The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread

Sheriff Gonna Getcha · 07-29-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hesscl34

... yeah, and that was directly related to our QB play...

I thought JC played pretty well, regardless of the fact that he was essentially a 1st year starter. His decent production is even better when you consider the oline was woefully banged up, his #1 WR was injured for much of the season, his #2 (i.e., ARE) is really a #3 WR, he didn't have a good #3 WR to speak of, and his only real/healthy receiving threat went to the Pro Bowl.

firstdown · 07-29-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I thought JC played pretty well, regardless of the fact that he was essentially a 1st year starter. His decent production is even better when you consider the oline was woefully banged up, his #1 WR was injured for much of the season, his #2 (i.e., ARE) is really a #3 WR, he didn't have a good #3 WR to speak of, and his only real/healthy receiving threat went to the Pro Bowl.

Well those excuses are fine but we had a bench warmer come pull us out of a slump. I know, he knows the system better and with the death of ST the team came together. JC has to step up this year because if he does not its a waist if the team around him plays good.

mooby · 07-29-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hesscl34

... yeah, and that was directly related to our QB play...

Not necessarily. I could remember a couple times last year in that 8 game no wide receivers touchdown streak where a wideout came close to getting into the endzone but didn't. Remember the Lions game where Randle El got tackled at the 1 yard line after that huge gain?

But I do agree the wide receivers need to step up this year, with the depth we have at wideout we should be seeing more production. I'm not expecting Kelly or Thomas to be game breakers but they are better than what we had at the position last year.

RedskinRat · 07-29-2008, 03:05 PM

I'd have to go with 'Anyone intent on climbing a ladder or one of those step stool things'.

DIRTEE · 07-29-2008, 05:44 PM

We need at least 20 TDs from the receiving corps, not including TE's.

The Goat · 07-29-2008, 10:20 PM

Maybe I'm too optimistic but I don't have any question about Landry and CP this year. LL is a phenom and I don't doubt his progression to elite status by mid-season. CP had it rough last year because he was running behind Jason "truckstop" Fabini most of the season (and a generally an out-of-sync line). I think CP will dominate this year. On the other hand I don't have a lot of faith in Moss. His attitude seems to slowly get worse and his hands IMHO were f'ing terrible last year. That said, I would love for him to make all of us doubters look foolish!!!

My top step-up prospects:

1) A. Montgomery: GW said this kid should dominate, period. GW reserved that kind of praise for guys like Sean and London. Monty needs to get there.

2) A rookie WR. Can't say whether Thomas or Kelly is more likely to fly but one of them should. Both guys could have gone in the 1st round, there should be enough talent to make an impact even as a rook. IMO one of these guys has to fly for the offense to fly. Defenses know what to do against Moss, ARL, and even somewhat w/ Cooley, so there needs to be another variable, another threat on the field to shake things up.

3) Khary Campbell: he will have to fill in for Rocky early on and possibly later if Rocky can't stay healthy (already his knees are deteriorating). Campbell needs to be a monster at weak-side to keep the LB corp competitive.

(Like everyone else said, JC is the easy answer.)

skinsfan69 · 07-29-2008, 10:52 PM

Santana Moss!!!!! He needs to stop getting these nagging little injuries and start getting back to his 05 form. If he can't then the writing is on the wall with the drafting of Kelly and Thomas.

hesscl34 · 07-29-2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

Santana Moss!!!!! He needs to stop getting these nagging little injuries and start getting back to his 05 form. If he can't then the writing is on the wall with the drafting of Kelly and Thomas.

If it makes you guys feel any better when I saw him in training camp I was in awe!! That guy has speed that is unmatched, and he can catch anything. He's a true pro-bowler that has all the talent in the world (IMO). His injuries, and the lack of opportunity, I think contributed to his poor play last year. I'm so thankful he's a skin. That man has some serious skills.

GINeric · 07-30-2008, 12:05 AM

I think the O-line and D-line. Not saying these units were bad for you guys, but this is where it all starts for everybody else.

The O-line steps up, Cambell and Portis looks great, which makes the WRs look great.

The D-line steps up, LB's can do their job easier, and the DBs spend less time covering and can catch a rushed pass for a pickle every now and then. They now look great.

Without these units stepping it up, you're in for a long year.
This goes for any team, but I think more so for the Skins, being in a new mode this year.

I think they will step up to the challenge.

