TGIF is a column that will be published every Friday. The column will give analysis on four hot topics — two of which will consistently be Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens related.
2012 second-round pick David Amerson had himself an impressive night in the Washington Redskins 33-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Monday. Amerson played 95% of the defensive snaps and was targeted four times in his regular season debut — allowing only one catch for eight yards. He came close to intercepting two passes and also showed improvement with his tackling technique.
Now, it’s time for a challenge. From preseason to his season debut, Amerson has yet to truly be challenged. But this week, the Washington Redskins will square off with the Green Bay Packers — a team that possesses a nice 6ft 3, talented target in Jordy Nelson. When the match-up presents itself, Washington will likely have Amerson line up across from Nelson. It may be the battle everyone has been waiting to see. Even when Nelson is covered, Qb Aaron Rodgers is the master of back shoulder passes. He’s not afraid to throw the rock when his guy is covered.
Nelson is great at using double moves to create separation as well. That’s something Washington’s rookie CB had trouble defending at NC State. But he’s improved and he will continue becoming a better corner with additional in-game experience.
“They got this kid in the second round and he has first round talent,” NFL Network’s draft analyst Mike Mayock said in response to our question on Amerson during a press conference Monday. “He’s long, he can run — he had huge production as an underclassmen — and then he had a bad senior year. Just a really bad year. But most of it was eye discipline. Most of it was trying to make plays that wasn’t there. So once Jim Haslett gets him under control — playing with discipline and technique — this kid can be special.”
Amerson has a lot of room to improve, but he’s already matured in just a short period of time. The coaching staff could start leaning on him more if he continues proving he can be trusted. Especially with big receivers like Jordy Nelson, Calvin Johnson and next month — Dez Bryant on the schedule. His length combined with athleticism could create a lot of flexibility for the defense.
Take this week’s game for example: the Washington Redskins could use a similar defensive plan they used against the New Orleans Saints in week one last season. Jim Haslett had the corners playing a man under look with safeties deep. The addition of CB Cedric Griffin, who is a lengthy corner, helped the Redskins slide DeAngelo Hall into the slot. Haslett dialed up numerous blitzes, attacking the A, B and C gaps. He did this while making sure the hot read was accounted for as well. Although Drew Brees threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns, he was far from sharp.
Washington may have a similar plan against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The Packers spread the field and they lean on yards after the catch. Washington can’t give those receivers space or guys like Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and James Jones will consistently break tackles and move the chains. But of course, one of the team’s biggest mismatches will be defending Green Bay’s tight end Jermichael Finley. Washington’s safety play will be crucial. It’s been awhile since Washington’s SS Brandon Meriweather played football. The Redskins need him to play sound, fast and instinctive football against Finley — similar to how Laron Landry handled him in 2010.
What’s up with Baltimore?
The Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens had themselves a rough week. BMore’s major league baseball team, the Orioles and the five fans who attended their game kept the Ravens from opening their season at home. So all they did was walk into enemy territory week one, falling to the Denver Broncos 49-27. WR Torrey Smith had a good game — catching four balls for 92 yards. But his former teammate — the guy BMore sent packing to San Francisco due to a $2 mill. pay cut – Anquan Boldin lit-it-up in his debut with the 49ers. Boldin caught THIRTEEN passes for 208 yards and a TD. All eyes are on Torrey Smith. And even more so now that receiver Jacoby Jones won’t be available the next few weeks.
Torrey Smith can be more than just a deep threat. He’s capable of catching underneath balls and turning upfield — being a chain mover. But this week against the Cleveland Browns, Fort Washington, MD native (had to slide that in) Joe Haden will likely line up across from Smith. The corner has quietly become one of the best in all of football. He’s tough, gritty, fast and he’ll man you up the entire game. This may be Torrey Smith’s biggest challenge to date.
Philly — don’t overreact either:
I have to admit, Chip Kelly is one brilliant guy. That Philadelphia Eagles offense knows how to create major holes in the defense. They’re fast and explosive. However, I’m not certain this Ferrari will run forever. While the Redskins studied Oregon’s offense all year, there was still nothing really to prepare for because at the end of the day, you have to account for Philly’s playmakers. It was the first time anyone has seen Mike Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson clicking on all cylinders in the offense.
But several things could cause reason for concern:
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The game on-the-field goes fast, but the clock isn’t being milked at all. Chip Kelly said the Eagles weren’t even going their fastest. My thought is, if they went any faster they would have left more time for the Washington Redskins to pitch a comeback in that game. Time of Possession will be huge for this team.
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Hits-on-QB: Mike Vick was hit 24 times Monday Night and was limping in the second half. Yes he’s a guy who gets injured often, but I’m interested in seeing how long he survives without getting many breathers in the scheme.
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Never overreact on a brand spanking new team. The Eagles have 11 new coaches. There offensive and defensive looks are totally different. It will be interesting to see how they respond once team’s get enough film on this Ferrari.
In the Community:
In observance of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Washington Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon and Paisano’s Pizza have teamed up to assist the family of 8-year old cancer victim Tara Sankner of Fairfax, Va.
Every Tuesday in September, callers mentioning the campaign will have 10 percent of their order donated directly to Tara’s family to assist with treatment and growing medical expenses as Tara battles an inoperable form of brain cancer identified as astrocytoma.
The ‘Let’s Take Care of Tara’ campaign began last week and will run through September 30 at the 22 participating Paisano’s locations in the Northern Virginia and Maryland area.
“The platform I was granted when I entered the National Football League has provided me with the opportunity to positively impact so many people, and to encourage others to do the same,” Garcon said. “Partnering with Paisano’s Pizza to provide financial relief to Tara’s family as they go through this is the least I can do.”
Pierre Garcon’s commitment to community service and civic involvement is a passion. His recent donation of $50,000 worth of new football uniforms to three DC-area schools demonstrates his dedication to use his influence, both on and off the field, to positively affect lives in his community and be an example of practical altruism.
Each year approximately 12,400 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States according to the National Cancer Institute, with brain cancer, tumors of the central nervous system and leukemia’s making up more than half of the new pediatric cancer cases. Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of children 14 and under and kills more children per year than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, asthma and AIDS combined. Yet the budget of the National Cancer Institute allocates only 3% of its funds to pediatric cancer research. So go support this initiative and eat Paisano’s pizza!
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