Redskin Wideouts to join McNabb in Arizona for "hell week"

Q: Could you see the Redskins implementing a two-tight end system where both Fred Davis and Chris Cooley can be on the field at the same time? The Redskins have question marks at receiver, and two tight ends could help the running game and rookie tackle Trent Williams get accustomed to the NFL.

John in Chicago

A: Absolutely. Early reports are that Mike Shanahan really likes Davis, and Cooley is already an established star at tight end. The two-tight-end formation is ideal for the zone running scheme because there is no strong side or weak side to tip off strengths and weaknesses of the blocking scheme. Plus, there are questions about the depth of the Redskins' wide receiving corps. Shanahan has always operated a strong two-tight-end formation. Great point.

Go on Washington Redskins (http://www.redskins.com/gen/index.jsp) Kelli Johnson interviews Fred Davis he talks a little about the 2TE formations, good stuff.

HTTR.

I am expecting Shanny to use the two TE set a lot, but even more if the WR corps seem to not live up to expectations. It really makes perfect sense to run two TE's in Shanny's zone blocking scheme to help disguise which way the play is running. I know we have some ?'s at WR, but all in all, I am extremely upbeat about the improvements we have made on offense. Not to mention the coordinator and offense scheme will be a tremendous improvement.

Has there been any word on whether or not other major members of the offense (i.e. Cooley, Davis etc.) will be joining their teammates in Arizona? DMac made a star out of Celek so it stands to reason a good rapport with the tight ends would be desirable.

For the two TE set to work fully, they have to be good at blocking as well. That way, the team can not only pass (ie. TE's either pass-block or run a route) but also run (ie. TE's run-block). If the defense puts LB's on them, they can beat them via pass, and if they put safeties or corners on them, then we can run over them.

From what I've seen, both Cooley & Davis are just average blockers. So although they are great passing options in two TE sets, they are sometimes liabilities due to blocking. Two TE sets will only be fun to watch as long as McNabb gets enough protection and/or Portis gets blocking. If, for example, T.Williams starts getting toasted by the NFCEast DE's, then we'll take one of the TE's out and start putting in a blocking TE instead. I think F.Davis' blocking was improving last year, but both TE's completely missed blocks at times during the season.

[side note: not to rehash old debates, but we KNEW Davis was a pass-catcher and not a power-blocker when we drafted him... which was why many of us were frustrated with this pick. anyway - hopefully he can get better at blocking over time]

Has there been any word on whether or not other major members of the offense (i.e. Cooley, Davis etc.) will be joining their teammates in Arizona? DMac made a star out of Celek so it stands to reason a good rapport with the tight ends would be desirable.

I haven't read anywhere about any of our TE's participating with McNabb and Co.

Post #62 Kelli Johnson interviews Fred Davis he sez he's going to Arizona to workout with DMc.

Post #62 Kelli Johnson interviews Fred Davis he sez he's going to Arizona to workout with DMc.

Had not seen that interview. Thats great! I hope 86 and 47 both show. We have a very talented TE set, the sky is the limit for this duo!

Hard work pays big dividends. I applaud all the team members that show up to work out with McNabb!

Washington Redskins (http://www.redskins.com/gen/index.jsp)

D.C. Sports Bog - Why Chris Cooley's not at Hell Week (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/07/why_chris_cooleys_not_at_hell.html#more)

It's CC's right and i understand but i really wanted him to be there gel gel gel.

HTTR.

I honestly don't have a problem with CC not being there. He gets a pass simply because he's a proven guy and I don't think there will be much trouble with him and McNabb getting on the same page.

What McNabb is doing out there in Arizona is great, but I'm not going to hold it against anybody for not attending.