Gearing up for Training Camp: A return to Redskin football and 'The Stadium.'

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

With TC set to open on Thursday, I figured it was about time I returned to the main section of this place we call 'home'. And back to my main sporting love of football after being absent from both for the past 2 or 3 months. With one thing and another to capture my summer interest (major European soccer tournament. Wimbledon tennis) and that little thing called 'life'; I just needed a complete break from football after the draft so as not to both overload on summer sports talk; and to 'recharge' myself away from our mutually shared addiction. And now, 4 days out from TC 2012, I'm like a kid at Christmas counting down the hours until the last, heated battles decide what warriors we'll take forward into battle for the 2012 NFL season.

And what battles we have to look forward to. In most every position on the field, we have fierce, open battles set to commence to not only lock down a starting job; but to even make the 53 to begin with. Normally training camp, and more so the tedium of exhibition games is a bit of a 'meh' to me, with only certain things garnering my attention as I labor through those necessary evils with a passing interest to get to the real business of Week 1 each year.

But not this year. This year, I'm gona' be glued to the nightly recaps, and I honestly CAN'T WAIT for the Bills pre-season opener. A game in years past I wouldn't go out of my way to catch. Now of course a certain dude newly arrived from Waco, Texas plays a major part in that. We've waited SO long for a LEGIT franchise caliber talent under center that even if he steps out onto the turf in Buffalo early next month and stinks the joint up, it'll still feel like we've won the lottery and then some just to have him suited in OUR colors. But #10 is just the icing on the cake to the overall direction this ball club is headed. And on the field, this is gona' be one heck of an interesting camp/ pre-season to follow as I'd venture as of right now, as many as upward of a third of the 53 is up for grabs; with maybe as many as 7 or 8 of the 22 starting slots for opening day there to be claimed.

Major Battles.

Offense.

O-Line. With only Trent set in stone, and maybe Lichtensteiger and Montgomery ahead of the field to start; this should be a real interesting competition to watch. Will the abysmal Brown finally show his NO's form LONG forgotten here to claim the RT spot? Will he even make the 53 at all with last years UFA surprise Smith, Polombus and the rook Compton all vying for a slot? Do the two rookie guards make the grade? Or do Chester and Hurt hang on in there to join Lichtensteiger? Talking of which, will his knee be fully recovered and strong enough for him to be full-go by Week 1? Will my personal hope for a major camp surprise, the undrafted Cowboy center Grant Garner make the team as Montgomery's back-up? Being an OU fan, I've seen this dude up close the last few years in the 'Bedlam' game, and I was shocked he went undrafted. Still raw no question, but he's a tough lil' SOB for someone undersized, and a great athletic prospect for the ZBS. Really hope he shines as he could well be a future starting caliber steal from this class.

GHH's O-line surprises: Not before time, Brown gets cut, with Smith getting the day one start opposite Williams. Three rooks, Compton, LeRibeus and the major surprise Garner make the cut; with Gettis on the PS.

The line still has BIG question marks going into 2012, and is still a major weak-link until proven otherwise on a consistent basis in both facets. But it sure will have a fresh, youthful look about it. Which is never a bad thing.

Tight Ends. Also a major watch for me going into camp. Does Cooley roll back the years, shake off the injury bug and hang on to his place. Or do the constant rumors from those that follow the team up close on a daily basis come to fruition and a parting of the ways from my current favorite Redskin? Does Niles Paul transition on the field to an unfamiliar role? Does Logan Paulsen get over his sophomore slump?

GHH's TE surprises: A parting of the ways by camps end for the Redskins and Cooley, sadly. Paul makes the 53, giving us a dual TE/ WR threat in a number crunch. And a vet. blocking TE is picked up after camp cuts as Paulsen continues to regress and bites the dust.

Wide Receivers. As much as the line and RGIII, this position could make or break our 2012 offense. You'd have to say Garcon is in the driving seat for the number one gig, with Hankerson or Moss the other starter. And Morgan wasn't acquired to sit twiddling his thumbs. Above and beyond that, it's anyone's guess. Has the speedster Robinson progressed enough in his first year to take the next step and crack the roster? What of the ineffectual, but talented, Armstrong and Austin? And will Banks be gone if he still can't contribute on offense being as he contributed little in the return game last year? And I wouldn't rule out one of the UFA impressing enough in pre-season to sneak in at the last spot.

