Post Indy Game Thoughts

[GTripp0012]

I'm in the "the Colts will rebound" club.

With that said, their defense has similar weaknesses to ours: too many guys running free in the secondary. Not enough Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea's back there.

Now having seen all three preseason games, I don't have a good feel for the Redskins. The pass pressure, if anything, looks to be even fiercer than last year. And if that's a real observation, and not just something that looks like it in the preseason, it's not going to be that hard to develop quality players in the secondary.

On the other hand, the more I see of the Redskins offense, the more I'm convinced that its just not all that different from either of the last two years. I think Griffin should provide an immediate upgrade at quarterback as some of Grossman's INTs from 2011 turn into sacks or throwaways this season. And Trent Williams looks like a completely different player. But I feel like at 9 positions on the offense (everything except QB and LT), the Redskins aren't improved and in some cases have taken a step back.

[IrMitchell]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

But I feel like at 9 positions on the offense (everything except QB and LT), the Redskins aren't improved and in some cases have taken a step back.

Is this real life?

Last year we had Anthony Armstrong as our #2 wide receiver. He won't make this years team.

Last year we had John Beck for 3 1/2 games. He won't/shouldn't start another game int he NFL.

Last year we had Willie Smith starting a handful of games at LT. He won't make the team this year.

Did I mention Rex Grossman isn't starting?

I'm usually a pessimist compared to most people on here, but this statement is ridiculous.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by IrMitchell

Is this real life?

Last year we had Anthony Armstrong as our #2 wide receiver. He won't make this years team.

Last year we had John Beck for 3 1/2 games. He won't/shouldn't start another game int he NFL.

Last year we had Willie Smith starting a handful of games at LT. He won't make the team this year.

Did I mention Rex Grossman isn't starting?

I'm usually a pessimist compared to most people on here, but this statement is ridiculous.

I thought Jabar Gaffney and Santana Moss were our top two targets last year.

But to answer your point about the receivers, I think there's enough young talent on the roster to consider the position improved, but it's hard not to see that group taking a step back in the short term. The Redskins are financially invested in getting a big improvement from Garcon, which is probably going to require a lot of patience. Hankerson is close to breaking out, but I'm thinking he's not there just yet. And I like Aldrick Robinson and Anthony Armstrong, but it's pretty clear already that when the Redskins need a big conversion, Morgan, Garcon, and Moss will be on the field.

And while those guys should increase the team's YPA by breaking tackles and making plays after the catch, I don't know if they will fix the problems that the team has had on third downs the last two years.

Though if Trent Williams continues to cave in the right side of the defense on every play, I'm not sure we'll ever get to third down.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I'm in the "the Colts will rebound" club.

With that said, their defense has similar weaknesses to ours: too many guys running free in the secondary. Not enough Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea's back there.

Now having seen all three preseason games, I don't have a good feel for the Redskins. The pass pressure, if anything, looks to be even fiercer than last year. And if that's a real observation, and not just something that looks like it in the preseason, it's not going to be that hard to develop quality players in the secondary.

On the other hand, the more I see of the Redskins offense, the more I'm convinced that its just not all that different from either of the last two years. I think Griffin should provide an immediate upgrade at quarterback as some of Grossman's INTs from 2011 turn into sacks or throwaways this season. And Trent Williams looks like a completely different player. But I feel like at 9 positions on the offense (everything except QB and LT), the Redskins aren't improved and in some cases have taken a step back.

I dont expect much improved play along the Oline outside of Trent, but I think at TE and especially at WR play has/will continue to be stronger. Because of injuries RB I think you havent seen a step forward, but at least Alfred Morris has sustain an above average attack on the ground. That is, if Kyle continues to run the ball, if he doesnt then like several times last year, you will see no improvement. I certainly think its been pretty vanilla with the playcalling thus far. We certainly havent seen much.

[Bucket]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I'm in the "the Colts will rebound" club.

With that said, their defense has similar weaknesses to ours: too many guys running free in the secondary. Not enough Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea's back there.

Now having seen all three preseason games, I don't have a good feel for the Redskins. The pass pressure, if anything, looks to be even fiercer than last year. And if that's a real observation, and not just something that looks like it in the preseason, it's not going to be that hard to develop quality players in the secondary.

On the other hand, the more I see of the Redskins offense, the more I'm convinced that its just not all that different from either of the last two years. I think Griffin should provide an immediate upgrade at quarterback as some of Grossman's INTs from 2011 turn into sacks or throwaways this season. And Trent Williams looks like a completely different player. But I feel like at 9 positions on the offense (everything except QB and LT), the Redskins aren't improved and in some cases have taken a step back.

Haven't been around the forums as much as I have in the past, but I am glad I can come on here and get a good laugh from Gtripp's insight of our teams situation still.

Good laugh..

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I'm in the "the Colts will rebound" club.

With that said, their defense has similar weaknesses to ours: too many guys running free in the secondary. Not enough Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea's back there.

Now having seen all three preseason games, I don't have a good feel for the Redskins. The pass pressure, if anything, looks to be even fiercer than last year. And if that's a real observation, and not just something that looks like it in the preseason, it's not going to be that hard to develop quality players in the secondary.

On the other hand, the more I see of the Redskins offense, the more I'm convinced that its just not all that different from either of the last two years. I think Griffin should provide an immediate upgrade at quarterback as some of Grossman's INTs from 2011 turn into sacks or throwaways this season. And Trent Williams looks like a completely different player. But I feel like at 9 positions on the offense (everything except QB and LT), the Redskins aren't improved and in some cases have taken a step back.

Tripp, couple thoughts on some rookies: Cousins, Gettis, and McRibeus? Also who would you start at the Z?

