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WP: Nunyo chat (9-2-05)


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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2005/08/31/DI2005083101900.html

Nunyo Demasio: Hi,

Thanks for joining to talk about your Redskins.

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Newport News, VA: Mark Brunell has clearly outplayed Pat Ramsey in the Pre-season. Brunell looks great, and Ramsey looks aweful. When are the Reskins going to see the light and start Brunell?

Nunyo Demasio: Last year, that statement would have been made only in the Twilight Zone. Gibbs declared Ramsey the starter after last season, and everyone knows that Brunell is Gibbs's guy. But Gibbs has to give Ramsey as much of a chance as possible before making a move. If Ramsey struggles, the hook will be quicker than it was for Brunell last season.

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Ashburn, Va.: What is the story with Jimmy Farris? Where did he come from? Was last night a flash in the pan against 3rd string corners, so a sign of some help to the Redskin receiver corp?

Nunyo Demasio: Farris will definitely have to make the Redskins think at least before cutting him, especially after the putrid performance by Antonio Brown, whose spot is locked as the lead returner. Farris was pretty amusing after the game. He was very nonchalant about his catches, saying it was pretty typical stuff for him in practice. Gotta like that confidence. But I don't think he survives based on a couple catches; and you make a point about third string corners.

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Edison, NJ : Do you think Clinton Portis will have a bigger year than last year regarding yardage and touchdowns? Some fantasy football league experts are calling him a risky pick in early rounds. Not to sure why when he considers a 1,300+ yard season a bad one last year.

Nunyo Demasio: I agree with you. I believe Portis will have a huge year. He says he gained 20 pounds to withstand the pounding, and he's still as explosive and elusive as ever. The offensive scheme better fits Portis, and the Redskins line is upgraded with the addition of Rabach and the return of Jansen. That's a formula for at least 1,500 by Portis. I think he finishes with the best year of his career.

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Alexandria, VA: I'm not happy with the clock management and the penalties from last nights game. Should I not be so worried? The look like the same team as last year when they would commit so many dumb penalties.

Nunyo Demasio: You should be worried. Gibbs is worried. After downfield passes, cutting down on penalties was the issue most harped on during the off season. (Last year, the Redskins commited the second-most penalties in franchise history; more than when Spurrier was around -- when he was knocked for being undisciplined.) The Redskins seemed to get worse as the preseason went along, capped by 15 penalties last night.

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Washington, D.C.: If the Skins are 0-2 going into the bye week, does Gibbs make the switch to Brunell?

Nunyo Demasio: If the offense is anything like last year, averaging about 15 points per game, Ramsey will get a relatively early hook. I don't think a couple games but soon after.

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Herndon, VA: Do you think there is any chance the skins could go 9-7 this season?

Nunyo Demasio: I don't think the Redskins will regress this year as some prognosticators believe. The defense will remain sturdy, with Arrington back and Sean Taylor with another year under his belt. (That should help offset the lose of Pierce and Smoot.) The NFL is so unpredictable. Who thought the Chargers would be a very good team last year? If Washington's offense improves and the Redskins don't get major injuries, they are bound to improve by two or three games.

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Catonsville, MD: Nunyo,

I have the old two-parter for you...

I know Coach Gibbs remains committed to the "long-haul"

in interviews, but do you get any sense as to whether he

might call it quits next year if the Skins have another

dissapointing season?

Do you think the Skins, as an organization, have gained

any respect around the league, or are we still considered a

laughing stock?

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Nunyo Demasio: If the Redskins swoon, I don't think Gibbs will be around for another year.

The Redskins are respected as a money-making franchise. As a football organization, they won't garner same respect until they win.

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I see the light: Come on Nunyo,

You know the answer to when Ramsey will be replaced...after the 'Skins go 0-4 to start the season.

Nunyo Demasio: Ha. Okay.

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Frederick, Md.: So should some one offer to go out and play pass&catch with A. Brown? Had to feel sorry for the kid!

Nunyo Demasio: Yeah, he was one of the bright spots during the off season and early in training camp because of his play at the receiver spot. But four dropped balls in one half? You or I would have caught a couple those. I think he'll bounce back. With his blazing speed, he's a playmaker.

