New York Giants Moves Paying Off

 As the New York Giants continue on yet another impressive push deep into the playoffs, their personnel moves of seasons past continue to pave the way.

Let's take a brief, albeit painful, look back our post "Yet Another Blown Opportunity".  Back on February 27, 2009, our beloved Washington Redskins, who needed an entirely new defensive line, owned the headlines by signing one player, DT Albert Haynesworth, to a 7 year $100 Million contract.  With incentives, the deal would pay Hayensworth $16 Million per year.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants quietly and smartly spent the same $16 Million per year on 3 players:  starting DT Chris Canty, reserve DT Rocky Bernard, and starting LB Michael Boley.

Since that time, Michael Boley has been a key defensive player for the Giants making plays all over the field.  While Canty and Bernard do not get a whole lot of press coverage in the New York media, they have done a very solid job plugging the middle of the defensive line for the Giants.  This is one of the main keys to the Giants success rushing the passer.  With the middle clogged and the opponents running game minimized, the Giants' much publicized defensive ends can go all out rushing the quarterback.  It leads to a steady flow of sacks, pressures, mistakes, turnovers, and mayhem in general.

While none of the may be selected for the pro bowl, Bernard, Boley, and Canty are the types of players that the Redskins should have been targeting for the last decade.  They are good, and young, players that have solid characters and they are pushing their way towards a second Super Bowl win in the last 4 years for the Giants with a very impressive win over the Green Bay Packers.

Meanwhile, we have absolutely nothing to show for our investment.  Haynesworth, as all fans know, was so bad, on and off the field, that he was traded away by the Redskins to the Patriots for a minimal 5th round pick in 2013.  And just to solidify how bad he was, and now is, he has since been released by the Patriots as well as the Buccaneers.

The good news is that Dan Snyder is, supposedly, not making these decisions anymore.  Last offseason, Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen, did do a fine job upgrading the defense and transitioning to a 3-4 scheme.  It is not a dominant or elite level defense, but it is in the top half of the league and moving in the right direction.

Of course, we all spent last season complaining about how bad the offense was and how they virtually ignored that side of the ball in free agency and the draft.  We will find out soon enough if they can have a second straight successful offseason and improve the offense as much as they did with the defense in 2011.  Here is to hope!

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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog

Free Agent and Trade Frenzy Brings More Help to the Defense

At last, the talk of the NFL Lockout is behind us and the fun has begun.  Much like they did at the NFL draft in April, Redskins' fans have watched the team take a very different approach to free agency.  Instead of going out and signing one or two of the highest paid veteran free agents in the middle or second half of their career, the team has focused on adding quality, young, up and coming players who still have potential to improve.

First, however, the Redskins had some unfinished business to take care of.  Namely, Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth, and they were smart to resolve both of these issues quickly and quietly and not letting them become a distraction yet again this year.  Regardless of only receiving 6th and 5th round picks respectively for them, the important thing is they are gone.  The only other option was to release them so they at least got something in return for them.  Per the Penguins of Madagascar said, "Smile and wave boys, smile and wave."

Now, on to the Free Agents!

Defense:

Former New York Giant, Barry Cofield, adds some much needed toughness at Nose Tackle where the team struggled last year.

Adding former Cowboys' Defensive End, Stephen Bowen, adds even more depth to the defensive line, which could quickly be becoming a strength.  Between Bowen, Cofield, and 2nd round draft pick, Jarvis Jenkins, the defensive front should be much improved.

With Carlos Rogers departing as a free agent, the Redskins made an excellent move and added Defensive Back, Josh Wilson, from the Ravens who is only 26 and steadily improving.  This could prove to be their best overall move in free agency.


Offense:

Versatile Guard / Center, Chris Chester, does add flexibility, but he has primarily been a backup player this far in his career.

Guard Sean Locklear is a 30 year old veteran from Seattle who is more of a finesse lineman.  It will be interesting to see if he can challenge for a starting job.  He does add more badly needed depth to the line.

Trading for Wide Receiver Jabar Gafney does add some more needed veteran leadership for the young, up and coming receiving corps.  He is not a star, but he is a consistent player who can and will contribute.

Donte Stallworth is the most bizarre signing of the offseason.  When you are trying to rebuild with younger players and guys that can bring a positive influence to the lockeroom, why in the world would you sign a 30 year old, inconsistent, injury plagued player who actually killed someone while he was driving drunk and stoned. On top of that, after having to deal with the McNabb and Haynesworth fiascos  for the last year, why would you possibly sign a guy like this?  It makes no sense at all.


