Here's my take on the game - what do you guys think?

That Guy · 09-12-2004, 06:50 PM

THREE hand off errors, horrible ST play (not hall/tupa), and bowen got TWO sacks, not one

that's pretty good for a safety.

Rhaamses · 09-12-2004, 06:55 PM

I can only imagine what this defensive scheme would do with the Giants. I will not downplay the coaching process. I am sure that the giants will practice all week to shut down Portis. We may need to see more from Brunell and Gardner. If the league is going to cover Coles as they did today, Gardner and Cooley will have great opportunities in weeks to come. Gardner will need to catch the ball, and now the secret is out on Cooley.

Sheriff Gonna Getcha · 09-12-2004, 07:04 PM

1. The defense was very impressive.

2. Matt Bowen looked good today with 2 sacks, 1 FF, and 9 total tackles.

3. The defensive line held up great against the run.

4. Special teams kick and punt coverage needs to improve considerably.

5. I was really impressed with the pass protection.

6. I was not so impressed with the run-blocking. Tampa's got a great defense, but stopping the run isn't their forte.

7. Brunell was decent, although I think our offense left the field during the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

8. Coles needs to be more involved in our offense.

9. Chris Cooley is a very impressive H-back.

10. A good win, but not a smashing debut.

Defensewins · 09-12-2004, 06:59 PM

Coaching...coaching...coaching is the biggest difference for us compared to last year. Especially on defense. Defense led the win...not Portis. Defense did not give up a TD! Salavea and Pierce are major surprises. Barrow might be expendable.?.?
I have to give BIG props to M. Bowen, he played great. I have been bad mouthing him all preseason and he came to play today...FINALLY!

AnonEmouse- the only one of your observations I have to disagree with you is Rod Gardner. He played a little better than OK. I saw only one drop and it was on a very low/bad pass from Brunnell. He made some clutch 3rd down catches. His size allowed him to catch a few short passes and run over his DB and make the first down. If I can admit my bad about Bowen, you might be able to say Gardner played better than OK......maybe?

Mike Sellers had two great pancake blocks.
Andre Lott had a key third down play.

The only part of the game and team of concern is center. There were a couple of mis-snaps that looked like the centers fault. but I might be wrong.

Beemnseven · 09-12-2004, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Defensewins

AnonEmouse- the only one of your observations I have to disagree with you is Rod Gardner. He played a little better than OK. I saw only one drop and it was on a very low/bad pass from Brunnell. He made some clutch 3rd down catches.

Actually, he dropped the third down pass that was low, but still catch-able, AND he had another drop on the very first play of the game -- a wideout screen. Hit him right in the hands and he dropped it.

Apart from those two plays, Gardner was serviceable. With Coles being blanketed, I was actually hoping for more from the passing game. He's the one who has to step up and pick up the slack when Coles is being doubled. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't.

That Guy · 09-12-2004, 07:04 PM

they were somebody's fault, missed exchanges shouldn't happen.

MTK · 09-12-2004, 07:18 PM

RF, I think you're underestimating what happened today. You say not a smashing debut, I really beg to differ.

The Bucs aren't a pushover, they're very well coached and they always come to play.

Considering how far this team has come from just a year ago, and I couldn't be happier with today's win. And they're only going to get better as the season goes on.

CRT3 · 09-12-2004, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

RF, I think you're underestimating what happened today. You say not a smashing debut, I really beg to differ.

The Bucs aren't a pushover, they're very well coached and they always come to play.

Considering how far this team has come from just a year ago, and I couldn't be happier with today's win. And they're only going to get better as the season goes on.

We won and I agree with RF's assesment. We don't need to be great at the beginning of the year just at the end. Lets take a win and go now to the Giants. We should critque so we know what are faults are and RF pretty much hit them on the head :thumb:

exit0 · 09-12-2004, 08:05 PM

Some quick thoughts I had....

1. What a pleasure seeing the Skins actually looking organize and playing with some sort of plan.

2. Portis is going to make Skins fans forget about Bailey real quick...

3. Big play nobody is talking about... Cooley's reception for a 1st down on 3rd down in 2nd half. Huge play that slowed the Bucs momentum.

4. STs have to get better. Would have allowed that other big runback if not called back by penalty.

5. Brunnell looked really good, even without the big numbers. That one early pass he threw on the rope had a lot of zip. He looks like he knows exactly what to do out there.

6. Now won't everybody shut up about Bowen!! He is a gamer and hustles 100%... he may get burned some but it's not for him not hustling. Great game.

7. Bucs only get 30 yards rushing in a close game! This defense will without doubt be one of the best in the league. Williams already has them playing as a unit.

8. Game was not nearly as close as the score. Without a few bad calls and that fumble, the score could have easily been something like 24-3.

