Why we'll peak at the right time...

[D'Pablo]

Randy Thomas. He comes in fresh during the last quarter of our season, just when good teams should peak. Lets face it, Fabini is a joke. I've never seen the skins fear running to one side so much. Even when everything is running on all cylinders (pun intended), a single rush to the right will kill a drive. This won't happen with Thomas.

We'll be less predictable with our run game upon his return, that much is a given. That will vary up our playcalling instantly (fewer off tackle runs to the left). Saunders and Campbell will gain that much more confidence in our OL as a whole. This should lead to more play-action based downfield passes. The entire offense will begin to click just as the playoffs are under way.

There isn't a doubt in my mind that our offensive struggles have revolved around our line play. Thomas will be the insta-fix.

[jamesbondman]

Randy Thomas. He comes in fresh during the last quarter of our season, just when good teams should peak. Lets face it, Fabini is a joke. I've never seen the skins fear running to one side so much. Even when everything is running on all cylinders (pun intended), a single rush to the right will kill a drive. This won't happen with Thomas.

We'll be less predictable with our run game upon his return, that much is a given. That will vary up our playcalling instantly (fewer off tackle runs to the left). Saunders and Campbell will gain that much more confidence in our OL as a whole. This should lead to more play-action based downfield passes. The entire offense will begin to click just as the playoffs are under way.

There isn't a doubt in my mind that our offensive struggles have revolved around our line play. Thomas will be the insta-fix.

The Skins don't fear running to the right that much. They lead the league running to the right.

[jaltenhe]

The Skins don't fear running to the right that much. They lead the league running to the right.

Is this a scientific fact?

[BleedBNG]

This should lead to more play-action based downfield passes.
I noticed a few times in the Jets game that there were some players getting wide open on the right side of the field when JC was rolling out to his left. He kept staring down the covered recievers on the left side without bothering to look to his right. And he had plenty of time. I wish Lazor would help him out with that.

[abu69]

I noticed a few times in the Jets game that there were some players getting wide open on the right side of the field when JC was rolling out to his left. He kept staring down the covered recievers on the left side without bothering to look to his right. And he had plenty of time. I wish Lazor would help him out with that.

JC is trained to make the safe throw, or no throw at all. Throwing across the field - open receiver or not - would make Joe Gibbs explode. Therefore, the robotic creation that is Jason Campbell Redskins QuarterBot 2007 will initiate throw away protocol.

More to the point of the thread...Is it a given that Thomas will return in a month? And if so, how effective can he be, having not played for 3 months and never with Wade?

[thecardiacrll]

Yeah I cant wait to get randy back...hes a monster and like you said what a great time to get him back especially if were still in the race.

[Taylor 36]

I'm just scared that it will be too late when he gets back.

[AKM311]

Guys he has a torn triceps. If he does come back, it won't be until the playoffs until he is effective. This is not madden, where once you come back from an injury, your back to normal.

An o-linemans triceps and chest are the foundation of the technique they use to block.

[Soup]

Is it me or do the redskins always play better offense with these final games each year gibbs has been coach? Its like they have to learn how to be a team each and every year. They can't carry that success over. I wonder why?

[tone_dubbz]

I'm just scared that it will be too late when he gets back.

Yeah I'm with you. Hopefully Fabini or Heyer can step up and just play descent enough to keep us going until Randy get back.

[ttr77]

I can't believe people are banking on a offensive guard to turn the season around.

[DCNightHawk]

hmm Thomas would help but could it really fix ALL of our offensive woes.

[mel25]

I noticed a few times in the Jets game that there were some players getting wide open on the right side of the field when JC was rolling out to his left. He kept staring down the covered recievers on the left side without bothering to look to his right. And he had plenty of time. I wish Lazor would help him out with that.

while they may have been open, it's very hard for a right handed qb to roll to his left and throw to his right.

[onnie007]

The Skins don't fear running to the right that much. They lead the league running to the right.

Yeah but how much production are we getting from running to the right. Fabini gives us to backup OTs blocking on our right side. That is not very conducive to running the ball well. Randy Thomas coming back will be HUGE! I can already picture us running all over the Cowgirls on December 30th!!!:dallasuck :dallasuck :dallasuck :dallasuck :dallasuck :dallasuck :dallasuck

[pimpumd]

I can't believe people are banking on a offensive guard to turn the season around.

Correct. I think it was said in another thread, if the success of our offense hinges on Thomas, we're in trouble.

[ttr77]

Correct. I think it was said in another thread, if the success of our offense hinges on Thomas, we're in trouble.