Re-Signings:

Two of the Redskins' own free agents that they simply had to re-sign were Offensive Tackle, Jammal Brown, and Wide Receiver, Santana Moss.  If either of these players had signed with another team, it would have been absolutely devastating to the offense.

Two other very smart re-signings were Safety, Reed Doughty, and Linebacker, Rocky McIntosh.  When healthy, Reed Doughty is a quality reserve player with starting experience and, while he may not be the most ideal fit in a 3-4 defense, Rocky McIntosh is still only 28 and was very productive with 110 tackles.


What is Missing?

As if Redskins' fans need anyone to point it out, we still have no Quarterback.  One of the top free agent targets that the team should have gone after, IF they wanted to have a chance to compete this year, is Matt Moore who has signed with the Dolphins.  Moore is a young Quarterback who is still improving and has valuable starting experience.  So far, reports are he is having a fantastic preseason and could be replacing incumbent starter Chad Henne.  Moore's performance is no doubt part of the reason they have backed off of their potential trade for Broncos' Quarterback Kyle Orton.

The top trade target of this offseason, IF they wanted to have a chance to compete this season, was the above mentioned Quarterback Kyle Orton.  The Miami Dolphins were pursuing a trade for Orton who is better than most people give him credit for, but the teams could not agree to terms and the Broncos appear to be set on keeping him now that Tim Tebow has performed poorly so far this preseason.  Had the Redskins gotten involved early, they may have had a chance at landing Orton for a draft pick.

Instead, they said last year's 3rd string Quarterback John Beck would be this year's starter and they settled for signing free agent Quarterback Rex Grossman, who probably would not be signed by any other team in the NFL.  However, Beck has been so inaccurate in the preseason, it would be surprising if Grossman was not the team's starter in week 1.


What Does It All mean?

It means that the Redskins have made a substantial upgrade to their defense and they should be much improved on that side of the ball.  With that said, their numbers may not be as good as expected by the end of the year.  Why?  Because they are going to spend the majority of the season on the field due to a horrible offense that has potential to be really, really bad.

The only reason I can see completely ignoring the Quarterback position in the college draft and in free agency is that Mike Shanahan is planning on a horrific season in 2011 and he is putting all of his football eggs in next year's expected top draft pick, Andrew Luck's, Quarterback basket.

Since the team did not go crazy in free agency like they usually do, they may be saving up for next year.  In 2012, the Redskins could potentially land Quarterback Andrew Luck in the draft and a top free agent Wide Receiver like Vincent Jackson, DeSean Jackson, or possibly even Larry Fitzgerald.  At least Dan Snyder can't take away our dreams.

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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog

2011 Free Agency & Trade Targets

After adding some badly needed depth to the team through the college draft, the Redskins still have a number of glaring holes that must be filled through free agency.  Here are the team's biggest remaining needs.


QUARTERBACK

While Shanahan and company did a good job of using the draft to add depth to several key positions, they completely ignored the most important position...quarterback.  If the Redskins hope to compete at all in the upcoming 2011 season, they must acquire a veteran quarterback to be their starter.  Last year's third string QB, John Beck, is (or will be shortly) the only QB on the roster and with all respect to John, he is not the answer.

There are two immediate targets at the quarterback position.  The top free agent target should be Matt Moore of the Carolina Panthers who has starting experience and, at 26, is still young and improving.  The other top target is Kyle Orton who may vary well be available by trade.  Carson Palmer would be another potential trade target, however, the Cincinnati Bengals have stated emphatically that he will not be traded.

Obviously, the team must trade Donovan McNabb as quickly as possible to eliminate distractions.  Players are tired of hearing about and dealing with the turmoil surrounding McNabb and Albert Haynesworth.  The quicker he is moved the better and the Redskins would be wise to take whatever draft pick they can get for him and move on.

If the Redskins do not make an aggressive move to land a legitimate starting quarterback to lead the team, it will become clear that Shanahan is sandbagging the 2011 season in hopes of landing the #1 pick in the 2012 draft, which will be Stanford QB Andrew Luck.


OFFENSIVE LINE

First and foremost, the Redskins must re-sign their own free agent starting Right Tackle, Jammal Brown.  Jamaal came back from injury last year and is a key to holding the offensive line together.  If Jammal is allowed leave and sign with another team, it would be a huge blow and could lead to the beginning of a long, long year for the offensive line.

