The Chicago Bears ended up being the winners in the Jay Cutler sweepstakes, dealing quarterback Kyle Orton, along with two first round draft choices, and a third rounder. The Bears also received a fifth round choice in the draft.
The Redskins never fail to bring the circus to town, but I never expected Cirque du Soleil to be coming to town this year. Seeing the Giant Man sign a $100 million contract was just the opening act to a much greater show.
These trade allogations now place the Redskins in pretty much the same position the Broncos were in a month ago, trying to trade their starting quarterback, and failing. The biggest difference has been the quarterback's reaction. Campbell has been showing up for practice, not letting any of the show around him detract from his focus.
"I still went and worked out," Campbell told local reporters. "My teammates said, 'Jason, why are you here?' And I told them: 'I'm still the quarterback of this team until they get rid of me. You haven't seen the best of me. I'm not here for ownership. I won't miss days working out with you, and I won't miss time preparing for the season. Who knows? A trade may not work out.' "
And let's be happy it didn't. If every player on that team doesn't see that this guy isn't here for the money, or anything else other than to win, they'd be crazy. This situation, in some sick way, could help this time. A team always looks to their quarterbacks in times of despair, and right now their are seeing theirs in his lowest moment, and seeing him react with courage. This should be in the back of every players minds the rest of the season, and take any doubt out of their minds that he's ready to lead.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Trade at QB coming?
Newsdays's Bob Glauber reported today that the Redskins could be in the mix for a trade involving Denver quarterback Jay Cutler.Please let him be wrong.
The trade would go against everything this organization has been saying they need to do to get back to the Super Bowl. They preach about consistency. They speak of a desire to minimize player overturn so everyone can grow together in the schemes.
NEWS FLASH: Trading for a new quarterback would be starting over...again.
Last year the 'Skins started over by hiring first time head coach Jim Zorn. Zorn, 55, brought his version of the West Coast offense with him, which the entire time had to learn. And in any offense, the quarterback has the most work ahead of him.
The man in this position, Jason Campbell, performed admirably in his first year in the new system, which was his third system in four years. He didn't throw an interception in the first 8 games, but also threw only eight touchdowns in that span. While playing behind a deteriorating offensive line, he never threw around blame and concentrated on getting himself better every week.
So what would be beneficial from trading a quarterback who performed well in a system and can only improve in it with more familiarity, for a quarterback that comes in with no knowledge of Zorn's system?
Well, Cutler, 25, does have a big arm. He also has been to a Pro Bowl. Furthermore, he's thrown a whopping 19 more touchdowns than Campbell, 27, over the last three years. What could this kid possibly be lacking?
Try character, a quality Campbell has shown many times throughout his career. He always has the team as his priority, not letting outside distractions (like these trade rumors) get in the way of doing his best. Cutler, on the other hand, is on the trading block because he can't get along with his boss, newly hired head coach Josh McDaniels.
McDaniels, the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots last season, reportedly tried to trade Cutler in a three way trade, receiving the Patriots backup quarterback, Matt Cassel, as compensation. Cassel, 26, was forced into the starting role last year after a season ending injury to famed starter, Tom Brady, and Cassel excelled.
The only guy McDaniels would have wanted to trade Cutler for was Cassel. He wouldn't have to teach a quarterback a new system, which, I'm not sure if you've heard, is kind of hard. McDaniels had to take a shot at it. The deal, however, wasn't struck and Cassel landed in Kansas City instead.
McDaniels reassured Cutler after this saga that he was their quarterback, and they would no longer be trying to trade him. Cutler responded by requesting to be traded while not showing up for the beginning of off season workouts, which is critical for quarterbacks to be at because they are supposed to be the leaders of their teams. Even if you aren't going to get along with someone at work, you can't bring everyone else down too.
Campbell, of course, showed up right on time.
I know many people don't have confidence in Campbell, but it's not all about numbers. It's about leadership and determination. Campbell has become a leader on this offense because he plays for his teammates. He hasn't had the luxery of starting in the same system for consecutive years, but has still performed well. With a full off season becoming more comfortable in the offense, Campbell is getting the consistency that he and this organization needs to succeed, and it would be ridiculous to give that up now.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Redskins Roster Review: Offense
In order for the Redskins to get back to the playoffs next year, the offense is going to have to make great strides.
A year ago, Jim Zorn was just getting started teaching his new team the West Coast offense. The offense started off hot but cooled off as the season came to a close.
This off season, Zorn will be able to pay closer attention to details since the players now know what he wants from them. Though progress will be made from the coaching standpoint, the personnel side still needs some work.
Upgrading the offensive line has been a goal this off season. Last season the offensive line deteriorated as the season went on, showing their age more and more each week. Though getting younger at this position is viewed as a priority, the only move made so far was the signing of left guard Derrick Dockery, 28.
