Issues that will determine the Commanders game

[Chuck 54]

Is the speedy return guy the Skins love Antonio Brown?

If so, I think the romance has ended. Reports are they cut him.

Commanders | Betts to be Lead Kick Returner; Thrash Secondary
Tue, 13 Sep 2005 20:18:02 -0700

The Washington Post reports Washington Commanders RB Ladell Betts is expected to become the team's lead kick returner and WR James Thrash the secondary return man now that WR Antonio Brown has been released.

wow...I'm shocked...I wonder if he was hurt...it's hard to imagine going through camp and preseason games and coming out with a #1 guy on kick and punt returns only to cut him after 1 game...a game you even won...lol

 

[boysfanindc]

wow...I'm shocked...I wonder if he was hurt...it's hard to imagine going through camp and preseason games and coming out with a #1 guy on kick and punt returns only to cut him after 1 game...a game you even won...lol

He had a tendancy to put the ball on the ground.

Not something Gibbs will tolerate for very long.

 

[DC Cowboy]

I'm glad to hear about the turmoil among Commanders fans, and especially over at Extremeskins...that is heartwarming, especially for a guy who lives in Richmond, VA. However, what fans think means nothing come Sunday. The fact was proven in preseason...Brunnell outplayed Ramsey by a ton, and I, for one, was actually surprised at how loyal Gibbs was to his word with Ramsey despite his preseason struggles. This decision wasn't made based on his 3 offensive series Sunday, though he did have at least 2 turnovers in that time. It was probably watching the game film and seeing that what transpired in preseason was continuing.

I saw most of the Commanders' preseason games (by default, living in Commanders country), and I can tell you that Brunnell not only looked like he had his young legs again, moving quickly around in the pocket and even taking off running for the occasional first down, but he had all the arm one needs...he had plenty of zip on the ball on the deep outs and skinny posts, but he also had something Ramsey didn't...touch when needed.

I don't fear him, but those who disrespect him may be in for a surprise...imo, this is a definite upgrade to a veteran who has won before...not entirely unlike our resurrecting Drew Bledsoe, folks.

Here are the issues I am most concerned about in this game, in no particular order:

1. Our special teams coverage units, both kickoff and punt...the skins love their speedy return guy, and while good coverage nullifies his effectiveness, we'd better not give him the huge opportunities to speed up the field untouched like we did last Sunday with Sproiles...we mustn't lose the battle for field position on special teams, because I don't expect our units to do much in our own return game...if I'm wrong, it would be a pleasant surprise.

2. Our LB's are not very big or very good...The Skins had a great day rushing the ball against a very stout defense in Chicago. They are better up front than in the past, and Portis has gained 20 lbs of muscle since last season...wow! He's got some serious arms and seemed to actually be seeking out contact on Sunday, almost always moving forward....I like that if we get Roy on him...hehehe...but not our Inside backers who do a great job of dragging guys down, but not a good job of stopping guys in their tracks.

Our biggest weakness last week was off the corner...the 3-4 counts on the OLB and the CB/S to stop that play...it's way too easy to trap the DE inside. Ware killed us off the corner on Sunday...Ogbogu did a better job with outside leverage on one play I saw him, and Ware got better, but when the Skins run that damned "counter-tre" and pull their OG and OT to lead off-tackle, I'm sure hoping they are running it strong-side towards Roy and not weak-side where we could be counting on our OLB/CB to stop that play.

3. On offense, I expect us to move the ball effectively IF we handle the constant blitzes...Arrington and Washington may be two of the better passrushing LB's in the league, and Williams then surprises you with the Safety and even the Corner blitz.

4. What will they do with Shaun Taylor? If they use him to help in the deep patrol, I think this will be a good game for Witten, who can't be covered by their SS or LB's, imo. If they use Taylor on Witten, I think Crayton has another huge game in the slot.

5. We have to run the ball effectively...that is a must this week, imo. The Commanders live defensively off the big plays, blitzing against the pass and the run...they are not a "bend-but-don't-break" defense (that's actually more our philosophy)...If we can run JJ inside against their new MLB, that will bode very well for our offense.

On paper, our defenses are probably pretty equal...theirs is proven...ours is developing, but looked good for 1 game. Our offense should win this game if Bledsoe and company continue to protect the football and not give the Skins any short fields on which to score. I think some of you will really be surprised by Portis' newfound toughness and muscle...he's a dangerous "go the distance" guy, but there's no way they beat us through the air.

