Quoting what I feel is a good post from over at Extremeskins.com, where a member explains the huge upside of signing Randle El.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BD @ Extremeskins.com)</div><div class='quotemain'>First off: For several years, the NFL team I've watched second only to the Redskins is the Pittsburgh Steelers.I've been to five games over the past three years at Heinz Field, including the amazing playoff game against the Jets last year. One of my best friends is a Pittsburgh fan; I have relatives in Pittsburgh; and while my folks are Redskins fans, I'm young enough that I have little memory of Joe Gibbs' first tenure here... so during the dark years of Norv and Frerotte, I'd always end up cheering for Pittsburgh when the playoffs came near.I love the old-fashioned system they run; I love their tough defense and their hard-core blue-collar fanbase; and I love watching the crazy games they seem to end up in - not just this year against the Colts, or when they ended the runs of the Eagles and Pats; remember that incredible one against the Browns four years back?I know this team almost as well as I know the Redskins - the coaching personnel, the FO, the players (my sister was one of Heath Miller's friends at UVA; another friend shows up in Big Ben's blog all the time).So given that, here's my attitude toward the Randle El signing: it's all about upside.Throw out Randle El's stats. They aren't impressive. It's easy to see why; for two years of Tommy Maddox, Charlie Batch, and Big Ben, the Steelers have used a system that practically steals TDs from WRs. They love big plays to get in the redzone, then pounding it in for the TD. They simply don't throw often enough to give us an accurate representation of Randle El's skills. The Steelers didn't have a single guy break 1,000 yards this year; there's a reason for that.So why did we pay Randle El #1 money to be a #2 receiver? It's not just because he was the best guy on the market: it's because of upside.Upside #1: Special teams. Randle El has game-breaking speed, and unlike Moss, no significant history of injury. He immediately gives us a consistent threat on punt returns and kick returns (if we want).Upside #2: Trick plays. Randle El's skills as a college QB-turned NFL slash player are well-documented (he finished 6th in Heisman voting). You saw how Gibbs used Portis (who throws one uggggly trick pass, as we all know); imagine those plays with a guy who can actually throw a rope.Upside #3: Young but solid. Randle El is 26, healthy, hasn't missed a single game, and is about to enter the prime of his career. Joe Gibbs never wants to be in a position where one injury would destroy his offense, as an injury to Moss would have last year. Randle El and Lloyd together ensure that the Redskins go three deep for starting caliber WRs... no more Jimmy Farris signings, folks.Upside #4: Performance under pressure. Gibbs likes to get guys who've played on the biggest stages and withstood the pressure (see him getting Patten, Brunell, talking to Fauria, etc.). Even for such a young player, Randle El has played in EIGHT playoff games in his brief career, including the Super Bowl victory. In those games - again, working within the WR-unfriendly Pittsburgh system - he has the following stats: (3 rushes for 19 yards; 25 catches for 315 yards and 1 TD; one pass for 43 yards and 1 TD). Clutch, people.Upside #5: The X factor. In Santana Moss, we found a player who broke out of his shell - he'd been an average or decent WR in New York, but he elevated to a completely new level in D.C. In Randle El, Gibbs clearly believes he's found another such player - someone who can shine if they're called on to do more than they did with their original team.If you believe Joe's right, you like this signing. If you believe he's wrong - well, wait and see.BD</div>http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148103
Who says we cant do any more trick plays? lol we still can. I was mad that we lost Randel El but hey, im not turning my back on him because he did so much for our team so i wish all the best for the Redskins, glad he declined the Bears offer lol.. All i know is this offense will be on fire because Joe Gibbs is getting it all done
People people, it very simple here. The Steelers will probably draft Michael Robinson from Penn State to take over what El did, reload baby!!!!
Michael Robinson can play WR? I know he's very fast and good at QB but I had no idea hes got hands/can run routes.
^ He was a starting WR for Penn State until injuries forced him to play QB. People forget that sometimes...And that would be a good signing for the Steelers. You can get a HUGE upside, with only a 3rd, maybe 4th round pick.
I like the signing, but I still don't think the Redskins offense is going to be anything more then slightly below mediocore(18th or 19th in the league). None of the players on offense bring ANY kind of consistentcy. I just see it as going to be difficult for them all to get on the same page.I like the trick play ability it gives them. The thing about the gimmick plays, is for times when your offense is not working..they can get you by. Portis can throw the ball a little bit I guess as well.Basically, good player, good signing, but they are still a fringe playoff team.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Combs @ Mar 13 2006, 12:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I still don't think the Redskins offense is going to be anything more then slightly below mediocore(18th or 19th in the league).</div>How can you say that after we have officially addressed the problem we had at WR depth PLUS got Al Saunders as our Offensive Coordinator, who has run the NFL's best offense in KC the past five years? We have a ton of weapons, I think you're a bit confused..
I agree that EL is a nice upgrade for you guys at wideout but you guys still need a tall reciever to stretch the defense. I sitll want the Steelers go get a taller reciever but Q. Morgan will do for now.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JHair @ Mar 13 2006, 10:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Combs @ Mar 13 2006, 12:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I still don't think the Redskins offense is going to be anything more then slightly below mediocore(18th or 19th in the league).</div>How can you say that after we have officially addressed the problem we had at WR depth PLUS got Al Saunders as our Offensive Coordinator, who has run the NFL's best offense in KC the past five years? We have a ton of weapons, I think you're a bit confused.. </div>Not confused at all, It's just things aren't that easy. As in Addressing needs..and fixing the problems. Things have to fit, and gel accordingly. As I said in my previous posts, there are to many inconsistent players on the offensive side of the ball to be consistent with their offensive all season long. Are they improved? Sure probably a little but, but as a team they probably over-achieved a little bit last season anyway..so in terms of record, I can't see it being much better then it was.
Steelers can still run trick plays with CWilson. + this aint gonna help the 'Skins too much, but they might just make the playoffs again having Moss and Randle El.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DCB @ Mar 13 2006, 07:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Its not fair they got Adam Archuleta too !!!</div>Talk about stacked lol. Now we have monsters on each side of the ball
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (D WiLLiAmS @ Mar 13 2006, 06:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DCB @ Mar 13 2006, 07:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Its not fair they got Adam Archuleta too !!!</div>Talk about stacked lol. Now we have monsters on each side of the ball </div>Yeah and Defensive End Andre Carter as well. He put up 25.5 sacks his first three years, only reason he didn't have as many sacks last year is because they 49ers where trying to make him an OLB in the 3-4.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shutdown Corner @ Mar 13 2006, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yeah and Defensive End Andre Carter as well. He put up 25.5 sacks his first three years, only reason he didn't have as many sacks last year is because they 49ers where trying to make him an OLB in the 3-4.</div>Yeah and Carter himself said he was playing entirely out of position at Linebacker, he said he played DE his entire life and he just couldn't get used to it when they made him be a stand up guy on the defense. He said himself he is a great pass rusher and great at defending the run when he's at defensive end. I hope he's productive cuz we need someone to add a little VOLTAGE to our D-line
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HnM @ Mar 13 2006, 07:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Steelers can still run trick plays with CWilson. + this aint gonna help the 'Skins too much, but they might just make the playoffs again having Moss and Randle El.</div>dont forget that Holmes is very capable of being an Randle El type of player when it comes to trick plays.
Hines Ward will be given the QB end on trick plays when it comes to the WRs, I think he played a little QB in college.
I think he meant Holmes can do reverses and stuff like that. Because Randle El is the best passing WR off all time lol. Well... Matt Jones is pretty tight.