There are still question marks at wide receiver, and it will be essential for second year players Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to make strides to learn the offense better so they can play prominent roles in the offense. Incumbent starters Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are going to be relying on the youngsters to step up and take some of the heat off them.
Quarterback Jason Campbell will have to show improvement in his second year in the West Coast offense. He played well last year, but needs to show more improvement in the red zone. This team needs to figure out how to score touchdowns, and he could make big contributions in that department.
Coach Zorn has to push these guys real hard this off season and improvements have to be made. A few more moves might have to be made, most likely through the draft, but they should have every opportunity to take those strides next season.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Redskins Roster Review: Defense
Even if you only saw one Redskins game last year, you would have left knowing the strong point of the team was it's defense.
The 'Skins finished the season ranked 4th overall on yards allowed. Defensive coordinator Greg Blatche has repeatedly defended his players and his scheme, but there is definitely room for improvement.
The defense ranked 29th in takeaways last season, only taking the ball from their opponents 18 times. They also posted only 24 sacks, placing them in the cellar of the NFC. Moves this off season should help to raise these numbers.
Vinny Cerrato is back to true form this off season, making huge splashes wit the signings of DeAngelo Hall and the $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth. These two players should make a big difference in both categories.
Hall, who with the team for the second half of the season, had three interceptions in his short time with the team. An off season with the coaches and his teammates will only increase his production, but the big man in the middle will help him the most.
Haynesworth is a beast up front, taking on double and triple teams while still reaching the quarterback. This also frees up teammates to get the quarterback, and will also make quarterbacks throw errant passes which the defensive backs can jump on.
Even with these additions, there are gaps. An experienced starting outside linebacker is needed as well as another pass rusher, but overall the group is moving in the right direction.
The 'Skins finished the season ranked 4th overall on yards allowed. Defensive coordinator Greg Blatche has repeatedly defended his players and his scheme, but there is definitely room for improvement.
The defense ranked 29th in takeaways last season, only taking the ball from their opponents 18 times. They also posted only 24 sacks, placing them in the cellar of the NFC. Moves this off season should help to raise these numbers.
Vinny Cerrato is back to true form this off season, making huge splashes wit the signings of DeAngelo Hall and the $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth. These two players should make a big difference in both categories.
Hall, who with the team for the second half of the season, had three interceptions in his short time with the team. An off season with the coaches and his teammates will only increase his production, but the big man in the middle will help him the most.
Haynesworth is a beast up front, taking on double and triple teams while still reaching the quarterback. This also frees up teammates to get the quarterback, and will also make quarterbacks throw errant passes which the defensive backs can jump on.
Even with these additions, there are gaps. An experienced starting outside linebacker is needed as well as another pass rusher, but overall the group is moving in the right direction.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fast Start to Free Agency
The Redskins started free agency fast last week, signing three starters for next season in the first 24 hours.
The first player to sign with the Redskins was DeAngelo Hall, 24, who played with the team during the second half of last season. He inked a 6-year, $55 million deal with $23 million guaranteed. The two sides agreed to terms just before free agency started, but the Redskins were just getting started.
The Redskins negotiated with All Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth through the night, agreeing on a 7-year deal worth $100 million, the largest contract given to a defensive player ever. The deal includes $41 million in guarantees, and Haynesworth, 27, is set to get $32 million in the first 13 months. This was not the end of the signing spree.
The Redskins also brought back guard Derrick Dockery, 28, who left Washington two years ago in free agency to play for the Buffalo Bills. He was released by them for salary cap reasons, and was quickly pursued by the Redskins.
These were three shrewd signings, and the Redskins picked good players to give their money to. All three will undoubtedly start next season, barring any injuries, and should contribute for years to come.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Washington Released
Jason La Canfora has reported that the Redskins have made the first of many expected roster moves by releasing linebacker Marcus Washington.
Washington, a nine year veteran, was signed by the Redskins during the 2004 off-season. He was a major contributor early on, but was hampered by injuries the majority of his time here. Not being able to be on the field consistently and having a large salary cap figure made him a prime candidate to get cut.
Even though he had his fair share of injuries, Washington was a good player, a leader in the locker room, and was always good to the fans. It can be difficult to part ways with players who have become leaders, but it's a move the Redskins had to make. This move will give them $4 million in cap relief, and with free agency right around the corner, more moves are expected.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Redskins Roster Review: Special Teams
As free agency approaches, I'm going to take a closer look at the Redskins three units: special teams, defense, and offense.
Special teams has long been an area of weakness for the Redskins, and the arrival of Jim Zorn did nothing to change that. In 2009, the unit ranked 21st out of 32 teams in punt return average, 28th in punt coverage, and dead last in field goal percentage.
Something, obviously, needs to change.
The first thing they need to do is to find someone, anyone else to return punts instead of Antwaan Randle El. His main focus needs to be on playing wide receiver, and he hasn't contributed returning the ball like he used to. Instead of making a defender miss and racing down the field, he often dances around in one place, rarely making any significant gains.