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Burke, Va.: Will the 'Skins drop Andy Groom for the veteran Mohr at punter? Groom has punted brilliantly, and I noticed that he was the holder for John Hall's game tying field goal.

Nunyo Demasio: I'd go with Groom. He's been impressive during preseason. But you get the sense Gibbs is leaning toward a veteran. Mohr is a 16-year veteran, and Gibbs is more comfortable with vets. Gibbs was already making excuses for the guy because of his rust. Mohr is what he is. He's been around, and he'll be okay. nothing special. Last year he finished 15 of 17 punters in the NFC, and struggled in the NFC Championship game against the Eagles when he played for Atlanta. Groom just needs a chance. He's very promising.

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Midland, Tex.: I hear that the Eagles are already interested in signing D. McCants. I think Gibbs made a mistake by releasing him, evidenced by the fact that the four time defending conference champs jumped all over him. Antonio "Hands of Brick" Brown and Taylor "Glass Joe" Jacobs don't exactly replace a young, 6 ft 2 in redzone receiver. What do you think?

Nunyo Demasio: McCants went from a favorite -- being compared to Art Monk -- to being in Gibbs's doghouse. McCants has talent. He showed it under Spurrier in 2003 with six touchdowns to tie Coles for the team lead. He didn't play special teams though. And unless you're one of the top three receivers, that's not going to cut it on Gibbs's team. And the Redskins also didn't like the fact that McCants popped off a few times in the press about his frustrations with the way he was being used. Lastly, the coaches didn't feel that McCants worked hard enough.

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Loyal fan from Toronto: Hi Nunyo, I was very upset to see many columnists predict the skins having a 4-12 or 5-11 reason this year. They are going to get an earful from me! With the improvement of Ramsey's playing, and the return of a healthy and hungry Arrington, how could we do worse than last year? If we do end up with 4-12, I will jump off the CN tower. GO SKINS!

Nunyo Demasio: Well, I hope they get at least five victories so you live.

I'm sure they will.

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Arlington, VA: Any insight into LB roster spots? I thought Clifton Smith would make it but I guess I was wrong. How many spots are available and who has the edge? Is McCune safe?

Nunyo Demasio: The Redskins will keep seven linebackers. It's the most competitive spot. I was also surprised the Smith was cut -- he was mentioned a a possible successor to Pierce -- but apparently, he regressed after sparkling last preseason before being hurt for the year. The guys I predict will get cut are Keasey (the rookie from Princeton) and Brandon Barnes. McCune is pretty safe. He has a lot of promise, and he just has to get the defensive schemes down. Khary Campbell is versatile and is great on special teams so he has a spot. Keasey'll prolly make the practice squad.

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Fairfax, VA: Hey Nunyo,

Who did Skins' safety Shadeeq Shabaaz play in the movie "Kazaam," which starred Shaq?

Nunyo Demasio: That's so corny, it's funny.

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Eric - Silver Springs: If Gibbs goes with Mohr over Groom then I have to seriously question whether the guy has any business running a football team. Perhaps the game has passed Joe by - your thoughts?

Nunyo Demasio: That's pretty harsh. I think Mohr has the edge because of experience. But I'm with you on keeping Groom.

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Washington, D.C.: What's the latest word on Taylor Jacobs? Everyone talked about what a great off-season he had, but he's missed the entire pre-season with his toe injury. Is that going to hurt him when the last round of cuts are made?

Nunyo Demasio: Taylor was projected at the no. 3 receiver. But every year, after he's praised, he gets hurt. It would be surprising but not shocking if the Redskins release him. I don't think it'll happen, but the fact that it's even a thought shows how far he has fallen since early in the off season.

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Andrew (Atlanta): Um, is it just me or has the o-line looked dominant at times during preseason?

Nunyo Demasio: The O-line has looked terrific.

They are ready to role. The X-factor is Derrick Dockery, and he seems like he's on a mission to live up to his talent.

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Orlando, Fla.:

What are your thoughts about the RB battle between the Rock and Nemo?

Also, what is your assessment of our O-line after last night?

