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The Om Field -> Forums -> Washington Redskins -> 2 key players if the Redskins are to be successful in '09
Post Info TOPIC: 2 key players if the Redskins are to be successful in '09
GSF


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Date: Mar 31 10:51 PM, 2009
2 key players if the Redskins are to be successful in '09
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Looking forward to next year, it's hard for even the most homerific fan to get overly excited about the Redskins' offense.  We all know the defense will be stout, but the team has got to be able to score more points, a lot more points, if they are going to really be competitive.

The obvious player to key on is Campbell.  Fans will say, "how Campbell goes is how the team will go next season", and maybe they're right, but I kind of think that maybe the opposite is true.  I think that Campbell's performance depends on how the players around him play.   If Campbell can get some good pass protection, and if his receivers can generate some space for him to throw into, he'll be successful.  If not, well then we're probably in for a repeat of 2008.  so my 2 key players for 2009 are:

1.  Jon Jansen.  Jansen was a stud for so many years for the Skins.  I watched a preseason interview with him last year though, and I knew why he was getting benched.  Jansen didn't look like a football player before last season.  He looked like a pudgy midwestern kid getting ready to go on a hunting trip.  He didn't look big, or muscular, and he didn't look competitive or confident either.  I think Big Jon might have let himself go a bit after the injuries back in 2007.  Maybe he was over-confident, or maybe he was still just not 100% healed, but whatever the problem was, he wasn't ready, and it showed.  Now the good news:  Jon is pissed and wants to redeem himself.  Jansen recently was quoted in the times saying he had started his workouts much earlier this season, and that he was in excellent shape.  Big Jon is also only 33.  That's getting a little up there for a lineman, but it's not over the hill be any means.  If Jansen is healthy, in shape, and motivated, it is very feasible that he could regain his form from a few years ago before the injuries.  This is absolutely key for the Redskins, b/c so many of the protection breakdowns last season started with Jansen.  Ends and blitzers were blowing right by him, and when they didn't do that, they just ran him over.  Just a few years ago Jansen was the only RT in the East that could contain Strahan.  If he can regain his form, and with Dock and Samuels back on the other side, this oline could be a whole lot better than it was last year.

2.  Devin Thomas.  Almost as big of a problem for the offense last year as the oline breakdown, was the lack of options for Campbell to throw to.  Campbell had Moss and Cooley, and well...that was about it.  Thomas came in last year with the same problems that Jansen did:  he was out of shape and maybe a little over confident, and like Jansen, he embarassed himself.  What's great though is just like Jansen, Thomas is comitted to getting it right this year.  He's working out and in shape, and he's running routes with Campbell at Redskins Park.  If Thomas can get it together this year, he'll be that big target that Campbell has needed so badly.  he'll stretch the field, free up Moss, and Randle El will also be more effective playing the slot.

Now, imagine if both of these guys can be successful this year, how much of an impact that will have on Campbell.  With time to throw, and more open targets to throw to, Campbell will be able to play with confidence, which was exactly what he couldn't do down the stretch.  Jansen and Thomas are 2 guys that could make or break the Redskins in 2009.

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Miles Monroe


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Date: Apr 1 6:51 AM, 2009
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Agreed, that each of these guys could have a huge impact, but I don't see it happening with Jansen. Even before last season, Jons play had dropped off. With the number of major injuries he's had in the last few season, it effected his technique. He's still a mauler in the run game, but that's the easier part of playing the Oline. Even the season prior to the last injury, his pass blocking was more then suspect. It wasn't that great the season prior to the first major injury. Hope I'm wrong, because while I think Heyer can take that spot for a number of years, he's been bounced around so much, he's never had a chance to settle into it yet.

Thomas is a true question mark having gotten so little time on the field. Time will tell.



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Om


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Posts: 126
Date: Apr 1 7:36 AM, 2009
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Good post, GSF. 

While as of today I agree with Miles that Jansen is done, I'll concede that the man is a warrior with wounded pride.  That's a dangerous combination, and at 33 it is conceivable he could have a resurgence.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him at least start the year strong.   Just not convinced the strong will can overcome the weakened flesh over the course of a long season.  If I'm wrong on that, I'll be sure to give you props for calling it ... and, I'm sure all be very pleasantly surprised, none more so than Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell.    thumbsup

On Thomas, I'm with you 100%.  I was disappointed last year mostly by what looked to me like a lack of fire.  No doubt it's tough to be a rookie, and being in an offense trying to learn a new system itself didn't help.  But for me it wasn't so much about the production---there were enough issues offensively to spread the blame there.  What troubled me was I walked away thinking the guy might not have the competitive fire to make himself great.  

So far this offseason, though, based on what I've read, I'm encouraged that maybe there's more depth to the guy than I gave him credit for at first blush.  Here's hoping.  There is no way we can overestimate the positive impact a legitimate, full-bodied, competitive outside option to complement Santana Moss could have on this offense.  Like QB, it's been so long since we've had that option covered around here I think we've almost forgotten what it looks like. 



-- Edited by Om on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 09:29:48 AM

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Chris


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Date: Apr 1 10:36 AM, 2009
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Add me to the list of Jansen doubters.

Hell, make me the president of that club.

Many seem to be hoping for some type of Phoenix rising rebirth from Jon this year but I'm not one of them. When the wheels are gone, they're gone. To me, his decline has been evident for a couple of seasons. Last year was just a continuation of the inevitable. His pass pro is almost similar to what a fire hydrants would be. I use the qualifier almost because a fire hydrant would be able to battle the bullrush.

