SB Nation - Todd Watkins

Previewing the Enemy: Washington Redskins

Rated-R Superstar — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:39:28 -0000

It's a Super Bowl XVIII rematch! [via prod.static.raiders.clubs.nfl.com]

Alright, it's not quite a rematch from Super Bowl XVIII when the Raiders smashed the Redskins en route to their third Super Bowl title in franchise history. Nonetheless, this Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (4-8) will look to put together a winning streak as the Washington Redskins (3-9) will be coming to town. Don't let that 3-9 record fool you. This Washington team is better than their record and it clearly showed after taking Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans to the wire. They don't lay down and will play hard. With the team 2-1 with Bruce Gradkowski starting, the Raiders look to come away with another hard-earned victory as they did last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers as 15-point underdogs.

Let's take a look at their schedule and see how they've fared so far.

Week 1: @ New York Giants -- L, 17-23
Week 2: St. Louis Rams -- W, 9-7
Week 3: @ Detroit Lions -- L, 14-19
Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- W, 16-13
Week 5: @ Carolina Panthers -- L, 17-20
Week 6: Kansas City Chiefs -- L, 6-14
Week 7: Philadelphia Eagles -- L, 17-27
Week 8: Bye Week
Week 9: @ Atlanta Falcons -- L, 17-31
Week 10: Denver Broncos -- W, 27-17
Week 11: @ Dallas Cowboys -- L, 6-7
Week 12: @ Philadelphia Eagles -- L, 24-27
Week 13: New Orleans Saints -- L, 30-33 (F/OT)

Well, this team is certainly interesting. Sitting at 3-9, this team could easily be 6-6 or even better. We will have to bring our "A" game, of course, if we want to secure a victory on our home field this Sunday.

Let's check out the Redskin offense first.

Pass Offense Rank: 220.2 yards/game; 18th in NFL
Rush Offense Rank: 101.0 yards/game; 22nd in NFL
Total Offense Rank: 321.2 yards/game; 21st in NFL
Scoring Offense Rank: 16.7 points/game; 26th in NFL

With stars Chris Cooley and Clinton Portis out, others must step up for the Redskins. [via cache.daylife.com]

If you recall, the Redskins offense was the subject of some controversy or what not concerning head coach Jim Zorn. Well, he gave up his play-calling duties to assistant Sherman Lewis. Since then, the offense has performed better. Who is the leader of this Redskins offense? I really don't know to be honest with you. Let's look a little bit into their personnel.

Jason Campbell, QB: Many people questioned Campbell's status as the quarterback this season. He was even benched in favor of veteran Todd Collins earlier. To me, Campbell is actually a pretty solid quarterback. He isn't going to set the world on fire or anything, but he can still hurt you. Campbell is completing 66 percent of his passes this season even if they are "dinks and dunks" most of the time. With 15 turnovers and 15 touchdown passes, Campbell's ratio isn't all that great. He has been sacked three or more times in five games. Obviously, getting some pressure on him would be nice.

Rock Cartwright, HB: Rock is solid, just like a rock. (Ha, get it?) If you want him to be the running back, he can. If you want him to be the fullback, he can. He'll even run back kicks and run down there on punt returns. He is a threat out of the backfield to catch passes. A somewhat physical runner, Cartwright doesn't really stand out in terms of either his speed or his strength. Cartwright has stepped up for the injured Clinton Portis (concussion), who just put on injured reserve. Also on injured reserve is Portis' backup Ladell Betts, so the Redskins are thin at running back.

Quinton Ganther, HB: Ganther, just in his second year out of Utah, is someone I just don't know too much about. Essentially moving up from fourth on the depth chart to splitting time with Cartwright, Ganther was mildly successful against the Saints last Sunday with 46 yards on just 8 carries. The week before that against the Eagles, Ganther had 32 yards on just 5 carries. We may see more of him against the Raiders with him averaging 5.8 yards per carry over the past few weeks.

Santana Moss, WR: The pint-sized and speedy Moss is Washington's leader in receptions (49), yards (642) and touchdowns (3). He is what you would call the team's go-to-guy, but really the Redskins have a lot of guys they go to. Still, Moss provides that veteran presence and can't be overlooked. Maybe this would be one of the few times where I wouldn't mind Nnamdi Asomugha moving around from receiver to receiver, which he will at least a little bit.

Wide receiver Devin Thomas had two touchdowns last week against the Saints. [via a.espncdn.com]

Devin Thomas, WR: The second-year receiver out of Michigan State, Thomas is a young man seemingly improving with each game of late. He has even been prominent in the kick return game of the past two weeks. Still, he has shined brightly in the passing game over the course of those two same weeks. After a decent game against the Eagles, he broke out for 7 receptions, 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week against the Saints.

Antwaan Randle El, WR: The ex-Steeler is still in Washington. Randle El, who is very durable having missed only one game in his eight-year career, he is a dependable target for Campbell despite only averaging 3.3 receptions per game. I believe this is more in part to the number of targets the Redskins like to use. The team isn't confined to both Moss and Rande El as you will see here in a minute in this preview.

Fred Davis, TE: After Campbell's favorite target Chris Cooley went down for the year, someone had to step up. Unknown at the time to Washington, it'd be his replacement. Fred Davis. Since October 26, Davis is averaging 7.5 catches and 45.7 yards with finding the end zone three times, including two times in his last three games. As most tight ends are, he is a threat in the red zone and Campbell has no problem looking his way.

Let's shift gears to the Redskin defense now.

Pass Defense Rank: 190.2 yards/game; 5th in NFL
Rush Defense Rank: 121.8 yards/game; 24th in NFL
Total Defense Rank: 312.0 yards/game; 9th in NFL
Scoring Defense Rank: 19.8 points/game; 14th in NFL

Linebacker London Fletcher leads Washington's better-than-you-think defense. [via cdn.bleacherreport.com]

Defensive coordinator Greg Blache and his Washington Redskins actually have a pretty solid group defensively operating out of the 4-3. You may not think so because of their 3-9 record, but I'm sure people don't think highly of our defense since we're just 4-8. Anyway, the Redskins are particularly strong against the pass. Safety Reed Doughty has quietly had a good year and young LaRon Landry is solid at his spot as well. A pretty solid group of cornerbacks are headed by veteran Fred Smoot, who is in his ninth year out of Mississippi State. The leader of the defense is the man in the middle, London Fletcher, who leads the team with 109 tackles. Brian Orakpo, the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft, plays on the outside along with veteran Rocky McIntosh. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has been in and out of the lineup with injuries this season. He signed a monster contract in the offseason, but the Redskins' defense is only ranked 24th against the rush. His presence is desperately needed for Washington. Haynesworth is listed as questionable as of right now. At right defensive end, Andre Carter has nine sacks and deserves some Pro Bowl recognition for his great play. Again, this is a very solid defense and will do everything it can to keep their offense in this game late on the road.

Conclusion: The thing that sticks out defensively about the Redskins is their 24th-ranked rush defense. With Haynesworth questionable, he probably won't be playing on every down. Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and Darren McFadden should have success as long as head coach Tom Cable keeps giving them the rock. I believe of the first 28 plays against the Steelers, 18 of them were rushes. That is a similar ratio that I hope to see this week considering how strong Washington's pass defense is. Speaking of the pass, the breakout of Louis Murphy was something else, especially with Darrius Heyward-Bey out. It's nice to see someone step up at the receiver spot. Chaz Schilens even found the end zone for the first time in 2009 and Todd Watkins caught a key pass in the final drive. Johnnie Lee Higgins came through for us as well. Wide receivers against Pittsburgh caught 12 balls for 248 yards, both of which I'm sure were season-highs for our club. We're definitely going to need that against the Redskins' formidable pass defense against the previously mentioned Smoot and also Carlos Rogers and ex-Raider DeAngelo Hall. This may be a good test for Bruce Gradkowski as well, even though he did perform well against two really good defenses already in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I think we're ready for this.

Feel free to leave your predictions or even your own thoughts and ideas about the Pittsburgh Steelers and how we can earn a win our fourth win of the season on Sunday.

*-All stats are through Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

Poll

Do you feel more confident in a win, less confident in a win or about the same in a win after reading this preview?

The Chiefs Defense Did (Almost) Everything It Could Against the Raiders

Chris Thorman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:02:24 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

2 months ago: Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) gets past Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel (50) during the fourth quarter of a NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. The Raiders won the game 13-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Browse more photos »

Say what you will about the Oakland Raiders offense and JaMarcus Russel, the Kansas City Chiefs defense played a spectacular game.

With the exception of the Raiders final go-ahead scoring drive in the fourth quarter. Which accounted for 42% of their offensive yards, as Josh Looney noted.

The Raider had eleven drives on offense on Sunday. On seven of them, they didn't record a first down. The Raiders only had eleven total first downs for day. (The Chiefs racked up 25 first downs which is just awesome to see)

Just how dominant were the Chiefs on defense on Sunday? Read more, after the jump.

Pass defense

Even though Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell was 7/24 for only 109 yards, I'm not going to say that was because of the Chiefs D hard play. I mean, it was. But those are Russell's normal numbers so we'll take a pass for now.

Russell was lucky he didn't throw a pick six to Brandon Flowers, which would have been the icing on the cake of his terrible numbers today.

The Chiefs had 7 pass deflections too, which were a big part of Russell's 17 incompletions. Most notable of those deflections were a tipped deep pass by Maurice Legget after the Bowe TD and Glenn Dorsey batting down a Russell pass near the Oakland goal line.

Final Raider stats: 109 passing yards, 7/24, 7 pass deflections

QB pressure

Forget about any comparison's to last season's year of futility pressuring the quarterback. The Chiefs had two sacks and two QB hurries against the Raiders. Derrick Johnson's sack in the first quarter was a drive killer but the Chiefs second sack was negated by a Wallace Gilberry personal foul. That personal foul negated what would have been 2nd and 18 for the Raiders. On their final scoring drive.

Chiefs QB pressure stats: 2 sacks, 2 QB hurries

Run defense

Last season in Week 2, the Chiefs gave up 300 yards rushing to Raiders. Today, the Chiefs run defense stifled Darren McFadden and Michael Bush for a Raider total of only 67 yards rushing.

Final Raider rushing stats: 61 yards on 25 attempts

Third down conversions

The Raiders were looking like the Chiefs on third downs - 3/13 (23%). Here's how the Raiders third downs went, well, down. It's more than 13 plays because I counted the penalties, which are actually tallied as no play.

Incomplete pass (7)
DJ sack
1st down pass
KC penalty for 1st down
Oakland penalty
1-yard run
1st down run
Oakland penalty
28-yard first down pass
Kneel for -1 yards

Each incomplete pass and Derrick Johnson's first quarter sack were drive killers. The Chiefs dominated the Raiders on third down.

Total domination

Before I get into the one drive that actually beat the Kansas City Chiefs, here is a chart comparison of all the areas of this game the Chiefs led in .I'm literally going stat by stat on the game book, with no bias whatsoever.

	Chiefs	Raiders
First downs	x
3rd down %	x
Total yards	x
Total off. Plays	x
Avg. gain per play	x
Rush yds.	x
Rush plays	x
Tackles for loss		x
Pass yds	x
Pass comp. %	x
Punt avg.		x
Penalities	x
Field goals		x
Red zone efficiency		x
T.O.P	x

(Sigh)

The Raiders only needed one drive

It was so sad that as well as the Chiefs' defense played against the Raiders, it was one Oakland scoring drive in the fourth quarter that lost the game for KC.

With 2:30 left in the football game and the Chiefs up by four points, all they needed to do was what they had been doing pretty much all day - frustrate JaMarcus Russell, stop the run.

Three plays in a row really put the Raiders into Chiefs territory and gave them hope that they could score a TD.

On the third play of the drive, JaMarcus Russel hit Louis Murphy for 19 yards. Immediately after that, the Chiefs sack Russell on 1st and 15 but Chiefs DE Wallace Gilberry committed a personal foul. And a questionable one at that.

1st and 18 just disappeared into a 15 yard gain. I almost got sick to my stomach at that point.

An 11-yard pass to Darren McFadden after that and boom, the Raiders are in Kansas City territory. Only took twenty seconds too.

A couple of incompletes and an Oakland false start later, the Chiefs had the Raiders right where they wanted them - 3rd and 15.

And, as I just watched this next play, I can't believe how open WR Todd Watkins was to get that 28-yard catch that put the Raiders on the Chiefs' 14-yard line.

Just a total breakdown across the middle and it costs the Chiefs the game. Wow.

You know the rest. McFadden. McFadden. Touchdown. Chiefs lose.

Question

If the Chiefs stop JaMarcus Russell from completing that 28-yard pass to Todd Watkins, do the Chiefs win? Oh yes, I think they do.

What happened on that play?

Football games come down to a handful of plays that win or lose them for teams. The Chiefs had more losing plays than the Raiders.

Defense is pretty darn good

The pass rush is there and developing. Brandon Flowers is emerging as a top corner. I like how our defensive line is playing together as a unit. There aren't any stars yet per se but it's easly.

So, the Chiefs defense does almost everything it can to win the game for KC. Almost. Unfortunately, almost isn't good enough.

Poll

The defensive position group that played the best was....

Corners

90 votes

Safeties

16 votes

Interior defensive line

375 votes

Defensive ends

76 votes

Linebackers

135 votes

692 votes | Poll has closed

NFL Preview: Former BYU Cougars

sroufe — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:42:32 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh greets former BYU quarterback John Beck (12) as he comes back to the sideline after a first half touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during their exhibition NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Browse more photos »

With the 2009 NFL season kicking off tonight in Pittsburgh, it's appropriate to provide a brief preview covering former Cougars playing professionally. There are currently 12 former BYU players on NFL rosters, including rookie WR Austin Collie who finished second on the Indianapolis Colts in receptions during the preseason with eight catches for 69 yards. Two former Cougars should also be playing tonight however in Chris Hoke and Brett Keisel, veterans and long-time Pittsburgh Steelers. (Not a coincidence that last season's champions rostered three BYU alums - the most in the NFL.)

Other players of note include John Beck (reunited with Cam Cameron, the former Miami Head Coach who drafted him) in Baltimore. Beck is QB Joe Flacco's backup along with Troy Smith. Interestingly, Todd Watkins has made the Raiders' roster after struggling to make teams in Arizona and Atlanta. (Of course, his speed certainly didn't hurt his chances with Al Davis' obsession. See: Heyward-Bey, Darrius)

Former BYU linebackers Bryan Kehl (Giants) and Brady Poppinga (Packers) should see a lot of action this season. Last but not least, Fahu Tahi (who signed an offer sheet to return to the Bengals this offseason, but had the offer matched by the Vikings) will get a chance to block for not only Adrian Peterson, but Brett Favre as well.

After the jump is a comprehensive list of those currently playing professionally, their years spent at BYU, and their current teams. Who will you be paying the most attention to this season?

NFL

(2004, 2007-08) Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts (Rookie)
(2004-05) Todd Watkins, WR, Oakland Raiders
(2003-06) John Beck, QB, Baltimore Ravens
(2003-06) Daniel Coats, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
(2002, 2005-07) Bryan Kehl, LB, New York Giants
(2001-04) Brady Poppinga, LB, Green Bay Packers
(2001-04) Aaron Francisco, S, Indianapolis Colts
(2001-04) John Denney, LS, Miami Dolphins
(1999, 2003-05) Fahu Tahi, FB, Minnesota Vikings
(1998, 2000-01) Brett Keisel, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
(1998-01) Ryan Denney, DE, Buffalo Bills
(1997-00) Chris Hoke, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Free Agents

(2006-08) Travis Bright, OG (Dallas Cowboys) (Rookie 2009)
(2006-08) David Oswald, OT (St. Louis Rams) (Rookie 2009)
(2006-07) Kelly Poppinga, LB (Arizona Cardinals)
(2005-08) Ray Feinga, OG (San Diego Chargers) (Rookie 2009)
(2005-08) Dallas Reynolds, OG (Philadelphia Eagles) (Rookie 2009)
(2003, 2006-08) David Nixon, LB (Oakland Raiders) (Rookie 2009)
(2003, 2006-08) Fui Vakapuna, FB (Cincinnati Bengals) (Rookie 2009)
(2005-06) Jonny Harline, TE (Cleveland Browns)
(2004-06) Cameron Jensen, LB (Seattle Seahawks)
(2004-06) Zac Collie, WR (Philadelphia Eagles)
(2002-04, 2006) Curtis Brown, RB (Oakland Raiders)
(2002-04) Shaun Nua, DE (Pittsburgh Steelers)
(2002-04) Scott Young, OG (Cleveland Browns)
(2000-03) Scott Jackson, OG (Houston Texans)
(1998, 2001-02) Reno Mahe, RB (Philadelphia Eagles)
(1996-98) John Tait, OT (Chicago Bears)
(1993, 1997-99) Rob Morris, LB (Indianapolis Colts)

CFL

(2005-06) Aaron Wagner, LB, Saskatchewan Roughriders
(1997, 2000-01) Ben Archibald, OG, Calgary Stampeders (New Orleans Saints)
(1996-97) Ben Cahoon, WR, Montreal Alouettes
(1996-97) Omarr Morgan, CB, Saskatchewan Roughriders (St. Louis Rams)

UFL

(2000-03) Colby Bockwoldt, LB, Florida Tuskers (Cleveland Browns)

AFL

(2003-06) Jake Kuresa, OT, Utah Blaze (New Orleans Saints)

(Should there be any errors or additions please feel free to correct me in the comments below.)

Recent Draft History: Arizona Cardinals

Jeremy Bolander — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:00:10 -0000

2008 Draft:

1 (16) Domonique-Rodgers-Cromartie, CB STARTER

Cromartie definitley lived up to his first rounb billing, first stepping into the starter role, and then stepping onto the biggest stage inthe NFL in the SuperBowl. While he still has some parts of his game he could work on, he showed the ability to be not just the top rookie for the Cards, or a top player on the team, but one of the best in the NFL.

2 (50) Calais Campell, DE Backup

Campell made maximum use of limited reps, by being both a playmaker on special teams and in rare defensive snaps. By staying healthy and productive, he looks to have earned a chance to start at DE in the new 3-4 look.

3 (81) Early Doucet, WR Backup

A groin strain put him behind the eightball early in Arizona, and he barely managed to see the field at all, being deactivated msot of the time. However, with the superior depth at WR, Arizona may be hoping to keep him around, since he proveds the reliable sure handed play that can be effective coming cold off the bench.

4 (116) Keeny Iwebema, DE Backup

Not quite the upside of Campbell, Iwebama didn't get the chance to impress on STs, but still managed to produce ont eh Dline in relief duty to injured starters at DE and DT. His size and strength make him a versatile complement to the 3-4 line, and he will likely be a solid backup there.

5 (149) Tim Hightower, RB STARTER

THough he may end up being part of a committee at RB for the Cards, Hightower proved that he is part of their starting offensive packages. After a redhot start he definitely cooled off after being named the starter, but all signs point toward a solid player with a bright future in Arizona. With Edge likely on his way out, it is only a question of how Arizona is able to replace him, in dealing with where Hightower ranks against the other runners.

