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Chat With Hog's Haven For Steelers Vs. Redskins Preseason Matchup

Editors Note: Tomorrow night the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Fed-Ex field to take on the Washington Redskins.  In an effort to get to know their palyers and organization a bit better and for the SBNation blog Hog's Haven to get to know our team better we decided to ask each other a couple of questions in preparation of tomorrow nights game.  My Q&A with the Hog's Haven can be read here. [Frank aka DYM]

BTSC: Jason Campbell feels like he was treated like a "piece of tissue they are flushing down the toilet" by the Redskins front office after they attempted to trade for Jay Culter and trade up in the draft for Mark Sanchez. What type of year do you see Campbell having and do you ever think he will be a franchise quarterback in the NFL?

I see Jason Campbell having a great year. Last year, Campbell completed 62.3% of his passes, threw for 3,245 yards with 13 touchdowns, six interceptions and had a QB rating of 84.3. What people don't realize is he had VERY little help. The Redskins receivers led the league in dropped balls, Campbell was knocked down 16% of the time he dropped back to pass, yet he still was the 8th most accurate QB in the league. The offensive line was literally laughable in pass defense, which led to the cuts of Jon Jansen and Pete Kendall

The 3 receivers the Redskins drafted in 2007 (Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, and Fred Davis) have all worked extremely hard this off-season and look very good in camp. Marko Mitchell, who the Redskins drafted with a late round pick this year, is drawing heavy praise from Clinton Portis and has been doing well against the veteran corners in camp. Sure, this all sounds great in practice, so fans are anxious to see how they do this week. The right side of the offensive line is still a major concern. The Redskins added Derrick Dockery to shore up the left side (next to Pro-Bowler Chris Samuels), but I expect all of your defenses to give them fits (as it is still a work in progress). The O-line performed decently against the Ravens last week, so we'll see. This is also the first year in Jason Campbell's career he's run the same offense two years in a row, so with Zorn entering year two in his offense, it's only logical things should run smoother.

Star-divide

BTSC:  Recently there was a media storm about Albert Haynesworth and the injections in his knees.  How big of a concern is this for the Redskins and do you think he will play a full 16 game season this year, which is something he hasn't been able to do in recent years?

Both Albert and the team have down-played it a lot. Albert said he has been getting these shots for a couple years now, and it is nothing new. He said he'd rather be 100% for 14 games then be cautious for 16 years. I am not concerned about his knee at this point, especially since they're not holding him out the next 3 pre-season games.

 

BTSC: Last year the Redskins appear to have found a diamond in the rough in rookie Chris Horton, how has he looked in training camp? And is their any buzz around their later round draft picks from this season?

Chris Horton truly is a diamond in the rough. He has been ALL over the field in training camp and in interviews he said the game has slowed down for him coming into this year. The 2nd half of the season LaRon Landry had last year, with Chris Horton coming into his own...the Redskins safeties have everyone in Washington smiling. Kareem Moore, LaRon's backup, has been laying vicious hits at practice and the last pre-season game. Keep an eye out for him on Saturday.

BTSC: Was Antwaan Randle-El worth 31 million dollars over seven years?

I think so. Antwaan is one of those guys that has so many intangibles. He is not the super-star punt returner the Skins need, but he does not turn the ball over. His presence in the locker room cannot be under-estimated. The problem has been the offense has been so inconsistent the last few years that the Redskins haven't been able to take full-advantage. Hopefully, one of the WRs mentioned above can step up and be a solid #2 the Skins so desperately need, and Randle-El can be the slot WR which he is so perfectly fitted for. The Redskins certainly gave him a ton of $$, but that goes for most of our roster.  

BTSC: How much does [Offensive Tackle] Mike Williams weigh today?[Reports were he was over 400lbs]

We actually created a weight tracker for Mike to follow his weight. I don't know his exact weight but it is in 335lbs area. He sprained his ankle in practice and is questionable for Saturday. I've spoken with Mike a couple times at camp. A really great guy and someone you really want to cheer for. He's had an up and down camp, which is par for the course when you've been out of the league for 2 years.

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I think the skins will be very good this year. Haynesworth makes a huge difference on D and I also think Campbell will be solid as well.

It’s a shame for them that they’re in a division with 2 of the top 3 teams in the NFC (in my opinion).

by mdc2457 on Aug 21, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Tough Schedule

Not only do they have six games in their own division, they also play the entire NFC South. Three tough games there, plus a date with San Diego.

