Some offseason optimism

Paintrain · 01-06-2009, 02:17 PM

We've all had window seats on the Bitter Bus the past few weeks (and I stirred up enough negativity with the Vick thread) so I figured I'd put forth a few positives entering this year vs. last year:

1. Stability-The dreaded "s" word. For the first time in a long time we're not going into the offseason either installing a new offense or a new defense or someone learning an important position on the job (Campell in '07). We should be able to focus on execution, expansion of the offense and fine tuning the defense.

2. Injuries-Other than Samuels, we've got no other starters that will require significant offseason rehab and recovery. Remember last year we had questions about Rogers, McIntosh, R. Thomas and Jansen being able to start the season healthy. This year we're going into the offseason work with virtually all hands on deck.

3. Familiarity-While the roster will see some much needed change, we are almost assured to enter 2009 with the same skill position players we ended the season with. Campbell, Portis, Cooley, Moss, Randle El, Kelly, Thomas, Sellers on offense, Landry, Horton, Springs, Hall & Rogers (assuming Hall signs and Rogers isn't traded) on defense. It's been said ad naseum that our major flaw is in the trenches. I think it's significant that the players we count on to have or be around the ball are not having to learn anything new or differently and can just build on whatever foundation is here.

What are some of the other positives we can highlight?

GMScud · 01-06-2009, 02:23 PM

GREAT thread. Thank you!

I think giving Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Malcolm Kelly a full offseason to work with Campbell and the other pass catchers do develop rhythm and rapport will be huge for the passing game.

Also, JC having yet another offseason to absorb more of this offense will be a big deal as well.

Schneed10 · 01-06-2009, 02:33 PM

I go back to Hasselbeck. It took him two years to get up and running at a high level in Seattle. So by the end of next season we should theoretically see things coming together.

Pass protection has to be there though, or it won't matter.

maroonandblack30 · 01-06-2009, 02:40 PM

I will be excited to see how the rook WRs develope as well. If they step up Skins will be in good shape.

dan_snyder69 · 01-06-2009, 02:54 PM

Also our head coach will have worked out many stumbling blocks from his rookie season. As Vinny said, he should be much improved next season because he will be seeing many situations from this year repeat themselves, and know how to react better.

KI Skins Fan · 01-06-2009, 03:07 PM

Also, it only takes one great draft combined with players who are already on the roster to build something great. Case in point: the 1981 Draft which led to the birth of The Hogs.

In 1981 we added Mark May, Russ Grimm, and Joe Jacoby (UDFA). It could happen again!

BTW, in 1981 we also added Dexter Manley, Larry Kubin, Charlie Brown, Darryl Grant, and Clint Didier. That had to be one of the greatest drafts in NFL history.

ArtMonkDrillz · 01-06-2009, 03:14 PM

I've been wondering lately about Phillip Daniels and the potential impact he could have next year (if he's even back, which I'm not sure of). Even though he is getting up there in years I think I'd feel pretty comfortable with him back on the D-line clogging up the running lanes.

SFREDSKIN · 01-06-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMScud

GREAT thread. Thank you!

I think giving Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Malcolm Kelly a full offseason to work with Campbell and the other pass catchers do develop rhythm and rapport will be huge for the passing game.

Also, JC having yet another offseason to absorb more of this offense will be a big deal as well.

I think that all the receivers mentioned should spend their offseason practicing, living, breathing and eating with JC. I would love to see all 3 produce next year in addition to Moss and ARE and with an improved OL, we could kick some ass!!

Mattyk · 01-06-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

I've been wondering lately about Phillip Daniels and the potential impact he could have next year (if he's even back, which I'm not sure of). Even though he is getting up there in years I think I'd feel pretty comfortable with him back on the D-line clogging up the running lanes.

I think it was JLC that commented recently that his rehab is going well and he expects to play again next year. I know Blache loves him so I would think he'll be back.

