Posts Tagged ‘joey galloway’

Weeding out the suckers – In a New York minute

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

By John Pappas
Skinscast Editor

The Washington Redskins marched into the New Meadowlands Stadium with something to prove. After all, they were there to play one of the best defenses in football in the Jets. Plus, they were coming off a less than stellar showing last week against Baltimore.

The game against the Ravens exposed portions of the Redskins’ game. Baltimore was able to wreak havoc with defensive pressure; sacking Washington’s quarterbacks, stuffing the run, and keeping them almost completely off the score board. And the Ravens offense was able to hang 23 points on the defense, 13 against the first team. Following the paltry three-point effort, the Redskins were keen to improve against a Jets team that appeared in the AFC Championship game last year.

Washington responded by gutting-out a well-earned 16-11 victory. The defense was magnificent in creating four turnovers. The offense was able to move the ball against one of the best defenses in the league.

Woven throughout was the reality that first cuts occur this Tuesday and for some players, Friday’s game would be their last chance to make a statement.

DeAngelo Hall – Hot

Hall’s interception has our vote for defensive play of the preseason. It was a play not a lot of cornerbacks can make because it required three things in equal measure; the vision to see where the quarterback was going to throw, the presence to know where help was, and the stones to make the split-second decision to try and intercept.

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Early indications

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

By John Pappas
Skinscast Editor

It is still very early in the preseason.  In fact, the Redskins haven’t played a single snap of football.  But after nearly two weeks of training camp, storylines are starting to emerge.  In the midst of training camp battles, some players are differentiating themselves, while others struggle.  And while it is too early to close the book on anyone in camp, there are subplots going into the games that bear watching.

Trent Williams

Williams looks to be the real deal at left tackle.  And there’s a lot to love about his playing so far.  It starts with footwork.  Williams has very quick feet for a big man, and has been adept at getting back into his stance on pass pro.  He gets back quickly and is rarely out of position after the snap.  When hit, he recovers well.  The next thing you notice is his balance and technique.  Williams plays within himself, doesn’t over-reach, keeps his head up on a swivel, and has excellent punch with his hands. 

On run blocking, Williams is athletic and powerful at the point of attack.  He moves well in space and has shown the ability to shed primary blocks to chip off guys further downfield.  This will create opportunities for backs beyond the line of scrimmage.

Williams hasn’t won every battle in camp, but has won more than his share.  Not bad, considering he faces guys like Brian Orakpo every day in practice.  It will be interesting to see how Williams handles defenders in preseason as he prepares for week 1 against DeMarcus Ware and the Dallas Cowboys.   

Right of center

The signing of Artis Hicks and trade for Jammal Brown looks great on paper.  Brown is just one injury removed from the Pro Bowl, and Hicks has been a serviceable starter in the league.  Based on camp however, the right side of the offensive line remains an area of concern. 

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