Skins/Vikings

[Mad Mark]

Anybody else here really fearing a trap game...for both teams?
It's going to be interesting.

[RipkenWay]

Anybody else here really fearing a trap game...for both teams?
It's going to be interesting.

I surely get that feeling regarding the Skins. It's been reported that Favre is sick and on the verge of pneumonia but will get the start. I hope that Favre can play the whole game because we know how the Skins do against second stringers. I would hate for Tavares Jackson to come in and light us up.

[AgentOrange]

I don't think any Redskins game this season can be considered a trap game

[JDubs]

Every game we should win is a trap game to me. We've proven that we can lose to the worst of them. I'm also concerned that they will have a rally game after the Childress firing. Either way, my popcorn is ready.

[JDubs]

I don't think any Redskins game this season can be considered a trap game

We'll just have to disagree here. The Skins are 5-5, not 2-8. They are playing a team that is 3-7 and 0-5 on the road. It's a game the Redskins should win. Qualifies it as a potential trap game.

[AgentOrange]

We'll just have to disagree here. The Skins are 5-5, not 2-8. They are playing a team that is 3-7 and 0-5 on the road. It's a game the Redskins should win. Qualifies it as a potential trap game.

You guys have to go 5-1 to have a shot at the playoffs. The vikings just changed head coaches. This is not a trap game. Maybe against carolina but not against Minnesota. Trap games are not for teams struggling to make the playoffs.

[backwardsk]

Nice job, Perry Riley. Nice job.

[backwardsk]

Last year, it was Jake Delhomme out hustling DeAngelo Hall. This year it was Brett Favre and his crocs sealing the game with a first down. The defense holds them to a FG after the Moss interception and then lets a scrambling Brett Favre beat them.

[Mad Mark]

Well, despite the fact that they've gone through running backs like Kleenex, the Redskins have gone from a ghastly embarassment to almost mediocre in one offseason, and the offense shows fitful signs of life. I suppose I ought to be satisfied with that for 2010.

[backwardsk]

Well, despite the fact that they've gone through running backs like Kleenex, the Redskins have gone from a ghastly embarassment to almost mediocre in one offseason, and the offense shows fitful signs of life. I suppose I ought to be satisfied with that for 2010.

Execution. If McNabb leads Armstrong, it's a TD. If Cooley, Moss, and Armstrong don't have drops, drives get extended and more points should be scored. The defense is schizo. They knuckle up and hold Tenn, Minn, Phi, GB, Chi, and Dallas to under 20. Then they have the games like the MNF against Phi and let Minnesota run through them easily on occasion. And of course the block in the back on the go ahead touchdown by Banks.

Good things are that they've locked up a competent QB for a few years, meaning they can build in the upcoming draft without having to grasp for a QB. They're a lot younger in the skill positions with Armstrong, Banks, Austin, Torain, Williams, Davis, and Davis. They have a left tackle to anchor their line.

[Mad Mark]

Execution. If McNabb leads Armstrong, it's a TD. If Cooley, Moss, and Armstrong don't have drops, drives get extended and more points should be scored. The defense is schizo. The knuckle up and hold Tenn, Minn, Phi, GB, Chi, and Dallas to under 20. Then they have the games like the MNF against Phi and let Minnesota run through them easily on occasion. And of course the block in the back on the go ahead touchdown by Banks.

Good things are that they've locked up a competent QB for a few years, meaning they can build in the upcoming draft without having to grasp for a QB. They're a lot younger in the skill positions with Armstrong, Banks, Austin, Torain, Williams, Davis, and Davis. The have a left tackle to anchor theire line.

The way you say it sounds a lot more hopeful. There is still much work to be done, though.

[backwardsk]

The way you say it sounds a lot more hopeful. There is still much work to be done, though.

