Anyone See Any Good News Out There At The Moment?

[Birdlives]

You can just clip and paste my comments about Evans to the situations with Montgomery and Golston. These guys are going to try and drive harder bargains with the Redskins because they can see the team doesn't have anyone on the roster to challenge them for a spot, and has limited resources to sign top tier replacements.

Doom and glooom being the theme and all at least get some facts straight prior to tirade time.

If I'm not mistaken, Gholston and Montgomery are restricted and can be tendered offers that earn us draft picks if they walk. Even at the highest exception that earn 1's and 2's they cost us a million or so.

As for Evans I dont see why you resign him at anything other than backup money. If he finds a bigger better deal on the market let him go. Grab the compensatory pick next year which would likely be high assuming he gets starter money from someone else.

As for corner I like that they aren't caving to Hall's demands. Quite frankly, there's no need. Yeah, the guy lit it up here when he needed to prove himself, but exceptional corners never get cut from Oakland in the first place. There are quite a few serviceable corners hitting the market that can be had for less than top or second tier money. Why let Hall determine the market before we see if there even is one?

[Stew]

I'm convinced we're going to trade Taylor, or at least trying to.

We can also drop his contract without a penalty. 2nd year of the contract was voidable on our end. We could drop him and resign him cheap if he would allow it.

[Pounds]

No matter what happens

the team will be better than how they're described on ES

This is true. In this era of parity, assessing, in microscopic detail, every facet of a team will bring cracks to light, even for the best of teams. That is not to say, though, that those cracks should be viewed as gorges.

As trite as it may seem to say, but the 'Skins just need luck and health on their side to have hopes of being 2009's Arizona Cardinals. With a little improvement from Campbell, too.

[Pounds]

1. The Redskins should have signed DeAngelo Hall by now to a new deal, but instead the team waited out the market hoping the bad economy would lighten the load they would have to pay and instead found out to their chagrin that yet again senile old Al Davis is willing to play twice what a pro bowl caliber cornerback (Asomugha) is worth in the NFL and that has put the Redskins with their cap situation in real jeopardy of again having to count on Fred Smoot to play man coverage for the team in 2009.

I’m perfectly comfortable with the brass’ approach in the resigning of Hall; waiting for the market to establish value thereby setting the parameters for a contract makes good for negotiating. Asomugha’s contract will have little, or nothing, to do with Hall’s negotiating, as DeAngelo is not an absolute elite and top-tier talent, like Nnamdi.

After getting unceremoniously kicked to the curb by the Raiders, Hall had seven games with us where he played very well, but I doubt Vinny and Dan are going to forget about the other 65 games he’s played that makes those seven games look like an aberration.

2. From Zorn's comments at the combine it really does appear as if the Redskins strategy is to bring back the geezers (minus Fabini and maybe Marcus Washington)' date=' sign a couple of mid-tier free agents and attempt to once again be an 8-8 or 9-7 candidate for the last wildcard and #6 seed in the NFC.[/quote']

I doubt the goal is to be a .500 ball club.

In the NFL, there are no quick fixes, so bringing back their old, but more than decent players is the best the ‘Skins can do at this point. With some improvements from Jason Campbell these "geezers" could very well be called cagey and seasoned leaders with experience necessary to win in the NFL.

I’m sure that at this point last offseason, fans of the Cardinals, Falcons, and ‘Phins didn’t expect the finishes they enjoyed.

I could hardly believe it when I read that the Redskins want Jason Taylor back in 2009. Why? He doesn't play any recognizable position in a standard 4-3 alignment such as the Redskins use. He is too small at 244 to play DE in the NFC East and are the Redskins going to move him to outside linebacker at 35 to learn a new position in his 13th season?

Why? Because he has eight-plus sack potential.

That certainly applies to the cases of Daniels and Thrash. Both were hard workers and Gibbs type Redskins from 2004-2007. But Daniels is 36 and had what 3 sacks in 2007? Thrash at 34 caught what' date=' 10-15 balls in 2008? Less?[/quote']

I wouldn’t suppose to gauge Daniels’ play from the number of sacks he posts. Heck, I wouldn’t gauge the production of any player on our d-line in terms of the sacks they collect.

With all of the developmental problems encountered by Kelly and Thomas in 2008 why didn't Thrash play a bigger role in the offense?

