Performance of the Young Guys/Backups

[SkinsTribeVA]

I figured there were gonna be a bunch of threads about how good or bad the young guys (mainly on defense) looked today, so I decided to just make one thread to discuss all of them (and I figured the mods can merge them here).

My $0.2...
-Kevin Barnes looked alright at safety. IMO he should get a shot to start behind Landry next season if we don't find a better FS in FA.
-Macho Harris: not good, not terrible. I don't think he has a future at safety, but he looks like he has the skills to be a solid backup CB.
-Perry Riley: pretty good. He's physically gifted and has a playmaker's instincts but is raw. I think he'll get a serious chance to start in our LB corps, maybe not next year, but at some point...
-Rob Jackson: looked decent, but I still don't think he's starter material.
-DL: I thought the DL looked as good today as it has in any game this season. Bryant, Holliday, and Carriker each had bright moments. Carriker is the only one I want starting next season but the other two could become part of a solid rotation if we can find a younger stud NT and DE (NT is by far our most pressing need on D).
-Ryan Torain: solid. The run blocking wasn't always great, but he still made some plays. If we revamp the interior OL and give this guy some more carries (and he can stay healthy), and he could be special.
-Terrence Austin: he caught a pass! Nuff said.

[kevincollateral]

no mention of byron westbrook? destroyed atleast 2 screen plays. played well in the nickel for buchanan who moved into starting role.

[1198skinsfuture]

I've been calling for barnes to safety the whole yr...not so much strong safety but i have been calling for him to play free safety all yr...he is a playmaker

[MartinC]

Anthony Bryant played really well at NT today, he held his ground well and was a big part of how we controlled their running game. He looked better than Kemo has all year. Not sure he should be a starter but he looked like a solid rotation guy at that spot.I thought Rob Jackson played well too, he flashed some pass rush ability and actually looked better than Orakpo at setting the edge against the run. I can't recall him getting trapped inside and letting the back outside him which is still something Rak needs to work on.

All things considered that was the best our defense has played all year. Not that the bar has been set too high in that regard.

[charlton]

The performance of the young guys/ backups/ practice squad players tells us that the coaches CAN coach.

It also points out just how overrated our starters are.

Shanahan really did take over a team that has no talent.

[Burgold]

Yup, the no-names and pups did well today. Clearly, out-played the vets who've been benched or are injured and against a team that needed this game.

[jtyler42]

- I agree with the part about Barnes, and Harris...I think if Barnes can continue to develop he will make a pretty decent starting FS with Kareem Moore as his back-up...Harris and Westbrook as our 4th and 5th CB's is solid...Buchannon is the only one I wouldn't mind replacing in our secondary...well him and Reed Doughty lol....

- I think the jury is still out on Jackson, it's a little too early to say he's not starter material...He showed good speed/aggression, good pass rush, and a nose for the football...I want to see more of him and think he should be in the mix...

- I agree on Torain, if we can strengthen the interior of our OL he is going to be a pretty good back for us...He was close today to breaking some runs but the interior OL gave up penetration, or just got "blowed" up...

[shk75]

I don't think we found any new starters today so I still think we have the same holes, but I do think Shanny might have found good backups and depth in some of the young guys.

[benskins26]

Disagree on Macho and Rob Jackson. Macho got abused, and I thought Jackson earned a start next week, regardless of who's healthy or not. (they should go ahead and IR Rak, or just deactivate him at this point)

[Dukes and Skins]

I don't think we found any new starters today so I still think we have the same holes, but I do think Shanny might have found good backups and depth in some of the young guys.

Well if Rob Jackson puts up another game against the Giants, we could have found an OLB opposite of Orakpo. Riley I think is going to start next year there's not a doubt in my mind about that. Rocky is a goner at the end of the year and Riley will step in.

[NewCliche21]

I was really happy with Bryant, Barnes, Riley, Jackson, and Westbrook. Grossman wasn't bad, wasn't good. I don't think that any of those positions need to be upgraded in the draft.

[redskins59]

You don't think Rob Jackson is not starter material? Why? Just because he got picked late in the draft doesn't mean he isn't starter material. Look at James Harrison.

