SC: yes! of course. I gave him grief via my television. In the 3rd quarter when he limped out of the huddle and got sacked, because he can't move and they changed their defensive scheme, I said, "he's no longer our best chance."
But, I understand it. RGIII did not want to come out, Shanahan is going to be his coach for a while. A long while if all works out. And Kirk Cousins won't be there, probably, next year. Redskins gave up so many draft picks for RGIII, trading Kirk Cousins will get some of that back. And they can pick up a guy like Ryan Nassib from SU, or Matt McGloin from Penn State, in later rounds. So, why play Cousins when RG3 clearly wants to play? Shanahan can't second guess his franchise player. And, you can already see the relationship building between RG3 and Coach Shanahan. So, I get it.
Now, on some level, I think as a coach, you need to say, given the lack of ball movement on the offense after the two TDs in the first quarter, a change during 3rd quarter was necessary, even if it were to use both QBs, to save RG3 being on the leg during Robert Morris runs, or pocket passes.
But, that's me, and my opinion. I have not read any sports reports today, but one guy I know said the discussion in the media on the issue has been hot all day. Public opinion is split.
Considering they swept Dallas (always a heroic season in DC when that happens) and won the NFC East, no one is really complaining too loudly, I'd guess---or at least they shouldn't.
Were the Redskin poises to win the whole shebang? no. Not yet. Our defense took massive hits, losing several of our top defensive players. It took many games for the defense to gel. Which led to the 3-6 start. Defense really came together. And veteran players who were losing a step, like Deangelo Hall, really stepped it up pretty well 2nd half of season. Back to the wall motivation - for sure!
We still need to look at the secondary though, even though next season, when players, like Arakpo, return and we can get pressure on QB consistently, all year, and get turnovers. Pressure makes secondary's job easier. We will have to replace London Fletcher, soon, too. Not because he's bad, but he will retire soon. And most of the 'Skins are young, so we'll need a top recruit to be ready to fill his shoes, and we need some young players on D to start gaining confindence in taking on leadership roles.
Offense will be back on top next year. RG3 will be fine. Robert Morris is a stud, and my Penn Stater, Even Royster, who scored yesterday's 1st TD, I think he'll make bigger waves next year. We may need to look at receiving core, because the veterans won't be there for RG3's entire career, but all in all, offense is looking good.
So, a disappoingting loss and it was questionable as to whether RG3 should have pressed so far into the game, but on the whole, this team passed expectations, matched the "preseason hope" of Washingtonians to steal the NFC East, and have clearly laid the foundation for more playoff runs in the coming years.
And Seatlle is a young team too, so, there will be more to this Saga over the next few years.
<message edited by Scorereader on Mon, 01/7/13 4:01 PM>