It was probably said by me :)

[SkinsFan48]

I sure hope your right. It would be nice.

[CPortJGibbs89]

Is it me or do the redskins always play better offense with these final games each year gibbs has been coach? Its like they have to learn how to be a team each and every year. They can't carry that success over. I wonder why?I couldnt agree with you more. The past 3 years it seems halfway through the season we have to go backto "Redskins football" and start running the ball the way we should have started the season doing it. I just dont undestand why we cant pick up the way we left off last season and we always have to start over.

[dockeryfan]

If the Skins end up in the playoffs, that means the line is playing well.

So you bring in an ailing Randy Thomas to screw up that chemistry?

I think they should have put him on ice once he got the injury. Just my personal opinion.

Yes. He's the best we have. But when he comes back, he won't be in anything close to game shape, and he won't have the chemistry created on the line.

If the team loses, and doesn't make the playoffs, well then you wasted a roster spot for months.

Randy should be on IR weeks ago.

[herb mul-key]

ya thomas is not the reason he will be rusty...i think we can peak if we can stay healthy from here on out and we get some mojo workin...get on a little run

[SnyderMustGo]

Thomas is not the answer. Dramatic improvement JC is the only thing that can save this season.

Our remaining schedule looks very difficult without a dramatic improvement from JC--with or without Thomas.

Difficult games for us the rest of the way:
@Dallas
@ NYG
Buffalo
@ Minny
Dallas

Toss-up games
Philly
@ Tampa Bay

Games we should win
Chicago

I wouldn't be surprised to see us lose all of the difficult games they way we are going, so its going be hard for us to get any momentum.

We are 5-3. Even if we win one of the difficult games and win the tossups and easy game, we are looking at 9-7 season.

I don't see how Randy Thomas will change that outlook much. The only that will change that outlook is for JC to finally look like a solid QB.

[elkabong82]

Randy Thomas is one of the better guards in the league. Our O-line didn't start to suffer until he went down. The offense back then was clicking, just not consistently. Now, w/o Thomas, the offense had regressed until Gibbs put a bigger focus on the run game. I wouldn't be surprised to see the run game continue to improve each week. This, in turn, will open up the pass game. Thomas won't be able to start right away when he does get back from his injury. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see him playing in the last 3 games, when we'll need him most. Anyone who thinks the abscence of a great guard on a run-first team isn't having a very negative affect doesn't know football. Getting Thomas back and healthy enough to start will be huge.

[Ellis]

Is it me or do the redskins always play better offense with these final games each year gibbs has been coach? Its like they have to learn how to be a team each and every year. They can't carry that success over. I wonder why?

It's not just you...

Historically, Gibbs is at his best in December. This is one reason why it's so important for our overall record to be above .500 leading into dec.

We have a lot of home games in Dec and that's a great thing. What happens in the next 3 games is CRUCIAL. We MUST beat Philly. Losing to Dallas won't hurt terribly but it's important to try to win that one since we play them in week 17, final game of the season AT HOME. It's also very important to win against Tampa Bay since they're looking at wild card implications if they can't hold their lead in the division. It seems most of the NFC teams left in our schedule are in the playoff hunt. Thankfully, we're sitting well at 5-3 but we need to get out there and beat the playoff contenders to negate any tie breakers that may arise.

Most important... we just need to go one game at a time... ;) :cool:

[Redshu]

They're all tough games. Thats the point. Noone is going to lay down for you, so speculating that there are easy games remaining is asinine. Granted, the Cowboys look pretty good, so that will be a MORE difficult game to win.
I'm anxious to see how TO acts going across the middle when ST is there waiting.
We obviously need to go 5-3 the rest of the way if we want a shot at the playoffs. With the way we've won 3 out of our five wins, I'd say thats a tall order. This offense needs to start playing like an NFL offense, and that means passing the ball.

[armada58]

Would Thomas' return spark an improvement? Absolutely!

Would Thomas' return fix all of our offensive woes? Hell no!

I look forward to him coming back for sure, but lets not get ahead of ourselves and think his return will all of a sudden turn our ultra-conservative play-calling/gameplan on it's head. Thomas' return will not mean that Gibbs/Saunders will all of a sudden take the handcuffs off Campbell.

[pjfootballer]

JC is trained to make the safe throw, or no throw at all. Throwing across the field - open receiver or not - would make Joe Gibbs explode. Therefore, the robotic creation that is Jason Campbell Redskins QuarterBot 2007 will initiate throw away protocol.

More to the point of the thread...Is it a given that Thomas will return in a month? And if so, how effective can he be, having not played for 3 months and never with Wade?

