Posts Tagged ‘washington redskins’

Baltimore Ravens Make Jim Zorn Quarterbacks Coach

The Baltimore Ravens have made the best offseason move thus far in the hiring of Jim Zorn as the new Quarterbacks Coach.

His hiring came after former quarterback coach Hue Jackson left to join the Oakland Raiders as their new offensive coordinator.

Zorn is coming off an embarrassing two-year tenure as the head coach for Washington where he led the ‘Skins to their worst record in fifteen years at 12-20. His team came close to victory time and again, but was never able to overcome the mistakes of an inane owner and a rookie head coach.

Owner Daniel Snyder promoted Zorn from offensive coordinator to head coach before the season ever began; the team’s first mistake. Read more…

Lou Spanos is Headed For Washington

Long-time Pittsburgh Steelers defensive assistant Lou Spanos has accepted an offer to become the Washington Redskins’ new linebacker coach.

The latest addition to the Redskins coaching makeover comes as a surprise, as the former Tulane star has been a part of the Steeler organization for fourteen years. He is one of only two assistants to be a member of the coaching staffs that saw three Super Bowls: XXX, XL, and XLIII. Read more…

Redskins Bring in Jim Haslett as Defensive Coordinator

Sources within the NFL announced today that former New Orleans Saints and UFL head coach Jim Haslett has accepted an offer from the Washington Redskins to become their new defensive coordinator.

The former Buffalo linebacker was atop a long list of prospects that included Mike Zimmer of the Cincinnati Bengals. When the Bengals resigned Zimmer earlier this week, it was clear the deal between the ‘Skins and Haslett would gel quickly. Read more…

2009 Washington Redskins: Five Things to Watch For

 The Redskins started hot in 2008 and showed the world their potential.Unfortunately, with a disappointing 2-6 finish, they missed the playoffs, causing mixed reviews and a lot of uncertainty.His presence can’t hurt, as Washington didn’t have a lineman top four sacks all season.

With Haynesworth wreaking havoc in the middle with Cornelius Griffin, Orakpo should have plenty of time to make things happen.

4. Can Clinton Portis Avoid Another Late-Season Slide?

After tearing it up in the first eight games of the season, Portis appeared to hit a wall, and stunk it up in the final eight contests.While you could easily blame this on nagging injuries and too many carries, you could also blame the ineffective Jason Campbell and predictable Jim Zorn.

Portis can last the season, but his productivity will continue to suffer if Jason Campbell cannot progress.

3. How Good Can Albert Haynesworth Make the Defense?

Haynesworth is a big, big man.

He can plug the middle and eat up running backs, but he also has the strength and agility to get to the quarterback.

He adds anywhere from seven to ten sacks to a Redskins team already surviving with solid talent; That, with his presence, could ultimately make the leap to elite.

However, if his supporting cast can’t make the jump, Haynesworth could go down as a free agency bust.

2. Is Jim Zorn on the Hot Seat? 

 Zorn is most definitely on his way out of Washington if he can’t prove to Dan Snyder that his system works. And the only way he can do that is by getting to the post-season, and possibly winning a game.

Zorn hurt Snyder’s insides with a 6-2 opening tease, and then sliding to an 8-8 finish.

And while the defense wasn’t always scoring all A’s, the offense was ugly and boring, leaving the Redskins to wade in mediocrity.

If Zorn’s chosen one, Jason Campbell, can’t succeed early, it could be both of their necks.

1. Is Jason Campbell Still Their Franchise Quarterback? 

 If you were Jason Campbell, would you feel comfortable?

You’ve heard about Derek Anderon, Brady Quinn, Jay Cutler, Brett Favre, and now even Michael Vick.

They are all better than you, they all want your job (probably not Favre), and your team would have preferred any one of them over you.

Oh, and there was also Mark Sanchez.

Hell, your coach even thinks Josh Freeman is better than you.

