Redskins Mailbag: Ask John

Jimmie: They should feel bad regardless of how close that game was. But it’s tough to play the what-if game. The Patriots would have played them a little differently had Davis and Williams played (more so Davis). And I don’t think they should be worried that the offense has looked good without them. They’ve faced two bad defenses and it’s not as if their replacements have been All-World or anything. Willie Smith has struggled at left tackle – good for an undrafted guy, but he’s not a quality starter at this point nor should he be. Logan Paulsen is a little better as a blocker than Davis but he’s no threat in the passing game. As far as the offense improving without them, credit the game plans and a good use of personnel forcing the defense into tough matchups. I think it gives them, perhaps, an idea of some things they could do next year that, with the return of these two, should make them a little better. As for Smith, I have a hard time seeing him as a starter next year. But it’s hard to project offensive linemen. I like that he sometimes drives guys back, but don’t like that he can’t anchor yet against rushers and gets off-balance a lot. It can be corrected, but I’d still view him as needing another year as a backup.

JK

John: I would appreciate your opinion on the Redskins intentionally tanking the rest of the season to get a higher draft pick. I’m in the group that believes it’s important to finish the season strong and develop continuity, depth, and hopefully a pattern of winning. But more importantly, I think the game itself precludes a team phoning it in. The game is so violent, why would a player risk injury in a half-baked effort where you’re playing to lose? Have you talked to any of the players about this?

Thank you.

Stewart Craig

Stewart: I haven’t talked to players about this because, quite honestly, I wouldn’t want to insult them. I get exactly what you’re saying/asking, but they have the same mindset as you. And myself for that matter. The idea that you should somehow lose to maintain draft position is beyond ridiculous. High picks don’t win titles; good picks do. We already know that Matt Barkley is staying; what if Robert Griffin stays too – as is rumored? Then what? Finish higher t put yourself in better position to trade for the top pick? The Redskins drafted fifth two years ago and wanted Sam Bradford. Couldn’t get him. Higher draft spots don’t guarantee anything. The Redskins took Heath Shuler and Michael Westbrook in the top 5. They found Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan outside the top 10. If the Redskins finished, say, 3-13, it would indicate a much greater problem than just at QB. Also, if the Redskins finished poorly what sort of confidence would they have in the coaching staff and direction of the franchise? Finish strong in a season with a lot of injuries and you can at least walk away with a sense that it could be better next year. You might think they’re crazy for thinking that way, but that’s irrelevant. Players need confidence, not fans. Walk away after a 4-12 finish and you wonder how long it will take to get anywhere.

Keep in mind that many of them don’t even know where they’ll be next year so what would losing on purpose accomplish for them? And would you really want players back who want to lose on purpose? Also, they know as much as anyone how there’s no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to rookies – especially quarterbacks.

JK

John: What are your thoughts on a transition from tackle to guard with Willie Smith?  He seems to be holding his own pretty well for now and correct me if I’m wrong, but guard is a easier position to play then tackle?  If anything he’s shown he can be a quality back up, or even steal Jammal Browns RT spot right from him.

Also any ideas as to why the WRs are starting to play better as a whole?  I mean we cut Donte Stallworth, then sign him back and he seems to be playing with more fire, and Jabar Gaffney seems to be stepping up his game as well.

Last but not least, in my opinion if the Skins are unable to land Luck, Barkley or RGIII do you trade up for one of them, take best available at that spot that fills a need (WR,OL,CB), or trade back into the round and target Ryan Tannehill (who I would rate as 4th best if the other 3 come out)?

Thanks again John

Stephen Klem

Stephen:  1. Haven’t heard any talk about Smith moving to guard. I’d like to see if he can cut it at tackle first since he’s a pretty good athlete. They like Kory Lichtensteiger at left guard and signed Chris Chester for right guard so I don’t think that’s a pressing issue for them (assuming ‘Steiger returns healthy, as expected). He’s had some issues as you would expect, but he’s shown some flashes. He’s still raw with his techniques (needs to anchor better; improve his use of hands, balance, etc.) My belief is that he needs another year before really viewing him as a challenger for a starting job. But he’s worth developing.

2. Better QB play. I don’t think Donte is playing with more fire; that guy always has a fire burning. But he is getting more opportunities. Also, with the running game working better, the play-action has killed teams. That’s why they throw so much in the middle. The linebackers get sucked way up and there are clear lanes to throw to between the hashes. Gaffney fits well  because he’s so consistent with his routes and if a team plays zone a lot, he’ll be open a lot.

