Observations from yesterday's game

[The Trashman]

I attended the game yesterday and I noticed a few troubling things:

1) Kyle Shanahan continues to abandon the run in the 2nd half, even though the run has been successful in the past and was successful in yesterday's game in the 1st half. I have noticed this troubling trend by Kyle going back at least to last year.

2) It seems the Shanahans have scrapped the vertical passing game. There were hardly any throws down field. Most of the throws were dump-offs or screens to the receivers. I do realize our main weapons are out but we do have capable replacements.

So what gives? Where was Moss all game? He was only targeted once or twice. Morgan was targeted a lot but again, most of those were very short passes. Hankerson came into this season with high hopes but I am not sure if he is still hurt because he does not show the YAC (yards after catch) as he should for such a young receiver. I believe even Moss has a higher YAC than Hankerson.

3) There was no pressure on Newton. I said before the game if they don't get to Newton, the Panthers will kill us.

Trust me, if this defensive trend continues, every single remaining opposing QB will have a field day against us. It is simple but painfully obvious.

The defensive guys up front are just not good enough. For an effective 3-4 defense to work, you need 3 very good D-linemen and capable linebackers. Well, we have none really. Kerrigan is v.good but he is only 1 person. All the rest are one-dimensional or old.

A possible solution would be to blitz more but that exposes the already weak secondary so that option must be used judiciously.

All in all, I see a very weak team heading into the bye week after the Philly game. I know RGIII promised better play after the bye but I am not sure what else he and Morris can do to help spark this rally.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[SkinsCrushCowboys]

One take away for me was that Paulsen is developing into a vert nice possession TE. Slow as heck, but is hard to tackle and is making some really nice plays,

[rick7423]

There was at least 1 deep pass in the end zone to Hankerson, but was dropped. Even though he was double covered the pass was perfect and hit him in the hands. It would have been an extremely hard pass to catch but IT HIT HIM IN THE HANDS. He has to make those catches. If he had made the catch, maybe that would have created a spark on the team and tings may have been different. We really need these guys to step up and do their jobs.

[chipwhich]

There was at least 1 deep pass in the end zone to Hankerson, but was dropped. Even though he was double covered the pass was perfect and hit him in the hands. It would have been an extremely hard pass to catch but IT HIT HIM IN THE HANDS. He has to make those catches. If he had made the catch, maybe that would have created a spark on the team and tings may have been different. We really need these guys to step up and do their jobs.

That wasn't Hankerson.

[The Robert Griffin Experience]

There was at least 1 deep pass in the end zone to Hankerson, but was dropped. Even though he was double covered the pass was perfect and hit him in the hands. It would have been an extremely hard pass to catch but IT HIT HIM IN THE HANDS. He has to make those catches. If he had made the catch, maybe that would have created a spark on the team and tings may have been different. We really need these guys to step up and do their jobs.

Hankerson just doesn't have the fluidity, coordination or body control to go up and get those catches. Though, RGIII waited WAY too long to throw that ball. Hankerson was wide open; there was a wide throwing lane between the safety and the CB and if RGIII puts it on Hankerson at say, the 15 yard line, he likely scores. RGIII is a stud, but he's a rookie. And rookies tend to miss open guys as they adjust to the NFL. All of the rookie QBs have missed blatantly open guys.

And for all the Kyle haters, I think it's clear that Kyle's scheme has made RGIII produce a LOT better than he would have otherwise. The other rookies are producing now after taking some lumps early, but all of them, yes, ALL of them have more around them. Take away Luck or Tannehill's two best targets and put a turnstile at RT and see what happens, I dare you. I mean, did you see Polumbus get destroyed play after play?

That wasn't Hankerson.

You sure? 3rd and 10, midway through the 4th? Would have sworn it was lol.

[MartinC]

That wasn't Hankerson.

It was - he was doubled but the ball did go through his hands. Would have been a great catch but its one that you have to make if you want to move from being a guy with some potential to a legit starting receiver.

[Skinz4Life12]

That wasn't Hankerson.

yea it was. the pass was like 2 inches too high. otherwise it would have hit him straight in the hands

---------- Post added November-5th-2012 at 09:39 AM ----------

fwiw, I think Kyle is doing a good job at calling plays but he needs to get more traditional especially in the red zone

[chipwhich]

Sorry I thought the pass in question was the deep ball to Aldrick Robinson where he was double covered and it went through his hands.

[DaGoonie55]

Griff had perfect ball placement on that pass. HIgh so the safetly couldnt knock it down, and in front of him so the trailing db couldnt get to it either. If Hank would have skipped, he would have caught it. Beautiful pass.