They strike me as a team that will be better than their record. Don’t think they’re a playoff team.

by Steelers in XLIV on Aug 21, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Easier schedule than you think

Rams, Lions, Tampa (which is rebuilding), Raiders. That’s not too shabby. Playing the chiefs and broncos at home also helps.

by KevinE on Aug 21, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You still play the Giants, Eagles and Dallas twice. And I think Tampa is better than you believe. Rams and Chiefs are two of those teams that can surprise you if you don’t prepare. And the Broncos are going to suck this year.

I say your ceiling is 9-7, with a much more probable 8-8 or 7-9.

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah the rams surprised us last year…

by travisjh86 on Aug 21, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's fair

but I wouldn’t use the word “ceiling.” Personally, I see 9-7 as well, maybe 10-6. But, and I know as a non-Redskins fan you’re inclined to laugh at me, if certain thing work out or come together we could very well compete for the Superbowl. Of course, I realize that’s a big IF, but it’s certainly a possibility. We have talent throughout the roster, we just need the 1st string O-line to stay healthy. Obviously that’s highly improbable, but who knows. Now, if that line DOES stay healthy, and Campbell makes the jump to legit starting QB like plenty of people expect him to with the proper protection, then the sky’s the limit. The defense should be as good as any in the league ( yes, even Pittsburgh), and the offense is stacked with Pro Bowl level talent.

Now, as far as our schedule goes, I don’t buy into those types of predictions. Last year is an easy example: forget about St. Louis and Cincy – who thought we would beat Dallas and Phillyback to back on the road last year? No, I don’t care who we play, if things work out like I said, we are capable of beating anyone. And if they don’t, we are capable of losing to anyone.

by CJHutch on Aug 21, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any given Sunday, right?

My only objection:

Campbell makes the jump to legit starting QB like plenty of people expect him to

Everyone except your FO that tried to do everything in the off-season to get a replacement.

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

first of all

you forgot the most important part of that statement

Campbell makes the jump to legit starting QB like plenty of people expect him to with the proper protection

Unlike Ben, Campbell is not the type of QB who can operate efficiently with offensive line breakdowns. Maybe I didn’t say it clearly enough, but what I meant was that IF he has the protection he can make the jump. If the O-line doesn’t hold up, we will not be good this year, and he will not be a Redskins next year.

And you’re right about the FO, but my statement was geared towards thoe with actual football knowledge, which our FO does not possess.

by CJHutch on Aug 21, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hahaha

Agreed on your FO. I think besides Jerry Jones and Al Davis, Snyder might be my least favorite owner.

I always liked Campbell in College, so I’d love to see him make a jump towards a top-tier QB. He is a cool cat in my book.

by Johnny_S on Aug 22, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who is the Skins current DC? he’s going to have to be great for the D to match the Steelers. And your talent is going to have to play great.

As for offense, you need a big time yard eater WR who can compliment Moss and put Randle-El in the slot. A Boldin would have worked, someone very reliable who catches a lot of balls. Then you’ll be on your way.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 22, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I fully agree they’ll be better than they’re record. The Eagles and Giants are almost locks for the playoffs in my mind. That doesn’t change the fact that I think the Skins can be very good too. Doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll make the playoffs though.

by mdc2457 on Aug 21, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I expect the Redskins to do what they usaully do

Start red hot and then fade off into a disappointing second half.

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

how is that how we usually do?
last season we collapsed the last 8 games, years before we usually get better as the season goes on

by travisjh86 on Aug 21, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well 2007 you did have that 4 game skid that almost kept you out of the playoffs
2006 you were just bad
2005 you started hot with 3 wins, lost a lot in the middle, but i guess you finished hot there

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In 2007 we won the last four games to get into the playoffs.

How is that starting off hot and then fading off? Like Kevin said, our schedule isn’t as difficult as it looks (there are a lot of gimme games that we have to capitalize on) and I’m not too worried about the NFC East. Last year we split with the beast and the only team I can really say got better is the eagles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk

by hibachi on Aug 21, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In 2007 you started out hot and went on a 4 game losing streak. That is starting hot and fading out. Lucky for you, they picked it back up and won out to slide into the playoffs.

I never told you to be afraid of the NFC East. I’d be afraid of your own division and the NFC South. I don’t predict you going better than 8-8, do you?

