Redskins Preseason Game #4

Pretty good. The starting offense played one series and had a near flawless drive (granted, it was against the Jags second team defense). Campbell was 5-5 for 55 yards and a TD to Randle-El. The only flaw was a 5 yard penalty on the second play of the game. Kendall looked much better than Pucillo or Wade so that was positive. We had some better runs which was also encouraging. Still, I was very pleased with Campbell. He showed maturity and patience. A couple of times he stepped up in the pocket and hit his receiver in stride (Cooley heading for the sideline). I also liked one play he wanted to go deep but it wasn't there so he checked off and hit Betts who was wide open as his safety valve. Betts ended up getting a nice gain out of the play. It was a nice way for Campbell to finish and head into the regular season.

The second team defense played pretty well. Kept the Jags to 10 points in the first half. Byron Westbrook missed a tackle and let in a Jag WR for a TD right before the half which may have cost him a spot on the roster. Brunell was solid in his play 4-5 for a TD in the first half. It will be interesting who gets the backup QB job. I don't particularly care. Collins and Brunell seem like one and the same to me.

Palmer came in to play QB in the second half and struggled. I didn't watch much of the second half which was pretty much everyone fighting for the final few special team jobs. Doesn't seem like we did that well as the Jags took control.

Still, all in all, I was pleased with the effort and now it's time to get ready for Miami. Can't wait.

Redskins Preseason Game #4 (Pregame)

The Redskins have suffered several injuries already in the preseason (thankfully none too serious). Namely, Jason Campbell, Marcus Washington, Chris Samuels, and Clinton Portis.

The final preseason game typically is meant for all the backups and to find out who is going to make it to the final 53 man roster. Campbell did not play in preseason game #3 due to injury and says he wants to play in the final game. I am a little apprehensive as I don't want the knee injury to be aggravated. It is of concern because the left side of the line is still far from solidified (Samuels won't be playing and who knows who will be playing at LG). On the flip side, it would be good if he could get some reps in to better prepare him for the regular season. Hopefully, he can play a series or two and get out of there with no further injury.

Also, I know CP doesn't want to play and wants to wait until the regular season but it would be good to also see him for a series or two just so that he can get a little action before the season. It is not critical because at this point a series or two is not going to make any difference for his conditioning but it would still be good to see him get out there.

Anyway, we'll see what happens tonight but again the game is primarily for the backups and to see who will make the final roster.

NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN has come out with their first power rankings list (see http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking?season=2007&week=1). They have the Bears ranked at 4 and the 'Skins at 19. Frankly, I was a little surprised that the 'Skins were ranked as high as they were but I based on previous ranking discussions, I think we all agree that you can't put too much into the rankings.

Joke of the day *08/29).

What is the definition of agony?

Agony: a one-armed man hanging off a cliff with itchy balls.

LETS GO CUBBIES!!!!

Cubs were down 3-0 to the Brewers yesterday in the first game of a big series but came back to win 5-3. It's a huge win as it pushes us 2 games in front of second place St. Louis (2.5 games ahead of the Brewers). We have our ace in Big Z going today against Milwaukee's ace, Ben Sheets, who is coming off of a finger injury and hasn't pitched since July.

The Cubbies got Soriano back in the lineup yesterday who is coming off of a hamstring injury so that is good news. He went 0-4 yesterday but just his presence has to inject some excitement into the team.

We are coming down the stretch here and hopefully the Cubs can hold on to the division lead. We all know that the playoffs are a second season and it doesn't matter what your record was in the regular season...anything can happen.

Thoughts on Vick.

First, let me say that I in no way support what Michael Vick did. His involvement in the dogfighting scandal and killing of dogs is disgusting and wrong on so many levels. He is an idiot for even participating in the scandal and associating himself with those involved. Moreover, the fact that he lied to his employer, to the commissioner, and to his fans is reprehensible. He is deserving of the punishment that he receives.

That said, he did genuinely seem contrite, embarrassed, disappointed, and apologetic when he spoke yesterday after his guilty plea. Hopefully, he can do what he said and spend his time off improving Michael Vick the person. We'll see if he ever makes it back to the NFL whether it is in 2 or 3 years. It will be interesting to see what he can do at that time and which team will open up to him. The interesting thing is that whenever he comes back, we will have somewhat forgotten about him but at the same time, I'm sure we will all hope to see the same athletic and flashy Vick that we remembered. We'll see what he will produce.

