Friday Night "Mights" - Washington Redskins vs Atlanta Falcons
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 1:56 PM EST
in Analysis
54 comments
The bye week really seemed to stretch out for months rather than just the two weeks since we last played an actual football game. After all that has been written, all that has been said, and all that has occurred around this team in the most recent days and weeks, I can tell you this: I am ready to watch my boys get on the field and play a football game. And I intend to reach back into my drawer and pull out my favorite shades--the rose-colored ones--to bring you this week's set of bold predictions for the Redskins-Falcons tilt.
I don't care about 2-5 anymore. I don't. I truly believe it doesn't matter. We are completely capable of knocking off this Falcons team and here is how we are going to do it:
1) Jason Campbell will throw for over 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and will bottle up the turnover bug that has plagued him in the early goings of the season. I am hopeful that the two weeks off will have given his ankle time to heal enough for him to be just mobile enough to escape the first guy that leaks through. My prediction for the yards hinges on yards after the catch. I think this offensive line will struggle again, but I am betting on quick throws, receivers running into space, and improved decision-making from JC in the dome on Sunday.
2) Fred Davis is going to blow up. Double digit catches, triple digit yardage and at least one score. I think what will impress us the most about Sleepy on Sunday will be his lack of fumbles and his huge first downs. When the line breaks down, Davis is going to get the ball. This might very well be a theme all game long. You look at a guy like Fred Davis and his talent is undeniable. Kevin and I watched him in training camp and the preseason and he was a monster. He is capable of dominating the stats. I am going to assume that Davis understands that this is his chance to really show the Redskins organization that he was a great investment last year. He has put in extra work the last two weeks and it is going to pay off.
3) DeAngelo Hall is going to return a punt for a touchdown. Part of our biggest gripe about this coaching staff was its unwavering support of Randle-El in the return game. The reality though (and I am only speculating guys) is that a lot of capable return men simply don't want the ball in that role. It is as dangerous as it gets in this league and these guys have millions on the line. Call that the right or wrong way to see it from their perspective but I think it is honest. From here, I make the jump to theorizing DeAngelo Hall WANTS the ball in the return game. Let me take you back to the Eagles game. There was a series that the Eagles were forced to punt. Right in front of where I was sitting, I could see Randle El standing on the sideline ready to run in to return the punt. DeAngelo Hall stayed on the field though and waved him off. From my seat, it did not look like this was a coach's decision. In fact, Randle-El made repeated gestures to Hall as if he were beckoning him to leave the field so that ARE could get underneath the punt. This game is Hall's chance to show Atlanta they made a mistake by letting him go. Maybe that makes him more juiced for this one game and we go back to something else next week. Who knows? What I do know is that when he gets the ball as a punt returner, the chance he takes it to the house and dances is great. This week, the Skins will gain some major momentum on special teams when he high steps down the sidelines for a huge punt return touchdown.
4) Devin Thomas will score 2 touchdowns. We are building towards something with this player. This receiver is going to be a key component to our offensive future. He is not our biggest receiver, but he might be the most physical receiver we have. Something is starting to click with him that is helping him understand that his role is absolutely integral on our team. When he gets the ball, he can break tackles, and make guys sorry when they square up to try and tackle him.
5) Marko Mitchell sees his first significant action and makes it pay off with a touchdown. I will be heart-broken if/when he is on the list of inactives this week. Given our current state of things, a player like him simply must be given a shot on the field. His involvement will give us a real warm and fuzzy feeling on Sunday.
Our defense will hold their own--as usual. I think in the last 10 days or so, the players have had a real chance to get some work in with each other while the rest of the world (including us here at Hogs haven) focused on bigger picture issues with this franchise.
Here is what I am most impressed about with regard to this team over the last two weeks: How many stories did you read about players sniping at each other in practice or through the media? How many stories did you read about players complaining about coach's decisions? How many stories did you read about players playing the blame game or spinning the excuse wheel?
I don't think there were any really. Certainly none that were made out to be huge headlines. All the headlines and news focused on Snyder and Cerrato, right? Maybe in the end, this was the best possible thing that could have happened to this team. Maybe a team that should have been put under the microscope a lot more due to its play in the first 7 games escaped that kind of attention thanks to the debacle in the front office! (Maybe I have gone crazy.)