Nunyo Demasio: The Redskins will keep Rock and Nemo. I'm pretty sure about that. Gibbs talks about earning your spot. Well, Rock has earned his spot with a strong preseason. Nemo has been splendid also, and looks like the best player on the team for short-yardage runs. I think the Redskins keep four tailbacks, and take one less at another position: maybe five wideouts instead of six (Dyson) or 9 O-linemen instead of 10.

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Sunny San Diego: Is there a more over-hyped, blow-hard, "we're going-to-be-amazing-this-year" (after the 3rd preseason game), franchise in the NFL than my Washington Redskins? Does any other organization put as much pressure on its players to perform than my Washington Redskins? Could this sort of attention, pressure, media coverage (see: www.redskins.com to see video on which leg Clinton Portis puts first through his pants), possibly impact how these players can perform?

Is this pressure, media coverage (read: circus) not the fault of the owner and captain of this organization, Dan Snyder? Gibbs makes the roster and coaches the roster, Dan directs the media circus, oops I mean franchise.

Angry Redskins fan

Nunyo Demasio: That's pretty harsh. But we try to be balanced around here, so thanks for your thoughts.

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Must Type Faster: C'mon Nunyo...type faster...what are you hunting and pecking or something? The answers are crawling out.

Nunyo Demasio: hunting and pecking. haha.

Okay.

Thanks for the push.

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Washington, D.C.: Has Rock Cartwright shown the coaching staff enough to convince them to carry four RB's?

Nunyo Demasio: Yes.

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Wichita Falls, Tex.: Farris looked terrific last night, but I remember Babe Laufenberg looking fantastic the last pre-season game many years ago, and he still got cut. With so many wide reeivers on the roster, could one great pre-season game against reserves really make a difference? (Hope so). By the way, Nunyo, you do a great job.

Nunyo Demasio: Thanks.

I don't think Farris makes the team based on one game. Unless he's been lighting it up in practices and that was his exclamation point, there's too much of a logjam at wide receiver, and the Redskins need an extra spot for someone like Cartwright.

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Baltimore, Md.: What happend to taylor jacobs? Did coles leave his bad toe behind?

Nunyo Demasio: Funny.

Speaking of Coles, he's had a strong preseason. He'll have a 1,000-yard season with the Jets, putting an end to all this hullabaloo about his toe. I didn't buy the stuff about diminished explosiveness. How can you tell if a guy is less explosive if you don't run a go route all season. Coles has great chemistry with Chad Pennington. They make each other better.

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Neva Neva Land: Nunyo the O-Line has been opening them holes for Portis. Is 2,000 yards rushing out of the question for Clinton? Also, do you see the team making any types of moves to acquire a bigger reciever. Dyson hasn't shown me much and D-Mac just got cut a few days ago. I know Joe and co. keep denying the fact we need a bigger reciever especially for those red zone situations but having at least one is a necessity.

Nunyo Demasio: 2,000? I think he'll get at least 1,600.

Gibbs has said he isn't necessarily reserving a spot for a big receiver. One of the offensive coaches said that Gibbs doesn't like to throw fades when the offense is in the red zone. Because of Cooley -- who had six touchdowns last year -- the Redskins may be able to get buy without a big receiver.

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New Haven, Conn.: I am concerned, still, about whether the team can generate a pass rush from the defensive line, because we got burned often last year when the corners (or safeties) were left without help due to blitzes. What have you seen so far?

Nunyo Demasio: It's going to be the same as last year. The pass rush from the line should improve a tad though, with Phillip Daniels healthy at right defensive end. I believe Gregg Williams will blitz even more than last year. He'll get medieval with Arrington at his disposal, and having Shawn Springs show success as a blitzer (tying for the team lead with six sacks.) But every once in a while, the defense will get burned. That's just the trade off.

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Rockville, Md.: Nunyo,

I think the key to the season is Chris Cooley. That guy can be great if Ramsey can get him the ball. He has glue on his hands and is a hard nosed, old school player. What are your thoughts on what the season holds for him?

Nunyo Demasio: He didn't show much in preseason after the Redskins although the Redskins plan for him to have a bigger role.

But Cooley's one of my favorite players. He has all the tools, and has improve his weakness: blocking. He'll have a good year.