I don't know why, but this just made me :laugh: out loud. :applause:

[bubba9497]

8-0 run baby :point2sky






please :)

[ttr77]

Why do a majority of Redskins fans think that the answer to all the team's problems is either an injured player or someone that is attainable through free agency? Whatever happened to building a team that could sustain injuries? Or a team that has enough playmakers on it so that free agency wasn't an priority? Will the Redskins ever be able to win with the hand they are dealt or will the answer always lie with something that is not currently available?

Enough excuses. This team has the highest payroll in the league, right? The most expensive coaching staff? There is NO reason this team should be using an injured OL as a reason for a sluggish offense. There is also NO reason that the start date of free agency and the draft should be circled on every fan's calendar.

[Ghost of Nibbs McPimpin]

JC is trained to make the safe throw, or no throw at all. Throwing across the field - open receiver or not - would make Joe Gibbs explode. Therefore, the robotic creation that is Jason Campbell Redskins QuarterBot 2007 will initiate throw away protocol.



:laugh: :notworthy

That was good. I agree with you, by the way. it's clear who has been tutoring and who has been coaching Campbell, even though there have been some moments where I think he just isn't seeing something.

[SKINZ33]

Thomas isnt going to come back in and start dominating. He's gonna have to get back into game shape first.

Hope I'm wrong though.

[Robbnva]

The Skins don't fear running to the right that much. They lead the league running to the right.

After reading this statement I see why you are NNT. You make statements that seem like they are true but they are not.

According to Football Outsiders here is how Redskins rank on running plays

Running to the Left End - Ranked 14th with a 4.37 average

Running to the Left Tackle - Ranked 7th with a 5.11 average

Running up the Middle - Ranked 16th with a 4.10 average

Running to the Right Tackle - Ranked 16th with a 4.58 average

Running to the Right End - Ranked 22nd with a 3.32 average



Redskins run to the Right tackle/Right End 26% of the time

Redskins run up the middle 37% of the time

Redskins run to the Left Tackle/Left end 36% of the time

It is OBVIOUS to me they do not like running to the Right.

[nebster21]

Randy Thomas. He comes in fresh during the last quarter of our season, just when good teams should peak. Lets face it, Fabini is a joke. I've never seen the skins fear running to one side so much.
UP until last weekend there was a stat put out during the game or on pre game that showed the Redskins run to the right most out of the 32 NFL football teams in the prior 4 weeks.
BUT I do agree the Redskins offense will peak come the end of the season. I just hope it is not to late then.

[terpfan]

Guys he has a torn triceps. If he does come back, it won't be until the playoffs until he is effective. This is not madden, where once you come back from an injury, your back to normal.

An o-linemans triceps and chest are the foundation of the technique they use to block.
While I hate the phrase "this is not madden," you are right.

[Laxpunk2006]

I can't believe people are banking on a offensive guard to turn the season around.
We don't need Randy to turn our season around, we just need the extra talent he brings to the table. We're 5-3, as a team that was projected to be at the bottom of the East. It's not like we're the Dolphins or Jets, we have a good team. Randy Thomas isn't going to make or break this season, but if we want to upset a team in the playoffs we won't do it without a healthy Randy.





Why do a majority of Redskins fans think that the answer to all the team's problems is either an injured player or someone that is attainable through free agency? Whatever happened to building a team that could sustain injuries? Or a team that has enough playmakers on it so that free agency wasn't an priority? Will the Redskins ever be able to win with the hand they are dealt or will the answer always lie with something that is not currently available?

Enough excuses. This team has the highest payroll in the league, right? The most expensive coaching staff? There is NO reason this team should be using an injured OL as a reason for a sluggish offense. There is also NO reason that the start date of free agency and the draft should be circled on every fan's calendar.

It's no excuse to why our offense has played so poorly. However what team can lose it's starting RG, RT, and then play with banged up C, RG, and RT for the rest of the season and really be successful. It's definitely not the whole problem, or even most of the problem, but it is a part of it.

[MD2ATLdiehard]

The more time I spend here, the more I wonder, do people on this site actually WATCH football? Let's all remeber back to the LAST season the Redskins were in the playoffs. Remember who we lost to? The answer is seattle. This is important, because that particular seahawks team had what was considered the best left guard/tackle combo in the entire league! And steve hutchinson at the time was considered the best left guard in the league. In fact, after that season, hutchinson signed a nice(for a guard) FA contract with minnesota. Notice shawn alexander hasn't been the same since he left, while this year, everyone's sayin that adrain peterson is the best back in the league this season! Yes virginia, high quality play at Guard makes a HUGE difference in a team's play & results. Getting Randy Thomas back will absolutely make a difference, once he has time to gel with the line's current makeup.....

[BleedBNG]

JC is trained to make the safe throw, or no throw at all. Throwing across the field - open receiver or not - would make Joe Gibbs explode. Therefore, the robotic creation that is Jason Campbell Redskins QuarterBot 2007 will initiate throw away protocol.
Yeah, that's the reality, but it only makes the DBacks shift over to that side knowing he won't try one across field. Leaving the recievers totally covered. Obviously Jason sees no one open and it ends up a wasted play.

while they may have been open, it's very hard for a right handed qb to roll to his left and throw to his right.
I'm not talking about throwing while rolling. That's obvious. The 2 times I saw was him rolling to his left and then planting his feet and just standing there looking only to his left side for an open WR while Betts or Sellers was stepping out of formation and getting wide open.

[MD2ATLdiehard]

We don't need Randy to turn our season around, we just need the extra talent he brings to the table. We're 5-3, as a team that was projected to be at the bottom of the East. It's not like we're the Dolphins or Jets, we have a good team. Randy Thomas isn't going to make or break this season, but if we want to upset a team in the playoffs we won't do it without a healthy Randy.
It's no excuse to why our offense has played so poorly. However what team can lose it's starting RG, RT, and then play with banged up C, RG, and RT for the rest of the season and really be successful. It's definitely not the whole problem, or even most of the problem, but it is a part of it.

My sentiments exactly, my friend! In fact, the critical injuries along the offensive line explain a good bit of the entire O's struggles. For the less informed, football is about blocking and tackling. The good teams execute in these areas, the bad teams don't.

[Dick Edds]

Randy Thomas at 80% is better than Fabini at 100% ... we CAN use RT ... even if he doesn't jump right back in. What if Fabini gets hurt? Or Pete Kendall were to get hurt? Then we're right back in spot we were at the beginning of the year. Injuries happen in the playoffs too.

The point is that we need as many o-lineman as we can get, especially if they are experienced members of this team.

Would I risk the so called "chemistry" between Wade and Fabini by putting Randy Thomas back into the starting lineup? Two words ... HELL YES!

Bottom line, RT is a pro-bowl offensive lineman, he's a vet and ... he has been in this system and already developed chemistry with the other guys on the line. Does that mean he would not be rusty? of course he will be, but I would give him at least one quarter of play before he is back to mulling over DT's, even with a bumb arm. He's our best pulling o-lineman. Get over 300 lbs' rolling around the end on a sweep play and we all know what happens.

I don't see how having RT back could be anything but GREAT for this team, whether it be his locker room presence, or his experience in this game and with this team, etc.

I doubt he forgot how to play smash mouth football these past 6 weeks. Let's give the guy a little credit. I'm not saying having RT back is the answer, but he is damn sure gonna help more than any scrub off the street would.

[ttr77]

The good teams execute in these areas, the bad teams don't.

And good teams don't trade all their picks for WRs that don't make catches and RB's that never play. They use those picks to plan for injuries and pick up some good depth.

But why do that? Backup lineman rarely make the kind of offseason headlines this team craves. Lloyd? Duckett? Man, they are some headline makers!!!

Too bad they show up in the headlines but not the stat sheet.

[JaimeDeCurry]

After reading this statement I see why you are NNT. You make statements that seem like they are true but they are not.

According to Football Outsiders here is how Redskins rank on running plays

Running to the Left End - Ranked 14th with a 4.37 average

Running to the Left Tackle - Ranked 7th with a 5.11 average

Running up the Middle - Ranked 16th with a 4.10 average

Running to the Right Tackle - Ranked 16th with a 4.58 average

Running to the Right End - Ranked 22nd with a 3.32 average



Redskins run to the Right tackle/Right End 26% of the time

Redskins run up the middle 37% of the time

Redskins run to the Left Tackle/Left end 36% of the time

It is OBVIOUS to me they do not like running to the Right.


Also, from postgameheroes, our running plays against the Jets:

Runs to the left: 15 for 96 yards
Runs up the mid: 25 for 130 yards
Runs to the right: 4 for 16 yards

Yeah, love running to the right. :rolleyes: We avoid that side of our line like the plague.

[herrmag]

Is this a scientific fact?

No, but it's anchorMAN, not anchorLADY, and that IS a scientific fact.

[D'Pablo]

Didn't Thomas already get his brace removed? Right now, as we read Extremeskins, I'm pretty sure Thomas is working on getting into game shape. From what I've read, he needs to strengthen that Tricep to the point where he can play again. It's not an issue of whether or not it's still torn.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/24/AR2007102402659.html

From Oct. 25th:

"He has been wearing a giant arm brace, much like that used by Barry Bonds, and should be getting it taken off sometime in the next week. After that, it is a matter of simply building the muscle until it is strong enough for him to play. Thomas, known around the locker room for the ferocity of his workouts, hopes he can strengthen the muscle a month and a half after taking off the brace."

[ronnix]

unlikely, thomas return late in the season will be a difference. he will need at least two games to get acclimated again. besides, if portis can get 196 yards with the backup side in play, then he can get a 100 yards against other teams. being to harsh on campbell. he is still learning, and right now the coaching staff is doing all they can to keep him healthy. the weaker side of the line is bigger for campbells health than rushing. campbell is not calling his own plays, and he will not mix much up until he is given the go ahead. remember, we only have one healthy wide receiver now, and until moss is well, passing will be to a minimum.

[Mad Mike]

The problem is that Randy is not going to be in peak form. He might help but dont expect too much.

[djotroy17]

Randy Thomas will make a big difference if hes healthy, but we need to see Santana Moss step up like he did in 05, and CP to continue running the way he did against the Jets, if that happens then I have no doubt we are a super bowl team.

[ceviker]

He's definetly a big X factor in our late season push, but we need to be in the picture first or else it won't matter. Here's to beating the Eagles this week to put us at 6-3!

[ciacbw]

I can't believe people are banking on a offensive guard to turn the season around.

Turn the season around?? Aren't the skins 5-3?

[ciacbw]

And good teams don't trade all their picks for WRs that don't make catches and RB's that never play. They use those picks to plan for injuries and pick up some good depth.

But why do that? Backup lineman rarely make the kind of offseason headlines this team craves. Lloyd? Duckett? Man, they are some headline makers!!!

Too bad they show up in the headlines but not the stat sheet.

Its seems obvious to me that the skins learned their lesson. Who did they trade picks away to last offseason exactly? Who were the headline signings lsat offseason. Try and think for yourself and not believe everything you hear on 980.

[andyburd]

I can't believe people are banking on a offensive guard to turn the season around.
I was just thinking the same thing. There is no quick fix

[SearchHorizon]

I was just thinking the same thing. There is no quick fix
Well, there was a quick breakdown in our offense when Jansen and RT went down.

It wouldn't surprise me if his return improved things a great deal. He is damned good.

[Rskins91]

The more time I spend here, the more I wonder, do people on this site actually WATCH football? Let's all remeber back to the LAST season the Redskins were in the playoffs. Remember who we lost to? The answer is seattle. This is important, because that particular seahawks team had what was considered the best left guard/tackle combo in the entire league! And steve hutchinson at the time was considered the best left guard in the league. In fact, after that season, hutchinson signed a nice(for a guard) FA contract with minnesota. Notice shawn alexander hasn't been the same since he left, while this year, everyone's sayin that adrain peterson is the best back in the league this season! Yes virginia, high quality play at Guard makes a HUGE difference in a team's play & results. Getting Randy Thomas back will absolutely make a difference, once he has time to gel with the line's current makeup.....

Too true. The offense will improve a lot with Thomas back in the line-up. Here's something that you might remember, fellow Skins fans.

I'm pretty sure in the demolition of Dallas in 05' Thomas tore a leg muscle. It might have been a different game, I'm not sure, but point it, he was injured. After that, the offense slowly started to regress. Portis was worn down come playoff time, and Ray Brown (who was a suitable backup no doubt) was no Randy Thomas. Without the running game respected, the passing game turned dismal with Brunell, and teams by then were smart enough to double cover Moss. Simply put, our offense stunk, and the defense carried us to our lone playoff victory in 05'.

Now, things are in reverse. Thomas will be back by the time he got injured in 05, and while it may take him some time to get to gel with the line, he'll be back come time for the strech run. Assuming we're still in the hunt/in the playoffs, Thomas coming back to the line will be HUGE.

Does it act as a panacea to all our offensive woes? No, but it'll certainly help.

[ttr77]

Its seems obvious to me that the skins learned their lesson. Who did they trade picks away to last offseason exactly? Who were the headline signings lsat offseason. Try and think for yourself and not believe everything you hear on 980.

Maybe you should stop getting all your news from Redskins Radio. Perhaps the rosy picture they paint isn't quite correct. Or maybe that's how you like your news? Personally, I don't listen to either station. I'd rather make my own opinions.

Glad to see they learned their lesson after years and years of mistakes. That trade for Kendall is sure to pay dividends for years to come!