How much have we improved player personnel?
 

How much have we improved our personnel in the off-season? As usual, I have my opinions.

I think we really took a HUGE step up in the Defensive Backfield:

- Added All-Pro CB Josh Norman.
- Drafted a disruptive playmaker in SS S’ua Cravens.
- Stole a 1st Round quality CB in Kendall Fuller, if he recovers fully (knee).
- If CB Chris Culliver recovers fully, he could be a big boost, as well.
- Added David Bruton at SS. He’s a solid player who should help us.

We’ll be much stronger at TE:

- Get emerging star Niles Paul back from injury.
- Solid TE Logan Paulsen returns from injury, as well.
- Added former 1st Round pick Vernon Davis.

A strong WR group got even stronger:

- We added a very talented big WR in Josh Doctson.

The O-Line should be a little better:

- Our starting RG, Shawn Lauvao, returns from injury.
- Lauvao’s return allows us to move Spencer Long to C.
- More work is needed.

Unfortunately, we’re weaker at RB:

- Lost Alfred Morris.
- Lost D Young to clear the way in short yardage.

We’re in good shape at QB:

- Franchised Captain Kirk.
- Re-signed a solid backup in Colt McCoy.
- Added a nice developmental QB in Nate Sudfeld.

We’re much better at Edge Rusher:

- We finally should get sack master Junior Galette on the field.
- Preston Smith should really bring it in his second year.

The DL has added some depth but we didn’t get the star we need:

- Matt Ioannidis is better than you think but he’s a rookie.
- I think Trent Murphy can make the transition to DE but we’ll see.
- We get Stephen Paea back from injury.
- Ziggy Hood and kendall Reyes might be able to help out.

ILB is about the same:

- We re-signed Mason Foster.
- Need to get Will Compton signed.
- Perhaps we can get something out of Steven Daniels or Martrell Spaight.


Special Teams should be better:

- We added FA’s who are good ST players,
- We’re getting some very good ST players back from injury,
- Some of our draftees are good ST players.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I think we're better across the board except at defensive line. REALLY concerned about depth there. Loved taking BPA even though my b-hole puckered every time we passed on Billings. Obviously Scot knows more than we do, so I'm trusting him on this.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Cravens, Ioannis and Daniels should help against the run. Daniel's strenght is stopping the run. I think Marshall will surprise at RB.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1143319]I think we're better across the board except at defensive line. REALLY concerned about depth there. Loved taking BPA even though my b-hole puckered every time we passed on Billings. Obviously Scot knows more than we do, so I'm trusting him on this.[/quote]

Yeah, my only conclusion is we are going more 4-3 than 3-4. the 5th rounder isn't a nt.

Im worried about Matt Jones who missed time last year and really don't have a RB behind him. Chris Thompson, Marshall...these are 3rd down backs.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

This is where I'm hoping we resign Pierre Thomas as a backup plan.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1143325]This is where I'm hoping we resign Pierre Thomas as a backup plan.[/quote]

Is Thomas an every down back if Jones is lost to injury...I don't think so. Had Ronnie Hillman sitting out there for awhile...

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Hrm, I always thought he was for the Saints for a while. If not, that's a scary prospect.

The biggest thing with Matt Jones is him being able to break some tackles. He has a lot of Derrick Henry in him. A BEAST once he gets going, but damn he got tackled for no-gain so many times.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1143323]Yeah, my only conclusion is we are going more 4-3 than 3-4. the 5th rounder isn't a nt.

Im worried about Matt Jones who missed time last year and really don't have a RB behind him. Chris Thompson, Marshall...these are 3rd down backs.[/quote]

They want Ioannis to gain 15-20lbs. My guess is they will resign Pierre Thomas.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Great list, and I agree with most. But I've said it in a couple threads so far; we go as Cousins goes.

Are we 9-7 again and the best of a bad division, or are we 11-5 against strong competition this year because Cousins genuinely is the real deal and takes yet another step forward?

I love following player personnel, but our 2016 season is all about Kirk. How well do he, McVay, and Gruden develop together.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1143329]Great list, and I agree with most. But I've said it in a couple threads so far; we go as Cousins goes.

Are we 9-7 again and the best of a bad division, or are we 11-5 against strong competition this year because Cousins genuinely is the real deal and takes yet another step forward?

