CSN Washington reported last night that former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris is close to getting a job as an assistant coach. The question, now, is with who?
The report also stated that Morris is deciding between the Vikings and the Redskins. The report went on to say that Morris said, "With Washington, it was more of an offer."
Morris started his NFL coaching career in 2002 with the Tampa Buccaneers. There, he was an assistant defensive coach and helped the Buccaneers to a 48-21 victory over the Oakland Raiders in the Super Bowl XXXVII. In 2005, he was elevated to defensive backs coach.
In 2006, he left for Kansas State University where he became the defensive coordinator.
For the 2007 season, Morris returned to the Buccaneers as the defensive backs coach.
In December of 2008, Morris was then announced as the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In three seasons as the head coach, Morris compiled a 17-31 record. He had one winning season in 2010 when the Buccaneers finished third in the NFC South with a 10-6 record. This past season, Tampa Bay finished with a 4-12 record.
If Morris comes to the Redskins, he would most likely take over as the defensive backs coach. The Redskins currently plan to keep Jim Haslett as the defensive coordinator.
Morris would be a welcomed fit for the Redskins. He has years of experience coaching all types of players.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Redskins Sign Four
Yesterday, CSN Washington announced that the Washington Redskins signed four players to reserve/future contracts.
Three of the four players were on the teams practice squad this past season. The team signed cornerback Travon Bellamy, quarterback Jonathan Crompton, running back Tristan Davis, and guard Nevin McCaskill.
By no means do any of these players expect to be critical parts for the Redskins this coming fall. The Redskins have basically claimed these players for their franchise next season.
Cornerback Travon Bellamy spent this past fall on the Redskins practice squad. He was originally cut by the St. Louis Rams after training camp.
Quarterback Jonathan Crompton also spent this past season on the Redskins practice squad. Crompton was originally selected in the 5th round of the 2010 draft by the San Diego Chargers. Before coming to Washington, Crompton spent time on the practice squads for San Diego, New England, and Tampa Bay.
Running back Tristan Davis was signed onto the Redskins practice squad this past October. He has been on the game squads for Detroit, Miami, Minnesota, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh but did not make any appearances in games.
The fourth player that the Redskins signed is guard Nevin McCaskill. He was signed to the Bills practice squad as an undrafted rookie free agent from Hampton in 2007. He has also spent time with the Eagles, Titans, Packers, Jets, Dolphins, and Steelers.
Three of the four players were on the teams practice squad this past season. The team signed cornerback Travon Bellamy, quarterback Jonathan Crompton, running back Tristan Davis, and guard Nevin McCaskill.
By no means do any of these players expect to be critical parts for the Redskins this coming fall. The Redskins have basically claimed these players for their franchise next season.
Cornerback Travon Bellamy spent this past fall on the Redskins practice squad. He was originally cut by the St. Louis Rams after training camp.
Quarterback Jonathan Crompton also spent this past season on the Redskins practice squad. Crompton was originally selected in the 5th round of the 2010 draft by the San Diego Chargers. Before coming to Washington, Crompton spent time on the practice squads for San Diego, New England, and Tampa Bay.
Running back Tristan Davis was signed onto the Redskins practice squad this past October. He has been on the game squads for Detroit, Miami, Minnesota, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh but did not make any appearances in games.
The fourth player that the Redskins signed is guard Nevin McCaskill. He was signed to the Bills practice squad as an undrafted rookie free agent from Hampton in 2007. He has also spent time with the Eagles, Titans, Packers, Jets, Dolphins, and Steelers.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Redskins Gameplan: Offseason
For my loyal readers, you all have seen my weekly series "Redskins Gamplan". In that series, I break down what they need to be successful in that weeks game. Usually, I break it down unit by unit (i.e. offense, defense, and special teams). Over the next couple of days I will look at and break down, in depth, what they need to do to improve each unit this offseason. Today, I will break down the offense, tomorrow the defense, and then I'll finish it off with the special teams! Enjoy!
Offense
This season the offense really struggled. They finished 14th in pass yards per game, 235.8, and 25th in rush yards per game.
The offensive line was the most consistent part of the Redskins offense. Willie Smith stepped in a left tackle when Trent Williams was suspended and did just as good a job, if not better, than Trent Williams. Left guard Maurice Hurt was also solid for the Redskins. In 8 games, Hurt allowed just 2 sacks. Will Montgomery started every single all 16 games for the Redskins and allowed just 2 sacks, as well. Chris Chester also only allowed 2 sacks through 16 games. The biggest hole in the offensive line is at right tackle. The Redskins tried out both Tyler Polumbus and Jamal Brown at the position and neither one of them was the standout that they were looking for. It's a simple fix. When Trent Williams returns you stick him back at left tackle and move Willie Smith over to right tackle.