[PortisBetts]

That wasn't Hankerson.

nevermind, you addressed it. Disregard this

[Probos]

1) Don't know why he abandons the running game in the 2nd half -- maybe because they're losing? Would have to go back and watch each game and evaluate each one on it's own.

2) No vertical passing game,..hmmm,....well. The only vertical threat they have is hurt, and the O-line doesn't pass block particularly well.

3) Orakpo and Carriker being out majorly effects the ability to put pressure on the QB.

[emor09]

My observations: The refs hate us. Kyle can't call plays in the red zone.

[skins island connection]

I observed a team as a whole, in a hole, and coached by an ass hole, who refuses to put his DC in a hole and bury him.

Also observed alot of holes on both sides of the ball that need proper attention...

[Gurgeh]

I attended the game yesterday and I noticed a few troubling things:

1) Kyle Shanahan continues to abandon the run in the 2nd half, even though the run has been successful in the past and was successful in yesterday's game in the 1st half. I have noticed this troubling trend by Kyle going back at least to last year.

2) It seems the Shanahans have scrapped the vertical passing game. There were hardly any throws down field. Most of the throws were dump-offs or screens to the receivers. I do realize our main weapons are out but we do have capable replacements.

...

3) There was no pressure on Newton. I said before the game if they don't get to Newton, the Panthers will kill us.

1) I believe Kyle tends to overreact to dropping behind in games. I do think he's been better this season than last in keeping a pass-run balance however. Yesterday I thought Morris picked up an injury in the second half which might also explain why we moved away from the run.

2) The offense was changed to suit RGIII, and yes I know he's supposed to have an accurate deep pass, but I'm not convinced we have the receivers to catch it. The only one I really trust who is healthy is Morgan. If Garcon makes it back after the bye week we may see a change in the passing game.

3) The pass rush was built around Orakpo and Kerrigan, both of whom need the other to be effective. It was never intended for the linemen to get much in terms of penetration and sacks. I think Bowen in particular has been alright, and Colfield in most games, in as far as they have been fulfilling their roles. Jenkins is effectively a rookie, and while he hasn't done anything of note, he hasn't been horrible either. The problems with the rush are:

a) we dont have a serviceable replacement for Orakpo.

we are terrible at blitzing.

Now it's acceptable to have either a) or as a problem, but we have both, and ( is purely down to coaching IMO. It's been mentioned before that Spanos set the defensive scheme up and it's been developing into a car crash ever since he left. I don't think it's the 3-4 that's the problem, it's the way Haslett operates it.

[Momma There Goes That Man]

Griff had perfect ball placement on that pass. HIgh so the safetly couldnt knock it down, and in front of him so the trailing db couldnt get to it either. If Hank would have skipped, he would have caught it. Beautiful pass.

It was a little too high, I dont even think Hank got his fingers on it despite jumping. I know he jumped because I remember being surprised that he actually tried to catch it that much. Never a good sign.

[The Robert Griffin Experience]

[/color]fwiw, I think Kyle is doing a good job at calling plays but he needs to get more traditional especially in the red zone

I think we also need to find a balance between the ZBS and power blocking too.

Honestly a freak guard like a prime Hutchinson would do so much for this offense. Guys who can drive block and beat their guy one on one. Trent does that almost every play and Monty does that a lot of the time. Lich does his job but he's too light. I love the ZBS and what it opens up offensively in terms of play action, but Shanny's teams have always struggled with power because of how he likes his linemen.

yea it was. the pass was like 2 inches too high. otherwise it would have hit him straight in the hands

Ehh, a stud WR gets that ball. I've always poo-pooed the value of a stud #1 WR, but having that guy makes those borderline deep balls so much more reliable, because he can catch a bomb even when double-covered if the pass is on the money.

[morpheusmeyers]

There was at least 1 deep pass in the end zone to Hankerson, but was dropped. Even though he was double covered the pass was perfect and hit him in the hands. It would have been an extremely hard pass to catch but IT HIT HIM IN THE HANDS. He has to make those catches. If he had made the catch, maybe that would have created a spark on the team and tings may have been different. We really need these guys to step up and do their jobs.

The deep pass to Hankerson in the end zone happened near the end of the game, with about 2 minutes left if I remember correctly. Where were the deep shots before then?

We need to blitz more. Newton, like Ben the week before, barely got touched. I think we only got 2 hits on the QB the entire game. The DL is getting no pressure on the QB. We need to bring LB's to get some licks in and disrupt the QB's rhythm.

I liked the decision to go for it on 4th down from the 38 but I would have kicked the FG on the 2nd 4th down (which we also converted). Take the points there and it is 7-6. After making that one Shanny was all in and pretty much had to go for it on 4th and goal from the 2.

