A non-homer's take on the skins going into 05. Have we improved?

[Destino]

Yes I know that I’m not currently employed by an NFL team and that my opinion means nothing to you FO loving homers. But before you go on another “I can’t hear you blah blah blah” trip, read below and *GASP* dare to share your own non-NFL team opinion.

Offense

O-Line: Improved over last year with the addition of a center and the return of our right tackle. Two rookies drafted last year will also have a years experience under their belt.

QB: Improved. Ramsey has more experience and goes into the season as the starter. No more splitting reps with noodle arm. The pressure is on for him but with a improved o-line and speed at WR the conditions are right for him to greatly improve his game.

WR: No significant loss or gain. Coles provided this team with a legit number one wide out, and yes even with his bad toe he put up much better then average numbers. However a hurt Coles and a never has been fast Gardner were not able to separate very well from defenders. This year we have more speed and young receivers who I think can sense this year may be their best chacne to prove something. While I wouldn't say we are better yet, we have a CHANCE with all the other factors involved to improve the passing game greatly.

Running game: In my opinion Portis had a bad year last year. Which is a good thing, beacuse if that's a bad year, then this year with an improved offensive line, he is going to hurt someone. We also went and drafted some big some-a-bishes in this draft to strengthen the one real (and painfully annoying) weakness our backfield had last year; short yardage.

H-back/TE: Cooley is no longer a rookie and having lost some of the weight he gained to try to get drafted as a TE, he will be faster. Cooley will be better this year.

No addition at TE but we found ways to use this position more at the end of the year last year, so we may be improved here as well in terms of production. But I'd leave it as staying the same with no major swing in either direction.

Defense:

D-line: You could argue we are the same but I see us weaker then last year. One year older and no addition of talent or youth is a bad thing IMO. I think this group overachieved last year thanks to the coaching staff but our line seems to live and die on Griffin, and that worries me. Lack of depth and a real second threat here could haunt us.

Linebacker: Pierce is a big loss IMO. The guy turned out to be great in the system we are running. Will Barrow be ok to play? Who knows, but even if he is, an old guy with recurring knee problems is in no way a improvement at the position. However all is not lost, we have a rookie that could step up and a backup that could turn out to be the next guy who can shine when given a shot. The safe money however is that we have gone down at the MLB spot.

Having said that I think as a whole the unit will be more dangerous next year, but all of that will hinge on LA staying healthy. With him in there this team has amazing speed at the edges of the front seven, as well as probowl type big play ability. Having Arrington and Washington healthy really forces the opposing teams to plan around these guys.

If LA can stay healthy we've improved over all in the effectiveness of our linebackers. If he can't we will end up taking a step backwards here.

CB: I think Smoot is better then Harris or any rookie. So I say we've gone backwards at this position. In the future however Rodgers could end up being better then Smoot ever was. I was never sold on Smoot as a tackler and he did get burned more then just a few times. Ask me next year and I think I'll be saying "Smoot who?"

S: Taylor is no longer a rookie and Matt Bowen is back. This position is much improved over last year on those two things alone.

I feel that we will be a much better offensive team in terms of talent on the field. This is not taking into consideration what may be more significant, in that the coaches have shaken off the cobwebs and should be calling better games then they did last year.

The defense is in a dangerous position, one where we rely on a few guys a bit more then I am comfortable with. This however will not be as important on this team as it would on any other because of our great coaching staff. Gregg Williams can plan around seemingly anything and injuries or not he will keep us in the top 10 defenses in the league. If all goes right we could be even better then last year.

I think we will win more games next year and end up surprising a lot of people. Those fat @ss writers at ESPN and SI will be eating a lot of crow when the skins become the team no one wants to play.

[SnyderShrugged]

Good post Destino(even though I am seen by you as a homer!)

I respect that you have thought out your position and opinion and arent like many others who actually feel they know what is or was needed for success.

I can see where you are going, but I think you left out the special team's asset as a potential to put them over the edge in many games.

I also think that the scouts saw vast potential in the UDFA market this time around and are using those to shore up some in depth.

I agree that the risks are high with the fact that much of the depth on D is yet unproven though.

