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Overview:
Usually, preseason Game #4's are considered
"irrelevent contests" where you leave your starters in for a couple
of series, pray that no one important gets injured and then watch
the bubble players at the bottom quartile of your roster fight for
roster spots. This game figures to be
different, because Wiz hasn't made a final decision on who his
starting QB will be (and probably won't until he absolutely has to).
Which means that "Game #4: Leinart vs. Andersion in the Desert"
figures to be a doozie. Add to thid a Cardinal squad deep in talent
and the final roster battles figure to make this game a Double
Doozie.
We face the Redskins - think of them as "the Denver Broncos" only
with mostly Redskin personnel. Mike Shanahan (and GM Allen) bring an
entirely new attitude to the "Richie Rich's." But don't expect to
see Donovan McNabb (he's even questionable for the season opener).
Instead, expect to see a plethora of talented veteran RB's doing
one-cut running within a zone blocking scheme. This will be a
challenge for a Cardinal offense which sometimes borders on the
overaggressive.
Previous Redskin Game:
They beat the Jets 16 to 11. Redskins kicked 3
field goals and scored one TD in the 4th quarter on a scoring pass
from Bartel (who?) to Larry Johnson. They held the Jets to a field
goal, a safety (Grossman fumbled out of bounds in the end zone) and
a 4th quarter TD (10 yard pass from Sanchez to his TE). I watched
some of the game off and on, coming away with the impression that
neither offense was really clicking. Other high or low lights:
-
McNabb didn't play. Grossman went 8 for 16 and
111 yards, with no TD's or interceptions. He got sacked once.
Beck was his major backup. He went 7 for 11 and 76 yards, got
picked off once and threw for no TD's.
-
Main receivers were T Austin (3 of 3 for 34),
Joey Galloway (3 of 6 for 29)and Santana Moss (2 of 6 for
42). Their fourth receiving option was Banks (who caught 2 of 4
passes for 35 yards).
-
In the running game, Larry Johnson carried 9
times (42 yards). Willie Parker carried 8 times for 16
yards. K Williams (4 times for 11 yards) and R Torain (5 times
for 8 yards). Clinton Portis only carried once for 3 yards.
Redskin ballcarriers fumbled 3 times (losing just one)
-
Defensively, Hall had the only Redskin
interception.
-
Washington pass rushers racked up 4
sacks.(Wilson, Carriker, Jarmon and Scott each had one).
-
Neither team was penalized much.
Meet the
Redskins
They're 1 & 2 (Wailed over Bills but lost
to Baltimore and the Jets). Like we said earlier, they're
making the transition from Gibbs/Zorn to Shanahan's system (which is
notorious for being very friendly to running backs - both famous and
unknown). The zone blocking scheme is supposed to be what makes the
running game go. There are still some remnants on the roster of the
old free-wheeling spend-a-lot Dan Snyder Redskins; complete with
Albert Haynesworth, his hefty salary and assortment of nagging
problems. (No doubt about it, though; when Albert is motivated,
you're not going to slice through the interior of the Redskin
front-seven like butter.
Notes - Some of the Redskin players are whining
about having to make the long trip west to play the Cardinals in the
Valley ("Why couldn't they come here?") Indicative of funky team
chemistry? Shanahan is known for resting his players for the 4th
preseason game. According to Grossman: "It's kind of like a bye
week." (We hope the Cardinals don't look at it that way - Jobs are
on the freakin' line). "The
Redskins cut LB Hall Davis, LS James Dearth, S Lendy Holmes and OL
Edwin Williams in the first round of cuts to get the roster down to
75. Davis lasted only one practice after being acquired in a trade
from the St. Louis Rams for a conditional draft pick that the
Redskins will likely get back. Dearth's release shows the coaches
are content to go with inexperienced Nick Sundberg at long snapper,
despite his struggles early in training camp." - washington times A word of caution, however: (1) No McNabb. (2)
Meaningless contest - at least for them.
Quarterbacks
05
McNabb, Donovan QB 6-2 240 11
Syracuse 11-25-1976
08
Grossman, Rex QB 6-1 236 7 Florida
08-23-1980
10
Bartel, Richard QB 6-3 230 1
Tarleton State 02-03-1983
03
Beck, John QB 6-2 215 3 Brigham
Young 08-21-1981
McNabb is nicked and won't play.