The Goat · 07-31-2008, 12:49 AM

I just started to wonder whether Khary Campbell will play an even bigger role than I thought (as of yesterday). I guess Rocky's knee injury from last season is the opposite knee that has been degenerating since his college years (I know i've read this a few different places but couldn't come up w/ a link off hand). Previously I was under the mistaken impression he still had "one good knee" so to speak.
I think this looks like a lousy scenario for Rocky and the team. He was progressing awesome IMO w/ second most tackles for the team last year. But two bad knees shortens a career drastically for most players. Hopefully he does not rush back and the trainers do everything possible to strengthen his knees, but that means Khary will have to step up big time for now. If he has any wits he's been busting ass all off-season, knowing Rocky will take time to recover and the fact our FO didn't go get a LB.

Paintrain · 07-31-2008, 08:13 AM

If by 'step up' you mean take their game to a level significantly above last year or levels they've reached before then I'd go with:

1. Moss-He needs to become a bonafide #1 WR. I'm talking 75 catches, 1200 yds, 10 TD type of receiver. I think he can be that guy when healthy and given the opportunity to get the ball in positions to maximize his strengths. I can't tell you how frustrated I'd get watching him catch 5 yard outs and go out of bounds. The WCO should put him in space more and give him opportunities to make big plays from RAC.

2. Jansen-I know he's coming off of a pretty major injury and is up there age wise, but if he has a Pro Bowl season (although he should have gone a couple times before) left in him, we need to see it this year. He can't be getting run over or blown up in the running game. We know Samuels is going to be a stud, the interior will be solid, Jansen can be the key between a good OL and a great one.

3. Doughty-He's going to get his opportunity at SS, let's see him maximize it. With a pass rush that should be much improved and Landry patrolling the field at FS, Doughty should be able to make an impact with bone crushing hits and making plays on errantly thrown balls. He doesn't have to become the next John Lynch, but he needs to round out a secondary that should be a strength of our defense.

3a. Rogers-I'll temper it a little since he is coming off a major injury, but I want to see 2 things from him. First of all, CATCH THE BALL!! How many game changing plays has Rogers missed over his first 3 years? The difference between a good defense and a great defense is making plays that change field position in your team's favor. Secondly, he's got to stop making game killing mistakes. The awful attempted tackle at GB on the long early completion that led to a TD. Completely misplaying the ball and then the man against Plaxico in week 2. A couple years ago at Tampa getting killed by Joey Galloway on the game winning TD. He doesn't have to become elite THIS YEAR, but he was a top 10 pick, it's time he started playing like one.

hesscl34 · 07-31-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintrain

3a. Rogers-I'll temper it a little since he is coming off a major injury, but I want to see 2 things from him. First of all, CATCH THE BALL!! How many game changing plays has Rogers missed over his first 3 years? The difference between a good defense and a great defense is making plays that change field position in your team's favor. Secondly, he's got to stop making game killing mistakes. The awful attempted tackle at GB on the long early completion that led to a TD. Completely misplaying the ball and then the man against Plaxico in week 2. A couple years ago at Tampa getting killed by Joey Galloway on the game winning TD. He doesn't have to become elite THIS YEAR, but he was a top 10 pick, it's time he started playing like one.

I coudn't have said it any better!!! I totally agree!!!!!

GTripp0012 · 07-31-2008, 02:02 PM

Rocky McIntosh is both 1a and 1b. He's simply got to fill the one potential hole in the pass defense, not to mention be able to tackle the ballcarrier on plays to Jason Taylor's side.

1c is LaRon Landry, but I don't really have any doubts that he'll be able to fill his role just fine.

2. I would say that Santana Moss is the clear cut No. 2. ARE had a career year last year, and I don't think he can repeat that performance. Malcolm Kelly looks like a pretty good option as a No. 2 target, but not so much as a No. 1. Therefore, Moss gets one last shot to prove he can be a legit No. 1.

3. This one is going to be Jason Taylor. As far as people who need to "step up", Taylor has to be on the list. We certainly didn't toss a second rounder at him for sub-pro bowl level production (I hope). He's got the track record, but now he's got to take his game here.

Monty just has to keep doing his thing. He was excellent last season for a young guy, though they didn't ask him to play on passing downs (and now that we have Taylor, still probably won't). Fletcher is slipping in pass coverage just a tiny bit, so maybe HB Blades should get an honorable mention on this list, but for right now I'll leave it at the four aforementioned players.

vallin21 · 07-31-2008, 08:48 PM

1. Taylor Jason The whole defense is based on pass rush. If we can get to the Quarterback the secondary will look like Sean Taylor was never here.
1B Jason Cambell could easily be #1 on this list. This is a boom or bust year for him.The whole season arguably rests on his arm, health and knowledge of the west coast.
2. The wide receivers( manly Moss because he really has done nothing after his pro bowl year in 05 and the rookie Wideouts Thomas and Kelley.
3. Reed Doughty or Stuart Schweigert no matter what you cannot replace or erase what Sean Taylor brought to the redskins. He made everyone on that defense better. With that said Doughty or Schweigert must complent Landry to allow him to play centerfield and stop the run.