Please consider this a "kiss and make up attemt by me as well, actually, not the kiss, that would be gay.

[Bucaro]

I agree totally with this assesment but I thinking the biggest intagible is the improvgement of JG and his scheme. To think, even for a second that Coach Gibbs will at worst be the same with his offense, would be a lack of knowledge of JG in general (not that anyone is saying that). This guy is not even mediocre at anything. Look at everything he has done in coaching in both sports, he always improves. May not be conventional, may not be the expectation, but it happens. This is by no means a homeristic view, just the view of a fan about a coaching icon. I don't necesarily expect greatness, but improvement at the bare minimum is justified in my opinion

[authentic]

listen, we really wouldn't know until the season, once we beat improve on our record , then , yes we've improved.. besides that you can say that we've improved from '03 to '04 , but it was only by one game.. so, while i would love to be opitumistic about this upcoming season we simply dont' know yet.

[Destino]

Originally posted by skin-n-vegas

I can see where you are going, but I think you left out the special team's asset as a potential to put them over the edge in many games.

I left them out of this becasue in truth I'm not as up to date as I should be with our special teams situation. I'm hoping some folks will chime in and share some information on this unit.

Originally posted by skin-n-vegas

Please consider this a "kiss and make up attemt by me as well, actually, not the kiss, that would be gay.

So....what are you wearing?

hehehe (don't answer!)

[Saqs]

Originally posted by Bucaro

I agree totally with this assesment but I thinking the biggest intagible is the improvgement of JG and his scheme. To think, even for a second that Coach Gibbs will at worst be the same with his offense, would be a lack of knowledge of JG in general (not that anyone is saying that). This guy is not even mediocre at anything. Look at everything he has done in coaching in both sports, he always improves. May not be conventional, may not be the expectation, but it happens. This is by no means a homeristic view, just the view of a fan about a coaching icon. I don't necesarily expect greatness, but improvement at the bare minimum is justified in my opinion

Good post.

[TheLongshot]

I disagree slightly with your rating of the LBs. I think it is going to end up being a push, maybe even positive, if LaVar can actually play up to his potential.

I think Williams will find someone to play the middle with the myriad of LBs we had, a good deal of which were on this team last year.

Other than that, I agree.

Jason

[Destino]

Originally posted by TheLongshot

I disagree slightly with your rating of the LBs. I think it is going to end up being a push, maybe even positive, if LaVar can actually play up to his potential.

I think Williams will find someone to play the middle with the myriad of LBs we had, a good deal of which were on this team last year.

Other than that, I agree.

Jason

Then you do agree. Because that's what I wrote. while I think we took a step back at the MLB position over all the LBs will be more effective...if LA can stay on the field. The addition of a healthy LA is greater then the subtraction of Pierce is my logic in this.

What do you think of this McCune prospect? (hope I spelled that right). The more I read about him the more I like him. Looks like real hitter in the middle of the field, just waiting to take on some punk FB in the gap.

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by Destino

Running game: In my opinion Portis had a bad year last year. Which is a good thing, beacuse if that's a bad year, then this year with an improved offensive line, he is going to hurt someone. We also went and drafted some big some-a-bishes in this draft to strengthen the one real (and painfully annoying) weakness our backfield had last year; short yardage.

Relative to his previous two years, CP had a bad year. But 1315 yards and 5 TDs ain't too shabby! I'd like to see an improvement from the 3.8 yards per carry, but with JJ back on the right side and a new center, that number should be bumped up to the 4.5-5.0 range. And if Dockery comes into his full potential, he could be back up to his 5.5 days. I hope his TD numbers grow next year, but if the draft is any indication, Gibbs plans on pulling CP at the goal line and putting in one of the two bruisers he picked up. I think White will have great goal line success, whether he is lead blocking or busting in himself.

[iheartskins]

Interesting post Destino--though I'm trying to find the liberal slant and find someway to deride you for it.

