Wyvern

Sorry, BraveontheWarpath93, but you're a little too quick to make that final assessment. Perhaps with different coaching or more balanced play-schemes, or better O-lines, Howell might develop into a decent QB. I happen to think that Washington has one of the worst records in developing the few talented players they were able to draft. I just hope Bieniemy's desire for flashy passing numbers to pad his resume, didn't "Ramsey" Howell's development.

As I recall Rivera and Bieniemy signed Wylie to a 3-year contract with 12 million guaranteed and an 8 million signing bonus. Cutting him 2024 is going to have a significant cap hit. That was a really bad signing.

I wonder if the Jets message board was hoping they'd miss the kick. This has to be the strangest game day thread I've followed, like as far back as I could remember.

I'm hoping as they consider who to hire as their GM, they quickly decide on who's running their football operations group in charge of scouting and talent acquisition. There were a lot of poor free agent acquisitions over the last 4 years and drafting hasn't been that great either. The scouting network can't be completely overhauled right away, but I suspect better scouting could be found than relying on Snyder's old 'economy' scouting network holdovers. Better scouting, leading to more successful picks, would be needed if the franchise wants to rebuild through the draft.

Sorry to add this sidebar, to this thread, but I'm a little concerned about the growing overuse of the use of the describing term "Generational QB", on potential draftees which seems to be a bit of a media-created term as a way for more hyperbolic ways to describe developing news. A generation is defined as the period of time, usually considered to be about thirty years, that it takes for children to grow up and become adults and have children of their own. Now I can see how "generational" can applied to wealth, but to a QB still in college who's yet to be tested in the NFL? And just how many "generational" QBs can you have in a generation? When did the generational period start? 2024? .... 2016? And what does it mean to be a generational QB? The implication could be that it can only be one, i.e., the standout QB out of 30 years worth of NFL QBs. Seems like a high bar, so some might want it to apply to the best 10 QBs in 30 years? If that's the case, perhaps another term needs to be used like a "QB with legacy potential" or "QB with All-Pro" potential. Or maybe one of "The Top-10 QBs of the '20s through the '40s? Also, before everyone starts announcing a player as "Generational"' maybe they should wait until they have a sufficient body of work on which to make such determination. (I doubt anyone thought Brady was a generational QB at his draft-time.) Even so, with the way the rules are being changed to favor more offense, it'd be very difficult to compare QBs over a 30 year span. Frankly, I much prefer the term "franchise QB'" ... even though that player's chance of making their mark in history still relies a lot on his teammates and his franchise's coaching and front office.

Sorry, to those watching Washington's draft position, but if Trevor Siemian starts for the Jets, I think the odds for a Washington victory go up. He's really a poor quality QB, with accuracy problems, and turnover issues. Washington defense may not get tested that much, because a Siemian-led offense will self-implode.

Washington. 20 N.Y. Jets 19 Jets feeble offense vs. Washington's unreliable defense. Washington's offense moves enough vs. Jet D for some FG, they punch one in after a lucky PI call in the end-zone, and they luck out with a 12-yard scamper by Howell for the other TD. Jets defense get a safety. (Not sure about a pick-6 this week, but maybe) Washington fans watching their 2024 draft position worsen, scream to the heavens, but have to accept this parting gift from Ron.

Ron's answer to the Wash-Post reporter's hypothetical question was a,poor one. He could have simply said, "Nikki, if we were in the playoff hunt, that means Sam was helping to bring in the wins, so why would I want to change horses? After all, we've all still seeing what this young man can do, even as he's being developed, and we see many ways that he's still improving, even though he's still seeing new NFL level tactics used against him for each week he starts against different teams."

I'd like to make three points: 1. This team is not even at the level to entertain a quarterback controversy -- it's in the process of being dismantled at several levels ---so starting Brissett to win the next three games accomplishes nothing. 2. Before we all annoint Brissett as the new franchise QB, and start second-guessing why he wasn't starting earlier -- let's remember his heroic attempts were taking place in what was almost garbage time and to my opinion the Rams were celebrating their win a little early, and letting down. There's also been lots of times when a QB change gives a short-term lift, but doesn't last when the backup becomes the starter and defenses have planned for him. I'd also note there are times when Brissett can look great and other times when he doesn't -- that's why he's moved from team to team. A great backup, maybe, but not as consistent as you'd like. Okay, with 10 years in the league, Brissett probably can read defenses more quickly than Howell can right now, but, per Bieniemy, Howell is a quick learner and improver who doesn't repeat his mistakes 3. If Bieniemy is that great of a play-designer, why hasn't he developed more plays to fit Howell's rollout abilities, and stop keeping Sam stationed within a 2 second pocket, where his sight lanes and passing lanes are clogged? Has Bieniemy asked Howell to work on practicing short throws with more loft on them, as part of his passing game arsenal to avoid bat-downs?? It seems like Bieniemy has a system in mind he doesn't want to change, and like many other coaches, just tries to make the QB fit his system rather than adjust.

The only problem with that approach is that means Howell has to have his back to the part of the pocket that Wylie is responsible for. That could lead to some big blindside hits on Howell, because Wylie hasn't shown very much reliability in that responsibility. BTW, on the particular play in question, I noticed that Wylie didn't even try to chip Van Ginkel while lumbering over to help block for WR screen target. If he'd done that, maybe Van Ginkel wouldn't have been fully in the passing lane to make the pick-6.

L.A. Rams 34 Washington 20 I'm not impressed by the Rams secondary (nor their special teams) but I can't see how Washington's O-line allows enough time for Howell to go long for explosive plays like the Rams might be able to do. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how the Washington defense could have gotten better during the bye, by losing several of its starters and defensive depth players. Lastly, one team is still playing a meaningful game to creep into the playoff hunt, while the other is probably focused more on what's going to happen during the upcoming off-season.

I'm hoping that Washington comes back strong in the second half -- because looking like a basket-case won't entice quality FAs to come here. Also, some of the younger players need to be trained in the "never say die" mindset. And please understand, some of the players on this team WILL be a part of the team's future plans.

Outside of the morale boost it would bring the team if Washington won... I would love to see Miami coach McDaniel try to explain why his team lost. For some reason, he irks me.

Thanks Z for starting this thread. Loved the "laces out" bit.

There really wasn't an existing thread appropriate for my comment. This one had a lot of the fantasy chat and pro-Miami sentiment, so I chose this one. I understand how folks are discouraged with the current product and the Snyder era, but I'm still hoping ES'ers on this message board can still express their support for this team's performance (collectively and individually) in a contest against an AFC upper-tier opponent. I'd hate to see someone posting on the game-day thread to cheer the fact that Miami's RB scored a TD, because that person had that guy on their Fantasy Football lineup that week.

Glad to see this traditional thread. Just hoping at this point for a good Washington showing. ...At least for the loyal Washington fans attending the game.

Understood. But Washington - Giants games tend to be strange outcomes, often since NY gets a little 'boost' from the NFL referee-network. My point was, that maybe this message board can focus -- at least a little bit --on where some Washington players might shine this week vs. Miami.

I'm a little disappointed with some of major ES'ers on this message board - we used to "buckle up" for the upcoming game, and express some hope on how we might win. Now, it's all about 'tanking', who should be fired, who should be cut, etc. Lately, a lot the ES focus has been on how (and how much) to blow up the franchise's front office, the coaching staff, the positional coaching staff, the players, and who to draft in 2024. There's been almost nothing on how Washington's offense might possibly exploit the Miami defense to put up enough points to actually win this game. Instead I'm reading how, ES'ers are so glad to be starting their Miami players on their fantasy teams -- which doesn't really seem appropriate for this message board. To be honest, I predicted a Miami win early on, but if it rains a lot, the Miami "speed advantage" may be neutralized by the field conditions. The Miami QB has shown he can have really off days. There are a lot of Miami "questionables" for their roster. And yet, no one has .mentioned how Washington might keep this close, and maybe even snatch a victory at home. I get that times are tough, but I don't like seeing how so many posts are glowing about our opponents and their coaches this week, and running down our own team. Maybe focus instead on how this game give an opportunity for Washington's newer players and skilled players to show how they match up against upper-tier AFC talent. There are some great match-ups this week!

