Redskins mailbag: Ask John

Jimmie: I don’t get to see Okung very much, but based on Sunday I’d have to say Williams considering he played a stronger game. Both faced good pass rushers in Brian Orakpo and Chris Clemons. But Clemons never threatened the quarterback thanks to Williams; Orakpo had a half sack and a couple pressures and was excellent vs. Okung. But Okung did a solid job in the run game, however. Neither one has fully established themselves yet as an elite tackle; if Williams matures and stays in the film room he can be a beast. Both play in the zone running game, but Williams’ higher level of athleticism makes him a good fit. Okung was probably more consistent as a rookie, but he also played in a weaker division and I don’t think he faced the same caliber of rusher that Williams did on a weekly basis.

JK

John: If you were making the 1^st pick for the Redskins in April’s Draft, do you move up to draft a QB or do you maybe trade down and acquire more picks which hopefully will result in better talent and depth on the roster? Even if they do get a QB, a major upgrade is needed along the Offensive Line. I think, Rex can still hold the fort down for another year, until the Skins get more talent. I am probably in the minority on this!

2) What do you attribute the Redskins not “mentally checking out” during their losing streak? The team got off a good start at 3-1, but  the train came off the tracks. The players must really buy into Coach Shanahan’s philosophy. Under Zorn, the streak may have reached double digits and then some.

Thanks

Brian

Brian: I do whatever is necessary to emerge from this draft with a quarterback. It’s the most important position and you just can’t wait until you have everything. How many teams have that luxury? If that were the case nobody would ever draft a QB in the top 5. Those teams are there for a reason: they need a lot. But you find a QB and build around him. Period. At some point you have to pull the trigger on one. How long would it take to build everything else up? Another key: if there’s a QB you really like, you must take him. Last year, that guy didn’t exist at the spot they were drafting and they liked their QBs better. So they fortified the defense. No problem with that. But you can’t do it two years in a row. The franchise won’t move forward until they solve the QB spot.

2) There’s a strong professional attitude in the locker room and that helps. The guys they brought in during the offseason – from the free agents to the rookies – seem to share a similar mindset. Also, they have maintained confidence in the direction they’re going and the head coach. That helps too. Even if they didn’t believe that, they know Mike Shanahan isn’t going anywhere and if they want jobs here next year, they have to play a certain way. But this is why I think it’s important to keep winning; you don’t maintain confidence in a coach or a program when there’s a 12-game losing streak to end the season. It leads to the sort of chaos that has haunted Redskins Park at times.

JK

John: Thus far, this year’s draft potentially might end up being the best of Dan Snyder’s era, do you agree?

Mike K

Mike: Yes, but there’s not a lot of good competition for good drafts during this era (which, of course, has been a big problem). It takes time to fully see how a draft class plays out, but the encouraging sign for the Redskins is that several players already have contributed. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan has been terrific while others have shown positive flashes – Roy Helu, Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul (maybe not as a pass catcher, but as a special teamer with a terrific work ethic). Chris Neild could be a solid backup (has had good games and bad so far). DeJon Gomes will help in some capacity. And the player who could have a big impact next season is end Jarvis Jenkins. If they end up with four starters out of this draft that would be considered terrific. It’s a welcomed change.

JK

John: I read your Studs and Duds for Defense today, which was good as always. I have a couple of questions and a “disagreement” for you.

1) I appreciate you bringing up Orakpo’s play, and particularly his good play against Okung. I wanted the Skins to draft Okung instead of Trent Williams in 2010, but Shanahan, I believe said Williams had better agility. Nice to see Orakpo have a big day against him, especially on a day Williams seemed to play better than usual. Do you have any idea, based on the 2010 and so far in 2011 which tackle looks best? I hope you say Williams, but he has been spotty and I haven’t seen Okung until this weekend.

2) Should we expect to see any more blocked place kicks this year and should Danny Smith be worried about his job?

3) I appreciated your observations about Dejon Gomes/Landry but I do not see LaRon Landry as being a starter right now because he is hurt and plays undisciplined football. As you noted, he missed a shoulder tackle that cost us 11 extra yards, got totally wiped out by a blocker on a TD and I believe he also was beaten somewhat on a tackle where he did try to wrap his arms (though it was nice to see him wrap) and on one edge rush he ran directly into and tried to bull rush a bigger, healthier player (didn’t work out so well). When he is healthy, his big plays mostly make up for his lack of discipline and coverage skills, but right now, why not give Gomes a chance. Landry has been the starter in every one of our losses and only 2 wins.

4) I read your explanation today for a blocked field goal and you stated that Neild mistakenly “blocked down” which opened a critical gap that was exploited by the Seahawks. I have heard the term “blocking down” so many times I thought I knew what it meant, but after thinking about it, I do not. Will you please explain this term to me and this play in particular. 

Charlie C.

Charlie: Thanks. On No. 1, had the same question above so don’t want to repeat everything. But Williams’ athleticism was off the charts and that made him a no-brainer pick in the Redskins’ eyes. I have not seen enough of Okung, but both faced good pass rushers a week ago and Williams handled that better. Williams has played well the past two games, but I don’t think one is clearly ahead of the other at this stage.

2) I don’t think Danny is in jeopardy; he has a good track record and he was one of two coaches Mike Shanahan kept from the Jim Zorn staff. Says a lot. Here’s the thing: Danny has taught these players the right techniques. That’s clear when I talk to veterans. However, it is on the coach to do a better job of making sure the young guys know what they’re doing.