For the most part' date=' Devin was good enough to keep James from assuming the greater role that you ask of him. [/size']

I’m not sure if that reads as an indictment of James or Devin, or both.

4. Contract status of Demetric Evans. Here is a player that is a very solid backup and spot starter. He holds down the fort in essence. But he is not a playmaker and has very limited rush skills. But in a year where the Redskins look so vulnerable on the DL' date=' Evans and his agent are now holding out for a guarantee of a starting job in DC, complete with enhanced salary package.[/quote']

Personally, I think Demetric is drinking his bath water, to be honest. Likely, his grandiose wants fall by the way side in the face of reality.

[IbleedBnG83]

No matter what happens

the team will be better than how they're described on ES

very true:applause:

[IbleedBnG83]

I think there are too many question marks. The team has a lot of talent. Obviously the defense is the strongest unit of the team, and one we don't need to be greatly concerned despite the obvious lack of a pass rush.

Its the offense that we need to be concerned about. I am sure they will address the OL and they will do better next year than last.

Its the overall passing game that concerns me. Once defenses caught on to our simplistic offense and the running game was limited, the passing attack was horrid.

I truly believe that the success of the team this coming season will be based upon JC's progression and the offensive game plan that Zorn and Co. will have come up with for the new season.

[SkinsHokieFan]

I think it is very clear the team will not match 8-8 in 2009

There were far too many starters over the age of 30. On o-line, the d-line, LB corps, and in the secondary and no real young players to replenish this team.

The FO needs to make the tough hard decision and that is to let some guys over 30 go, try and get some picks for "tradeable" guys and swallow the hard medicine of a tough 2009 and 2010

See Washington Capitals, circa 2004

[zoony]

I think it is very clear the team will not match 8-8 in 2009

Agreed, I think more like 5-11 or 6-10. Zorn probably won't make it past the offseason. Not sure about Vinny.

The FO needs to make the tough hard decision and that is to let some guys over 30 go, try and get some picks for "tradeable" guys and swallow the hard medicine of a tough 2009 and 2010

See Washington Capitals, circa 2004

Agreed that this is what needs to happen- and quite frankly, it should have happened LAST year.

Zorn is taking the approach that worked in Seattle under Holmgren. He's alluded to it several times... that, by the third season in the WCO, the team really "gets" it. He expects constant improvement. Thats his approach with this team... keep it together, keep working to get better, and look for increased efficiency and production.

The flaw in his logic? Holmgren started with a young team filled with potential. Zorn has a cast of veterans whose best days are behind them. (And a QB who has shown an inability to "get" much of anything, but that goes without saying)

It will get worse before it gets better.

...

[SkinsHokieFan]

Agreed that this is what needs to happen- and quite frankly, it should have happened LAST year.

Zorn is taking the approach that worked in Seattle under Holmgren. He's alluded to it several times... that, by the third season in the WCO, the team really "gets" it. He expects constant improvement. Thats his approach with this team... keep it together, keep working to get better, and look for increased efficiency and production.

The flaw in his logic? Holmgren started with a young team filled with potential. Zorn has a cast of veterans whose best days are behind them. (And a QB who has shown an inability to "get" much of anything, but that goes without saying)

It will get worse before it gets better.

...

Exactly. I think the fanbase could live with a team with an average age of 25 struggling and "making improvements" That makes sense. Then you get a bunch of guys who by age 28 have been in the system, are in their primes and can contribute. You see it all the time in the NFL

Granted you need a bit of luck, a great QB to fall in your laps like in New England, but you still need some sort of plan of what you are trying to do and where you are trying to go.

The team as its built now was meant to peak from 2005-2007, which it really did, with of course the disaster of 2006 sandwhiched in there. After that Gibbs leaves and you start over and hopefully have a QB to build around to keep you afloat

Well the "peak" was 1 playoff win, and nobody is sure if this QB is ready to be the man.

[IbleedBnG83]

Agreed, I think more like 5-11 or 6-10. Zorn probably won't make it past the offseason. Not sure about Vinny.

Agreed that this is what needs to happen- and quite frankly, it should have happened LAST year.

