Thanks for all the questions.
John: Can you comment on how the Redskins match up with the Giants, for example, our O line running game vs. their D line and linebackers. Our passing game vs. their secondary. Same way other side of the ball.
With the Giants having an indoor practice facility and the Skins not, how much of a disadvantage is that really, in this week where it is predicted to be so rainy?
Bob Milstead
Bob: The disadvantage is that one team had to practice for a day indoors and the other did not. The Redskins don’t do much hitting during practice so that’s not impacted. But coach Mike Shanahan said one of the biggest issues going to a local gym is the inability to work on the passing game. Will this matter Sunday? Don’t know. But I do know the coaches weren’t happy.
As for your first question, can’t go into great detail on the matchups – it would take up too much space. But the Giants’ D-line is weakened without Osi Umenyiora and possibly Justin Tuck. Not only do they rush the passer, they play the run well. New York has depth plus Chris Canty is effective inside. But without as much depth in this game the Redskins ability to make the Giants’ line move a lot with their stretch runs will be crucial. I don’t like the Giants’ secondary, especially at corner – banged up. And their linebackers aren’t the best, either (lost their middle linebacker). But New York’s defense is all about the front; if it applies enough pressure then the back seven looks a lot better. The matchup to watch in this one is Washington’s defensive front vs. New York’s slightly-revamped O-line. Word is the Giants have looked good along the line this summer and you know they want to run the ball.
John
John: How would you rank the cornerbacks and/or cornerback tandems in the NFC East?
Thanks,
Adam Tismaneanu
Adam: Philadelphia has to be first, regardless of who’s playing alongside Nnamdi Asomugha. But with Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, he’s playing with two Pro Bowlers. The Redskins are next with DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson. I think they’ll have moments good and bad, but they can also both be playmakers. I’ve talked to scouts who like Wilson, but worry that his size (5-foot-9) will be a major detriment. We’ll see. By default, Dallas is next with Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins. They stunk last year and Newman has struggled with injuries the past few years (and, yes, both might miss the opener with injuries). That leaves New York. In fairness, the Giants lost their starting corners in the preseason (Prince Amukamara, who will return, and Terrell Thomas, who won’t).
John
John: Which 8 players do you think the Redskins will make inactive for Week 1?
Jeffrey Caras
Jeffrey: That’s a tough one because there are so many new faces and we don’t know how it will play out with injuries, either. My guess, and that’s all this is: Leonard Hankerson and either Donte Stallworth or Niles Paul, though the latter’s special teams ability probably gets him active Sunday; Mike Sellers or Logan Paulsen; LaRon Landry (injury); Rob Jackson or Markus White; Brandyn Thompson (or Byron Westbrook), Willie Smith and possibly Roy Helu (last season, Shanahan typically kept just two running backs active). Man, you made me think hard.
John
John: I’ve gotta think Stallworth is on the trading block. Any trade rumors? Their lack of OL depth is very concerning.
Chris Day
Richmond, VA
Chris: Hard to trade a guy who has a combined 19 catches the past three year and is 30 years old. If you want to trade a receiver for something of value, you’d have to trade one of the top four. Of that group, Santana Moss would be the best (but no way do you trade him). Teams are mixed on Jabar Gaffney and my guess is Anthony Armstrong would be the guy. But you won’t get a lot for him so is it worth it to add depth? Armstrong can make plays for them. And if you’re ready to give up on Leonard Hankerson this soon, would another team really give you a lot for him? This unit is deeper than last season, but it’s still not considered one with scary talent. The OL depth is a concern. The coaches spin: they have four players who can play guard or center. But, yes, it’s an issue.
John
John: Does anyone really think Brandon Banks is a WR? Could he hold for PATs? Two point threat everytime.
Steve Sweeney (Sween)
Sween: See, I went with your nickname. No, he’s not really a wide receiver anymore. His knee issues prevent him from taking on a role other than returner. Durability has always been the concern with him. But as a holder? Ummmm, nope. Not many times where you go for 2 and what about field goals?
John
John: What kind of effect will the lack of a practice bubble have on the Redskins performance on Sunday? Performance in the NFL seems to be predicated on preparation and how can the Redskins fully prepare when they are limited by inclement weather?
The Giants are probably practicing, business as usual in their bubble meanwhile the Redskins are carpooling it to a local gym for walkthroughs. For all the talk of this organization turning the corner this still seems like amateur hour. And I understand that they’ve begun construction, but why wait until 2 weeks before the start of the season?
Nick Ditchey
Crofton, MD
Nick: All good questions. Why they waited? Permits, paperwork, etc. Mike Shanahan wanted this a while ago, but previous coaches did not so there was never an attempt to get it done. It’s not his fault it’s not done; but you can thank him for when it is finished. Joe Gibbs was adamant about not having a bubble. They had to prepare indoors a few times last year and, if I remember, they won one game where they spent time at a local gym. So at a certain point it comes down to talent and execution. But why put yourself at a disadvantage? Teams will play in bad conditions so you might as well get used to them, but you don’t get done what you want to when there’s a severe downpour (or if your fields are flooded). Shanahan said the biggest impact is on the passing game. Too hard to work on that indoors.
John
John: Why don’t you think the Skins have signed more O Line depth after cuts? Do they really think they have enough? What happened to Ryan Harris?
JCastelli (via Twitter)
J: Tough to answer this one in 140 characters, I think. Good question on the depth; they did sign a guard, Eric Olsen, for the practice squad. They like the fact that they have four players (Montgomery, Lichtensteiger, Chester, Cook) who can play both guard spots and center. Problem is, if one of the guards gets hurt now you’re making two moves along the line instead of one (Cook would go in to center and Montgomery would go to guard). But in their minds this versatility helps their depth. As for Ryan Harris, the Eagles cut him with an injury settlement. He recently had back surgery and is not expected to play this season. Before the Eagles signed him in early August, the Redskins viewed him as a third tackle.
John