Heck of a battle all-ways round in the receiving group.

GHH's receiving surprise: Banks is expendable, and will be with more return options now available. This time last year I'd of been screaming blue murder over the very thought of that to anyone that would listen. Now, after last year, I can't defend justifying a place on the 53 for him.

Defense.

Linebackers. With the starters cemented, the battle for the back-up slots could well be quite fierce. Pick any 4 from the returning vets. Alexander, Jackson, Wilson and White; the new vets. Goff and Kehl; and the great 4th round steal for me Robinson.

Teams.

Kicker. I aren't going to go into the why's and wherefores of Gano. We've done that to death on here and then some. But one things for darn certain. He'd better produce under pressure this camp/ pre-season in most EVERY kick, or else his time in the B&G will be at an end. They haven't been bringing in vets., culminating now in Rackers, for the heck of it. The perceived long term kicker of the Washington Redskins by many may well actually be one of the most unsafe guys on the team right now.

A complete, open competition. The way it should be. And the way his inconsistency has demanded there be.

GHH's kicker surprise: If it is even a surprise. Rackers to finally put the nail in Gano's long overdue (for many of us) coffin.

Minor Battles.

Offense.

Running Backs. Who get's the start between Helu and Royster? Does THT hang on, or does the rook Morris, who can double at FB get the nod? This one could actually be quite fierce from all four men involved.

GHH's RB surprises: Morris beats out THT. RGIII is handing off to Royster the first series Week 1.

Quarterbacks. We know who's the starter. Hell, we know we'll carry three and who they are. But who backs up Robert? The obvious choice, as poor as he is, is Rex for the experience. But how quickly will Cousins pick up enough to impress? Will they want to bump him up ASAP to increase his value down the line, if that's what they ultimately look at doing with him? One to keep an eye on.

Defense.

D-Line. Does Jarvis Jenkins come back as good as new, continue to show the real promise he did last camp, and earn the start over Carriker? (Or Bowen, but most likely Carriker's side.). Can Doug Worthington beat out the career average vets. Golston and Scott? Probably the most set area of any on this team, but a few individual battles to keep the interest.

Safety. Does the game, but pretty darn woeful Doughty finally bite the dust? Does Merriweather finally fulfill the natural talent he has and control his mental side? Does Gomes keep progressing to be in the mix? Will Griffin be in the mix at free along with Jackson and Williams? Lot of questions here, with not a lot of answers.

Should be an interesting battle. How good and how high quality is another question altogether at the woeful back-end of the D.

Talking of which: Corners. Hall should still get the starting gig alongside Wilson, though it's open to debate if either are true starting corners. (Wilson's certainly the best we've got.). Above and beyond that, with Chase currently (and wisely) stashed on the PUP list, we've ..... well, not much of anything if truth be told. Barnes, who's career has been stuck in neutral since he turned pro. Thompson., who looked good in flashes last year, but is still real raw and inexperienced. Griffin, who may or may not be the nickel, or even a FS; and isn't that great a vet. to begin with. And the rooks Bernstine, who may well stick at SS, and Crawford. I'll add it as a 'minor battle' watch, simply because heck knows who'll make the cut?

The only thing certain is the front 7 of the D better play lights out, as the back end could well be a major train wreck all year long. Here's hoping the Morris effect kicks in. And kicks in early with the DB's. He'd better scheme the heck of the lack of top level talent he has at his disposal for the D to come together and progress.

So all in all, some fascinating and intense battles, and some intriguing minor ones, right across the board to make this coming camp and pre-season one of the most enjoyable, interesting and eagerly anticipated ones in EONS.

And then there's that dude from Baylor in the #10 jersey .....

It's good to return to 'The Stadium' after a much needed rest from the intense craziness of this place of ours. And it's fricking GREAT to be a Redskin again!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

Hail.

[2cents]

For some reason, I think the secondary will be ok. I think we signed enough guys with Morris coaching that we have guys back there to handle things.

