Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

The first half of the season had enough up and downs to last a year. I think we blew a lot of opportunities...Last year we would have won the Dallas And Cincy games. Maybe the Detroit...honestly we should have played better in that one...we were less deserving IMO for that win.

Highlight of the year so far I think was our first win against the Giants. Great game, ODB clowning himself and nobody picked us to pull the upset.

Lowlight...Cousins INT in the endzone vs the Cowboys. Man the momentum was changing and Skins were primed for that win.

MVP so far: Josh Norman has lived up to the hype! Trent loses this award for being a selfish b***h.

Players who have stepped up: Chris Thompson, Morgan Moses, Cravens, Trent Murphy, Chris Baker, Kerrigan and Schreff. Wil Blackmon doesn't get talked about, but he's outplayed D Hall at Free Safety and returning kicks too on Special Teams. Tress Way could be a pro bowler.

Disappointing players the first half: Preston Smith and Breeland. I thought we would see growth with these two...Matt Jones with his inconsistent play(Im gonna put this on the coaches too). Bruton was a disappointing free agent signing. Desean Jax has played his way out of an extension.

Going forward I think we could be in the hunt. Cousins needs to continue to play at a decent level, but I really think a guy in running game needs to emerge. I really hope we continue to mix in Lanier on the D-Line because that's our weakest group of players.

I think the last game of the season at home vs the Giants will be for a playoff spot. I would luv to end their season, while propelling this great franchise into a deep playoff run. HTTR!

How are you feeling? who is ballin Keenum-style on the Skins? Who sucks and been disappointing?

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I'm never satisfied. I believe the Redskins should've been 6-2 at this point. It's disappointing to see them at 4-3-1. I think they're better than that record indicates.

I'm disappointed with Matt Jones. I'm disappointed with DeSean Jackson. I'm a little disappointed with Kirk Cousins, but I'll explain that in a bit.

Jones is clearly not our feature back. I'm more impressed with Thompson and Fat Rob than I am Matt Jones. The fumbles are just inexcusable. I hate to say it, but I was glad Jones wasn't playing against Cincy. I think he needed to sit for a game. Right now, he's more a liability than a weapon.

DeSean Jackson? Paper guy. Gets hurt every single game, catches one, maybe two per game and then disappears. I think in his mind, he's no longer with the Redskins. He's gone after this season, especially if the Redskins fail to make the post season. I'm thinking he doesn't like playing with Kirk Cousins. Which brings me to Cousins....

Cousins can heat up, and he's played well. He's racked up a bunch of yards, but few points. His red zone efficiency has been terrible. He can't seem to hit the long ball to save his life - which frustrates guys like Jackson who lives and dies by the bomb downfield. He gets suckered with the underneath coverage way too many times, and a lot of his INTs have come from such coverage. Yet, he's frustrating because I don't know of any other quarterback, of whom we could acquire next season, that would be an upgrade to Kirk Cousins. Cousins prepares well. He plays well. At times, he seems unstoppable, until he makes the big INT throw or the drive stalls in the red zone. He's going to put up big numbers, but I don't care about individual stats, I want him leading the 'skins to wins.

I am impressed with Josh Norman. I'm impressed with Cravens. And I know people don't really talk much about him, but I'm impressed with Baker. He's been playing his tail off this year. He's not the best lineman you'll see, but he makes plays when there's a play to be made.

Don't get me started on Trent Williams. I am so disappointed with him getting suspended again. He is such a valuable guy for us, and I think we're going to see the offense struggle without him protecting that blind side.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=metalskins;1154785]I'm never satisfied. I believe the Redskins should've been 6-2 at this point. It's disappointing to see them at 4-3-1. I think they're better than that record indicates.

I'm disappointed with Matt Jones. I'm disappointed with DeSean Jackson. I'm a little disappointed with Kirk Cousins, but I'll explain that in a bit.

Jones is clearly not our feature back. I'm more impressed with Thompson and Fat Rob than I am Matt Jones. The fumbles are just inexcusable. I hate to say it, but I was glad Jones wasn't playing against Cincy. I think he needed to sit for a game. Right now, he's more a liability than a weapon.