Grossman is expected to start. He certainly can manage a game (and had his supporters when in
Chicago) but doesn't really strike fear into the hearts of opposing
DC's. So far this preseason, Grossman's completed 33 of 55 passes
(60%) for 2 TD's. He's been picked off once and sacked 4 times. Beck
is 9 for 18 (50%); no TD's, no picks and was sacked 3 times.
Running Backs
26
Portis, Clinton RB 5-11 219 8 Miami (Fla.) 09-01-1981
27
Johnson, Larry RB 6-1 231 7 Penn State 11-19-1979
39
Parker, Willie RB 5-10 210 6 North Carolina 11-11-1980
46
Torain, Ryan RB 6-1 212 1 Arizona State 08-10-1986
35
Williams, Keiland RB 5-11 223 R LSU 08-14-1986
45
Sellers, Mike FB 6-3 268 10 Walla Walla CC 07-21-1975
36
Young, Darrel FB 5-11 245 1 Villanova 04-08-1987
41
Davis, Carey FB 5-10 225 3 Illinois 03-27-1981
They have a Trifecta of quality runners in
Portis, Johnson and Parker. Portis and Parker have home run speed.
Johnson can thump it. Portis is expected to be the starter. Johnson
appears to have earned the #2 spot. Willie hasn't wowed. Backups
Torain (72 yards on 23 carries - 3.1 average) leads Redskin runners
followed by Williams (68 yards on 17 carries for 4.0). But quite
possibly, neither will make the active roster.
Wide Receivers
84
Galloway, Joey WR 5-11 197 15 Ohio State 11-20-1971
13
Armstrong, Anthony WR 5-11 182 1 West Texas A&M 03-29-1983
11
Thomas, Devin WR 6-2 223 2 Michigan State 11-15-1986
80
Hodge, Shay WR 6-2 207 R Mississippi 10-18-1987
16
Banks, Brandon WR 5-7 150 R Kansas State 12-21-1987
89
Moss, Santana WR 5-10 209 9 Miami (Fla.) 06-01-1979
19
Wade, Bobby WR 5-10 195 7 Arizona 02-25-1981
12
Kelly, Malcolm WR 6-4 226 2 Oklahoma 12-30-1986
18
Austin, Terrence WR 5-11 172 R UCLA 08-25-1988
87
Williams, Roydell WR 6-0 178 3 Tulane 03-14-1981
Galloway and Moss are still excellent breakaway threats (but will
have to get old sometime). Thomas had a good preseason, but was
disappointed and puzzled he didn't get more playing time vs. Jets. The Skins love Armstrong
(who leads all receivers with 7 catches for 101 yards and a TD).
Moss is second (with 6 grabs for 121 yards - no TD's). Austin's
caught 5 passes for 52 yards - no TD's). No Redskin receiver is
credited with more than one TD.
Tight Ends
47
Cooley, Chris TE 6-3 250 6 Utah State 07-11-1982
86
Davis, Fred TE 6-4 255 2 USC 01-15-1986
88
Vickers, Lee TE 6-6 272 2 North Alabama 03-13-1981
82
Paulsen, Logan TE 6-5 264 R UCLA 02-26-1987
Cooley is one of the best receiving TE's in pro football. He's the
3rd best Redskin receiver this preseason with 6 catches for 74 yards
- no TD's). Davis is
no slouch (4 catches, 60 yards and one TD).
Offensive Line
72
Williams, Trent LT 6-5 315 R
Oklahoma 08-19-1988
73
Robinson, William OT 6-6 295 2 San Diego State 12-20-1984
60
Capers, Selvish OT 6-4 308 R West Virginia 12-13-1985
66
Dockery, Derrick LG 6-6 325 7 Texas 09-07-1980
50
Williams, Edwin C/G 6-3 313 1 Maryland 12-10-1986
61
Rabach, Casey C 6-4 288 8 Wisconsin 09-24-1977
78
Lichtensteiger, Kory G 6-3 290 2 Bowling Green 03-22-1985
58
Cook, Erik C/G 6-6 318 R New Mexico 07-05-1987
75
Hicks, Artis RG/T 6-4 314 8 Memphis 11-28-1978
77
Rinehart, Chad G/T 6-5 307 2 Northern Iowa 05-04-1985
63
Montgomery, Will C/G 6-3 307 4 Virginia Tech 02-13-1983
69
Brown, Jammal RT 6-6 313 5 Oklahoma 03-30-1981
74
Heyer, Stephon OT 6-6 332 3 Maryland 01-16-1984
68
Oldenburg, Clint OT 6-5 310 1 Colorado State 09-09-
1
"While
A work in progress and making the transition to
Shanahan's zone-blocking offense. Williams is the high draft pick;
Brown is the talented but underachieving dude from the Saints. The
other three starters are holdovers from the previous regime.
Opposing pass rushers have sacked Redskin QB's 8 times in 2 games
(to provide context, Redskin pass rushers have racked up 6 sacks).
Defensive Line
94
Carriker, Adam LDE 6-6 311 3
Nebraska 05-06-1984
93
Daniels, Phillip DE 6-5 302 14
Georgia 03-04-1973
75
Scott, Darrion DE 6-3 289 4 Ohio
State 10-25-1981
96
Kemoeatu, Ma'ake NT 6-5 364 8 Utah
01-10-1979
92
Haynesworth, Albert DT 6-6 335 8
Tennessee 06-17-1981
76
Bryant, Anthony NT 6-3 376 3
Alabama 11-16-1981
72
Green, Howard NT 6-2 365 6 LSU
01-12-1979
64
Golston, Kedric DT 6-4 300 4
Georgia 05-30-1983
79
Holliday, Vonnie DL 6-5 285 12
North Carolina 12-11-1975
90
Jarmon, Jeremy DE 6-3 286 1
Kentucky 11-20-1987
They play a 3-4 base defense. Carriker was a
top pick from StL. Kemoeatu is top-notch in themiddle. Cards tried
to sign Holliday as a FA a few years back. Daniels is solid. We all know about Haynesworth
and his "issues", but when his mind is on playing football, he can
bring it. The top Redskin tackler in this group is Scott (who ranks
10th. Next most prolific tackler among Redskin linemen is Golston
(who ranks 20th overall). Which suggests that Skin linemen are
fiilling the traditional 3-4 role of occupying blockers rather than
making tackles. (Still, 10th and 20th-ranked tacklers???) No Redskin
has more than one sack, but 4 were by defensive linemen.
Linebacker
99
Carter, Andre LB 6-4 257 9
California 05-12-1979
97
Alexander, Lorenzo LB 6-1 272 3
California 05-31-1983
91
Jackson, Rob LB/DE 6-4 247 2 Kansas
State 11-03-1985
59
Fletcher, London LB 5-10 245 12
John Carroll 05-19-1975
54
Blades, H.B. LB 5-10 242 3
Pittsburgh 09-30-1984
51
Henson, Robert LB 6-0 247 1 TCU
01-27-1986
52
McIntosh, Rocky LB 6-2 239 4 Miami
(Fla.) 11-15-1982
53
Riley, Perry LB 6-0 238 R LSU
05-03-1988
xx
Chris Draft
98
Orakpo, Brian LB 6-4 255 1 Texas
07-31-1986
95
Wilson, Chris LB 6-4 247 3
Northwood 07-10-1982
56
Gatewood, Curtis LB 6-3 240 2
Vanderbilt 05-18-1985
50
Davis, Hall LB 6-5 272 R
Louisiana-Lafayette 03-02-1987
Good starting 4 from previous regime - Orapko will be a Pro Bowl
player for many years. Draft was listed on the depth chart but not
the roster (we're not sure about his status). Henson is tied with
Rileyfor most tackles on the defense this preseason with 12.
Fletcher is next with 10. McIntosh has 8. The 6 Redskin sacks were
spread around to 6 defenders but only one LB.
