By now, we have all heard of the Tiger incident. What we don't know is what is the real story. Tiger has dodged the police interviews several times now most likely to get his story straight but there are a few questions that are critical including:
— Where he was going at that time of the night?
— How did he lose control of his SUV at such a speed that the air bags didn’t deploy?
— Why were both rear windows of the Cadillac Escalade smashed?
— If it was a careless mistake, why not speak to state troopers trying to wrap the investigation?
Tiger has requested privacy but by his not coming forward it only magnifies the story and perpetuates more rumors.
Tiger has had a stellar career thus far and has been the model athlete/role model. This incident puts a black mark on his otherwise flawless image. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Skins fall to the Eagles
I don't really expect to win any more games and frankly it doesn't really matter if we win any more given that we have no chance of playoff aspirations.
Still, the last few games have been probably the best football we have played all year so I end up finding myself hoping to pull them out. Just like last week, we had the lead late into the game but fell short. The Skins just don't know how to close games out. We find ways to lose. Still, there are a number of things to feel good about.
1. I like Jason Campbell. I know I am in the minority on this one but the guy looks like he can play. Sure, he's not perfect. I didn't like his two INTs yesterday but the guy is playing some pretty good football given the circumstances. Every time he drops back for a pass, he has to feel like he is going to get nailed and that's pretty tough conditions to play under. Also, I don't think he is the elite NFL QB like Brady, Brees, or Manning but he certainly is a starter in the league and I would love to see him play with a solid O line in front of him. The tough part will be if he is with the Skins next year. I don't think that there is anyone really available out there so hopefully Snyderatto does the right thing for once and bring JC back.
2. Good to see the young guys step up. Kelly, Thomas, and Davis accounted for 10 catches and nearly 150 yards yesterday. It's the second week in a row that these guys have contributed. They just need to be given the opportunity. It's also good to see Thomas returning kicks. He gives a level of speed and elusiveness that Cartwright just can't bring.
3. Defense is solid. We have a playoff caliber defense. Was disappointed they let Philly walk down the field to score the game tying TD but all in all they have been a solid unit. You can also see the difference that Haynesworth brings when he is in there. The guy makes everyone on that line better and helps everyone else bring pressure. We just haven't had the same amount of pressure the last two weeks with him being out. The one thing I would like to see more of on the defense though is more of an attitude. The Bears have attitude but no substance. We have a strong enough defense but need to play with more of an anger. Landry showed some emotion recently and that is good but a good example of what I am talking about is in that incident during the Falcon game when D. Hall was surrounded by 10 Falcons and not one Redskin was in sight. It's like if you are at a bar with your family or friends and one of your friends gets into it with another group of guys. You got to step in and help out. Even if your friend was wrong, you don't leave him out to dry by himself. We need to show more emotion and attitude.
4. O line has been better. This is all relative. The O line still sucks but it is better than it was a few weeks ago. Still, this needs a complete overhaul. We need 4 new linemen. We need a new LT, RT, RG, and bring in a C to compete with Rabach. Dockery is the only guy that is legit out there. For goodness sake, we started our fifth guy at RG yesterday and it was an undrafted rookie. Literally, our line is made up of the following:
LT - a guy off the scrap heap that couldn't make the Packer squad and was out of football until we called and asked him to start at the most important position on the line.
LG - Dockery who is solid.
C - Rabach who is smart and anchors the line but getting a little long in the tooth.
RG - Williams, the undrafted rookie who is a LG but was the fifth player to start at RG for us.
RT - Heyer, who was an undrafted rookie and converted LT.
It's like the JV squad against the Varsity. We are just overmatched at line.
I have to say that I love the heart that we show. We could easily give up since we aren't really playing for anything but these guys are coming out and competing and again, probably playing their best football of the year.
It's tough because Zorn is most likely gone after this year and that means starting over with a new system and new routines and stuff and I could probably accept that since I think our offense sputtered under him. The playcalling and production has been better under Lewis. Still, I hope that we retain JC and then revamp the O line and see what we can do. We should have a top pick in the draft and have to go O line and then draft another O lineman with our next pick and pick up two solid ones via FA. If we do that, I do feel like we can be a playoff team.
Still, the last few games have been probably the best football we have played all year so I end up finding myself hoping to pull them out. Just like last week, we had the lead late into the game but fell short. The Skins just don't know how to close games out. We find ways to lose. Still, there are a number of things to feel good about.