9. Skins offense did pretty darn good against a very good Bucs defense. Offense couldn't do much in the 3rd qtr but when it counted in the 4th, everyone came thru.

offiss · 09-12-2004, 08:32 PM

I was impressed with our pass protection, excellent, the buc's will bring many look's, and for the most part we handled them all no prob. Defense, 1 word, outstanding! We handled the run better than anyone could have hoped, we do have to keep in mind that the Buc's are a horrible rushing team over the last couple of year's, this D will get better as player's become more comfortable with the new system, and teammates, as well. Offense, Portis after the big run had to tough it out, but the Buc's are tough against the run, Gibb's has never had a back who could turn the corner like Portis, [ not even J. Washington] I defiently think Portis was worn out heading into the forth quarter, he should be ready to go 4 quater's next week, he's still rounding into game shape.

Brunnell, was ok, he did what Gibb's wanted, manage the game, and don't do anything stupid, and he did, Gardner continues to irritate me, he makes a great play, and then drop's a simple one, he's a guy I don't want the ball thrown at when the game is on the line, to unreliable, cooley look's to be one of these guy's with fly paper for hand's, and he can block, Morton isn't impressing me with his return's, he can't power his way up the gut when the big play isn't there, to often he does nothing, great job with the penalties, it's been a while since we see a flag on the ground and it's not on us, it's a nice feeling, great job by the fan's, over 90,000 tremendous, although I don't feel that fed ex will ever intimidate like RFK, looking forward to next week!

Beemnseven · 09-12-2004, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exit0

3. Big play nobody is talking about... Cooley's reception for a 1st down on 3rd down in 2nd half. Huge play that slowed the Bucs momentum.

Yeah, but after that play, they had three more plays and had to punt. Nice catch, but it was part of a drive that went nowhere, and it wasn't crucial to the outcome of the game.

Phinehas · 09-12-2004, 08:53 PM

Biggest plus was the disciplined play. Few penalties, and few mistakes. Brunell's underthrown pass to Cooley early on was an exception, as was the botched handoff that led to TB's only touchdown. Brunell should have fallen on the ball and taken the loss. Our defense has shown their ability to hold, so there is really no cause to force plays on offense.

Speaking of the defense, that has to be the second biggest bright spot of the game. They only allowed a single field goal, and even that should be blamed more on the poor special teams play leading to great field position for TB.

Portis also had a great game. It seemed to me that this was often in spite of the OL's play, not because of it. The bigger plays were the result of Portis' improvisation, cutting back against the grain instead of running into holes that should have been there, but were not. In the OL's defense, they did not give up any sacks. That has to be worth something. But I just can't get over the picture of Randy Thomas getting sat on his can, and the resulting penetration stopping Portis for a loss in the backfield. That kind of thing needs to be fixed, and I've no doubt that Bugel will be taking them to task.

In some respects, I'm glad the game wasn't the blowout that it could have (should have?) been. There are things that the team obviously still needs to learn and to work on, and squeaking one out this way gives Gibbs and co. a teaching opportunity without having to pay for it with a loss.

Go Skins!

--Phin

dragontat7169 · 09-12-2004, 09:17 PM

I thought the game was an ugly one from an offensive point of view (except for the first drive). Defensively, it was good but they will definitely have to improve. I just got done watching the Eagles game and let me tell you, they are going to be tough. Thankfully, we won't have to face them to the second half of the season.

SmootSmack · 09-12-2004, 10:18 PM

Highlights:

Offensive Line:
No sacks allowed, as far as I can remember just one holding penalty-and that was Kenyatta preventing a safety. All preseason long these guys have looked sharp. The gave Brunell plenty of time to make throws. It all starts here in the trenches and the Dirtbags are a definite postive for the team right now

Clinton Portis:
Even with the big holes the line gave him, he added a few yards to several plays. And he played some really smart football-for example, staying inbounds near the end of the game even though he may have gotten a few more yards had he taken it outside. He got a lot of carries today. I'll be anxious to see how that holds up. I think Betts would have seen more carries if the score wasn't close toward the end of the game

Matt Bowen:
Aggressive, hard-hitting (and not on his own teammates!). And give credit to guys like Cornelius Griffin who occupied blockers clear a path for Bowen to go untouched to the QB. Heck the whole defense played great but Bowen stood out-maybe because of low expectations. And how about Walt Harris! Broke up a potential first down pass, apparently he didn't need any preseason

Lowlights

Special Teams:
The coverage unit continues to be a big problem for this team. Something needs to be done or someone going to bust loose for a TD against the Skins. And Special Teams TDs can be demoralizing

Rod Gardner:
First play of the game-drop. Key third down-drop. He has to be consistent. Brunell needs him to be the guy he can depend on whenever the Skins need a tough third-down.

redwagonskins · 09-12-2004, 10:26 PM

Skins blitz last play of the game. no prevent d, just keep doing what only allowed 3 offensive points all day!
THIS WAS EXACLTY WHAT THE SKINS NEEDED.
Obviously getting Gibbs is the big difference but Williams had the d flying all over the field. Remains to be seen what they will do against a real #1 receiver.

