And you weren’t as good as you thought you were.
Tag Archives: RGIII
What Is Wrong With The Washington Redskins, Part II
Davis- falling asleep during meetings
Garcon- saying they suck at passing
Morgan- says he just works here
RG3- always talking about trying harder
And yet
Reed- the only player doing 300 extra reps with the JUG machine after practice
#FOOLINGYOURSELF
#SMH
#HTTR
What’s Wrong With The Redskins?
It’s Not The Play Calling.
Unless of course, the play calls for the QB to throw the ball late, or too high, or behind the receiver or to the wrong receiver or for said receiver to not get separation or drop the pass.
The Redskins offense lost the game.
Not because they did not score enough points.
Not because they did not have enough opportunities.
And not because of the play calling or that they got away from the run game!
No my friends, the Redskins Offense lost the game because they can’t make the plays.
Everyone is screaming that the running game was working and Kyle Shanahan inexplicably moved away from what was working and lost the game.
That is the perception.
Here is the factual reality and my own Fumbled Perception of the game.
First some Stats:
Alfred Morris:
1st Half: 66 yards on 9 carries for a 7.3 yard average. (that is an average anybody would be proud of)
Halftime Score: Redskins 7 Broncos 7
Time of possession: Redskins 17 minutes Broncos 13 minutes
So far so good. Right?
Now a Confession:
I admit, I did not see the first half of the game. I had other commitments which required my time and attention. But that did not stop me from listening to the game. The number one thing I got from listening to the first half was when Robert ran, or got pressured to move out of the pocket, or even when he miraculously completed a pass he should not have thrown, the number one thing the commentators always said was “ . . . so&so . . . was open down field” or “ . . . so&so . . . was open in the end-zone ” or “ . . . so&so . . . was open for the first down”. Each of those “ . . . so&so . . .“ was usually some other receivers name. And in each and every instance of “. . . so&so . . .was”, the end result was a drive killing play.
I said to my son that there was no way the Skins were going to win if they kept playing like that.
They failed to make the play to the open receiver at least 4 times during the first half. Which means they failed to keep Peyton and the Broncos off the field even longer.
But like we said earlier, the score was tied at halftime and all was good.
Now back to Alfred Morris:
2nd Half: 27 yards on 8 carries for a 3.3 yard average. (almost same number of carries but a much lower average)
What happened?
6 of those 2nd half carries were in the 3rd quarter. (so it looks like they were still trying to run, just not very effectively)
The Broncos had four possessions in the 3rd quarter and the Redskins had two.
The Redskins scored two touchdowns off of Broncos turnovers. Quick scores but also quick to give the ball back to Peyton to try again, and again, and again.
End of 3rd quarter Score: Redskins 21 Broncos 14
Time of procession for the third quarter: Redskins 5 minutes Broncos 10 minutes
Hmmmm… even though the Redskins are scoring on turn overs and still running the ball, the tied is turning because you do not sustain drives on 3 yards per carry.
The 4th quarter saw the Broncos continue their drive from the 3rd for yet another touchdown.
The score is now tied at 21.
Now for a little role playing:
Suppose you are Kyle now with the score tied and you know the Broncos have been keying on the run and stacking the box.
What do you do?
How about call a play action pass over the zone that is stacking the run?
You come out in your next series with a play action pass called and the Broncos are lined up to stop the run.
This is what happened:
1st Down: Play action pass (in other words make the defense bite on the run) and throw to a wide open Joshua Morgan. The play unfolded beautifully, just like they drew it up on paper their tablets. Only problem, RGIII tossed it late and way behind Morgan. To his credit, Morgan did get a hand on the ball, and as one radio sports junkie said, if you are going to be a premier receiver in this league, you gotta make that catch. Well, mister radio sports junkie, that may be true, but, if you are going to be a premier QB in this league you have to NOT throw the ball late and you gotta make that pass.
2nd Down.
