WP Email: A Broken Record (yet another Brunell thread)
 

Each Wednesday, [url="javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=86c27045602fa586dccbd9dcdf3321c8&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashingtonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC3300875E17F3F628A510');"][color=#0000ff]starting Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell[/color][/url] meets the press and ends up answering a similar line of questioning tied to the anemic passing game. The sessions have become predictable as the Redskins continue to complete fewer than 10 passes in many games and throw for under 100 yards, with [url="javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=ffd2194bc7529cb0b3d3fd658b6d60fc&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashingtonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC0330875E17F3F628A510');"][color=#0000ff]Sunday's 58-yard effort[/color][/url] the nadir.

"It's another week," Brunell said. "We're hoping this is the week we can get it going in the passing game. The running game has been there of course, guys are playing good up front blocking for Clinton [Portis] and Ladell [Betts]. We just keep fighting and keep working hard and keeping a good attitude and we're believing that this is going to happen."

Coach Joe Gibbs elected to throw the ball only twice in the second half against Detroit with the Redskins leading, and has said that decision was not a reflection of a lack of confidence in the passing game. Brunell completed only six of 17 passes against the Lions, and said he agreed with Gibbs's reliance on the running game.

"I think it was smart," Brunell said. "The way [url="javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=7daf5571509f70ba4d133c2c26de4268&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashingtonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC1320875E17F3F628A510');"][color=#0000ff]Tom [Tupa] was punting[/color][/url], the way our defense was playing, we got conservative, but it was smart and we got the win. We got that big blocked punt by the special teams, so you want to be able to throw it and the guys enjoy it when we throw it, but going to the run at that point in the game in the second half, I thought was a smart move."

Washington will likely lean on Portis heavily again against the [url="javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=c4a141a1955c8d978969428cc603a854&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashingtonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC93D0875E17F3F628A510');"][color=#0000ff]Bengals[/color][/url] on Sunday, as he has been the team's only consistent performer on offense. But Brunell said the team will still need to make some plays through the air if it is to succeed.

"We're going to have to be at our best, and we're going to have throw it," Brunell said. "There are going to be times when we have to throw the football and we're going to have to be efficient when we do."

Most often, Brunell is asked to throw on third down, and that is where his problems are most acute. His 38.3 rating on third-downs is worst in the NFL, as is his woeful 36.8 completion percentage on third-down passes and 3.16 yards-per attempt on third down. He is 9-for-28 on third-down throws over the last three games.

[font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1][color=#000000][b]A Bengals-Redskins Reunion
[/b][/color][/size][/font]


Many of the players and coaches involved in Sunday's game have ties to the other organization. Bengals linebacker coach, Ricky Hunley, and wide receivers coach, Hue Jackson, are former assistants in Washington. Cornerback Rashad Bauman, defensive end Carl Powell, receiver Cliff Russell, offensive lineman Alex Sulfsted, running back Kenny Watson and safety Ricot Joseph are all former Redskins. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis recalled the 2002 season that he spent as defensive coordinator in Washington in fond terms yesterday during his conference call with the local media. "I wish we had won more games," said Lewis of the 7-9 season. "But I really enjoyed it and I just thought it was a fine place to work and I enjoyed the fans."

[i]-- Jason La Canfora[/i]

Matty, in the history of the Warpath. Has there ever been as many threads about one player? I just noticed that more than half of them are about Brunell.

Just goes to show how us Skins fans are. The QB is the most popular guy in DC next to the President. That being said......BRUNELL SUCKS!

popular? never. (well maybe Theisman). hated more like it. it's so true. the uprising over Brunell has completely drowned out the best coach, best defense (no.1 with relative no-names no less), and the best running back we've had in over a decade. probably because his performance has drowned out all their efforts... :(

[QUOTE=illdefined]popular? never. (well maybe Theisman). hated more like it. it's so true. the uprising over Brunell has completely drowned out the best coach, best defense (no.1 with relative no-names no less), and the best running back we've had in over a decade. probably because his performance has drowned out all their efforts... :([/QUOTE]

You're absolutely right.

I shouldn't have said popular....it's more like the QB gets more attention.

I'm pretty tired of it myself

This dead horse has been beaten, whipped, shot, dragged through the mud and dumped in to the river.

well unfortunately for the 'skins (and all of us) a decent qb is a must on any team. ever heard of a defense end controversy? so until something is done about it, we're gonna see it, then hear it every single week. it's just so blatent to me that brunell is running on fumes... but what do i know?

What's horrible to me is that I keep hoping Brunell gets hurt (not too bad, but bad enough to be yanked from the game/starting line-up). It's rock bottom when you start wishing your team's QB gets hurt.

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]I'm pretty tired of it myself

This dead horse has been beaten, whipped, shot, dragged through the mud and dumped in to the river.[/QUOTE]

unfortunately the dead horse is pulling the wagon.

[QUOTE=Tahoe Skin]What's horrible to me is that I keep hoping Brunell gets hurt (not too bad, but bad enough to be yanked from the game/starting line-up). It's rock bottom when you start wishing your team's QB gets hurt.[/QUOTE]
No doubt. I with ya on that one. Can't Brunell just sprain his ankle really bad or somthing? :)

We are beating a dead horse. Unfortunately, the horse isn't quite dead, it still starts at the most important on the field every single week.

[QUOTE=Redskins_P]Matty, in the history of the Warpath. Has there ever been as many threads about one player? I just noticed that more than half of them are about Brunell.

Just goes to show how us Skins fans are. The QB is the most popular guy in DC next to the President. That being said......BRUNELL SUCKS![/QUOTE]

If it is true that Brunell has more threads written about him than any other player then it just goes to show you how easy it is to get sidetracked with a player who is not the only problem with this offense. That's why after this thread I won't disuss anything about him anymore because it's a dead issue.

Rather, I have serious issues with an offensive line that continues to nullify TD's. There has been at least 3 TD's that were called back do to a false start or holding call. Well, one penalty tried to help Kerry and Edwards. But still this is a problem that needs to be fixed so that we don't have to keep settling for 3 points. Let's see how many people can discuss an issue without mentioning the QB.

the line hasn't been stellar by any means but they havn't been totally shit eather , they've played good enough to win games. brunnell on the other hand has not played good enough to win games and i do not blame the recievers or the o-line on his inability to play well. thats my story and i'm sticking with it.

If you think the passing game is bad now, what do you think it would be like if Portis got hurt? With a homerun threat runner like we have, a few completions shouldn't be that hard to accomplish.

As far as the o-line goes, I watch other teams get over penaltys in the red zone all the time. The last Coltsgame they had one called back and just threw it in on the next play anyway. I do agree that Brunnel is not the only offensive problem, but I think that he is an offensive problem. I guess that I'm going to give up on the QB change and just go with believing Gibbs is going to use Brunnel until he (Gibbs) gets back up to speed in the NFL.

[QUOTE=wolfeskins]the line hasn't been stellar by any means but they havn't been totally shit eather , they've played good enough to win games. brunnell on the other hand has not played good enough to win games and i do not blame the recievers or the o-line on his inability to play well. thats my story and i'm sticking with it.[/QUOTE]

Let me point out two mistakes from the defense that led to a loss or nearly a loss for the Redskins.

1. Brunell goes out of the game against the Giants. Ramsey comes in. Portis runs the ball in for a TD. There's a false start. Next play, Ramsey throws an INT. We lose by 6 points.

2.Against Green Bay the O line had 10 penalties for 82 yds. The pass-blocking was bad and was the main reason that Brunell was flushed out of the pocket and overthrough Coolery for a sure TD. Now, the mystery illegal motion led to a great debate but the offensive line killed itself.

3.Against the Lions, first quarter. Brunell throws to Robert Royal for a TD. It was called back and we settled for three. There has to be someone who is better than Ray Brown on this team. He's getting beat too many times and it's forcing Brunell to rush his passes.

Does anybody else see this?

I've seen times where Brunell has upwards of 7 seconds to throw the ball. Sometimes they hold great, other times they simply don't. Either way, there are Qbs with less doing more.

