Stepping Up in 2009
 

So now that free agency is dying down, I wanted to take a look at our team and what we are bringing from last year and ask the question....who needs to step up to make this team a success? We've added/kept youth with the Dockery, Haynesworth, and Hall signings. We could potentially pick up a young stud of a player with our #13 pick as well. And granted we expect these young players to step up and play to their potential. But what other areas of the team need to do the same thing, here are my thoughts.

Player: Kelly and Thomas. Very obvious one, however once the season start they will have one year of being around the league, and an entire training camp (knock on wood that they stay healthy). By the end of training camp this year I expect them to be comfortable with the offense, and develop their skills to make Campbell feel confidence in them. I think the biggest expectation will be on Malcolm Kelly, hopefully his knees are healthy, but given that he didn't play much (and is seem as having the most talent) I expect him to step up big in '09.

Coaching Staff: Defense. I mentioned many times that the Redskins defense was good but not an elite defense. I think they need to step up to the elite level. They have an impact player at the d-line with Haynesworth, three seasoned veterans in Carter, J. Taylor, and Fletcher. A young talented safety duo in Landry and Horton, and what I hope becomes one of the best CB tandem in the league with Hall and Rogers. I think it is on the defensive coaching staff to take these talented/experienced players and turn them into an elite defense. Not just ranked 4th (yards allowed), but get to the quarterback, create turnovers, and turn some of those turnovers into points.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Jason Campbell... But maybe he is already good and the oline/recievers/playcalling is the problem. I'm ready for next season, I'm tired of speculating already.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

OL needs to step up in pass protection. Thomas ans Kelly need to produce. I also think the D needs to get more turnovers. Hall should be a big help.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

1st - Kelly/Thomas - most of our season will hinge on one or both of these players having a big year opposite Moss. If they develop the rhythm with JC that comes from experience our offense should explode.

2nd DB's I think the loss of S Springs is going to noticed alot against the bigger receivers of the league. Hall will need to step up to the plate now that he has gotten (over) paid again.

3rd Special Teams IF ARE is the return man(Lord forbid) then he needs to have a sit down with Santana and re-learn what explosive returns are. Punting/FG/Kick offs units all need to step it up.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

For me the choice is clear: Jason Campbell

I am tired of the Campbell apologists making excuses for his subpar play. I have said this so many times that this guy needs to play with a sense of urgency. Sorry, but this guy just looks lost out there. He just doesn't inspire confidence in me with his play on the field.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

I love how if you try to present some logical reasons as to why JC struggled in the 2nd half of last season (as did the entire offense, but let's just ignore that) you're an "apologist". :rolleyes:

Ok, we'll see how he plays with an improved OL and the benefit of being in the same system for 2 years in a row. I'm betting on marked improvement.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

In short, most of the young guys will at some point have to be able to play quality minutes & produce. The vets on this team, as always, are solid but not great across the board, and depth is still an issue.

Thomas & Kelly as well as JC are obvious. At some point they're gonna have to count on one or more of these guys:
Rinehart
Heyer
Fincher
Blades
Buzbee/Jackson/Wilson
Tryon

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Im going to go with Blache. I think he better come up with some new schemes on defense in order to pressure the quarterback. Haynesworth was the prize of the offseason and Danny is gonna wanna see some sacks in order to warrant the 155 million he spent on Hall and Haynesworth.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=freddyg12;532585]In short, most of the young guys will at some point have to be able to play quality minutes & produce. The vets on this team, as always, are solid but not great across the board, and depth is still an issue.

Thomas & Kelly as well as JC are obvious. At some point they're gonna have to count on one or more of these guys:
Rinehart
Heyer
Fincher
Blades
Buzbee/Jackson/Wilson
Tryon[/quote]

Fincher is a UFA

[url=http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Redskins_Free_Agency_Monitor_Promotion_32406.jsp]Redskins Free Agency Monitor Promotion[/url]

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

Well apart from the obvious (receivers, Campbell) I'll also say Dockery. He was starting to develop some here under Bugel, went for the money in Buffalo and practically regressed. He'll need to step it up in 2009.

Also, Andre Carter and Jason Taylor (understanding that he had a major injury last season). Haynesworth's signing first and foremost is supposed to allow our pass rushers to do their thing. So the better

And finally...Shaun Suisham. Make more field goals. Not only does that put more points on the board, it helps our field position and makes thing easier on our defense.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

if jason cambell has what it takes we will see it next season.he didnt show up last year won a few big games but he has to step up

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

JC needs to step up or I see Colt taking over in 2010 season.

Kelly & Thomas need to step up and prove worthy of their draft status. I'll give them a slight pass on their rookie seasons because receivers typically develop slowly.

Rhinehart needs to prove to be, at least, a servicable back-up.

Jason Taylor needs to reaffirm his future HOF play.

Heyer needs to lay permanent claim to his spot on the o-line.

ZORN - needs to justify his cocky attitude. I like him alot and hope he can lead this team back to promenience!

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

1. Offensive line- There is absolutely no way the Redskins will win 11- 12 games without a young healthy OL. We need depth at that position. Just a thought, is it possible that the Redskins have already worked out a deal for Andre Smith after his stock dropped after the combine? Jake Long was signed before the draft last year although he was the 1# draft pick. If so, we need him.

2.WR's-Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly The injury riddled rookie season is over. There are no more excuses for Mr. Kelly. It's time to show up like Desean Jackson and Eddie Royal showed up. In addition, Fred Davis must be more active in the offense besides blocking. He's a fast TE who can really make a difference if given more plays to do so.


3.Jim Zorn- Stop thinking his shit doesn't stink. Listen to the suggestions that the OC gives him and learn to adjust to what the defense is giving rather than forcing his philosophical schemes down the offenses throat.


4.Jason Campbell-If he can not take advantage of the pass protection and make his progressions like he did in the first part of the season, he will be traded or cut this year and it will nobody's fault but his. Colt Brennan will be working harder this year and will get a chance to play more in the preseason. I hope he understands the opportunity before him.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=Angry;532591]Fincher is a UFA

[URL="http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Redskins_Free_Agency_Monitor_Promotion_32406.jsp"]Redskins Free Agency Monitor Promotion[/URL][/quote]

Good catch. I figured he'd be a guy they'd re-sign to a modest deal. If not him, then some other rookie or free agent is gonna have to play some significant minutes at OLB this year. Aside from Rocky, who's not known for durability, it's pretty slim pickins for that position.

Re: Stepping Up in 2009
 

[quote=freddyg12;532622]Good catch. I figured he'd be a guy they'd re-sign to a modest deal. If not him, then some other rookie or free agent is gonna have to play some significant minutes at OLB this year. Aside from Rocky, who's not known for durability, it's pretty slim pickins for that position.[/quote]

I kind of want Fincher to return myself, but I do not think that the coaching staff is as high on him as we are. I am starting to believe that the only reason that he made the squad last year was due to

1. His performance in the Final preseason game

2. Lack of Depth at LB