6 (185) Chris Harrington, DE Backup

After earning a spot on the practice squad harrington was poached by the Bengals.

7 (225) Brandon Keith, OT Backup

He hasn't been given much of a look, but the Cardinal's line caught some grief in 2008 and he might be looked at as an upgrade for the running game.

2007 Draft:

1 (5) Levi Brown, OT STARTER

For a top 5 pick, Brown gives up too many sacks and too many penalties, and is still inconsistent vs. speedy edge rushers. The big guy is certainly starter caliber, but Arizona has to start asking themselves if it isn't possible to upgrade the position.

2 (33) Alan Branch, NT Backup

Costing the team 2 draft picks means that production is lamost a necessity, but Branch appears to be mostly a dissapointment in Arizona. When he had the chance to step in as a starter he failed to take advantage of the opportunity and eventually was deactivated in favor of others. A classic case of underacheiving, Branch could be a huge asset with the team switching to a 3-4, but all signs point towards needing to hedge your bets against this guy.

3 (69) Buster Davis, LB Backup/Colts

After a slow start in training camp, Davis was eventually released, but in an interesting turn of events he refused to be resigned by the Cardinals to their practice squad. Eventually he would sign to a practice squad, though it was with Detroit, and then immediately upon being released by Detroit he was picked up by the Colts.

5 (142) Steve Breaston, WR/KR STARTER

Though brought on as an underwhelming KR, Breaston showed flashes and vowed to work hard in the offseason to be prepared to come in and compete in 2008, and admirably he did just that. A great 2008 season has led to him being a solid option in the passing game, and his development makes the team less beholden to the desires of two highly paid WRs.

7 (215)Ben Patrick, TE Backup

Patrick has grown steadily into a solid role on the team, coming in and producing in the place of injured starters for two years. Should have a long term spot on the team.

2006 Draft:

1 (10) Matt Leinart, QB Backup

This pick hasn't been what it was hoped to be, not by a longshot. Instead of entering his fourth year as a starter, Lienart enters his fourth year of holding a clipboard, and some question whether he is really even worthy of his backup spot. With Kurt Warner solidly entrenched as the MAN in Arizona, Lienart will have to deal with an upcoming contract and the fact that after the job was literally handed to him, several times, he failed to come through even once.

2 (41) Deuce Lutui, RG STARTER

While not the most disciplined lineman Lutui has held onto his starting job tenaciously, starting all but one game. His strength is definitely in the running game, and while an upgrade in the passing game may be imaginable, he likely will continue to hold onto his spot.

3 (72) Leonard Pope, TE Backup

Pope palyed inconsistently through three years, and now is looking at his RFA year as essentially a one year contract to stay healthy and keep his production high. When healthy he is one of the best options, but as it is, he will likley be looking elsewhere come 2010.

4 (107) Gabe Watson, NT STARTER

After a relatively slow development a freak treadmill accident looked to sideline Watson, and he never made it back into the starting lineup until the Cardinals had advanced all the way ot the playoffs. But as the going got tough, Watson was seen as a key contributor, helping the Cardinals shut down the run. At his size he could be a key to anchor the NT position for the Cardinals, and if his play in the SuperBowl run is any indication, he should be a force at the position.

5 (142) Brandon Johnson, OLB Backup/Cincinnati

After only limited opportuniteis to produce in one year with Arizona, he was eventually picked up to provide depth the much-maligned linebacking corp in Cincinnati.

6 (177) Johnathon Lewis, DT Backup/Detroit

A rough start for Lewis where he saw only limited action in four games. He would be cut and end up on the raiders practice squad before again being cut and finding his way onto the Seahawks roster. After a brief stay there he finally caught on with the 0-16 Lions. There wouldn't appear to be anywhere else to go at this point.

7 (218) Todd Watkins, WR Backup/Raiders

After spending most of his rookie year on the practice squad Watkins went to the Falcons PS, and finally was released and picked up by the Raiders.