1. I like Jason Campbell. I know I am in the minority on this one but the guy looks like he can play. Sure, he's not perfect. I didn't like his two INTs yesterday but the guy is playing some pretty good football given the circumstances. Every time he drops back for a pass, he has to feel like he is going to get nailed and that's pretty tough conditions to play under. Also, I don't think he is the elite NFL QB like Brady, Brees, or Manning but he certainly is a starter in the league and I would love to see him play with a solid O line in front of him. The tough part will be if he is with the Skins next year. I don't think that there is anyone really available out there so hopefully Snyderatto does the right thing for once and bring JC back.
2. Good to see the young guys step up. Kelly, Thomas, and Davis accounted for 10 catches and nearly 150 yards yesterday. It's the second week in a row that these guys have contributed. They just need to be given the opportunity. It's also good to see Thomas returning kicks. He gives a level of speed and elusiveness that Cartwright just can't bring.
3. Defense is solid. We have a playoff caliber defense. Was disappointed they let Philly walk down the field to score the game tying TD but all in all they have been a solid unit. You can also see the difference that Haynesworth brings when he is in there. The guy makes everyone on that line better and helps everyone else bring pressure. We just haven't had the same amount of pressure the last two weeks with him being out. The one thing I would like to see more of on the defense though is more of an attitude. The Bears have attitude but no substance. We have a strong enough defense but need to play with more of an anger. Landry showed some emotion recently and that is good but a good example of what I am talking about is in that incident during the Falcon game when D. Hall was surrounded by 10 Falcons and not one Redskin was in sight. It's like if you are at a bar with your family or friends and one of your friends gets into it with another group of guys. You got to step in and help out. Even if your friend was wrong, you don't leave him out to dry by himself. We need to show more emotion and attitude.
4. O line has been better. This is all relative. The O line still sucks but it is better than it was a few weeks ago. Still, this needs a complete overhaul. We need 4 new linemen. We need a new LT, RT, RG, and bring in a C to compete with Rabach. Dockery is the only guy that is legit out there. For goodness sake, we started our fifth guy at RG yesterday and it was an undrafted rookie. Literally, our line is made up of the following:
LT - a guy off the scrap heap that couldn't make the Packer squad and was out of football until we called and asked him to start at the most important position on the line.
LG - Dockery who is solid.
C - Rabach who is smart and anchors the line but getting a little long in the tooth.
RG - Williams, the undrafted rookie who is a LG but was the fifth player to start at RG for us.
RT - Heyer, who was an undrafted rookie and converted LT.
It's like the JV squad against the Varsity. We are just overmatched at line.
I have to say that I love the heart that we show. We could easily give up since we aren't really playing for anything but these guys are coming out and competing and again, probably playing their best football of the year.
It's tough because Zorn is most likely gone after this year and that means starting over with a new system and new routines and stuff and I could probably accept that since I think our offense sputtered under him. The playcalling and production has been better under Lewis. Still, I hope that we retain JC and then revamp the O line and see what we can do. We should have a top pick in the draft and have to go O line and then draft another O lineman with our next pick and pick up two solid ones via FA. If we do that, I do feel like we can be a playoff team.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Skins fall
It was the worst of all possible situations. I could have been happy with a victory or an embarrassing loss but to lose in a competitive game only means that the front office thinks that we are close and it just means more of the same.
It was a tough game. I feel badly for our defense. We have a 10-11 win defense but a poor offense. Our O line is improved from a few weeks ago but still weak. I do like that we are starting to mix the young receivers into the mix. I like JC. Too bad Betts tore his ACL and MCL but Cartwright came in and gave us a boost. The guy runs and works hard and should get a good opportunity this week against the Eagles with Portis and Betts both out. The O line suffered another injury with Rinehart going down with a broken leg. I imagine either Mike Williams or Will Montgomery will step in. Just another patch in a makeshift line.
Suisham, who didn't miss a FG all year, missed on two (a 38 and 50 yarder). Those were tough because they both came at critical moments. The first one was missed right before the halftime in which we saw a 10 minute delay because of some poor officiating and where the ball should be spotted. Because of the delay, I think the miss was even more critical. Each coach was arguing for field position and after such a delay to come up empty was even more deflating.
The second miss was even more critical. We had just come up with a London Fletcher INT and the FG would have made it a two possession game with 7 minutes and change left. When he missed, you kind of knew that Dallas was going to come down and score which they did. There was still time for the Skins to get a FG and we started moving the ball and I felt pretty good but then JC threw a ball that was tipped and intercepted sealing the loss.