Beemnseven · 07-31-2008, 10:09 PM

If Randle El would just make some things happen as a punt returner I'd be happy. He's been ho-hum as a returner since Day One as a Redskin. Also, give him the slash type role that everyone thinks he can excel at -- just to make things chaotic for the opposing D.

Jason Taylor needs to step right in and make some noise early. Don't go Dana Stubblefield on us.

C. Griffin needs to stay healthy, if he goes down for any length of time our run defense would be hurtin'.

Doc Walker had an interesting point on Jon Jansen. Since he's missed two complete seasons to a ruptured Achilles and a broken leg, that's two years of wear and tear the rest of his body hasn't taken. So he should actually be fresher than most of the O-linemen his age who haven't had season ending injuries.

07-29-2008, 03:05 PM	#4
RedskinRat Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: I'm in LA, trick! Posts: 8,700	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread I'd have to go with 'Anyone intent on climbing a ladder or one of those step stool things'.

07-29-2008, 05:44 PM	#5
DIRTEE Special Teams Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 256	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread We need at least 20 TDs from the receiving corps, not including TE's.

07-29-2008, 10:20 PM	#6
The Goat Pro Bowl Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 5,662	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread Maybe I'm too optimistic but I don't have any question about Landry and CP this year. LL is a phenom and I don't doubt his progression to elite status by mid-season. CP had it rough last year because he was running behind Jason "truckstop" Fabini most of the season (and a generally an out-of-sync line). I think CP will dominate this year. On the other hand I don't have a lot of faith in Moss. His attitude seems to slowly get worse and his hands IMHO were f'ing terrible last year. That said, I would love for him to make all of us doubters look foolish!!! My top step-up prospects: 1) A. Montgomery: GW said this kid should dominate, period. GW reserved that kind of praise for guys like Sean and London. Monty needs to get there. 2) A rookie WR. Can't say whether Thomas or Kelly is more likely to fly but one of them should. Both guys could have gone in the 1st round, there should be enough talent to make an impact even as a rook. IMO one of these guys has to fly for the offense to fly. Defenses know what to do against Moss, ARL, and even somewhat w/ Cooley, so there needs to be another variable, another threat on the field to shake things up. 3) Khary Campbell: he will have to fill in for Rocky early on and possibly later if Rocky can't stay healthy (already his knees are deteriorating). Campbell needs to be a monster at weak-side to keep the LB corp competitive. (Like everyone else said, JC is the easy answer.) __________________ 24-34

07-29-2008, 10:52 PM	#7
skinsfan69 Living Legend Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 17,439	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread Santana Moss!!!!! He needs to stop getting these nagging little injuries and start getting back to his 05 form. If he can't then the writing is on the wall with the drafting of Kelly and Thomas.

07-30-2008, 12:05 AM	#9
GINeric Camp Scrub Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 71	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread I think the O-line and D-line. Not saying these units were bad for you guys, but this is where it all starts for everybody else. The O-line steps up, Cambell and Portis looks great, which makes the WRs look great. The D-line steps up, LB's can do their job easier, and the DBs spend less time covering and can catch a rushed pass for a pickle every now and then. They now look great. Without these units stepping it up, you're in for a long year. This goes for any team, but I think more so for the Skins, being in a new mode this year. I think they will step up to the challenge.

07-31-2008, 12:49 AM	#10
The Goat Pro Bowl Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 5,662	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread I just started to wonder whether Khary Campbell will play an even bigger role than I thought (as of yesterday). I guess Rocky's knee injury from last season is the opposite knee that has been degenerating since his college years (I know i've read this a few different places but couldn't come up w/ a link off hand). Previously I was under the mistaken impression he still had "one good knee" so to speak. I think this looks like a lousy scenario for Rocky and the team. He was progressing awesome IMO w/ second most tackles for the team last year. But two bad knees shortens a career drastically for most players. Hopefully he does not rush back and the trainers do everything possible to strengthen his knees, but that means Khary will have to step up big time for now. If he has any wits he's been busting ass all off-season, knowing Rocky will take time to recover and the fact our FO didn't go get a LB. __________________ 24-34