3) Keep in mind that Gomes is hurt, too, or was last week vs. Seattle (knee injury). Gomes made a lot of tackles in his start, but he clearly does not pack the same wallop as Landry (needed others to help finish some tackles) and he (expectedly) made his share of mistakes. Gomes has good speed and I like what I’ve seen so far but I’d keep starting Landry if he’s able to play. Not sure if that will happen this week, but even if Landry doesn’t play it could be Reed Doughty starting and not Gomes …. Also, London Fletcher got wiped out by a block on the same play. Landry was blocked by a guard; it happens. Yes he does play some undisciplined ball at times. I don’t think I would franchise him after two injury-filled seasons and no Pro Bowl to his resume.

4) Basically, it’s when someone blocks to the inside. Erik Cook did the same thing when he allowed the pressure to come through the same spot.

JK

John: Love the work.  What’s the take on Aldrick Robinson?  Seems like everyone knew he wouldn’t be ready for this year, but what are his prospects for next year to get on the field and produce?  Also, any status on Hankerson?  I’m crossing my fingers he can come back from that hip injury and show what he did against Miami.  Having said all of that, I kind of like our future prospects at wr.  Niles Paul could be a sturdy possession type receiver if he keeps getting more time.  Hankerson just started to show the talent he has.  Robinson seems a bit one dimensional, but considering we don’t have anyone who’s currently healthy and can stretch the field, I’d take it, if for nothing else, to make the defense think about it. 

Also, what’s the deal with Anthony Armstrong?  Shanahan made it very clear what his deficiencies are, so does it look like he has any future with this team?

BTW, Matt Barkley or Robert Griffin III?

Thanks.

Aaron

Aaron: Ah, a quarterback draft question. Gives me a chance to plug my email report. Talked to Dan Shonka, a former NFL scout (including a stint with the Redskins) for that very topic this week. Hint: he really likes Barkley. He also likes Russell Wilson, but he’s only listed at 5-foot-11. That’s a problem.  As for your question, man I really enjoy watching Griffin and am most intrigued by him. But I worry about: durability and the adjustment coming out of that offense where he’s almost never under center. I also want to see how both players measure out in terms of height.  It’s easier to have a good feel about Barkley because of USC’s style of offense; he can execute the play-action passes and has shown good touch. Scouts worry about his ability to drive the ball and say he needs to bulk up. As for your other questions: 1) Aldrick Robinson will need to show a lot more next summer than he did this past one.  Apparently he’s developed a lot in terms of route-running, etc., and is feeling more confident. But the biggest thing he’s worked on is catching and returning punts. That could be his role in the future. 2) Hankerson has been told that, for now at least, he won’t need surgery. 3) Think we saw last week that Armstrong still has a role here. The coaches like him; he works hard, helps on special teams. Just needs to make more plays. But they view him as a No. 3 entering the season. My guess is there will be even more competition at this spot next year.

JK

John: Despite a long awaited win, I’ve got a few nits to pick:

 1) Screen passes.  The timing seems off every time.  From my point of view, the guard (specifically Chester) seems late/slow releasing to block down field.  But maybe Helu is getting out there too fast.  What do you see or hear from the coaches?

2) Kick protection.  I’m sure I’m not the only one asking about this, but it seems like there’s a lot of chaos here.  Traffic cones would have been as effective in slowing down Red Bryant as the blockers were on Sunday.  I hear it was because Trent Williams wasn’t in on kick protection after being hurt on that unit against Dallas.  But that brings up another issue, why the heck is your “cornerstone” left tackle risking injury on the field goal unit?  I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard of a team being unable to provide kick protection with back up offensive lineman until now.  Is this all the result of the spate of O-line injuries or are the Redskins going to have to subject Williams to injury risk if the ever want to get decent kick protection?

As always, thanks for the thoughtful analysis.

Tim Murray

Tim: 1) The screens were off against Dallas, but last week they were pretty good. There were one or two that could have worked a little better, or could have gone for more yards if Chester had gotten out of there a little earlier. But for the most part they were pretty good. Still, a lot can go wrong to disrupt a screen: linemen are to relieve on different counts depending on the screen. If one guy is held up a little bit (San Francisco DE Justin Smith, for example, would hold guys to slow them up). Or if a linebacker is in man coverage a screen is easy to read.  

2) This is unusually bad and I agree with your premise: losing one or two guys should not ruin a unit like this (they also lost Kedric Golston as a blocker here; he lined up to the right of long snapper Nick Sundberg – the area where all the pressure came through. Chris Neild filled in here first on Sunday; it wasn’t pretty and he’s struggled here apparently). If you’re a young guy who’s a backup, you’d better know how to execute your assignment on special teams when you get a chance. Trent has been on this unit all season, but you’re right it would be nice to give him a break here considering he’s playing hurt. They might not have a choice. Last week was embarrassing.

JK

John: Do NFL teams have rights under the CBA to fine or otherwise players for unsportsmanlike conduct. For the first few weeks, the Skins seemed like they were one of the least penalized teams in the league. What bothers me most is the stuff like Fred Davis’ cameraman gesture or Gaffney’s hands to his ears after his big catch in Seattle. Seems like a symptom of non-team me-ism. I think Thom Loverro wrote something about how the vanity on this team’s roster is making it one of the least likeable Skins rosters in a while. One of the things I like that I’ve heard about Helu is his modesty. Even with the ball spins Moss does after a big play, Skins need more understated guys on the roster.

Thanks,

Steve

Steve: No, it does not appear that would be conduct that they could fine. You can fine a player if he gets ejected or for conduct detrimental to the team. These actions would not qualify under the latter heading. I also think you’d create more headaches for fining guys for such actions. But I agree: it’s been getting a bit over the top lately.

JK