Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

Good Morning everyone. I just caught the last 10 minutes of Walker's interview with Cerrato on ESPN980 this morning. Here are my complete recaps from the podcast:

-The #1 thing Doc Walker wanted to know had to do with a crucial detail about our [B]front office structure[/B]: Who has final say in personnel decisions. Vinny beat around the bush and wouldnt give a straight answer. He spoke of how Snyder, Zorn and himself go into the draft with a plan, build consensus, yada yada yada... so no one really has to make a final decision on everything, because theyve already made decisions together on what to do in any given scenario... riiiiiight. I interpretted this to mean Snyder has final say. And Cerrato specifically mentioned that Snyder doesnt watch tape or review film.

- In [B]last years draft[/B], the Skins "Plan A" was to draft Jarod Mayo. Since he wasnt available (alot of people were surprised New England took him so high), they went to Plan B - which was to trade down with Atlanta. Apparently, the teams had had some sort of discussion prior to the draft.

-Cerrato has hold Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Malcom Kelly that the team is relying on [U]the three of them [/U]to improve the offense this year. I know I shouldnt read into it too much, but the way he said it, i got the feeling he was saying, "Look, were not doing another thing to improve our offense. Its all on you so so you're going to have to step up."

-[B]Fred Davis [/B]is ahead of everyone else - he "got his clock fixed," he was working out at the park two weeks before everyone else, and told Cerrato he's committed to being a [U]great[/U] player.

-If Vinny had to do it again, he would absolutely trade a 2nd and a 6th for [B]Jason Taylor.[/B] He was a perennial pro-bowler a year past being the league MVP, and we lost two DEs on the first day of camp. We were a playoff team the previous year and had a real chance to compete in 2008. More importantly to Cerrato, when Daniels went down, the air went out of the team. Daniels was a stud, a leader, and it was like all the teams hopes shattered right there. Cerrato felt he had to do something to make the team believe again. He talked to the players (Shawn Springs, Phillip Daniels, etc.) and they said “go get him.” Doc and Cerrato both felt Taylor would have been a key contributor if he had not been hurt.

The team wanted Jason Taylor back this year and the plan was for him to play 1st and 2nd down at SAM linebacker. On 3rd down, he was going to rush the passer from all over. From Cerratos perspective, they would have really been hurting capwise if they had kept Taylor, so it was very important to him that Taylor was in a position to PLAY. They felt a lot of his problems last year were a result of his not working out with Miami in the prior offseason. Snyder and Cerrato flew down to Miami to try and convince Taylor to work out here, but we all know how that turned out.

-Vinnys Cerrato [B]Core Beliefs on bulidng a team[/B]: Young players are critical with the salary cap. We need to build through the draft with young players and add free agents here and there. The plan this year was to add one significant free agent (Haynesworth) and keep one of our own (Hall). When Dockery got cut, we pursued him, too.

Vinny looked at a lot of tape on [B]Dockery[/B] before signing him here. Specifically, Cerrato focused on 2007 and how Dockery played against NFC-East teams. Against Dallas, Dockery had a pro-bowl performance – he completely wore down Chris Canty. Dockery didn’t play as well in ’08 as ‘07, but both years were much better than his contract year here – ’06. Everything about Dockery is better than when he left here. Cerrato was so excited about the possibility of Dockery being available that he actually called Buffalo before they cut him to try and keep them from trading him to Detroit. The second he was cut, Dockery called Cerrato personally and said, “I wanna play there. My agents going to play tough, but don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

Before resigning [B]DeAngelo Hall[/B], Cerrato talked to our defensive coaches and players and asked about Halls work ethic and locker room presence – the vote was unanimous, everyone wanted Hall back. London Fletcher told Cerrato he had many conversations with Hall about his past troubles and what went on in ATL and Oakland.

Never knew Cerrato is somewhat responsible for us getting [B]Stubby[/B] - Cerrato was in SF when Stubby was starting to “blow up” so they were trying get rid of him and trade him somewhere. Their play was to get picks to trade up in the draft to the 22nd spot with Jacksonville to draft Reynaldo Wynn. Funny how things work out. Anyway, Cerrato was very familiar with Stubby and knew he only wanted to get paid. Cerrato was obviously cautious with [B]Haynesworth[/B]. What impressed Cerrato about Haynesworth is that he really wants to be remembered as one of the best DTs to play the game. He doesn’t just want to get paid. Cerrato tried to get Reggie White the offseason when he ended up going to Green Bay because he knew how White could change an entire defense. He sees those same things in Haynesworth. He firmly believes Haynesworth presence will change our entire defense and make everyone better. A lot of FA defensive ends are calling Cerrato because they want to play next to Haynesworth. (I cant stop thinking that Jason Taylors an idiot.)