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

"I never told you to be afraid of the NFC East. I’d be afraid of your own division"

The NFC East is their own division. Haha, I do it all the time with the AFC/ NFC south. A lapse in memory or something.

by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 21, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We are talking Redskins right? I could have missed something, if so, I’m an ass.

by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 21, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah shit, I saw what I wanted to see

I thought he wrote AFC west. Skimming FTL

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Today?

Haha… just kidding man.

by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 21, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

When you put the ball on the tee, you gotta think someone’s gonna knock it out of the park.

by NYSteelersFan4 on Aug 21, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only team that got better...

…I have a bit of an issue there. The Iggles lost their D-Coordinator, which is a huge loss. He was one of the top guys in the league, question that if you’d like but you’d be in the minority and look foolish to top it off.

The G-Men took bigger leaps than the Iggles. M. Kiwanuka comeing back to bolster an already impressive D-Line, addition by subtraction with P-Burress. Along those lines, the WR’s got more regular season reps with Burress out last year, and the addition or Ramses Barden can’t be overlooked. The dude s a beast, and I was hoping us Steelers would grab him. He’s Dallas Baker with talent, hunger, desire, and a good appreciation/understanding of the game. Not to mention some of Rice’s records and many of the D-II records.

All that to say, Giants took measures this season that are equal to or above those of the Iggles IMO. You can’t be a football fan and say with an educated/non-homer perspective that the Giants did NOT improve.

"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58

by __.58.__ on Aug 21, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Losing Plax is not an improvement

Burress was an essential guy in that offense and we all saw how the Giants finished the season without him: 1-3 in the last four regular season games and one and done in the playoffs. He wasn’t their only loss. They also lost their other starting WR Amani Toomer and 1,000-yard back Derrick Ward. I like Bradshaw a lot but let’s see how he turns out. They also lost defensive coordiinator Steve Spagnuolo. It’s not Kiwanuka coming back, it’s Osi Umenyiora. He’s a great player and will help but the defense was outstanding even without him.

Barden has had a great camp and preseason but no one in their right minds would expect him to adequately replace Burress this season. The Giants have drafted very well the last five years and if the young guys improve over the course of the season they might be able to be as good a team as they were last year, but at this point they have definitely not improved and if they don’t acquire a legitimate No. 1 receiver from someone (maybe Marshall or Edwards) they are going nowhere in the post-season.

by steeler.lifer on Aug 21, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the problem is there has not been a clear cut plan in place. And that goes back to Dan Snyder. If he can learn to be a better owner, one that gives a consistent message and supports his staff, and they have a good coach (it’s hard to know if they are, things change so much there) they can get players to fit the system and contend.

The Redskins are a very talented team, but they are not a well built one.

Screw you Dan Snyder, sell the team or learn to be a decent owner. I want my Redskins back.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 21, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

+1 million.

Daniel Snyder is the newest version of an owner/joke that the NFL has. Al Davis’s heir, but will need to duke it out in “NFL Celebrity Coach Death Match” with Jerry Jones…

I think the main things you touched on there was:

1) “Clear cut plan in place” — You just can’t go on without one. “Winning” does not equal or take the place of an actual plan. Last I checked, thats the goal of at least 31 of the 32 franchises.

2) “Consistent message” — The only consistent merssage is “Win Now or Else.”

Ultimately, a good team HAS to start at the top. Look at the Super Bowl representatives of the last 10 years. Broncos, Falcons, Rams, Patriots, Buccaneers, Raiders, Bears, Eagles, Seahawks, Cardinals, Giants, and of course the Steelers.

Did a majority of these teams have solid, veteran coaching staffs in place? YES
Did a majority of these teams have pretty decent, stabile front offices? YES
Did a majority of these teams have good talent on the field as well? YES (In fact, the Rams overcame an unstable owner to succeed, although said owner was wise enough to hire good football people).
Did a majority of these teams generally buy talent or grow talent from the draft?

The Redskins just don’t have the stability at ownership, coaching, offensive game plans, defensive game plans, etc.

The talent is there, but the rest…Well, we’ve all heard of the uber-talented athlete who didn’t have the fullpackage, and failed.

"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58

by __.58.__ on Aug 21, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jerry Jones has won super bowl though, so has al davis

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 22, 2009 6:27 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jimmy Johnson

won those Superbowls. Plastic Man and Barry Switzer were along for the ride. Once Jerry’s ego took over and he fired Johnson, the Cowgals tanked. If you really look at it, ever since Jerry started building the team himself, forget about Superbowls, they haven’t won a playoff game.

by CJHutch on Aug 22, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

And, the closest they’ve come was when he got Parcells to build the team for him. The Roy Williams trade told me that he’s back to being his old self again. :)

For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Aug 22, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

not to mention

he’s turned his team into an XFL franchise with his new ball-deflecting video board.