09-12-2004, 06:55 PM	#2
Rhaamses Impact Rookie Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: DC Posts: 562	I can only imagine what this defensive scheme would do with the Giants. I will not downplay the coaching process. I am sure that the giants will practice all week to shut down Portis. We may need to see more from Brunell and Gardner. If the league is going to cover Coles as they did today, Gardner and Cooley will have great opportunities in weeks to come. Gardner will need to catch the ball, and now the secret is out on Cooley. __________________ - *Getting married is very much like going to a restaurant with friends. You order what you want, then when you see what the other fellow has, you wish you had ordered that!*

09-12-2004, 10:18 PM	#14
SmootSmack Uncle Phil Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 45,256	Highlights: Offensive Line: No sacks allowed, as far as I can remember just one holding penalty-and that was Kenyatta preventing a safety. All preseason long these guys have looked sharp. The gave Brunell plenty of time to make throws. It all starts here in the trenches and the Dirtbags are a definite postive for the team right now Clinton Portis: Even with the big holes the line gave him, he added a few yards to several plays. And he played some really smart football-for example, staying inbounds near the end of the game even though he may have gotten a few more yards had he taken it outside. He got a lot of carries today. I'll be anxious to see how that holds up. I think Betts would have seen more carries if the score wasn't close toward the end of the game Matt Bowen: Aggressive, hard-hitting (and not on his own teammates!). And give credit to guys like Cornelius Griffin who occupied blockers clear a path for Bowen to go untouched to the QB. Heck the whole defense played great but Bowen stood out-maybe because of low expectations. And how about Walt Harris! Broke up a potential first down pass, apparently he didn't need any preseason Lowlights Special Teams: The coverage unit continues to be a big problem for this team. Something needs to be done or someone going to bust loose for a TD against the Skins. And Special Teams TDs can be demoralizing Rod Gardner: First play of the game-drop. Key third down-drop. He has to be consistent. Brunell needs him to be the guy he can depend on whenever the Skins need a tough third-down. __________________ You're So Vain...You Probably Think This Sig Is About You

09-12-2004, 06:50 PM	#1
That Guy Living Legend Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: VA Age: 42 Posts: 17,578	THREE hand off errors, horrible ST play (not hall/tupa), and bowen got TWO sacks, not one that's pretty good for a safety.

09-12-2004, 07:04 PM	#3
Sheriff Gonna Getcha Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 45 Posts: 8,317	1. The defense was very impressive. 2. Matt Bowen looked good today with 2 sacks, 1 FF, and 9 total tackles. 3. The defensive line held up great against the run. 4. Special teams kick and punt coverage needs to improve considerably. 5. I was really impressed with the pass protection. 6. I was not so impressed with the run-blocking. Tampa's got a great defense, but stopping the run isn't their forte. 7. Brunell was decent, although I think our offense left the field during the 2nd and 3rd quarters. 8. Coles needs to be more involved in our offense. 9. Chris Cooley is a very impressive H-back. 10. A good win, but not a smashing debut.

09-12-2004, 06:59 PM	#4
Defensewins Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,760	Coaching...coaching...coaching is the biggest difference for us compared to last year. Especially on defense. Defense led the win...not Portis. Defense did not give up a TD! Salavea and Pierce are major surprises. Barrow might be expendable.?.? I have to give BIG props to M. Bowen, he played great. I have been bad mouthing him all preseason and he came to play today...FINALLY! AnonEmouse- the only one of your observations I have to disagree with you is Rod Gardner. He played a little better than OK. I saw only one drop and it was on a very low/bad pass from Brunnell. He made some clutch 3rd down catches. His size allowed him to catch a few short passes and run over his DB and make the first down. If I can admit my bad about Bowen, you might be able to say Gardner played better than OK......maybe? Mike Sellers had two great pancake blocks. Andre Lott had a key third down play. The only part of the game and team of concern is center. There were a couple of mis-snaps that looked like the centers fault. but I might be wrong.

09-12-2004, 07:18 PM	#7
MTK \m/ Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 52 Posts: 99,743	RF, I think you're underestimating what happened today. You say not a smashing debut, I really beg to differ. The Bucs aren't a pushover, they're very well coached and they always come to play. Considering how far this team has come from just a year ago, and I couldn't be happier with today's win. And they're only going to get better as the season goes on.