-[B]Orakpo[/B] won’t be there at 13.

-[B]Andre Smith [/B]would be a “definite candidate” if he fell to 13. Cerrato talked about a lot of the mistakes Smith has made to make his draft stock and even said “I don’t know who advised him to run without his shirt on” (lol). Cerrato said what teams do at this point is they stop focusing so much on the combine and go back and look at tape, because the “tape don’t lie.” Smith is a very, very talented player and Cerrato doesn’t think Smith will be there at 13, either.

-[B]Player Evaluation Process:[/B] The scouts come back in at the end of march and they, the coaches, and Cerrato meet regularly up until the draft. When they meet, Cerrato tells them, “you need to say what you want to say now.” He doesn’t want them leaving and talking to other staff and changing their mind. He wants them making their recommendations on the work they’ve done themselves.

The scouts make a “Tell a Story Tape” for each player the skins are considering selecting in the draft. Its not a highlight tape – it’s a tape of about 40 plays designed to show what the player’s strengths and weaknesses are. Then, they watch 3 full games of the player in action. Scott Campbell runs the projector. Cerrato takes notes. After they watch the tape, Scott will go ahead and ask everyone’s opinion on the player. Then they write one report on the player and give him an official “Redskins Grade.” Then, they move on to the next player and do the same thing. They look at all players of the same position in the same session because it makes it easier for them to compare.

-Why did the skins take [B]Devin Thomas [/B]over Eddie Royal? The skins liked Eddie Royal alot last year. However, they already had Santana Moss and ARE and they didn’t want another little guy. In the WCO, there are a lot of slants and we needed a big guy.

-[B]Chad Rinehart [/B]only worked out with the scout team last year and ran the other teams plays. Doc asked Cerrato why Rinehart didn’t practice at LG with the team on Wednesdays, since Kendall always sat out. Cerrato explained the teams rationale this way – they only dress 7 OL on game days. Fabini was versatile and able to play G and T. It was important to get him reps. Geisinger had to practice and dress because he was the only backup who could play center. While it would have been nice to get Rinehart more practice, hes a rookie. Rookies cant be expected to learn all 5 positions and they cant “waste” the reps on a guy who can only play one position… so Fabini got the practice reps over Rinehart. Rinehart improved dramatically in the past few weeks because he finally got to practice with the first team.

[B]Stephon Heyer[/B] is RT. He will not play LT. Heyer needs to work on strength and fundamentals in the offseason. He is essentially unbeatable when he bends his knees and positions his hands correctly, but he keeps wanting to stand tall. Heyer is working hard on this. Cerrato essentially said that if he improves enough, the RT job is his.

[B]Special Teams:[/B] We’re not drafting another punter. We’ll look to free agency and bring some other guys in and have competitions for both kicking spots. As a whole the other ST positions are all great. Rock was solid as a KR.

We need to improve at PR and there will be competition at that spot. That’s why we went after Dorsey from the CFL. Santana Moss LOVES returning punts and the plan is for him to do that atleast 1-2 times per game. (I imagine the new rules passed this week to protect return guys from injury had a lot to do with this decision.)

[B]3rd Running Back: [/B]We got Alridge because hes a great 3rd down back. After he was cut by Denver, Cerrato called them and they told him to get Alridge because he was the fastest guy they’d ever seen (he got hurt so they IRed him). He (and Dorsey) are going to compete with Rock for the 3rd RB spot. They are explosive “Sproeles-type guys” and that’s what the team needs now.

[B]Further FA moves:[/B] The sign on the door at Redskins park says, “Veteran Minimum Only.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, thats it. If you want to listen yourself, you can find the podcasts here:

[url=http://www.espn980.com/audiovault/]ESPN 980 - Home of the Redskins[/url]

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;540062]...
-The #1 thing Doc Walker wanted to know had to do with a crucial detail about our front office structure: Who has final say in personnel decisions. Vinny beat around the bush and wouldnt give a straight answer. He spoke of how Snyder, Zorn and himself go into the draft with a plan, build consensus, yada yada yada... so no one really has to make a final decision on everything, [B]because theyve already made decisions together on what to do in any given scenario... riiiiiight.[/B] I interpretted this to mean Snyder has final say. And Cerrato specifically mentioned that Snyder doesnt watch tape or review film.

