Redskins Insider

Washington Post staff writer Jason La Canfora was online Friday, Aug. 29 at 11:30 a.m. ET to take your questions about how things are going and what to expect from the Redskins this season.

The transcript follows.

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Burke, Va.: Hey JLC,

How about them Nats? I mean DCU? I mean the Redskins? So, after 5 pre-season games what do we know about the Redskins and how they will do in the regular season? Not much, is my assessment. Geesh.

Jason La Canfora: Sorry to start this thing without a proper intro, but I don't have access to the thingy that let's me do an intro (I'm a real savvy tech guy as you can tell). Also, want to apologize about the blog -- it is very sloooow today and I'm having trouble getting stuff posted. Will have a bigger piece up, I hope, after Zorn does his presser at 12:30.

As to this first question, well, let's not compare the Skins to the debacle going on with that baseball team just yet. And DCU, while taking some steps back, has a track record of success unlike anything this town has seen in pro sports since the Skins were winning titles.

And the preseason is still the preseason...but, yeah, it was pretty ugly. Losing 71-6 over the span of five days is never a good thing I suppose.

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Ashburn, Va.: Does anyone have the courage to admit that Campbell is not the best QB for this offense? He is a great kid who is a bad fit for the West Coast style.

Jason La Canfora: Who would be the best? Elway? Steve Young? Hasselbeck?

Don't tell me Colt Brennan or Todd Collins, I know that much, and that's all I see on this roster. (Okay, Devine, forgot about him).

The kid has yet to start really even a couple of months straight and the problems with this offense, to me, go much deeper than him.

If the O Line isn't better, and looks old and injury prone, and if Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are not even an upgrade over Caldwell and McCardell (and in fact look like they can't even contribute much at all for quite some time), then let's try to look at this on a broad scale and point fingers beyond just the young QB who was foisted into yet another difficult transition by people who run things around here.

If anything he may be a symptom of much deeper issues.

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Reston, Va.: Jason,

Thank you for your solid reporting so far this year. I have felt WR is a major soft spot for this team this year, and nothing in the preseason has done anything to change my mind. What's our outlook on the wide receiver position going into the start of the season?

Jason La Canfora: Well, as much ol' Coach Joe loved James Thrash he never quite deemed him worthy of being on the field in the base package all that much.

Now, I like James a lot and love his hands, smarts, toughness ... but you don't chase Chad Johnson wildly and then go overboard in drafting receivers in the top 50 picks or so and expect that Thrash will go from being your 4/5 WR to you No. 3 guy, without any obvious competition, and try to call that immediate progress.

As much as they play three wide, you might as well call Thrash a starter. And should Moss or Randle El succumb to the kind of nagging injuries that gripped them last season, well, it doesn't look very good in terms of proven receivers here.

As I said all offseason, why not spend $1.5 million to sign DJ Hackett, draft one WR in the late second round and try to build a team the old fashion way -- in the trenches, at independent positions -- rather than devote so many resources to dependent positions like DBs, and WRs. Never made sense to me; still doesn't.

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Leesburg, Va.: Hey Jason, love your work! What are your thoughts on trading Ladell Betts for some O-Line depth with Marcus Mason looking like a capable backup.

Jason La Canfora: Hey guys, sorry about the delay. Weird stuff going on here. Had to reboot my computer.

I don't think there's any way they can deal Ladell now, and it wouldn't make much sense. O-line depth is what the draft and lower-level free agency is for.

Marcus Mason made two poor decisions last night, going the wrong way on plays, and has not been a demon on special teams, either. They've talked about him like he's definitely here and maybe he will be, but with the state of some other positions I'm not sure this team needs 4 RBs right now.

Mason might clear waivers, but from what I hear the problem would be getting him to re-sign to the Skins practice squad, versus somewhere else with fewer backs in front of him.

If they keep him its moot, obviously. Will be interesting.

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Harrisonburg, Va.: Why is it so difficult for WR to adjust from the college to the pro game? You hear it takes three years for college WRs to adapt. Are Thomas, Kelley and Davis busts?