Play #2: You (AKA Kyle Shanahan) “Damn, that didn’t work and now we got to make up more yardage.”
What do I do now?
- how about a draw? Last time I faked the run and tossed a pass. This time I can fake the pass and run. But everyone will be expecting that.
- How about an option play? Probably would have been a good call but . . .
- You opt to go with your money pass play to Garcon. He catches everything.End result. RG3 misses again. And yes, there was another person more open than Garcon, but the fact of the matter is RG3 missed.
3rd Down.
Run or pass? Chances are even Morris isn’t going to run 10 plus yards to make the first down, so you throw it again. RG3 is on target to Robinson and . . . he drops it.
4th Down.
Punt back to Peyton and its the beginning of the end.
Three drive killing plays in a row. Was it the play calling? Or was it Washington’s inability to make the play?
When Garcon was asked about Washington’s inability to move the ball down the field with the passing attack he said this:
“What do you expect? And what would you do differently? When you suck at passing, you suck at passing.”
Remember what I said about the first half and drive killing pass plays?
But Mr. Fumbled sir – that was an observation. Yes, but an observation based on fact. Results of the play.
Want some more facts?
Denver has allowed opposing teams on average to pass for 380 yards per game.
They are one of the poorer defenders of the long ball and have not had a huge number of turnovers.
Washington had no passes completed for over 20 yards in the game, was intercepted twice, and only managed 132 yards passing.
With stats like that, nobody is going to fear your passing game.
So opposing teams are going to feel confident stacking the box and blitzing.
When that happens, your offense becomes one dimensional. And one dimensional doesn’t win many games.
One dimensional is always wanting to call a running play.
One dimensional is always wanting to call a passing play.
One dimensional is always wanting to play a shootout of kick returns to see who scores more touchdowns. ( Sorry Sam just had to say that )
If any of those passing plays in the previous series had been completed, then the Redskins would have made the play, moved the chains, stayed on the field for at least another three plays and more importantly, kept the ball away from Peyton and the Broncos.
And who knows, maybe they would have found a way to score more points while completing plays.
Yes folks, the Redskins lost the game. No, they did not lose it because the abandoned the run. No, they did not lose it because of play calling. They lost it because they are a one dimensional team and can’t make the passing or option game work.
Until the Redskins offense starts making all the plays, passing, running and options; their season is going to be
toast.
Head And Shoulders Above The Rest
Last night, after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers, Russell Wilson said he hit the showers during halftime to restart and refresh.
After hearing this, the Redskins organization sent this text message to him.
What Shampoo and Bodywash do you use?
A Miscommunication
Robert Griffin III was told by an official from the league to cover his knee brace. Not wanting to be fined again for a wardrobe malfunction (even though he went all last year with one not covered) he covered it up.
The league later said it was a miscommunication and notified the entire Redskin organization that players have the option to cover or not.
When asked about the defensive secondary’s inability to cover the Philadelphia Eagles Offense, Raheem Morris, the Redskins Secondary Coach, said it was an apparent miscommunication with his team.
😉
Week 1 First Thoughts – So Far.
Frustration
Thursday Night NFL Games Are Great !!!
Waiting 3 days for more NFL Football and the rest of your league to get fantasy results is maddening.
What are the odds?
One league we had a predetermined draft order and ranking of players. The other totally random order , ranking of players and auto pick. I ended up picking 12th in one and 6th in the other.
I have Jamaal Charles, David Wilson and Giovani Bernard on both teams.
And
I am already 50 gazillion points behind in each because both my opponents have Peyton Manning for QB.
I’m a bad fan.
In my no bench league I got RGIII as my autopick QB.
1st thought . . . “Cool”
2nd thought . . . “I look to see who else is left out on waivers for when he gets hurt”.
One And Done.
One game in and I already have an injury.
Guess I should have picked Tavon Austin over Jacoby Jones after all.