In some ways, I feel like we are playing our best football of the season the last couple of weeks. I feel like guys are playing with a little more heart. I liked to see Landry and other defensive guys out there showing a little more energy and emotion. I would like to see more of that. I like that the younger receivers are stepping up a little. Again, I like JC. I would love to see how the offense would run with a strong O line. I am only assuming whether Cerrato is fired or not, we draft a couple of O linemen and then get a couple more in FA. If we can shore that up and get some consistency on offense, I really feel like we could be a good team because this defense is sound.
Anyway, on to Philly. Looks like we will be playing the role of spoiler and be playing for pride the rest of the way. I hope to get more looks at some of the younger guys.
It was a tough game. I feel badly for our defense. We have a 10-11 win defense but a poor offense. Our O line is improved from a few weeks ago but still weak. I do like that we are starting to mix the young receivers into the mix. I like JC. Too bad Betts tore his ACL and MCL but Cartwright came in and gave us a boost. The guy runs and works hard and should get a good opportunity this week against the Eagles with Portis and Betts both out. The O line suffered another injury with Rinehart going down with a broken leg. I imagine either Mike Williams or Will Montgomery will step in. Just another patch in a makeshift line.
Suisham, who didn't miss a FG all year, missed on two (a 38 and 50 yarder). Those were tough because they both came at critical moments. The first one was missed right before the halftime in which we saw a 10 minute delay because of some poor officiating and where the ball should be spotted. Because of the delay, I think the miss was even more critical. Each coach was arguing for field position and after such a delay to come up empty was even more deflating.
The second miss was even more critical. We had just come up with a London Fletcher INT and the FG would have made it a two possession game with 7 minutes and change left. When he missed, you kind of knew that Dallas was going to come down and score which they did. There was still time for the Skins to get a FG and we started moving the ball and I felt pretty good but then JC threw a ball that was tipped and intercepted sealing the loss.
In some ways, I feel like we are playing our best football of the season the last couple of weeks. I feel like guys are playing with a little more heart. I liked to see Landry and other defensive guys out there showing a little more energy and emotion. I would like to see more of that. I like that the younger receivers are stepping up a little. Again, I like JC. I would love to see how the offense would run with a strong O line. I am only assuming whether Cerrato is fired or not, we draft a couple of O linemen and then get a couple more in FA. If we can shore that up and get some consistency on offense, I really feel like we could be a good team because this defense is sound.
Anyway, on to Philly. Looks like we will be playing the role of spoiler and be playing for pride the rest of the way. I hope to get more looks at some of the younger guys.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Redskins vs. Cowboys
The rivalry has become kind of a token rivalry at this point. It certainly doesn't have the same feeling that it did in the '70s and '80s when these teams truly didn't like each other.
Still, the game brings about a little extra attention. It should be an interesting game since it appears no one really wants to step out and win the NFC East.
The Cowboys suffered a significant loss to the Packers last week and the Skins are coming off of their best game of the year against the Broncos. The Skins have looked rejuvenated over the last 6 quarters of football and put up some very good numbers.
As I have mentioned, I do not think the Skins are going to run the table and would almost prefer a solid defeat so that we can pray for needed change in the offseason. However, I actually think the team has a shot in this game. Dallas has given up 22 sacks this year and their O line is beat up so I expect us to get to Romo. Our O line played much better last game. The addition of Levi Jones was a big surprise but he did a number on Dumervil. What does he get as his reward? A good helping of Demarcus Ware. Samuels would always have a problem with Ware so it will be an interesting matchup to watch.
I like that Betts will get the nod again and hopefully he and Cartwright can continue their strong running attack. I like JC and I like that we are mixing in some of the younger guys finally.
Defensively we are solid. The big question will be can we finally stop the big play. Also, who will be lining up at right CB? Rogers consistently bites on the double move and if he is out there, no question the Cowboys run that on him.
The funny thing is that even after all the shenanigans of this season, if the Skins were somehow able to pull out the win, they would find themselves right back in the playoff picture.
Should be fun.
Still, the game brings about a little extra attention. It should be an interesting game since it appears no one really wants to step out and win the NFC East.
The Cowboys suffered a significant loss to the Packers last week and the Skins are coming off of their best game of the year against the Broncos. The Skins have looked rejuvenated over the last 6 quarters of football and put up some very good numbers.