Another change that needs to be made is at the punter position. The low ranking of the punt coverage unit is a direct result of the lack of a consistent punter. The Redskins cut Derrick Frost in favor of rookie draft choice, Durant Brooks, who was replaced mid season by Rian Plackemeir. Plackemeir showed some improvement during the season, but was inconsistent, and was cut after the season.
Danny Smith, the special teams coordinator, has been praised by both current head coach Jim Zorn and former head coach Joe Gibbs, but he has never been given any punters with significant skills to work with. The only punter currently on the roster is Zac Atterberry, who has never even played in a regular season game. Obviously, there needs to be a punter with experience added.
Smith also has not been given a consistent kicker to coach up. Shawn Suisham showed promise towards the end of the 2007 season, but posted the lowest field goal percentage in the league this past season. Suisham will be a restricted free agent this off season, and it is expected that the Redskins retain him. They can't solely rely on him, though. Some form of competition, whether it be an undrafted rookie or a veteran, has to be brought in to at least push Suisham to get better.
The kick return and coverage units, on the other hand, shined last season, both ranking in the top ten. Special teams captain Khary Campbell was a major contributor to these units. He becomes a free agent this off season, but the Redskins need to look to retain him. He has been here a while, knows our system, and plays hard every week. He can also be a suitable plug on defense at linebacker when he is needed.
There are a few things Vinny Cerrato, vice-president of football operations, has to look at in the coming weeks, but will he take the steps necessary to improve? In recent years, it seems that Cerrato hasn't taken a long enough look at improving special teams in the offseason. There are often young, unheard of players coming in the door, and walking out a few months later. How about bringing in a veteran with some staying power for a change?
I know this may be asking a lot considering the considerable salary cap bind the Redskins are in, but most of the games the Redskins find themselves in, they are losing or winning by less than a touchdown. These games are often decided by special teams. Whoever wins the field position battle and gets a few field goals through the uprights often finds themselves with the all important "W" at the end of the game. If the Redskins could generate some longer returns off punts, pin their opponents inside the 10-yard line, or even hit some makeable field goals, they could get a few more "Ws" next season.
Special teams has long been an area of weakness for the Redskins, and the arrival of Jim Zorn did nothing to change that. In 2009, the unit ranked 21st out of 32 teams in punt return average, 28th in punt coverage, and dead last in field goal percentage.
Something, obviously, needs to change.
The first thing they need to do is to find someone, anyone else to return punts instead of Antwaan Randle El. His main focus needs to be on playing wide receiver, and he hasn't contributed returning the ball like he used to. Instead of making a defender miss and racing down the field, he often dances around in one place, rarely making any significant gains.
Another change that needs to be made is at the punter position. The low ranking of the punt coverage unit is a direct result of the lack of a consistent punter. The Redskins cut Derrick Frost in favor of rookie draft choice, Durant Brooks, who was replaced mid season by Rian Plackemeir. Plackemeir showed some improvement during the season, but was inconsistent, and was cut after the season.
Danny Smith, the special teams coordinator, has been praised by both current head coach Jim Zorn and former head coach Joe Gibbs, but he has never been given any punters with significant skills to work with. The only punter currently on the roster is Zac Atterberry, who has never even played in a regular season game. Obviously, there needs to be a punter with experience added.
Smith also has not been given a consistent kicker to coach up. Shawn Suisham showed promise towards the end of the 2007 season, but posted the lowest field goal percentage in the league this past season. Suisham will be a restricted free agent this off season, and it is expected that the Redskins retain him. They can't solely rely on him, though. Some form of competition, whether it be an undrafted rookie or a veteran, has to be brought in to at least push Suisham to get better.
The kick return and coverage units, on the other hand, shined last season, both ranking in the top ten. Special teams captain Khary Campbell was a major contributor to these units. He becomes a free agent this off season, but the Redskins need to look to retain him. He has been here a while, knows our system, and plays hard every week. He can also be a suitable plug on defense at linebacker when he is needed.
There are a few things Vinny Cerrato, vice-president of football operations, has to look at in the coming weeks, but will he take the steps necessary to improve? In recent years, it seems that Cerrato hasn't taken a long enough look at improving special teams in the offseason. There are often young, unheard of players coming in the door, and walking out a few months later. How about bringing in a veteran with some staying power for a change?
I know this may be asking a lot considering the considerable salary cap bind the Redskins are in, but most of the games the Redskins find themselves in, they are losing or winning by less than a touchdown. These games are often decided by special teams. Whoever wins the field position battle and gets a few field goals through the uprights often finds themselves with the all important "W" at the end of the game. If the Redskins could generate some longer returns off punts, pin their opponents inside the 10-yard line, or even hit some makeable field goals, they could get a few more "Ws" next season.
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