The crowd seemed odd yesterday. Yelling on offense, screaming seconds before the 2 minute warning when it is obvious that another play is not going to be run before 2:00...just generally not paying attention.

[martin49]

This was the worst game of the year to date for this team. RG3 was missing short passes all day,and it seems he's started to develop a little " nervous feet " syndrome. Probably because the Oline did not play they're best game. He also held the ball WAY too long today. Look at his best games of the year , he's taking the snap , making a quick read and firing! He has to learn not to depend so much on his protection. If nothing opens quick, run for 4 yrds and slide. Every play does not have to be big. Hankerson is dropping WAY too many balls. Fix'em or sit'em.

This team loses to teams they should'nt, and plays good teams tough until the end when it matters most. That being said, nothing has changed except we have a promising QB & RB. I think as we get a few more play makers on this team, the offense will be good. Probably another year at least.

The defense is what's holding this team as far down as they are. NO and I mean NO pressure on opposing QB's in most games. This leave's time for ANY QB to tear us up. I don't care if Orakpo is out or not. WHAT HAPPENED TO KERRIGAN? This kid has disappeared. Its just a bit unfair to put all the blame on the secondary, but they are quite bad. D Hall is not as good as he thinks, but he play's with emotion. This defensive system is failing and is a combination of bad coaching , poor execution and inadequate talent. I don't see this improving for a few years.

So the question is, now that the season is pretty much over ( unless some miracle of events happens to suddenly transform this team). Is it time to look at coaching changes? I think half a season is enough time to evaluate. So. SO DO SOMETHING!!!!

[Popeman38]

Popeman38's observations from Sec 111:

1) Kai Forbath is money inside 55 yards - that is his limit (I know, not THAT important, but with our history of kickers I felt it was necessary to state)

2) London Fletcher is done - opposing offenses are now gameplanning to isolate him on a TE, and abuse him. Olson, Gonzales, Gresham, Graham, Bennett. It is no longer a concidence, it is a point of emphasis for the opposing offense.

3) DHall, when placed in position to simply cover, isn't that bad. When you ask him to think, he freezes.

4) Josh Wilson is a decent cover corner, but for some reason whenever he touches a WR he gets flagged. Meanwhile, the CBs for Seattle are permitted to molest WRs all day. The league seems to let the bigger, more physical corners get away with more contact.

5) Jim has to go, NOW. The players are complaining in game about his calls and lack of aggressive play calling. He has become a cancer, and needs to be relieved of his duties. Opposing offenses are now anticipating how Jim is calling a game late based on what he did in similar situations earlier in the game (see 82 yard completion from 10 yard line). There are no adjustments made by our defensive staff.

6) Kyle needs to mix in a professional passing offense, especially in the RZ. 4 straight stretch runs on the goal line?

7) Alred Morris needs to carry the ball 20 times per game, minimum. That's all I have to say on that.

8) Bench Hankerson. Briscoe needs to get some run regularly. He has size, speed and youth. Hankerson has size and youth, but is so damned nonchalant I want to strangle the ****.

9) Garcon will add an element to the offense we need - toughness and speed. This will allow us to use Aldrick Robinson in other ways that take advantage of his skills.

10) Banks has to go. He is too small, too light, andmore importantly, too dumb football-wise to be on the field. He adds nothing to this offense as a WR, and adds nothing on STs. He is wasting a roster spot. Cut him, and sign a kick-off specialist.

11) The refs were ATROCIOUS. Blowing a play dead and calling it a TD. RTP on Fletcher when no actual contact to head was made. Phantom holding call on QB draw TD. Numerous times Panthers were twisting RG3s head at the bottom of the pile with no call (Trent is gonna get fined/suspended eventually for jumpin on fools that mess with his QB - I LOVE this about him, just wish the rest of the O-line shared his passion), throwing flags 30 seconds after the play was over after the Carolina bench emptied onto the field (ineligible downfield?

12) Danny Smith has to go. Happy Bang?

13) We need to play mad, and play mean. Trent and Morris are the only ones on offense who do this, and we have no one on defense who does this.

I could keep going, but why bother? The team from the HC on down obviously doesn't care enough to get better, why should I bother even paying attention anymore?

[diehardskinpsoup]

I observed the lack of communication with the LBs. I also wonder if Fletch maybe losing confidence of his teamates. It was a 4th down or 3rd and short. You clearly saw Fletch telling Perry Riley to slide over... "Slide over!!!"...Perry kept looking at him, but didnt move...guess where they converted the 3rd down. I was so pissed...You could see London Fletcher yelling at him after the play...and you could also see the lack of concern on Riley's face. This bothers me. I think Haslett's inability to make adjustments to help the defense may be creatig a cancer on defense. What say yous?

