OK, folks, sorry for the delay. Just got done talking to Marcus Washington and Jason Campbell outside Redskin Park. To the questions.
From SkinsLover:
A couple of questions: First, why did we decide to run another play because Philly called a timeout (before halftime)? Also, why does it seem Carlos Rogers is always the one that gets beat on crucial third or fourth downs?
Ryan O'Halloran:
Joe Gibbs was bailed out by Andy Reid late in last night's first half. With 14 seconds left, Gibbs sent out the field goal team. It was a bad decision -- he has to show more confidence in his young quarterback to do the right thing near the goal-line. Reid called the timeout and Gibbs sent the offense back on to the field and Campbell threw a terrific touchdown pass to Chris Cooley. As for Rogers, it seems that way because that's exactly what's happening. I haven't reviewed the game tape or studied my notes yet but your theory will probably be confirmed.
From Irving:
When does the flex scheduling start?
From Ryan O'Halloran:
The question came in before last night's game but it became a lot more interesting once the Redskins won and went to 2-0. The NFL flex scheduling starts in Week 10 (Nov. 18). The only game that can't be moved for the Redskins is their Thursday night game against Chicago on Dec. 6. In Week 10, the Redskins play at the Cowboys. At the very least, that game will be moved to 4 p.m. Fox is sending its A team -- Buck and Aikman -- to FraudEx for Giants-Redskins.
From Dustin in Syracuse, N.Y.:
Reche Caldwell was inactive and Lloyd missed another chance to score a TD this week. Any chance Caldwell will be active for the Giants game? Or are we looking after the bye week?
Ryan O'Halloran:
The Lloyd pass was overthrown and he would have been out of bounds had he caught it, but again, he pulled up on the play only to start running again. He played only a few snaps and has obviously fallen behind James Thrash. I expect Caldwell to be in uniform against NYG. Simple math would suggest Lloyd would be inactive but stranger things have happened.
From Gary Fogel in Reston:
I hate to be the one to rain on the Skins' parade when they're 2-0 and just beat the Eagles on the road, but how much more impressive (and less nervewracking) would last night's win have been had Campbell been able to connect with a wide-open Moss late in the fourth quarter? Over the long haul, Jason's got to be able to make that throw to become a true top-tier QB, right?
Ryan O'Halloran:
Had Campbell and Moss connected for the touchdown, it would have been an emphatic exclamation point on the victory, making it 27-12. Yes, Campbell has to be able to make that throw and I think he will sooner rather than later. The good sign on that play was how easily Moss got open.
From Brent in Arlington:
I am skeptically optimistic about what I've seen so far this season especially considering the injuries on the O-line. I can't believe how well our backups have stood in there for our starters. In regards to Randy Thomas, is a torn triceps an injury that could sideline him for awhile, or is it something that he'll play through, but will likely be a nagging injury to him all season? Also, our bye week appeared to be unfortunately early, but considering Smoot's hamstring and Randy's triceps, maybe it's a blessing in disguise...thoughts?
Ryan O'Halloran:
Thomas hasn't come back to Redskin Park from getting an MRI on the triceps. If the muscle is completely torn, he's probably out for the season; if it's a partial tear, he could be back in a few weeks. As for the replacements, Todd Wade had a solid debut at right tackle, which isn't surprising considering the guy's a good tackle. Jason Fabini is the new right guard with Thomas injured. His play will be something to monitor more closely. Aside from two false start penalties, he appeared to hold his own. The early bye isn't a bad thing. Although it comes in Week 4, it comes in Week 10 of the season (counting training camp).
From John in Fairfax:
What do you make of the defensive backfield so far? I love the way Taylor is hitting and running around like crazy. But what of Landry and the corners? It seems to be a pretty noticeable improvement over last season.
Ryan O'Halloran:
The secondary has been OK. No big plays is a plus.The Redskins are 18th in yards, but fourth in yards per reception allowed, which confirms the no-big-play theory. And their first in third down defense. I'm witholding judgement on Taylor until I watch the game from last night. Landry's presence allows Taylor to do some things more suited to his strengths (roam center field).
From Steve in Rockville:
Giants, Lions, Packers and Cardinals ... oh my! Are we going to be 6-0 heading into the Game of the Year at New England?
Ryan O'Halloran:
Obviously, the Gibbs-made Kool Aid has been delivered to Rockville. The home games against the Giants, Lions and Cardinals -- the Redskins should win those games even though Detroit could cause some problems with its passing game. The Packer game in Green Bay could be interesting. The Packers can't really run it yet. I'll predict 5-1 going into New England then ... CRASH! ... back to earth thanks to Tommy Brady.
From Larry D. in College Park:
Obviously the Eagles and Giants have their issues. So who's going to win the NFC East: our Skins or the hated Cowboys?
Ryan O'Halloran:
The Giants stink on defense. The Eagles -- where to begin? Brian Dawkins looked bad in coverage and Donovan McNabb looked really bad moving around the pocket. So, yes, it's a two-team race. But I think Dallas has to be considered the favorite.
Ryan O'Halloran:
That's all for this week. I'll be back next Tuesday at 2 p.m. to review the Giants game and look ahead to the bye weekend.