The thing that I find so interesting is how much attention this story has gotten. With all the serious issues this country and world faces, the number one story that we hear about is Michael Vick. As reprehensible as Vick's involvement in dogfighting is, does this story supercede the issues we face in Iraq? Or our economy? Or the number of other more serious crimes that take place on a daily basis? This society is so backwards. Our fascination with stars falling is ridiculous. Why do we care so much about Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, etc. and their drunkeness and stints in rehab? I suppose in some perverse way we like to see stars fall and it somehow makes our lives more interesting but in truth, it's sad. We follow these stories but people don't even understand the basics of what is taking place in the world and here in our country. The President can simply make claims and people will take those claims as truth because the majority of people will not do the minimal about of investigative reading to determine whether those claims are true or not. Instead, we want to hear all about Michael Vick. Again, I am not condoning his actions and believe he is deserving of jail time but this story has gotten worldwide attention and Michael Vick has become public enemy #1.

There is a good article by Jemele Hill on ESPN's site about this whole issue (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/070827).

She mentions that even some of the previous athletes who have committed serious crimes have not been vilified like Vick. Namely, Ray Lewis who was once accused of being involved in the murders of two people or Leonard Little who killed someone while he was driving drunk. Their punishment was minimal compared to what Vick is going through.

The whole Vick story is sad. I do not pity him. Still, it is sad that he potentially threw his career away for nothing. He has embarrassed himself, his family, and his team by his actions. Again, I hope that he can better himself and learn from this mistake and that he can come back one day and be a player. No question he was fun to watch. The only other person I have seen who can single handedly take over a football game the way Vick can is VY (especially in the national title game against USC). Vick is an unbelievably spectacular player. I truly wish him well.

Equally important, I wish that our society could get it straight in terms of what is truly important in this world. Educate yourself. Understand what is taking place in the world. We need to make a return to news and not tabloid news. Sadly, this may be too much to ask for.

Lamborghini registered to Briggs found abandoned - Weird.

A damaged black Lamborghini registered to Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was found abandoned early Monday alongside the Edens Expressway on the city's North Side, authorities said.

Illinois State Police officials said the 2007 Roadster, which had crashed into a light pole, was discovered around 3:15 a.m. on northbound I-94 near the Devon Avenue exit. "(The) registration comes back to Lance Briggs, however we don't know who was driving the car at the time," Master Sgt. Kyron St. Clair said.

Briggs contacted the Illinois State Police on Monday, and officers planned to meet with him later in the day, Master Sgt. Luis Gutierrez said. He said he did not have details about when or where the meeting would take place.

Bears spokesman Scott Hagel said Briggs was not injured, but declined to say if Briggs was in the vehicle when it crashed. He declined to say anything else about the incident.

Seems kind of weird to walk away from a $350K car that you just wrecked.

Rexy - Not Hating.

Okay, before some people fly off the handle, I want to make it clear that I am not hating on Rexy. My points have been that Rexy has shown flashes of brilliance but he has also shown moments of tremendous suckiness. Basically, he has been erratic and inconsistent. I have said that I am not alone in feeling this way. Additionally, I have been told by some people that the majority of fans in Chicago support Rexy.

I will pull the following excerpts from the Tribune and let you be the judge on whether I am just a hater or if I have tried to be objective. Again, the below was taken from David Haugh, a Tribune writer who covers the Chicago Bears.

"The pass, intended for tight end Greg Olsen, never should have been thrown even if the Bears did lead 24-7. It resembled the type of mistake that marked Grossman's wildly inconsistent 2006 season."

"The fans' boos after Grossman fumbled a snap were much louder than they were after Harris' interception. Maybe the first bad play made them angry and the second just made them anxious."

"The Bears just might have to accept the reality that he can be as bad one series as he is good the next, and vice versa. But anytime Grossman wants to stop driving that point home, it would be fine with Bears fans."

"Four plays after the Harris pick, for example, Grossman nearly gave it away again when outside linebacker Manny Lawson stepped in front of intended receiver Jason McKie but dropped what could have been another returned TD."

Additionally, in a poll conducted by the Tribune on who should start the final preseason game (Grossman or Griese), nearly 54% said it should be Griese. Also, at the time I viewed the poll, more than 2,400 people voted. Haugh said in another article that Griese should start the final preseason game. Not so much as a threat to Rexy but the game is largely meaningless and it would give Griese the opportunity to work with the first team to see how he performs.

Okay, before some people fly off the handle and say that I am hating or bashing I want to make it clear that my point is more to let some people understand that I am not alone in my views on Rexy.

I have said many of these things before and have been labeled a "hater" or a "basher" by some people. My point is that Rexy has shown that he is inconsistent. Also, fair or not, he is under a microscope and every mistake is magnified. In some ways, it is sad because he has had success and every mistake in his home field he is going to hear it from his home town fans.

