The Redskins Game

[Pariah]

Can you believe the Redskins are in the discussion as one of the top NFC teams? I find it hard to swallow. That's not an indictment of the 'skins--I think it says a lot more about the state of the NFC. I don't think the Cards are all that great this year, but if they can get to the playoffs I think they have a good a chance as anyone to win the NFC Championship (and that includes the incredibly over-hyped Cowboys).

Anyway, I think this (like all NFC games) could go either way. This ended up being a longer post than I anticipated, so I’ve broken it up a little.

On Defense
The Skins receiving corps is banged up, which is good for the Cards since the secondary is our defensive weakness. Hopefully, Wilson and Pace can contain Cooley. That guy is breaking out this year.

I think we can bottle up the run game if the defense plays within itself. As we know, they're susceptible to misdirection and over-pursuit, so if they stay home and play smart I think the Portis/Betts duo can be held around 100 yards.

The worrisome aspect of this game for me is what Campbell might do to us if the run game isn't working and the pass game isn't there...he's no Mike Vick, but he's good enough with his feet that he can make something happen if the Cards aren't careful. I don't think he warrants a "spy," but it's just another reason the defense needs to stay disciplined.

On Offense
I think for 95% of the offensive plays the motto here should be “keep it simple, stupid.” The other 5% should be well-chosen spots to go deep off play action or a hitch and go route.

Boldin’s return should make the passing game click a little better for Rattay. The Cards can keep the passes short and quick with Boldin and Fitz on the outside—use the short passing game as an extension of the run game (like the cards had to do under Denny when they couldn’t run worth a damn). I think the defense will be keying on Edge, making Rattay beat them. I think he can with the short game.

 

[CardLogic]

Forward Pariah's post to Coach Whis...

 

[DRVNFAST]

Yo P!

Where you watchin the game this sunday?

If its on TV, party at my house. I just got a new 42'' LCD-HDTV.

 

[Pariah]

I've got a couple of Redskins buddies (you met one of them at the Hole) who want to watch it at Lodos downtown. I'll be there if any of the Denver Cards fans are interested in watching it there.

 

[DRVNFAST]

If I can't get the game here at the house in HD, I will probably see ya there.

I might have to bring the wife as she has a dog nose for bloody mary's on sunday morning.

 

[Pariah]

sweet!

 

[red desert]

I have an unsettling feeling that Portis is going to have a big game against us.

 

[SuperSpck]

My roommate (yup, married AND a roommate, I lead a complex life) is a huge skins fan so I've seen every game this season. Here's what I've noticed.

1) They're very thin on the Oline. Last game they even brought in a backups to backups. AZ had better take care of business up front, they've been given a tremendous advantage.

2) They're stacked at RB's, FB's, and TE. Portis (who's in my mind a little overated), Betts (who's a little underated) even each other out well. Both have problems putting the ball down. Another bonus for an aggressive offense. Rock Cartright and Sellers are versatile as pass catchers and blockers. Cartright even works returns for them, much like Betts did before getting a more full time role. Cooley started off cool, but has recently heated up and looks to be Campbell's favorite target the last couple of games.

3) The Skins dropped a lot of passes last game. 6 catchable drops, 1 iffy one. That's a lot and hopefully it continues.

4) Campbell is the real deal. He's got everything physical a coach could want, height, zip, mobility. He's also seeing the field well in a widely-known complicated offense.

5) Their defensive umbrella is also worrisome. Especially Taylor, who's seemingly set aside his jackass-ness but still continues to lay wood. He had 1 pick last week and one near one he dropped. The linebackers are also very quick, expect the QB (whomever it may be) and passing game to be in for a challenge.

 

[Redskins_XLII]

My roommate (yup, married AND a roommate,
5) Their defensive umbrella is also worrisome. Especially Taylor, who's seemingly set aside his jackass-ness but still continues to lay wood. He had 1 pick last week and one near one he dropped. The linebackers are also very quick, expect the QB (whomever it may be) and passing game to be in for a challenge.