07-31-2008, 08:13 AM	#11
Paintrain Pro Bowl Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Age: 54 Posts: 5,006	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread If by 'step up' you mean take their game to a level significantly above last year or levels they've reached before then I'd go with: 1. Moss-He needs to become a bonafide #1 WR. I'm talking 75 catches, 1200 yds, 10 TD type of receiver. I think he can be that guy when healthy and given the opportunity to get the ball in positions to maximize his strengths. I can't tell you how frustrated I'd get watching him catch 5 yard outs and go out of bounds. The WCO should put him in space more and give him opportunities to make big plays from RAC. 2. Jansen-I know he's coming off of a pretty major injury and is up there age wise, but if he has a Pro Bowl season (although he should have gone a couple times before) left in him, we need to see it this year. He can't be getting run over or blown up in the running game. We know Samuels is going to be a stud, the interior will be solid, Jansen can be the key between a good OL and a great one. 3. Doughty-He's going to get his opportunity at SS, let's see him maximize it. With a pass rush that should be much improved and Landry patrolling the field at FS, Doughty should be able to make an impact with bone crushing hits and making plays on errantly thrown balls. He doesn't have to become the next John Lynch, but he needs to round out a secondary that should be a strength of our defense. 3a. Rogers-I'll temper it a little since he is coming off a major injury, but I want to see 2 things from him. First of all, CATCH THE BALL!! How many game changing plays has Rogers missed over his first 3 years? The difference between a good defense and a great defense is making plays that change field position in your team's favor. Secondly, he's got to stop making game killing mistakes. The awful attempted tackle at GB on the long early completion that led to a TD. Completely misplaying the ball and then the man against Plaxico in week 2. A couple years ago at Tampa getting killed by Joey Galloway on the game winning TD. He doesn't have to become elite THIS YEAR, but he was a top 10 pick, it's time he started playing like one. __________________ Paintrain's Redskins Fandom 1981-2014 I'm not dead but this team is dead to me...but now that McCloughan is here they may have new life! Jay Gruden = Zorny McSpurrier Kirk Cousins = Next Grossman

07-31-2008, 02:02 PM	#13
GTripp0012 Living Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Evanston, IL Age: 37 Posts: 15,994	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread Rocky McIntosh is both 1a and 1b. He's simply got to fill the one potential hole in the pass defense, not to mention be able to tackle the ballcarrier on plays to Jason Taylor's side. 1c is LaRon Landry, but I don't really have any doubts that he'll be able to fill his role just fine. 2. I would say that Santana Moss is the clear cut No. 2. ARE had a career year last year, and I don't think he can repeat that performance. Malcolm Kelly looks like a pretty good option as a No. 2 target, but not so much as a No. 1. Therefore, Moss gets one last shot to prove he can be a legit No. 1. 3. This one is going to be Jason Taylor. As far as people who need to "step up", Taylor has to be on the list. We certainly didn't toss a second rounder at him for sub-pro bowl level production (I hope). He's got the track record, but now he's got to take his game here. Monty just has to keep doing his thing. He was excellent last season for a young guy, though they didn't ask him to play on passing downs (and now that we have Taylor, still probably won't). Fletcher is slipping in pass coverage just a tiny bit, so maybe HB Blades should get an honorable mention on this list, but for right now I'll leave it at the four aforementioned players. __________________ according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

07-31-2008, 08:48 PM	#14
vallin21 The Starter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,180	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread 1. Taylor Jason The whole defense is based on pass rush. If we can get to the Quarterback the secondary will look like Sean Taylor was never here. 1B Jason Cambell could easily be #1 on this list. This is a boom or bust year for him.The whole season arguably rests on his arm, health and knowledge of the west coast. 2. The wide receivers( manly Moss because he really has done nothing after his pro bowl year in 05 and the rookie Wideouts Thomas and Kelley. 3. Reed Doughty or Stuart Schweigert no matter what you cannot replace or erase what Sean Taylor brought to the redskins. He made everyone on that defense better. With that said Doughty or Schweigert must complent Landry to allow him to play centerfield and stop the run.

07-31-2008, 10:09 PM	#15
Beemnseven Pro Bowl Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Virginia Beach Age: 51 Posts: 5,311	Re: The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread If Randle El would just make some things happen as a punt returner I'd be happy. He's been ho-hum as a returner since Day One as a Redskin. Also, give him the slash type role that everyone thinks he can excel at -- just to make things chaotic for the opposing D. Jason Taylor needs to step right in and make some noise early. Don't go Dana Stubblefield on us. C. Griffin needs to stay healthy, if he goes down for any length of time our run defense would be hurtin'. Doc Walker had an interesting point on Jon Jansen. Since he's missed two complete seasons to a ruptured Achilles and a broken leg, that's two years of wear and tear the rest of his body hasn't taken. So he should actually be fresher than most of the O-linemen his age who haven't had season ending injuries.

The 2008 "Who needs to step up" thread

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