The team also needs to strengthen the inner portion of their line.  Center, Casey Rabach, is passed his prime and right guards Will Montgomery and Artis Hicks are backups.

The top targets here is free agent Guard Marshal Yanda of the Baltimore Ravens followed by Davin Joseph of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.


WIDE RECEIVER

The annual desperate search for wide receivers continues on in 2011.  The top priority is to re-sign Wide Receiver Santana Moss.  Santana is really a # 2 wideout, but he has played as the the Redskins' # 1 wideout for several years now.  If Moss signs with another team, it could be a disastrous year for the Redskins offense.  The Redskins did draft wide receivers Leonard Hankerson and Niles Paul in the draft.  Both receivers have potential, but we Redskins fans have a hard time relying on potential.  Especially, after both 2008 second round wide receiver picks, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, both flopped terribly.

There are a number of free agent targets here including Sidney Rice of the Minnesota Vikings, Braylan Edwards of the New York Jets, Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals, and Steve Breaston of the Arizona Cardinals.


DEFENSIVE LINE

One of the weakest areas of the defense in 2011 was the Defensive Line.  In order for the defense to continue to improve, the Redskins need to add more depth and more pass rush capability.  A popular name that would be a good fit here is Cullen Jenkins of the Green Bay Packers.

Of course, there is still the never ending Albert Haynesworth issue.  Mike Shanahan must resolve this issue just as quickly as the McNabb issue.  If there is anyone willing to take Haynesworth in a trade, outside of the NFC East, they must take whatever they can get for him, even a bag of donuts.  They just need to be rid of him.  If they cannot find any trade partners, they must find a way to keep him away from the team.


LINEBACKER

The team added young stud Ryan Kerrigan through the draft to man the outside linebacker position.  However, the team still needs to add depth and possibly a starter at the Middle Linebacker position.

Free agent linebacker, Rocky McIntosh, was not a good fit in the 3-4 defense and will most likely be sign with another team.  The top targets here are Barrett Ruud of the Tampa Bay Buccanears, Stephen Tulloch of the Tennessee Titans, and Paul Posluszny of the Buffalo Bills.


CORNERBACK

This is probably the most difficult situation to figure out for the team.  Carlos Rogers is a solid cover corner, but he has never lived up to expectations and he simply cannot catch the football to create turnovers. In order to keep Carlos, the Redskins would most likely have to overpay for him and he just is not worth it.  Especially if the team is going to enter into an official rebuilding mode.

Probably the wisest move here is to allow Carlos to leave, re-sign free agent cornerback Philip Buchanon, and add another veteran free agent to the mix.


Let the frenzy begin!

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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog

Post NFL Draft Review

Well, for Redskins' fans, this NFL draft was a very different experience as we watched the Redskins brain trust take a very different approach.  The Redskins' brain trust traded back in the draft multiple times to obtain additional picks in the later rounds in order to fill a long list of needs on the roster. The team needed an infusion of both depth and youth at almost every position and Mike Shanahan and company did accomplish several of the team's goals.

Surprisingly, Shanahan and Bruce Allen focused on the defense early, which struggled mightily last year with the switch to a 3-4 defense.  While first round pick Ryan Kerrigan is not generally considered an elite level player, he should be a very good player for the team and an excellent fit in the 3-4 defense at Outside Linebacker and, possibly, Defensive End in certain situations.  With London Flether getting close to retirement and Rocky McIntosh set to be a free agent, the Redskins needed to add help at Linebacker and this was a solid move.

Another glaring need was depth on the Defensive Line and the Redskins helped address that need by selecting Jarvis Jenkins.  Some analysts consider Jenkins a bit of a reach in the 2nd round, but the team believes he has potential and flexibility playing defensive end and some defensive tackle.

Once again, the Redskins also continued their tradition of drafting Wide Receivers beginning with Leonard Hankerson, a good size wideout with potential, in the 3rd round.  But that was not enough for Mike Shanahan so he added Niles Paul in the 5th round and Aldrick Robinson in the 6th round.  This may mark the end of the road for Wide Receiver, and former 2nd round pick, Malcolm Kelly, who has been a huge disappointment to put it politely.

With Clinton Portis gone and Ryan Torain still an injury risk, the Redskins also needed to add depth to the running back corps.  After all the excitement last preseason when the Redskins had 3 aging veterans in Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willy Parker on the roster, the Redskins went with the youth movement this year and drafted Running Back Roy Helu in the 4th round and Evan Royster in the 6th round.  Helu is thought to be a good fit in coach Shanahan's  running scheme, but Royster is most likely an emergency back and special team's player.