Jason La Canfora: No one is a bust yet in the long-term, but in the short term -- i.e. management/ownership selecting players to fill what they deem to be the biggest need on what they feel is a playoff team ... well, yeah, that's a bust, because one can't get on the field and the other is not ready to contribute.

Maybe they pan out well, but this was not a good year to be going into the draft focused on receiver -- unless you were looking for a guy in the mid rounds who might be a sleeper.

They both have size and talent, but the difference in size and speed of the DBs and the sheer volume of info they must digest is a huge step. And remember, these guys came out as juniors and, especially with Thomas, had a very limited window of productive college ball. It's gonna take time.

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Virginia Beach, Va.: Chris Wilson was almost unblockable last night off the edge and Rob Jackson looked like a late-round rookie. How much did Chris Wilson help himself?

Jason La Canfora: Well, when Taylor hurt his knee, and with Erasmus James being so rusty, I think that Saturday's game cemented Wilson's status on the team. Jackson is a guy you can put on your practice squad and not have to worry about losing. Wilson is a guy who another team would look at on active roster or the practice squad, and with them needing another DE, I can't see Chris not making it.

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Joppa, Md.: Is there any chance Kelly or Thomas go on the IR to make room for people who can contribute? They have shown NOTHING in the pre-season and probably need a year of education and conditioning before they get on the field. Are there limitations to the IR? Do we have to prove to the NFL that they are season ending injuries?

Jason La Canfora: They may be able to put Kelly on the PUP list for the first six weeks. But IR ends their season entirely and it's too late to bringing in 2-3 WRs off the street and expecting them to be in shape and contribute.

Thomas will certainly be around, and I guess he'll be on the game-day roster against the Giants, but Kelly could be PUPed. I know I'd do it. Too soon to go IR, though, especially if this is a 5-8 win team as I imagine it will be, no sense in ending what could be valuable teaching and learning seasons for them in place of vets who won't be here when/if the franchise turns the corner.

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Fairfax, Va.: Colt Brennan was the most exciting thing about preseason. He was darn right fun to watch. I'm sorry we won't see him play again 'til next August.

Your comment concerning the WR situation was very perspicacious. The Redskins are indeed more vulnerable at the position now than they were last year, two wide outs taken in the 2nd round notwithstanding. Thomas and Kelly don't exactly inspire confidence at this point. Billy McMullen had 20 catches this preseason. Thomas and Kelly combined for two. Will McMullen make the team, or is performance in pre-season games meaningless?

Jason La Canfora: Billy's got to make it. Shoot, to me he's the No. 4 WR without much question. Thomas the 5th now, to me (and if he's not a second-round pick you tell me how Thomas realistically would have beat out Maurice Mann for a spot).

Colt definitely slings it around and makes it fun. Over time he might be the real deal. His joy on the field is great to see, if nothing else.

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Augusta, Ga.: Is it fairly obvious that Tryon will be put on the practice squad and Fincher is a lock to make the team? I figured Fincher was a lock before last night, so he most certainly is now, right?

Jason La Canfora: I'll tell you what brother, it was hella obvious to me.

Fincher was having a better time out there than anyone else and if he didn't claim that spot vacated by Matt Sinclair's injury, then I don't know who did.

And Tryon, to me, is probably the 6th most valuable corner to this team right now in terms of having to play and contribute right away (Springs, Rogers, Smoot, Torrence, Richardson, Westbrook ... then Tryon).

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D.C.: Hey Jason good chat...I think people need to back off of Jason Campbell a little bit. The guy is getting used to a new system and is not getting much help from his teammates. The O-Line not giving him much protection...his receivers are dropping passes...and no help from the run game. I do agree that Jason needs to have a big year and play better but lets give him a chance...he still hasn't played two full seasons. Your thoughts?

Jason La Canfora: I'm with you. He didn't make the decision to start from scratch -- again. Again, ask Matt Hasselbeck how it looked before the light really came on for him in this offense.