And yes Sam, my answer “I need more wine” to your “what do you think of Tavon Austin this year” – especially when you picked him up right after my Jones pick was my way of saying he was next on my list.
Wanna trade? 😉
Notes From Redskins Training Camp
The new redskins training camp is:
- Really Nice: it has two easily accessible fields where fans can not only have a natural grass hill to sit on but also a flat area for up close looks and signatures. There is also a nice 3 level area at the far end which is perfect for lawn chair seating and the “kids zone” occupies the area behind this which makes it conveniently/inconveniently out of the way (depending on ones point of view) from all the viewing areas.
- Really Hot: it has little to no naturally occurring shade. The old Ashburn site had two long stands of trees which fans could at least stand or sit under to escape the heat.
- Still To Small: This Saturday is Fan Appreciation Day. Historically this event attracts well over twenty-five thousand fans. There were about seven thousand fans at Mondays practice. Multiply that crowd (pictured above) by 4 and you get a park full of human sardines. IMHO. The only way they can accommodate that many people is to use the far practice field (on left) for fans. With no hill on that side and lack of stands (maybe they will bring in some) and of course no shade, views will be limited – and steamy.
- Really Good Parking: On the other hand, parking should not be a huge problem. With VCU stadium parking lots available about a mile and half away and planned shuttle service to and from the site, this should be a welcomed improvement. Also, with lesser crowds on Monday, we were able to park within 2 blocks of the facility and easily walk.
- Really To Far Away: I wish it was closer. Ashburn was at least convenient to the northern Virginia area and still reasonably close to DC and Maryland. Richmond is at least 1.5 – 2 hours away. But I will give them this, the location in Richmond, at least my perception of it on Monday, was that the facility is conveniently located near major roadway and highways. Namely interstate 95 and 295. Roadway accessibility and adequate parking was always an issue in Ashburn.
Eleven and Sixteen Equals:
Hopefully for both, the answer is 53 – as in part of the final 53 man roster.
Aldrick Robinson is once again number 11 on the roster and number 16 (who by the way wore number 11 in college) is undrafted free agent Skye Dawson from Texas Christian University.
Both of these players are having really good training camps.
I often join in on a pickup game or two with the kids in the neighborhood, especially when they need an extra body to even things out or somebody to toss them the ball. There is one particular neighbor kid who runs like lightning and when I am filling in as QB, I always say he makes me look good. Well, any receiver who makes a QB look good, is worthy of a consideration to make the team or at least special teams or perhaps the practice squad.
Robinson has really stepped up his game from last year greatly improving his route running skills and is attacking the ball even better than he did last year as a Redskin. Monday he routinely gained separation and got past deep coverage. On one particular route, and subsequent adjustment, he made the QB look like a genius on an under thrown pass in heavy coverage.
Skye Dawson, at 5’9” 183 lbs, he is not one of those “big” receivers( neither is Aldrick) – but he is fast, has great jumping ability and fantastic hands. I wish I had taped a couple of his plays but alas, kid duty and conversations got in the way. However, suffice it to say he was one of the players who consistently beat the deep coverage and on one particular play made a leaping, twisting, one handed grab in heavy traffic – yes the pass was under thrown. It was a beautiful play.
The Hits.
Plain and simple – It was good to be out near a football field and not only see some good football action. . .
but to hear it as well.
The defensive rushing drills were especially good to witness and Brian Orakpo is back in action sporting a new Bane inspired face mask.
The Deep Ball.
I mentioned this before. The receivers were able to beat the deep coverage. This is a good sign for the offense. Not so good for the defense. However, some defenders such as Josh Wilson were able to show flashes of good closing speed and ability. It sometimes helped (the defense) that the QB’s have yet to get completely in sync with their timing and reading their receiving corps because I’d say at least half the deep passes were either under or over thrown. It’s early in the practice season and everybody has yet to get into full football shape, so hopefully both the offense and defense will be able to improve with the deep ball plays.