Zorn is taking the approach that worked in Seattle under Holmgren. He's alluded to it several times... that, by the third season in the WCO, the team really "gets" it. He expects constant improvement. Thats his approach with this team... keep it together, keep working to get better, and look for increased efficiency and production.

The flaw in his logic? Holmgren started with a young team filled with potential. Zorn has a cast of veterans whose best days are behind them. (And a QB who has shown an inability to "get" much of anything, but that goes without saying)

It will get worse before it gets better.

...

I completely agree. The only "silver lining"...Vinny will likely be out too. I am willing to wait for things to get bad right now if it means this will institute a completely new FO and mindset where Dan is more "laissez-faire"

[fansince62]

Doom and glooom being the theme and all at least get some facts straight prior to tirade time.

If I'm not mistaken, Gholston and Montgomery are restricted and can be tendered offers that earn us draft picks if they walk. Even at the highest exception that earn 1's and 2's they cost us a million or so.

As for Evans I dont see why you resign him at anything other than backup money. If he finds a bigger better deal on the market let him go. Grab the compensatory pick next year which would likely be high assuming he gets starter money from someone else.

As for corner I like that they aren't caving to Hall's demands. Quite frankly, there's no need. Yeah, the guy lit it up here when he needed to prove himself, but exceptional corners never get cut from Oakland in the first place. There are quite a few serviceable corners hitting the market that can be had for less than top or second tier money. Why let Hall determine the market before we see if there even is one?

I'm not all that sold on paying big bucks to Hall either...any more than I am that the Skins will find and profit from "serviceable" CBs on the market. past experience suggests otherwise.

[fansince62]

I completely agree. The only "silver lining"...Vinny will likely be out too. I am willing to wait for things to get bad right now if it means this will institute a completely new FO and mindset where Dan is more "laissez-faire"

here's the problem...after all these years...what makes anyone think he will adopt such a radical shift in his approach? it does appear as though his business model for the Skins operates on a 1 to 2 year time horizon....

[fansince62]

I think there are too many question marks. The team has a lot of talent. Obviously the defense is the strongest unit of the team, and one we don't need to be greatly concerned despite the obvious lack of a pass rush.

Its the offense that we need to be concerned about. I am sure they will address the OL and they will do better next year than last.

Its the overall passing game that concerns me. Once defenses caught on to our simplistic offense and the running game was limited, the passing attack was horrid.

I truly believe that the success of the team this coming season will be based upon JC's progression and the offensive game plan that Zorn and Co. will have come up with for the new season.

are you concerned at all that...when it mattered...the defense really didn't stop the run either? that defense really has only one stellar component - the secondary....and that unit seems to be HIGHLY variable in its performance from season to season.

[ttr77]

It will get worse before it gets better.

I fear this team may just need to hit rock bottom before they feel the need for a major overhaul. Another season in the 7 to 9 win range would be the worst thing to happen. After all, if it 'aint broke...'

[Ernie5]

Lots of really good signs:

(1) The negotiations with Hall are obviously exactly that -- real negotiations, not simply rolling over and giving the guy what he wants.

(2) The Taylor trade aside, a focus on the draft and on bringing in mid-priced FAs who fill needs, especially as depth. We won't know how last year's draft shakes out for at least another season, but to get 10 picks out of it was very encouraging.

(3) An excited, open, and fair coach who doesn't back down from any player.

(4) Clear improvement by a young starting QB even if he hit the wall mid-2008.

(5) A professed priority of the front office to draft and sign linemen and linebackers.

(6) A disintegration in Dallas.

Are there concerns? You bet: an older O-line (although some of the geezers we might re-sign will be exactly what we need as a bridge to the next generation) and the lack of a pass rush are the big things. Campbell's not a concern, especially if we can (a) bolster the O-line, ( get production out of last year's rookie receiver class, and (3) add some backfield quickness.

[Chump Bailey]

I fear this team may just need to hit rock bottom before they feel the need for a major overhaul. Another season in the 7 to 9 win range would be the worst thing to happen. After all, if it 'aint broke...'

That just might be the remedy needed. We have bloated, unfriendly cap contracts it seems to players well on the decline. Our QB situation is not settled. It's easy to be depressed about the situation.

I'm torn. I'm thinking I would not mind John Gruden coming to D.C. next season.