As I have mentioned, I do not think the Skins are going to run the table and would almost prefer a solid defeat so that we can pray for needed change in the offseason. However, I actually think the team has a shot in this game. Dallas has given up 22 sacks this year and their O line is beat up so I expect us to get to Romo. Our O line played much better last game. The addition of Levi Jones was a big surprise but he did a number on Dumervil. What does he get as his reward? A good helping of Demarcus Ware. Samuels would always have a problem with Ware so it will be an interesting matchup to watch.
I like that Betts will get the nod again and hopefully he and Cartwright can continue their strong running attack. I like JC and I like that we are mixing in some of the younger guys finally.
Defensively we are solid. The big question will be can we finally stop the big play. Also, who will be lining up at right CB? Rogers consistently bites on the double move and if he is out there, no question the Cowboys run that on him.
The funny thing is that even after all the shenanigans of this season, if the Skins were somehow able to pull out the win, they would find themselves right back in the playoff picture.
Should be fun.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
CP
So CP was on ESPN 980 yesterday and they were asking him about him possibly losing his starting job. He said that he liked Betts. That they were good friends and good teammates and that Betts is a solid runner and that he only helps the team and that was a good thing. He also said that he doesn't mind sharing the load because it can only make the team stronger. He seemed genuine in his comments and I believed him. However, he said that they have run well in the past with CP in there and that as far as him possibly losing his starting job that was a non issue. For what it is worth, JZ and Sherman Smith have both said that CP is the starter.
It all seems the right way to handle things. Frankly, one can only hope that all the Betts success and talk will light a little bit of a fire under CP and get him running with more purpose.
It all seems the right way to handle things. Frankly, one can only hope that all the Betts success and talk will light a little bit of a fire under CP and get him running with more purpose.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Is Jay Cutler the reincarnation of Jeff George?
There are a lot of comparisons between Jay Cutler and Jeff George. Both were highly touted coming out of college. Both have big arms. Both have an abundance of confidence. Despite those characteristics, both have pedestrian winning percentages.
Also of interest both were traded early on in their careers because of their gripes with their respective front offices. They were both traded for two first rounders a piece.
They both think that their there is no window too tiny to squeeze the ball through, no defensive back quick enough to break on one of his spirals in time to pick it off (e.g., 49ers safety Mark Roman, a 10-year veteran, noticed about Cutler's decision-making before Cutler's last INT, "I couldn't believe he was going to throw the ball because I was in prime position to make the play," Roman said).
Jake Plummer said of Jay Cutler, "He's a great quarterback, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying anything to disrespect him. I think he's a helluva player. But Jeff George was a helluva player."
Both players have had attitude issues and overconfidence issues. Cutler seems to gripe to officials in nearly every game. He was just fined $20K for his comments to an official. Coming off of that fine, he again argued with officials in the 49er game for a non pass interference call. In breaking down an entire game film with Marty Schottenheimer in a 37-3 drubbing when they were both with the Redskins, George came out of it saying that there was nothing more he could have done in the game. He also said that leadership was overrated.
It's interesting to see the similarities these two players share in both characteristics as well as their career at this point. Hopefully for Bear fans Cutler's career doesn't continue down the same path George's did.
Also of interest both were traded early on in their careers because of their gripes with their respective front offices. They were both traded for two first rounders a piece.
They both think that their there is no window too tiny to squeeze the ball through, no defensive back quick enough to break on one of his spirals in time to pick it off (e.g., 49ers safety Mark Roman, a 10-year veteran, noticed about Cutler's decision-making before Cutler's last INT, "I couldn't believe he was going to throw the ball because I was in prime position to make the play," Roman said).
Jake Plummer said of Jay Cutler, "He's a great quarterback, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying anything to disrespect him. I think he's a helluva player. But Jeff George was a helluva player."
Both players have had attitude issues and overconfidence issues. Cutler seems to gripe to officials in nearly every game. He was just fined $20K for his comments to an official. Coming off of that fine, he again argued with officials in the 49er game for a non pass interference call. In breaking down an entire game film with Marty Schottenheimer in a 37-3 drubbing when they were both with the Redskins, George came out of it saying that there was nothing more he could have done in the game. He also said that leadership was overrated.
It's interesting to see the similarities these two players share in both characteristics as well as their career at this point. Hopefully for Bear fans Cutler's career doesn't continue down the same path George's did.
Bench Jeff Cutler?
Good article from ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski where he brings up some good points regarding Jeff Cutler.
If he were any other quarterback, Jay Cutler would have been benched by now.
But when you've invested what the Chicago Bears have invested in him -- not much, just the franchise's future -- then you're stuck with the human interception machine.
And here's what the Bears have to show for it: a 4-5 record, 17 league-leading Cutler interceptions and almost zero chance of reaching the playoffs.
Cutler was 17-20 as a starter for the Denver Broncos before he whined his way to a trade. He's sub-.500 with the Bears. He never led the Broncos to the postseason, and it doesn't look like he'll get the Bears there this year. So maybe none of his win-loss numbers are a coincidence.
Yet Cutler will be the starting quarterback when the Bears face the Eagles at Soldier Field next Sunday night. Uh-oh. Cutler's worst games as a Bear have come at night: four interceptions against Green Bay, two against Atlanta, five against San Francisco. All losses, by the way.
Five of Cutler's 17 interceptions this season have come inside the 20-yard line. The Bears can't afford to have a quarterback who keeps giving away red zone points. The Bears have no margin of error left in their season. They can't afford to keep playing a quarterback who thinks arm strength can overcome triple coverage and who keeps giving away red zone points. Five of Cutler's 17 interceptions have come inside the 20. If you're keeping count -- and The Denver Post's Mike Klis has done exactly that -- Cutler has thrown a combined eight red zone interceptions in his past 14 games.
If Cutler struggles again, Smith needs to pull him. For a series. A quarter. A half. The rest of the game. Whatever. But he has to do something. Insanity? No -- it's a necessity.
Last month, Smith benched Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris against Cincinnati. Cornerback Nathan Vasher lost his starting job earlier in the season. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer lost his starting job last season. Quarterback Rex Grossman lost his job early in the 2007 season. Why shouldn't Cutler be held to the same performance standards?
I know Cutler is the franchise quarterback. I know backup Caleb Hanie has a grand total of one NFL completion for 3 yards. But if Smith wants to send a message that everyone, including Cutler, is accountable for his play, he has to do more than blather on about it in his postgame monotone-athon.
Cutler has two four-plus-interception games this season. He has four games with two or more interceptions. He's been penalized and later fined for chirping at officials. And you don't need Rosetta Stone learning software to read his body language. Cutler has cornered the market on brooding.
If New York Yankees starter CC Sabathia stinks it up, he gets pulled. If Chicago Blackhawks goalie Cristobal Huet stinks it up, he gets pulled. If Cutler stinks it up, he gets a contract extension. And the Bears get another loss.
It's time for Cutler to quit imitating Brady Quinn. And if he doesn't, if he keeps throwing more game-killing interceptions, then it's time for Smith to quit acting like a company man.
Cutler isn't going anywhere. Neither is Smith, who has $11 million and two years left on his contract extension. The Bears could easily afford to fire him, but they won't. That's because team president Ted Phillips has a history of squeezing pennies so hard that Abe Lincoln needs a respirator.
So Smith has a decision to make. He can keep Cutler in the lineup, no matter how many times Cutler throws to the wrong team. Or he can risk angering Cutler by calling him out or pulling him out -- even for just one attention-getting play. And he risks angering team management, which is married to Cutler for better or worse.
You'll get your answer the next time Cutler ends another Bears drive with an interception. But I'm guessing nothing changes. Cutler will stay on the field.
Smith's double standard will stay there, too.
Chicago faces Philly in a nationally televised Sunday night game. Cutler has had his worst games on national tv at night. The game will be at home and the Eagles have an attacking defense that forces turnovers. It will be interesting to see what happens if Cutler throws a couple of early picks. The crowd will be on him and you can bet the Al and Cris will be talking about his performance. It will be a story line going into the game.
If he were any other quarterback, Jay Cutler would have been benched by now.
But when you've invested what the Chicago Bears have invested in him -- not much, just the franchise's future -- then you're stuck with the human interception machine.
And here's what the Bears have to show for it: a 4-5 record, 17 league-leading Cutler interceptions and almost zero chance of reaching the playoffs.
Cutler was 17-20 as a starter for the Denver Broncos before he whined his way to a trade. He's sub-.500 with the Bears. He never led the Broncos to the postseason, and it doesn't look like he'll get the Bears there this year. So maybe none of his win-loss numbers are a coincidence.
Yet Cutler will be the starting quarterback when the Bears face the Eagles at Soldier Field next Sunday night. Uh-oh. Cutler's worst games as a Bear have come at night: four interceptions against Green Bay, two against Atlanta, five against San Francisco. All losses, by the way.
