MNF: Redskins Perspective

Players to Watch

S LaRon Landry - Landry has become one of the best safeties in the NFL this year. He is a big hitter, does an excellent job at blitzing the and seems to always be around the ball. He leads the team the team in tackles and definitely brings an intimidation factor in the secondary.

WR Anthony Armstrong - The Redskins have been searching for another receiver to emerge to help take some pressure off of WR Santana Moss. Armstrong comes from a small division II school (West Texas A&M) and has been playing arena football for the past 3 years, he finally got a chance in the NFL this year and has shined starting the last four games. He is averaging 21.6 yards per catch and finally given the Redskins another receiving option.

OLB Brian Orakpo - It is a hard transition switching from being a down linesman to a linebacker, but Orakpo so far has done a great job of adjusting to his new role. Orakpo has 5 sacks in the last 4 games and they need him to have a big game tonight and get some pressure on Vick.

Key Matchup: CB DeAngelo Hall vs WR DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin- Hall has gotten back to his pro-bowl form this year leading the NFL in interceptions and passes defended to go along with 63 tackles. He has been dominate at times and has single handedly won the game against the Bears. Hall will most likely be matched up against the Eagles two young fast receivers and will have his hands full tonight. This match-up will be key to winning this game. The Redskins are 31st in pass defense so they are going to need a big game out of Hall and the rest of the secondary.

Why the Redskins Will Win- McNabb will be motivated. McNabb has taken a lot of criticism some of it has been well deserved. I think with a big contract under his belt (just signed a 5 year $78 million), he is going to come out on national TV with everyone watching and prove his critics wrong and show that he is worth the money. McNabb knows what it is like to be benched, in 2008 he was benched by Andy Reid when he was on the Eagles. The next game McNabb came out and responded by throwing for 4 touchdowns and blowing out the Cardinals. I would not be surprised to see that happen again. Another big reason is that Eagles QB Michael Vick has been flawless throwing for 7 TDs and 0 interceptions and a QB rating of 105.3. When he was at Atlanta Vick's QB rating was generally around 75 (a high of 81) so I think he is going to come back to reality sooner rather than later.

Prediction: Redskins 24 Eagles 17

AFC & NFC East Quarter Review

NFC East- This division is completely up for grabs.

By New Contributor Jimmy Hawley

Washington Redskins (2-2)

Washington has been greatly improved by the arrival of new coach Mike Shanahan and longtime Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. The team has to be ecstatic about their 2-0 start within the division with big wins over the Cowboys and the Eagles. While the loss to the Rams was a little baffling, the Redskins have shown a new toughness under Shanahan and even Albert Haynesworth, who has been a major distraction this season, played very well against the Eagles.

Standout Players: Donovan McNabb, Brian Orakpo, Santana Moss

New York Giants (2-2)

The Giants finally saw the resurgence of their defense in their last game against the Bears, registering an

incredible 10 sacks. The defense, which looked awful in the loss to the Colts, is starting to find its rhythm. The offense, however, is still a big problem spot, and they need improved play out of Eli Manning if they want to contend in the division.

Standout Players: Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck

Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

Philadelphia may have taken for granted how great it is to have a reliable QB in Donovan McNabb. The concussion to QB Kevin Kolb opened up the door for Michael Vick to showcase what could only be characterized as a MVP performance in his first three appearances, leaving Kolb, who was once thought of as the future franchise QB as merely an afterthought. Vickmania may need to cool down, however, as Vick suffered an injury to his ribs. The injury is not likely to keep Vick out of action for more than two weeks, but it is obvious the type of style Vick plays makes him more susceptible to injuries. Kevin Kolb will get the chance in the mean time to try to show why the Eagles traded away McNabb, and QB situation in Philadelphia will likely be a yearlong storyline and continue into the offseason. Despite the issues, the Eagles are right in the mix to contend for the division and have the talent to rise to the top, however that chance will suffer if Vick cannot stay healthy.

Standout Players: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy

Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Dallas seems to have one of the most talented teams in the league every year, yet it is always a question of if that talent can translate into wins. The Cowboys are usually a team that starts out great and fades as the season progresses, but this year they have struggled right out of the gate. A mediocre offensive line has made the running game practically nonexistent. They may have righted the ship with the win against the Texans, but the team has a brutal schedule this year. The defense is solid but does not create many turnovers and if they continue to be a one dimensional team on offense, they will not be able to win the division.

Standout Players: Tony Romo, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware

Prediction: The Giants defense and improved play from Eli Manning earns New York the division title in what will likely be the closest divisional race in the NFC.

