. he's not one person on that line he's one and a half. he creates for others.

Wow. Nasty swipe at JLaC on the fanblog at Redskins.com: http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=3216

JustMe - Quite bitter isn't it!!

kost,

It really is. And, it seemed that he went out of his way to work in the dig. It certainly had nothing to do with the topic of his "column."

He must be one miserable dude. LOL

JustMe - Makes me wonder a little bit if he posts here? There have been a few guys who have had a crack at Jason.

Probably just some guy who dreams of being THE Redskins insider, and thinks he can do a better job!

Wow, even Australia isn't overrun by Aussies. Kost, Liverpool and Man U are going to play for the Champions League. It's unfathomable! I guess I have to pull for 'Pool, since they do have our boys Kuyt and Zenden. Who knows, maybe AC Milan can pull it out, but Man U looks tough right now.

Thinking back to 2005 I remember the regular season game in Tampa. ST was out for that game and the D yielded some 35 points. Simms lit up the secondary. Safties PP and Stoutmire couldn't keep up. But in the playoff game when ST was there, at least until The Spit, the D played great. ST makes a big difference out there.

Thinking about the Briggs trade.

Would you now trade LL for Briggs plus anyone you see, perhaps Weddle, taken in round 2?

LL for Briggs and Branch?

LL for Briggs and Sears?

LL for Briggs and Chris Houston?

Also wondering what the Skins might give up for Briggs now? Springs? Next year's #1? #2? Rocky Mac plus our #2?

SMACK - Yeah was good to see both our boys actually making penalties this morning! Glad to see Chelsea out, hopefully that'll be enough to get the smug bugger Morinho the boot!
Would be good to see the two english teams in the final, but I think Milan might just do it, don't forget the have 2 away goals up their sleeve.

kost, of course Arjen Robben blew his. That guy, sheesh.

I know, that guy has the potential to be something awesome......if he could stay on his feet and stop taking dives!

If anyone is watching Sabres Rangers hockey...Sabres just got robbed of the equalizer with 13.4 seconds left. That shti was in! That was huge, uh, as far as the NHL can be huge.

skinfanman - I know what you mean, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. Who knew those guys would fall so far. Who knew no one wouldn't want to trade up with us for Quinn?

Believe me, nothing pains me more than to have to admit that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now. I would literally pay $100,000 for the right to gnaw that guy's feet off. Such is the extent of my detest.

Take the way you guys feel about Michael Irvin and multiply it by 8.

Just when you think things might be changing over at the Park, there goes Napolean ordering one of his henchmen to write a story criticizing the Washington Post. Hysterical.

Don't get me wrong, I will always root, but this is why this team will never win.... now, more than ever, I am convinced that Danny and the Boys aren't concerned with winning. Sure, I bet they'd like to win, but it isn't a priority. Their top priority is refuting all of the articles written by the Post, helicoptering in to the draft day party, selling jersey's of top 10 picks, and keeping the public of perception of the team as high as they possibly can... all this results in cold hard USD.

I have never seen an owner go out of his way like Napolean does to refute so many articles and blogs written about him. It's embarrassing.

Wow, that's a lot!

OK, I haven't even read most of this bolg....the first notion of "trade the Reaper" made me sick to my stromach, and I felt like I had to immediately respond, so forgive me if I'm late on the subject. Sean Taylor not only represents the return of St. Joe, because he was his 1st round draft pick, he's been passed the relay torch (in my eyes) of #28 to be the franchise DB for the Skins...that player thet every opposing qb and wr MUST respect because he can make either a game changing INTERCEPTION, HIT or FUMBLE or just plain scare the sh*it out of terry glenn, t.o., or whoever else is crossing the middle, and make them think twice about catching that pass. To trade Sean Taylor represents everything that is anti-Redskin, and I question the loyalty of anyone who says otherwise. I've been a skins fan for as long as I can remember of my 24 years on this earth, and the suggestion of trading #21 might be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard from another supposed fan.

