[Schneed10]

Easy, easy. I echo Matty. There is nothing here to panic about.

Yes, we lost Fred Smoot. But did you see the job Walt Harris did on Randy Moss in week 17? He's a fine CB.

Yes we lost Antonio Pierce. But Lemar Marshall is good and may be able to fill the role nicely.

Since when does players not participating in voluntary practice mean they won't participate in games? I for one feel this has no impact on anything.

There are positives, we did pick up David Patten and Casey Rabach. Patten will give us speed, whether Moss is hurt or not. We should be able to stretch the field. Rabach can get out on screens and pull a lot better than Raymer, so our run blocking should be upgraded. And, from a personnel standpoint, the biggest reason to feel good is Jansen's return. The line should be much more athletic this year.

#1 overall reason for optimism: Ramsey is the starting QB, not Brunell. The offense under Ramsey during the last 7 games moved the ball effectively, with a 80+ QB rating compared to Brunell's dismal 63. In the last 5 games, the Skins were 3-2, including a very competitive game against the Eagles. Quality teaching and gameplanning are the keys in the NFL, not personnel acquisition. And finally, finally, we have good coaches in place for more than one year at a time, ready to teach and lead the team to success.

Prediction:
15th ranked offense in the league
5th ranked defense in the league including a +10 (or more) turnover ratio
10-6, wildcard playoff berth