Maybe on Sunday, 53 men come together and beat the hell out of a Falcons team that is completely unprepared for the reinvigorated Redskins.
54 comments | 0 recs |
Joe Theismann Teams Up With GlaxoSmithKline to Promote Veterans' Health Awareness
by Sugar on Nov 6, 2009 1:56 PM EST
in Events
0 comments
Tomorrow, at FedEx Field, between 12 noon and 2 pm EST, the Washington Redskins and Joe Theismann are working with GlaxoSmithKline to call a Time Out for Veterans' Health for the second year and counting to help increase awareness about the prevalence of chronic diseases.
Through this health screening event, along with other childhood obesity prevention and health awareness programming, GlaxoSmithKline and the Redskins are helping to increase awareness among the D.C. veteran community within D.C. and across America of the importance of a Triple Solution--prevention, intervention and innovation--in combating chronic diseases.
"A lot of my friends are veterans, so I feel a personal connection. I'm excited to participate in this program," Theismann said. "Veterans have protected our country--and now I would like to help them make sure their health is protected, too. Getting appropriate health screenings is the first step to learning more about chronic diseases and how they can stay healthy."
For more information, check out: www.forahealthieramerica.com
Hogs Haven will be in attendance and will be getting an exclusive interview with Joe Theismann. We look forward to bringing that to you early next week.
0 comments | 0 recs
Redskins vs Falcons Red Zone Review
by KevinE on Nov 6, 2009 9:17 AM EST
in Analysis
6 comments
It's been getting more difficult each week to do this post. Two of the Skins red-zone TDs that come to mind where scrub scores when the game was already out of reach. Nevertheless, I really think this is Fred Davis' time to shine. I know I said after watching training camp that Devin and Malcolm were legit, but Fred stood out in a different manner. Even when I wasn't watching him, he was drawing my eye's attention. It's encouraging to see that Fred cancelled his BYE week plans and stayed in D.C. to work on his technique. Do I dare predict a Fred Davis red-zone touchdown? Yes! (* - I also win if he's wide open and Campbell never sees him).
| Redskins Red Zone Statistics 2009 | ||
| Redskins Offense | Opponent's Offense | |
| @Giants | 2-3 | 0-3 |
| Rams | 0-5 | 1-3 |
| @Lions | 1-2 | 1-3 |
| Buccaneers | 1-3 | 1-1 |
| @Panthers | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Chiefs | 0-1 | 0-2 |
| Eagles | 2-3 | 0-0 |
| BYE | - | - |
| Total | 8-20 | 5-15 |
Another bright-spot for the Redskins is that the Falcons have allowed a red zone TD every game this year. This should be taken with a grain of salt when you look at the quality of their opponents. It's imperative the Redskins defense keeps the Falcons on their side of the field. Falcons have scored 2+ red zone TDs in 4 of their 7 games.
| Falcons Red Zone Statistics 2009 | ||
| Falcons Offense | Opponent's Offense | |
| Dolphins | 1-4 | 1-2 |
| Panthers | 3-4 | 2-3 |
| @Patriots | 1-2 | 1-5 |
| BYE | - | - |
| @49ers | 4-5 | 1-2 |
| Bears | 2-2 | 1-4 |
| @Cowboys | 2-2 | 1-3 |
| @Saints | 1-4 | 3-4 |
| Total | 14-23 | 10-23 |
The Skins have proven they can get into the red zone time and time again. What red zone options would you like to see the Skins run 1st and 10 from the Falcons 9-yard line? (besides the Portis half-back option to Mike Williams)? Is this the week we see the rollout, bootleg?
This post is sponsored by Comcast's NFL RedZone Channel, which allows you to see all the action from inside the 20 for every NFL game.
6 comments | 0 recs
Looks Like Hunter the Punter Out For Sunday
by Sugar on Nov 5, 2009 3:51 PM EST
8 comments
Ryan O'Halloran threw up a comment on the Blache piece in the Post saying Hunter Smith re-injured his groin. They are supposedly trying out new punters as we speak.