Anyway--here's the little I have to offer in light of our special teams. With our draftees, especially McCune--we stand the chance of having drastically better Special Teams coverage. A lot of our new guys have a lot of experience playing special teams and accordingly, we have an opportunity to gain noticeably from their experiences. Although we did have some highlights last year (Thrash's play in particular), there were also a lot of lowlights by virtue of horrendous mental lapses (e.g., the Ravens game which the ST singlehandely lost although a poorly timed missed-block and Brunell fumble/pass to the Ravens D didn't help), so this could be an area that is much improved. Further, I think having some consistency in the Special Teams coaching will help to improve things.

We're going to be better for sure. What remains unclear is just how much. The sky's not the limit here--it's more like 11 wins.

Nice to read some fact based-non-homerish posts.

[Riggo-toni]

I think Lavar improves the DL, but not the LBs. Williams will use him as a pass rushing DE, to finally get line pressure. On the other hand, Arrington's propensity to make boneheaded plays negates much of his athleticism at LB.

[Art]

Scary thing, Destino, as I know you view me a homer, yet, I've said just about everything you've said, so, I wonder, is it just you saying it that makes it non-homerific?

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by Destino

What do you think of this McCune prospect? (hope I spelled that right). The more I read about him the more I like him. Looks like real hitter in the middle of the field, just waiting to take on some punk FB in the gap.

He's got good speed and nice size. He was a playmaker at Louisville, and I think he can be a solid MLB at the pro level. I haven't read anything about his intelligence, so who knows if he can reproduce Antonio's contribution to the D last year!?!? If anything, he'll make for a great camp and preseason, providing competition for the MLB spot. I think Barrow will return this season, but as to whether or not he'll be at 100% remains to be seen. You never know how a player is going to respond from a knee injury until he steps on the field. But Barrow is definitely a good teacher for McCune...

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by Art

Scary thing, Destino, as I know you view me a homer, yet, I've said just about everything you've said, so, I wonder, is it just you saying it that makes it non-homerific?

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

From all the posts I've read, most of the "homers" on this board agree with you, Destino. Just out of curiousity, do you think anyone who doesn't say "THE FO SUCKS! THE DRAFT SUCKED! WE SUCK!" is a homer?

[Destino]

Originally posted by Art

is it just you saying it that makes it non-homerific?

yes.

:wewantd:

[Art]

Originally posted by Destino

yes.

:wewantd:

Now, how can you argue with that .

[zoony]

Destino... I posted this in another thread. I'll copy and paste it here... my take.

Offense:

QB's BETTER

Ramsey is going into his second year. He is more comfortable with the system, and he will be our starter. We saw his improvement at the end of last year. No wasted time this year starting Brunell. Oh yah... we just drafted Jason Campbell.

RB's BETTER

Same thing with Portis... 2nd year guy now, and will be comfortable. Capable backup in Ladell. Drafted two strong / solid FB's.

OLine BETTER

Jansen is back. We got Rabach. Wilson & Molinaro in 2nd year now. Dockery is in his 3rd year now, and he improved all of last year.

TE BETTER

No change to this position... although it could be argued that we are better because Royal is more comfortable and Chris Cooley is poised for a Pro Bowl Year.

WR PUSH

We'll assume Coles and Moss are equals. We've added Patten, but lost Gardner. I'm glad Gardner's gone because he sucked. (sorry Rod). But I won't argue we're better here... throw you a bone so to speak. Jacobs is poised to have a good season, as is McCants

Defense:

Secondary BETTER

Bowen back healthy, Taylor in his second year, we drafted the best corner in the country (he will be better than smoot right away, mark my words)... no other changes

LineBackers PUSH

The only reason this is a push is because I'm not sure of Lavar's knee. If he is healthy for the opener, this goes to BETTER, simply because I'll take a healthy Lavar over a healthy Pierce any day of the week. Plus we drafted a decent prospect here as well. Barrow might come back, who by the way is William's first choice to run his D (over pierce) I know this unit is improved, and so do you, but once again I'll throw you a bone.

D Line PUSH

One COULD argue that we will be better because our starters are returning... and Noble is 2 years removed from his knee injury... but I won't . Although, June 1 is right around the corner... and Gibbs iirc eluded to a pickup or two at this position

[jbooma]

Originally posted by Art

Scary thing, Destino, as I know you view me a homer, yet, I've said just about everything you've said, so, I wonder, is it just you saying it that makes it non-homerific?

