Can You Dig It? (AKA, Lions, Come Out To Play)
A few things got cut from my story today - lot going in the sports world this weekend and only so much space to go around - including what I thought was one of the more important sentences in the whole piece.
So I'll paste it here:
"The Redskins ignored their maligned defensive line this offseason - a potent four-man pass rush is mandated this month - explaining that an improved secondary will create more time for the linemen to attack. That thesis will be tested against the next four opponents."
We shall see how that gamble pays off against all of these pass-happy offenses with their explosive personnel. How much of an upgrade are guys like Macklin and Smoot? Is Carlos ready for prime time? And even if they manage to keep these offenses somewhat in check - which is all you can ask - will that still be enough to get more hits on the QB? Can this D Line get it done even against teams with limited protection who spread the field?
We'll certainly know by the end of this month.
Also, a lot of the DBs told me to watch for a particular route today, which was stressed ahead of this game, particularly against huge WRs like Calvin Johnson (should he play) and Roy Williams.
"The defensive backs were also alerted to the prevalence of certain routes against a spread offense, specifically the "dig route" (also called a 4 route). In these routes a receiver sprints straight ahead - usually 10-12 yards, then pivots parallel to the line of scrimmage. It can be difficult to defend, but can also leave the receiver vulnerable to a big hit underneath, another point of emphasis, players said. The need to punish these big receivers while elevating for the ball came up frequently as well."
(Fair to say the Redskins are looking to be Dig-Dugs today?)
I'll post the inactives when we get them. Enjoy the pre-game festivities.
Cheers.
By Jason La Canfora |
October 7, 2007; 10:09 AM ET
Previous: Coach Joe Is On The Warpath/Moss Doubtful |
Next: Inactives - Moss Out
Posted by: Soupy | October 7, 2007 10:26 AM
Those big recievers need to learn that area 51 is off limits and they need to learn it quickish./...
Posted by: Skinz | October 7, 2007 10:36 AM
BALANCE!
Posted by: P Diddy | October 7, 2007 10:37 AM
Is Moss out today?
Posted by: kyle | October 7, 2007 10:41 AM
BTW, should St. Joe retire...I would love for Mike Martz to be the new head coach. Then again, I have an unnatural affection for a dude who simply gets results in the passing game.
This is going to be a nail biter...
Posted by: P Diddy | October 7, 2007 10:42 AM
Hammerin Hank says Washington 34, Lions 21. Skins 9-2 when coming off a bye week.
Posted by: bigfish | October 7, 2007 10:52 AM
What's with DirecTV blocking the Redskins pregame on ComcastSportsNet? I understand blocking the actual out of market games, but a pre-game show... Strange
Posted by: noone from tampa | October 7, 2007 10:53 AM
Lions 41 Redskins 12
Posted by: 10 cent | October 7, 2007 11:08 AM
WOW...getting pumped up for this one !!! HUGE HUGE HUGE...we can't lose two in a row, fall to 2-2 AND go to Green Bay. Anyone heard about Calvin Johnson?? Playin??
Posted by: Reppin TX | October 7, 2007 11:13 AM
Get this....Chris Mortenson just said, that if/when Travis Henry gets suspended for 1 year, he will lose a ton of money. He will need every dollard because Henry has 9 kids by 9 different mothers!!
He spent all of his condom money and weed
Posted by: Reppin TX | October 7, 2007 11:15 AM
But Henry will be da man on the corner in da hood
Posted by: Anonymous | October 7, 2007 11:20 AM
Too much Kitna, too little pass rush, too conservative on offense, too many points allowed in the first half meaning no running game in the 2nd half, all equals
Lions 35-Redskins 17
Posted by: Montana'Skins Fan | October 7, 2007 11:21 AM
Oh no not the 0-20 stat again... (ESPN)
Posted by: noone from tampa | October 7, 2007 11:27 AM
Get ready...we'll hear it ALLLLLL day ( 0-20)
Posted by: Reppin TX | October 7, 2007 11:27 AM
Say it ain't so! The Skins ignored the D-Line in the draft!?! Now THAT is news :-P How long do you plan to beat that dead horse?
How about those Ravens?
Posted by: WashPo Sucks | October 7, 2007 11:28 AM
Now they are covering JLC's dig routes
Posted by: noone from tampa | October 7, 2007 11:28 AM
I love ESPN, when they all got the field...everyone takes their jackets off...when they go back to the desk, everyone put their coats on !
Posted by: Reppin TX | October 7, 2007 11:30 AM
Moss is out.
Posted by: Skinz | October 7, 2007 11:33 AM
Basic rule: Speed Kills.
But Area 51
Has Lust for Mayhem.
Posted by: HaikuMan | October 7, 2007 11:35 AM
Nothing like a good haiku to get things kicked off up here on gameday.