--Super frustratedHTTR

[martin49]

Even big mouth little Steve Smith has a nice game against us. We make giant cry baby NEWTON look like superman again. God we suck. I watched the Falcons/Boys game last night. The falcons are absolutely loaded with talent. Until the skins acquire a few more studs like the falcons, we can never truly compete for a trophy. We are still a long, long way from that. Sorry to say. Another year kicked in the ass.

[emor09]

I didn't see a replay of Hankerson's deep play, but it was right below me in 408 and here are my two cents.

He jumped too soon. He would've been better off to take another step and layout flat instead of jumping up.

All season, RG3 has been accurate with his deep balls, except every time to Hankerson it's a hair too far (except vs. St. Louis). I've seen replays of the other ones Hankerson has missed, and he seems to slow-down mid-route and then speed up at the end and come up short. I'm interested to see if that's the case again yesterday.

[War Paint]

I thought Hankerson looked better yesterday. He seemed to have a bit more energy and effort catching the ball than he he did in previous games.

[Skins Wingman]

Popeman38's observations from Sec 111:

1) Kai Forbath is money inside 55 yards - that is his limit (I know, not THAT important, but with our history of kickers I felt it was necessary to state)

2) London Fletcher is done - opposing offenses are now gameplanning to isolate him on a TE, and abuse him. Olson, Gonzales, Gresham, Graham, Bennett. It is no longer a concidence, it is a point of emphasis for the opposing offense.

3) DHall, when placed in position to simply cover, isn't that bad. When you ask him to think, he freezes.

4) Josh Wilson is a decent cover corner, but for some reason whenever he touches a WR he gets flagged. Meanwhile, the CBs for Seattle are permitted to molest WRs all day. The league seems to let the bigger, more physical corners get away with more contact.

5) Jim has to go, NOW. The players are complaining in game about his calls and lack of aggressive play calling. He has become a cancer, and needs to be relieved of his duties. Opposing offenses are now anticipating how Jim is calling a game late based on what he did in similar situations earlier in the game (see 82 yard completion from 10 yard line). There are no adjustments made by our defensive staff.

6) Kyle needs to mix in a professional passing offense, especially in the RZ. 4 straight stretch runs on the goal line?

7) Alred Morris needs to carry the ball 20 times per game, minimum. That's all I have to say on that.

8) Bench Hankerson. Briscoe needs to get some run regularly. He has size, speed and youth. Hankerson has size and youth, but is so damned nonchalant I want to strangle the ****.

9) Garcon will add an element to the offense we need - toughness and speed. This will allow us to use Aldrick Robinson in other ways that take advantage of his skills.

10) Banks has to go. He is too small, too light, andmore importantly, too dumb football-wise to be on the field. He adds nothing to this offense as a WR, and adds nothing on STs. He is wasting a roster spot. Cut him, and sign a kick-off specialist.

11) The refs were ATROCIOUS. Blowing a play dead and calling it a TD. RTP on Fletcher when no actual contact to head was made. Phantom holding call on QB draw TD. Numerous times Panthers were twisting RG3s head at the bottom of the pile with no call (Trent is gonna get fined/suspended eventually for jumpin on fools that mess with his QB - I LOVE this about him, just wish the rest of the O-line shared his passion), throwing flags 30 seconds after the play was over after the Carolina bench emptied onto the field (ineligible downfield?

12) Danny Smith has to go. Happy Bang?

13) We need to play mad, and play mean. Trent and Morris are the only ones on offense who do this, and we have no one on defense who does this.

I could keep going, but why bother? The team from the HC on down obviously doesn't care enough to get better, why should I bother even paying attention anymore?

i agree with everything but #'s 4 and 8. your giving wilson too much credit and hankerson not enough. other than that, i think you're spot on. i REALLY want to see griffin under center more and more each game. but its not happening.

[War Paint]

I observed the lack of communication with the LBs. I also wonder if Fletch maybe losing confidence of his teamates. It was a 4th down or 3rd and short. You clearly saw Fletch telling Perry Riley to slide over... "Slide over!!!"...Perry kept looking at him, but didnt move...guess where they converted the 3rd down. I was so pissed...You could see London Fletcher yelling at him after the play...and you could also see the lack of concern on Riley's face. This bothers me. I think Haslett's inability to make adjustments to help the defense may be creatig a cancer on defense. What say yous?

--Super frustratedHTTR

Wow, and according to insiders, Riley is supposed to be the one groomed to take over London's captain spot when he retires. How is Riley going to line up everyone if he doesn't know what's going on? Sigh...