[IrMitchell]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

Tripp, couple thoughts on some rookies: Cousins, Gettis, and McRibeus? Also who would you start at the Z?

I think LeRibeus has been awful.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

Tripp, couple thoughts on some rookies: Cousins, Gettis, and McRibeus? Also who would you start at the Z?

I would start Hankerson and Moss and receiver, with Moss at the Z. Those are our two best receivers right now. If we still had Gaffney, then Hankerson, Moss, and Gaffney would be our top three.

I'm still not convinced Josh Morgan is 100% back though. I think he could fall in nicely as an offensive contributor as he gets healthier.

I think it is best if Cousins doesn't see the field this year. I think very highly of him long term. You see Russell Wilson torching the Chiefs? Well: #1, I didn't think that was a fluke, and #2 I'd much rather have Cousins long term. I also think RG3 is getting saddled with a lot of unfair expectations that Cousins isn't. I think either Griffin or Cousins could theoretically be a winning quarterback with the 2014 Washington Redskins, but Griffin is going to have to handle the pressure of winning with a not-that-great 2012 Redskins team.

I haven't really taken time to grade LeRibeus on his week to week development in the preseason so I have no specific comment on him. Gettis I don't think projects as a starter long term, but I think he's as good as Maurice Hurt already, and he's got more room to improve.

[HailGreen28]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I would start Hankerson and Moss and receiver, with Moss at the Z. Those are our two best receivers right now. If we still had Gaffney, then Hankerson, Moss, and Gaffney would be our top three.

I'm still not convinced Josh Morgan is 100% back though. I think he could fall in nicely as an offensive contributor as he gets healthier.

What about Pierre Garcon?

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by HailGreen28

What about Pierre Garcon?

I feel like Hankerson is closer to breaking out than Garcon. Garcon is probably going to lead the 2012 Redskins in highlight reel plays made (he's a much better bet to take one to the house than Moss is), but I feel like over a full season of playing every down, he's likely to be exposed.

On the current roster, I'd say Hankerson, then Moss, then probably Garcon is third best. I think I'm more excited about getting Josh Morgan healthy than Garcon, but right now (early in the season), Garcon needs to be getting those reps.

[IrMitchell]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I feel like Hankerson is closer to breaking out than Garcon. Garcon is probably going to lead the 2012 Redskins in highlight reel plays made (he's a much better bet to take one to the house than Moss is), but I feel like over a full season of playing every down, he's likely to be exposed.

On the current roster, I'd say Hankerson, then Moss, then probably Garcon is third best. I think I'm more excited about getting Josh Morgan healthy than Garcon, but right now (early in the season), Garcon needs to be getting those reps.

[Bucket]

PG is our best WR on the team at the moment. There is a reason why RG3 keeps throwing his direction. I believe he's been targeted the most in preseason when the starters are out there.

I do think that Shanny's are babying RG3 at the moment and that could be because it's preseason and he's trying to evaluate others but besides the 3 long throws yesterday, there hasn't been a lot of long passes. RG3 threw 17 passes yesterday and didn't even throw for 100 yards.

I believe the same can be said about the other games as well. Game 2 he threw 14 for 50 yards?

A lot of underneath and short throws..

[IrMitchell]

Originally Posted by Bucket

PG is our best WR on the team at the moment. There is a reason why RG3 keeps throwing his direction. I believe he's been targeted the most in preseason when the starters are out there.

I do think that Shanny's are babying RG3 at the moment and that could be because it's preseason and he's trying to evaluate others but besides the 3 long throws yesterday, there hasn't been a lot of long passes. RG3 threw 17 passes yesterday and didn't even throw for 100 yards.

I believe the same can be said about the other games as well. Game 2 he threw 14 for 50 yards?

A lot of underneath and short throws..

There's no doubt he's been babying him.

Jay Cutler had DOUBLE the amount of passing attempts as a rookie in pre-season.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Bucket

PG is our best WR on the team at the moment. There is a reason why RG3 keeps throwing his direction. I believe he's been targeted the most in preseason when the starters are out there.

I do think that Shanny's are babying RG3 at the moment and that could be because it's preseason and he's trying to evaluate others but besides the 3 long throws yesterday, there hasn't been a lot of long passes. RG3 threw 17 passes yesterday and didn't even throw for 100 yards.

I believe the same can be said about the other games as well. Game 2 he threw 14 for 50 yards?

A lot of underneath and short throws..

We've had QB stat lines in the 150-250 yard range for too long, especially during the Campbell era. It's a 300-400 yard league now.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

On the other hand, the more I see of the Redskins offense, the more I'm convinced that its just not all that different from either of the last two years.....But I feel like at 9 positions on the offense (everything except QB and LT), the Redskins aren't improved and in some cases have taken a step back.

I think the base offense will be the same.
But, judging by all the off-season training camp reports there are going to be some read option elements added to the offense.

I think removing Jammal Brown from the line-up is addition by subtraction.
Not that Polumbus is a world beater just that he's slightly better then Brown.
I think depth along the OL has improved.
I think WR is the area we've improved the most outside of QB.
A healthy Tana + Garcon imo is an improvement over an injured Moss and Gaffney.
Briscoe and Morgan improve the depth and provide some bigger targets and
whatever Hankerson can bring is a bonus.

I think the running game has taken a step back due to injury.
I think Helu was the most complete back on the roster and he might be out of action for awhile losing him was a huge loss.
I like Royster too but he's also banged up with a knee.
THT is coming off a knee.
We enter the season with only 1 100% healthy RB.

I agree that the offenses pieces haven't improved by much outside of QB.
But, the improvement an elite QB prospect can provide is huge.