EDIT: Sean Taylor had 2 picks last week Vs. Green Bay and he dropped 3 others. The announcers were amazed at the fact that he really should have had 5 Picks as a FS. They talked for a while about his ability to cover aaaaaaaaalot of ground. His three drops were right in the hands and once right in the numbers.

 

[SuperSpck]

EDIT: Sean Taylor had 2 picks last week Vs. Green Bay and he dropped 3 others. The announcers were amazed at the fact that he really should have had 5 Picks as a FS. They talked for a while about his ability to cover aaaaaaaaalot of ground. His three drops were right in the hands and once right in the numbers.

My bad then.

Aside from that, as a fan would you think my assessment has merit?

 

[Redskins_XLII]

My bad then.

Aside from that, as a fan would you think my assessment has merit?

Oh yea absolutely. No secret the O-Line is super thin. Alot of moves must be made for this week at those positions. I don't think Portis is overrated, he is just not completely healthy. He is such a physical Back and lays so many excellent blocks he just hasnt fully recovered from his Knee problems.

The biig thing that absolutely concerns me ... well the two big things... The fumbles and the dropped passes. The normally sure hands of Santana moss dropped a pass into the hands of a defender, and gave up the fumble that was taken for a TD. We realllllly need to work on that if we are going to move forward as a team and play competitive football.

All that aside i really feel like this weeks matchup will be pretty big for both teams. Cards do not want to go 3-4 and we really dont want to go 3-3. Both teams are bruised and battered, lets just pray for minimal- 0 injuries and a great football game.

 

[Pariah]

lets just pray for minimal- 0 injuries and a great football game.

Amen, brotha.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Hey Redskins XLII,

Please let me know your thoughts on Landry. Ilove this guy and really wanted us to grab him @ #5. IMO he has really freed up Taylor and is a big reason for their defensive success thusfar.

 

[Redskins_XLII]

Yea he won the philly game for us. 4th down and goal McNabb threw to Curtis and just as he touched it LaRon laid a punishing hit sending the ball flying. Game Over. that was his second game as a Redskin and a Rookie on Monday Night Football in Philly. Yea he is the real deal. So far as a rookie in 5 games he has .5 sacks 26 tackles and 2 Pass deflections and 2 stuffs. He would have more but Sean Ballhawk Taylor is pretty much covering the entire field.

He really is allowing ST to do his thing. LaRon is doing the dirty work, Shadowing TE's and RB's, playing up in the box for run support, and stuffing opponents. He is a very quick guy for a SS combine had him at 4.35 so he can also cover alot of ground. Bottom line he was the final piece to the puzzle that is allowing the Skins defense to return to dominant form.

 

[Mr Rogers]

He is a very quick guy for a SS combine had him at 4.35 so he can also cover alot of ground. Bottom line he was the final piece to the puzzle that is allowing the Skins defense to return to dominant form.

Ya hear that Cardinals front office a fast ball hawking safety across from AW would free him up to wreak even more havoc. Making our D much better.

 

[Skkorpion]

Hope for a great game and no injuries? Who is into that nonsense?

I always want my team to win in a blow-out. If the Skins safeties, QB, and LBs were all to eat bad sushi Saturday night, or pull hamstrings during warmups on Sunday, I'd be a happy man.

At the end of the year, they count up wins and losses to see who makes the playoffs. Number of injuries and quality of entertainment of each game matter not.

Hail to you, xlII, may you feel miserable by 4 pm Maryland time.

 

[Redskins_XLII]

Hope for a great game and no injuries? Who is into that nonsense?

I always want my team to win in a blow-out. If the Skins safeties, QB, and LBs were all to eat bad sushi Saturday night, or pull hamstrings during warmups on Sunday, I'd be a happy man.

At the end of the year, they count up wins and losses to see who makes the playoffs. Number of injuries and quality of entertainment of each game matter not.

Hail to you, xlII, may you feel miserable by 4 pm Maryland time.

We shall see

 

[az1965]

Yeah, Go Cards, Skin them alive!!!!