DeSean Jackson? Paper guy. Gets hurt every single game, catches one, maybe two per game and then disappears. I think in his mind, he's no longer with the Redskins. He's gone after this season, especially if the Redskins fail to make the post season. I'm thinking he doesn't like playing with Kirk Cousins. Which brings me to Cousins....

Cousins can heat up, and he's played well. He's racked up a bunch of yards, but few points. His red zone efficiency has been terrible. He can't seem to hit the long ball to save his life - which frustrates guys like Jackson who lives and dies by the bomb downfield. He gets suckered with the underneath coverage way too many times, and a lot of his INTs have come from such coverage. Yet, he's frustrating because I don't know of any other quarterback, of whom we could acquire next season, that would be an upgrade to Kirk Cousins. Cousins prepares well. He plays well. At times, he seems unstoppable, until he makes the big INT throw or the drive stalls in the red zone. He's going to put up big numbers, but I don't care about individual stats, I want him leading the 'skins to wins.

I am impressed with Josh Norman. I'm impressed with Cravens. And I know people don't really talk much about him, but I'm impressed with Baker. He's been playing his tail off this year. He's not the best lineman you'll see, but he makes plays when there's a play to be made.

Don't get me started on Trent Williams. I am so disappointed with him getting suspended again. He is such a valuable guy for us, and I think we're going to see the offense struggle without him protecting that blind side.[/quote]

Time to extend Chris Baker...guy has been great this year! I was thinking an extension could be announced during the bye...

Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[QUOTE=Chico23231;1154788]Time to extend Chris Baker...guy has been great this year! I was thinking an extension could be announced during the bye...[/QUOTE]



Totally agree.

I've been impressed with Garçon - dude does the dirty work and makes hard catches in traffic. And double that for Crowder. Dude's a player. Same for Reed - when healthy. And props to Long for shoring up the center spot pretty well. Our Oline has been stout.

Lanier is intriguing to me. I wonder if we see him emerge in the second half. Maybe he becomes last year's Preston Smith (who I think is in the witness protection program). I am also intrigued to see if Spaight will get more time and emerge in the second half. High motor. Props to Whitner, by the way - he's been solid too. Bree needs to step up, period. I really had high hopes for him this season.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

How did I forget Crowder???!!!!

Guy been out of his mind! Good call

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

Just wish we could have seen Docston this year. We would have been able to make a way better decision on Jackson/Garcon if we did.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I'm satisfied. Of course I'm frustrated we are 4-3-1 when we should be 6-2 and could very well be 7-1.

But this is the best I have seen this team play. I was born in 1990 and pretty much discovered the existence of football in 2009, this is only the 7th season I've been a fan of this team, so I know this doesn't mean a lot. But still.

Even last year, we made it to the playoffs with an easy schedule, and if you look at the stats, we were below average in pretty much everything (17th OvrOff 11th PassOff 20th RushOff, 28th OvrD 25th PassD 26th RushD). This year we dramatically improved in everything but RushD, with a tougher schedule (4th OvrOff 3rd PassOff 14th RushOff, 22nd OvrD 15th PassD 26th RushD). And I think this D will be better ranked at the end of season, guys have been playing better and Barry is improving from week to week.

I know this D isn't great, but this is the best redskins' D I can remember. Tied with Seattle for 6th pass rush in the league with 22 sacks! How great is that? With a DL group we all pointed as one of the weakest squad of the team at the beginning of the season!

Bill Callahan has done an outstanding job with the O-line.

I'm excited going forward. I still think we can win the division. Even if we don't, this team is finally built to win, we are getting there.

We have plenty of reasons to be frustrated, but we shouldn't forget the tremendous improvements of this team. We lack a good running game, a good rush defense, and winning habits. But how far are we from the trash team everybody laughed at, when we were debating if either Rex Grossman or John Beck should start? I say we need to stay with KC and build, if we change QB now, or next season, we have absolutely no guarantee and finding someone nearly as good as him, and it would break our momentum.

Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

5-3 sure would have felt a lot better than 4-3-1, still, we have a team that will likely be competitive down to the wire and we've got some really nice young players that we're building around. These aren't the same old Skins.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

This year I have hopes to grab a wildcard spot, but next year my hopes go up quite a bit with one more draft and a chance to shore up a couple spots in free agency.