AFC East – One of the strongest divisions in the NFL

By Keith McGonigle

New York Jets (3-1)

After a tough season opening loss to the Ravens, everyone criticized Jets and the arrogance they displayed in Hard Knocks. Since then, however, they have looked like the super bowl contenders they talked about. Mark Sanchez has really come on, throwing 8 touchdowns 0 interceptions in the last three games. Rex Ryan’s defense has had some injuries, but they have not lost a step. With WR Santonio Holmes coming back from his suspension and CB Darrelle Revis and LB Calvin Pace both coming back from injury, it is scary to think how good the Jets could be.

Surprise players: LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller

New England Patriots (3-1)

The Patriots first three games were a roller coaster ride, but they are coming off a huge road game against the Miami Dolphins, a team they have struggled against in the past. Bill Belichick’s teams are usually defined by veteran players and high IQ guys. This year the Patriots team is filled with a lot of young fast players that are still trying to grasp all the concepts. Six rookies have started and contributed so far this year. The offense has been very efficient; they haven’t put up great stats, but lead the NFL in points per game. The big question will be can the young defensive players mature and play like a Belichick coached team.

Surprise Players: Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Tate, Patrick Chung

Miami Dolphins (2-2)

Many people picked the Dolphins to win the AFC East this year so the 2-2 start is somewhat disappointing. Overall, the Dolphins have played pretty well except a few phases of the game. They just fired their special teams coach after two poor performances against the Jets and Patriots. They have also had too many turnovers and some questionable play calling. The talent is still there though; individually a lot of players have done well. They have a very tough stretch of games coming up; we will see what the Dolphins are made of in the coming weeks.

Surprise Players: Davone Bess, Cameron Wake, Jason Allen

Buffalo Bills (0-4)

There really is not a lot to say about the Buffalo Bills. They are the worst team in the NFL. You have to think that this season they are just playing for the first overall pick in next year’s draft, so they can finally get a franchise QB. The only problem is the Bills are so bad at drafting I don’t know if they will even select a QB.

Surprise Players: CJ Spiller. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve Johnson

Prediction: It will come down to the Patriots and Jets. The Jets are a very streaky team so I am nervous to just give them the AFC East. I think the Patriots will end up taking it and the Jets will get in with the Wild Card.

Mike Golic is a Better Athlete than Albert Haynesworth

This is too funny.  Mike Golic, 47 year old former NFL player passes Albert Haynesworth's conditioning test

Haynesworth Fails Conditioning Test...Again

This seems to be the preseason of failed conditioning tests...first rookie Terrance "Mount" Cody with the Ravens twice and now previously disgruntled Albert Haynesworth of the Washington Redskins.  Haynesworth was not happy about the switch to the 3-4 defense as he will be moving to nose tackle.  Albert is off to a shaky start with the new coaching staff, but in the end everything will work out.  Haynesworth's contract is worth over $100 million, and the coaching staff and management will not sit a player that is taking up that much cap space.  Sure, he will probably begin training camp (when he passed the conditioning test) with the 2nd or 3rd teams, but expect Haynesworth to quickly move back into the starting role.  The nose tackle is crucially important to a 3-4 defense, and having a guy like Haynesworth in that spot is huge (literally).  However, Haynesworth will see some time at the 3-4 defenseive end when him and Maake Kemoeatu are both playing.  Kemoeatu is recovering from a 2009 achilles injury.

Prediction:  Haynesworth will see time both at DE and NT this season.  Expect him to be involved in some trade rumors at some point in the next year if he continues to create off-the-field issues.

Washington Redskins 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            4-12

Wins: Rams, Bucs, Broncos, Raiders

Losses: Giants (x2), Lions, Panthers, Chiefs, Eagles (x2), Falcons, Cowboys (x2), Saints, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            Donovan McNabb

QB, Syracuse, Drafted #2, 12^th Year

McNabb joined the Redskins and immediately surfaced as a leader.  He has been one of the most effective playmakers at the position during his career, evolving from a QB who tended to leave the pocket too soon to a very accurate pocket passer.  McNabb led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games in the last eight years, and people knock him for not winning the big games.  Just like people knocked John Elway when Mike Shanahan was coaching him…

Impact Player            London Fletcher

MLB, John Carroll, Undrafted, 13^th Year

London Fletcher may be one of the most underrated players of the last decade.   Consider that he has made only one Pro Bowl in his career (2009).  Now consider that he has made over 115 tackles every year for the past ten seasons.  Not to mention his 15 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles, 30 sacks and 60 passes defended…all impressive numbers for an inside backer, a guy who is supposed to stuff the run.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Donovan McNabb