Even with the mini-bye, I am not confident that the new secondary coach for Washington will have had enough time to fix the communication problems of Washington's corners and safeties and LB'ers. Consequently, the Miami receiving corps will be open a lot, and considering one of them is Tyreek Hill, I suspect Washington gives up too many explosive plays (assuming Tagavailoa is accurate enough today to hit his open receivers in stride.) Miami's running game complements their passing game well, and if Washington can't stack the box, I see a lot of Miami runs to keep the chains moving, or even a few yielding some explosive plays. I'm curious if Forbes will have to try to stop some of those runs. 😳 Washington's offense should have a better showing on a December 3, since Miami is missing one of their key pass-rushing edges, but I suspect Howell is still going to be pressured enough to serve up 2 INTs. Washington's run game is still uneven, so while Miami's run-D isn't invulnerable, it remains to be seen if Washington's RBs can take much advantage of that especially with mediocre run-blocking by their O-line teammates. Still Washington will move the ball today, better than it did against Dallas and Buffalo. Sorry.... Miami 34 Washington 20

I suspect Harris is going to let Rivera finish out the season, and allow a well-respected NFL coach to save face among his NFL peers and community when he does exit. While some impatient fans want Rivera booted to the curb now, I think Harris' approach is a more professional and respectful way forward, and highlights how it's not "Snyder-style business" in Washington anymore. Moreover, Harris exhibiting patience and respect for an outgoing head coach, and giving him an agreed-upon shot to try to manage a turnaround, is a good look for the new ownership, and may help to entice talented candidates for when the head-coaching position does become open. (After all, most candidates would appreciate working for a front office that would allow them the time they needed to build a winner, rather than have to worry about how an overly-reactive ownership might impatiently 'pull the trigger' on their NFL coaching career.)

In spite of what we've seen in the past involving games with the Giants, Washington wins this one. Moreover, it shouldn't be a nail-biter type of win. Giants seem depleted due to injuries, and maybe even demoralized at this point of the season. Washington 31 Giants 16

I'm glad the site is back up; I hope it's realized by the new management how this board helps as one more avenue for the Washington franchise to re-engage the fans (even the quiet ones) and serves as a channel to regrow the fanbase. I really enjoy how the active participation of this board on game day adds a new element to watching this team perform. How many franchises support a way for their fans to "pass notes' during the game-day experience? I've seen a lot of other franchise's fans' message boards, and candidly, this is one area where Washington wins, both in-season and off-season. I just wish Washington had more wins to fuel what this board starts doing to multiply the reasons for optimism among the larger Washington fanbase. When Washington wins a lot, I've seen how this site fuels the urge to express support as a fan -- for attending games, as well as other ways, like jerseys, etc. And I'm not going into how this site helps with the water cooler discussions. And that's a great multiplier effect to stoke interest in the franchise's events, just as a conversation topper. Someone in the Washington FO stepped up and made a great decision for their fanbase. And thank you for that!

I was surprised Forbes wasn't targeted more by the Patriot coordinators. He looked better, but he was giving a big cushion (often 8+ yards) and didnt seem assigned much press man, likely to avoid the breakaway WR scenario we'd seen before. Frankly Jones didn't seem very accurate to that side, and maybe that's why New England favored other regions. I hope Del Rio figures out ways to have Forbes mainly cover the 2nd tier WRs. I still don't get a good feeling that he's ready yet to be a shutdown corner against any of the top-tier WRs. Then again, maybe a few more games against some bottom third QBs and non-star WRs, might boost his confidence for when he has to go against the bigger "star" receivers like Lamb, Metcalf, Brown, etc.

Washington leaves a lot of points on the field, but still wins this game. Time of possession and yardage will be in favor of Washington, but they'll have to settle few more field goals then touchdowns because they can only muster 2 out 5 TDs when in the red zone. I feel Washington's play-calling fits well against the New England defensive tendencies. Patriots will do fairly well vs. the Washington D, exploiting the linebackers but will still have trouble sustaining long drives. Somehow, they'll get 3TDS, with one of them due to a questionable ref call of pass interference in the end zone. Washington 23 New England 21

The strategy of making these trades to get additional draft capital will need to be complimented by very careful review of the quality of the scouting network that Washington uses to identify who to draft. So, I am assuming there will soon some action in that area, likely as part of that group's eventual overhaul under a new GM. Otherwise Washington might not get the best value for all the new draft picks the acquired. I remember when Scott McCloughan was trying to overhaul some of the scouting staff, and essentially got blocked by Allen with Snyder's support. Maybe Harris should bring in former Steeler GM Colbert as a consultant for the transition work?