...[/quote]

Why is this so hard for people to believe. Do people think that the head of any major business makes every final say? If JZ and VC are saying player x makes the most sense, who here thinks DS will overrule them? and the same could be said in any other combination obviously. I agree it's within DS' discretion to overrule them, but I bet you, you won't find one instance of it, or even the appearance of it.

Thanks for the info though BHA!

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;540069][B]Why is this so hard for people to believe.[/B] Do people think that the head of any major business makes every final say? If JZ and VC are saying player x makes the most sense, who here thinks DS will overrule them? and the same could be said in any other combination obviously. I agree it's within DS' discretion to overrule them, but I bet you, you won't find one instance of it, or even the appearance of it.

Thanks for the info though BHA![/quote]

Makes sense to me. Not sure why he would lie about it. Guess it's just the easy thing to hate on Snyder and assume he's pulling the strings.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;540069]Why is this so hard for people to believe. Do people think that the head of any major business makes every final say? If JZ and VC are saying player x makes the most sense, who here thinks DS will overrule them? and the same could be said in any other combination obviously. I agree it's within DS' discretion to overrule them, but I bet you, you won't find one instance of it, or even the appearance of it.

Thanks for the info though BHA![/quote]

Well DS obviously has the right, but the reason I dont like it is because Vinny wouldnt just come out and say it. Why not just say Snyder has final say? We're not stupid so don't treat us as if we are, you know?

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;540074]Well DS obviously has the right, but the reason I dont like it is because Vinny wouldnt just come out and say it. Why not just say Snyder has final say? We're not stupid so don't treat us as if we are, you know?[/quote]
The guy who signs the checks ALWAYS has the final say. It's the Golden Rule. He who has the gold....rules.

Bottom line is that outside of when he first bought the team (and even then he was influenced heavily by P. Rodgers), Snyder has given the coaches what they've asked for. These bad personnel decisions lead back to bad decision making by coaches (Arch - Williams, ARE & Lloyd - Saunders, every player brought in by Spurrier). Gibbs, while a great coach, was not a GM, he had Bobby Bethard in the first run. Vinny is now the GM. We are only in the second year of him being fully responsible for everything.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

Mayo would have been a great pick. :(

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

sounds to me like the in between the lines message was that should an elite OT fall to 13th, we would look at him long and hard, but the FO is gearing up for a difference maker on defense again. They will probably adress an y offensive concerns in the later rounds...mistake?

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

Nice post BHA. Not a whole lot there that I have a problem with. Nice to know we were looking at Mayo, wish we could of got him. I think Davis is going to add more to this offense this year as well as Kelly and Thomas. I understand the thinking about JT though I wasn't crazy about the move. Also glad to hear he understands the importance of getting younger. As far as who has the final say, the owner always doe's, but it's a bad owner in any business who doe's not hire good people and listen to them when it comes to decision making. He could come out and say DS has final say, but that may imply he's more involved in the selection process than he actually is. He said Danny doesn't watch tape or review film. Sounds alright to me.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

Thanks for the post BHA, good info.

As for the front office structure, in the glory days, Beathard & Gibbs discussed/debated players, both in trades & drafts + overall future strategy. When the two couldn't agree Cooke made the final decision. That worked out quite well!

I too have been quick to dis the danny about his 'meddling', but I also have to agree w/Slingin Sammy, who notes that DS has given what the coaches asked for. I mean does anybody really think signing Danny Weurful (sp?), Jacquez Green,Trung Canidate & Shane Matthews were Snyder's idea?

In fact, I challenge anyone to find a more ridiculous class of signings over the past 25 years by any team. And it happened because Snyder let Spurrier bring his Gator all stars/ nfl journeymen here.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

I think there's 2 major things I take from this in the redskins draft strategy, (also considering recent draft history):
1. Plan A - they target one player with their first pick. And possibly trying to trade up to get that player. They seem to put in a lot of work and research for the first pick.
2. Plan B - they trade down to get additional picks.

I think the redskins personnel team may be doing a better job than we think. They seem to be getting better and moving in a positive direction. They are making mistakes, but I think they learn from most of them. I can't be mad at the progress they've made, but one thing that I think they still need to learn is - valuing their draft picks more when it comes to decisions that lead to trades like Jason Taylor. I admit I thought it was a good trade at the time, but now I must admit it was a mistake. You can't go back and undo mistakes like this, but I think you must first admit that they were mistakes and then learn from them.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

Zorn pretty much confirmed that he definitely knows what goes on in the FO in that Maske recap....