Absolutely, but they had to start somewhere. Vinny's '08 draft was such a disaster. Great idea to trade down and acquire picks, but wow, Thomas and Rhinehart couldn't hack it. Kelly can't stay healthy, and Davis --while a nice player-- fills a spot that they already had a leader in.

I have been impressed with the guys that they got off the streets this season. I believe they have 22 TDs on the season and 13 (Williams 5, Torain 4, Banks 1, Young 1, Armstrong 1) are by undrafted free agents or guys cut by other teams.

I felt that they would be a 7 to 9 win team this season which could still happen. I'm happy that they're playing the young guys. But yeah, more work to be done. But I feel that this administration gets it.

[Mad Mark]

Absolutely, but they had to start somewhere. Vinny's '08 draft was such a disaster. Great idea to trade down and acquire picks, but wow, Thomas and Rhinehart couldn't hack it. Kelly can't stay healthy, and Davis --while a nice player-- fills a spot that they already had a leader in.

I have been impressed with the guys that they got off the streets this season. I believe they have 22 TDs on the season and 13 (Williams 5, Torain 4, Banks 1, Young 1, Armstrong 1) are by undrafted free agents or guys cut by other teams.

I felt that they would be a 7 to 9 win team this season which could still happen. I'm happy that they're playing the young guys. But yeah, more work to be done. But I feel that this administration gets it.

With the exception of the love for the mis-matched gold pants set, I agree! :D

[OrioleMagic]

Execution. If McNabb leads Armstrong, it's a TD. If Cooley, Moss, and Armstrong don't have drops, drives get extended and more points should be scored. The defense is schizo. They knuckle up and hold Tenn, Minn, Phi, GB, Chi, and Dallas to under 20. Then they have the games like the MNF against Phi and let Minnesota run through them easily on occasion. And of course the block in the back on the go ahead touchdown by Banks.

Good things are that they've locked up a very inconsistent QB for a few years, meaning they can build in the upcoming draft without having to grasp for a QB. They're a lot younger in the skill positions with Armstrong, Banks, Austin, Torain, Williams, Davis, and Davis. They have a left tackle to anchor their line.

I fixed that for you.:D

I respectfully disagree with the idea that McNabb is the answer for the next couple years.

[backwardsk]

I fixed that for you.:D

I respectfully disagree with the idea that McNabb is the answer for the next couple years.

He's a winner.

[OrioleMagic]

He's a winner.

Statistical support to that position is where??:)

How many rings?

How many playoff wins vs. losses?

[Araqnid]

Did anyone see the penalty on Banks return? The penalty was an illegal block to the back, but every replay I saw, it looked like the Redskin (wasn't sure who the penalty was on) was squared up on his Vikings' player's side.

Obviously with that touchdown, we're simply having the same conversation above, but with a 6-5 team and not a 5-6 team, but still....

[allstar1579]

Did anyone see the penalty on Banks return? The penalty was an illegal block to the back, but every replay I saw, it looked like the Redskin (wasn't sure who the penalty was on) was squared up on his Vikings' player's side.

Obviously with that touchdown, we're simply having the same conversation above, but with a 6-5 team and not a 5-6 team, but still....

It looked more like he hit him in the shoulder, but it's a subjective thing, if a guy contorts his back towards a guy while being hit from the side, he can draw a flag. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't teach that on coverage teams, since a block in the back flag will negate any return at all.

[JDubs]

Did anyone see the penalty on Banks return? The penalty was an illegal block to the back, but every replay I saw, it looked like the Redskin (wasn't sure who the penalty was on) was squared up on his Vikings' player's side.

Obviously with that touchdown, we're simply having the same conversation above, but with a 6-5 team and not a 5-6 team, but still....

The rule as it is applied and taught to the players is, if you can see the guy's numbers or read his name, don't make contact. It is debatable from replays where Riley hit the guy (seemed to be the 'shoulder-back' area, if that makes sense), but I think it is clear that he could clearly read both the defender's number and name. For another look, you can watch the return again (if you have the stomach for it) in this Redskins-Vikings Highlight Reel (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81c7a0c5/GameDay-Vikings-vs-Redskins-highlights). Look for the return in real time at the 1:48 mark; slow-motion of Riley's block is at 2:07.