I really don't want to sound as mean as this probably comes off. Jon Jansen has been a great Redskin for a long time but that time has now come and gone.

I am, however, very optimistic about witnessing a Devin Thomas coming out party. First year standout wide outs are pretty hard to come by. Devin only had one productive year at Michigan State, the 2007 season, and was undoubtedly unprepared for the differences in the competition level found in the NFL. I expect him to take a significant step forward this year.

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(a/k/a Monte51Coleman)
Neophyte


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Posts: 54
Date: Apr 1 11:47 AM, 2009
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I see the possibility for Jansen to be resurgent which is why he is one of my "surprises" for the season in another thread here (how quick we grow, huh?) but that doesn't mean I will be surprised if it doesn't happen. I just look at how surprised and pissed off he was last year when he got demoted. Pricking a man's pride is a dangerous thing. This is also the first time in a number of years we will get to see him after an offseason that does not include major rehab of some sort. I am hopeful.

Thomas still concerns me. The very first thing he talked about after the season was getting away and staying away from the Park. Then he missed the opening of workouts to help his buds at Michigan St get ready for their pro day. Once he did show up one of the first things I read was how he will be missing more days for the Final Four where Michigan St is playing. Sounds to me like he wants to be in college more than in the pros. I hope he grows up fast but so far I am not seeing whatever it is you guys are seeing. Again, I hope but I don't have as much hope for Thomas as I do Jansen whose attitude I just flat trust more.

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Bang


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Posts: 6
Date: Apr 1 12:16 PM, 2009
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Disagree on Jansen.. he hasn't got the legs left anymore. I think if Heyer can't win the job it's a setback.
Devin Thomas I wholeheartedly agree with. Our tiny little receivers may make a play or two here and there, but in the red zone they're lost.. too small to take the ball, too small to muscle the defense. The only way they're a threat down close is if they can get separation via speed or play design. And as we see, the results are abysmal.

It is absolutely imperative to any succcess that one of our big body receivers steps up and starts to become the threat we need.

My second choice would have to be Phillip Daniels or whoever is going to be rushing the passer opposite Carter. Even with Haynesworth, i have no faith that the pass rush is goin to get any better until we upgrade that side. Daniels / Wynn = step backwards.
Couple that with an unknown at WSLB and the left side of our defense has a big problem that big Albert can't help.

If we were to draft Brian Orakpo to play that WSLB or even to groom for DE I'd feel a lot more optimistic.

~Bang


-- Edited by Bang on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 12:19:54 PM

-- Edited by Bang on Wednesday 1st of April 2009 11:51:03 PM

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PotatoHead


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Date: Apr 1 4:34 PM, 2009
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To call the season a success we must win at least 10 regular season games and get at least to the second round of the playoffs. Who must show up to achieve this? Jansen (or someone to really take the RT spot) and Devin Thomas (or someone that puts a claim on the second WR spot, not just gets it by default). Of course, that's assuming the defense is as good or better than last year. Remember, though, who will and who must step up are two different questions.

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B&G


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Date: Apr 3 10:32 AM, 2009
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I certainly agree that Devin Thomas is a huge factor for a successful 2009 campaign. I have high hopes for Malcolm Kelly as well.

Jansen may help as a quality reserve but I don't think the Redskins will go into the season with him starting at right tackle. Either Stephon has progressed to the point where Coach Bugle feels he can step into the starting role or we will address RT in the draft.

Our Special Teams have to be considered a critical factor this season. If we can significantly elevate our play at Place kicker, Punter, Punt returner, and Kick returner, our chances for winning close NFC east games are greatly increased.

Seeing as how we brought Haynesworth into the fold, we should probably build our defense around him somewhat.  Our pass rushing DE personnel (or lack thereof) will certainly play a big role in our success or failure.

And lastly, how will Jason Campbell respond this year?  That's probably the $64,000.00 question.

-- Edited by B&G on Friday 3rd of April 2009 03:10:34 PM

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fansince62


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Posts: 3
Date: Apr 5 11:07 AM, 2009
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Unfortunately....JJ is damaged goods......one serious injury too many. He had his run and made the most of it including getting his $$$$ while he could. Skins need to upgrade at RT with youth, athleticism and longevity.

as for Thomas...mush as I dislike the idea of these well paid folks not producing...give him another season to show significant improvement.

-- Edited by fansince62 on Sunday 5th of April 2009 11:09:17 AM

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illone


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Posts: 23
Date: Apr 8 12:50 AM, 2009
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When can we once and for all stick a fork in Jansen?

Love to death what he did for the team when he was in his prime, but he's no longer there and he's actually hurting the team by being on the field.

enough is enough.



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GSF


Status: Offline
Posts: 9
Date: Apr 10 11:17 PM, 2009
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illone wrote:

When can we once and for all stick a fork in Jansen?

Love to death what he did for the team when he was in his prime, but he's no longer there and he's actually hurting the team by being on the field.

enough is enough.


You may be right Ill.  I definitely felt that way last season watching him play.  He supposedly is in very good shape now though and inspired to regain his old form.   I'm not claiming it is going to happen, just pointing out that his success, or Heyer's if he becomes the starter, are critical to the Skins chances.

 



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Jimster


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Posts: 24
Date: Apr 11 7:39 AM, 2009
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Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing if Jansen did start the season off strong....with the 1st round draft pick OT standing in the wings waiting and watching.

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