I love following player personnel, but our 2016 season is all about Kirk. How well do he, McVay, and Gruden develop together.[/quote]

Sure, but the best way to help Kirk would be to improve the running game. I don't think we did that this offseason so far. Center and the Running Back position we really didn't do a thing. Matt Jones taking a big step would of course squelch concerns. But a lot of questions remain imo. Pierre Thomas is a must unfortunately.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10;1143329]Great list, and I agree with most. But I've said it in a couple threads so far; we go as Cousins goes.

Are we 9-7 again and the best of a bad division, or are we 11-5 against strong competition this year because Cousins genuinely is the real deal and takes yet another step forward?

I love following player personnel, but our 2016 season is all about Kirk. How well do he, McVay, and Gruden develop together.[/QUOTE]

^^ This. With one caveat, from a player personnel standpoint, 2016 is about building the team so that, if KC fails, 2017 is not ground zero.

Yes, in 2016 we go as KC goes, but that could be said about many teams and their QB's (Indi, Dallas, San Diego, New Orleans), at the top of the league, consistent playoff teams have playoff QB's.

However, by building a solid, deep team, Scot is essentially building a team that a playoff QB can come in and win with. So, even if Kirk takes a step back, in 2017, with solid QB play from [I]someone[/I], we can still build on the winning culture.

It's fun to watch.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I think the D all around got better this offseason but I'll start with Run Defense:

In another thread there was a discussion about the reason for the poor run defense.

I thought it was less of DL issue then a LB/S issue.

Watching the games that was my thought and imo its supported by 3rd party data (football outsiders, PFF).

Baker, Ricky Jean, Paea were/are historically solid against the run.
From watching the games and this is supported again by PFF; all the LBs not named Foster were poor against the run.
Same goes for the S spot, would you have guessed that Hall was the best S against the run and he was learning the S position.

Stephen Daniels was a player I liked during the draft process. You can find 2 of his games on nflbreakdown; and from watching the games I would be hard pressed to say that Reggie Ragland is better then him, they may as well be twins.

IF Daniels plays in the base D the run defense is gonna improve.

The FA S, David Bruton I haven't watched him extensively but he's known for physical play as a core special teamer and he graded well against the run 75 which would make him by far the highest graded run stopping S on the roster.

Su'a Craven fits the mold of a solid run stopper, the dude played LB in college and imho will make even more of an impact in the NFL with the move to SS.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Do we even have a true 3-4 NT on the roster? I know we're not in the base 3-4 very often but still...

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Our defensive secondary may be in a position to almost dare the opponent to throw.
I never thought I would be able to say that.

The D line?
Meh....we got an injured guy back, moved some guys around and added a 5th round rookie.
I'm quite skeptical that our pass rush will improve that much.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;1143334]^^ This. With one caveat, from a player personnel standpoint, 2016 is about building the team so that, if KC fails, 2017 is not ground zero.

Yes, in 2016 we go as KC goes, but that could be said about many teams and their QB's (Indi, Dallas, San Diego, New Orleans), at the top of the league, consistent playoff teams have playoff QB's.

However, by building a solid, deep team, Scot is essentially building a team that a playoff QB can come in and win with. So, even if Kirk takes a step back, in 2017, with solid QB play from [I]someone[/I], we can still build on the winning culture.

It's fun to watch.[/quote]

I agree. But overall I think my main point is that improving from a player personnel standpoint is important, but just improving and developing as a whole is more important. I'm more interested to see, for example, how Brandon Scherff develops in his second year. I'm interested in seeing how much of a step Matt Jones can take. etc

Lots of folks are complaining about not enough done at this position or that position, but reality is the answer may already be on the roster. It's up to the players and coaches to make strides.

This time of year it's natural to focus on player personnel, but Jay Gruden and staff have just as much if not more to do with our success than McCloughan does.

Just trying to bring the conversation back to reality is all. We get a little armchair GM this time of year because we make a lot of assumptions like 'we currently stink at RB'. You sure about that? Will it be that way in September 2016, or will Matt Jones be The Man?

Miles to go before we sleep. That's all.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

According to our roster Jerrell Powe is our sole NT on the roster we have a couple of other DT's that could fit the bill.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Taking an initial look at how the Washington Redskins' seven draft picks fit into the roster:

WR Josh Doctson: The Redskins already have two starting receivers in Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, but there is no way they would have drafted Doctson without wanting to use him. So he will likely get plenty of snaps, especially in certain areas (red zone). He tracks the ball well downfield, so that will provide another option for quarterback Kirk Cousins, giving him two such players (Jackson). Likely starter in 2017.