Jones implied that having the video board in play provided an “entertainment value” and that both teams would have to deal with it.

What’s next, trap doors on the field?

by CJHutch on Aug 22, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha

Is that a quote from The Onion? :)

For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Aug 22, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

Jones is nuts. They will have to change that. Man, what an egomaniac!

For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Aug 22, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Evidently that stadium is big enough for any event in Texas except a football game.

by steeler.lifer on Aug 22, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

good one

mind if I borrow it for Hogs Haven? Or better yet, the Cowbums blog? I’ll give you all credit, plus 10% of any endorsement deal.

by CJHutch on Aug 22, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Make it 40 per cent and you’ve got a deal.

by steeler.lifer on Aug 22, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

why do

you think they shipped T.O. out? His and JJ’s heads wouldn’t have fit in there at the same time.

by CJHutch on Aug 22, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ahh, the one thing that really brings Redskins fans and Steelers fans together.

How much the Cowboys suck.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 22, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yea the Skins aren't a bad team.

But they have to keep a division with New York, Philly, and Dallas, and Dallas, though not as good as past years, is still no pushover.

"That Troy Polamaga guy looks like Predator"-A keen observation during Superbowl 43. Thanks to Walterfootball.

by HighSchoolSteeler on Aug 21, 2009 11:36 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Plus

If I am not mistaken, they have to take on the NFC South and the AFC East two of the top divisions in the NFL this year IMO.

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh

They play the NFC South too

NFC South
Week 4 Bucs
Week 5 Panthers
Week 9 Falcons
Week 13 Saints

Not sure where I got AFC East from…

by Johnny_S on Aug 21, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just an observation:

But when a team that has had fewer years of production from a player than we Steelers have had, and we misspell his name yet they get it right…

It DOES reflect.

Antoine vs. Antwaan.

Just saying…

"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- #58

by __.58.__ on Aug 21, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure

I get what you’re saying. I will say I’m not a big fan of ARE. That’s only because he’s been a sub-par punt returner for us. As a receiver he’s played out of position since he got here. But to say whether or not he’s “worth 30 mil”, who really knows? Personally, I don’t think half the players in the league are worth what they get paid. Probably more than half. But he does have value in the leadership department. You have to realize, before Gibbs came back, the Skins were sorely lacking on-field leaders. D. Green was pretty much all we had for years.

by CJHutch on Aug 21, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think he was saying

that it reflects poorly on the Steelers fans that one of our fans misspelled his first name even though we had more from him than the Redskins, whose fan got the spelling right.

Let it be known that even though I think I understood what he was saying does not mean that I agree with the implication.

by worldtrip on Aug 21, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ya my bad .58. I came up with these questions on the fly…meant to double check and proof read…sorry

I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!

by drinkyourmilkshake on Aug 22, 2009 6:29 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Redskins offense goes for 196 total yards against last year’s 2nd ranked defense, the Ravens. They will be lucky to get 175 when you guys play them.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Aug 22, 2009 1:27 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

again

I’m not gonna dispute the fact that you guys (the Ravens) kicked our ass. But the yardage total is a little skewed without our top two offensive weapons. I’m not saying it would’ve made a difference in the score, but having Moss and Portis in the game would’ve at least made the game a little more competitive.

by CJHutch on Aug 22, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lol

They would have played 3 maybe 4 series at the most. They could have played only 2 series also. You are making it sound like they would have played the whole game and kept you in it. Ok, if Portis and Moss played you might have gotten 230 total yards and maybe the score would be 23-3.

It is pre-season, so your best players are not going to be in there long enough to make it “a little more competitive.”

They played in last season’s match up and that game was far from competitive.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Aug 22, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

like I said

I’m not saying it would’ve made a difference in the score. But if you want to delve deeper, you’re starters stayed in there longer than ours. But like you said, the bottom line is it’s preseason. All that game showed was that your starters AND backups are way better than our backups.

by CJHutch on Aug 22, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank you, I 100% agree.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Aug 22, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Our backups look really good so far. Look out Redskins.

We need a preseason game against the Ravens. That’s who these kids have to play every year, let them get used to each other before they even make the lineup.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 22, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs


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