And believe it or not, there is even a growing support group for Colt Brennan.

The point is, while Campbell has shown excellent game-managing ability, he hasn’t shown and type of a killer instinct or ability to truly take over games.

If that doesn’t show-up in the early going, someone else could be behind center for Washington.

After a solid draft and a big offseason full of DeAngelo Hall and Albert Haynesworth signings, the Redskins look to be back to their winning ways.

Maybe.

Take a look at five things that could be preventing that from happening.

5. Good-Bye Jason Taylor, Hello, Brian Orakpo?

 Jason Taylor was a wine-and-dine chance that failed. And considering his weak 3.5 sack total, he wasn’t very difficult to say goodbye to.Now he’s back with the Dolphins, and now Washington is starting over with a new defensive end. Isn’t that what they should have done in the first place?

Orakpo brings excellent size and athleticism to the Redskins front line, and also brings the versatility to drop back and be used on the outside as a linebacker.

Michael Vick: Five Potential Suitors

With his partial reinstatement back in the NFL, Michael Vick suddenly has a lot to think about. Or worry about, depending on your outlook on his financial situation, as well as his professional football career.

Regardless, some team out there in the NFL will be interested enough to take him on. After all, despite some bad PR for taking on such a risk, there is always the good PR for being the team that “rescued” Vick, and gave him another chance.

While conventional picks for a Vick signing, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, and Oakland all being ruled out (thanks to NFL Insider, Adam Schefter) Vick’s landing spot just got a little more difficult to predict.

Vick is currently under a special reinstatement that will allow him to participate in all team activities, including the entire training camp, as well as the final two pre-season games. His current suspension until week six is reportedly not a “done deal”, and could erode into no suspension at all.

Depending on Vick’s behavior, he could be able to play in week one.

However, that doesn’t do fans much good, considering teams aren’t exactly lining up to pay for his services.

Still, he’s still too talented to not have a place in this league, and as long as a team believes he’s truly remorseful and a changed person, he will definitely be suiting up for someone in 2009, and very possibly as the starter.

Here’s a look at five teams that could pull the trigger:

Miami Dolphins

Current Starter: Chad Pennington

True, the Dolphins have a capable starter in Pennington, and have two young signal callers, Chad Henne and Pat White, who they would probably prefer to have on the roster, rather than the controversial Vick.

However, if Vick’s speed and explosiveness haven’t left him, he would potentially be a perfect fit for their Wildcat offense.

Again, White was drafted both for that, as well as a possible quarterback that could out-perform Henne.

But if Vick was just signed to a one-year deal, the Dolphins could mold the rest of their offense around him, and give it a go.

The worst case scenario would be that the team upsets the 33-year old Pennington. And considering they’ve already stated that Henne is their guy for 2010, they won’t be too worried about that.

Verdict: If it’s all about the Wildcat in Miami, then why not? Very possible.

St. Louis Rams

Current Starter: Marc Bulger

The Rams are moving in different directions on both sides of the ball. They are trying to be more defensive-minded, while changing their air attack offense into a more time-controlled ground attack.

With Steven Jackson, that’s entirely possible. With Marc Bulger? Not so much.

The Rams could really use an extra explosive weapon on offense, as well as an athletic and elusive passer that can help their line grow as a unit, rather than take sack after sack.

Bulger has been ineffective for two straight years, is mobile as a rock, and is older than Vick.

The Rams play indoors and with their current rebuilding project, would be a fine place for Vick to start over.

Verdict: If you can upgrade over Bulger, you should. Unless the Rams hate him, it’s a perfect fit.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Current Starter: David Garrard

Garrard regressed last season, but also showed improved passing skills and the ability to take over games with both his arm and legs.

However, he’s not the explosive player that Vick is. He may have better accuracy and is currently a better fit for the offense, but Vick’s potential in an offense that already doesn’t really rely on it’s air attack is quite interesting.