The boo birds are already out in full flock and he has to become more consistent to win them over.

I have long contended that the great thing is that Rexy has full support of his coaches and teammates (even if he doesn't have the media and fans support) which means a lot. Still, he has to become more consistent and cut down on the blunders (especially the big ones).

Personally, I think Rexy will improve this year. However, it will be tough given the scrutiny he is under. Fortunately, he has a strong team and coaching staff behind him.

I know that I have been a little more colorful in previous postings on my thoughts of Rexy; however, I have tried to be relatively sensitive in this posting for some people. Again, my points are that I am not alone in how I feel. Many others believe Rexy has been inconsistent and contrary to some people's beliefs, Rexy does not have full support of the Chicago fans. I have also said that Rexy is one of the bigger stories going into the season. We'll see how this story plays out. He will have every opportunity to silence all critics and win over the fans/media. Also, I will reiterate that I am not saying whether the criticism he faces is fair or not but still that is the way it is.

Interesting quote from Ronald Reagan's Diaries.

"A moment I've been dreading. George brought his ne're-do-well son around this morning and asked me to find the kid a job. Not the political one who lives in Florida. The one who hangs around here all the time looking shiftless. This so-called kid is already almost 40 and has never had a real job. Maybe I'll call Kinsley over at The New Republic and see if they'll hire him as a contributing editor or something. That looks like easy work."

-- Ronald Reagan in his recentlypublished diaries May 17, 1986.

Redskins preseason game #3.

The weather was the real story of the game. Lightning delayed the game and ultimately cancelled the game early in the 3rd quarter. Before the game was called, it was largely a defensive battle.

The 'Skins defense continues to impress. They look much faster and are much better at tackling. Landry has looked fantastic. He is all over the field and made a number of big hits. He is very impressive in his blitzes as well. Hopefully the strong defensive play will continue when the regular season starts.

The offense has been struggling most of the preseason. It did so again last night. Granted we were missing our starting QB, starting RB, all pro LT, and starting LG but still we have to do better. The running game has never really gotten going in the preseason which is a concern.

Still, I am encouraged with how we look overall at this point compared to this point last season. Last season, we looked arrogant and terrible. This season, the defense plays with some intensity and passion. Also, we are competing this preseason versus last preseason when we were getting blown out.

We are only 2 weeks out from the regular season...can't wait.

Bears Preseason Game #2

Was very similar to much of last year. Was not impressed with the offense. Grossman was bad. Benson did not get much in the way of running lanes. Defense was okay but they gave up quite a bit of yardage...granted they were playing the Super Bowl Champ Colts and their vaunted offense. The Bears special teams were great. Hester and Manning each had long returns and set up Bears offense.

Griese was solid in the backup role.

All in all, I expected more but it is still preseason and they have time to improve.

Bad Rexy.

1 INT and 3 fumbles in a quarter and a half...not good, Rexy.

Looks like he better get back to work with Pep and work on those fundamentals.

I know he still has a couple of weeks to go before the opener with S.D. but you would have thought he would have had a better showing than that. Also, it does nothing to dispel the questions that surround him (whether those questions are right or wrong). We'll see how this story plays out over the course of the season.

Redskins second preseason game thoughts...

First, contrary to some people's ideas, the 'Skins did not get blown away and in fact the 'Skins starters dominated the Steelers starters.

The first quarter was completely dominated by the 'Skins as they held on to the ball for nearly 12 minutes. Here are my thoughts in no general order:

1. Campbell looked very good up until he got hurt.
2. Collins lookded very good when he got a chance.
3. Defense played very well. They played with intensity and passion and you can see that they have a lot of pride.
4. Rocky McIntosh is starting the preseason like an All Pro. The guy is all over the field making plays. With McIntosh, Fletcher, and Washington, we have a VERY solid group of LBs.
5. Special teams was solid. Frost punted well and the punt/kickoff coverage teams made several good tackles not allowing the returners much space.


Here are the negative points:

1. O line was better but continues to be an issue. They did not create many running lanes for the backs and could not pick up the blitzes.
2. Said running game NEEDS to improve. It was a strong point for us last year and I expect this to be better.
3. Even though we dominated most offensive categories, we did not put up many points. That has to change.
4. Even though the defense was aggressive, we need to create turnovers.
5. Brunell sucks! He made a couple of decent plays on the last drive to set us up for a win but then to get a delay of game penalty and then with the last play knowing we don't have any timeouts, why is he throwing down the middle of the field? Even if the receiver caught the ball, he would have been tackled and time would have expired. Brunell is supposed to be a seasoned veteran but that was a stupid play.