[fansince62]

I fear this team may just need to hit rock bottom before they feel the need for a major overhaul. Another season in the 7 to 9 win range would be the worst thing to happen. After all, if it 'aint broke...'

bingo.

[IbleedBnG83]

are you concerned at all that...when it mattered...the defense really didn't stop the run either? that defense really has only one stellar component - the secondary....and that unit seems to be HIGHLY variable in its performance from season to season.

Sure. I think it primarily comes from the DL, which I am sure will be addressed. I think that Blache's scheme was in part of the reason that they could stop the run "when it mattered".

Again, our defense has still be doing a solid job. Its the offense that doesn't generate enough points and stay on the field long enough. They put much more pressure on the defense and don't force teams to throw more.

[IbleedBnG83]

That just might be the remedy needed. We have bloated, unfriendly cap contracts it seems to players well on the decline. Our QB situation is not settled. It's easy to be depressed about the situation.

I'm torn. I'm thinking I would not mind John Gruden coming to D.C. next season.

Gruden is too much of an ass. No thanks.

[rdskns n 05]

Great write up, a lot of good points here.....

[Thinking Skins]

Yeah I can see that. But what could we realistically get for him? I wouldn't hold out hope for more than a 6 rounder if anything. Maybe we could package him with our third round pick to get back a second round one.

I very seriously doubt we can get back what we paid for him, but we got a 6th for Arch after a horrible year. Taylor is a former Defensive player of the year who can put up numbers like Peppers. If we were to just cut him without even exploring the options of trade suitors, I'd be pretty mad.

The other thing is his 8 mil salary. Thats a lot to us, but guys like Peppers, Haynesworth and others are getting 10-15 mil. Even at that high price, other teams may see his salary as a discount to signing some of the other players.

But if he does stay here, i'd like that deal to be renegotiated.

[Thinking Skins]

Yeah but all those teams have mult. draft picks. They dont need to go crazy in FA. I mean Damn Philly has two 1st round picks!!! WTF!

True, and so they have more opportunities to replace the players they lose. The thing about it is that we're talking about losing Hall (and possibly Kendall). We started last year with Springs and Rogers as our CB duo and they did well. I don't think Springs can stay healthy 16 games (actually I think he's more cautious because he's seen how players are after they retire from football, but anyway), so it'd be nice to have somebody to complement him, but that doesn't need to be Hall. There are a few corners on the market who we may be able to get at a reasonable price.

[Thinking Skins]

here's the problem...after all these years...what makes anyone think he will adopt such a radical shift in his approach? it does appear as though his business model for the Skins operates on a 1 to 2 year time horizon....

the past few years, we haven't been the same FA heaven as previous years. In the 2007 offseason, we brought in Fletcher as our only big signing. In 2008, we weren't going to bring in anybody until the Taylor trade. I think this year we're trying to stay along that line.

I honestly think that the scouting department/Front office had lost confidence in Louis Reddick (isn't that who was in charge of scouting free agents?) and chose instead to rely more on Scott Campbell. I mean, it got to the point where Vinny said that he was only willing to sign players who had already worked with our coaches. I think thats a direct statement that he didn't like our scouting department. I think the fact that Zorn and Vinny have said we'll be involved in free agency is kinda like them saying that they have more faith in our new scouting guys (although, if they were hired by the same guys who hired the last guys, I can't say that we know that they'll be any better).

[ttr77]

the past few years, we haven't been the same FA heaven as previous years. In the 2007 offseason, we brought in Fletcher as our only big signing. In 2008, we weren't going to bring in anybody until the Taylor trade. I think this year we're trying to stay along that line.

Personally, I think this was more a case of being up against the cap as opposed to some new stay-the-course strategy. Why else would a team that just went 6-10 not sign anyone???

Cap hell? Nah. Cap heck? Maybe.

[skinzwiz]

What the Redskins need to do is go out and get a CB like Bodden or McAlister to play alongside Rogers. Leave Hall alone because he is overrated.

Develop Fred Davis. He is far more athletic than Cooley and I think he can potentially be star IF developed. Then I would trade Cooley(I know a lot of you will disagree, but his hype clearly outwieghs value) for picks or a need position in the trenches. The draft should focus on the trenches as well. Then spend a year developing the yound talent and steadily improving Campbell's play and this could be a great team in as little as 2 years.