With a player like Vick, a patchwork offensive line turns into “not such a big deal”, while opening things up for newly acquired Torry Holt, Maurice Jones-Drew, and possibly turning the inconsistent Marcedes Lewis into a more reliable target.

The Jaguars are said to be remotely interested in his availability, and if his suspension is lifted, Jack Del Rio just might try this one last dash to save his job.

Verdict: Vick is about as good as Garrard as a passer, but blows him away in athleticism. Slightly possible.

Dallas Cowboys

Current Starter: Tony Romo

There’s no way Dallas would bring in Vick to take over for Romo, but if they’re truly adamant about implementing the Wildcat offense, signing Vick to a one-year deal wouldn’t be a bad decision.

After all, Jerry Jones has already shown he likes to take chances with both Terrell Owens and Adam “Pacman” Jones.

The real question isn’f if Dallas wants Vick or if he’ll fit in. We know Jones and co. loves talent.

The question is, has Jones learned his lesson?

Verdict: Jones will probably continues to take silly chances, but this is still unlikely. Vick wants a starting gig at all costs.

Minnesota Vikings

Current Starter: Undecided

If Brett Favre does indeed come back, this drops from unlikely to completely unrealistic.

However, if the Vikings are even slightly worried about Favre making it through a full 16 -game season, adding Vick as a situational passer wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

After all, if Favre does indeed sign, Tarvaris Jackson has reportedly said he’d want to be traded, which would leave the door open for another athletic quarterback to run special packages-if that’s something Minnesota would be interested in.

My gut tells me Favre signs, Jackson leaves, and Sage Rosenfels does what he does best: holds a clipboard and refrains from helicopter dives.

Verdict: Vick’s best shot at starting in the NFL is in St. Louis, with Miami taking the immediate backseat. Favre is likely to sign, making this move almost impossible.

Overall, there could still be random interest in Vick across the league, depending on injuries in pre-season, as well as poor play.

For example, if the Jets suddenly weren’y happy with Kellen Clemens or Mark Sanchez, it’s not too crazy to imagine them bringing Vick in.

I’m still not sold on Washington, Oakland, Seattle, and San Francisco all having no desire to even bring Vick in for a tryout.

Monitor these five situations, however, as they currently appear to be the most logical.

Fantasy Football: 15 Players to Draft With Confidence

After going through the top 50 players in the league who provide good potential but give you reason to worry, I decided to put together a smaller list of guys that you shouldn’t think twice about drafting.

Drew Brees (pictured) doesn’t even have to be on the list. But a better example there is not.

Outside of a freak, Tom Brady-like injury, Brees should easily top 4,500 yards again and could flirt with 30 scores for the second straight year.

He is clearly what makes that potent offense go, and with a healthy arsenal of weapons all around him, there’s no reason to doubt him or the Saints in 2009.

But Brees is just the first of many players you shouldn’t second-guess.

However, sometimes when you’re drafting, those “guarantees” will fly off the board, and you’re left with too many decisions and not enough real answers.

Read on to see if the players you’re targeting in your draft are “sure things.”

(List is in no particular order.)

1. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

This isn’t Oakland or Minnesota.

Randy Moss is playing dominant football, and he’s doing it with a smile.

Even without his stud quarterback, Tom Brady, he had a solid 2008, with over 1,000 yards and 10 scores.

He may not get back to 23 touchdowns, but with Brady and that offense gearing for a potential return to 2007 form, he’s as safe a bet as any star receiver.

Prediction: 84 rec, 1,390 yards, 15 TD

2. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots

Much like Moss, Welker benefits from a great New England system, as well as the return of 2007′s NFL MVP, Tom Brady.

Again, like Moss, the most beautiful part about this receiver is that even without his star quarterback, his production really didn’t drop off too much.

Mark him down for two straight seasons with at least 111 catches and 1,100 yards.

I’d bet on a third.

Prediction: 115 rec, 1,224 yards, 7 TD

3. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Manning won’t miss Marvin Harrison as much as many think.