[Hitman21ST]

I don't think Brown gets cut, but I can see other players beating him out for the starting spot.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

For some reason, I think the secondary will be ok. I think we signed enough guys with Morris coaching that we have guys back there to handle things.

Man I hope your right on your feelings bro'.

Along with the O-line, this is the one area of the team that still really concerns me. The starters don't fill me with a great deal of faith. The 'depth' behind is something I don't want to contemplate out there.

Hail.

[Voice_of_Reason]

Good thread. I also am raring to go.

I know that I'm in the minority, but I really believe that Brown at RT is safe unless he really can't move. Training Camp will expose that. Here's my "shocker:" Josh L. is going to start opening day in New Orleans. Either at LG or C. If Korey L. is healthy, they will want LeRibeus to beat out Monty. If Korey L. is not healthy, then he's at LG, and Monty is at C. I really don't think that they would have used a 3rd rounder on a guy who they didn't think could step in and compete early.

Grossman will back up Griffin this year. Cousins need to figure out a way to make Grossman expendable in the off season.

The WR group might be the biggest question mark going into camp. Garcon is there, and he'll be fine. Maybe not a prototypical #1, but will be fine. The next 2 best options, Hank and Morgan, are both hurt. Moss is apparently slimmed down and looking better. Armstrong had a down year last year. They have other interesting talent. Banks can fly, but my kid sister is bigger than him. The health of Morgan and Hank goes a long way to determine how good this group is going to be this year. They might struggle early, and come on late. This is concerning, but I like the pieces, they all just have to get on the field. I think Banks and Austin are both on the out. I really hope Armstrong can come back strong and grab 5-10 plays a game. Because dude can run.

RB: This is the biggest concern on the the offense. Hightower coming off of ACL surgery, Helu is better as a "come off the bench" guy, and Royster is solid, but certainly not spectacular. They have to get plays from the RBs with a rookie QB. They will get some yards, but these guys aren't going to scare anybody. Unless Helu sees the light and becomes the next TD.

TE: Cooley will make the team unless there's a health reason. They're going to be patient with Niles Paul. Having 4 TEs of Davis, Cooley, Paul and Paulsen is pretty good. I think Paulsen comes back strong. I met the dude this off season, and he's a monster. Really big dude.

On defense, the front 7 is basically set, and there's some question about the backups, but that is the strongest unit on the team.

The secondary is the thing to watch in the off season. Can they be better without Landry? Will a new secondary coach get more our of Hall? Wilson is a good cover corner. Can they put all the pieces together and be solid? I want to say yes, but nobody really knows.

Let's get to it. Hail to the Redskins.

[Rocky52Mc]

Man I hope your right on your feelings bro'.

Along with the O-line, this is the one area of the team that still really concerns me. The starters don't fill me with a great deal of faith. The 'depth' behind is something I don't want to contemplate out there.

Hail.

This team has been built to compete with today's NFL. It's okay to have a weak secondary. Even some secondary's in this league contain real real solid players and ranked around dead last. New England and Green Bay both had horrendous deep fields yet still had great success. Packers went 15-1 and New England of course made the Superbowl. Along with those teams in the back - they have a few decent friends. New Orleans, New York Giants, and Chicago.

There's a reason there secondaries were getting torn apart though, and some of those reasons pertain to the new camp rules and lack of conduct - allowing teams to practice passing plays at will. Also the fact that those teams generally contain touchdown leads allowing opposing QB's to be forced to throw to stay in the game.

Secondaries are literally that today - secondary. You need to have a strong front 7 to let them make plays.

[Missouri_Skins_Fan]

Very good write up.
I agree with the most part, of what you have GHH.

With the exception of 2 things.

1) No way does Banks get cut.
Not only is he dangerous any time he gets his hands on the football on the return game, but he was last year & will continue to be our gadget player/trick play guy. He even threw a pass for a TD.

My point is, he offers way more to our ST's and Offense than Paul(now TE), Robinson, Armstrong & Austin. A case can be made that he will contribute more than Hankerson & Morgan when all is said and done. Only Garcon & Moss are probably more valuable to this team as a weapon, than Banks, imo. He was even slotted in at RB a few times last year.

Oh yea...He's cheap, too.