Cooley could have punted if his ankle wasn't banged up!
P.S. No Durant Brooks sightings yet.
8 comments | 0 recs
Redskins' Coach Watch: Mike Holmgren Is Not Our Guy
by KevinE on Nov 5, 2009 9:06 AM EST
in Analysis
76 comments
With Jim Zorn's fate sealed, the Redskins have already begun the hunt for a new head coach (and possibly GM). Since the Redskins front office has proven they have little skill or patience in selecting a leader not named Joe Gibbs, I've taken on the task to educate myself and anyone that cares about the strengths and weaknesses of the available candidates. We'll cover 3 main topics:
1.) Coach's reason for leaving their previous team
2.) Coach's relationship with the players
3.) Coach's ability to evaluate talent
First up is Mike Holmgren, and I'd like to thank John from the extremely popular and well versed SB Nation site, Field Gulls, for answering my Holmgren/Seahawks' related questions. In my final question, John gives a compelling argument of why the Redskins should stay away from Holmgren.
Hogs Haven: What were Holmgren's reasons for leaving? Seemed like he just wanted to retire, but he hasn't even been out of the NFL one year now he wants to coach again, preferably "an East coast team" as he said. Seems a little bizarre.
This is a somewhat controversial subject. Mike Holmgren announced he would retire after the 2008 season in January of 2008. Shortly thereafter, Tim Ruskell and Tod Leiweke announced that Jim Lawrence Mora would be the next coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Speculation is that Holmgren did not like that. Murmurs were that Holmgren wanted to return, but when asked Holmgren recited his stock "I promised Kathy I would take a year off and that's what I plan to do." Holmgren still hungers for football. He hated the way he went out both as a GM and a head coach and believes he has something to prove.
Hogs Haven: Holmgren would most likely assume the GM role as well. How would you rate his draft skills? At a quick glance, he seems to be almost perfect for the first 2 rounds. Dating back to the 2005 draft, everyone selected in the 1st two rounds is still on the roster, and dating back to 2000, he has picked a ton of winners (Hutchinson, Alexander, Trufant, Hamlin, Tatupa). From round 3-9, things get real dicey.
76 comments | 2 recs |
Redskins @ Falcons: Offensive Line Chart
by KevinE on Nov 4, 2009 12:50 PM EST
in Analysis
64 comments
NFL.com recently added 'Offensive Line' to their statistics, and it reveals an intricate look into each team's running game and pass protection. Not surprisingly, the Redskins have allowed a 30th ranked 23 sacks, while the Falcons boast the 2nd best pass protection with a puny 6 sacks allowed. The Falcons offense will be the most difficult test for Andre Carter, Griff, Haynesworth, and Orakpo to date, so we'll see how the Redskins D matches up with a top-tier O-line.
Moving on to rushing, who would have guessed the Redskins have a higher rushing average at 3.9 yards per carry over the Falcons' 3.6 average? It's a little skewed since Matt Ryan is averaging 1.6 a carry while Campbell is averaging 4.3 per run.
What gives the Redskins some hope this week is that over 3/4 of the Falcons rushing first downs come up the middle or to the right side, the strongest part of the Redskins defense.
Redskins' Game Plan Predictions:
- Offensive line: The Skins take the new play-calling scheme and shoddy line on the road to a dome, which will be deafening for the Guards. If Heyer is slow to get into position to begin with, how is this going to work when he loses a half second of his first step to crowd noise? To account for this, John Abraham will be seeing a lot of double teams, most likely with Portis chipping. The way Heyer has been getting beat, Portis will probably be taking on Abraham at full-speed at least once. All focus should be on keeping Campbell's blind side safe, if the Falcons find another way, then have a plan to adjust.
- Tony Gonzalez: Who is going to cover him? Orakpo is still learning on the job, and Tony Gonzalez will absolutely shred him with his routes. The obvious solution is getting to Matt Ryan. If he has time, there are simply too many weapons for him to throw to. The Falcons don't have that bruising back like Stephen Jackson and Brandon Jacobs, so perhaps for this game, Blache moves Orakpo to his natural DE position full-time. This will also help keep Michael Turner from getting outside.