Harrison has been on a downward slide for two seasons now, and Manning has been able to build great chemistry with his No. 1 guy, Reggie Wayne, as well as Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez.

Gonzalez gives the Colts the speed Harrison “used” to have, as well as reliable hands and good route-running.

With offensive coordinator Tom Moore back under contract, you can safely assume Manning should be in line for his usual 26-plus touchdowns and 4,000-plus yards.

You can talk about age (33) and last year’s knee surgery all you want, but the guy has never tossed fewer than 26 touchdowns and has passed for less than 4,000 yards just twice in his entire career.

Oh, and he was the league’s MVP last year. Yeah, he’s still got it.

Prediction: 4,177 yards, 30 TD, 14 INT

4. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

t’s as simple as this: If you’re even remotely sold on Manning continuing his dominance (he will), then Wayne is your second man in line.

He’s basically been Manning’s go-to guy for the past two years, anyways (sorry Marvin).

The guy is just entering his prime at 30 years old and is only one season removed from a sickening 104-catch, 1,500-yard season.

Expect a return to his 2007 form, or very close to it.

Prediction: 97 rec, 1,388 yards, 11 TD

5. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

Sure, Gates’ receptions have gone from 89 to 71 to 75, and then all the way down to 60 last year.

But he hasn’t scored fewer than eight touchdowns since his rookie year.

Yeah, that’s five straight years of being the league’s best tight end.

However, his bum toe has taken him out of his title spot (you’re welcome, Jason Witten), and now he mostly settles for touchdowns as the Chargers’ third receiving option.

Gates should be close to full health in 2009, though, which should mean fewer plays as a decoy and anywhere from 15 to 30 more grabs.

If all else fails, you have his insane touchdown production to fall back on.

Prediction: 80 rec, 985 yards, 12 TD

6. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers

Like his teammate Gates, Tomlinson played through nagging injuries in 2008 that slowed him down and kept him from being his usual electrifying self.

L.T. put up solid numbers (1,110 yards and 11 TD) in what experts called a “down” year.

That may be true, but only because L.T. has shown us for so many years what he is capable of.

The franchising of Darren Sproles means that L.T.’s production is very unlikely to get back anywhere close to his majestic 2006 season, and possibly not even his elite 2007 production.

However, he’s still in his prime, and if he can do damage with all the injuries he had last year, he definitely has another year or two of quality production.

He may not be a surefire No. 1-4 pick, but he’s still a first-rounder.

Prediction: 1,390 yards, 12 TD, 55 rec, 477 yards, 3 TD

7. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

Too much focus has been put on Portis’s late-season slump in 2008, where he failed to rush for a touchdown over a seven-game span and finished the season with less than 80 rushing yards in five straight contests.

His yards per carry was pretty pitiful down the stretch, too.

But here’s where common sense comes to the rescue.

The entire offense was pathetic during the last eight games, and a lot of that had to do with Jason Campbell’s lack of a killer instinct and Jim Zorn’s offense becoming too predictable.

Portis should be good for another hot start as the offense continues to grow and the other young weapons around him mature.

Be aware of the possibility of another late-season collapse, but at just 27, that’s a bit of a reach.

Prediction: 1,466 yards, 10 TD, 35 rec, 349 yards, 2 TD

8. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys

While everyone else is reaching for Donald Driver or Jerricho Cotchery as their WR3, you can smile with confidence as you snag Witten as YOUR third receiving option.

With Terrell Owens gone, Witten is more like a receiver than ever, and he should keep his reception and yardage total high while he gets back to the six- or seven-touchdown range.

He’s too big, fast, and strong to be kept out of the end zone for long without pay dirt hog T.O. gone.

Prediction: 94 rec, 1,117 yards, 8 TD

9. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Duh.

As if you weren’t expecting Mr. “All-Day” to show up on this list sooner or later.