I think we've learned that the offensive line we have is very good, we know Matt Jones is not a viable answer, and that while Jackson's speed is valuable his aging is going to lead to disappearing from games more often than he'll take them over. I think the plan would be status quo on the line, upgrade at RB through the draft, and let Jackson go with Doctson sliding in his place.

On defense we have learned that we still need more of a pass rushing threat and we need more along the defensive line. Free agent funds should go to the DL in my mind, with draft picks reinforcing all levels of the defense.

And then there's the all important Quarterback Question. I think you have to resign Cousins and hope that over time he makes improvements as he gains big-game experience. That said, you don't stop drafting QBs in the middle or lower rounds, because you never know.

We should be ready to contend for conference titles beginning next year.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

As for this year, we are definitely in control of our own destiny. We get the Vikings, Packers, Cardinals, Panthers, Eagles and Giants again. All of those teams are Wild Card contenders. Beating as many of them as possible is key. I like our chances against all of those teams, we're catching the Vikings at the right time which is huge.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1154794]Just wish we could have seen Docston this year. We would have been able to make a way better decision on Jackson/Garcon if we did.[/quote]

To me this is an easy decision. Garcon brings way more to the table than Jackson does. They can let Ross run the routes Jackson does for a quarter of the price. Hope they bring him back and let Jackson walk.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan69;1154802]To me this is an easy decision. Garcon brings way more to the table than Jackson does. They can let Ross run the routes Jackson does for a quarter of the price. Hope they bring him back and let Jackson walk.[/QUOTE]


I agree, Garçon is far more valuable. I've been saying it all along that I think they'll let Jackson walk and try to re-sign PG. Whether he wants to come back is another story but we shall see.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Schneed10;1154798]This year I have hopes to grab a wildcard spot, but next year my hopes go up quite a bit with one more draft and a chance to shore up a couple spots in free agency.

I think we've learned that the offensive line we have is very good, we know Matt Jones is not a viable answer, and that while Jackson's speed is valuable his aging is going to lead to disappearing from games more often than he'll take them over. I think the plan would be status quo on the line, upgrade at RB through the draft, and let Jackson go with Doctson sliding in his place.

On defense we have learned that we still need more of a pass rushing threat and we need more along the defensive line. Free agent funds should go to the DL in my mind, with draft picks reinforcing all levels of the defense.

And then there's the all important Quarterback Question. [B]I think you have to resign Cousins and hope that over time he makes improvements as he gains big-game experience.[/B] That said, you don't stop drafting QBs in the middle or lower rounds, because you never know.

We should be ready to contend for conference titles beginning next year.[/quote]

Resigning Cousins is not a guarantee, whether they want to or not. He's definitely the priority in my opinion, but that doesn't mean the two sides can work anything out...suppose they could tag him again though.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Chief X_Phackter;1154804]Resigning Cousins is not a guarantee, whether they want to or not. He's definitely the priority in my opinion, but that doesn't mean the two sides can work anything out...suppose they could tag him again though.[/quote]

Price on the franchise tag would be $24M.

Are you pessimistic about their chances to resign him? If so, why?

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Schneed10;1154806]Price on the franchise tag would be $24M.

Are you pessimistic about their chances to resign him? If so, why?[/quote]

I'm not necessarily pessimistic. It probably makes sense for both sides to get a deal done. However, a lot can occur between now and then, and who knows what other teams may offer him, and what DS is willing to pay him. I'm just saying it is not a guarantee that it happens. I am hopeful it does though.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

WOWOWOWOWOWOW:

Redskins coach Jay Gruden considers Rob Kelley the team's early-down back coming off the team's bye week.

Per Mike Jones

UPDATE***********************

"Gruden says for now he thinks Rob Kelley to will get bulk of carries and Jones "will have to earn his way back."

per mike Jones

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Chico23231;1154810]WOWOWOWOWOWOW:

Redskins coach Jay Gruden considers Rob Kelley the team's early-down back coming off the team's bye week.

