gostanford Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9558360 I think this was a really good write-up. I usually like Vic Carucci's columns because he is unbiased, fair, and doesn't predict the super bowl champion before the season starts. I never listen to what ESPN has to say anymore... it's just a bunch of idiots making up crap to get paid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouvan59 Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 KEY POSITION BATTLES Dallas: Drew Henson will challenge Tony Romo sits to pee for the No. 2 quarterback spot, but will need to be exceptional this summer to beat out a favorite player of Parcells. I would say there are a couple position battles that will impact the Cowboys a lot more than this one. 1. Free Safety (Davis, Coleman, Watkins) 2. O-Line (Fabini, Pettiti Johnson, Gurode, Kosier) 3. Greg Ellis: position? The Henson-Romo sits to pee might have a more interesting story line but it isn't of huge importance unless Bledsoe goes down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xsinner Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Great read. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouvan59 Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Washington: After recovering from minor knee surgery that caused him to miss some practice in the offseason, McIntosh came on strong enough in the final week of organized team activities that he could push Warrick Holdman as the starter at weakside linebacker. Is this true? If so I would say that is great news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRay Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Pretty fair assement.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSilverMaC Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Is this true? If so I would say that is great news. I was pretty sure that he got the surgery after OTA's, which is why he wasn't in mini-camp. But I seem to remember people saying he looked really good during OTA's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonnyJ Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 I would like to ask him why the Redskins depth at QB is of any more concern than any of the other teams. I would say if any of the teams starters went down, there would be problems of the same degree. Of course, it may be just his way of saying that he can't think of any real holes that the Redskins have. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gostanford Posted July 17, 2006 Author Share Posted July 17, 2006 Of course, it may be just his way of saying that he can't think of any real holes that the Redskins have. :cool: The QB situation IS the only big hole the redskins have. If we had a young QB like Eli Manning (he's not even that good) everyone would be predicting that the skins win the NFC east. I truly believe Brunell's got one more year in him though. And hopefully we can beat some teams with big enough margins so that JC can step in and get some experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouvan59 Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 I would like to ask him why the Redskins depth at QB is of any more concern than any of the other teams. I would say if any of the teams starters went down, there would be problems of the same degree.Of course, it may be just his way of saying that he can't think of any real holes that the Redskins have. :cool: Probably because of Brunell's age and the fact that he has been dinged both years he has been here. Of course, he has yet to miss a game because of injury. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouvan59 Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 I was pretty sure that he got the surgery after OTA's, which is why he wasn't in mini-camp. But I seem to remember people saying he looked really good during OTA's. Okay, I misinterpreted the team activities he was talking about. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoachingWinsChampionships Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 The article never even mentioned Andre Carter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Probably because of Brunell's age and the fact that he has been dinged both years he has been here. Of course, he has yet to miss a game because of injury. tsk, tsk, let's not throw facts in the equation :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Animal Trainer Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 The article never even mentioned Andre Carter. That's a good point. Other than that it was a pretty fair and balanced analysis of the NFC East. Brunell goes down we're in trouble, I don't think anyone disagrees with that. Andre Carter is going to be an impact player on our already stout D-line. You have to agree that our OL and DL is the best they have been in several years. The trenches are where games are won and lost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLusby Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 LaVar Arrington (Washington) should be able to shake off the injuries and unhappiness that rendered him mostly ineffective the past three seasons and have a significant impact on an already-strong defensive front. Why is this guy touted as greatness all the time? He has been mediocore at best and has had one great year under Lewis. I guess his unhappiness caused ineffective play and how about his desire, heart, and brain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sydshobob Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 "Terrell Owens (Philadelphia) should have his customary strong first season..." Customary? By my count he's had two first seasons - 1 good, 1 average. I hate these writers that make it sound like he'll automatically be good because he always is for 1 year. I say it's more customary of Owens to ruin a team as he's done with 100% of the pro teams he's played on. "LaVar Arrington (Washington) should be able to shake off the injuries and unhappiness that rendered him mostly ineffective the past three seasons and have a significant impact on an already-strong defensive front." He's suddenly going to make a "significant impact" after 3 years of "mostly ineffective"? I'd say that's a stretch at best. What's he basing that prediction on? And speaking of their "strong defensive front", isn't it a little odd that he follows that up with "Losing Kendrick Clancy, who signed with Arizona, and Kenderick Allen, who joined Green Bay, has left the Giants with no accomplished player or depth in the middle of their defensive line. " Is the defensive line not part of their "strong defensive front"? :doh: Now for my opinion. I'd say the Redskins QB depth is equal to or better than anyone else in the division. Garcia? Henson? Romo sits to pee? Hasselbeck? Please. I'll take my chances with the unknown Collins or first-round pick Campbell before I'd trust my team to those spares. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MABfan Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 "New offensive coordinator Al Saunders (Kansas City) brings vast knowledge of the passing game that should allow for more consistent production from quarterback Mark Brunell, whom he has working to improve his footwork on short drop-back passes and making quicker reads and releases on his throws." How many times is Carucci going to underestimate Brunell? Good to hear that Brunell is working on his footwork...like the 13 year vet needs to work on his footwork. When it comes to the Skins, Carucci is just filling space, and whenever he fills it, he's going to comment on our QB who is falling apart. You know, the QB who took the most snaps of any QB in the NFC East last season. He doesn't even realize that Brunell injured his finger and not his THUMB. Anyone agree? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bacon Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 I hope you're all correct about our lack of holes...on paper we lack them, but we'll see how the new players translate on the field. Personally, I'm holding out a lot of hope. Don't let me down, guys... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrimReefa Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Probably because of Brunell's age and the fact that he has been dinged both years he has been here. Of course, he has yet to miss a game because of injury. I would say that's subject to interpretation. You could say all the games Ramsey started in '04 after Brunell proved to be ineffective were games Brunell missed due to injury. Perhaps not in the strictest sense, but I would say that was the case, from a practical standpoint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnLockesGhost Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 "New offensive coordinator Al Saunders (Kansas City) brings vast knowledge of the passing game that should allow for more consistent production from quarterback Mark Brunell, whom he has working to improve his footwork on short drop-back passes and making quicker reads and releases on his throws."How many times is Carucci going to underestimate Brunell? Good to hear that Brunell is working on his footwork...like the 13 year vet needs to work on his footwork. When it comes to the Skins, Carucci is just filling space, and whenever he fills it, he's going to comment on our QB who is falling apart. You know, the QB who took the most snaps of any QB in the NFC East last season. He doesn't even realize that Brunell injured his finger and not his THUMB. Anyone agree? Dude, that pic in your sig is awesome. It would be perfect to start a "this pic needs a caption" thread. (wink wink) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyWilliamsFanClub Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Why is this guy touted as greatness all the time? He has been mediocore at best and has had one great year under Lewis. I guess his unhappiness caused ineffective play and how about his desire, heart, and brain! Here is my take on Lavar Arrington: 1 - One of the most athletic players in the NFL. 2 - He has had 5 different D Coordinators in 6 years. 3 - He had 3 quality years but the big numbers: sacks - two good years, and INTs: 1 year with 3. 4 - I think Lavar is going to have a career season. With that defensive line and Antonio Pierce with him at LB, he is going to be a beast. 5 - People label him as a roamer. If you saw him on Quite Frankly, Stephen A Smith asked him about this...he said he doesnt know why people say that...and I think to a certain extent it was a kinda false statement.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gostanford Posted July 18, 2006 Author Share Posted July 18, 2006 Here is my take on Lavar Arrington:1 - One of the most athletic players in the NFL. 2 - He has had 5 different D Coordinators in 6 years. 3 - He had 3 quality years but the big numbers: sacks - two good years, and INTs: 1 year with 3. 4 - I think Lavar is going to have a career season. With that defensive line and Antonio Pierce with him at LB, he is going to be a beast. 5 - People label him as a roamer. If you saw him on Quite Frankly, Stephen A Smith asked him about this...he said he doesnt know why people say that...and I think to a certain extent it was a kinda false statement.. I won't believe any of that until I see him in a game... I don't care what other LBs hes playing with... he didnt do jack for the Redskins in the past few years. But who knows... maybe he will have a huge comeback season. We'll have to wait and see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commander PK Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 After his atrocious comments on the best NFL running back "situation" Vic redeems himself a bit here. I think, this is for the most part a very fair and balanced assessment of the NFC east. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9558360 A look ahead to the NFC East By Vic Carucci National Editor, NFL.com (With NFL training camps due to open later this month, Vic Carucci has put together his annual eight-part series highlighting how each division shapes up in the aftermath of offseason personnel moves and offseason workouts). Here's a look at the NFC East: Dallas Here's hoping T.O. keeps it together for the team and wins the fans over. What's going to help: Terrell Owens (Philadelphia) should have his customary strong first season in a new uniform, and Bill Parcells should keep his behavioral issues in check well enough to allow him to enhance the passing game. Flozell Adams' return from his surgically repaired knee should result in a major improvement in the pass protection for Drew Bledsoe. Bobby Carpenter (Ohio State) and Akin Ayodele (Jacksonville) add good range and playmaking ability to the linebacking corps. Marcus Coleman (Houston) is an upgrade at free safety. Despite his crushing playoff miss, Mike Vanderjagt (Indianapolis) remains one of the best kickers in the league. What's going to hurt: Losing the stability/leadership of veteran offensive lineman Larry Allen, who was released and signed with San Francisco; defensive tackle La'Roi Glover, who was released and signed with St. Louis; and linebacker Dat Nguyen, who retired. Greg Ellis is unhappy with his new hybrid role as a linebacker/situational pass rusher in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. New York Giants LaVar Arrington should be able to help the DTs out. What's going to help: LaVar Arrington (Washington) should be able to shake off the injuries and unhappiness that rendered him mostly ineffective the past three seasons and have a significant impact on an already-strong defensive front. Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College) should contribute as a pass-rush specialist. Sam Madison (Miami) might have lost a step, but still has a knack for making interceptions. Sinorice Moss (University of Miami) provides a deep threat that should take better advantage of Eli Manning 's big arm and help draw coverage away from Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey. Moss also should be an upgrade as a punt returner. What's going to hurt: Losing Kendrick Clancy, who signed with Arizona, and Kenderick Allen, who joined Green Bay, has left the Giants with no accomplished player or depth in the middle of their defensive line. Philadelphia The game plan should have Brian Westbrook run more. What's going to help: Being healthier overall and especially having a healthy Donovan McNabb, after his absence/limitations from a sports hernia did the most to sink the team in 2005. The team is no longer dealing with countless headaches caused by Owens, even if he is one of the more talented receivers in the league. The defense should get a big lift from the additions of end Darren Howard (New Orleans), tackles Ed Jasper (Oakland) and Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State), and linebacker Chris Gocong (Cal Poly). Adding depth/competition at receiver in Jabar Gaffney (Houston), Jason Avant (Michigan), Jeremy Bloom (Colorado) and Hank Baskett (New Mexico), and at tight end in Matt Schobel (Cincinnati). What's going to hurt: Sticking with an offensive approach that places far too much emphasis on the pass and doesn't create enough of a rushing threat. The distinct possibility that age will start to take a physical toll on the defense as the year progresses. Washington Mark Brunell needs to stay healthy and be productive. What's going to help: New offensive coordinator Al Saunders (Kansas City) brings vast knowledge of the passing game that should allow for more consistent production from quarterback Mark Brunell, whom he has working to improve his footwork on short drop-back passes and making quicker reads and releases on his throws. Antwaan Randle El (Pittsburgh) can emerge as a consistent game-breaking threat as a regular wide receiver, as well as the gadget player he was with the Steelers. Brandon Lloyd (San Francisco) should make enough impact at receiver to help make Santana Moss an even larger big-play threat. Adam Archuleta (St. Louis) is an upgrade at strong safety. Rocky McIntosh (University of Miami) should contribute as a reserve or a starter in the weakside linebacker spot vacated by Arrington's departure. What's going to hurt: No depth behind Brunell, who has struggled to stay healthy (he injured his thumb during organized team activities). Todd Collins might know Saunders' offense well from their days together in Kansas City, but he is not the answer for a prolonged stretch. Young Jason Campbell, learning his sixth offense since college, is not ready to step in. KEY POSITION BATTLES Dallas: Drew Henson will challenge Tony Romo sits to pee for the No. 2 quarterback spot, but will need to be exceptional this summer to beat out a favorite player of Parcells. New York Giants: Damane Duckett, Jonas Seawright, Junior Ioane and Barry Cofield are in a wide-open competition to start at nose tackle. Fred Robbins could push William Joseph at the other tackle position. Philadelphia: Strongside linebacker looks like a close fight between incumbent Dhani Jones, who struggled last season, and inexperienced Greg Richmond. Shawn Barber and young Matt McCoy are battling on the weakside. Washington: After recovering from minor knee surgery that caused him to miss some practice in the offseason, McIntosh came on strong enough in the final week of organized team activities that he could push Warrick Holdman as the starter at weakside linebacker. THE EARLY READ This division looks too close to call and is easily the most competitive in the league. You could make an equally strong argument for any of the four teams to win the crown and make a serious run to reach the Super Bowl. Last summer, Owens began contributing in earnest to what would be the implosion of the Eagles with his pursuit of a new contract he never received. Although he is gone, the never-ending Owens saga continues in Philadelphia as reporters and fans constantly seek to answer the question: How much will his absence help, or hurt, the team? The conclusion here is that it will help, but not as much as the Eagles' return to good health. Owens is going to make the Cowboys better this year. However, the key to their success is going to rest with the offensive line's ability to protect Bledsoe and allow him to be a highly effective pocket passer. If Brunell stays healthy, he should benefit greatly from Saunders' presence, and that should do plenty to help make the Redskins a force. The Giants will rely on defensive improvements and the arrival of the speed-burning Moss to have a say in which team wins this division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cmurdock Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Campbell's sixth offense since college? Wtf? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrockster21 Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Campbell's sixth offense since college? Wtf? He had a different coordinator every year of college. That's 4. Then he came into the NFL and learned Gibbs' offense. That's 5. Now he has Saunders' offense to learn, which makes 6. Not too hard, now is it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Blaster Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 He had a different coordinator every year of college. That's 4. Then he came into the NFL and learned Gibbs' offense. That's 5. Now he has Saunders' offense to learn, which makes 6. Not too hard, now is it! Well, he's actually had 7 offensives coordinators if you want to get technical. He's learned 6 offenses, but had a year at Auburn in which the team had co-coordinators on the offensive side of the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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