QB, Syracuse, Drafted #2, 12^th Year

Acquiring Donovan McNabb was definitely the best move the Redskins made with a draft pick.  Coming off a season in which he threw for 3,500 yards, 22 touchdowns and just ten interceptions, McNabb is poised to help lead the Redskins to an improved record.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Antwaan Randle El

WR, Indiana, Drafted #63, 8^th Year

Normally, losing your starting QB would be the biggest offseason loss, but they upgraded at the position.  They also lost OT Chris Samuels (the 3^rd overall pick in 2000) to retirement due to injury, but there was nothing they could do to help that.  Losing Antwaan Randle El was their biggest loss because of their lack of depth at the WR position in 2010.  Devin Thomas is a third year veteran from Michigan State who will need to step up to make the Redskins not regret releasing Randle El.

Biggest Draft Steal            Selvish Capers

OT, West Virginia, Drafted #231, Rookie

Selvish Capers is a guy who is a project, but has a lot of potential.  Drafting a guy who is relatively new to his position (Capers switched from TE to OT two years ago) is risky business, but Capers was picked to be drafted much higher.  The Redskins were looking to add depth at tackle in this draft, and Capers has big upside.

Biggest Draft Reach            None

The Redskins drafted OT Trent Williams with the 4^th overall pick, and many questioned this, simply because he was not Russell Okung.  Trent Williams is physically gifted and will likely start as a rookie and for years to come, but that is what you should expect from a top 5 pick.  The Redskins did not pick again until the fourth and none were worthy of being considered a reach.

                 

Offseason Grade            A-

The biggest move of the offseason was the addition of Mike Shanahan as their head coach.  Success of a team really comes from the top, and Shanahan is a proven leader and a winner.  Adding Donovan McNabb has a similar effect.  However, the Redskins also got a starter in OT Jammal Brown and added depth with QB Rex Grossman, RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, DE Adam Karriker, DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu, CB Phillip Buchanon as well as starting punter Josh Bidwell. 

X-Factor            3-4 Transition

Switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 is never easy, especially when your $100 million defensive tackle is deadest against it.  Albert Haynesworth has since retracted his stance, but it will be interesting to see how now OLB’s Brian Orakpo (2009 Pro Bowler) and Andre Carter, both who had 11 sacks as a DE in 2009, adjust to the switch. 

Name You Should Know            London Fletcher

MLB, John Carroll, Undrafted, 13^th Year

Still not sure how he is so underrated, and how he has always been so.  Because he’s undersized?  Get over it.  10 straight 115+ tackle seasons.  Fletcher was undrafted out of Division III John Carroll University, and is still not getting the respect he deserves!

Rising Star            Brian Orakpo

OLB, Texas, Drafted #13, 2^nd Year

Brian Orakpo is an absolute animal.  I remember watching a game of his from Texas and seeing the special at halftime of him in the weight room.  He is huge, and just throws around weight in the weight room.  If the 2009 rookie pro bowler is not considered a star after his 11 sack rookie campaign, he will be in the next two years.

Offensive Outlook            B-

The addition of a leader like Donovan McNabb and two probable starting tackles helps their outlook, but the Redskins are still looking at three potentially washed up running backs to carry their rushing attack.  Larry Johnson was impressive in limited time last year with the Bengals, and Clinton Portis and Willie Parker hope to return to their 1,000 yard forms, but who knows if any of them can carry the load this season.  The running back position is a wild-card, and the ‘Skins need to establish a consistent number two receiving threat.  Having a healthy Chris Cooley is also vital to the offense.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The defense appears to be relatively strong, but they are currently faced with the uncertainty of switching to the 3-4.  A big sigh of relief is that Albert Haynesworth will report to camp.  Orakpo and Carter are proven pass rushers, but it will be interesting to see how they do out of a two point stance and in pass coverage.  The secondary is just decent, with DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers both needing to play well early, or they could see Phillip Buchanan take over.  LaRon landry is likely moving to strong safety where he should be more effective. 

Special Teams Outlook            C-

2^nd year kicker Graham Gano is slated as the ‘Skins number one kicker after appearing in just one game in 2009.   Josh Bidwell missed all of 2009 with a hip injury so it will be interesting to see how he fares.  The kickoff and punt return games were poor for the Redskins in ’09, ranking 24^th and 30^th, respectively.

Projected 2010 Record            7-9

Yes, the Redskins were 4-12 last year.  And yes, they could have been much better.  The Redskins suffered from the inability to win the close games in 2009, losing five games by three points or less.  (If they had managed to win those five there are looking at a 9-7 finish!)  The Redskins improved drastically since last year, but are playing in a tough division in the NFC East, and I don’t see them going better than 2-4 against the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles.