SMOSS89
November-1st-2010, 08:57 PM
Assessing the Positive and Negative Developments for the Redskins at the Halfway Point
So, the Redskins have lost yet again to their suddenly bitter rivals, the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately for the Redskins and their fans, the issues surrounding the final 2 minutes of the game overshadowed not only the rest of the game, but could overshadow much of the first half of the season.
They're 4-4 and are certainly in the mix, and have some decent pieces. However they obviously have much to work on if they wish to be a legitimate factor in the second half of the season. In the midst of the current "sky is falling" sentiment among the fans, it is important to note the good aspects of the team, while also realizing there are certainly areas of serious concern.
Positives:
Impact Young Players: Coming into the draft there were concerns that the Skins didn't have enough picks, and would not get young enough in one offseason. There were certainly plenty of veterans brought in via trade/ free agent acquisition, so the concerns were legitimate. However, after 8 weeks into the season, there are players like Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks, Trent Williams, Ryan Torain, and Keiland Williams all contributing, in addition to last years group of Landry, Orakpo, and (at times) Fred Davis. The Redskins still have a ways to go to have a "young" roster, but finding diamonds in the rough is a good place to start, considering their draft situation over the last few years.
Turnovers on Defense: Generating turnovers consistently has been an issue for this team for the last several years, and finally this year they are making big time plays on defense. Yes, they give up yards, but they do get the turnovers in bunches now. DHall is a pick machine, players are very strip conscience and as a result the Redskins are on the plus side of the turnover ratio. My personal favorite type of turnover to watch this year has been what a friend of mine called the "ConverNover". This is when the 'Skins give up a big conversion 2nd/3rd and long and all of a sudden, a Redskin defender comes from behind and strips the ball from behind, recovering the fumble in Redskins territory, which has the same effect as a punt. It's the ultimate "No No No YES!" staple of the defense so far this year.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8FrOBrursM8/TM9e0UUnmqI/AAAAAAAAAAU/OGTM7WgM2UA/s640/converNoverComplete.png
(The Redskins Patented 'ConverNover')
Special Teams (minus FG kicker): The first thing to consider is that the Redskins kick coverage unit is among the best in the NFL. That ranking took a little hit after the Lions game, but overall they have played incredibly hard. Graham Gano, as a kickoff specialist, has done an amazing job. The punt coverage units have also done a good job. Hunter Smith has stabilized the punter spot for a bit, and though he can still shank one every once in a while, I think he's doing a good job considering the punters that have come through DC.
But we all know why the special teams is excelling recently. That would be my guy Brandon "Money" Banks. The kid is electric. I can say right now, 8 games into his career, that he's the best we've seen since B Mitch. Easily. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He's young. He's hungry. He's blazing fast. He does the "John Wall" dance every time he scores. Gotta love him.
CLICK HERE (http://theswinginggate.blogspot.com/2010/11/assessing-positive-and-negative.html) to read more
So, the Redskins have lost yet again to their suddenly bitter rivals, the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately for the Redskins and their fans, the issues surrounding the final 2 minutes of the game overshadowed not only the rest of the game, but could overshadow much of the first half of the season.
They're 4-4 and are certainly in the mix, and have some decent pieces. However they obviously have much to work on if they wish to be a legitimate factor in the second half of the season. In the midst of the current "sky is falling" sentiment among the fans, it is important to note the good aspects of the team, while also realizing there are certainly areas of serious concern.
Positives:
Impact Young Players: Coming into the draft there were concerns that the Skins didn't have enough picks, and would not get young enough in one offseason. There were certainly plenty of veterans brought in via trade/ free agent acquisition, so the concerns were legitimate. However, after 8 weeks into the season, there are players like Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks, Trent Williams, Ryan Torain, and Keiland Williams all contributing, in addition to last years group of Landry, Orakpo, and (at times) Fred Davis. The Redskins still have a ways to go to have a "young" roster, but finding diamonds in the rough is a good place to start, considering their draft situation over the last few years.
Turnovers on Defense: Generating turnovers consistently has been an issue for this team for the last several years, and finally this year they are making big time plays on defense. Yes, they give up yards, but they do get the turnovers in bunches now. DHall is a pick machine, players are very strip conscience and as a result the Redskins are on the plus side of the turnover ratio. My personal favorite type of turnover to watch this year has been what a friend of mine called the "ConverNover". This is when the 'Skins give up a big conversion 2nd/3rd and long and all of a sudden, a Redskin defender comes from behind and strips the ball from behind, recovering the fumble in Redskins territory, which has the same effect as a punt. It's the ultimate "No No No YES!" staple of the defense so far this year.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8FrOBrursM8/TM9e0UUnmqI/AAAAAAAAAAU/OGTM7WgM2UA/s640/converNoverComplete.png
(The Redskins Patented 'ConverNover')
Special Teams (minus FG kicker): The first thing to consider is that the Redskins kick coverage unit is among the best in the NFL. That ranking took a little hit after the Lions game, but overall they have played incredibly hard. Graham Gano, as a kickoff specialist, has done an amazing job. The punt coverage units have also done a good job. Hunter Smith has stabilized the punter spot for a bit, and though he can still shank one every once in a while, I think he's doing a good job considering the punters that have come through DC.
But we all know why the special teams is excelling recently. That would be my guy Brandon "Money" Banks. The kid is electric. I can say right now, 8 games into his career, that he's the best we've seen since B Mitch. Easily. He's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He's young. He's hungry. He's blazing fast. He does the "John Wall" dance every time he scores. Gotta love him.
CLICK HERE (http://theswinginggate.blogspot.com/2010/11/assessing-positive-and-negative.html) to read more