The Redskins had one of the most explosive and reliable backfields in the NFL. Roy Helu Jr. and Evan Royster were pleasant steals on draft day. The early season injury for Tim Hightower sent the Redskins into a panic at the running back position until these two stepped up. Helu finished the season with 640 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Royster finished second behind Royster for the team with 328 yards rushing. With both returning, the Redskins seem poise to have one of the toughest backfields in the NFL. There is no need to focus on this in the offseason.
The tight end spot was a disaster from week one. The Redskins wanted to put Chris Cooley at fullback and decided to only rely on Fred Davis at tight end. Davis showed a lot of promise throughout the season, but, was suspended for the final five games of the season for violating the leagues drug policy. Through eleven games, however, Davis compiled 59 receptions for 796 yards and 3 touchdowns. His replacement became Logan Paulsen. Paulsen finished this season with 11 receptions for 138 yards. If Davis returns full strength, this shouldn't be an area of concern for the Redskins. There should be very little time devoted to this position this offseason.
Darrel Young emerged as the teams fullback this season. He put the ball in the endzone one time for the Redskins. He also had 14 receptions. Look for him to be back at that spot next season. With Young and Cooley returning, this position looks solid for next season.
The Redskins were, for the most part, inconsistent at the wide receiver spot. Jabar Gaffney emerged as the teams leading receiver. Gaffney had 68 receptions for 947 yards and 5 touchdowns. The next closest player was Fred Davis who missed five games. Santana Moss, Donte Stallworth, and Leonard Hankerson were all ineffective this season. If the Redskins want a solid passing attack, they will need another number 1 caliber receiver to go along with Gaffney. Moss, Stallworth, and Hankerson all have value in them that if traded, they could be exchanged for a solid draft pick. The Redskins will need to address this area in the draft. They should be able to select a solid receiver in the second, third, or maybe fourth round of the draft.
The biggest area that the Redskins have to address this offseason is the quarterback position. Currently, they have two very solid back-up quarterbacks. Grossman threw for over 3,000 yards, but, he is not a playoff caliber quarterback (Super Bowl with the Bears was a fluke). There are a number of quarterbacks that the Redskins could select in the draft. They have to go after Robert Griffin III. They currently sit with the sixth pick in the draft. RGIII may not make it past number 5. I don't care what they have to do, they have to draft Robert Griffin III. If, by some sort luck only the Redskins could have, they don't select Robert Griffin III, Landry Jones from Oklahoma would also be a good fit. No matter what, the Redskins are going to have to select a quarterback with their first pick in the draft. If they don't we could very easily see a repeat of last season...and the season before that...and the season before that.
The main areas of concern for the offense that have to be addressed the offseason is at wide receiver and quarterback. Both can, and should, be fixed through the draft.
Stay tuned! Tomorrow the defense will take center stage!
Offense
This season the offense really struggled. They finished 14th in pass yards per game, 235.8, and 25th in rush yards per game.
The offensive line was the most consistent part of the Redskins offense. Willie Smith stepped in a left tackle when Trent Williams was suspended and did just as good a job, if not better, than Trent Williams. Left guard Maurice Hurt was also solid for the Redskins. In 8 games, Hurt allowed just 2 sacks. Will Montgomery started every single all 16 games for the Redskins and allowed just 2 sacks, as well. Chris Chester also only allowed 2 sacks through 16 games. The biggest hole in the offensive line is at right tackle. The Redskins tried out both Tyler Polumbus and Jamal Brown at the position and neither one of them was the standout that they were looking for. It's a simple fix. When Trent Williams returns you stick him back at left tackle and move Willie Smith over to right tackle.
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| (Photo: twimg.com) |
The tight end spot was a disaster from week one. The Redskins wanted to put Chris Cooley at fullback and decided to only rely on Fred Davis at tight end. Davis showed a lot of promise throughout the season, but, was suspended for the final five games of the season for violating the leagues drug policy. Through eleven games, however, Davis compiled 59 receptions for 796 yards and 3 touchdowns. His replacement became Logan Paulsen. Paulsen finished this season with 11 receptions for 138 yards. If Davis returns full strength, this shouldn't be an area of concern for the Redskins. There should be very little time devoted to this position this offseason.
Darrel Young emerged as the teams fullback this season. He put the ball in the endzone one time for the Redskins. He also had 14 receptions. Look for him to be back at that spot next season. With Young and Cooley returning, this position looks solid for next season.