[Dukes and Skins]

I was really happy with Bryant, Barnes, Riley, Jackson, and Westbrook. Grossman wasn't bad, wasn't good. I don't think that any of those positions need to be upgraded in the draft.

NC21 are you feeling the same way I am with Riley in that he can be a true stud in this scheme? I feel that once you put him with a good NT in front of him he'll be a monster

[jtyler42]

Disagree on Macho and Rob Jackson. Macho got abused, and I thought Jackson earned a start next week, regardless of who's healthy or not. (they should go ahead and IR Rak, or just deactivate him at this point)

Macho didn't get abused, but he didn't play great or even good, but as a 4th or 5th CB, I think he gives us quality depth...

[Burgold]

You don't think Rob Jackson is not starter material? Why? Just because he got picked late in the draft doesn't mean he isn't starter material. Look at James Harrison.

I think if you add in all of Cooley's ridiculous drops... Grossman's day was at least a B

[shk75]

You don't think Rob Jackson is not starter material? Why? Just because he got picked late in the draft doesn't mean he isn't starter material. Look at James Harrison.

No I just don't think I have seen enough of him yet. I don't want to proclaim people starters after a couple good games let him play the last game and then see what happens.

[Drkstar]

say what you will but the Oline kept Grossman clean on the road against a defensive oriented team.
give heyer, williams, litch, davis, and torrain (all young dudes) a ton of credit

[MartinC]

say what you will but the Oline kept Grossman clean on the road against a defensive oriented team.
give heyer, williams, litch, davis, and torrain (all young dudes) a ton of credit

They played pretty well as a group but Heyer again showed why he is not a starter in this league. He is a liability run blocking and really struggles in space which is a problem for a tackle. Its night and day when Brown is in that spot and healthy.

[Dukes and Skins]

They played pretty well as a group but Heyer again showed why he is not a starter in this league. He is a liability run blocking and really struggles in space which is a problem for a tackle. Its night and day when Brown is in that spot and healthy.

Agreed and it shows in Run blocking as well. Last week there were some big holes for Torain on the right side when Jamaal was playing and today they really stayed away from the right side and ran right behind Lich and Williams

[ixcuincle]

The Redskins have a good mix of young players and proven veterans. I'm predicting a surprise run to the playoffs next season.

[RandyHolt]

Jackson's been just milling around for a few years now. The dude can obviously play, he is here no matter the regime or scheme.

Finally glad to see Pete Wy... err Rob Jackson back in the game. All our other DL converted to LB look slow and stiff. He looked like an LB.

[shk75]

The Redskins have a good mix of young players and proven veterans. I'm predicting a surprise run to the playoffs next season.

UH OH here we go again we do have some very optimistic fans lol. Its one win fun but lets see how we draft and training camp and preseason before predictions are made, we have a very tough schedule next year.

[Dukes and Skins]

Jackson's been just milling around for a few years now. The dude can obviously play, he is here no matter the regime or scheme.

Finally glad to see Pete Wy... err Rob Jackson back in the game. All our other DL converted to LB look slow and stiff. He looked like an LB.

Some had said during the '08 draft that could be a better fit at OLB in a 3-4 scheme and well today it showed that he's way more effective standing up off the edge

[MartinC]

Some had said during the '08 draft that could be a better fit at OLB in a 3-4 scheme and well today it showed that he's way more effective standing up off the edge

I'm looking forwards to seeing Jackson play again next week. I'd like them to start Riley as well or at least rotate him with Rocky.

[Dukes and Skins]

I'm looking forwards to seeing Jackson play again next week. I'd like them to start Riley as well or at least rotate him with Rocky.

I hope they do play Riley more maybe we won't have completions over the middle so easily when Rocky is covering someone.

[icbmayday]

Westbrook looks good ....we need to let Riley and Henson play those young boys looked good.

[thesubmittedone]

Barnes is quickly becoming my favorite young'n other than Banks on the team. I think both Barnes and Banks are guys that will be star Redskin players for a long, long time God willing.