Five of Cutler's 17 interceptions this season have come inside the 20-yard line. The Bears can't afford to have a quarterback who keeps giving away red zone points. The Bears have no margin of error left in their season. They can't afford to keep playing a quarterback who thinks arm strength can overcome triple coverage and who keeps giving away red zone points. Five of Cutler's 17 interceptions have come inside the 20. If you're keeping count -- and The Denver Post's Mike Klis has done exactly that -- Cutler has thrown a combined eight red zone interceptions in his past 14 games.
If Cutler struggles again, Smith needs to pull him. For a series. A quarter. A half. The rest of the game. Whatever. But he has to do something. Insanity? No -- it's a necessity.
Last month, Smith benched Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris against Cincinnati. Cornerback Nathan Vasher lost his starting job earlier in the season. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer lost his starting job last season. Quarterback Rex Grossman lost his job early in the 2007 season. Why shouldn't Cutler be held to the same performance standards?
I know Cutler is the franchise quarterback. I know backup Caleb Hanie has a grand total of one NFL completion for 3 yards. But if Smith wants to send a message that everyone, including Cutler, is accountable for his play, he has to do more than blather on about it in his postgame monotone-athon.
Cutler has two four-plus-interception games this season. He has four games with two or more interceptions. He's been penalized and later fined for chirping at officials. And you don't need Rosetta Stone learning software to read his body language. Cutler has cornered the market on brooding.
If New York Yankees starter CC Sabathia stinks it up, he gets pulled. If Chicago Blackhawks goalie Cristobal Huet stinks it up, he gets pulled. If Cutler stinks it up, he gets a contract extension. And the Bears get another loss.
It's time for Cutler to quit imitating Brady Quinn. And if he doesn't, if he keeps throwing more game-killing interceptions, then it's time for Smith to quit acting like a company man.
Cutler isn't going anywhere. Neither is Smith, who has $11 million and two years left on his contract extension. The Bears could easily afford to fire him, but they won't. That's because team president Ted Phillips has a history of squeezing pennies so hard that Abe Lincoln needs a respirator.
So Smith has a decision to make. He can keep Cutler in the lineup, no matter how many times Cutler throws to the wrong team. Or he can risk angering Cutler by calling him out or pulling him out -- even for just one attention-getting play. And he risks angering team management, which is married to Cutler for better or worse.
You'll get your answer the next time Cutler ends another Bears drive with an interception. But I'm guessing nothing changes. Cutler will stay on the field.
Smith's double standard will stay there, too.
Chicago faces Philly in a nationally televised Sunday night game. Cutler has had his worst games on national tv at night. The game will be at home and the Eagles have an attacking defense that forces turnovers. It will be interesting to see what happens if Cutler throws a couple of early picks. The crowd will be on him and you can bet the Al and Cris will be talking about his performance. It will be a story line going into the game.
Monday, November 16, 2009
What was Belichik thinking?
It's hard to question a coach that has had the kind of success that Belichik has had over the last decade. However, for anyone that saw/read/heard what happened last night, what was he thinking?
The Pats faced a fourth-and-2 situation from their own 28-yard line with 2 minutes, 8 seconds to play. They were ahead of the Indianapolis Colts by six points.
Belichick called a timeout to shoo his punt unit off the field. He sent his offense back to the field. Surely, Belichick ordered Tom Brady to induce the Colts to jump offside with a hard count and some wild hand gesticulations.
There was no way the Patriots were going to snap it, right?
Then the ball soared between center Dan Koppen's knees. The play was live. This was it, do or die. Brady threw to his right to running back Kevin Faulk, who bobbled the ball but corralled it as he went to the turf -- short of the first down by six inches or so.
Anybody who watched the play unfold was stunned.
Manning got the short field and ended up throwing the game winning TD to Reggie Wayne with 13 ticks left on the clock.
Crazy call but the interesting thing is how closely knit this Patriot team is and how vocal players were in defending their coach. The Pats have been probably the best run NFL franchise over the last decade and they are like a family and they all stick together. It's not like they do that because they have to but because they want to. The players that defended their coach didn't just sound like it was PR spin but that they genuinely meant it and that they would do whatever the coach said because they believe in him. Again, with all of his success, Belichick does deserve credit and has built up a fair amount of trust.
I still don't like the call but by last count Belichick has won a lot more Super Bowls than I have and gets paid the big bucks to make those kinds of calls. I'm sure Belichick and the Pats will have their opportunity at revenge when they face the Colts in the playoffs.