Posted by: bigfish | October 7, 2007 11:37 AM
Crossing Route Runners Meet Miami Vice & Bengal Tiger --- 'Skins 24 Lions 13
Posted by: bobbo | October 7, 2007 11:39 AM
I kill on Dig-Dug on my Palm. Put me in coach!!!!!!
Posted by: DigDug | October 7, 2007 11:40 AM
please cease & desist the predictions...its a jinx
Posted by: chRIS larry | October 7, 2007 11:40 AM
Emmitt has yet to pick the Skins once this year. I'll be willing to bet that he never will. He's horrible and needs to be canned ASAP.
Posted by: bigfish | October 7, 2007 11:45 AM
Emmitt is a Moron.
Posted by: The Predictor | October 7, 2007 11:58 AM
BigFish....you're right...Emmitt is TERRIBLE !!! I am no Michael Irvin fan, but he is LIGHT YEARS better than "Deuce Deuce". Earlier this year, they asked him which rookie would have the biggest impact and Emmitt stated that "Travis Henry in Denver will have a big impact" !!! TRAVIS HENRY, a rookie ???
THan a few weeks ago, he was asked which winless team will go winless in September. Emmitt replied San Diego. Hmmmm San Diego is struggling, but they DID WIN A GAME !!!
ESPN...PLEASE FIRE EMMITT
Posted by: Reppin TX | October 7, 2007 11:59 AM
Can't decide if I need to take the 6 1/2 points that Seattle is getting at Pittsburgh.
Also, Atlanta getting 8 1/2 at Tenn is tempting...
Boy, i need a new hobby.
Posted by: Reppin TX | October 7, 2007 12:05 PM
Take Pitt
Take Atl
Posted by: The Predictor | October 7, 2007 12:10 PM
mmmmmmmmmmm Jillian in the red dress on FOX
Posted by: Reppin TX | October 7, 2007 12:15 PM
Can you please stop saying the Skins failed to upgrade their pass-rush without giving actual examples of what they could have done? By my count the only option were to draft Okoye or Anderson over Landry. Almost all draft experts said Landry was the best defensive player in the draft. Was that a mistake?
Almost every team in the NFL wishes they had a better pass rush. DE's are the hardest position to acquire in the league. That's the part of the story that journalist seem to always leave out when discussing this.
Posted by: Cornelius | October 7, 2007 12:20 PM
beep beep
Posted by: Anonymous | October 7, 2007 12:49 PM
Today is the day we learn about the defense. This is Carlos Rogers' day to make a statement...but consider this fans...what if the Lions flip the script and try to run the ball, while we're thinking pass.
Posted by: sicwidit | October 7, 2007 12:53 PM
Today is the day we learn about the defense. This is Carlos Rogers' day to make a statement...but consider this fans...what if the Lions flip the script and try to run the ball, while we're thinking pass.
Posted by: sicwidit | October 7, 2007 12:53 PM
Here are "SICS" questions going into the game.
1) How will Caldwell and McCardell fit in with the offense. Do we have a new weapon?
2) Will the corners play big against big receivers?
3) Will Joe Gibbs have carry over from his tirade on Friday?
4) Can I drink a full bottle of Grey Goose since I don't have to work tomorrow?
HAIL!!!
Posted by: sicwidit | October 7, 2007 12:56 PM
Good God no, I do not want Martz as a Head Coach, give me Williams or Saunders over him any day of the week.
Posted by: Veretax | October 8, 2007 9:27 AM
JLaC: We all are painfully aware of the many shortcomings the Redskins F.O., Coaching staff, and players have committed over the years. It is very difficult to stomach after such an extended period of time. Many of us are angry after a loss and can point to a multitude of things that we consider faulty in preparing the team or how the game plan was executed. But it really gets old reading about it week after week after week. We get it already!! The Redskins are not perfect. Sometimes they flat out s..k. I'm not saying that we all put on the burgundy colored glasses and start thinking that we're the greatest, I'm just asking that you find something other than the constant negative viewpoint to discuss. The fact that you felt that "...one of the more important sentences in the whole piece..." got cut from your story only leads some (many?) of us to believe that you only wish to dwell on the dark side of this organization. It's just really getting old JLaC. I cannot express how pleased I am that the 'Skins practically discounted every one of the issues mentioned in your "sentence." Will our defense continue to dominate like they did yesterday in the coming weeks? Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell. But thankfully they don't have coaches on their staff to consistantly provide the doom and gloom scenarios you seem compelled to display. Maybe someone at TheWashPost actually took exception to your "sentence" and determined that you lost your objectivity in the piece. I'll continue to read your columns and blog, as I truly enjoy much of your work. But, I'll only read the negative garbage for amusement purposes only as they have become pointed and irrelevent.
Posted by: Dlyne8r | October 8, 2007 10:39 AM
J LaCantreporta,
Nice "Warriors" reference. Am I the only one to see it?
I think it's asfe to say -- all you boppers out there -- the Football Lions dropped the ball.
Posted by: The Warriors | October 8, 2007 11:33 AM
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We get it back today. Get ready for a run.