Other:

1. The injury to Campbell was frightening. When I saw him rolling around and then the replays, I thought the worst and pretty thought the season was a wash. However, the reports are that it is just bruised and there is nothing serious. Hopefully that is the case.
2. The injury to Washington is disappointing. He is a good LB and he worked hard to come back from hip surgery so hopefully he can return soon. Last I heard was it would be a couple of weeks.
3. The injury to Espy is disappointing because he was a decent player. While he was not critical to the team's success, he seemed like a decent guy and now his season is over.

All in all, I am very pleased with the way the team looks right now. They are MUCH better than where they were last year at this point. At least we look like we have some pride and passion and that we can compete out there. The O line needs to shore up and the running game needs to improve and hopefully we don't suffer any injuries to any key players and we should be pretty good.

I'm out!

Redskins first preseason game.

Got to say, I felt pretty good about the game on Sat. night. Sure there could have been some improvements but all in all, they were much improved from last year's preseason.

Even though the starting offense didn't put up any points, I thought JC played pretty well. He was 6-14 for 104 yards. He had two accurate balls thrown about 15 yards downfield that were dropped as well. The only passes that I felt he missed were a 5 yard buttonhook that he threw over Randle El's head (it was a hot and muggy night and it was clear he lost his grip) and a deep flare out that he threw a yard or two past the WR. Still, I felt like he had a pretty solid performance and was pleased.

I was very pleased with the overall play of the defense. I thought the LBs were very good. Fletcher was all over the field and McIntosh showed good athleticism in pass coverage. The D line was solid which was good. Landry made some hard hits especially on Collins on a 3rd down blitz where he came in untouched and leveled Collins. Collins just got the ball away for an incompletion but it took him a few seconds to get up from the hit. Apparently, the thinking is that with the improvements made in the secondary, the D can blitz more and be more aggressive. That's kind of what they showed against the Titans. We'll see how it works during the season.

The problem I had was with the O line. They did not open many running lanes and Campbell was under constant pressure. The pressure led to two fumbles as well which we can't have happen. The first fumble killed a good opening drive by the 'Skins. Granted we had a rookie in at LT in place of perennial All Pro Chris Samuels but still the line looked shaky. Todd Wade apparently is having difficulty adjusting to LG from his normal tackle position and that could be a problem. Hopefully things get worked out in time for the season.

The 'Skins ended up winning the game and scored two late TDs (one coming from the defense). What I thought was really important was how happy the team was with the victory. Guys like Moss showed a rare smile and Portis was jumping up and down on the sidelines with the defensive TD. To me, this is an important factor at this point in the preseason. Guys care about winning even if it is only preseason.

Again, all in all, I was encouraged and hopefully we can make continued improvement in each preseason game leading into the regular season.

Good news for Bears fans.

By all accounts, the Bears are feeling really good right now. Apparently, Rexy is looking pretty sharp in camp and enjoying the shotgun formation and working with his QB coach. Lovie is believing that their offense will be just as potent as their defense and the defense has been able to add depth at the D line position and sign their two CBs to long term deals. Bears should be well positioned to make another Super Bowl run. Still, it all has to come together on Sundays. Again, just happy football season is just around the corner.

Redskin training camp.

So I went to Redskin Park and got a look at the Redskins practicing. First, it was the first time I had been to their practice in Ashburn. I had gone to Carlyle several years ago but this was a little bit different atmosphere. Obviously, now that it is in VA, there were several more fans. Also, they had souvenier stands and a few refreshment stands as well. Still, it was a good crowd and good atmosphere. The players started off in individual position drills and then came together for offense vs. defense. The players cycled in and out regularly but saw some good plays by Jason Campbell. Namely, a 40+ yard ball to Antwaan Randle El who was being covered by Shawn Springs. It was a nice corner pattern that Randle El snagged at the 2 yard line. Campbell looked good out there and looked confident. It will be interesting to see how much he has matured in the off season. As we have discussed, I expect good things out of him. However, I keep in mind that he only has 7 starts to his name.

Also, got a chance to look at Laron Landry. He looked enthusiastic and there was no question that he seeks contact. Guy was not afraid to hit. It was also nice to see Smoot back here. He looked happy to be back and the crowd gave plenty of "SMOOOOOOOT!" chants. Overall, I was pleased with what I saw. I am not sure how the previous training camps have gone but there seems to be a business-like feeling over at the Park and it looked the players had something to prove. We'll see how things play out but I am just happy that we are only a few short weeks from football season.

How is everybody?

I have been submerged for some time but have resurfaced and am back (for now). What's been going on?!

Jason Campbell is the Man!

Watch it. 'Nuff said.