Sure, he fumbles, plays recklessly, and is in an increasingly more competitive division (on paper) by the day.

But when the guy can run over AND around just about anybody he wants to, it’s pretty hard to doubt his abilities.

His play could catch up with him eventually, but if Brett Favre signs, something tells me it won’t be happening in 2009.

With a true presence (albeit a 40-year-old one) behind center, Peterson will finally shine to his fullest.

Just an interesting note:

Jets RB Thomas Jones’ 2007 TD total (before Favre arrived: ONE

Jones’ total with Favre at QB in 2008: 13

A.P. scored 10 times last year while leading the league in rushing with over 1,700 yards.

Oh, the possibilities.

Prediction: 1,669 yards, 17 TD, 27 rec, 288 yards, 2 TD

10. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

The entire 2008 season was about taking the place of a legend and making his own mark in Green Bay.

Aaron Rodgers did both. The only problem was, his defense didn’t back him up at all.

With a new scheme and players in new spots in some areas, Rodgers will hopefully have a serviceable defense defending the other end zone.

In the meantime, Rodgers still has a hell of a right arm, is mobile, and has a slew of offensive weapons who are just as productive as he is.

With over 4,000 yards passing and 31 total touchdowns in his first year as a starter, it’s safe to say he’s arrived.

Now just cross your fingers he makes it through 16 games—again.

Prediction: 3,988 yards, 27 TD, 14 INT

11. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers

Smith is being held back by an ineffective quarterback and average receivers surrounding him, yet is still an elite fantasy option.

And a consistent and reliable one to boot.

Despite Jake Delhomme’s poor play at times, Smith is still arguably a top-five option and is entering his prime.

He still has game-breaking speed, excellent hands, and body control, and he makes plays on every ball thrown his way.

Don’t let Delhomme scare you away from four straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Prediction: 85 rec, 1,369 yards, 9 TD

12. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons

White is officially “the” guy in Atlanta’s passing game, and even the arrival of Tony Gonzalez shouldn’t change that.

His chemistry with Matt Ryan is outstanding and should only improve, while two straight seasons of 1,200-plus yards and at least six scores should keep you salivating.

He’s also grabbed over 83 balls in each of the past two seasons.

He’s only 27 and is just going to get better.

Prediction: 90 rec, 1,444 yards, 10 TD

13. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Forget about his ridiculous 2008 postseason run.

Tons of players go “off” in the playoffs and then fizzle out the next season.

Fitz, however, has been doing this for years.

Draft him based on the three 1,400-yard and 10-plus touchdown seasons out of his last four tries.

The guy has size, speed, reliable hands, excellent body control, and a Pro Bowl quarterback.

Just knock on wood when thinking about him being on the Madden cover.

Prediction: 101 rec, 1,515 yards, 15 TD

14. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals

What are you waiting for, Warner to grow a long, white beard, fall and break his hip, or retire unexpectedly?

Don’t wait on it.

Warner may be 38, but he isn’t playing with the body of the usual late-30s quarterback. He still has a good arm and is sickly accurate.

Oh, and he has two of the game’s best receiving options (Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin), as well as underrated third and fourth options.

Sure, he could always shatter like glass, but then again, so could anyone else in this league.

If you’re really that worried, grab Matt Leinart later in the draft as insurance.

Prediction: 4,377 yards, 29 TD, 15 INT

15. Steve Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams VS. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Both Steven Jackson and Frank Gore are elusive backs with exceptional speed, inside running ability, and vision.

The trouble is, they can’t stay completely healthy, and the rest of their offense stinks.

Neither has a reliable quarterback or passing game, and both of their defenses still could use some work.

However, the tide is turning.

Despite all of these things working against them, both backs have churned out back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and have tons of room for fantasy optimism.

Jackson has a new coach with an emphasis on defense and running the ball.

Ding, ding, ding! We’ve got a winner.

You can say much the same for Gore as well.