The Redskins were, for the most part, inconsistent at the wide receiver spot. Jabar Gaffney emerged as the teams leading receiver. Gaffney had 68 receptions for 947 yards and 5 touchdowns. The next closest player was Fred Davis who missed five games. Santana Moss, Donte Stallworth, and Leonard Hankerson were all ineffective this season. If the Redskins want a solid passing attack, they will need another number 1 caliber receiver to go along with Gaffney. Moss, Stallworth, and Hankerson all have value in them that if traded, they could be exchanged for a solid draft pick. The Redskins will need to address this area in the draft. They should be able to select a solid receiver in the second, third, or maybe fourth round of the draft.
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| (Photo: mosso.com) |
The main areas of concern for the offense that have to be addressed the offseason is at wide receiver and quarterback. Both can, and should, be fixed through the draft.
Stay tuned! Tomorrow the defense will take center stage!
Nats Meet With Fielders Agent
Bill Ladson of MLB.com reported today that the Washington Nationals ownership have met with Prince Fielders agent, Scott Boras.
In his article, Ladson cites an unnamed "baseball source" for the information. This report only adds to the speculation that the Nationals are currently the front runners to land Prince Fielder.
Fielder is also reported to be pursued by the Mariners and Cubs.
This little chit-chat between the two parties could simply be for Scott Boras to pitch a few different deals to the Nationals ownership. The Nationals are more than likely waiting for the price to lower and that could also be one item thrown around in the meeting.
This meeting is one of the first moves that the Nationals have made toward acquiring Prince Fielder.
In his article, Ladson cites an unnamed "baseball source" for the information. This report only adds to the speculation that the Nationals are currently the front runners to land Prince Fielder.
Fielder is also reported to be pursued by the Mariners and Cubs.
This little chit-chat between the two parties could simply be for Scott Boras to pitch a few different deals to the Nationals ownership. The Nationals are more than likely waiting for the price to lower and that could also be one item thrown around in the meeting.
This meeting is one of the first moves that the Nationals have made toward acquiring Prince Fielder.
Why The Nationals Can't Have Fielder
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| (Photo: rumorsandrants.com) |
The Nationals can simply not afford to have Fielder, Strasburg, Harper, and Zimmerman at the same time. They certainly can not afford him after signing Jayson Werth to a lucrative deal last season and with the most recent acquisition of Gio Gonzalez from the Oakland A's. There is just not enough money to go around.
Another thing to consider: Scott Boras, Fielders agent, is known for giving his players high priced deals (see: Jayson Werth). Boras is also the agent for Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and Danny Espinosa. While the Nationals and Boras have a history, Boras has a history of getting the most money for his clients. Just because the Nationals have the money to spend does not mean that they have to spend it.
Is it even practical to sign Fielder to a lucrative contract? Let's look at the Nationals other first baseman.
The Nationals currently have Adam LaRoche, Michael Morse, and Chris Marrero at the first base position. Just last season the Nationals went out and signed LaRoche. He ended up getting injured and Michael Morse played a majority of the season at first base. LaRoche and Morse are both threats at the plate and in the field. The Nationals could better serve themselves by spending that money elsewhere.
The rumor of the Nationals being the frontrunner's to sign Fielder is no more than speculation and a rumor. The Nationals front office has been adamant that Adam LaRoche is going to be the teams first baseman this year and they have not yet commented on this rumor.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Fielder to Nationals?
Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that the Nationals appear to be the front runners to land first baseman Prince Fielder.
The front office for the Nationals have yet to tip their hand either way on the subject.
The Nationals are seemingly the only team that can spend enough money to acquire a high priced free agent like Fielder.
This is only a report, not fact. Keep in mind that the Nationals just last year signed first baseman Adam LaRoche and then had the emergence of Michael Morse. The signing of Fielder would put LaRoche to either the outfield or the bench and then possibly trade block. The the franchise would have to decide what to do with Morse.
Prince Fielders agent, Scott Boras, also represents Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, and Jayson Werth. The relationship between the Nationals and Boras is solid so Boras may be trying to work out a deal that suits the Nationals well financially.
This report is speculation and only a report. It will be interesting to see what the Nationals front office has to answer this report.
Stay tuned. The race for Prince Fielder is heating up.
The front office for the Nationals have yet to tip their hand either way on the subject.
The Nationals are seemingly the only team that can spend enough money to acquire a high priced free agent like Fielder.
This is only a report, not fact. Keep in mind that the Nationals just last year signed first baseman Adam LaRoche and then had the emergence of Michael Morse. The signing of Fielder would put LaRoche to either the outfield or the bench and then possibly trade block. The the franchise would have to decide what to do with Morse.