The "numbers/name" application of the rule is a little silly (i.e. umps calling baserunners out based on when the ball arrived, rather than the tag), but it is useful for borderline situations like this.

Seems like every time Banks breaks one, there is a penalty. I wonder if the blockers have a heightened sense of duty to block for him because he is so little. Seems like a really likable, Rudy-type. Every good team I have ever played on had one guy who overcame physical disadvantages to contribute and those are the guys that teams rally around. You think, "If he can do it, then I'd be a chump not to do it too." Players may be over-aggressively blocking for him because they don't want to be the one to miss an assignment resulting in him getting destroyed. One thing is for sure, Brandon Banks is the bright spot this season.

In the end, I agree with Washington Post writer Mike Wise, who says "Perry Riley's illegal block is not the Washington Redskins' problem" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/28/AR2010112804095.html?wprss=rss_sports/redskins)

For those that are interested in hearing more regret (and some excuses) from the elder Shanahan and McNabb, NFL.com has the postgame press conference (http://www.nfl.com/videos/washington-redskins/09000d5d81c7a31b/Redskins-postgame-press-conference). At least he looks red this time, rather than his typical orange. I guess I shouldn't make fun of him, in case it is related to his kidney.

He nearly died when he was speared by a linebacker while playing quarterback at Eastern Illinois, the only college that offered him a football scholarship. A priest was summoned to read last rites. Shanahan lost a kidney...[Source (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121477975676614277.html.html?mod=sports&mg=com-wsj)]

Leading to this gem by WP's Sally Jenkins during his standoff with Fatty McLazy:

Who do you think is going to win the contest of wills between Albert Haynesworth and Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan? The guy who once played a football game with a ruptured kidney and didn't go to the hospital until he filled a sink with vomit three times and urinated bright red blood - or the guy who felt a little faint and headachy and spit up when he got out of the hot tub?[Source (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/22/AR2010082202581.html)]

Sorry, this is what happens when you need to procrastinate studying for law exams.

[Araqnid]

The rule as it is applied and taught to the players is, if you can see the guy's numbers or read his name, don't make contact. It is debatable from replays where Riley hit the guy (seemed to be the 'shoulder-back' area, if that makes sense), but I think it is clear that he could clearly read both the defender's number and name. For another look, you can watch the return again (if you have the stomach for it) in this Redskins-Vikings Highlight Reel (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81c7a0c5/GameDay-Vikings-vs-Redskins-highlights). Look for the return in real time at the 1:48 mark; slow-motion of Riley's block is at 2:07.

The "numbers/name" application of the rule is a little silly (i.e. umps calling baserunners out based on when the ball arrived, rather than the tag), but it is useful for borderline situations like this.

I agree it was borderline, it still hurts to see the rule applied. Oh well, I'd probably be all for it if I were a Vikings fan.

I do agree with the link, and with Cooley's analysis, that a good team wins those games. The Redskins are not a bad team anymore, but they certainly have a long way to go.

[JDubs]

I agree it was borderline, it still hurts to see the rule applied. Oh well, I'd probably be all for it if I were a Vikings fan.

I do agree with the link, and with Cooley's analysis, that a good team wins those games. The Redskins are not a bad team anymore, but they certainly have a long way to go.

Agreed, it was definitely one of the bigger downer moments in sports that I can remember--especially after the announcer yells, "No flags!"

I think the Redskins have a punchers chance every game in which Vick is not being historically good. Unfortunately, it looks like the playoffs are unlikely now. I'll still be happy to watch the games for the sake of enjoying them, especially with a potential lockout on the horizon, but the playoff implications are minimal.

[backwardsk]

Statistical support to that position is where??:)

How many rings?