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

- It's interesting how often Cerrato talked about how he got the players' input re: Jason Taylor and DeAngelo Hall (whether to go after them/keep them), but he didn't talk as much about getting the coaches' input.

- Another mention of Devin Clark (strange)

- Won't draft a punter...which some of course will say means that they will

- Need to improve punt returns (seemed to indicate Dorsey has a good shot). Also, talked about Anthony Alridge (I think he has potential as a 3rd down back)

- Offering Vet Min deals only right now to free agents (as the Warpath crowd laughs in the background)

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

I hope Thomas, Kelly, and Davis have great years. If they don't, I guess we're screwed. Stephon Heyer's body position won't matter much.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

They are going to re-air clips of the int in about 5 minutes on [B]espn980[/B] on the Doc, and Kevin show
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/stations/player?station=dc"]ESPN Radio - SuperStream Player[/URL]

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;540062]

- [b]In last years draft, the Skins "Plan A" was to draft Jarod Mayo.[/b] Since he wasnt available (alot of people were surprised New England took him so high), they went to Plan B - which was to trade down with Atlanta. Apparently, the teams had had some sort of discussion prior to the draft.

[B]Stephon Heyer[/B] is RT. He will not play LT. Heyer needs to work on strength and fundamentals in the offseason. He is essentially unbeatable when he bends his knees and positions his hands correctly, but he keeps wanting to stand tall. Heyer is working hard on this. Cerrato essentially said that if he improves enough, the RT job is his.[/quote]

First of all, great recap BHA, thanks for doing that. I think people need to begin to accept that Heyer is likely to be our starting RT on opening day. I don't get the sense that we are looking to draft a tackle, put him on the right side and then convert him to a LT down the road (Smith, Oher, etc.). If anything we're going to draft a RT or interior lineman in the 3rd round.

Also since OLB was our top priority last year and we didn't get one AND cut our starting OLB this year, what do you think the focus will be next month? He's pretty much putting it out there to expect us to go OLB at #13.

No talk about Campbell and the lack of an extension?

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=SmootSmack;540098]- It's interesting how often Cerrato talked about how he got the players' input re: Jason Taylor and DeAngelo Hall (whether to go after them/keep them), but he didn't talk as much about getting the coaches' input.
[/quote]

I think its very important to Cerrato to get guys who are loved in the Locker room. Team chemistry seems to be very important to Cerrato, as it should be. Overall, i feel good about having Cerrato in control of things. Sure he's made some mistakes (in hindsight), but understanding his rationale in trading for Taylor made me feel alot better about Cerratos priorities when it comes to building a team.

I read somewhere before that Cerrato allegedly only has two years to turn things around. Barring him making some monumental screw-up in the draft, i think he's already earned himself a 3rd year.

Like it or not, Snyder is the owner of this team and probably will remain the owner for the rest of his life. Giving Snyders penchant for being a moron when it comes to the non-business side of football, and his insistance on getting involved in things he shouldnt, I think we are better off with Cerrato than we would be with almost anyone else. He has a good relationship with Snyder and if Snyder brougth someone else in, i think they would just be a puppet and we would be right back to where we were in the early 2000s. Cerrato seems to have us pointed in the right direction. this team is definitely better right now than it was a year ago, and we still have the draft ahead of us.

[quote=Paintrain;540108]First of all, great recap BHA, thanks for doing that. I think people need to begin to accept that Heyer is likely to be our starting RT on opening day. I don't get the sense that we are looking to draft a tackle, put him on the right side and then convert him to a LT down the road (Smith, Oher, etc.). If anything we're going to draft a RT or interior lineman in the 3rd round.

Also since OLB was our top priority last year and we didn't get one AND cut our starting OLB this year, what do you think the focus will be next month? He's pretty much putting it out there to expect us to go OLB at #13.

No talk about Campbell and the lack of an extension?[/quote]

Campbell wasnt brought up at all, and i think Cerrato probably insisted on it. If the team is committed to Campbell, then not talking about it was a very smart move on Cerratos part. We talked about everything on the team, every position, every weakness, except quarterback, because its a no-issue to Cerrato. Campbell is our quarterback.

Also, i agree with your analysis about Heyer likely being our starting RT this year and, unless we pass on one of the big 4, i'm fine with that. Our defense was our strength last year and so far, its gotten significantly better with the addition of Haynesworth. Even if we got a stud RT in the draft, our offense would still be the teams weaker unit again this year.