LB/S Su'a Cravens: It’s hard to imagine he will start, but Cravens said the Redskins told him he would be their dime linebacker. But he can also play some safety. If nothing else he will be used in multiple roles and packages. He might not start, but will be a factor. My guess: He will end up being a fan favorite, too.

CB Kendall Fuller: Another hard one to project, because it’s a little crowded at cornerback. A lot depends on health: his own and that of starter Chris Culliver. If Culliver is healthy, the Redskins have three top cornerbacks, along with Bashaud Breeland and Josh Norman. But the unknown is when Culliver will be healthy -- it might not happen until after the season starts. Also, Fuller is coming off micro-fracture surgery. He should be ready for training camp, but getting to top-level play likely will take time. He’s as much a pick for the future as for the present. The good thing for the Redskins: They don’t need Fuller to contribute immediately.

DL Matt Ioannidis: The Redskins did not address the line like many thought they would (the team viewed it as a priority entering the draft). But Ioannidis should be part of the rotation. [B]He’s not a run-plugging nose tackle, but more of an end in the base defense and a tackle in their nickel[/B]. The base defense needs work against the run, but so, too, does the nickel. He can help. [B]Though the Redskins need more help along the line, it’s uncertain who will be in the top six.[/B] Trent Murphy's development at end will be big.

QB Nate Sudfeld: Developmental quarterback for a couple years down the road. The Redskins don’t need him now anyway with Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy ahead of him. McCoy is signed for three years (the last year is an option) and Cousins, if he plays well, will be the long-term starter. Coach Jay Gruden really likes Sudfeld, but he needs some work. But with who’s ahead of him, Sudfeld should get the time he needs. The Redskins had considered going with two quarterbacks this season, but it’s hard to imagine them doing that now.






LB Steven Daniels: The Redskins are crowded at linebacker, but there is no Pro Bowler there, either. They have Will Compton, Perry Riley Jr., Mason Foster, Martrell Spaight, Terence Garvin and Adam Hayward among others. It's not a flashy group, but it is a tough-minded one. It’s hard to imagine Hayward sticking around considering he’s coming off ACL injuries each of the past two seasons and now they have younger, cheaper alternatives for backups. Daniels is worth watching and could develop into a starter within a couple years, though there is competition just for a roster spot. Between he, Spaight and Garvin, the Redskins should be solid with special teams linebackers, and that’s vital.

RB Keith Marshall: [B]The running back situation is a questionable one for Washington.[/B] They have two players coming off injuries (Matt Jones and Chris Thompson) and drafted a guy whose college career was derailed by a torn ACL. Marshall is healthy now, however, and the Redskins hope his electric speed will result in big plays. Analysts say he was not the same runner last season, his first full one since the ACL, as he was as a freshman. Perhaps another year removed from the injury will help. But it’s hard to know where he fits as of now; most likely it’s as a complementary back to Jones. He wasn’t much of a threat in the pass game and he only returned one kickoff in college (though it certainly is a possibility in Washington). The Redskins also have Mack Brown on the roster, and there is always a chance they will re-sign Pierre Thomas. They could use a strong veteran presence. For a seventh-round pick, Marshall is intriguing simply because of his 4.31 time in the 40-yard dash, but he will have to show more than speed -- patience and vision will be key. Because there is not a lot of depth here, he will have a chance to contribute.



Article from John Keim speaking on how these players fit.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1143338]Just trying to bring the conversation back to reality is all. We get a little armchair GM this time of year because we make a lot of assumptions like 'we currently stink at RB'. You sure about that? Will it be that way in September 2016, or will Matt Jones be The Man?

Miles to go before we sleep. That's all.[/quote]

Reality is that we have no backup for Matt Jones. If he gets hurt, Thompson and a 7th round rookie won't be able to carry the load on 1st and 2nd down. I don't recall anyone saying we stink at RB; however, I said we're weaker without Alfmo and I'm pretty sure we are unless Thompson grew 4 inches and added 40 pounds in the offseason.

I'm not worried because I'm confident that Scot will do something to fortify the RB position, but right now we're weaker than we were in that area last season.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;1143343]Reality is that we have no backup for Matt Jones. If he gets hurt, Thompson and a 7th round rookie won't be able to carry the load on 1st and 2nd down. I don't recall anyone saying we stink at RB; however, I said we're weaker without Alfmo and I'm pretty sure we are unless Thompson grew 4 inches and added 40 pounds in the offseason.

I'm not worried because I'm confident that Scot will do something to fortify the RB position, but right now we're weaker than we were in that area last season.[/quote]

I don't agree, I think Alfred was awful last season. And the Cowboys aren't exactly counting on him for much - they just drafted Zeke, and that was after Jones said that McFadden would be their #1.