How many playoff wins vs. losses?

9 playoff wins vs 7 losses

Find me one active QB that has more playoff wins not named Tom Brady.

97-55-1

No rings? I guess that means Rivers, Rodgers, Ryan, Flacco, and Romo aren't any good either. :)

He's a winner.

[backwardsk]

The block in the back probably should have been called. The bad thing is that the guy didn't have a chance to tackle Banks. In the Tennessee game, there was an obvious block in the back that didn't get called.

[JDubs]

The block in the back probably should have been called. The bad thing is that the guy didn't have a chance to tackle Banks. In the Tennessee game, there was an obvious block in the back that didn't get called.

Yeah, Riley not only failed to realize that that he might block the defender in the back, but also failed to realize that the defender was a non-factor at that point. Double fail.

[Mad Mark]

I think the Redskins have a punchers chance every game in which Vick is not being historically good. Unfortunately, it looks like the playoffs are unlikely now. I'll still be happy to watch the games for the sake of enjoying them, especially with a potential lockout on the horizon, but the playoff implications are minimal.

Not making the playoffs is the best possible thing that could happen to this organization right now. To have them slip in during a down year in the NFC and come away thinking they're better/closer than they really are is something that could set the franchise back years. As long as Little Danny Danger owns this team, I want it making the playoffs the hard way and through the front door and not the easy way through the back.

[OrioleMagic]

9 playoff wins vs 7 losses

Find me one active QB that has more playoff wins not named Tom Brady.

97-55-1

No rings? I guess that means Rivers, Rodgers, Ryan, Flacco, and Romo aren't any good either. :)

He's a winner.

I think you are seeing him through rose-tinted glasses. He is on the winning side of the statistical border, but he is clearly inconsistent. I am merely saying that he is not the answer at QB for the next 2-3 years.

His current inconsistent play cannot be blamed solely on the O-line. We have seen a beautiful rythmic drive on several occasions this year, followed by horrible play that is highlighted by overthrows or passes skipped off the turf to the receiver.

Just an opinion, but one that is clearly substantiated by the current play of our beloved Redskins.

[backwardsk]

I think you are seeing him through rose-tinted glasses. He is on the winning side of the statistical border, but he is clearly inconsistent. I am merely saying that he is not the answer at QB for the next 2-3 years.

His current inconsistent play cannot be blamed solely on the O-line. We have seen a beautiful rythmic drive on several occasions this year, followed by horrible play that is highlighted by overthrows or passes skipped off the turf to the receiver. Just an opinion, but one that is clearly substantiated by the current play of our beloved Redskins.

Or drops, or deflections that lead to interceptions... McNabb is inconsistant, but you challenged the notion that he's a winner. He is. What is your proposal for QB next year?

[OrioleMagic]

Or drops, or deflections that lead to interceptions... McNabb is inconsistant, but you challenged the notion that he's a winner. He is. What is your proposal for QB next year?

Right now... trade McNabb and Fat Albert for picks and look at either the draft pool or the trade market. It's too early to have a specific option. It is not too early to identify what likely won't work.

I would guess that Shanahan will still keep him though.

[Mad Mark]

Right now... trade McNabb and Fat Albert for picks and look at either the draft pool or the trade market. It's too early to have a specific option. It is not too early to identify what likely won't work.

I would guess that Shanahan will still keep him though.

In your scenario, do you start the rookie or endure a season (or more) of Sexy Rexy?

[backwardsk]

In your scenario, do you start the rookie or endure a season (or more) of Sexy Rexy?

Starting a rookie QB would make a ton of sense behind this line.

[Dr. FLK]

In your scenario, do you start the rookie or endure a season (or more) of Sexy Rexy?

Or do you start Beck?

[OrioleMagic]

In your scenario, do you start the rookie or endure a season (or more) of Sexy Rexy?

I don't have an answer to that at this point. I guess it depends.