I think it makes good sense to add a defensive player, so our defense can be completely dominating. By resigning Hall and getting Haynesworth, we've already assured ourselves of getting more turnovers in 2009. Looking at the teams we play this year, we're likely going to be facing alot of QBs that dont respond well to pressure. If we add a dominant pass rusher with the 13th pick, i am going to go out on a limb and predict our defense averages 2-3 turnovers and 1 defensive TD per game.

I certainly thing a defensive pass rusher will do alot more to help us score points than a rookie OT would if replacing Heyer. Heyer has improved dramatically in his two years here and i think he deserves a shot to win the starting job for good. If our 2nd year WRs and Davis step up, and Campbell can start getting rid of the ball quicker, we should be fine with Heyer at RT, as long as our defense is dominant.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=SmootSmack;540098]- [B]It's interesting how often Cerrato talked about how he got the players' input re: Jason Taylor and DeAngelo Hall (whether to go after them/keep them), but he didn't talk as much about getting the coaches' input.[/B]

- Another mention of Devin Clark (strange)

- Won't draft a punter...which some of course will say means that they will

- Need to improve punt returns (seemed to indicate Dorsey has a good shot). Also, talked about Anthony Alridge (I think he has potential as a 3rd down back)

- Offering Vet Min deals only right now to free agents (as the Warpath crowd laughs in the background)[/quote]

Yeah that is interesting because it seemed that Blache wasn't 100% behind the move and he really wasn't a great fit for his style of D.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=SmootSmack;540098]- It's interesting how often Cerrato talked about how he got the players' input re: Jason Taylor and DeAngelo Hall (whether to go after them/keep them), but he didn't talk as much about getting the coaches' input.
[/quote]

See to me that sounds like "We want to get their input because it has value and I am telling you this because it is not standard practice everywhere". I assumed he didn't mention coaches because he didn't think he needed to state the obvious that they are very involved in the personel areas.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

vinny specifically mentioned the he spoke to players and coaches before getting hall. I agree, its assumed he talks to coaches prior to making any moves, whether major or minor

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;540109] By resigning Hall and getting Haynesworth, we've already assured ourselves of getting more turnovers in 2009. Looking at the teams we play this year, we're likely going to be facing alot of QBs that dont respond well to pressure. If we add a dominant pass rusher with the 13th pick, i am going to go out on a limb and predict our defense averages 2-3 turnovers and 1 defensive TD per game.

I certainly thing a defensive pass rusher will do alot more to help us score points than a rookie OT would if replacing Heyer. Heyer has improved dramatically in his two years here and i think he deserves a shot to win the starting job for good. If our 2nd year WRs and Davis step up, and Campbell can start getting rid of the ball quicker, we should be fine with Heyer at RT, as long as our defense is dominant.[/quote]

You make a really good point on how improving the defense actually [b][i]improves[/i][/b] the offense. If we generate 2 turnovers and a TD per game that would be historically good, but I see what you are saying. Adding Smith or Oher at RT isn't going to dramatically improve our offense overnight. However adding a pass rusher to Haynesworth and Hall can make our defense instantly more imposing and can lead to the turnover numbers you were talking about.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=Paintrain;540173]You make a really good point on how improving the defense actually [B][I]improves[/I][/B] the offense. If we generate 2 turnovers and a TD per game that would be historically good, but I see what you are saying. Adding Smith or Oher at RT isn't going to dramatically improve our offense overnight. However adding a pass rusher to Haynesworth and Hall can make our defense instantly more imposing and can lead to the turnover numbers you were talking about.[/quote]

Improving the offense would also have the affect of improving the offense.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=70Chip;540178]Improving the offense would also have the affect of improving the offense.[/quote]

Obviously, but my point was one offensive player (RT) isn't going to instantly make the offense more potent but that additional player on defense can help in creating turnovers, improving field position and putting points on the board. A right tackle's not going to do that.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;540109]Like it or not, Snyder is the owner of this team and probably will remain the owner for the rest of his life. [B]Giving Snyders penchant for being a moron when it comes to the non-business side of football, and his insistance on getting involved in things he shouldnt, I think we are better off with Cerrato than we would be with almost anyone else.[/B] He has a good relationship with Snyder and if Snyder brougth someone else in, i think they would just be a puppet and we would be right back to where we were in the early 2000s. [B]Cerrato seems to have us pointed in the right direction. this team is definitely better right now than it was a year ago, and we still have the draft ahead of us.[/B][/quote]

I think the problem is that Snyder is a business man, and business minded people tend to apply those same concepts to areas where business practices just won't work (I see that a lot in Education).