Prince Fielders agent, Scott Boras, also represents Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, and Jayson Werth. The relationship between the Nationals and Boras is solid so Boras may be trying to work out a deal that suits the Nationals well financially.
This report is speculation and only a report. It will be interesting to see what the Nationals front office has to answer this report.
Stay tuned. The race for Prince Fielder is heating up.
Redskins: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Redskins finished off the season with a 5-11 record. They finished 2-4 in the NFC East and swept the Giants. After starting the season a promising 3-1, the Redskins finished 2-10 after the bye week.
The Redskins did some things right and
they did some things wrong. Let's rake a look at a good thing, a bad thing, and an ugly thing from the Redskins season.
The Good: The Rookies
The Redskins rookie class this year was one of the best in the Dan Snyder era. Ryan Kerrigan finished the season with 63 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown. The combination Orakpo and Kerrigan created havoc in opposing teams backfield.
Late round picks Roy Helu Jr and Evan Royster were staples of the Redskins offense by the end of the season. Helu was the starting running back by season's end. Helu finished with 640 yards rushing. Royster finished second to Helu in total rushing with 328 yards on the ground.
Undrafted free agent left tackle Willie Smith was the unsung hero of the Redskins offense. Smith's first appearance came against Andre Carter and the New England Patriots. He followed that solid performance with strong standings against the Giants, the Vikings, and the Eagles. Smith should surely be in position to start at left tackle next season.
The Bad: Injury Status
The Redskins had a terrible season in terms of injuries. Early in the season they lost Tim Hightower for the season due to a knee injury. The Redskins also had to put safety LaRon Landry and tight end Chris Cooley on season ending injured reserve.
Rarely this season did they have a fully healthy roster. They were missing OJ Atogwe at point, as well. They were also plagued by injury on the offensive line. With a healthy game squad, the Redskins could have played much better.
The Ugly: Rex Grossman
It's a wonder he even got to 3,000 yards. He finished with a completion percentage of 57.9 and a passer rating of 72. He threw 20 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns. Three times he threw for under 200 yards; 2 of them for wins.
In the final 15 games of the season, Grossman threw at least one interception.
Grossman is not a starting quarterback. In games where he was the focus of the offensive gameplan, the offense performed worse than games when the running game was the focus. If the Redskins do not draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft, fans can expect much of the same next season.
The Redskins have some great things that they can build off of and some things that they need to improve on. This will be a pivotal offseason for the Shanahan regime.
Come back tomorrow for my Redskins offseason plan!
The Redskins did some things right and
they did some things wrong. Let's rake a look at a good thing, a bad thing, and an ugly thing from the Redskins season.
The Good: The Rookies
The Redskins rookie class this year was one of the best in the Dan Snyder era. Ryan Kerrigan finished the season with 63 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown. The combination Orakpo and Kerrigan created havoc in opposing teams backfield.
Late round picks Roy Helu Jr and Evan Royster were staples of the Redskins offense by the end of the season. Helu was the starting running back by season's end. Helu finished with 640 yards rushing. Royster finished second to Helu in total rushing with 328 yards on the ground.
Undrafted free agent left tackle Willie Smith was the unsung hero of the Redskins offense. Smith's first appearance came against Andre Carter and the New England Patriots. He followed that solid performance with strong standings against the Giants, the Vikings, and the Eagles. Smith should surely be in position to start at left tackle next season.
The Bad: Injury Status
The Redskins had a terrible season in terms of injuries. Early in the season they lost Tim Hightower for the season due to a knee injury. The Redskins also had to put safety LaRon Landry and tight end Chris Cooley on season ending injured reserve.
Rarely this season did they have a fully healthy roster. They were missing OJ Atogwe at point, as well. They were also plagued by injury on the offensive line. With a healthy game squad, the Redskins could have played much better.
The Ugly: Rex Grossman
It's a wonder he even got to 3,000 yards. He finished with a completion percentage of 57.9 and a passer rating of 72. He threw 20 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns. Three times he threw for under 200 yards; 2 of them for wins.
In the final 15 games of the season, Grossman threw at least one interception.
Grossman is not a starting quarterback. In games where he was the focus of the offensive gameplan, the offense performed worse than games when the running game was the focus. If the Redskins do not draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft, fans can expect much of the same next season.
The Redskins have some great things that they can build off of and some things that they need to improve on. This will be a pivotal offseason for the Shanahan regime.
Come back tomorrow for my Redskins offseason plan!
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