The course of this season was navigated by the powers that be (Snyder/Cerrato). Like I said all winter, this is the Vinny Cerrato Era, folks. Campbell and Zorn will catch all the abuse, but they are a function of decisions made by others, the people who are most responsible for the state of the franchise and have been since 2000.

The credit and blame start and end there. Look at all the coaches -- many of them very successful other players -- and all the different systems -- many that have produced results in others places - to come in and out of this building. Then look at the constants at Redskins Park. That's how I'd evaluate it.

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Annandale, Va.: What are the odds that Colt Brennan is the next Tom Brady and is placed in as starter the second game of the season and leads the Redskins to a Super Bowl victory?

Jason La Canfora: Damn. If you're out in Vegas put five bucks on it for bleeps and giggles. Could make you very rich, because the odds would be staggering right now.

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St. Michaels, Md.: Who wins the punter battle? Just give me Brooks so I don't feel like we wasted a draft pick. More consistent.

Jason La Canfora: Frost has launched some boomers (yes he had one stinker last night too) and his hang time has been better than I've ever seen it.

Plus, he was holding on the field goal last night. That, to me, meant a lot. Don't see why they wouldn't have Brooks holding every single chance he gets to get in sync with Suisham if he was going to be here. Not like it'll help Frost's game film or help get him a job somewhere else by holding for that kick.

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Columbia, Md.: What are your thoughts on the bubble players? Do you think Tryon will even make the practice squad?

Jason La Canfora: He's a fourth-round pick -- even though teams I spoke to after the draft had him as a 6th rounder -- and the first defensive player the Redskins took.

He'll be on the practice squad at the very least. But man, he seems to be a ways away doesn't he?

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Bethesda, Md.: If you keep Wilson you have 4 DEs all at or under 260-262 pounds. How do you stop the run? seems to me you have to keep Jackson at 6-4 and 270, who is raw but appears to be a guy who can be a two-way performer for the team down the road.

Jason La Canfora: Even when Taylor was healthy my contention has been, and remains, that you will see a fair amount of Demetric Evans at left end on first and second down this season. Ultimately, I think the coaches won't have much choice but to get him a lot of reps there on run downs.

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Greg Blache: Jason,

Do you have any idea why my defensive scheme looks so bad? I tried to ask Gregg Williams last night, but nothing...

Seems my guys can't stop the run, can't defend the pass, and, oh yeah, I telegraph my blitzes, too.

Any advice?

Jason La Canfora: Well, let's not get too carried away.

Saturday the front 7 was a joke but last night was like amateur hour out there. Doughty and Golston were the only starters taking part and I think Blache actually liked seeing some of the young bucks get schooled, because it knocks them down a peg and gives Greg a chance to beat them around some.

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Ashburn, Va.: Can you not see with your own eyes the offense perk up when Colt and or Collins take the snaps? Three years of excuses is enough....

Jason La Canfora: I hope he gets to play in a regular season game against a real NFL defense sometime next month, if only to end this kind of madness.

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Rockville, Md.: Hey Jason, do you get the sense that the players are starting to slip away from Zorn's grasp? I even saw Greg Blache laughing and smiling on the sideline while his D was giving up 3rd and 8's all night. Is this team a "Club Med" kind of team who will take advantage of Zorn, or are they really just looking forward the the G-Men?

Jason La Canfora: I don't think they're slipping away as much as they are doing what they have done since the day he was hired -- sizing him up, evaluating every nuance and making daily judgments on how ready he is.

If this thing gets really ugly, some guys will roll on him, that's the nature of the beast.

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Multiple Choice Question: Jason, what's the attitude of the players toward Chief Z and his crew?

A. This guy is Bill Walsh reincarnated; B. Wait and see; C. Oh, Crap!; D. Oh, Crap, this is Steve Spurrier II!

Jason La Canfora: Somewhere around B-minus maybe?

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San Diego: Jason,

I thoroughly appreciate your commentary and these question and answer sessions on the Redskins. Thanks for the good work.