3. Well, Barkley is out of the picture now. If I like a guy a lot, then yeah I try to trade up for him. Too soon to say how much they like anyone. Until Shanahan gets involved it’s way too early. If they can’t get a QB then it all depends on what you view as a top priority (playmakers have to be at the top for offense). If that guy isn’t there, trade back a little if you can. I don’t think anything can be stated definitively about what anyone would do because we still don’t know what they think of players nor do we know all the players who will be in the draft. Good thing is we’ll get to talk about it for the next four months.

JK

John: I have seen published figures concerning the Redskins cap availability ranging from 6.9 mil (thehogs.net) to 11.9 mil (profootballtalk as of 11/20). Do you happen to know what the actual cap number is?

Also, since the Redskins have salary cap space available for the 2011 season, wouldn’t it be prudent to try and extend some players with expiring contracts, such as London Fletcher, thereby reducing the impact on future seasons?  It would seem like a wasted opportunity to not take advantage of the unused cap space.  Would any extensions have to be signed prior to the last game, or would they be allowed up until the completion of the Super Bowl?

Thanks,

Dale Beneke

Dale: Yes, they could try to sign someone to an extension before the season ends and have it count on this year’s cap. But both sides have to like the deal. Doesn’t sound as if that’s close for Fletcher, but that could always change. I believe it’s closer to the $11.9 million figure, but I’m not positive. I do know they’ll have a lot of room against the cap for 2012. As of now, without adding up the escalator clauses it could be more than 20 million (if the cap is at $120 million).

JK

John: It’s amazing how people call player personnel a weakness for Shannahan.  If you go back to his last couple of years in Denver, he actually had guys who have produced big. 

In 2010, the Redskins got Trent Williams and Perry Riley.  We can all have an opinion about the suspension, but it seems clear that Williams has been the best tackle to come out of that draft so far.  Also, Riley looks to be a very nice find for that front seven.

In 2011, Shannahan looks to have picked up at least five starters in 2012 (Kerrigan, Jenkins, Hankerson, Helu, and Gomes) with an additional four or five who have gotten good experience and could be, if nothing else, quality backups for us for years to come (Paul, Royster, Hurt, and Neild). 

With the Redskins needing a true franchise quarterback, and huge cap room, I’m convinced that even if we beat Minnesota, they will find a way to go after one of the top three quarterbacks in the 2012 draft. 

Overall, what’s your take on what’s Shannahan’s done with player personnel in his first two years with the Skins and do you also predict we come away with either Barkley or Griffin?

 Thanks

Aaron

 P.S.–If the Fins and Skins end up with the same record, we would pick first in the draft, correct?  Our strength of schedule was easier I believe.

Aaron: Shanahan finished strong with his drafts in Denver. Wasn’t always that way, but a lot of teams can say that. The Patriots miss on a lot of picks, too. His problem was choosing the right defensive coordinators and making personnel mistakes on that side of the ball in terms of free agency (this is coming from other GMs and talent evaluators). Here, I’m not convinced they have five starters from this draft. That’s an awful lot. But they did find some solid players as well as other guys who should contribute for several years. That qualifies as an outstanding draft, but it’s still a little early to fully know.

Obviously Barkley is done, but if they like a guy in the top 5 I expect them to be very aggressive. After 12 picks a year ago they don’t need to come away with a full class. Will they land a future QB? Let’s see if Griffin comes out and who is ahead of the Redskins in the draft order. Then we’ll start to gauge the possibilities.

The tiebreaker for positioning is strength of schedule. No idea whose is easier. All I know is the NFL will have it figured out when the season ends. I can wait.

JK

John: First off, thanks for all of your insight on the Redskins this season. For this first time in long while, I feel that this team is headed in the right direction with enough young players and future draft picks to make some noise over the next few seasons, and as a ‘Skins fan under the age of 30 these moments of optimism have been few and far between.

As for my question, one of my biggest concerns is how this coaching staff will upgrade the offensive line for next season. I feel like every position on the line, with the exception of T. Williams at LT, could be upgraded to help this team during the off-season and that even a solid back-up Tackle (could be W. Smith, but I have not been impressed with Locklear this season) should be brought in for insurance just in case Williams gets bored again and dabbles in the “high life”. Personally I would like to see some 2nd/3rd/4th round picks spent on some guys who can start or provide solid depth in 2012. Do you think Shanahan will make O-line improvements a priority this off-season, and how do you feel he will address these issues (i.e. free agency or the draft)?

Thanks,
Bill from Simpsonville, SC

Bill: Thanks… They won’t need to upgrade the entire line; that’s difficult to do. They like Kory Lichtensteiger at left guard and I don’t see Chris Chester going anywhere. If anything, I’d expect them to look hard at center and right tackle. Shanahan has always drafted an offensive lineman and I would expect that to continue in April. But if they want a starter, especially at center, my guess is it would come via free agency.