So they have AlfMo at #3 on their pecking order.

I don't think he's worth a hill of beans anymore, to be frank. I don't think we lost much. If we pick up Pierre Thomas we'll be just as good as we were last year at RB, and better if Matt Jones makes improvements.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1143369]I don't agree, I think Alfred was awful last season.[/quote]If Alfred was awful then what do you think of Matt Jones? He was worse in every category compared to Alfred.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RE: DL

I agree that we don't have "true" NT on the roster. But, Berry doesn't play a 2-gap 34 and therefore we don't need a 2 gapping NT. Last year Baker played a bunch of snaps at NT due to Knighton's migraines etc and he was good.

And according to the last presser from Scott, Matt Ioannidis will play some NT in base.

So the base package 34 could be: DE-Ricky, Paea and NT/DE-Baker, Ioannidis

Ricky--Baker-Paea..........and/or...........Ricky--Ioannidis-Baker etc..


Projecting some possible line-ups:

........................................[B]FS[/B]-[COLOR="DarkOliveGreen"][B]Hall[/B][/COLOR], (Bruton, Duke)

..................................................................[B]SS[/B]-[COLOR="dimgray"][B]Bruton,Duke[/B][/COLOR],[COLOR="darkred"][B]Su'a[/B][/COLOR]

....................................[B]WILB[/B]--[COLOR="darkolivegreen"][B]Riley[/B][/COLOR]-----[B]SILB[/B]--[COLOR="DimGray"][B]Foster[/B][/COLOR]/[COLOR="darkred"][B]Daniels[/B][/COLOR]

...............[B]ROLB[/B]-[COLOR="darkolivegreen"]Gallette[/COLOR]......[B]RE[/B]-[COLOR="darkolivegreen"][B]Ricky[/B][/COLOR]......[B]NT[/B]-[COLOR="darkolivegreen"][B]Baker[/B][/COLOR]......[B]LE[/B]-[B]Paea[/B]....[B]LOLB[/B]-[COLOR="darkolivegreen"][B]Ryan Kerrigan[/B][/COLOR]

[B]CB[/B]-[COLOR="darkgreen"][B]Breeland[/B][/COLOR].......................[B]NB[/B]-[COLOR="DarkRed"][B]Fuller[/B][/COLOR]........................................[B]CB[/B]-[COLOR="DarkGreen"][B]Norman[/B][/COLOR]

Nickel/Sub package DL: DE-[B][COLOR="DarkGreen"]Junior[/COLOR][/B]-DT-[B][COLOR="darkgreen"]Preston[/COLOR][/B]--DT[B][COLOR="darkgreen"]Bake[/COLOR][/B]/[B][COLOR="DarkRed"]Ioaniddis[/COLOR][/B]--DE-[B][COLOR="darkgreen"]Ryan[/COLOR][/B]

The pass D is much improved.

Rush:

Adding Junior Gallette in addition to the return of Paea and the addition of Ioannidis should at least match if not improve upon the pass rush from last year and the pass rush last year was imo the strength of the defense.

Coverage:

CBs-
Breeland + injured/underperforming Cully, journeyman guy Blackmon, thrown in rookies transitioning to the NFL Kysheon and Dunber....to: Breeland + Josh Norman and Kendall Fuller is a HUGE jump up in coverage

SAF-
Hall was decent in his first year at S and should only improve, imo Hall is made for FS
Moving on from Dash to Bruton/Duke/Su'a should be a clear upgrade

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Football Outsiders rated last years D:

[url=http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef]FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2015 DEFENSE EFFICIENCY RATINGS[/url]

20th overall
22nd run defense
19th pass defense

[url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/passing/sort/quarterbackRating/position/defense]2015 NFL Team Passing Stats - National Football League - ESPN[/url]
[B]Passer rating against:[/B] 96.1 --22nd

[B]Yards per rush attempt:[/B] 4.8 --31st

Run-
I think the improvement of the run defense in large depends on who wins the open SS and ILB spots. I don't think we lost or gained much run D through the DL and I think the SS spot will be improved through subtraction of Dash and the addition of Bruton/Duke/Su'a. But at ILB who knows? Riley was part of the problem maybe some due to injury and Foster once he entered the line-up was the most stout against the run. A healthy Riley w/ Foster would be an improvement over last year. But, if Daniels gets into either ILB spot that's a huge bump for the run D imo.