I was also very impressed with Jackson. I honestly didn't think he'd fit at OLB, but he looked really fast off the ball and actually beat his guy with moves to the inside. We haven't had an OLB do that this year.

I didn't notice Riley much, but I guess that's a good thing. Can't wait to pay more attention to these guys when I re-watch the game.

[cjrugger]

Obviously this was the best part of the last two weeks.

As much as I dont like the way the Shannys have handled the McNabb situation, they have done a fantastic job finding unheralded guys that have played hard for them.

I was very impressed with Vonnie Holiday, Howard Bryant, Rob Jackson, Perry Riley (the last 2 weeks) and Kevin Barnes. On the other side of the ball, Lichtensniger, Armstrong, Williams and Torian have done a great job

[The Wicked Wop]

Obviously this was the best part of the last two weeks.

As much as I don't like the way the Shannys have handled the McNabb situation, they have done a fantastic job finding unheralded guys that have played hard for them.

I was very impressed with Vonnie Holiday, Howard Bryant, Rob Jackson, Perry Riley (the last 2 weeks) and Kevin Barnes. On the other side of the ball, Lichtensniger, Armstrong, Williams and Torian have done a great job

This is part of the key in developing a deep roster. You need unheralded guys who can either step in or be serviceable contributors. You don't need superstars at every position, just guys that take care of their responsibilities. In recent weeks it appears we might finally have a decent core of 2nd tier depth on our team. That makes it possible to pickup a couple play makers in the draft and in FA to be a competitive team all year long.

[Hitman21ST]

I hope they do play Riley more maybe we won't have completions over the middle so easily when Rocky is covering someone.

If we bring in AJ Hawk, him and Riley would be a nice ILB duo, with Rak and Woodley on the outside.

[HigSkin]

Everybody seems to be missing the point. This team is finding depth at positions with guys that can actually compete, are young and hungry. The biggest problem in recent years has been how bad our "second" level guys were filling in for injured starters.

I'm liking what I see from all the guys mentioned in this post.

[SAli457180]

Everybody seems to be missing the point. This team is finding depth at positions with guys that can actually compete, are young and hungry. The biggest problem in recent years has been how bad our "second" level guys were filling in for injured starters.


Agreed. I hope some of these guys make a real good impression on the coaches going into the offseason and training camp. They need all the depth they can get, whether it be from PS guys or from draft picks, which they're always short on.

[usafskins]

The two players that stood out the most to me were Bryant and Jackson. Bryants ability to hold the point made the Jags runners flow to the edge and our tackling today was actually decent. Bigger test will be next week against the Giants G/C combo. Jackson as someone else pointed out looked very smooth and seemed to be the best athlete, other than Rak at OLB and given a shot at the olb position. I really think Alexander should be paired with Fletch (if we dont draft or sign a FA) because of his size and straight line speed, for a 290 lb man. All in all it was good to see us beat a desperate team. Next week we will get the Giants best, this will tell us ally about which backups will stay and whose a goner

[BrandonJ83]

I like the idea of Jackson on one side with Orakpo on the other, I thought he made some nice plays today. I can't wait to see him against the Giants next week. I hope that we can also bring in AJ Hawk next year.

[HAILSKINSNYC]

I find interesting that the two games where we had massive injuries, we won both games....both games on the road against good teams...the Titans were a winning team when we beat them.

to me it's another sign of poor personnel decisions by Shanny....guys like Kemoeatu, golston and moore were completely useless this year....bryant, jarmon and barnes should have been in there much earlier.

[SkinsFanMania]

If we bring in AJ Hawk, him and Riley would be a nice ILB duo, with Rak and Woodley on the outside.

The reason Hawk is on the way out in GB is because he isn't a good fit in the 3-4. Stay away from AJ Hawk.

[Chump Bailey]

Rob Jackson: looked decent, but I still don't think he's starter material.


I thought Jackson played great. IMO, he just needs more playing time along with Wilson.

---------- Post added December-27th-2010 at 09:48 AM ----------


The reason Hawk is on the way out in GB is because he isn't a good fit in the 3-4. Stay away from AJ Hawk.