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Springfield, Va.: Nunyo-What do yo think of Carlos Roger's potential?

Nunyo Demasio: Rogers will eventually make people forget about Fred Smoot. He's a complete player. He likes to tackle (that couldn't always be said about Smoot, although the improved in that area last year), he has pretty good coverage skills, athleticism and he's coachable.

Just give him time. I think he'll be starting by Week 3 or sooner.

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Antonio Brown: I heard he had a hand injury on the radio this morning. Could that have contributed to his lack of catching ability?

thanks.

Nunyo Demasio: Didn't know that.

That would defintiely be a hindrance to catching.

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College Park: Yo Nunyo, I've watched the preseason games and really think this D is gonna be better than last year. I loved Smoot, but clearly Rogers is a playmaker that Smoot isn't. Also, Lemar Marshall is ably filling in AP's shoes. Anyways, how seriously were the Skins considering Corey Simon.

13-3 Year for sure

Nunyo Demasio: The Skins weren't seriously considering Simon because he cost too much and played Griffin's spot.

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Arlington, Va.: Nunyo - thanks for your great coverage. Are we really at a situation where Ade Jimoh is the #4 corner? Has he really improved that much from years past when he regularly got burned? Wildes over Rufus Brown? What's gonna happen in the secondary?

Nunyo Demasio: Thanks much.

Jimoh is the leading candidate for the fourth CB spot. He has the edge over Rufus Brown and Garnell Wilds because he's a very good special teamer. I like Wilds ever since he contained Randy Moss in the regular-season finale last year. The Redskins will probably end up keeping five safeties: Taylor and Clark will almost certainly start. Then there's Bowen, Prioleau and Stoutmire. Stoutmire you gotta keep since he's the team leader in tackles and a good special teamer. So with five safeties, the Skins can only keep four CBs. Too bad for Wilds.

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New York, NY: Nemo/Rock...

Do they both make the team now that White is on IR?

Nunyo Demasio: Yes.

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Keeping some Objectivity: I am starting to think Redskins fans are the most ridiculous group of fans in the NFL. Ramsey throws a td before the half to Cooley vs. Pittsburgh and some fans actually blast him for throwing the td to the wrong guy.

The same people who were calling for Brunell's head in 2004, want to hoist him in the air like Rocky beating Ivan Drago in Rocky 4.

Then, we give Joe Gibbs carte blanch because he won Super Bowls in 82, 87, 91. Now I dont have amnesia as a fan. But, Joe Gibbs' record in the past is just that...in the past.

Is it acceptable for Skins fans to be critical of Gibbs or not?

Nunyo Demasio: Gibbs is more critical about himself than anyone. That's what you have to like and respect about him.

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Arlington, Va.: I'm amazed that Redskins fans continue to be upbeat year in and year out despite their horrendous record the past 12-13 seasons. It takes a lot for fans to embrace a crappy franchise, and for that I salute you Redskins Nation!

Nunyo Demasio: That's a mix of faith and passion, I guess.

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Boise, Idaho: Realistically, when the regular season starts, what will the breakdown of rushing attempts be between Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts? Will it be 90/10, 80/20? Plus, who will be the back in short yardage situations?

Nunyo Demasio: 80/20 sounds about right. and Broughton will get most of the short-yardage runs with some given to Betts and Rock.

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Rockville, MD: Nunyo,

Is there a bigger rip-off then charging full price for the last preseason game? What a bunch of garbage. Also, I'd like to see Groom given the punting job. He appears to have one hell of a leg.

Nunyo Demasio: Yeah, that was a pretty unwatchable game for most of last night.

But you have to expect that as the preseason finale.

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Taylor-ville: Could you sum up the situation with the DBs?

Who is staying and who is getting cut? Jimoh? Brown? Shabazz?

I'd like to see Stoutmire stay if possible. He's played well.

And any outside chance Bowen gets cut? I'm a big fan but there are rumors because of all the injuries etc....

Thanks.

the cheat in Taylor-ville

Nunyo Demasio: Brown and Shabazz are gone.

Stoutmire stays unless they keep only four safeties. In that case, Wilds would be the fifth, extra CB.