Hog1 · 01-06-2009, 05:34 PM

nice thread Pain! my center of gravity has been restored

saden1 · 01-06-2009, 06:23 PM

I expect the Skins to be better next season. I am very optimistic considering the fact that Zorn did a pretty good job the first half of the season. Our young WR will be maturer and I'm hopeful Fred Davis + Chris Cooley (aka FDCC insurance) will excited Redskins fans and terrorize NFL defenses. I'm hoping we draft decent players in the first few rounds that meet needs, maybe trade away future picks to get more second round players.

backrow · 01-06-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saden1

I expect the Skins to be better next season. I am very optimistic considering the fact that Zorn did a pretty good job the first half of the season. Our young WR will be maturer and I'm hopeful Fred Davis + Chris Cooley (aka FDCC insurance) will excited Redskins fans and terrorize NFL defenses. I'm hoping we draft decent players in the first few rounds that meet needs, maybe trade away future picks to get more second round players.

Maybe trade down later in the first round, then, trade that pick further down into the 2nd round! I don't want to mortgage future picks, just utilze what we have to it's fullest potential. I loved the idea of 3 #2s last year, but didn't like two receivers and a TE! I would have preferred a WR, DL, and OL at those spots, and the DL & OL is still a glaring need!

53Fan · 01-06-2009, 06:53 PM

I've tried to not put too much stock into this year with the belief that next year is when we will see real improvement. I still feel that way. One more year in this offense is something I can get excited about. I fully expect improvements from JC and the receivers. JC is ahead of schedule in my opinion. Whether it was forced because of our play this year or not, I don't care, it looks like we are finally going to address our lines and I think that's GREAT. I think that will help lay the foundation for success for many years to come. I'm excited about the draft and seeing the moves we make during the offseason and I'm happy we've stayed on track instead of firing the coach and starting a new offensive system yet again. Great Thread Pain! HAIL REDSKINS!!!

saden1 · 01-06-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backrow

Maybe trade down later in the first round, then, trade that pick further down into the 2nd round! I don't want to mortgage future picks, just utilze what we have to it's fullest potential. I loved the idea of 3 #2s last year, but didn't like two receivers and a TE! I would have preferred a WR, DL, and OL at those spots, and the DL & OL is still a glaring need!

If there's no one good that can fill a need then, yeah, trade our 1st round pick otherwise keep it. I really like the picks of two WR and a TE, it spreads risk quite nicely. Hopefully we can get some more gems in the 2nd round this year.

GMScud · 01-06-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saden1

If there's no one good that can fill a need then, yeah, trade our 1st round pick otherwise keep it. I really like the picks of two WR and a TE, it spreads risk quite nicely. Hopefully we can get some more gems in the 2nd round this year.

I say we take either the best LB or OL available with the 13th pick. That could be Eugene Monroe, James Laurinitis, Brian Cushing, Jason Smith, Duke Robinson, Brandon Spikes... I'd be thrilled with any of those guys.

01-06-2009, 02:17 PM	#1
Paintrain Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Age: 42 Posts: 4,529	Some offseason optimism We've all had window seats on the Bitter Bus the past few weeks (and I stirred up enough negativity with the Vick thread) so I figured I'd put forth a few positives entering this year vs. last year: 1. Stability-The dreaded "s" word. For the first time in a long time we're not going into the offseason either installing a new offense or a new defense or someone learning an important position on the job (Campell in '07). We should be able to focus on execution, expansion of the offense and fine tuning the defense. 2. Injuries-Other than Samuels, we've got no other starters that will require significant offseason rehab and recovery. Remember last year we had questions about Rogers, McIntosh, R. Thomas and Jansen being able to start the season healthy. This year we're going into the offseason work with virtually all hands on deck. 3. Familiarity-While the roster will see some much needed change, we are almost assured to enter 2009 with the same skill position players we ended the season with. Campbell, Portis, Cooley, Moss, Randle El, Kelly, Thomas, Sellers on offense, Landry, Horton, Springs, Hall & Rogers (assuming Hall signs and Rogers isn't traded) on defense. It's been said ad naseum that our major flaw is in the trenches. I think it's significant that the players we count on to have or be around the ball are not having to learn anything new or differently and can just build on whatever foundation is here. What are some of the other positives we can highlight? __________________ No Pressure-No Diamonds! Go Catch Your Dreams!