His quarterback situation may not be resolved completely in 2009, but his carries should increase, as the Mike Martz system kept him well below 300 carries.

Both backs should see the ball at least 18 to 25 times a game and are still the featured offensive players on their teams.

So, barring a major injury, they should easily be top-10 fantasy backs and are viable RB1 candidates.

Jackson Prediction: 1,359 yards, 11 TD, 64 rec, 525 yards, 2 TD

Gore Prediction: 1,288 yards, nine TD, 49 rec, 358 yards, 2 TD

Hey Washington, Why Not Colt Brennan?

Could the Redskins answer be sitting on their bench?

First, it was Jason Campbell for Jay Cutler. Maybe.

That didn’t work.

Then it was Campbell involved in draft-day talks. Did the Redskins want a different quarterback, an upgrade, some competition?

Regardless of what you took out of it, it’s clear the Redskins (namely Daniel Snyder) don’t have too much confidence in their starting quarterback.

After making solid strides in his first eight starts (going 6-2) in 2008, Campbell and the rest of the offense took a dive off the deep end…and never returned.

Washington sputtered the rest of the way, going 2-6, finishing 8-8, and missing the playoffs. Very New York Jets-Favre-like.

And just when we were beginning to believe.

However, after trade talk rumor after trade talk rumor, here we are, back with Campbell as the opening day starter.

The thing that is the most interesting is how the Redskins appear so sure they’re starting with the best player at the quarterback position.

After his solid finish to the 2007 season and leading the Redskins into the playoffs, it’s arguable that Todd Collins, even at 38, could be a better option.

Not exactly an addition toward the future, but Collins is clearly a better game-manager and decision-maker.

But even if it would be the better play, it’d still be foolish. There’s no point in stunting a potentially good player’s growth, unless you have a young guy you can run with.

But wait, don’t they already have another good, young quarterback on their roster?

Depending on your definition of good, quarterback, and roster, you may answer yes.

Yes, folks, I’m launching the idea that Colt Brennan, Hawaii alum and all, can be, and should be the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins.

It makes sense on so many levels.

Snyder and the Skins’ front office have already begun to realize they messed up with Campbell. As solid as he has looked in some stretches, he has looked obscenely average in others.

He’s a polished Jamarcus Russell. Wow, I can already hear the applause.

Oh, and here comes the lifetime aware for “Most Average Athlete.” But instead of shtick, mediocrity, or an old dude flailing lame-duck passes into triple coverage, we could get the Hawaiian player with a bad attitude.

Let’s face it, from the media, to your friends, to your own disillusioned perception of what quarterbacking is, you developed a finely tuned hatred for Colt Brennan.

He’s the guy you wish had killed dogs, instead of Michael Vick, because that way the hatred you already have for him would be met with something that actually deserves it.

No, the truth is, Brennan is actually pretty good. He was flat-out dominant at Hawaii, but was restricted on an NFL-scouting basis, due to his lack of elite competition and the type of offense he played in.

The there’s the “questionable character,” and all that mumbo-gumbo.

Are they relevant? Yes, but not to the degree where an NFL front office will continue to keep him off the field just to save face.

It’s time to come to a blinding realization. I know you (we) have been waiting for it for some time now, and we had hoped it would have come in a better form, but alas, this will have to do.

For now, we’ll have to do with the NFL and a specific team/front office to allow us to reach our temporary state of Zen.

The Redskins, Daniel Snyder, and the rest of the collective NFL world will have to swallow their pride and admit, once and for all, that Jason Campbell very well could be a bust.

Or, he just is a bust.

He was drafted the same year Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith were, and he’s nowhere near Rodgers’ level, while being only another bad season away from Smith’s.

Washington is coming to a crossing of roads, and they need to jump on Brennan’s bus or ride the flat-tired Campbell-train.

While it’s likely to be a bumpy ride, either way, at least with Brennan, the ride could be a little more exciting.