Pass-
I would be disappointed if we don't at least hold opposing QBs 90 or below (which is about 15th); I think we honestly have the potential to be top 10 in passer rating against, which for me is barometer of good quick pass defense.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

be careful about judging our team on wins and losses, last year we had basically the world's easiest schedule. if we go 9-7 again this year, it would actually be a dramatic improvement.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=That Guy;1143396]be careful about judging our team on wins and losses, last year we had basically the world's easiest schedule. if we go 9-7 again this year, it would actually be a dramatic improvement.[/quote]

absolutely agree. we can easily go 7-9 and be a much better team. That would happen by playing the tough, playoff proven teams much tighter.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

pffftttt...I'm no settler.
I want at least 11 wins this year.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143371]If Alfred was awful then what do you think of Matt Jones? He was worse in every category compared to Alfred.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[/quote]

Did you include the receiving statistics in there? Because I recall Jones breaking a few big screen passes for fairly long gains. Never see Alfred do that.

Both were rough, though. Mainly because of poor blocking. Jones had much more of a fumbling concern, but he's much much faster than Morris.

We need improved blocking up front to really make the run game go. Reality is, if the blocking was better then either Jones or Morris would be adequate. Jones's speed though gives you the possibility of a big gainer.

And he's only a rookie, so figures to have a shot to improve. We know what Morris is. Fights very, very hard for yards but very little explosion. And a ton of tread on the tires.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Alfred Morris may very well end up back with us, I doubt the Cowpukes will keep both him and DMC now that they have Elliot.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I'm in favor of re-signing Pierre Thomas. I thought he did a good job for us last season. But, even then, I would still think need more help at RB. A trade for a stout veteran RB to help Matt carry the load on 1st and 2nd down and perhaps goal line would be fine with me.

I can't complain about our draft but I really had hoped that we would pick up either Kenneth Dixon or Daniel Lasco to supplement our RB group.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I think in the end, we're not going to be a great running team anyway. This is and should be a passing offense 1st. When was the last time the Patriots had a true stud at tailback? Maybe Corey Dillon? They always seem to get journeymen and plug them in. That's really what we should be doing too.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I'm looking forward to seeing Matt Jones in year 2. He has some issues to clean up but he seems like the type of kid who gets it and works hard to improve.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Agree with you, Matty. In general, I'm very excited to see what all of last year's rookie class looks like in year 2. It's natural to imagine the impact of the incoming rookies, but the biggest jump occurs in the player's second year.

Scherff. Like a snowplow. Can't wait to see what he looks like in 2016.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

Running Back situation very easily could be the TE situation of last year.

Hopefully Matt Jones can explode like Reed....and stay healthy.

One thing Alfmo brought was durability, that can be big in the RB game

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143385]Football Outsiders rated last years D:

[url=http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef]FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2015 DEFENSE EFFICIENCY RATINGS[/url]

20th overall
22nd run defense
19th pass defense

[url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/passing/sort/quarterbackRating/position/defense]2015 NFL Team Passing Stats - National Football League - ESPN[/url]
[B]Passer rating against:[/B] 96.1 --22nd

[B]Yards per rush attempt:[/B] 4.8 --31st

Run-
I think the improvement of the run defense in large depends on who wins the open SS and ILB spots. I don't think we lost or gained much run D through the DL and I think the SS spot will be improved through subtraction of Dash and the addition of Bruton/Duke/Su'a. But at ILB who knows? Riley was part of the problem maybe some due to injury and Foster once he entered the line-up was the most stout against the run. A healthy Riley w/ Foster would be an improvement over last year. But, if Daniels gets into either ILB spot that's a huge bump for the run D imo.

Pass-
I would be disappointed if we don't at least hold opposing QBs 90 or below (which is about 15th); I think we honestly have the potential to be top 10 in passer rating against, which for me is barometer of good quick pass defense.[/quote]


I see zero chance that Will Compton is not the starting Mike ILB, the other one will be either Riley (who I could see as a cap casualty, due to Steven daniels) and Foster.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Chico23231;1143340]
[B]RB Keith Marshall:[/B] The running back situation is a questionable one for Washington. They have two players coming off injuries (Matt Jones and Chris Thompson) and drafted a guy whose college career was derailed by a torn ACL. [B]Marshall is healthy now[/B], however, and the Redskins hope his electric speed will result in big plays. Analysts say he was not the same runner last season, his first full one since the ACL, as he was as a freshman. Perhaps another year removed from the injury will help. But it’s hard to know where he fits as of now; most likely it’s as a complementary back to Jones. He wasn’t much of a threat in the pass game and he only returned one kickoff in college (though it certainly is a possibility in Washington). The Redskins also have Mack Brown on the roster, and there is always a chance they will re-sign Pierre Thomas. They could use a strong veteran presence. For a seventh-round pick, Marshall is intriguing simply because of his 4.31 time in the 40-yard dash, but he will have to show more than speed -- patience and vision will be key. Because there is not a lot of depth here, he will have a chance to contribute.
Article from John Keim speaking on how these players fit.[/quote]