09-12-2004, 08:05 PM	#9
exit0 Camp Scrub Join Date: May 2004 Location: Vienna, Va. Posts: 87	Some quick thoughts I had.... 1. What a pleasure seeing the Skins actually looking organize and playing with some sort of plan. 2. Portis is going to make Skins fans forget about Bailey real quick... 3. Big play nobody is talking about... Cooley's reception for a 1st down on 3rd down in 2nd half. Huge play that slowed the Bucs momentum. 4. STs have to get better. Would have allowed that other big runback if not called back by penalty. 5. Brunnell looked really good, even without the big numbers. That one early pass he threw on the rope had a lot of zip. He looks like he knows exactly what to do out there. 6. Now won't everybody shut up about Bowen!! He is a gamer and hustles 100%... he may get burned some but it's not for him not hustling. Great game. 7. Bucs only get 30 yards rushing in a close game! This defense will without doubt be one of the best in the league. Williams already has them playing as a unit. 8. Game was not nearly as close as the score. Without a few bad calls and that fumble, the score could have easily been something like 24-3. 9. Skins offense did pretty darn good against a very good Bucs defense. Offense couldn't do much in the 3rd qtr but when it counted in the 4th, everyone came thru.

09-12-2004, 08:32 PM	#10
offiss Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: sparta, new jersey [ northern jersey ] Age: 60 Posts: 3,097	I was impressed with our pass protection, excellent, the buc's will bring many look's, and for the most part we handled them all no prob. Defense, 1 word, outstanding! We handled the run better than anyone could have hoped, we do have to keep in mind that the Buc's are a horrible rushing team over the last couple of year's, this D will get better as player's become more comfortable with the new system, and teammates, as well. Offense, Portis after the big run had to tough it out, but the Buc's are tough against the run, Gibb's has never had a back who could turn the corner like Portis, [ not even J. Washington] I defiently think Portis was worn out heading into the forth quarter, he should be ready to go 4 quater's next week, he's still rounding into game shape. Brunnell, was ok, he did what Gibb's wanted, manage the game, and don't do anything stupid, and he did, Gardner continues to irritate me, he makes a great play, and then drop's a simple one, he's a guy I don't want the ball thrown at when the game is on the line, to unreliable, cooley look's to be one of these guy's with fly paper for hand's, and he can block, Morton isn't impressing me with his return's, he can't power his way up the gut when the big play isn't there, to often he does nothing, great job with the penalties, it's been a while since we see a flag on the ground and it's not on us, it's a nice feeling, great job by the fan's, over 90,000 tremendous, although I don't feel that fed ex will ever intimidate like RFK, looking forward to next week!

09-12-2004, 08:53 PM	#12
Phinehas Special Teams Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 106	Biggest plus was the disciplined play. Few penalties, and few mistakes. Brunell's underthrown pass to Cooley early on was an exception, as was the botched handoff that led to TB's only touchdown. Brunell should have fallen on the ball and taken the loss. Our defense has shown their ability to hold, so there is really no cause to force plays on offense. Speaking of the defense, that has to be the second biggest bright spot of the game. They only allowed a single field goal, and even that should be blamed more on the poor special teams play leading to great field position for TB. Portis also had a great game. It seemed to me that this was often in spite of the OL's play, not because of it. The bigger plays were the result of Portis' improvisation, cutting back against the grain instead of running into holes that should have been there, but were not. In the OL's defense, they did not give up any sacks. That has to be worth something. But I just can't get over the picture of Randy Thomas getting sat on his can, and the resulting penetration stopping Portis for a loss in the backfield. That kind of thing needs to be fixed, and I've no doubt that Bugel will be taking them to task. In some respects, I'm glad the game wasn't the blowout that it could have (should have?) been. There are things that the team obviously still needs to learn and to work on, and squeaking one out this way gives Gibbs and co. a teaching opportunity without having to pay for it with a loss. Go Skins! --Phin

09-12-2004, 09:17 PM	#13
dragontat7169 Camp Scrub Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 92	I thought the game was an ugly one from an offensive point of view (except for the first drive). Defensively, it was good but they will definitely have to improve. I just got done watching the Eagles game and let me tell you, they are going to be tough. Thankfully, we won't have to face them to the second half of the season.

09-12-2004, 10:26 PM	#15
redwagonskins Impact Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 685	Skins blitz last play of the game. no prevent d, just keep doing what only allowed 3 offensive points all day! THIS WAS EXACLTY WHAT THE SKINS NEEDED. Obviously getting Gibbs is the big difference but Williams had the d flying all over the field. Remains to be seen what they will do against a real #1 receiver.

Here's my take on the game - what do you guys think?

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