6. We must get pressure on the QB, especially on 3rd down. We may have kept our DL fresh last week, but Brees lit us up on 3rd down...The skins are very good in pass protection...as always, 3rd down will be a key for the success of our defense.

I pick the Cowboys over the Commanders by at least 10 points...I'm very confident based on what I saw in both games last Sunday. However, as we all know with professional football, teams seldom look the same two weeks in a row in this league. We cannot give the Commanders field position due to special teams play or turnovers....this game should be in the bag, but I don't believe for a second that it is....This game could just as easily turn into a real BATTLE, imo.

Living in the DC metro area I got a chance to see them also. Burnell is not the same guy from last year. They could be dangerous, O-line and D are playing real good, and I think it would be a "BIG" mistake if our boys don't treat them that way. It would be nice to have our crowd really into it. I wish one of the players would go on the air and ask them to really make some noise. Having said all of that I still think we will win.

:skins:

 

[Chuck 54]

He had a tendancy to put the ball on the ground.

Not something Gibbs will tolerate for very long.

But he didn't fumble away any on Sunday that I remember...still seems strange to me.

 

[Doomsday]

Living in the DC metro area I got a chance to see them also. Burnell is not the same guy from last year. They could be dangerous, O-line and D are playing real good, and I think it would be a "BIG" mistake if our boys don't treat them that way. It would be nice to have our crowd really into it. I wish one of the players would go on the air and ask them to really make some noise. Having said all of that I still think we will win.

:skins:

Is this the same team that scored a whopping 9 points last week vs an awful Bears team?

 

[followthestar]

i watched the entire Bears/Skins game, and Portis did not impress me - we should hold him to fewer yards than LT simply because he's not as quick IMO. If Brunell has a good game he can do some damage, but he needs a running game and OL protection and i don't think he gets enough of either. the Bears defense was NOT that impressive, but they still held the Skins out of the endzone - what does that tell you?
trust me, the Skins really suck... i'll say it again - Skins are a 4-12 team!

EDIT: since they did beat the Bears, they may reach 5-11...

 

[Skins26]

But he didn't fumble away any on Sunday that I remember...still seems strange to me.

His fumble on Sunday is the one and only reason why the game wasn't a shutout.

 

[Smith22]

His fumble on Sunday is the one and only reason why the game wasn't a shutout.

Not quite. Orton threw a pick when the Bears were easily in FG range. Gave the game away on that stupid pass.......

 

[VACowboy]

Portis impressed me. He ran with his trademark speed and power he's never had before. I don't know if Chi's defense is better than ours, but it's no slouch. They put a lot more pressure on Washington QBs than Dallas did on Breese, and I'd wager that the Skins' OL is better than the Chargers'. Washington plays superb run defense and NOBODY brings it any better on passing downs than Gregg Williams. This is a scary game to me. Terrible matchups all over the place.

 

[burmafrd]

Portis is not as quick as JJ- he will be contained. Brunnell will spend a lot of time dodging, running and getting sacked. their O line is not that good, especially now with no thumbs starting. Their WR's are non-descript, we should be able to man them easily and therefore blitz as much as we want. their TE is ok, but too raw to do much.
As regards their D, its not as good as it was last year. The D line will not overacheive as they did last year, and Pierce was better. Arrington free lances too much, and taylor the same. Not to mention that the chemistry just will not be there like it was last year. No Smoot or Bailey- Springs and a Rook- BOOM!!!

 

[silverbear]

Living in the DC metro area I got a chance to see them also. Burnell is not the same guy from last year.

Brunell put up some better stats in preseason, but only because he was playing exclusively against backups and guys who are now out of the league...

But this past Sunday, he passed for 70 yards in almost 3 quarters of play... sure looked like the Brunell of last year to me...

Putting up good numbers against scrubs is somewhat different from putting up good numbers against a real NFL defense...

I hear you about the dangers of overconfidence, but Mark Brunell doesn't scare me at all... I think it's highly unlikely that he'll put as much as 200 yards up against the Boys through the air, and I wouldn't be surprised if his passing yardage was under 150...

 

[Charles]

1: We show up

2: Stadium doesnt collapse

I also live in the DC/MD area. I watched the Commanders preseason games too.

Why wouldn't Brunnel look fresh?