The Pats faced a fourth-and-2 situation from their own 28-yard line with 2 minutes, 8 seconds to play. They were ahead of the Indianapolis Colts by six points.
Belichick called a timeout to shoo his punt unit off the field. He sent his offense back to the field. Surely, Belichick ordered Tom Brady to induce the Colts to jump offside with a hard count and some wild hand gesticulations.
There was no way the Patriots were going to snap it, right?
Then the ball soared between center Dan Koppen's knees. The play was live. This was it, do or die. Brady threw to his right to running back Kevin Faulk, who bobbled the ball but corralled it as he went to the turf -- short of the first down by six inches or so.
Anybody who watched the play unfold was stunned.
Manning got the short field and ended up throwing the game winning TD to Reggie Wayne with 13 ticks left on the clock.
Crazy call but the interesting thing is how closely knit this Patriot team is and how vocal players were in defending their coach. The Pats have been probably the best run NFL franchise over the last decade and they are like a family and they all stick together. It's not like they do that because they have to but because they want to. The players that defended their coach didn't just sound like it was PR spin but that they genuinely meant it and that they would do whatever the coach said because they believe in him. Again, with all of his success, Belichick does deserve credit and has built up a fair amount of trust.
I still don't like the call but by last count Belichick has won a lot more Super Bowls than I have and gets paid the big bucks to make those kinds of calls. I'm sure Belichick and the Pats will have their opportunity at revenge when they face the Colts in the playoffs.
Betts/Cartright vs. CP
For the second game in a row, Betts and Cartright have provided energy and much needed production to an anemic running game. These guys make their reads and hit their holes hard. They look like they are running at a different speed than CP.
Much of this can be attributed to the fact that Betts and Rock practice every day and understand the nuances of their O line that only comes when you practice with them. I feel that because CP doesn't practice, not only is he not aware of those small nuances but also the team doesn't get as energized with him back there because he doesn't practice and makes himself out to be better than the team. Ladell and Rock are just a couple of guys that fit in with everyone else.
Like the Rogers/Smoot situation, will be interesting who gets the nod as CP gets healthy. Not sure I like a platoon situation since you need to get guys into a rhythm and it's hard to do that when you are being pulled out and put back in all the time.
Much of this can be attributed to the fact that Betts and Rock practice every day and understand the nuances of their O line that only comes when you practice with them. I feel that because CP doesn't practice, not only is he not aware of those small nuances but also the team doesn't get as energized with him back there because he doesn't practice and makes himself out to be better than the team. Ladell and Rock are just a couple of guys that fit in with everyone else.
Like the Rogers/Smoot situation, will be interesting who gets the nod as CP gets healthy. Not sure I like a platoon situation since you need to get guys into a rhythm and it's hard to do that when you are being pulled out and put back in all the time.
Carlos Rogers vs. Fred Smoot
So Rogers fell for the double move badly AGAIN. As long as he is in there, you can bet that teams will work him with the double move time and again. He deserved to be pulled and Smoot came in and did a good job as his replacement.
The interesting thing now is who starts against Dallas?
The interesting thing now is who starts against Dallas?
SKINS WIN!!!
Mixed thoughts on the victory. It's nice to see the Skins win and it was a pretty good game but I have said before that I would like to see us lose out as that is pretty much the only way we can hope to see change with the ass that is Cerrato in the offseason.
However, again, it was nice to see a win. It's been a while and you kind of forget how good it feels to pull one out.
Here are some thoughts on the game:
1. Levi Jones was a HUGE step up from Heyer at LT. He helped anchor a rejuvenated line that didn't allow a sack the entire first half and provided Betts and Cartright good running lanes that led to our best running game of the year.
2. JC was solid hitting 10 different receivers in the game. He hung in the pocket and again tucked and ran decisively which is want we all want to see. Disappointed he missed Moss on the wide open deep ball. He has done that a few times this year and we really need those since those opportunities are few and far between.
3. The 4th and 20 pass from Hunter the punter was ridiculous. I was shocked to see what the hell we were doing. I figured it would be a quick kick and then when he was looking to throw in front of him, I was thinking what the hell is this? We have no shot at getting a first down and then when he flung it across the field and I saw a wide open Sellers, it was amazing. It seemed like a really long and confusing play and I guess it was. It was pretty neat to see it work. If the Skins had a better record and playoffs seemed like more of a possibility, I would not have liked the call but given that we don't really have much to lose at this point, it was an exciting play.
