Rich Tandler's Real Redskins

Redskins ready for Schiano's tactics

Bucs coach Greg Schiano, fresh out of Rutgers, has made a name for himself just three games into his NFL coaching career. And not in a good way.

After his team blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead against the Giants, Schiano had his team fire out on Eli Manning and the rest of the Giants offense when New York was kneeling down to kill the remaining seconds on the clock. Manning was knocked down and a scrum involving some pushing and maybe some punches ensued.

In the NFL, there is an unspoken agreement that teams take it easy in such situations in the interest of safety. Schiano said that his team will have a “play through the final whistle” mentality and won’t honor that agreement. (Some suggested that it would have been a better idea for Schiano to have his team play defense in the first 14 and a half minutes of the fourth quarter.)

His philosophy earned him a tongue lashing from Giants coach Tom Coughlin during the postgame handshake and scorn from many corners of the NFL world.

That did not deter Schiano, who used the same tactic when the Cowboys were killing the clock in Tampa Bays 16-10 loss to the Cowboys last week.

This week, it is the Redskins who are hoping to be in a position to take a knee in victory formation. They will be ready for it.

“That’s who he [Schiano] is so you can’t be upset with him when you know what somebody’s going to do,” said Lorenzo Alexander.

“I really don’t understand it,” said Stephen Bowen. “It’s usually just an honor system. The game’s over, there’s no point in really doing anything.”

Bowen and Alexander, of course, are not in a position where they will have to deal with a victory-formation play from an offensive standpoint. That task will fall primarily to the offensive line.

Will Montgomery was very matter of fact about the possibility of Schiano’s tactics.

“If that’s the way they do that, that’s fine and we’ll be ready for it,” said the center.

Guard Kory Lichtensteiger was a bit more expansive on the subject, suggesting that two can play the unexpected roughness game.

“We know there’s no brother in law treatment in victory formation from those guys,” he said. “We’ve just got to be ready to attack it like it’s a goal line play, not being the ones pushed back, take the tempo to them.

“It’s just a college mentality, I guess. Maybe he’ll learn to adjust later on. It’s kind of setting yourself up for bad things.”

It was then that Lichtensteiger suggested that the Redskins might bring on some of those “bad things”.

“That’s why they invented the cut block right? So they can expect that if they want to bring it.”

Need to Know: RG3 could join some elite company

Here is what you need to know on this Saturday, September 29, the day before the Redskins take on the Bucs in Tampa.

Chat starts tomorrow at 4:00

Check right here tomorrow for our wildly popular game chat, a mix of commentary, analysis and snarky comments by me, Jen X in our Bethesda studios, Tarik at Raymond James Stadium and, of course, you.

As always, we might get things going early so keep an eye on Twitter (@Rich_Tandler).

Some elite company

If Robert Griffin III passes for at least 253 yards against the Bucs tomorrow, he will become just the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to have at least 1000 yards passing in the first four games of the season. Last year, Cam Newton passed for 1,386 yards in his first four games in the league a year ago.

If he gets at least 153 yards in the air, Griffin will become the eighth rookie to get at least 900 passing yards in the first four games of the season. A few of the all-time greats are on this list—Hall of Famers Jim Kelly and Warren Moon and future Canton enshrinee Peyton Manning. It should be noted that of the three, Manning was the only true rookie. Kelly (USFL) and Moon (CFL) both had pro experience prior to coming to the NFL.

But throwing for 900 in the first four games games as a rookie is no guarantee of greatness. Chris Weinke did it for the Panthers in 2001. Brandon Weeden, who played his fourth game on Thursday night with the Browns, has 997 passing yards. Sam Bradford of the Rams is the other quarterback in the group.

Injury contingencies

As of right now, it appears unlikely that Trent Williams (knee) will play tomorrow. If he doesn’t, Jordan Black, who has 40 NFL starts in eight seasons, will be the starter at left tackle. Maurice Hurt, who has been active as the backup at either guard spot, would become the swing tackle. Rookie Josh LeRibeus will join the active list for the first time this season and back up in the interior line.

Cedric Griffin is out with a hamstring injury. That happened early in the Bengals game and that means that rookie Richard Crawford will be the nickel defensive back as he was for most of that game. It’s a good thing that David Jones was available to sign. He was with the team in training camp and it is likely that he will be active tomorrow.

We know the drill on Pierre Garçon (foot). If he is not playing, Dezmon Briscoe will be active. If Garçon can go, and that seems to be the more likely scenario although it’s far from certain, Briscoe will sit.

Brandon Banks (hip) has returned virtually every punt and kickoff for the Redskins since he was brought up from the practice squad in the fourth game of the 2010 season. Who will return kicks if he is out? We’ll have an entire post on that later today.

Today’s schedule

No media availability as the Redskins travel to Tampa.

In case you missed it

Will the Redskins go into victory formation?

Fourth down decisions haunt Redskins.

Days until: Redskins @ Bucs 1; next home game vs. Falcons 8; RG3 vs. Cam at FedEx Field 36; Ravens @ Redskins 71

Will the Redskins be in victory formation?

We have heard about the controversy surrounding Greg Schiano’s tactic of disrupting other teams kneeling to kill the clock at the end of two of their games. The question is, will the Redskins be lining up in victory formation in the final minute of their game against Schiano’s Bucs on Sunday?

Despite the issues they have had on defense, this is a game the Redskins should win if they are an improved team.

And, despite the issues they have had on offense, there is every reason for the Bucs and their fans to think they can put this one in the win column.

Both teams were bad last year. Both teams took measures to improve. The Redskins traded present and future high draft picks to acquire the rights to Robert Griffin III. Tampa Bay went the free agency route, loosening their notoriously tight purse strings to sign wide receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright.

The Redskins, of course, know all about writing big checks for big names. The result has been just three playoff appearances and zero conference title game appearances during the free agency era.

Tampa Bay was in a position to bid for a chance to draft RG3 but they already had a player who they believe can be their franchise quarterback for years to come. It certainly looked like Josh Freeman was that guy in 2010 when he threw 25 touchdown passes to just six interceptions and posted a QB rating of 95.9

Last year? Well, no so much. Freeman tossed 16 TD’s and threw 22 picks and saw his rating slide down to 74.6. In other words, in 2010 Freeman had the kind of year it looks like RG3 is headed for this season. Last year, his numbers bore a strong resemblance to those of Rex Grossman. So far, 2012 is turning out to be a lot more like last year than 2010.

It would help Freeman if the Bucs could get their running game going and Greg Schiano has tried to instill the “pound the ball” mentality into his team. But they are averaging just 3.4 yards per carry and that isn’t enough of a threat to take the heat off of Freeman.

The defense was the Bucs’ strength during their 10-6 2010 season but, like most other aspects of the team, that has fallen off since. There is little reason to think that the Redskins will not be able to continue their high-scoring ways on Sunday.

Like the first three games this season, I see this being a shootout but the Bucs don’t quite have the ammunition to stay in it.

Redskins 30, Bucs 21

Homecoming not Raheem's focus

By Tarik El-Bashir
CSNwashington.com 

When Redskins secondary coach Raheem Morris walks into Raymond James Stadium on Sunday afternoon, he’ll do as an opposing coach for the first time.

Morris climbed the coaching ladder in Tampa, rising from defensive quality control coach in 2002 to head coach seven years later. In 2010, he directed the Buccaneers to a 10-6 record as a 34-year-old but was fired last January after the team stumbled to a 4-12 mark that included some unsightly losses down the stretch. 

“It’s always emotional,” Morris of returning to the team that gave him his start in the pros. But “it’s not really weird. You don’t want to win any more. I don’t think that’s any more motivation. 

“There’s no ill will,” he added. “They helped me and developed me throughout my professional career. I can still talk to ownership, management, whoever I need to.”

But after saying his hellos at the stadium, Morris said he’ll immediately get to the task at hand: turning around a Redskins’ secondary that’s yielded 300 or more passing yards in each game this season not to mention a league-worst 10 passing touchdowns.

“Really, those things are put away,” said of the friendships he forged over the years in Tampa. “Right now, it’s about getting our secondary to be the best that we can be. We have to play better obviously. We’ve had had two back-to-back games where we were subpar.”

He added: “We have to eliminate those [big] plays. That’s about [players] being accountable for themselves. We’re playing great up front. We’re playing great at the linebacker position. If we can [get the secondary] to play a little bit better, we’ll be a great football team – and we know that.”

Meriweather probable but stops short of saying he'll play

By Tarik El-Bashir
CSNwashington.com 

Trent Williams and Pierre Garçon aren’t the only Redskins whose availability for Sunday’s game in Tampa remained unclear Friday.

Brandon Meriweather is listed as probable, but the strong safety stopped short of declaring himself ready to make his season debut. He sprained two ligaments in his right knee during the six days before the season opener in New Orleans.

“I would be ecstatic,” Meriweather said Friday. “I can bring a lot. I’m good at disguising [blitzes]. I’m patient. I can do all the little things.”

Meriweather’s experience could prove beneficial to a secondary that’s struggling, having yielded 300 or more passing yards in each of the past two games.

“He can do a lot of things,” defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “He’s an ex-corner coming out of college. He’s got football intelligence. He can take something from the classroom to the field. He brings energy to the backend. We’ve missed him.”

Meantime, cornerback Cedric Griffin (hamstring) has been ruled out against the Bucs, meaning rookie Richard Crawford will be the Redskins’ third cornerback.

Running back Evan Royster (knee) is probable and wide receiver Brandon Banks (hip) is questionable. Banks said hurt himself in practice.

If Banks misses the first game of his career, Niles Paul and Aldrick Robinson are listed as backup kick returners. Santana Moss and Richard Crawford, meantime, are the backup punt returners.

"I want to play," Banks said. "Hopefully I can play."

Shanahan says Williams is questionable

By Tarik El-Bashir
CSNwashington.com 

Trent Williams has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Tampa, Coach Mike Shanahan said.

Williams, the Redskins' starting left tackle and arguably second most important player on offense behind quarterback Robert Griffin III, suffered a bone bruise on his right knee in the first quarter of last week’s game. He was limited in practice Friday.

“I did what I could,” Williams said of practice. “I did more than yesterday. That’s always a good sign.”

Asked if he could suit up if the Buccaneers game were today, Williams responded, “I don’t know. It would be tough. 

If Williams does not play, journeyman Jordan Black is expected to get his first NFL start since 2010.

Garçon questionable for Bucs

Pierre Garçon is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Tampa, Coach Mike Shanahan said Friday afternoon. According to NFL injury designation guidelines, that means that there is a 50 percent chance that he will play. 

Garçon, the Redskins’ No. 1 wide receiver, suffered an injury near the big toe on his right foot while sprinting for a touchdown in New Orleans. He was sidelined against the Rams and Bengals.

Leonard Hankerson replaced Garçon in last week’s loss to Cincinnati and is expected to start there against the Buccaneers. Hankerson is probable with a back injury he sustained again the Bengals.

Garçon did not speak to reporters Friday.

Goodell sends letter to NFL fans

To NFL Fans:

The National Football League is at its best when the focus is on the players and the action on the field, not on labor negotiations.

All of us who love the sport appreciate the skills and dedication of the players and coaches. That is why we are focused not just on what happens on the field but what our game will be like in another decade or two. The NFL has always tried to look ahead, to innovate, and to constantly improve in all we do.

We recognize that some decisions may be difficult to accept in the passion of the moment, but my most important responsibility is to improve the game for this generation and the next.

I believe in accountability, not excuses. And I regret we were not able to secure an agreement sooner in the process and avoid the unfortunate distractions to the game. You deserve better.

As a lifelong fan, this wasn't an easy process for anyone involved. I particularly want to commend the replacement officials for taking on an unenviable task and doing it with focus and dedication in the most adverse of circumstances. 

Our new agreement gives long-term stability to an important aspect of our game, officiating. More important, with this agreement, officiating will be better in the long run. While the financial issues received the most attention, these negotiations were much more about long-term reforms. For example, beginning with the 2013 season, the NFL will have the option of hiring a number of officials on a full-time basis to work year-round, including on the field. In addition, the NFL will have the option to retain additional officials for training and development purposes, and may assign those additional officials to work NFL games.

We are moving forward with the finest officials in sports back on the field. It's time to put the focus where it belongs -- on the clubs and players and our magnificent game, with a special thanks to our fans for their passion.


Roger Goodell

Fourth down decisions haunt Redskins

On Wednesday night, the Redskins-Bengals game was one of the matchups featured on NBC Sports Network’s fine show Turning Point. The segment on the Redskins ran about 10 minutes and it was interesting even though there not much new that was uncovered.

However, there was one comment that was pulled from one of the audio of one of the broadcast feeds that caught my ear. I can’t quite identify who said it—it may have been Solomon Wilcots, a former Bengal who was doing the color commentary for CBS or perhaps a member of the Cincinnati radio broadcast team, or maybe someone else—but the words are very blunt.

“I like what Cincinnati’s doing. You show no guts and don’t go for it on fourth and one, you deserve it.”

Harsh, but you really can’t argue with it. In each of the last two games, the Redskins have faced crucial fourth-down situations in the fourth quarter. Each time, Mike Shanahan has elected to kick. In St. Louis, it was a virtually impossible 62-yard field goal and against the Bengals it was a punt that ended up netting 24 yards. The Redskins lost both games due in no small part to the failure of the fourth-down calls.

It is always easy to criticize a decision with hindsight when it doesn’t work out. But going for it on fourth and one against the Bengals should have been an easy call. They were running the ball well. The Cincinnati defense had no idea what was coming at them next. They gave up a boatload of high draft picks to get their playmaking quarterback. The Redskins’ defense had made a couple of stops but looking at the game through the first three quarters the faith Shanahan placed in them was not warranted.

The odd thing is that the Redskins had gone for it on fourth and one twice against the Saints in the opener and got a first down both times. In all, the Redskins are six for eight on fourth and one since Shanahan arrived in 2010.

And it also should have been easy to decide to go for it on fourth and 16 against the Rams. Even though the odds of converting for a first down were slim, they were much better than the chances of Billy Cundiff (career long field goal of 56 yards in 2005) hitting a 62-yard field goal.

In both cases, Shanahan went with his gut feeling and it’s hard to argue with the instincts of a coach with his track record. But given that they have been successful when being aggressive and that the whole discretion being the better part of valor thing hasn’t worked out too well, he should perhaps take the path of being bold the next time a key fourth-down situation comes up. 

Need to Know: Kerrigan has stepped up

Here is what you need to know on this Friday, September 28, two days before the Redskins take on the Bucs in Tampa.

Chat at 4:00 on Sunday

We are going to get our game chat rolling at 4:00 on Sunday with the kickoff for Redskins-Bucs coming at 4:25. Our usual road game lineup will be in place with Tarik El-Bashir at Raymond James Stadium, Jen X at our Bethesda studios and yours truly in front of the 55” Vizio in Ashburn.

We usually get things going a little early, keep an eye on Twitter (@Rich_Tandler) and we’ll let you know.

See you then.

Riveron to ref Skins-Bucs

Since the identity of game officials is something of a topic, you need to know that Alberto Riveron will be the referee for the Redskins game on Sunday. He has been an NFL game official since 2004 and he is starting his fifth season wearing the white hat as the head referee.

Here’s to a smooth, well-paced game with a minimum of controversial calls.

Kerrigan has stepped up

With Brian Orakpo out for the season, Ryan Kerrigan has had the burden of being the Redskins’ top pass rusher. Since Orakpo got hurt early in the second game, Kerrigan has now played more snaps without Orakpo on the other side than with him and Kerrigan is doing just fine, thank you.

Per Pro Football Focus, Kerrigan has a total of 19 quarterback pressures with three sacks, five hits, and 11 hurries. That is the more than any other 3-4 outside linebacker has this year. Yes, more than Clay Matthews (17) and more than DeMarcus Ware (12). He is tied for second most among all edge rushers (Cameron Wake, MIA, 21).

Against the Bengals, in his first full game without Orakpo on the other side, Kerrigan had five quarterback pressures (1 sack, 2 hits, 2 hurries). 

Right down the middle

Sometime statistics impart new knowledge and sometimes they confirm what you already know. Most who have watched Robert Griffin III have noted that one of his strengths is dropping back and firing the ball over the middle for about 15 yards. The ball comes into the receiver so fast that he almost has no choice but to catch it.

Again looking at the good work of the folks at Pro Football Focus we see our impressions verified and quantified. Griffin has thrown 13 passes between the numbers from 10 to 19 yards downfield. He has completed 11 of them for 261 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions. That comes to a quarterback rating of 144.4.

Overall, Griffin appears to be more comfortable throwing down the middle. He has aimed 80 passes (subtracting spikes and throwaways) and he has thrown 49 of them between the numbers and 31 outside the numbers.

Today’s schedule

11:50—Practice (media can observe first 30 minutes)
After practice (approx. 1:30)—Open locker room and Mike Shanahan news conference

In case you missed it

A lesson in self-scouting

It’s the same old story when it comes to big plays against the Redskins’ D.

Most of the Redskins are happy to have the “real refs” back.

Days until: Redskins @ Bucs 2; next home game vs. Falcons 9; RG3 vs. Vick @ FedEx Field 51; Thanksgiving @ Dallas 55