I definitely agree that Vinny has the team in the right direction, and the comment about drafting Jarod Mayo last year is proof that many times the FO has the right plan, but circumstances get in the way. I think it is safe to say that Vinny and Zorn are making the decisions with DS' input. Once again, I'm fine with that, I'm glad we're not Dallas where Jerry Jones is owner, GM, scout, and pretty much coach.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=Paintrain;540181]Obviously, but my point was one offensive player (RT) isn't going to instantly make the offense more potent but that additional player on defense can help in creating turnovers, improving field position and putting points on the board. A right tackle's not going to do that.[/quote]

I think that Haynesworth was the big free agent, so they signed him. Now everybody is turning him into an offensive threat because everybody knows that the offense was the problem last year. When offense is the problem you should try to fix the offense. Don't sign a defensive tackle, because he's the big splashy name and then tell me it's going to cure the offensive woes as well.

If we don't get better in the passing game, none of these other things will matter. The Redskins whole future is dependent on the emergence of Thomas, Kelly, and/or Davis as positive factors. No one can say how that turns out, so there is nothing to discuss, so we start inventing arguments. Defense is not the problem. The offensive line is not the problem (you don't like our O-LIne? Take a look at Arizona's and they went to the big game. Their LT had three holding calls and they still might have won) THE RECEIVERS and to a lesser extent the QB IS THE PROBLEM.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=70Chip;540183]I think that Haynesworth was the big free agent, so they signed him. Now everybody is turning him into an offensive threat because everybody knows that the offense was the problem last year. When offense is the problem you should try to fix the offense. Don't sign a defensive tackle, because he's the big splashy name and then tell me it's going to cure the offensive woes as well.

If we don't get better in the passing game, none of these other things will matter. The Redskins whole future is dependent on the emergence of Thomas, Kelly, and/or Davis as positive factors. No one can say how that turns out, so there is nothing to discuss, so we start inventing arguments. Defense is not the problem. The offensive line is not the problem (you don't like our O-LIne? Take a look at Arizona's and they went to the big game. Their LT had three holding calls and they still might have won) THE RECEIVERS and to a lesser extent the QB IS THE PROBLEM.[/quote]

Arizona had a good line compared to ours (I'm sure it's a younger line). I mean how else do you protect a statue like Warner? Plus, AZ's receiving corps is 10 times better than ours (no comparison). Their run block sucked, but their passing game made up for that deficiency.

I do agree that the offensive line must be dealt with, but let's not forget that adding Dockery was huge. I don't think there was a great offensive lineman out there in free agency (other than Jordan Gross and Jason Brown), but Dock was a big improvement. I do hope they address the offensive line in the draft, but as I said before, the guys that are currently there need to step it up as well.

I thin everyone expects the rookies to develop and contribute, and for JC to improve from last year as well. I think improving the offensive line will help, but you're right there has to be improvements in the passing game as well. I don't mind the Redskins improving their defense, other teams are improving areas where their strength lies (i.e. Giants and their 20-deep defensive line). While we had a good defense last year, it wasn't an elite defense like Baltimore's or Pittsburgh's.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=70Chip;540178]Improving the offense would also have the affect of improving the offense.[/quote]

True, but as Pain pointed out, a defense that creates more turnovers and scores more points is going to do more for our offense than upgrading Heyer/Jansen with a rookie RT.

Think of it this way, the level of performance between experienced OTs like Heyer and Jansen and a ROOKIE OT is not that huge.

However, the differnece in performance between a rookie DE or SAM taken at 13 would be a HUGE upgrade over Wynn or Blades. The left side of our defense is completely wide-open right now. Wynn is old and Blades is undersized. Teams could just run to that side all day. Upgrading one of those positions with a stud is crucial to the success of our defense in 2009. If we don't make significant strides there, then the benefits from paying Haynesworth and Hall are going to be comparatively minor.

I know i've criticized Jason Campbell alot, but one thing ive always said is that he's the kind of guy thats not going (to win or) LOSE any games for us. He is solid at [U]managing[/U] games. History has shown us, time and again, that a team with that kind of QB and a DOMINANT, PLAYMAKING defense can be dangerous.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=Ruhskins;540191]Arizona had a good line compared to ours (I'm sure it's a younger line). I mean how else do you protect a statue like Warner? Plus, AZ's receiving corps is 10 times better than ours (no comparison). Their run block sucked, but their passing game made up for that deficiency.

[/quote]

Arizona's passing game works because of their QB and Receivers and in spite of a line that is in no respect superior to the Redskins. Warner [B][I]is [/I][/B]a statue. A statue that get's rid of the ball quickly.