JK

John: I know much as been made about how DeSean Jackson has responded to wanting a new contract this year, but do you think the Redskins should take a long hard look at him? 

Before people groan, think about if you’ve been in a situation at work where less productive people got paid more than you.  Having perceived that situation at one of my jobs, I can tell you, it doesn’t feel good.  Didn’t care for his lack of professionalism, but the fact remains, the kid can play.  Imagine a WR corps that had DeSean Jackson (major vertical threat, great punt returner), Leonard Hankerson (assuming good health looks to have serious talent), Jabar Gafney (great route runner), and Santana Moss (another good route running from the slot).

AJ Green is helping to make Andy Dalton look like a star.  Think about what that WR group could do for a young franchise QB for us.  If not Jackson, who?

BTW, any word on Hankerson’s recovery?

Thanks.

Aaron

Aaron: You absolutely have to look at Jackson, but I’d worry about his mindset. I don’t care if you’re upset, you can still handle it a certain way and with more professionalism. That would greatly concern me. But, yes, check him out because playmakers aren’t out there in abundance. And they need one at receiver, someone who can threaten defenses after the catch. Jackson and Jeremy Maclin helped make Donovan McNabb look good his last couple years. He makes it so you don’t have to drive 80 yards for every score. But be careful: You don’t need choirboys, but you need guys with a professional approach. No update on Hankerson. Still haven’t heard anything about surgery; still pretty early in the process for him, but he’s expected to be fine.

JK

John: Do you think Snyder is happy with the direction of the team? I know he wants us to win, we all do, and I’m not asking if he’s going to fire anyone, but do you think he is generally satisfied in the direction the team is headed?

My second question is if we do not get a chance at drafting one of the top QB’s, do you see the team taking a few shots on a Matt Flynn, Matt Leinart, or any of the other free agent veterans? (Maybe even Kyle Orton, though if you had told me three years ago the two Redskin quarterbacks would be two ex-Bear quarterbacks (Grossman and Orton) I would have laughed and laughed and laughed).

Do you think the team will re-sign Grossman? (I hate his turnovers, but the team seems to play well with him) And do you think there’s anyone out there that’s better than Grossman that would be a nice bridge for a rookie quarterback? And finally, I get the sense the players are really behind Grossman, so would bringing in a free agent quarterback to replace Grossman mess up the team chemistry that we seem to have now? It seems that if we bring in a QB, and draft a QB, then the decision would be between bringing Grossman back or cutting Beck.

Anyway, hail to the Redskins, and keep mentioning to Kyle to keep that running game up!

Chris

Chris: 1. I’d say he’s working real hard to be patient and to stay out of the spotlight and let this staff sink or swim. Hard to say if he’s satisfied. I think like everyone he has some frustrations; they’re still 5-9 in year two of a program. Would anyone be happy with that? I know injuries have played a role but so too have decisions at quarterback. But he’s giving them space and it’s what he needs to do. Just wonder what will happen if this doesn’t ultimately work? Would Snyder give the next staff that sort of room? But you can look at parts of the team and say they’re headed in the right direction. Now let’s see what they do this offseason.

2. Matt Flynn? Matt Leinart? They do nothing for me at this point. I will say, Leinart was in the same draft class as Jay Cutler so clearly Shanahan would have had a good book on him coming out. I had heard from someone in Denver, who was in their draft room, that Shanahan liked another QB in that class more than Cutler. But that was a while ago and he clearly liked Culter too. Orton? Would have been worth a look, but he’s now on his third team so he’s not an answer. Seems to do well for a bit and then drop off. But he’s a no-harm, no-foul guy. Nothing to lose as long as you don’t view him as an answer, but a bridge.

3. As of now I’d say they’ll re-sign Grossman. They understand what he can do and the fact that Kyle Shanahan brought up his turnovers again is telling, that they don’t love him. But there’s no doubt they place some of the blame on needing better talent around him. So if you can’t upgrade the QB, you upgrade the other spots. If there’s a decision between keeping Grossman or Beck, it’s an easy one.

JK

John: Thanks for all these questions you answer, John.  I have observed that Fred Davis does not seem to be able to drag his second foot when he makes a reception near the sideline.  He always seems to take a normal stride after catching the ball.  Does the coaching staff practice dragging feet on catches near the sideline?  I’m wondering if other wr’s(other than Santana)are able to do this also.  Have you observed this?  