RGIII:
Looks fine with the limited activity he does. It is amazing to see him out there running so soon after that devastating injury.
RGIII loves to fire up the fans and of course the fans love to get fired up!
And everyone hangs around to the very last second in hopes of getting that all important and coveted signature.
Kirk Cousins:
Because of RGIII and his limited activity, Cousins is looking better and better all the time. Don’t be surprised to see him at least start the season. Yes I know everyone is talking, and expecting, RGIII to be all in for week one but after last years game management debacle against the Seahawks, I would not be surprised to see the Skins take a “lets see if we can run this offense with Cousins” approach – at least at first.
Rex Grossman:
Remember him? He is still on the team. And we all know what to expect with good ol’ Rex. That is why it was so much fun to see the defense get faked out of their jockstraps when he ran one of those read option plays. Once he got to the outside, Rex had nothing but day-light in front of him and easily made the first down – about 10 seconds later . . .
The crowd cheered ! I think I even saw Rex smile on that one.
Your Wait Is Over
Considering I got a similar “Season Ticket” special announcement last year – and the year before AND the Redskins have removed hundreds upon hundreds of seats for standing room only sections AND installed a “party deck” I think we can officially get rid of any and all references to a wait list.
I received this email Wednesday. I am not a season ticket holder, so Dan and company are trying to get people like me to become first time season ticket holders. This year they have an added proven attraction in RGIII plus the NFC title to flaunt.
But look at all the wonderful added “appreciation” gifts you get for purchasing season tickets for the very first time!
You Get To:
See NFL Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III and the NFC East Champion Washington Redskins at FedEx Field this Fall. You have the opportunity to secure the best available seats.
(Provided RGIII sufficiently recovers from his double knee operation)
WOW ! But Wait, it gets even better!
Sign up today and receive a NFC East Championship hat or t-shirt.* Purchase 4 or more tickets and receive a free fleece.
Awesome! Those are really great gifts! But What Everybody Really Wants Is A Signed RGIII Apparel Item – but that is not all you have the “chance” to enjoy.
Starting in 2013, you’ll enjoy the best value in sports entertainment:
-
Affordable seats with great views – including sideline options – as low as $69** per game
- Not including tax, tags, processing fees, and optional rights to your first born.
- They waive the processing fee.
-
A home schedule featuring traditional NFC East rivals as well as the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears
- Wow, it’s not like they ever play anybody else from the NFC east EVER!
- Do we get to see J. Marie Maestre and Kristin Cavallari Too? How about Baby Camden?
-
- On-site season parking available, as well convenient nearby Metro station access
-
- For an extra fee of course
- Oh and if you walk from the metro, it’s only about 2 miles away.
-
Tailgate with family and friends before and after the game, plus great in-stadium food options – Ben’s Chili Bowl, Johnny Rockets, and more
- But you can only tailgate in certain areas at certain times
- And food prices start at about $20 for a hot dog
- I think some Fans would rather tailgate with J. Marie and Kristin . . .
-
State-of-the-art HD video boards, for better replays and real time stats
- I get that at home too
-
Ability to resell your tickets for games you cannot attend, even at a profit
- (Provided RGIII sufficiently recovers from his double knee operation)
-
No contract to sign, plus interest-free, easy payment terms available
- Nice – pay me now or pay me later or get sued * plus my lawyer fees plan
Now for the kicker.
What is funny to me (a non season ticket holder) but not to a friend of mine who happens to already be a season ticket holder is that he – and I presume other season ticket holders – get the very same email.
Because they are not first time purchasers, they do not get all the extra gifts or the waiver of fees.
They do however, get their noses rubbed the wrong way.
It seems to me that Dan and company still have a lot to learn about (at the very least) properly managing advertising campaigns and (preferably) treating ALL their fans right.
For current season ticket holders, it seems their wait is never over.
BTW – my friends total cost for 2 upper level season ticket prices, including parking and tailgating, is now about $2000. I realize this is not the most expensive ticket in the NFL but in today’s economy, that is a lot of money for anybody to fork over.