He's only played in 13 out of 48 possible starts in last 3 years.

He also looked sharp going into the 2003 season before being replaced by Leftwich. While Brunnel has played well in the 2002 season, he hasn't been more than an average QB since 2001.

He still has on those knee braces. I don't buy this so called ressurection. He'll have to take regular season game punishment for atleast 6 games before I believe that mess.

We've got LBs and SS that outweight him by 15-20lbs that can run faster and hit harder. His running abilities won't be a threat to the Cowboys.

The key to this game comes down to is the Commanders Oline can give Brunnel time. If they can't this game is going to be a blow-out. They get a few good runs here or there but the game will be put into Brunnels hands.

 

[Hollywood Henderson]

I watched the Bears/Skinny's game too...
Brunell is a good vet...We can't underestimate his experence...

Portis is good and will be quicker on fake grass...
He & Moss can score from anywhere...

The Bears D is very good...
To beat them, we must hit both Brunell & Portis early & hard!

Wayne your right about Dat not being a good hitter, but James IMHO is our teams best hitter, you can HEAR him when he hits someone...
I think we need to free him up for early down blitzes inside!

I think we need to pressure up the middle, inside of Jansen, where he won't be able to hold...er..."occupy & engage" our guy(s)...

This will get Brunell moving & throw off the timing, forcing him to the outside where our speed can get him and hit him...HARD!
Forcing turnovers!

Williams is a VERY good DC, but if we don't turn the ball over more then once, we should win!

 

[Skins26]

Portis is not as quick as JJ- he will be contained.

]Brunnell will spend a lot of time dodging, running and getting sacked. their O line is not that good, especially now with no thumbs starting.

ok, this one you're going to have to really explain.

Their WR's are non-descript, we should be able to man them easily and therefore blitz as much as we want.

I pray to God that's what you all do!

their TE is ok, but too raw to do much.

This one isn't even funny. It's just sad.

As regards their D, its not as good as it was last year. The D line will not overacheive as they did last year, and Pierce was better.

1. This is complete wishful thinking. There's not a fact anywhere in that statement.
2. How do you know Pierce was better?

Arrington free lances too much, and taylor the same.

No, they don't free lance enough. When they do, big plays happen for our defense.

Not to mention that the chemistry just will not be there like it was last year. No Smoot or Bailey- Springs and a Rook- BOOM!!!

Harris is actually our other starting corner.
And the chemistry -as shown throughout the preseason and Sunday's game - is only getting better.

Man you are completely clueless...



HH:

This will get Brunell moving & throw off the timing, forcing him to the outside where our speed can get him and hit him...HARD!

That's if you can get to him. If not....he's actually better rolling out of the pocket....

 

[AtlCB]

and I'd wager that the Skins' OL is better than the Chargers'

You would lose money on that wager. The Skins' OL is good, but not as good as the Chargers'.

 

[VACowboy]

You would lose money on that wager. The Skins' OL is good, but not as good as the Chargers'.

I hope that's true, and if it is Dallas wins by 14.

 

[Funxva]

Which of their OL men has 2 broken thumbs? Who would he be matching up against?

 

[VACowboy]

Which of their OL men has 2 broken thumbs? Who would he be matching up against?

Jansen, RT. So, Coleman/Spears in the 3-4. Ellis in nickle situations.

 

[Chuck 54]

I watched the Bears/Skinny's game too...
Brunell is a good vet...We can't underestimate his experence...

Portis is good and will be quicker on fake grass...
He & Moss can score from anywhere...

The Bears D is very good...
To beat them, we must hit both Brunell & Portis early & hard!

Wayne your right about Dat not being a good hitter, but James IMHO is our teams best hitter, you can HEAR him when he hits someone...
I think we need to free him up for early down blitzes inside!

I think we need to pressure up the middle, inside of Jansen, where he won't be able to hold...er..."occupy & engage" our guy(s)...

This will get Brunell moving & throw off the timing, forcing him to the outside where our speed can get him and hit him...HARD!
Forcing turnovers!

Williams is a VERY good DC, but if we don't turn the ball over more then once, we should win!

solid ideas...i'm always nervous about Washington, no matter what they have....when it's the Skins/Cowboys, it really doesn't matter who has the better team on paper or what their records are...it's a war, and it will be determined by which team can focus enough to get it done.

 

[Funxva]

mwahhaha. Bye bye Brunell