Fred

Fred: It’s a little tougher for big guys to maneuver their bodies that way, but I haven’t noticed a great issue with this from Davis. Yes, I’ve seen them working on catches along the sideline (more so the receivers because they’re typically the ones catching balls this way).

JK

John: Thanks for all the great insight. I’m starting to hear a lot of talk about the Redskins being a possible landing spot for Peyton Manning. Please put these rumors to rest (if you can.)
 
Scott

Scott: Thank you… No can do on the rumors. Not because I think it will happen, or because I’m hearing that it will happen, but because there’s a long way to go and anything is possible. He’d be an upgrade, no doubt. But do you pay big money to an older QB coming off a neck injury? Manning is obviously a great QB, but Shanahan’s offense requires more mobility than he has (though he is great at play-action passes). Manning and the Shanahans like to be in control and have strong thoughts on what they want done, and what they want from a QB. Would they butt heads? What if Manning wants to bring Tom Moore along to run the same offense he’s been in his entire career? My guess is he’ll go somewhere he can do that, with a better supporting cast already in place.  But that’s just a guess at this point. If the Colts don’t end up with the No. 1 pick, it’s irrelevant.

JK

John: Hey I was just thinking…. Instead of going for Robert Griffin III I think we should go for one of the top offensive linemen with our first pick because as you can see when Rex has time he is pretty good at quarterback. With our second pick we should go for a center/guard with the second pick since our starting left guard blew out his knee and we don’t know how good he will be next season. The quarterback I think we should draft is Ryan Lindley and the reason why I say this is because he is the only guy I see any similarities to Jay Cutler. Both of their scouting reports states that they have a great arm, shaky accuracy, some mobility etc. It was just a thought what do you think?

Keith Johnson

Keith: They need to get a young QB. If they have a shot at Griffin, and like him, then you must take him. Think about it: would you want to pass up a potential franchise QB for a lineman? Not me. Any QB should be good when given time; the good QBs do well under duress and help overcome a lesser line or talent at receiver. Rex has shown he can move the ball in this offense; he has yet to show he’s a good QB simply because of the turnovers. It’s not as if all of them have come because of pressure. Mostly, they stem from poor decisions. That won’t change. Maybe he’d make more plays with better talent at wideout, but he’s still going to throw a lot of picks. I haven’t seen Lindley play, but he does sound a little like a poor man’s Cutler. Don’t like his completion percentage (around 52 percent). He’s thrown a lot of picks in college (47, though only eight this year).

JK

John: In terms of needs on this team I’d rate offensive line above wide receiver.  Do you think the Redskins have anyone on the offensive line aside from Trent Williams who is an above average player?   Whereas for wide receiver, Gaffney and Moss are decent possession receivers.  Hankerson has flashed potential.  Stallworth has played better lately.  The air game has been working of late without Fred Davis, Chris Cooley and Leonard Hankerson who will likely all be back next season.  Do you agree that the offensive line is a more pressing need?

Mike

Mike: Above average? Not right now. But the Denver lines weren’t full of great players; they had guys who worked well together and executed the system well. You don’t need a line full of Pro Bowlers to execute this scheme. I do think they need some upgrades on the line and probably will target a center in the offseason. I think the pressing need is for a playmaker and QB. Sort of like last year, right? I don’t have an issue if Grossman returns as a backup (or as part-time starter to open the season until a young guy is ready). But if they can’t find another QB, then a playmaker is a must and then I’d target the line. (I am a believer in best player available when it comes to drafting, however – unless that player is at a position of strength).

JK

John: Thanks for the confidential its great!  I know this is a little early, but let’s say the Rams end up with the #1 pick in the draft.  Would it make sense for the Redskins to pursue Sam Bradford?  He’s young, talented, and seems to be held in high regard by the Shanahans.  He would be expensive too, but I think he might be acquired for less than what it would cost for Luck and RGIII in this heated QB market.  Maybe I’m crazy but the Redskins might have some leverage in telling the Rams they will take Bradford off their hands (with a restructured contract of course) thus, clearing the way for the Rams to draft Luck, and the Skins get a good player while not having to give up 30 picks…

Charles

Charles: Glad you like it. … Shanahan really liked Bradford two years ago and I’m guessing that hasn’t changed too much; can’t say I’ve talked to him about it lately. And you can make a case that Bradford’s had a lot working against him in St. Louis (two coordinators, struggling line, no receivers). His contract is an issue for any team wanting to make a trade. I’d go after whichever QB you think is best. But if it’s close, get the best deal. The problem is, St. Louis likely will make a coaching change and possibly a front office change. So it all depends on whatever that group thinks. If there’s a change, it would make it more likely – I would assume – that Bradford would be available.

JK