Per Mike Jones[/quote]

Good. Best news of late.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1154794]Just wish we could have seen Docston this year. We would have been able to make a way better decision on Jackson/Garcon if we did.[/quote]
Garcon is the man! Docston is still a big ?! If he gets hurt in the preseason again we might have another Taylor Jacobs on our hands. We will need to draft another we regardless to replace
Jackson.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Chief X_Phackter;1154807]I'm not necessarily pessimistic. It probably makes sense for both sides to get a deal done. However, a lot can occur between now and then, and who knows what other teams may offer him, and what DS is willing to pay him. I'm just saying it is not a guarantee that it happens. I am hopeful it does though.[/quote]

If McCloughan wants to resign Cousins I cant see Snyder standing in the way. He's never been one to cheap skate on player salaries

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=SirLK26;1154813]If McCloughan wants to resign Cousins I cant see Snyder standing in the way. He's never been one to cheap skate on player salaries[/quote]

I agree. However, we can't assume that Cousins is going to accept the offer, whatever it may be, or that he even wants to remain here...

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

Kelly is a better natual runner. It's painfully obvious when you see the two run. Never liked the Jones pick in the 3rd round. He didn't even carry the load at Florida.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Schneed10;1154798]This year I have hopes to grab a wildcard spot, but next year my hopes go up quite a bit with one more draft and a chance to shore up a couple spots in free agency.

We should be ready to contend for conference titles beginning next year.[/quote]

Exactly this.

I've been talking to some friends lately about our respectable teams and what I always bring up is;

This is only Scot's 2nd year. When he was first hired we were all ready to wait patiently for a proper 3-4 year rebuild. Then we somehow won the division last year and now most fans are expecting instant success. McCloughan is doing things right and shoring up spots one after another. Next year (and i'd even say a 4th year really) is when we'll really see what his plan pans out to be.

So far, yes, I'm satisfied. Anybody who isn't satisfied either forgot how poorly this team has been the prior 20 years or just started following the team recently.

This is a HUGE step up from where we were just 5 short years ago.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I'm not satisfied because I feel that we blew the last two games. We could have been 6-2 but we're not. I don't mind it as much when the Skins get beaten by a better team as I do when they blow a game.

We've got to learn how to finish games. Also, I'd like to have a couple of stress-free weeks when the Skins start fast and pour it on for an easy win.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I also still hold out hope that Gallette will be a player for us next year.

:oink:

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=sevier2;1154816]Exactly this.

I've been talking to some friends lately about our respectable teams and what I always bring up is;

This is only Scot's 2nd year. When he was first hired we were all ready to wait patiently for a proper 3-4 year rebuild. Then we somehow won the division last year and now most fans are expecting instant success. McCloughan is doing things right and shoring up spots one after another. Next year (and i'd even say a 4th year really) is when we'll really see what his plan pans out to be.

So far, yes, I'm satisfied. Anybody who isn't satisfied either forgot how poorly this team has been the prior 20 years or just started following the team recently.

This is a HUGE step up from where we were just 5 short years ago.[/quote]

I'm not satisfied until this team wins a Super Bowl. No Redskins fan should be satisfied with anything less. And even then, I won't be satisfied with one Super Bowl win and then back to the dark ages for us. I want this team to be a contender year in and year out. I want the 'skins to be one of those teams that other teams look on their schedule and say, "dang it, that's going to be a tough game! I just hope we play well enough to look respectable!"

There's plenty to be happy about. This is not the same ol' Redskins, but this is not the Redskins team that we're all wanting to see just yet.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

Im satisfied - that they didnt take a step back this year. We were hoping for 8-8 or sneaking into the wildcard and that seems on schedule.

Im satisfied - that our run D and running attack has been addressed by the coaching staff. I wasnt sure our coaching staff could correct these 2 issues. They are still 2 of the biggest issues but, until we improve personnel, at least we somewhat addressed the issue from being bottom 3 to bottom 10.

Im satisfied - that next year, I will have big expectations.

So far this season has been a mixed bag, but more good than bad.
-------------------

Im not satisfied with the penalties. They have been a consistent killer. We are top 5 for most penalties so far. This has to be addressed and improve going forward.

[url=http://www.nflpenalties.com/]NFL Penalties - 2016 League Penalty Stats - View by Total - NFL Penalty Stats Tracker - List/Statistics/Data of NFL Penalties - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016[/url]

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=over the mountain;1154821]Im satisfied - that they didnt take a step back this year. We were hoping for 8-8 or sneaking into the wildcard and that seems on schedule.