I love Watching The Redskins Offense In The NFL Playoffs
Yes, the Redskins are out of the playoffs, but elements of their offense are still on the field (and no I am not referring to parts of RGIII’s knee). Shortly after Robert Griffin III reported to Redskin Park last spring, Kyle Shanahan said that together they would revolutionize the NFL.
The read-option offense has infiltrated the NFL and changed the way the game is played. Thanks, in part to the Shanahans and RGIII. Yes, this is a variation of some famous college offenses, but it has been successfully adopted by the NFL, with the help of a new breed of QB, and changed the way the game is played.
It started a couple years ago with Tim Tebow (remember him) and has been adopted by other teams with much more dynamic QB’s such as the Redskins, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.
In fact, take a quick look at the numbers of both Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick numbers from their last playoff games.
| Seattle Passing | ||||||||
|
C/ATT |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
INT |
SACKS |
QBR |
RTG |
|
| R. Wilson |
24/36 |
385 |
10.7 |
2 |
1 |
2 – 17 |
86.4 |
109.1 |
| Seattle Rushing | ||||||||
|
CAR |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
LG |
||||
| R. Wilson |
7 |
60 |
8.6 |
1 |
17 |
|||
| San Francisco Passing | ||||||||
|
C/ATT |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
INT |
SACKS |
QBR |
RTG |
|
| C. Kaepernick |
17/31 |
263 |
8.5 |
2 |
1 |
1 – 7 |
94.7 |
91.2 |
| San Francisco Rushing | ||||||||
|
CAR |
YDS |
AVG |
TD |
LG |
||||
| C. Kaepernick |
16 |
181 |
11.3 |
2 |
56 |
They both had outstanding passing ratings and games but more importantly lead their teams in rushing as well.
The read-option gives the offense the ability to run different plays from the same or similar formations based on what the defense does.
This not only enables offenses to either run inside or out but also enables them to either run or pass.
Robert Griffin III, who, according to statistics Pro Football Focus, has preceded 39.6 percent of his pass plays with a fake. Russell Wilson is second at 36.2 percent.
Of Alfred Morris’s 335 rushing attempts this season, more than 52 percent have come from the shotgun formation. Translation: When the Redskins show pass, they’re just as likely to run, and they lead the league in rushing with 169.3 yards per game.
My son Mark is tired of me pointing out to him, over and over again, instances where defensive players did not hold their lanes or positions and allowed somebody, usually RGIII, Russell or Colin, to make big plays.
Of course holding ones position or lane (AKA gap) is not the end all of stopping the read-option, but it does go a long way to helping the defense win match-ups.
I believe in order for the read-option to be defeated, defensive coordinators will need to come up with their own form of misdirection to “fool” the QB into an incorrect read. New England did this in a way to help neutralize Tebow but, in the case of the New Breed QB, it would also help to have a couple safeties that could cover both the deep threat and the run option. Still, the defense will have to come up with their own way of disguising what they are going to do. Give it time, somebody will get it right; and when they do it will be as equally exciting to watch the defense once again win some of these battles.
In the meantime, everybody is scrambling to join the bandwagon. More and more teams are adding the read-option to their offense and more importantly, teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles are recruiting offensive geniuses to help restore franchise greatness.
Here is a review of some coaching changes: (I’ll get to the Eagles signing in just a minute)
San Diego Chargers (Mike McCoy): They fire one OC masquerading as a HC because he just can’t get the job done. Bravo. But then turn right around and hire another OC who experienced phenomenal success because he had a great teacher in Peyton Manning? Really? I guess if you can’t hire the master-mind, you hire one of his students. Maybe they think he has some of that ol’ Tebow type magic? Who knows.
Sorry I just don’t get this signing and think there were better HC candidates on the market.