I think it's the pressure getting to him. If you watch him, when his feet never stop shifting the ball sails high or wide. Is he nervous about his backside being protected from the rush? I dunno, but there were a few horrible passes last week and when i rewinded the Tivo you can see his feet never settle down. There are a few drops here and there too, but one inparticular that Coles dropped was a play that Brunnel led too far and he could have got his hands on it, but would have been mauled by the saftey. After a while, i'd stop trying to catch those too.

He's just very inacurate, holds onto the ball too long and uncomfortable in the pocket. My vote is give Ramsey ONE chance, then throw in Hassleback and sign Tim Couch to a contract and pay him 11.50 an hour to finish the season. Either that or start Gardner or Portis at QB. Can't get much worse.

[QUOTE=Daseal]I've seen times where Brunell has upwards of 7 seconds to throw the ball. Sometimes they hold great, other times they simply don't. Either way, there are Qbs with less doing more.[/QUOTE]

When Brunell had 7 seconds to throw the ball, the WR's obviously were not separating from their opponents. This issue has been mentioned several times this year. I have clearly seen Brunell miss wide open receivers and I have watched receivers drop balls they should have caught. Until all of their execution improves it will continue to be an offensive dilemma and not a Brunell dilemma singularly.

the reason the wrs are dropping some passes is because their so used to brunell over throwing them that when the ball hits them in the hands they are in such a state of shock that it causes them not to be able to catch it, LOL. SUNRA, you've showed some fair examples of the o-line making some mistakes but i just feel ramsey would be a better qb right now given the way BRUNELL has performed thus far. even when the o-line has played well , which is more times than not, brunell has still struggled.

At this point, I'm wondering if the receivers are losing confidence in Brunell's ability to get the ball to them, and if that is affecting their play.

I wouldn't have confidence if I was in any way affiliated with the Washington Redskins organization, much less a wide receiver.

[quote=SUNRA]Let me point out two mistakes from the defense that led to a loss or nearly a loss for the Redskins.

1. Brunell goes out of the game against the Giants. Ramsey comes in. Portis runs the ball in for a TD. There's a false start. Next play, Ramsey throws an INT. We lose by 6 points.

2.Against Green Bay the O line had 10 penalties for 82 yds. The pass-blocking was bad and was the main reason that Brunell was flushed out of the pocket and overthrough Coolery for a sure TD. Now, the mystery illegal motion led to a great debate but the offensive line killed itself.

3.Against the Lions, first quarter. Brunell throws to Robert Royal for a TD. It was called back and we settled for three. There has to be someone who is better than Ray Brown on this team. He's getting beat too many times and it's forcing Brunell to rush his passes.

Does anybody else see this?[/quote] 1. If we're being speculative, what if hasslebeck throws an int? what if brunell throws an int and we lose by 27 points? what if ed reed sacks the QB and takes the fumble back 94 yards?

2. Counter-point: coles open by 3-4 yards, ball sails out of bounds... brunell decides to throw an ultra crappy dump off to a wide open betts... lots and lots of views from replays with wide open TEs and WRs not being seen or being ignored... there's many more bad plays than good ones.

3. Brown is actually much more consistant than samuels, though he has less amazing plays, he has far less bad plays too... if we did have someone better, he'd be on the field... (ie molinaro was playing DT last game, the staff doesn't really care about making changes unless its at QB ;))

I agree that the oline is not much more than average, but like someone else said, there are a lot of QBs doing more with less (and making something like 1/16th of what brunell makes). I know portis isn't the problem... and the WRs are blocking well, and from the angles i can see, get open more often than not... I think people are focusing on brunell because he's CLEARLY the biggest problem. No team should expect everyone else to play absolutely perfectly to make up for one clearly deficient member, and that's sort of what you're asking the team to do... in other posts you've said the D isn't doing enough and that it needs to score more i believe, and that the oline breaking down a couple times a game makes them crappy and that they deserve an equal share of blame... From what i've seen, there's one big (very) offensive problem, and a bunch of minor stuff that wouldn't really be mentioned at all if said offensive problem wasn't, well... such a problem.