Im satisfied - that our run D and running attack has been addressed by the coaching staff. I wasnt sure our coaching staff could correct these 2 issues. They are still 2 of the biggest issues but, until we improve personnel, at least we somewhat addressed the issue from being bottom 3 to bottom 10.

Im satisfied - that next year, I will have big expectations.

So far this season has been a mixed bag, but more good than bad.
-------------------

Im not satisfied with the penalties. They have been a consistent killer. We are top 5 for most penalties so far. This has to be addressed and improve going forward.

[URL="http://www.nflpenalties.com/"]NFL Penalties - 2016 League Penalty Stats - View by Total - NFL Penalty Stats Tracker - List/Statistics/Data of NFL Penalties - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016[/URL][/quote]

The jury is still out on whether or not they will have taken a step back this year. No playoffs = a step back.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

"Satisfaction" is such a strange concept when it comes to sports fans. Metal is right, if you lose your last game of the season, even if it's the Super Bowl it's hard to say you're satisfied.

I guess it's all relative. Right now I appreciate the current state of the team because we continue to win more games than we lose and there's hope for the future. McCloughan has cap space, draft picks, and the know how. Gruden is at least capable as a head coach.

If I have hope then I have reason to enjoy the journey until I can one day be satisfied with the destination.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I'm good, we are over .500 and we have a fair schedule.. Minnesota isn't very good right now and neither is GB... I'd say we will finish 9-6-1 getting the 5th seed. (NYG get 6th seed at 9-7).

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I thought at the beginning of the year that we would finish 8-8 worst case scenario. I still think we could do better, but it is going to take some lucky calls and some of the "good" teams collapsing that we have to play in the final half...

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Chico23231;1154810]WOWOWOWOWOWOW:

Redskins coach Jay Gruden considers Rob Kelley the team's early-down back coming off the team's bye week.

Per Mike Jones

UPDATE***********************

"Gruden says for now he thinks Rob Kelley to will get bulk of carries and Jones "will have to earn his way back."

per mike Jones[/quote]

That is great news. Rob Kelley has earned his chance the old fashion way. No guarantees that he is the man, but I like the way he runs and his chances to continue to develop.
I grow really tired when our coaches pick the starters based on how high they were drafted or how much money they make. The coaches should put blinders on to salary and where a player was drafted and start the best combination of players.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=Defensewins;1154854]That is great news. Rob Kelley has earned his chance the old fashion way. No guarantees that he is the man, but I like the way he runs and his chances to continue to develop.
I grow really tired when our coaches pick the starters based on how high they were drafted or how much money they make. The coaches should put blinders on to salary and where a player was drafted and start the best combination of players.[/quote]

agree 100%

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

great job kelley, you earned this chance. jones can hide in the woods for all i care.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[url=http://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/28310/rob-kelleys-start-warrants-another-long-look-as-redskins-starting-rb]Rob Kelley's start warrants another long look as Redskins starting RB - Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN[/url]

Keim onboard with the change. good stuff in this article about the change.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I think it's a good thing that Matt Jones has had to pay the price for fumbling too many times. It needs to be reinforced to him that fumbling cannot and will not be tolerated. That's just the way it must be in the NFL. I hope he can fix the problem.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;1154884]I think it's a good thing that Matt Jones has had to pay the price for fumbling too many times. It needs to be reinforced to him that fumbling cannot and will not be tolerated. That's just the way it must be in the NFL. I hope he can fix the problem.[/quote]

I think if you put the Jone fumbling aside and not consider it, I think Robert Kelly is running the ball better at this time. Kelly has earned a look. Just to see if he can step up.
We will see what happens.
Not having Trent Williams is a big disadvantage though.
If we get stuffed in the run department this weekend not having Trent is a big part of that.

Re: Half Way Mark, Are You Satisfied? Expectations Going Forward
 

I've liked and appreciated the gallant way the team has played. This team should be 7-1 right now. They gave away games to the Lions and Dallas Scumboys and the tie versus Cincinnati was a disgraceful. Hopefully this team can duplicate the second half of the season from last year.