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Truth or Consequences, NM: I've noticed that you and Jason La Canfora tend to focus on Mark Brunell and the "quarterback controversy", even though the team has given no public indication that Patrick Ramsey is on a short leash. Is this focus based on information the coaches are feeding you, or is it purely media driven?

Nunyo Demasio: It's based on what we see with our own two eyes, and the background of the quarterback situation. Brunell has looked rejuvenated albeit against reserves. Ramsey has been up and down. The coaches say Ramsey is their guy.

But we all know, actions speak louder than words.

The words are pretty meaningless when you're bringing in veteran QBs and drafting one also.

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Please get this memo to Fans at FedEx, Nunyo.: Over at thehogs.net we've been discussing how our "12th man" (the fans) needs to a bigger part of our team's success at home. However, it seems like fans don't have a clue how to cheer, and we're looking for the best way to educate our fans on how/when to cheer, do the wave, get rowdy, etc.

Can you pass on the following memo to the rest of my fellow Skins fans:

MAKE NOISE WHILE OUR DEFENSE IS ON THE FIELD.

BE QUIET WHEN OUR OFFENSE IS WORKING.

It's time to establish a true Home Field Advantage at FedEx.

Thanks,

REDEEMEDSKIN

Nunyo Demasio: memo passed.

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Brian, Los Angeles: Is Lavar Arrington the most overrated player in the NFL? He seems to have bad technique - lineman seem to get to his body and block him with ease. That said, I think Lavar is unique among modern day athletes in that he seems to genuinely care for the Redskins fans and teams. And for that reason alone I love him and root for him. Crazy?

Nunyo Demasio: You hear the stuff about LaVar being overrated. I guess it depends on your expectations.

In a game and a half, he reminded everyone that he's a major talent. The coaching staff raved about Warrick Holdman after he was added, and downplayed the impact of LaVar. But Lavar in one game made more plays than Holdman has all preseason. You take the good with the bad with LaVar. And overall, he's one of the top LBs in the game.

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Nunyo Demasio: That's it.

Thanks for your questions and for reading us at the WP.

Cheers.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2005/08/31/DI2005083101900.html

Nunyo Demasio: Hi,

Nunyo Demasio: It's going to be the same as last year. The pass rush from the line should improve a tad though, with Phillip Daniels healthy at right defensive end. I believe Gregg Williams will blitz even more than last year. HE'LL GET MEDIEVAL WITH ARRINGTON AT HIS DISPOSAL, and having Shawn Springs show success as a blitzer (tying for the team lead with six sacks.) But every once in a while, the defense will get burned. That's just the trade off.

Love that "medieval quoute"

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:cheers::cheers::cheers:
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"Speaking of Coles, he's had a strong preseason. He'll have a 1,000-yard season with the Jets, putting an end to all this hullabaloo about his toe."

Coles:

7 catches

76 yds

10.8 ypc

1TD

Yep, "strong" is the word I'd use for that performance.

"I've noticed that you and Jason La Canfora tend to focus on Mark Brunell and the "quarterback controversy", even though the team has given no public indication that Patrick Ramsey is on a short leash. Is this focus based on information the coaches are feeding you, or is it purely media driven?

Nunyo Demasio: It's based on what we see with our own two eyes, and the background of the quarterback situation. Brunell has looked rejuvenated albeit against reserves. Ramsey has been up and down. The coaches say Ramsey is their guy.

But we all know, actions speak louder than words.

The words are pretty meaningless when you're bringing in veteran QBs and drafting one also."

In other words, it's media driven.

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I don't see how he got so high on Stoutmire. I would keep 4 safties and 5 cornerbacks, especially with Harris hurting as much as he has been. I would hate for Jimoh to be forced into that third CB spot because Harris was not ready to go.

I wonder if they have given any thought to moving Ade to safty? Might be a better fit. He has real problems in man coverage but is a great tackler.

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Coles:

7 catches

76 yds

10.8 ypc

1TD

Yep, "strong" is the word I'd use for that performance.

agreed. what is that about? you cant tell if he's lost explosiveness cuz he didnt run any go routs? maybe they didnt run many because he lost explosiveness....and i think his 10 yards per catch speak to what he's lost. we'll see how good he is.

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