Uncle Heyron - From what I've read, the person who made that outrageous comment is the ONLY person who has thought it was a good idea. Everyone else loves the Reaper, and thinks the idea of trading him is silly. As Joe said before this draft, when you pick a guy that high in the first round, you expect him to be with the team for a long time, playing in Pro-Bowls. That goes for Taylor too, you don't spend time to try and improve someones character, and off field issues, just to trade him when he seems to be improving.

That comparison of Reaper to #28 will probably turn a few stomachs as well. Kind of like comparing TO to Drew Pearson.

Another successful Cowboy name-drop!

That rookie pitcher for the Yankees has a no-hitter in the 7th inning. Here's hoping I jinx him by posting this. F the Yankees. And F Ronaldo too, SMACK. Although I'd substitute the name T.O. in your last post.

Damn. I...type....too....slow. Make that your 2nd to last post, SMACJK

SMACJK?? And I haven't even been drinking!

Must be something about "Cowboys" and "drop" hahaha

I'm sure I'll get a lot of crap for this, but Taylor has only been an average performer, at best, thus far in his career.

He misses too many tackles, gets beat in coverage way too many times, and fails to make big, game-changing plays (on DEFENSE, not the Dallas FG block) like other top flight safeties in this league. I mean, look at Dawkins, look at Reed... you see Reed streaking 90 yards for a TD at least twice a season.

I'm sorry, but you just cannot even put Taylor in the same ball park with those guys right now. I know some of you might say that it's the dline's fault, and some that might be true, but I think Taylor's best attribute right now is the intimidation factor, nothing he actually does on the field.

I hope that changes this year, because he certainly has the potential... but I just don't think he's a Reed or Dawkins quite yet.

4-12, is that Yanks game on TV in the DC area?

Torre pulled him with one out in the 7th and the no-no still intact. Must be on a pitch limit

Did anyone watch Cold Pizza earlier today?
They were asking two NFL writers who they felt the worst NFL teams would be next year and have the highest picks in the 2008 draft.

One said: The Redskins don't know what they are doing, and they will be the worst team and picking #1 next season.

I know we are hurting but was shocked to hear a writer feel so strongly that we will be the absolute worst!

Have I been drinking too much Kool-Aid?

It is pretty realistic that Renaldo Wynn and Phillip Daniels are going to badmouth the DL that they play on. Quoting them is worthless.

JLC and this Art dude are gonna have to brawl it out. Taking shots through writing is girlish and I hope JLC doesn't stoop to that level.

4-12 - SMACJK probably isn't too far off the mark, he is Dutch! haha

SMACK- I haven't checked the tv. Was just looking at some box scores and noticed the no-no, and then the pitching change.

Nice kost! I think I should say "telly" instead of "tv" in honor (honour?) of all the Aussies up here.

Danny and Vinny:

Now folks I know my earlier choices didn't get much of your attention.
Thelma and Louise for example but I have a couple that I think really have some possibilities:

1. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis

Danny and Vinny:

2. Wallace and Gromit

I was thinking the same thing kost, I don't speak Dutch, but that J is ubiquitous.

4-12 how the hell do you not give the kid a chance? It's only one damn game in 162, who cares? Maybe Torre is on a 9-15 limit.

I'm watching a sport I don't much care for, and writing about a sport I pretty much hate. I might need some help.

Ricky Bobby - I'd kind of agree with you, although I think it's more because of last season, which I think he regressed a little. I don't think the Reaper is what you'd call an intellectual player, he's someone who plays on his instincts, and he needs a partner who can put him in the right position to best utilize those insticts. So in 2005 he played along side Ryan Clark, then last season it went from AA to PP back to AA then to Troy Vincent and then to Vernon Fox. A bit of stabilty will help him get to the level we all know he can play at.

Redskin Ray,

I saw that as well. It was absolutely ridiculous. Hopefully, some players saw it too and will use that as motivation this season.

I think at worst, we'll be a borderline playoff team next year. Have those bozos taken a look at the Giants? We won't even be the worst team in our division. LOL

Danny and Vinny:

My favorite one thus far:

3. Bells and Whistles!

lots of noise but not much substance...

How about Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-DUMB... although both might have to duke it out for the Tweedle-DUMB distinction.

Or how about Napole