&

2)No way does Rackers beat our Gano.
If this was the Rackers of 5 years ago, than absolutely. I'd be screaming from the hill tops. But Rackers isn't the same kicker he once was. Yea... he's still pretty accurate but his leg strength is that of John Hall after his groin injury.

Point is, Gano just broke the Redskins FG record with a 59 yard boom in a bad year last year. He's young and gets us great deep kicks on the the kick off. Most of our FG unit problems were not him, but the blocking up front. Getting rid of him would be a bad mistake and as we heard a million time...Akers, part II. isn't gonna happen.

Now if he struggles during the season, then yea. Then maybe Shanahan makes a move or signs Rackers if available. But not to start off with the main 53.

Rackers is only here to push Gano. That's it.

Other than that.
I like your write up and agree with most of what you say.

[Voice_of_Reason]

This team has been built to compete with today's NFL. It's okay to have a weak secondary. Even some secondary's in this league contain real real solid players and ranked around dead last. New England and Green Bay both had horrendous deep fields yet still had great success. Packers went 15-1 and New England of course made the Superbowl. Along with those teams in the back - they have a few decent friends. New Orleans, New York Giants, and Chicago.

There's a reason there secondaries were getting torn apart though, and some of those reasons pertain to the new camp rules and lack of conduct - allowing teams to practice passing plays at will. Also the fact that those teams generally contain touchdown leads allowing opposing QB's to be forced to throw to stay in the game.

Secondaries are literally that today - secondary. You need to have a strong front 7 to let them make plays.

I don't exactly agree. The Packers and Patriots both had success because their offenses could out-perform poor performances from their defenses. Having Tom Brady and Aaron Rogers really can cover up a lot of sins.

I agree that you build a defense from the front back, so having the dominant front 7 is key.

However, having said that, having the ability to cover is very important. I actually think that with the emergence of the TE as a primary weapon, the Safety position has become more important than ever. The front 7 isn't going to get pressure on every single play. So, the secondary has to be able to cover and provide some time for the rush to get there.

They need to improve in the secondary. I think they can. They don't have to have Deion and Darrell back there, but they've got to be able to hold up their end of the bargain.

---------- Post added July-22nd-2012 at 03:39 PM ----------

Very good write up.
I agree with the most part, of what you have GHH.

With the exception of 2 things.

1) No way does Banks get cut.
Not only is he dangerous any time he gets his hands on the football on the return game, but he was last year & will continue to be our gadget player/trick play guy. He even threw a pass for a TD.

My point is, he offers way more to our ST's and Offense than Paul(now TE), Robinson, Armstrong & Austin. A case can be made that he will contribute more than Hankerson & Morgan when all is said and done. Only Garcon & Moss are probably more valuable to this team as a weapon, than Banks, imo. He was even slotted in at RB a few times last year.

Oh yea...He's cheap, too.

&

2)No way does Rackers beat our Gano.
If this was the Rackers of 5 years ago, than absolutely. I'd be screaming from the hill tops. But Rackers isn't the same kicker he once was. Yea... he's still pretty accurate but his leg strength is that of John Hall after his groin injury.

Point is, Gano just broke the Redskins FG record with a 59 yard boom in a bad year last year. He's young and gets us great deep kicks on the the kick off. Most of our FG unit problems were not him, but the blocking up front. Getting rid of him would be a bad mistake and as we heard a million time...Akers, part II. isn't gonna happen.

Now if he struggles during the season, then yea. Then maybe Shanahan makes a move or signs Rackers if available. But not to start off with the main 53.

Rackers is only here to push Gano. That's it.

Other than that.
I like your write up and agree with most of what you say.

Funny, I think that the two things that you point out will happen: Banks will get gut, and Rackers will beat out Gano.

The Banks reason is that he's great on returns, but they need him to contribute as a WR. He won't be able to do that at the same level as the other WRs. If the 'Skins are going to keep 6 WRs, and Garcon, Morgan, Moss and Hankerson are locks, then Banks has to beat out Armstrong, Robinson, Austin, and 4 rookies. I don't think he can provide enough value at the WR position to beat out all of those guys. That's a steep hill to climb. The real question is, can the 'Skins find somebody competent to take over the kick return duties. If not, then he can make Shanny eat his words, and be brought back as strictly a specialist. But I don't see that happening.