Of course the Redskins would be better if Campbell had 5 seconds to throw every time, but there is not a QB in the leauge that gets that kind of protection anymore. You have to unload it because no matter who the Redskins have up front, the pressure is coming. It's the nature of the game today.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

Given the discussion of Mayo I went searching for info on him from last year and found this little gem.

[URL="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3368963&categoryid=3364749"]Titans Select RB Chris Johnson With The 24th Pick - ESPN Video - ESPN[/URL]

You'd think he was talking about Darren McFadden, except...

[url=http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3368923&categoryid=3364749]Raiders Select RB Darren McFadden With The Fourth Pick - ESPN Video - ESPN[/url]

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=70Chip;540195]Arizona's passing game works because of their QB and Receivers and in spite of a line that is in no respect superior to the Redskins. Warner [B][I]is [/I][/B]a statue. A statue that get's rid of the ball quickly.

Of course the Redskins would be better if Campbell had 5 seconds to throw every time, but there is not a QB in the leauge that gets that kind of protection anymore. You have to unload it because no matter who the Redskins have up front, the pressure is coming. It's the nature of the game today.[/quote]

Theres another thread where we can talk about Campbell and i think he's been discussed to death. For 2009, he is our quarterback. With that established, it makes more sense to look at what we can do to this team to be more successful with him as our QB.

Our defense was good last year, but it wasnt dominant. didnt create many turnovers or score many (if any) points on defense. Our offense was by far the weaker unit, but our defense rarely gave our offense the ball with a short field. As a result, the pressure was always on the offense.

If we can add a stud pass rusher to our already upgraded defense, we're going to have mroe sacks, more pressures and more turnovers. The pressure will be taken off the offense. Campbell will have more opporunities to throw the ball in the red zone and now he'll have atleast TWO large targets in Cooley and Davis. If either Davis or Kelly steps up, then we can become a legitimate redzone threat. Worst case scenario, we get a field goal or two a game that we wouldnt have otherwise. Last year, we lost alot of games by that much.

More than anything else, adding an elite pass-rusher will ensure that doesnt happen again this year.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;540192]True, but as Pain pointed out, a defense that creates more turnovers and scores more points is going to do more for our offense than upgrading Heyer/Jansen with a rookie RT.

Think of it this way, the level of performance between experienced OTs like Heyer and Jansen and a ROOKIE OT is not that huge.

However, the differnece in performance between a rookie DE or SAM taken at 13 would be a HUGE upgrade over Wynn or Blades. The left side of our defense is completely wide-open right now. Wynn is old and Blades is undersized. Teams could just run to that side all day. Upgrading one of those positions with a stud is crucial to the success of our defense in 2009. If we don't make significant strides there, then the benefits from paying Haynesworth and Hall are going to be comparatively minor.

I know i've criticized Jason Campbell alot, but one thing ive always said is that he's the kind of guy thats not going (to win or) LOSE any games for us. He is solid at [U]managing[/U] games.[b] History has shown us, time and again, that a team with that kind of QB and a DOMINANT, PLAYMAKING defense can be dangerous.[/b][/quote]
The Ravens and Titans have shown us examples of this for years. Hell, the Giants won a SB with this a couple of years ago.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

I just think that if you lose a bunch of games, kind of 16 - 10 ish, I'm not sure it follows that the 16 is really the problem.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;540192]True, but as Pain pointed out, a defense that creates more turnovers and scores more points is going to do more for our offense than upgrading Heyer/Jansen with a rookie RT.

Think of it this way, the level of performance between experienced OTs like Heyer and Jansen and a ROOKIE OT is not that huge.

However, the differnece in performance between a rookie DE or SAM taken at 13 would be a HUGE upgrade over Wynn or Blades. The left side of our defense is completely wide-open right now. Wynn is old and Blades is undersized. Teams could just run to that side all day. Upgrading one of those positions with a stud is crucial to the success of our defense in 2009. If we don't make significant strides there, then the benefits from paying Haynesworth and Hall are going to be comparatively minor.

I know i've criticized Jason Campbell alot, but one thing ive always said is that he's the kind of guy thats not going (to win or) LOSE any games for us. He is solid at [U]managing[/U] games. History has shown us, time and again, that a team with that kind of QB and a DOMINANT, PLAYMAKING defense can be dangerous.[/quote]

All of this will need to be based on what kind of identity you want for your team. Do you want it to be a team that is more offensive or more defensive or balanced?