One thing is healthy and running a 4.31 40 yard dash in a straight line.
Completely different having the confidence in his knee to where he can cut and take hits and play like he never had an injury before. In looking at his game highlights after the injury, you clearly see he is favoring his knee and looked/played scared. Of course another year to strengthen and rehab more is a big plus. But even last year, second year after his injury, he did not look right. I hope he is ready to go. We need him 100%.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Defensewins;1143421]One thing is healthy and running a 4.31 40 yard dash in a straight line.
Completely different having the confidence in his knee to where he can cut and take hits and play like he never had an injury before. In looking at his game highlights after the injury, you clearly see he is favoring his knee and looked/played scared. Of course another year to strengthen and rehab more is a big plus. But even last year, second year after his injury, he did not look right. I hope he is ready to go. We need him 100%.[/quote]

yup, just an example of how these injuries aren't just physical but can be psychological. He needs to really work his body into shape and maybe see a sports psychologist about confidence and not playing scared.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=Schneed10;1143410]...Both were rough, though. Mainly because of poor blocking....

We need improved blocking up front to really make the run game go. Reality is, if the blocking was better then either Jones or Morris would be adequate. Jones's speed though gives you the possibility of a big gainer.

And he's only a rookie, so figures to have a shot to improve...[/quote]You got me there, outside of receiving Morris was better at everything then Jones. And of course I agree that Jones has a chance to improve.

I don't think blocking is the issue with the run game though. I think the issue is scheme and commitment. Jay's focus is on the passing game and there is a trickle down effect that impacts the run game. I am not saying there is anything inherently wrong with being pass focused. I don't care about style run/pass doesn't matter to me. Be efficient and score points. I think barring landing an elite RB the run game here will always just be meh.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143423]You got me there, outside of receiving Morris was better at everything then Jones. And of course I agree that Jones has a chance to improve.

I don't think blocking is the issue with the run game though. I think the issue is scheme and commitment. Jay's focus is on the passing game and there is a trickle down effect that impacts the run game. I am not saying there is anything inherently wrong with being pass focused. I don't care about style run/pass doesn't matter to me. Be efficient and score points. I think barring landing an elite RB the run game here will always just be meh.[/quote]

If I remember correctly, our running game was outstanding early last season until injuries decimated the offensive line. So I'm not sure that it is impossible to have a good/great running game under Jay, but the line has to be there...

And we have the right offensive line coach to make all that happen. I'm also thinking (hoping) that the cap room we just created might help us acquire a quality veteran running back. We'll see...

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

marshall is a track star in pads. his instincts aren't good. his speed is crazy, but there's a reason he was around in the 7th, he's got a lot of work to do on his vision/mental game to be a really effective RB. he will help on teams though.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

[quote=30gut;1143423]You got me there, outside of receiving Morris was better at everything then Jones. And of course I agree that Jones has a chance to improve.

I don't think blocking is the issue with the run game though. I think the issue is scheme and commitment. Jay's focus is on the passing game and there is a trickle down effect that impacts the run game. I am not saying there is anything inherently wrong with being pass focused. I don't care about style run/pass doesn't matter to me. Be efficient and score points. I think barring landing an elite RB the run game here will always just be meh.[/quote]

Early in the season, if you look at the play calling when the game was within 10 points with reasonable time left, I don't believe the stats will support your theory.

Of course the team was pass happy when trailing watching the clock wind to zero.

I think toward the end of the year when the passing game was the only thing clicking, it seemed like the team was too committed to calling run plays on 1st down.

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

debth wise I'd say its the best redskins team we've had in years, maybe 20 years

Re: How much have we improved player personnel?
 

I try to not get too carried away by my fan side but I think we have a special draft class this time. Every single one of these draftees has traits that the coaches can build on to produce a solid contributor. I'm very excited about this class.

The only big risk was drafting Kendall Fuller but, if he can recover fully from his injury, he'll put this draft class through the roof, IMHO.