The team also added more help to the defensive side of ball by selecting Safety Dejon Gomes, Cornerback Brandyn Thompson, Defensive End Markus White, and Defensive Tackle Christopher Neild.  Shanahan also selected Offensive Guard Maurice Hurt to round out the draft.

It was a welcome change to see the Redskins trade down in the draft and accumulate picks in the later rounds.  One of the questions now is, did they use those additional picks wisely?  Several of the later round picks, like Dejon Gomes, were considered reaches and some of them may have a difficult time making the team.  It is clear that this is a team in transition and there is no way to fill all of the team's needs in one draft so Mike Shanahan and company chose to focus on improving the team's defense and it appears they have accomplished that.

Of course, it would not be Dan Snyder's Redskins if there wasn't some type of controversy.  As every Redskins' fan knows all to well, the team's biggest need is at Quarterback and that position was completely ignored.  Most fans thought the team would use their 1st round pick, or at least, their 2nd round pick on a Quarterback and it did not happen.

QB Blaine Gabbert was available when the Redskins selected their 1st round pick at number 10, but the team passed on him along with everyone else.  If Mike Shanahan did not think Gabbert or any of the other available Quarterbacks were potential franchise Quarterbacks, it is understandable that they did not draft one in the 1st round.  However, what does not make sense is that they did not draft any Quarterback at all even for developmental purposes.  While the Redskins need a starting Quarterback, the team should also be looking for a young backup Quarterback they can develop over time.  Surely, one of the many Quarterbacks selected in this year's draft could have fit the bill.

After painfully watching Shanahan ignore the Quarterback and Offensive Line positions, where the team needs help at both Guard and Center, we can't help but think Shanahan is planning a run at next year's projected #1 draft pick, Quarterback Andrew Luck.  Unfortunately, that could mean a brutal season for the team in 2011.  They have some pieces in place on the defense now.  Perhaps, they will focus on the offense when the free agent period begins.  We can only hope.

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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog

2011 Redskins NFL Draft Preview

At long last, the draft is here.  After all the negative talk about the lockout and worrying about what free agents may be available, we can finally sit down and add some much needed players to our team.


This year, the Redskins have 4 Primary Needs (not necessarily in order):

1. Quarterback
2. Offensive Line
3. Defensive Line
4. Linebacker

Here are the Secondary Needs:

1. Cornerback
2. Safety - Thanks to Oshiomogho Atogwe
3. Runningback
4. Wide Receiver

Let's take a look at this year's positional needs.

Quarterback - This is a major priority.  Rex Grossman is a free agent.  Donovan McNabb, one way or another, is gone.  That leaves John Beck as the only QB on the roster, not a good situation.  Make that, a very bad situation.


Offensive Line - The Redskins must resign Right Tackle Jammal Brown.  Then, they must upgrade the interior of the line.  The Redskins could not run the ball up the middle much at all in 2010.  Guard is a glaring weak spot and Casey Rabach is a serviceable Center at best at this stage of his career.


Wide Receiver - Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong, who was a lucky find, must both be resigned.  At this point, the best option would be to pursue a WR in free agency.  Given the horrible history the Redskins have had drafting WR's and the fact that they have no one to throw the ball to them, this should not be the focus of the draft.

Runningback - Ryan Torain may be a legitmate starter, but the team must add depth due to his injury history.

Defensive Line - In the 3-4 defense, you must have an anchor in the middle at Nose Tackle and the Redskins did not have one in the 2010 season.  Hopefully, Ma'ake Kemoeatu can continue his comeback from his previous achilles injury and be at least a part-time force in the middle.  Albert Haynesworth is a complete loss and will not be with the team in 2011.  If Jeremy Jarmon is not ready to step up, depth at Defensive End is needed as well.


Linebacker - Brian Orakpo is the young star of the defense and somehow London Fletcher continues to play at a high level, but at 35 we must plan for the future.  Rocky Macintosh was solid in the 4-3 defense, but does not seem well suited for the 3-4.


Cornerback - DeAngelo Hall is solid on one side, but Carlos Rogers has never lived up to his high draft pick status.  He is not a bad coverage corner, but his inability to get any turnovers at all is a major negative.  There may be too many other needs to address cornerback this offseason.

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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog