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From Concussion To Unemployment Line For RG3?

September 2, 2015 by Micheal Savoie

Shortly after declaring he feels like the best quarterback in the NFL, then tweaking that statement, Robert Griffin III sustained an arguably serious injury once again. In what is feeling like deja vu all over again, Redskins fans felt their stomachs drop watching RG3 hit the ground hard in the preseason game against the Detroit Lions. Though it is merely the preseason, is it already time to hit the panic button? (yes)

The Detroit Lions took the Redskins offensive line for a serious test drive during their preseason game on August 20th, leaving a concussed RG3 in their wake. Though sources are currently claiming the concussion, “isn’t believed to be severe” this was merely the snap that broke the camel’s back. RG3 was tackled a total of 6 times in hits that looked like the Lions meant serious business.

Predominantly allowing those hits were offensive tackle Willie Smith and rookie Brandon Scherff. Willie Smith was in for the inactive Trent Williams alongside what is expected to be the regular season starting lineup. If Redskins training camp is any indication, Smith won’t be the only one stepping in for Williams during the regular season. His performance against the Lions was no vote of confidence in an interesting lineup experiment that directly led to one of RG3’s massive hits. (Willie Smith was just cut by the Redskins).

Rookie Scherff can boast being the Redskin’s top draft pick but at this point has little else to sing about. His weak pass protection awarded him a move from right tackle to guard in an effort to find the best pocket for Griffin. With Scherff having played both tackle and guard in college, his effectiveness should be just as trustworthy in this position. With his college strengths still on our minds, we aren’t worried yet about his performance. This rookie is still getting his sea-legs with some understandable preseason stumbles.

Griffin looked probable for the next game against the Ravens, but shortly before the game, the Redskins announced that RG3 would not be playing because he was not cleared by an independent neurologist. Monday, the Redskins shocked the media with an announcement that Kirk Cousins would be the starting quarterback for the team week 1.

Judging from the rapid developments of this story, we could be seeing Robert Griffin III playing in a different uniform before this is all over.

Stay tuned!

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Could A QB Challenged Team Make The Playoffs?

June 30, 2015 by Micheal Savoie

As OTAs wrap up and teams gear up for training camp, a surprisingly high number of NFL teams are having a “quarterback conundrum”, either overtly or covertly. Let’s take a look at some of the teams that are still up in the air on choosing their starting field general.

The Cleveland Browns made headlines much more often than they cared to last season due to Johnny Football‘s on-field and off-field antics. The Brown’s wisely signed quarterback veteran Josh McCown. Manziel has seen marked improvement after rehab but according to NFL.com, McCown would “have to crumble during training camp to lose his grip over the starting gig”. I believe Manziel will see significant action this season and if he has a solid performance in training camp and shows a dedicated attitude, he could still be the Brown’s starter. Everyone love’s to see a comeback kid.

Next up, we look at the Buffalo Bills. New head coach Rex Ryan is playing it cool, but the Bills are in trouble. Last season was a disaster with E.J. Manuel, who had a 80.3% rating, threw for 838 yards with 5 TDs, 3 interceptions and a fumble. (stats obtained by espn.com) The Bills pulled Manuel and began using Kyle Orton as starting QB for the rest of the season, but Orton is gone now. So it’s a three way battle between Manuel, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor. Ryan is taking his time with a decision, stating on 6/10/2015 that he will go into training camp to see the guys practice in full pads before making any decisions.

The New York Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey announced on 5/20/2015 that Geno Smith would return as the starting quarterback. However, since that announcement there has been an uptick in chatter about Ryan Fitzpatrick, the journeyman QB the Jets traded a draft pick to the Texans for. “Fitzy” has been seeing a lot of first team playing time in recent OTAs and Jets quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo is impressed with his pocket presence.

With the Houston Texans trading Ryan Fitzpatrick, they have to decide between Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer, who they acquired from the Cleveland Browns. In a 5/14/2015 SB Nation poll, 82% of respondents voted for Mallett while 18% voted for Hoyer, so it is clear who the fans would like to see as starting QB. Head coach Bill O’Brien stated on 6/10/2015 that he will make the decision very soon because the entire team needs to know who the leader is going to be.

So there you have it. These are just four of the teams struggling with quarterback decisions. The NFL 2015-2016 season is certainly shaping up to be another wild ride! Do you think it is possible for a team without a clear leader at QB to make it to the playoffs? Lets hear what you think on our Fan Page or in the comments section below!

NY Giants Larry Donnell: A Breakout Year in 2015?

June 8, 2015 by Micheal Savoie

Tight End Larry Donnell of the New York Giants is one of many players projected to have a “breakout” year in the upcoming 2015 NFL season. Having flashes of brilliance during the 2014 campaign, Larry Donnell is determined to become the starting tight end for the New York Football Giants. The Giants’ coaching staff believes that the 6’6” Donnell has the potential, as does Donnell himself, but a marginal overall performance last season, gave cause for concern that Donnell needed to improve more.

Even after catching three touchdown passes, in a nationally televised, Thursday night game against the woeful Washington Redskins, Donnell presented the Giants more with a liability than an offensive asset. Though his speed was a plus against linebackers, his blocking was inept and often stymied the ability of quarterback Eli Manning and wide receivers Odell Beckham, Jr. and Victor Cruz, to move downfield.

After the week four, Thursday night game, Donnell’s beacon of potential began to dim and over the course of the season, the Giants coaching staff held Donnell on the sidelines, in favor of more proficient blocking tight ends, Adrien Robinson, and Daniel Fells. As a result of his inability to be an effective blocker, Donnell evolved into a “downs” player, entering the game usually on second down.

Donnell, drafted out of Grambling in 2012, was converted to tight end, as a result of his 6’6” frame and his speed. Spending 2012 on the practice squad and 2013 riding the bench, he mastered the complexities of the offensive scheme. 2014 saw Donnell display his wares, much to the delight of the coaches, but after the captivating week four performance, Donnell’s ability became lackluster and frustrating to many.

“We want to see him step up in the areas that are not natural for him, the blocking areas, for example,” commented coach Tom Coughlin. To alleviate the frustrations and inabilities that may hamper his potential in 2015, Donnell called upon a reliable resource to help him overcome the roadblock that plagued him in 2014. During the off-season Donnell knew changes had to be made, and he would enlist the aid of his trainer from his days at Grambling, to rid himself of his lackluster skills.

With a potentially improved ground and passing game in the mix for the Giants in 2015, Larry Donnell hopes his improved blocking skills will enable him to be a part of the Giants’ high powered offense.

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