01-06-2009, 02:33 PM	#3
Schneed10 RG Glee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Newtown Square, PA Age: 33 Posts: 7,892	Re: Some offseason optimism I go back to Hasselbeck. It took him two years to get up and running at a high level in Seattle. So by the end of next season we should theoretically see things coming together. Pass protection has to be there though, or it won't matter. __________________ Skins' Salary Cap Status \| CrazyCanuck's Cap Figures by Player \| Salary Cap 101

01-06-2009, 02:40 PM	#4
maroonandblack30 Special Teams Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 348	Re: Some offseason optimism I will be excited to see how the rook WRs develope as well. If they step up Skins will be in good shape.

01-06-2009, 02:54 PM	#5
dan_snyder69 Camp Scrub Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: maryland & south carolina Posts: 92	Re: Some offseason optimism Also our head coach will have worked out many stumbling blocks from his rookie season. As Vinny said, he should be much improved next season because he will be seeing many situations from this year repeat themselves, and know how to react better. __________________ Moving to the South only has one drawback: No FedEx Field!

01-06-2009, 03:07 PM	#6
KI Skins Fan The Starter Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MD Eastern Shore Posts: 1,297	Re: Some offseason optimism Also, it only takes one great draft combined with players who are already on the roster to build something great. Case in point: the 1981 Draft which led to the birth of The Hogs. In 1981 we added Mark May, Russ Grimm, and Joe Jacoby (UDFA). It could happen again! BTW, in 1981 we also added Dexter Manley, Larry Kubin, Charlie Brown, Darryl Grant, and Clint Didier. That had to be one of the greatest drafts in NFL history.

01-06-2009, 02:23 PM	#2
GMScud Swearinger Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington, DC Age: 34 Posts: 12,623	Re: Some offseason optimism GREAT thread. Thank you! I think giving Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Malcolm Kelly a full offseason to work with Campbell and the other pass catchers do develop rhythm and rapport will be huge for the passing game. Also, JC having yet another offseason to absorb more of this offense will be a big deal as well. __________________ Insert witty signature here

01-06-2009, 03:14 PM	#7
ArtMonkDrillz Franchise Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, MD Age: 30 Posts: 7,757	Re: Some offseason optimism I've been wondering lately about Phillip Daniels and the potential impact he could have next year (if he's even back, which I'm not sure of). Even though he is getting up there in years I think I'd feel pretty comfortable with him back on the D-line clogging up the running lanes. __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

01-06-2009, 05:34 PM	#10
Hog1 Quietly Dominating the East Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 8,373	Re: Some offseason optimism nice thread Pain! my center of gravity has been restored __________________ Goodbye Sean..........Vaya Con Dios thankyou Joe....... Win! Always win! By fair means or foul, by soft words and hard deeds... by treachery, by cunning, by malpractice... but always win--Edward Teach

01-06-2009, 06:23 PM	#11
saden1 Eternally Legendary Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Seattle Age: 33 Posts: 9,734	Re: Some offseason optimism I expect the Skins to be better next season. I am very optimistic considering the fact that Zorn did a pretty good job the first half of the season. Our young WR will be maturer and I'm hopeful Fred Davis + Chris Cooley (aka FDCC insurance) will excited Redskins fans and terrorize NFL defenses. I'm hoping we draft decent players in the first few rounds that meet needs, maybe trade away future picks to get more second round players. __________________ RG3, RGIII, RG三, RG३, RGγʹ, RGג, RG٣, RG๓, RG..., RG셋, RGԳ!

01-06-2009, 06:53 PM	#13
53Fan Pro Bowl Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kill Devil Hills, N.C. Posts: 7,354	Re: Some offseason optimism I've tried to not put too much stock into this year with the belief that next year is when we will see real improvement. I still feel that way. One more year in this offense is something I can get excited about. I fully expect improvements from JC and the receivers. JC is ahead of schedule in my opinion. Whether it was forced because of our play this year or not, I don't care, it looks like we are finally going to address our lines and I think that's GREAT. I think that will help lay the foundation for success for many years to come. I'm excited about the draft and seeing the moves we make during the offseason and I'm happy we've stayed on track instead of firing the coach and starting a new offensive system yet again. Great Thread Pain! HAIL REDSKINS!!! __________________ "Cautiously And Optimistically... Looking Forward To Change"

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Some offseason optimism

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