Dan

Jason La Canfora: All thanks to you.

Just doing my job partner.

Enjoy the weather out there.

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Baltimore: Last in and last out on the final 53? Hamilton make the squad? He must with Fox gone.

Jason La Canfora: Yeah, especially with Kareem Moore picking up a hamstring thing last night, I think they'll need another safety back there.

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Mechanicsville, Va.: When do the preseason roster cuts begin to establish the 53-man roster? Any forecasts or surprise moves?

Jason La Canfora: Saturday at 6 my man is the deadline.

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Brooklyn NY: Jason I thought Kareem Moore played okay for an injured draft pick when they first got him. Will he be making the cut of 53?

Jason La Canfora: Kareem will definitely make the cut and I like him a lot. But he may not be ready by Thursday and with Horton and Moore as the top backups, a guy like Hamilton who has some experience would be a must as the 5th guy I think.

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Los Angeles: Jason, I was struck by how, in sideline interviews, Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis seemed totally unconcerned about the offense. Not just the standard "we just need to work hard" interview talk, but their body language too. They seemed genuinely comfortable. Couple that with what Cooley said in a Post article before the game, and I'm wondering if the rest of the team shares this attitude? And is that good or bad? Do the players know something we don't?

Jason La Canfora: Well, they have to connote a public face of confidence, otherwise this thing is completely doomed. It's still only August and their record is 0-0, same as everyone else.

They have a lot of guys making a lot of money and they are expected to get results.

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Arlington, Va.: Jim Zorn should start gearing up the two back running game for the Giants.

Time to dummy down the West Coast.

Jason La Canfora: I think one thing Zorn will do is cater his playbook and playcalling more to his talent ... But even with that there will be a transition period. That's kinda inevitable.

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Good, bad, ugly: The Skins had one good, two bad and two ugly preseason games. Hello! I do think preseason games count because you can see what's coming. What is going on here? Are the coaches not up to their tasks, or are the players just indifferent and non-responsive to coaches? I think 3-13 looks likely.

Jason La Canfora: Don't go too overboard with the preseason stuff. I agree there are plenty of ominous signs, but try to give some benefit of the doubt.

To me, when you make these kind of changes and bring in a rookie coach, the goal should be to be much better in the last 4 games than the first 4. It's all about progress.

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Reston, Va.: Isn't it obvious by now that Jason Campbell is not qualified to be a starting QB? Zorn was a QB; he's got to know that Colt Brennan is a better QB now than Campbell will ever be. Start Colt next Thursday and give him his baptism under fire.

Jason La Canfora: Wow.

Just wow.

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Edgewater, Md.: After all of the players' comments about Gregg Williams this week, what is your opinion on how they really feel? DO you think the players wish Williams was still here? (I do)

Also, did you catch the softy interview Comcast did with Snyder? It was so wishy-washy. Why can't someone just tell the truth? I want to hear Snyder be honest about what he didn't like about Williams. The majority of the fan base was BEGGING for him!

Jason La Canfora: The players could not have campaigned any harder for Williams than they did ... but, again, they don't really have a voice, nor do the fans. Two guys are making the calls around here.

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Bethesda, Md.: If the Redskins are installing and running the WCO then how come we don't see the staple plays like the slants and crosses executed in the games? What we have seen so far to me is the Joe Gibbs Light offense where some shorter, rhythm throws are mixed in with the traditional 15-20 yard outs. Is Zorn saving it up for the opener?

Jason La Canfora: He wanted to go heavy with slants with the first team against Carolina and expected to call at least 5 of them ... but they couldn't give Jason two seconds to even drop back.

And last night the starters took just seven snaps, and completed just one pass ... so no real window there.

It will be a bread and butter route for sure, you're right about that.

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Jason La Canfora: Alright guys, gotta run. Coach Zorn about to speak.

sorry about the questions I didn't get to, and as always you can email me at lacanforaj@washpost.com.

Have a great holiday weekend.

Cheers.

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