Cleveland Browns (Rob Chudzinski): Here is an interesting combination of coaching personnel. Rob loves the Browns and has coached for them before as an assistant. Rob knows how to implement elements of the option and, depending on who you ask, has done a pretty good job with Cam Newton. He has a decent QB in Weeden but there are many other areas of concern that need to be developed in addition to his QB. Too bad Rob couldn’t bring Cam with him.
Norv Turner is actually a decent OC who loves to have a good RB to develop and build around. He’s got just that with Trent Richardson, but will need help.
I think this marriage could work if given the time.
Unfortunately, I just don’t think either will get it.
Chicago Bears (Marc Trestman): Last year, to help Cutler and the team maintain their quick starts and eliminate their reputation of fading in the stretch, they brought in some more offensive weapons, and changed up some other personnel within the organization. It didn’t work. Once again the Bears started strong and faded fast. So this year they bring in a well-respected ball coach who deserves a HC gig as much as anybody.
I like this signing, but we will have to wait and see if it does anything for the Bears staying power.
The good news is Da Bears have a ton of cap room; so they can make all the moves and signings they want.
Philadelphia Eagles (Chip Kelly): AKA – They lose one Reid for another more popular Read.
If you want to review a great article on Chip Kelly and his offense, take a look at Grantlands analysis here.
Kelly is a great coach who is well anchored in fundamentals; yet thinks outside the box. He implements the read-option and incorporates other elements of “confusion” keeping the defense off balance by installing a novel hurry up offense – much like another great playoff team – the New England Patriots.
However, pundits are already poo pooing ( yes that is a word – or two) his selection by stating the simplistic fact that Kelly has absolutely no NFL experience. Can anybody say Steve Spurrier?
However, to me, this signing makes a lot of sense. The Eagles have the personnel (on paper) to run Kelly’s style of offense. I think they may need some help on the offensive line in order to get the job done but hey, that is one of the jobs of coaching – and the GM.
The bad news here is the Eagles are in terrible shape with the cap – So good luck figuring that one out! You’ll need it.
I just wish they and Kelly were not in the NFC East.
A Matter Of Trust
All season long both the Shannies would ask who ever was their starting QB “can you make this play”. If the answer was “Yeah, I got this” then that is what they did. And it worked.
So, when their starting QB said “I got this” after twisting his knee, they believed him. Problem was, it wasn’t working. For at least 2 quarters of play – even after the next couple of series – it was evident that RG3 was not able to perform, to do what was expected of him.
So, at that point, what should a coach do?
Do you take him out and put in your proven backup QB?
But then you would need to change your play selection.
Or, do you change your play calling to keep your starting QB from scrambling?
Or keep going as you have?
Do you consult the team doctor?
RG3’s Dad?
The psychic in the stands?
Truth is, you make a decision and you live with either the consequence or the success.
Nobody can foresee the future. You go with the information on hand, historical precedence, and trust in your gut.
I read one article where a reader made a comment that star athletes are going to want to be in, to play, no matter what. That is what they do, they believe they can can take on the risks and succeed. No matter what the cost. “you leave it all on the field”. And It’s the coaches job to save them from themselves.
I agree – with the first part.
I disagree – on the second part.
It is about performance and results. As Robert said so himself, you risk injury on any given play. Don’t believe me, ask Joe Theismann. And how many time have we seen somebody “play through the pain”. The players job is to make the play. The coaches job is two fold, 1) to develop players, skills and game plans that 2) give their team the best chance to win.
When one of the parts from “1)” – listed above – doesn’t work, you make a change. Notice, at no point does the question of further injury come into play.
Now some may argue that taking players out to avoid injury is done. And they would be correct. It is done when the game is inconsequential or considered an easy game to win.
However, the Seattle game was a playoff game. In the playoffs, there is no “easy game”. No “we can sit our starters” because it does not matter.
The question really is, and always will be, who and what scenario, gives us the best chance to win.
You make your decision.
And trust that you make the right one.
Fumbled Returns 