Secondary
23
Hall, DeAngelo CB 5-10 192 6
Virginia Tech 11-19-1983
25
Barnes, Kevin CB 6-1 185 1 Maryland
09-15-1986
38
Robinson, Ramzee CB 5-10 190 3
Alabama 02-20-1984
20
Tryon, Justin CB 5-9 179 2 Arizona
State 05-29-1984
30
Landry, LaRon S 6-0 217 3 LSU
10-14-1984
48
Horton, Chris S 6-1 221 2 UCLA
12-29-1984
29
Holmes, Lendy S 6-1 212 1 Oklahoma
10-26-1985
41
Moore, Kareem S 5-11 217 2 Nicholls
State 08-13-1984
37
Doughty, Reed S 6-1 206 4 Northern
Colorado 11-04-1982
32
Russell, Anderson S 6-0 205 R Ohio
State 05-30-1987
24
Carter, Tyrone S 5-9 195 10
Minnesota 03-31-1976
22
Rogers, Carlos CB 6-0 189 5 Auburn
07-02-1981
31
Buchanon, Phillip CB 5-11 186 8
Miami 09-19-1980
34
Westbrook, Byron CB 5-10 204 1
Salisbury University 12-26-1984
Skins have historically had one of the best
secondaries in football. Hall is an interception machine (he has 2
of the team's 3 this preseason). Landry is
a deluxe hitter (4th leading tackler on the defense this preseason). Moore is making his name at one of the safeties.
Rogers was drafted just ahead of Antrel Rolle. Buchanon is a quality
backup. Holmes has the other Washington preseason interception.
Special Teams
06
Bidwell, Josh P/H 6-3 228 11 Oregon
03-13-1976
04
Gano, Graham K 6-1 196 1 Florida
State 04-09-1987
67
Dearth, James LS 6-4 265 10
Tarleton State 01-22-1976
57
Sundberg, Nick LS 6-0 246 1
California 07-29-1987
31
Buchanon, Phillip PR/CB 5-11 186 8
Miami 09-19-1980
11
Thomas, Devin KR/WR 6-2 223 2
Michigan State 11-15-1986
Bidwill can punt (42.8 avg.). Rookie Gano is doing a good
job kicking (4 for 5 overall and 2 for 3 between the 40 and
50). Buchanon and Thomas are dangerous return men. They're the guys
Shanahan lists on his depth chart, but most if not all the carries
have been made by other guys: Brandon Banks has returned 6 punts
(including one for 77 yards and a TD) for a 18.0 average. Terrance
Austin returned 5 punts in preseason. KO returns have been spread
among 5 players (including K Williams, Austin, Thomas, Banks and
Torain). Williams has the best average - 23.7 yards per return for 3
carries.
Cardinal Roster (Nicked players in
Olive).
Late Breaking -
Cards got down to 75 players by moving Nehemiah
Broughton (knee) to the IR. LB O’Brien Schofield (knee) was put on
the injured/non-football list (similar to PUP — he must
sit the first six games). They waived/injured wide receiver Darren
Mougey, (broken hand)
QB - 03 Anderson, 07 Leinart, 19 Skelton, 06 Hall
Late word is that Anderson will start
again this Thursday, and Leinart isn't happy about it. Both played
equally well against Chicago (with a TD pass apiece). But even here,
the warts showed a little in both instances - Anderson's first pass
from scrimmage bounced off a defender (in double coverage) and
almost was intercepted . Most of Leinart's throws were underneath
deals. Neither received totally buttoned up pass protection, and
that didn't help keep the chains moving. Hall outplayed Skelton, but
which winds up released or sneaks through to the practice squad (if
the Cards decide not to keep all 4 QBs) is open to question.
RB -
34 Hightower, 26, Wells,
31 Wright, 36 Stephens-Howling (KR/PR),
46 A. Smith
Last Monday, Hightower ran with more
authority, but also dropped a pass from Anderson early in the game.
Beanie pretty much looked like Beanie - except that he dropped a
pass and also fumbled just short of the end zone. Wright continues
to be surprisingly steady (if you can surprise and look steady at
the same time). LSH will probably make the Final 53. A. Smith has
played well enough to make the roster as well, but there's not
enough room.
FB -
45
Mauwia,
38 Scott
Scott was picked up in a trade with Philly
for Calvin after Broughton got injured. He's described as more a
tough-runner/pass catcher than as a pure lead-blocker. Mau'ia looked
good blocking for THT and Beanie. We expect the Cards to keep one FB
(Scott will have to do something spectacular to survive the Sept. 4
cut to 53.
WR - 15 Breaston, , 80 Doucet , 12
Roberts, Komar
WR -11 Fitzgerald,
17 O Jones, 16 Gant, 18, 14 S Williams, 10 J Williams, xx M Jones
Fitz didn't play last week, and Doucet saw
limited action. Breaston made the highlight spot of the week with
his 3-point landing over the goal line of a Leinart pass. It looks
more and more like Steven Williams has cinched the #4 WR spot, with
fellow UDFA Komar making a strong run for #5. If the Cards keep 6
wideouts, the dual will probably be between Onrea Jones and Andre
Roberts (with Roberts either being IR'd or be snuck through waivers
in the hope of passing through to the PS.
TE -
89 Patrick,
84 Becht,
83 Spach,
81
Dray
Byrd was released. Patrick
is beginning to feel better. I think Dray has played well enough to
make this team.
LT- 75 L Brown,
73
Bridges
LG-
66
Faneca, 70 Hadnot, ,
68 Pestock
OC- 63Sendlein,
62
Claxton,
(70 Hadnot)
RG-74
Wells, 76
Lutui,
66 Palmer
RT
72 Keith, 67 H
Johnson
The first unit did OK last Monday, but the
same rough edges were still on diisplay - Faneca whiffed on a pass
block. Keith and L Brown dsiplayed lazy footwork and got abused by
Peppers and Anderson. The backups by and large played well, with
Lutui make a run to start. H Johnson gave up a cheap sack but
recovered the fumble. Knips and the "Moose" got cut. Johnson,
Palmer, Pestock and possibly Claxton (who may make the roster
because he plays center - although so can Hadnot) must be considered
on the bubble.
DE - 93 Campbell, 79 Iwebema,
71 Clark
NT - 97 B Robinson, 98 Watson,
92 D Williams
DT - 90 Dockett, 78 Branch,
62
Fletcher
The
Campbell continues to play at a very high level, sacking QB's
forcing fumbles, batting down passes etc. Dockett was his usual
intense self vs. the Bears. Watson had a big game and even Branch
flashed a little. Expect the Cards to keep 6 or 7 defensive linemen
(with 4 guys who can play NT, assuming they keep the aging
Robinson). Clark a' hed Fletcher are on the cusp of a bubble.
Iwebema or Robinson could be 7th man out, but both have played well
enough to stick.
OLB1 - 55 Porter,
52 C Brown, 57
Baggs
ILB 51
Lenon,
43 C Johnson
,
,
ILB-
58 D Washington, 95 Togafau, 50 Beisel,
56 Walker, 54 Hayes
OLB2
- 53
Haggans,
59
W Davis,
96
M Washington
Daryl Washington was elevated to starter and
played well as did Porter, Lenon and Haggans. The Cardinal front
seven flat out dominated the Bear starters. Lots of tough decisions
regarding the backups. A whole bunch of them - including Cody Brown,
Baggs, Togafau, Walker, W Davis and Mark Washington all rank
somewhere in the 50 - 65 range in terms of absolute talent. While
you can expect the Cards to keep 7 or so LB's, it will be a tough
decision figuring out who stays and who goes.
RCB -
28 Toler, 37 McBride,
47 J Miller,
LCB-
29 Rodgers-Cromartie,
27 Adams,
30 M Green,
20 Jefferson,
39 Ford,
SS- 24 Wilson,
22 Ware,
41 Abdullah,
40
Tillman
FS- 25 Rhodes,
49
Rash Johnson
Toler was elevated to
starter and sure played like a guy who deserves to be a starter. The
backups continued to play well, but there were a couple of coverage
breakdowns by both safeties and McBride. (Toler continued to
outperform McBride, and we're waiting for him to be elevated to
starter. We now have a lights-out "back 4." McBride, Adams, M Green,
Ware & Abdullah have the best shot at making it to the Final 53.
Rashad Johnson may not make it. We hear the Card coaches liked
Jefferson well enough to trade Calvin. but there may not be enough
room, and they might be tempted to sneak him thru waivers and onto
the PS. Ford has showed he can tackle, but he's competing in tough
company and is a longhshot to stick. Miller might stick because of
his return skills, but he looks lost at CB.
K-04
Feely
P- 05 B
Graham,
H - 05 B Graham
LS-
82 Leach
KR -
15 Breaston,
37. Stephens-Howling
47 J Miller
PR -
15 Breaston
47 J Miller
Feely and
Graham continue to perform at a high level (Graham is unreal the way
he drops everything inside the enemy 15). Breaston hasn't
returned punts or KO's all preseason. That's
been the responsibility of J Miller (who's done OK) and LSH.
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