Either way, both sides of the line need to be the first priority of any kind of team. When you have a defense-first type of team, you still need a physical offensive line to be able to grind it out in the running game. When you have an offense-first type of team, you need to be able to have a defensive line to put pressure on the opposing qb (since a productive offensive team would be able to play ahead often).

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=Paintrain;540108]First of all, great recap BHA, thanks for doing that. I think people need to begin to accept that Heyer is likely to be our starting RT on opening day. I don't get the sense that we are looking to draft a tackle, put him on the right side and then convert him to a LT down the road (Smith, Oher, etc.). If anything we're going to draft a RT or interior lineman in the 3rd round.

Also since OLB was our top priority last year and we didn't get one AND cut our starting OLB this year, what do you think the focus will be next month? He's pretty much putting it out there to expect us to go OLB at #13.

No talk about Campbell and the lack of an extension?[/quote]


I totally areee, sounds like OLB with the 13th pick....
Maybe OT Sebastian Volmer in the third....
Sort of reading between the lines though, I dont see Ladell Betts having
any value on 3rd Downs anymore??? Sounds like he could be trade bait ??

Any thoughts?

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=53Fan;540086] He said Danny doesn't watch tape or review film. Sounds alright to me.[/quote]

Good for him, DS was busy not losing his money in a ponzi scheme or the stock market. More money for the no cap era!!!

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=ChickenMonkey;540243]I totally areee, sounds like OLB with the 13th pick....
Maybe OT Sebastian Volmer in the third....
Sort of reading between the lines though, I dont see Ladell Betts having
any value on 3rd Downs anymore??? Sounds like he could be trade bait ??

Any thoughts?[/quote]

You never know. Maybe they don't think Betts is the type of back they need. I don't know if it makes any difference if they're never going to give him the ball. Anyway, Volmer is the kind of player we could get in the 3rd or maybe lower. Depends on how the draft falls. He's a BIG guy with long arms and quick on his feet. I think there are a few guys in the 3rd-5th rounds who could help us.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

Thanks for the recap BHA. What concerns me is the prospect of Heyer/Jansen our only two options @ RT. Heyer may be improving and may be dominant as he masters technique; however, his nagging shoulder injury at such a young age is worrisome. Meanwhile, Jansen sounds intent on winning back the starting spot and I think he will if Heyer is the only competition. Personally, I think we should either draft a top OT @ 13, telling him he's got to be ready to start opening day, or (if we draft defense @ 13) pick up a vet who's been cut from another franchise after the draft, like Levi Jones. Either scenario allows us to keep Heyer backing up either tackle spot and Jansen as the primary back-up at either guard spot or RT.

... I was a little surprised nothing was said about Rabach (from what I saw). Some of the analysts are saying C may be our weakest link.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=The Goat;540287]Thanks for the recap BHA. What concerns me is the prospect of Heyer/Jansen our only two options @ RT. Heyer may be improving and may be dominant as he masters technique; however, his nagging shoulder injury at such a young age is worrisome. Meanwhile, Jansen sounds intent on winning back the starting spot and I think he will if Heyer is the only competition. Personally, I think we should either draft a top OT @ 13, telling him he's got to be ready to start opening day, or (if we draft defense @ 13) pick up a vet who's been cut from another franchise after the draft, like Levi Jones. Either scenario allows us to keep Heyer backing up either tackle spot and Jansen as the primary back-up at either guard spot or RT.

... I was a little surprised nothing was said about Rabach (from what I saw). [B]Some of the analysts are saying C may be our weakest link[/B].[/quote]

And they would be right. :)

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=53Fan;540291]And they would be right. :)[/quote]

yeah, I'm totally on-board for a trade-down scenario where we get top center Mack, or to a lesser degree Unger, and a starting caliber OLB. I think we'd have to take OLB w/ the first pick though.

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=The Goat;540296]yeah, I'm totally on-board for a trade-down scenario where we get top center Mack, or to a lesser degree Unger, and a starting caliber OLB. [B] I think we'd have to take OLB w/ the first pick though[/B].[/quote]

You mean........like Maualuga to play outside until Fletch leaves? :)

Re: Doc Walker One-on-One Interview with Vinny Cerrato
 

[quote=53Fan;540307]You mean........like Maualuga to play outside until Fletch leaves? :)[/quote]

Nah that's probably a pipe dream... like getting Detroit's 20th and 33rd and hoping to hell Rey falls to 20 and Mack falls out of the 1st round. But I dunno if we can somehow get a couple picks very early in the 2nd round maybe we pickup Matthews or English and Mack or Unger. That would be sweet.