I'd take him in a heartbeat bro. The guy's a machine.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

I like the idea of Jackson on one side with Orakpo on the other, I thought he made some nice plays today. I can't wait to see him against the Giants next week. I hope that we can also bring in AJ Hawk next year.

Tell me why I'm crazy...but why couldn't our LBs look like this next year:

OLB: Orakpo and Jackson (Wilson as a backup)
ILB: Riley and Alexander (need depth here)

I have not been impressed with Rocky lately and Fletcher is going to get old overnight (eventually).

[Chump Bailey]

I really think Alexander should be paired with Fletch (if we dont draft or sign a FA) because of his size and straight line speed, for a 290 lb man.

I still think Alexander should be playing DE in this scheme. I think if get a real monster NT, Carriker and Alexander would be playing incredible I think.

---------- Post added December-27th-2010 at 10:29 AM ----------


Tell me why I'm crazy...but why couldn't our LBs look like this next year:

OLB: Orakpo and Jackson (Wilson as a backup)
ILB: Riley and Alexander (need depth here)



I'd love to get a true NT in FA - someone like Ron Edwards or Aubrayo Franklin.

I'd be happy with this:

DE Carriker * NT Edwards/Franklin * DE Lorenzo Alexander

OLB Orakpo * ILB Wilson * ILB David Harris * OLB Jackson

CB Hall * SS Landry * FS Barnes * CB Drayton Florence

I would also sign DB Justin King

[Champskins]

Dont forget about Robert Henson guys. He was a beast in the preseason and actually showed more sideline to sideline play than anyone. He looked like a bigger London Fletcher out there making tackle after tackle. He was put on IR this season and hopefully adding about 10 lbs so he can come out and start for us, or at least be quality, young depth.

51 Henson, Robert LB 6-0 247 1 TCU 01-27-1986

edit - we also have about 4 practice squad positions open for the last game. I expect them to sign a couple of guys tomorrow

---------- Post added December-27th-2010 at 10:52 AM ----------

Game's leading tackler Robert Henson hurt

Second-year inside linebacker Robert Henson suffered a right knee injury Thursday night during the second half of the Redskins 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.

"Yeah, it's a shame," defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. "It's something we're going to have to take a look at. I don't know how long it'll be. "It's something we'll have to evaluate. I thought he played pretty well to that point. ... He was active. He was into the game. He was excited about playing. "

Henson was expected to make the opening 53-man roster, in large part, because of the contribution he could make on special teams. Against the Cardinals, he led all players with seven tackles. Henson also had two tackles for losses and a sack.

"I thought he made a bunch of plays," Coach Mike Shanahan said. "He's all over the field. We'll see how bad he is in the next couple of days - how bad that injury is."

Henson said the leg injury occurred when he "just landed funny." Henson is expected to undergo an MRI exam Friday.

"I tackled the guy and somebody landed on my leg," he said. "I just couldn't put any weight on it. It was tough. Obviously, I wanted to play the whole game.

"I felt like a guy in my position couldn't afford to be hurt. But ain't much you can do about it. I definitely kind of broke down when it happened. I was kind of emotional about it because I felt, like I said, I've got to make plays."

Henson said he appreciates the support of his teammates.

"A lot of my teammates said I had a good game," Henson said. "But they don't make the decisions at the end of the day. I felt I had a lot more to go. Like I had a lot more to give. Like I said, it's a tough situation. Hopefully, I did enough to stick around."

By Jason Reid | September 3, 2010; 2:33 AM ET

[Dukes and Skins]

The reason Hawk is on the way out in GB is because he isn't a good fit in the 3-4. Stay away from AJ Hawk.

IIRC though Poker said he's actually a good 3-4 fit its just his contract balloons up to 10 million next year and they'll let him go and resign Bishop instead

[Mahons21]

IIRC though Poker said he's actually a good 3-4 fit its just his contract balloons up to 10 million next year and they'll let him go and resign Bishop instead

Are you sure? I coulda swore Hawk lost his starting job to Chillar, because he didn't fit the scheme that well.