:laugh: :laugh:

Destino is an actual homer though, he just doesn't know it

[Destino]

Originally posted by jrockster77

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

From all the posts I've read, most of the "homers" on this board agree with you, Destino. Just out of curiousity, do you think anyone who doesn't say "THE FO SUCKS! THE DRAFT SUCKED! WE SUCK!" is a homer?

While my posts in this thread may seem similar to a homers senseless drooling love affair with all things Redskins related, it isn't. You see I do not feel that I need to give any member of the team the benefit of the doubt. I don't trust Snyder, I'm still not sold on Bug Eyes, and while I think Gibbs is the best coach in football I have my doubts about him as a GM.

So you see, my proclaiming that this team has indeed improved in any number of areas (any number because I'm too lazy to count) it is still a fact based opinion completely free of swooning optimism and and blinding loyalty.

In other words, I don't like thinking of myself as a homer.

Check please.

[zoony]

waiiiit a minute. how'd you get that avatar with < 5000 posts?

hmmm? ????

[Posse81]

Excellent post Destino. I see things the same way.

The return of Jansen and the addition of Raubach will do wonders for our offense. I am still hoping that we find a starting TE that Gibbs can rely on in the running game.

As for Coles, yes, he caught 90 balls but even Tim McGee could catch WR screens. We will be better at WR, especially wth the continued development of Jacobs (and hopefully D Mac).

I think that the return of LA will, for the most part, offset the loss of AP. Hopefully Barrow can return healthy so we don't miss a beat with calls and smarts form the MLB position.

As much as I like Smoot and as much as I wanted to keep him, adding Rogers will minimize the loss of Smoot. I don't think starting Harris was ever an option there (in fact, we may not be done adding CBs).

So this is a team that was probably 5 plays from being 9-7. I think we will be better this year than last. Injuries will probably dictate HOW much better we'll be.

[Hooper]

I'm cautiously optimistic. Our offensive scheme was terrible last year and made the talent look worse than it was. As Jon Jansen said, we were running a 1992 offense that doesn't fly in today's NFL. I trust Gibbs will be making some big changes.

On defense, I'm looking forward to Williams' secret weapon wreaking havoc on third down. You heard it here first: much to Lavar's chagrin, Chris Clemons will lead the team in sacks this year. Dude is unblockable coming off the edge.

[SnyderShrugged]

The draft rating thread is still full of haters, Destino, Go there and at least show them how a nay-sayer can post in a manner that shows intelligence and judgement!

I was just informed there that there was no way that Gregg Williams had any say in personnel decisions!

Some of these guys are going loony, I swear!

[Art]

Originally posted by Destino

While my posts in this thread may seem similar to a homers senseless drooling love affair with all things Redskins related, it isn't. You see I do not feel that I need to give any member of the team the benefit of the doubt. I don't trust Snyder, I'm still not sold on Bug Eyes, and while I think Gibbs is the best coach in football I have my doubts about him as a GM.

So you see, my proclaiming that this team has indeed improved in any number of areas (any number because I'm too lazy to count) it is still a fact based opinion completely free of swooning optimism and and blinding loyalty.

In other words, I don't like thinking of myself as a homer.

Check please.

Here's your problem, D.

Since the large portion of "homers" see it the same way, both from a plus and minus standpoint, you have to admit they weren't blindly optimistic or loyal in making their assessments, unless you are as well. And once you admit that, maybe you'll realize that no one here really is a homer in the category you state, but, MANY people can intelligently process information and present an assessment that may be positive because it actually IS positive, and not for any other reason.

Most of the non-fans here simply presume ANY positive post -- your post as well -- is the sign of blind loyalty and optimism. It may just be that giving it some thought you realize it's not that at all, but, simply exercising the mind a wee bit and coming to appreciate things aren't as terrible as some have led you to believe.

[stevenaa]

"So you see, my proclaiming that this team has indeed improved in any number of areas (any number because I'm too lazy to count) it is still a fact based opinion completely free of swooning optimism and and blinding loyalty"

Yes, but by your own evaluation you must admit that Snyder has turned it over to Gibbs, and if we are truly improved, then Gibbs is doing a good job as GM. Welcome to the Homerside