EDIT: Some crazy things going on with posting. Got a duplicate post, which went away, then combined, then I deleted. Very odd..

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

This team has been built to compete with today's NFL. It's okay to have a weak secondary. Even some secondary's in this league contain real real solid players and ranked around dead last. New England and Green Bay both had horrendous deep fields yet still had great success. Packers went 15-1 and New England of course made the Superbowl. Along with those teams in the back - they have a few decent friends. New Orleans, New York Giants, and Chicago.

There's a reason there secondaries were getting torn apart though, and some of those reasons pertain to the new camp rules and lack of conduct - allowing teams to practice passing plays at will. Also the fact that those teams generally contain touchdown leads allowing opposing QB's to be forced to throw to stay in the game.

Secondaries are literally that today - secondary. You need to have a strong front 7 to let them make plays.

I don't quite understand the point your trying to make here man.

No question you need to assemble your D from front to back with a solid front 7, which we more than have. The D-Line is the strongest unit on the team for me as a collective group. And the LB's are progressing nicely to complement that. Both starting and depth. But surely if you need to build a team to compete with 'today's NFL' (which is a passing league as you go on to point out), you still need competent guys back there to shut that passing attack down. Or at least nullify it as much as you can when it comes to facing the top guys like Peyton and Brady. Even for a good front 7 to 'let them make plays', you still need competent hands guys back there. We have a serious dirth of both.

And secondary guys we treat as 'secondary' just isn't going to get it done. A strong front will only take you so far. With little to back that up behind, it'll eventually catch up with you. No matter how good you scheme to try compensate.

Hail.

[HeluCopter29]

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

I've been watching all the victories on youtube! Yeah, I'm ready!

[2STaylor1]

good read, however there is no way jammal brown is getting cut. i did agree with a lot of what you wrote, but am curious on why you have no love for Helu getting the opening carries week one

[skins2victory]

-From what I have read this offseason, Brown has been doing yoga (I think it was), which supposidly has increased his flexability and mobility. Reports are he feels good, and is in much better shape than he ever was at any point last year. I think he is going to look much improved, if he really is healthy and can stay that way. If this is the case I will be surprized to see him not make the final 53.

-I think Paulsen is a great blocking TE, and played his roll last year, above anything I would be suprized to see him "regress". I sure hope Cooley is ready to defy his age and injuries this year, he is my favorite redskin as well. If he cant bring it together this TC it could be the end for him which will be very sad. If this is the case, which my fingers will be crossed that its not, I really dont see the team cutting Paulsen as well. Again I think he plays his role well......

-I will put my money on Helu taking the starting role week one. I love his speed and cut back ability. With a year under his bealt, I think he could be one of the best backs in the game this year.

-I love the cometition at CB. I think our secondary under the watch of Morris will surprize alot of people, and be much better than anticipated. I do think our secondary as a whole could be in trouble if Merriweather cant pull it together though. I will be really hopeing that he pans out, we need him to......

[2STaylor1]

I don't think Brown gets cut, but I can see other players beating him out for the starting spot.

Dont know off the top, but how much are we paying Brown? I am willing to bet its too much for a back up. Not that i would mind or anything, im just thinking the F.O. might think so

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

..... i did agree with a lot of what you wrote, but am curious on why you have no love for Helu getting the opening carries week one

Oh, don't get me wrong. I like Helu man. A lot. (Although I share V_o_R lament that we don't have a true home run hitter. Yet.).

And I appreciate and understand the fears over Royster's durability to carry the load as the main guy. I just have a gut feeling that the momentum he built the end of last season when he showed some real bursts out there for some big games from relatively few carries will roll over into the pre-season and see him snag the start.

Just a gut feeling on my behalf. But I'd be happy to see either man get the gig. They'll both have a big part to play this year.

Hail.

[NLC1054]

A case can be made that he will contribute more than Hankerson & Morgan when all is said and done. Only Garcon & Moss are probably more valuable to this team as a weapon, than Banks, imo. He was even slotted in at RB a few times last year.

...This may very well be the dumbest thing I've ever seen you say.

How is this even a little possible?