Burner’s Burning Questions – The Fifty-Three Man Roster And Practice Squad, 2015
We have a small update for this week as the young and restless here at BGO go through the dog days of summer football withdrawal. However, the regular season will be here before you know it. Feel free to post your own predictions (post as many as you desire). Please keep any disagreements and debates clean and professional.
There are no changes this week to the roster/practice squad predictions. Instead, we have a general update on Redskins news and some items of interest.
Trent Murphy is one of the players that received a lot of praise during OTAs and mini-camp. Coaches and teammates alike are saying the second year player from Stanford is more than just turning heads. Some are suggesting he will be a beast and stud this coming season. We certainly hope so.
Robert Griffin, III is making steady progress and coaches are encouraged. He is still having some difficulties with going through progressions and dumping the ball quickly to outlet receivers and secondary targets. However, Griffin is better and farther along than what we saw in game seventeen a few months ago.
It seems unlikely now that the team will return to the district. The state of Virginia is rumored to be offering financial and tax incentives that could be attractive to the Redskins. There would be no pressure to change the name as this seems to be a stumbling block for any new stadium in D.C. Naming rights for the new stadium could stay with FedEx as CEO Fred Smith is a part owner of the Redskins franchise.
The most significant addition to the coaching staff seems to be Bill Callahan. The last unit to leave the field after every practice is the offensive line. Reports have suggested that Callahan will be calling the running plays this season. Brandon Scherff got off to a slow start in the rookie camp and OTAs, but had a better mini-camp. Coaches are happy with his progress and everyone knows he is tougher than woodpecker lips – Scherff should be fine.
Jeron Johnson and Duke Ihenacho are having a spirited battle at the strong safety position. While both will probably be starting on special teams (both are considered standouts), only one can start on defense. Johnson seems to have a slight edge for now, but the depth at this position has improved considerably.
Kirk Cousins put in extra work this offseason with QB guru Jon Gruden. He worked on reads, timing, secondary targets, pressure, and footwork. Cousins is still considered to be second on the depth chart, but he could be elevated to starter if Griffin has troubles or another injury. If either of these two scenarios unfolds, then Cousins is looking to seize on the opportunity and eliminate his mental mistakes that plagued him late in some games last season.
Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson will switch positions. Garcon will be in motion for certain packages and this should allow him to get more one on one packages.
The biggest difference on defense for the new season is big, really big – as in Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton big. While the era of Cofield and Bowen is over, the new has been ushered in with overwhelmingly positive reviews. Both players and coaches are more than happy to have the massive defensive lineman in the middle. He is reportedly making every position better exponentially simply with his presence. Knighton’s leadership skills are shining through as well and commands respect and attention from his teammates.
Quick hit: The bye week arrives on October 26. If the team is struggling to win at that juncture, BBQ thinks that a coaching change will happen. The new (interim) coach? Bill Callahan. BBQ also believes that he will be quite effective and will lose the interim title in January. What do you think? Your thoughts are appreciated.
Possible Cuts, Cap Savings, Candidates For Restructure:
Perry Riley - $3.0 Million (Possible Release - But Not Likely, Possible Restructure)
Shawn Lauvao - $3.0 Million (Possible Restructure)
Andre Roberts - $2.75 Million (Possible Release – But Not Likely)
We will continue to update the roster as players are signed, released, and given injury settlements. What differences do you see so far in this offseason? Will we sign any players that get released from other teams? Are there any free agents that interest you? Have a great holiday weekend. See you as we go along.
Hail To The Redskins!
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