National Football Post Tavern Talk

1.     The Tom Brady news that has come out does not surprise me in the sense that there are oftentimes guys that play with broken bones in their feet that are not affected by weight-bearing and don’t impact their ability to perform.  When I was with the Raiders, our two starting corners in the 2003 Super Bowl had similar injuries at some point during the season and came back to play.  I am sure that if Brady can go through a practice he will be fine for the game.  I think had Brady not been ready to play this week that all the free agent quarterbacks would have been in NE for a workout.

2.     I feel the same way about Peyton Manning.  Had the Colts been worried about him playing there would be a greater sense of urgency to bring in or keep veteran QBs. 

3.     Baltimore is working the waiver wire by claiming defensive back Evan Oglesby from the Cowboys.  They cut Anwar Phillips to make room.  The Ravens need to work the wire all year and increase their talent level.

4.     "At least one team has made a recent trade proposal to the Eagles," Rosenhaus wrote in an e-mail.  "The Eagles didn't like the compensation and turned it down.  I will not identify the team at this time.  I think there is a very good chance Lito gets traded in the next few weeks."  I am sure the Eagles did not like the compensation for Lito Sheppard in the deal.  During the draft the Eagles were insisting on a second-round pick, which no one was willing to pay.  For the team, it becomes a situation where they either get the right value or he is too valuable to them.  I don’t expect the Eagles to trade Sheppard unless they get exactly what they want in return.

5.     Speaking of Philadelphia, running back Ryan Moats never worked out very well for them as a player because of his inability to protect and learn the protections. 

6.     Green Bay worked out three offensive linemen today:  Evan Mathis, Nevin McCaskill, and Jon Scott.  The Packers do a very good job of finding young players to develop.  They might not want to bring in a veteran quarterback, but they can find other young talent. 

7.     With Kyle Boller headed to the IR today, his career as a Raven is probably over.  Boller did not looking very effective this summer and may have only had the starting quarterback job by default. 

WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT NEW YORK GIANTS GAME NOTES…

1.     How will Washington deal with the Jim Johnson style of defense?  (The Giants run the same defense as the Eagles.)  This type of defense overloads the side very well and creates problems for an offense.  Teams have to be able to shift and move the tight ends around in protection.

2.     The last time these two teams played, the Skins offense got all of their yards on big plays, which in turn set up scoring opportunities.  They need to find a way to make big plays. 

3.     Will the Skins realize they need to protect the passer?  Washington must think protection first and not get into empty and all the spread formations.  That is turnover city.

4.     I expect the Giants to roll the coverage to Moss, make Randle El beat them, and on all third downs, double Cooley.  In the last game, the Redskins were held to 20% completed passes and had 15 attempts at third down.  Seven of their 15 possessions resulted in a three and out. 

5.     The Skins will have to change all their checks and audible systems as Steve Spagnuolo has heard them every day from his time working in Philadelphia.  His defensive line will know them as well as the Skins if Washington has not changed them.

6.     Washington must be very adaptive for the night and be able to handle the change of the game from a scheme standpoint.  The second half will tell the tale.  The adjustments made at the half will be critical in this game.

7.     The Redskins struggled to move the ball in the air in their last game, having only eight completions in 25 attempts. The Giants two defensive tackles will play the run much better than they did a year ago.  I think Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins are playing the best ball of their careers right now. 

8.     Kenny Phillips might be a solid answer for defending Chris Cooley in the game. 

9.     If the Giants double Moss in the passing game, who makes plays for the Skins on offense?  Washington's wide receivers will struggle to win against the Giants.  Jason Campbell will need to turn up his game and make plays quicker and faster.  His decision-making ability will be challenged. 

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