Hi John: What are your thoughts on our current offensive line? Do you think it is due to coaching or personnel? Do you or any of your team sources have any idea what the philosophy was behind this guy for hire for the offensive line? At this point, are you getting the feeling that the relationship between Offensive Line Coach and HC are becoming rocky due to the struggles it has? Thanks for responding as always
Chris Messick
CM: It needs a major upgrade, so it’s not just about coaching. Left guard is an issue, one that coaching can’t solve. The right tackle, Jammal Brown, can’t stay healthy and a bad hip has affected his play. Artis Hicks was a backup for most of his career; he’s actually done better than I expected (though still a better reserve) and center Casey Rabach has trouble vs. bigger tackles/nose guards. Chris Foerster is coaching the scheme that Mike Shanahan wants, but it’s also one he’s familiar with and that’s why he was hired. When they hired him, I remember talking to some NFL types who said Foerster was a good guy, but when it came to coaching he was “just a guy.” No, I don’t get the sense that things are rocky there. If we can see certain players getting overwhelmed by defensive linemen, so can they – even if they don’t say it.
JK
John: The Philly game highlighted that this roster is woefully short of weapons and is full of holes. My opinion is they need a true free safety, linebacker depth, a nose tackle, faster/stronger defensive ends (Adam and Albert are the only keepers), 2 wide receivers, a running back, two guards, a center, and offensive tackle depth. With that in mind, locking up a mobile established winner at QB is a smart move. My question is do you think they will now finally build this roster properly and worry about the qb of the future down the road regardless of how the rest of this season goes or do you think if the 2nd half goes poorly they’ll play the “we need a new qb” game again?
Jack
John: If they don’t build the roster properly, they won’t win. Simple as that. To win with a 3-4, you need two pass-rushing outside linebackers; they have one. You need a bigger inside linebacker. You need to improve the line. You need to find receiver help. If Donovan McNabb continues to struggle, then a young QB should be on the draft list, but find someone to groom.
JK
Hi John: Did the Eagles show a complete lack of class and sportsmanship by not going into the victory formation with each possession after the first quarter??
Jimmie Crowder
Jimmie: Sadly, they still might have scored.
JK
John: I love the Redskins, however I haven’t been sold on the Allen/Shannahan duo. I see improvement in Team and puzzled by some coaches/GM decisions. Why bench Dockery when replacement NOT better? Why cut Devin Thomas when he is the best blocker and can be used as decoy even if you don’t like his pass catching (others are old, small or NO THREAT)? Why draft in 4th a LB (P. Riley) when WR-Williams TB Buc’s and OL-Campbell- Raiders were higher rated and at positions of NEED? Why not use the two TE sets to assist in blocking to help QB stay upright before going into pass pattern with two WR’s/one RB when passing and one WR/one FB when running? Why no trick plays, or well scouted out plays in critical situations, instead of stretch left, right, pass long and punt? There is a reason BOTH ALLEN and Shanahan were Fired from last job and it’s NOT because they walk on water, it’s because Allen drafts poorly and Shanahan is a control and power freak. And for his SON-OC Kyle, “you ain’t in Houston anymore”, no Andre Johnson, so RUN the ball and pass short to negate weak O-line.
Larry Campbell
Larry: Well…not sure what I can add to that, but I do agree that both men have sketchy records in personnel decisions. I will say, the problem with running the ball is that the line allows a lot of penetration and therefore they lack consistency being able to run. It’s a major problem. But they certainly do like to pass a lot and that isn’t working so well, either. Turns out they can’t pass protect and they have no receivers beyond their first two who do anything. Who knew? Besides everyone I mean.
JK
John: I was 5 rows up from the Redskins sidelines in the Eagles game, and it struck me how casual and laid back Haslett looked throughout the drubbing. If your coordinator isn’t upset, wonder if that filters to the players? In addition, the Redskins practically put out a billboard that they will use the same defensive game plan that they used the prior time they played the Eagles — obviously Reid was prepared and adjusted to it. I wonder about Haslett and wonder what your take on him is?
Mike Kaplan
Mike: Players seem to like playing for him. I wouldn’t read much into the sideline demeanor; guys are who they are and not everyone reacts the same way. He was brought in to play a defense that this team isn’t quite fully equipped to play and they experimented with guys – Albert Haynesworth, Andre Carter – who you knew would not want the role they were being asked to play. Some long-time league executives/evaluators have wondered if they’re trying to do too much. Sometimes that might be the case; other times it’s players just making mistakes. Part of the problem is they can’t generate pressure from the base 3-4; you need two good pass-rushing linebackers for it to fully work. Haslett is an aggressive coach; it’s one reason they’ve caused more turnovers. I’m not going to sing his praises or bury him yet. All I’m saying is that it’ll take a while considering the change that was made. That said, improvement must be made down the stretch.
JK
John: We are seeing the need for another round of O-line upgrades so what can you tell us about the rookie o-line prospects (Capers, Cook) and progress to date?
Sean Cook
Sean: Don’t get to see them much so it’s hard to say. I’ve heard from some that Cook was overwhelmed at times this summer, which was obvious. I’m sure that has changed, but it likely means it’ll take a while. As for Capers, he’s working at both tackle spots. He said he’s stopped lunging as much and is more patient. All of that was necessary. Still guessing they’re both a couple years away.
JK
John: Since he has a history as a productive WR in the NFL when healthy and has a history with McNabb as well, is there any chance the Redskins bring in Kevin Curtis for a look? His has been cleared to return to football after his cancer scare. Thank you.
Mike in San Jose, CA.
Mike: I’m adding this one because I forgot to include it in the first posting. My bad… The Redskins have not contacted Kevin about coming in, so it doesn’t appear that, right now, he’s an option. Would be hard for any receiver to come in and make an impact at this point. I also take it this means you’re not thrilled with the WR depth or production. Can’t imagine why.
JK
Hi John: Why don’t we see Jeremy Jarmon in for Kedric Golston, and Chris Wilson in for Lorenzo Alexander? Not much to lose at this point.
Thanks,
Joe Mcalear
Joe: Golston is stronger than Jarmon; simple as that. Jeremy has battled leg issues this season and my guess is that you’ll see more out of him next year. I’ve had some people tell me he’s a better fit in a 4-3. But he is athletic; just needs to get a stronger lower body. The problem with the Redskins OLBs is that outside of Brian Orakpo nobody offers the combination of pass-rushing and run-defending skills. Orakpo is not a great run defender, mind you, but he’s big enough to handle this role. Wilson has terrific speed, but he would not do as well vs. the run as Lorenzo. At some point, though, they have to find a way to generate more pressure from this spot. It holds the 3-4 back if you can’t pressure from both OLB positions.
JK