- Motivation: Clinton Portis blogged today:
"Forget about what we've been through that's put us in a 2-5 hole...Everybody in the NFL has talent, what we need is the motivation. We have to look at the season one game at a time instead of the big picture."
It seems obvious, but it's true. If the Skins come in focused and avoid the mistakes that kill them every game (dropped balls, lazy tackling, missed blocks), then they can keep the game close, which is the most we can ask for against an opponent that has won a game previously.
64 comments | 0 recs |
Listen To Hogs Haven On The Radio Tonight At 6:15 PM EST
The URL for the radio station is embedded in the title of the Fanshot, but here it is again:
http://radio.webstream.net/radio_player_large.asp?stationCallSign=WWPR
I'll be joining their sports talk drive-time show to discuss the Redskins, Dan Snyder, Coach Zorn, etc.
My goal is try and represent the angst of the average Redskins fan right now without coming across as too bitter. I will definitely work in a ridiculous statement about our "wild card potential" or our ability to get back in the "wild card hunt". Something that will make them scratch their heads for sure. Otherwise, I am sure it will be a healthy dose of, "What the hell is going on up there?"
2 days ago
Ken Meringolo
4 comments
0 recs
The Revolution - Redskins Fans Are Getting Through To Snyder
by Sugar on Nov 4, 2009 7:13 AM EST
in Pour Some Sugar On Me
50 comments
"All that's necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
When Benjamin Franklin said these words, history found itself carefully perched atop a virtual mountain of international conflict. As the men we now refer to as patriots sought the favor of history, words like these were carefully chosen and circulated to stir the masses. They continue to provide inspiration to us today, and can be applied to multiple parties in our current situation. Listen, I get that we are not in a life and death situation here like they were in Franklin's days. I am simply saying that for us to ignore what is going on here would be even more foolish than me comparing the American Revolution to our Revolution. And I would know, as I am the author of many foolish posts on this site and others.
First, let me just say this: I know some of you are getting tired of reading (or not reading) posts dealing with the state of the franchise. But I believe it would simply be irresponsible to not add to the commentary of what is so obviously happening in our little world right now. This has bled a little into other pieces I/we do and that may be unfortunate, but the fact of the matter is, these issues run very deep...these issues cut very deep. And we will continue to talk about them. You don't hear us calling for a walkout during a game. We aren't selling "Fire Snyder" t-shirts, and we aren't advocating for any overly negative actions that would further embarrass the fans or the players. I do agree though with some of the commenters yesterday that something fun has been missing recently. That is why I am picking back up my Redskins By The Numbers piece starting immediately at #29. I have been consumed with other articles and topics since the season began and left the Numbers piece to pick back up again at the end of the season (the offseason is LONG when you don't make the playoffs.) But I want to try and offer something that was fun for all of us even in the midst of all this turmoil. I realize it is a small gesture, but I hope it is received well.In addition to that, I will try and keep my ranting at least mostly limited to this Revolution post. Maybe that will bring around some of you Hogs Haven old-timers in these discussions more. Now back to the business of the day.
50 comments | 3 recs |
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Featured Poll
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Redskins Schedule
@
New York Giants
|
Sun 09/13 | L 17 - 23 |
|
St. Louis
|
Sun 09/20 | W 9 - 7 |
|
@
Detroit
|
Sun 09/27 | L 14 - 19 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
Sun 10/04 | W 16 - 13 |
|
@
Carolina
|
Sun 10/11 | L 17 - 20 |
|
Kansas City
|
Sun 10/18 | L 6 - 14 |
|
Philadelphia
|
Mon 10/26 | L 17 - 27 |
|
@
Atlanta
|
Sun 11/08 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
Denver
|
Sun 11/15 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
@
Dallas
|
Sun 11/22 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
@
Philadelphia
|
Sun 11/29 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
New Orleans
|
Sun 12/06 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
@
Oakland
|
Sun 12/13 | 4:05 PM EST |
|
New York Giants
|
Mon 12/21 | 8:30 PM EST |
|
Dallas
|
Sun 12/27 | 8:20 PM EST |
|
@
San Diego
|
Sun 01/03 | 4:15 PM EST |
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
