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News: Redskins make roster moves, Jay Gruden could be counting his days
Tuesdays are game plan install days in the NFL, and with the day now come and gone, Jay Gruden appears destined to coach the Washington Redskins against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots on Sunday. But then what? He might want to bring a cardboard box in on Monday just in case he needs to pack up the his office. Stephen A. Smith is reporting he's heard Gruden is done in D.C., and Daniel Snyder will be installing 9th head coach under his 30 year tenure as owner, with Gruden expected to be fired next week.
The Redskins also find themselves atop NFL.com's latest 2020 draft order projection. It looks as though they'll be starting a rookie quarterback for most of the year, and with an 0-4 start, that might not be too far off. The Redskins could use that pick to trade out for a king's ransom of picks and infuse life into their roster. Speaking of roster changes, the Redskins made two on Tuesday, with the implication that Terry McLaurin is ready to make his return.
The rough history of head coaches under Dan Snyder's rule :: Redskins Maven
The carousel of head coaches that have run their circles in Washington since Dan Snyder took over is dumbfounding. Snyder has a way of making the worst of a good situation, and it starts with the head coaches the team has hired. Since inheriting Norv Turner in 1999, their have been seven head coaches through the front door. "There's been seven coaches since, including current head man Jay Gruden, who may not be long for the job. Here's a look at each coach who's had the whistle on the sideline under the reign of Snyder."
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claims inside scoop on countdown to Gruden being fired :: Redskins Maven
Smith has a history of stepping in it when talking about the NFL, so his claimed insight should be taken with a grain of salt. That said, Smith said he's heard that "Jay Gruden will get fired next week." And went on to say that "Jay Gruden has quit on the Washington Redskins. Everybody in the building knows it."
Roster Churn: Redskins shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic :: Redskins Maven
The Redskins made a number of roster moves on Tuesday, releasing CB Adonis Alexander off the practice squad, and Robert Davis from the active roster. Put two and two together and it looks as though Davis is destined for the empty Practice Squad slot with Terry McLaurin likely to return from injury to the active roster.
NFC East race tightens after Week 4 EPA nightmare for Cowboys, glory for Eagles :: Redskins Maven
There's a lot to unpack here. As one might expect, Washington's offense didn't rate out well across the board, but the defense had a few highlights. "Washington rookie Cole Holcomb leads the East in impact made against the run, however, notching his first forced fumble this week in New York." And the Dwayne-Haskins-to-Chris-Thompson, 39-yard screen pass ranked as the Top EPA Offensive play of the week in the NFCE.
Gridiron Heights
A new edition of Gridiron Heights features a downed Case Keenum trying to fend off the inevitable until after the Patriot's game this weekend. Unfortunately for the animated Keenum, the signs aren't looking good for his request.
2020 NFL Draft order: Redskins No. 1; Eagles, Jets in top 10 :: NFL.com
In NFL.com's latest mock draft, this one put out between Week 4 and Week 5 of the 2019 season leads off with...you guessed it, the Redskins. A disclaimer is given that the draft order is their best take, but it still stings. The good news is, if that happens, the Redskins will surely look to trade back and bring in a haul of draft picks in return.
The Redskins would be a lot of fun if they were as good as Bill Belichick says they are :: Washington Post
Belichick threw flowers at Gruden and his trio of quarterbacks during his weekly conference call with the media. Of the QB's he said, "They're all pretty good." He also said that the Redskins have "great skill players at every spot." Why would he do this? Is there a strategic advantage to making the opponent feel good about themselves? Or is it a sideways jab at Gruden not being about to take advantage of the talent pool he has on hand?
