Redskins Cowboys After Further Review
Nov 17th, 2008
by Rich Tandler.
There isn’t much more to be gleaned from this game upon watching it again, but here goes with a few observations:
- It’s apparent that the Redskins need another receiving threat to supplement Santana Moss. Chris Cooley is good in his role, but he never has displayed an ability to go deep down the seam. Antwaan Randle El is good for a play a game but that’s his ceiling. But there’s nobody who truly, consistently will punish the opposing defense for paying excessive attention to Moss.
- DeAngelo Hall made an absolutely spectacular play in his first game with Washington. OK, by NFL standards it was a routine play, securing an errant Tony Romo pass for a routine interception. But such a play is extraordinary by the standards of the 2008 Washington Redskins.
- I’ve never seen the Cowboys—at least not this version of the team—play as physically as they did last night. In particular they de-cleated Clinton Portis and Moss on one third-quarter series and the Dallas offensive line gouged out holes for Marion Barber, who ran hard. The Redskins returned the favor, being particularly rough on Terrell Owens. Fred Smoot flipped him head over heels in the first quarter and Carlos Rogers popped TO in the second quarter, knocking the ball in the air to set up Rocky McIntosh for an INT.
- It would be better if the Redskins could get more pressure on the other QB, but, unlike others, I’m not putting that high on the list of priorities. Yes, Romo had time to make a sandwich and another one for Jessica back there in the pocket. But the bottom line is that the Cowboys scored just 14 points. You have to score more points.
- The second-quarter punt that ended up being a touchback was called correctly by the referees. After Rock Cartwright batted the ball back into the field of play, just before sliding into the end zone, everything was set for the Cowboys to be starting their drive at their own one Then the ball bounced off of the shin of Khary Campbell and back to where it touched Cartwright after Rock’s momentum had carried him into the end zone. I’ve heard some say that Cartwright didn’t need to bat the ball, that it was going to die on its own, but I’m not so sure about that. In any case, it wasn’t certain enough that it was going to stop prior to going into the end zone that such a judgment could be made while flying downfield at full speed, as Cartwright was.
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Warpath Confidential.com
I’m starting to wonder a little bit about Jason Campbell. He’s effective, but it seems he’s only effective. He does not seem to possess the ability to spark his team the way a great QB can. And he doesn’t seem to have any magic in his pocket like a great QB does when the chips are down.
To me, one of the things this team has needed forever is on-the-field leadership from the QB position. Someone who makes the rest of the team believe they can win, and brings out the best in the offense. Portis can only do so much from RB, and after him, there’s only very distant third place guys on the field. Moss? Cooley? Sometimes they go a half without contributing (which is not always their fault).
I think this is why the offense tends to look flat, like they’re waiting for a spark that they don’t seem to be able to give themselves.
Even off the field, JC seems to be nearly asleep in interviews. When you see him on the field, he’s calm, cool, and collected. Which is great most of the time. But some of the time, it’s just not great. Some of the time, I want to see a QB looking fired up, confident, and ready to cut holes in a defense.
I’m really, really ready to see that from a Redskin QB.
Agree Jeff, I’m starting to get concerned if JC can lead the team to the next level. He is a good quarterback and is able to perform at a consistent level but he does not elevate the team.
I believe this was a signature game for Campbell, he had an opportunity early to elevate the team, the QB draw could of been the spark, which provided a first down and continued a positive trend but it ended up being THE highlight instead of the spark.
Campbell just has no time whatsoever in the pocket, and every QB looks ordinary at best when facing that kind of pressure. I do think that he is particularly weak moving side to side. I can’t remember the last time he completed a meaningful pass outside the pocket. I like the idea of once or twice a game him tucking the ball in and taking off straight ahead. He catches the defense off guard, and it is very effective. The offense will not get on track however until we have much better protection.
I’m surprised to hear you say that not much can be gleaned from this game. I tend to read an awful lot into it.
Our line play is not dreadful, but it is made for run-blocking. Great, except that all our RBs are injured. We struggle in pass protection, so we keep Cooley in to block, which is somewhat effective, but it’s like going into a fight with a hand tied behind your back. We need him catching balls.
We’re supposed to believe the pass pro can be corrected with better “technique.” It’s alarming that a veteran unit doesn’t have sound fundamentals.
Much is made about lack of production from the #2 WR. Fact is, we don’t use the #2 WR, so who cares? Randle El made the longest play of the game but it didn’t earn him more opportunities. Devin Thomas played ok.
The defense is anchored by CBs that are playing out of their minds. All the big plays and hits are coming from the corners. Hall was a good signing and already made me forget Leigh Whats-his-name.
Lack of pass rush is a problem. It would be a mistake to ignore it just because we held a team to 14 points. Carter and JT are not productive. Our sorry blitzes could get worse without Washington in the line-up. Might as well blitz Landry every down because he isn’t doing anything else out there.
Jeff and dr wnc, I would not worry so much about Campbell. Yes, his demeanor is laid back but all kinds of personalities can win, from Favre to E. Manning.
Joe, I should have clarified that I was talking about the game itself and not the bigger picture. It just was kind of a dull game in my view with no dramatic turning points, big plays, etc.
The game did say a lot about the state of the team and that’s what I covered in this and my Tuesday post. As always, your insightful additions are welcome.