4. Betts and Cartright were solid. These guys seemed to both have a little extra hop in their step. What I liked was that they were running to the holes hard. These guys practice every day (unlike CP) so they know their linemen and know when/how to hit the holes. I also liked that we were running hard up the middle and doing less stretch runs which do not play to our O line strengths. Will be interesting to what happens as CP gets healthy. Really feel like Betts and Cartright deserve bigger roles in our offense.
5. Playcalling was sound. We had great balance between run and pass. I like that we worked in some pass plays with JC rolling out. We also seem to have better and more decisive short passes. I have noticed things being a little more aggressive and JC and other Skins have mentioned the same. Maybe Sherm Lewis knows what he's doing after all.
6. Devin Thomas. Liked that he was getting a little more involved. His screen that he turned into a 27 yard gain was tremendous individual effort. The guy made more guys miss in that one play then in his entire NFL career. He can be a playmaker but we just need to get him the ball. The guy is an exciting player that brings a lot of energy. He's a playmaker and you need to get the ball to your playmakers. He's the kind of guy that can make shorter passes into longer gains with his ability to run after the catch and we need to find ways to get him the ball.
7. Defense is becoming an issue. For the third game in a row, we have been giving up multiple big plays. This is unacceptable. Understand that we knocked Orton out of the game but if we take those two deep balls away from the Broncos, they pretty much had nothing. I don't understand how guys get SO wide open. Again, these big plays must stop.
8. Carlos Rogers once again falls for the double move. I like Rogers and think he could be a pretty good CB but he always falls for the double move. He has had issues with that his entire career. I was happy to see him get benched and thought Smoot did a good job stepping in. The tough part for Rogers is that he is in a contract year and playing the way he did and getting benched doesn't help his cause for a bigger contract. Still, he has to play better or else I say go with Smoot.
9. Orakpo is a monster. That guys along with Andre Carter are very disruptive and with the help of Haynesworth, we finally have a line that is able to get pressure on the QB.
10. Red zone offense has gotten MUCH better. All of a sudden the last couple of weeks we are finding ways to get TDs. That's great news.
All in all a good effort. Again, in some ways, I prefer losing out but then again, it was nice to see a victory. What's interesting is that with all these NFC teams losing, the Skins really aren't out of it. I know that is kind of crazy talk and I really don't want to entertain that idea right now. After all, it was only one game. However, a victory this week against Dallas would make things kind of interesting.
However, again, it was nice to see a win. It's been a while and you kind of forget how good it feels to pull one out.
Here are some thoughts on the game:
1. Levi Jones was a HUGE step up from Heyer at LT. He helped anchor a rejuvenated line that didn't allow a sack the entire first half and provided Betts and Cartright good running lanes that led to our best running game of the year.
2. JC was solid hitting 10 different receivers in the game. He hung in the pocket and again tucked and ran decisively which is want we all want to see. Disappointed he missed Moss on the wide open deep ball. He has done that a few times this year and we really need those since those opportunities are few and far between.
3. The 4th and 20 pass from Hunter the punter was ridiculous. I was shocked to see what the hell we were doing. I figured it would be a quick kick and then when he was looking to throw in front of him, I was thinking what the hell is this? We have no shot at getting a first down and then when he flung it across the field and I saw a wide open Sellers, it was amazing. It seemed like a really long and confusing play and I guess it was. It was pretty neat to see it work. If the Skins had a better record and playoffs seemed like more of a possibility, I would not have liked the call but given that we don't really have much to lose at this point, it was an exciting play.
4. Betts and Cartright were solid. These guys seemed to both have a little extra hop in their step. What I liked was that they were running to the holes hard. These guys practice every day (unlike CP) so they know their linemen and know when/how to hit the holes. I also liked that we were running hard up the middle and doing less stretch runs which do not play to our O line strengths. Will be interesting to what happens as CP gets healthy. Really feel like Betts and Cartright deserve bigger roles in our offense.
5. Playcalling was sound. We had great balance between run and pass. I like that we worked in some pass plays with JC rolling out. We also seem to have better and more decisive short passes. I have noticed things being a little more aggressive and JC and other Skins have mentioned the same. Maybe Sherm Lewis knows what he's doing after all.
6. Devin Thomas. Liked that he was getting a little more involved. His screen that he turned into a 27 yard gain was tremendous individual effort. The guy made more guys miss in that one play then in his entire NFL career. He can be a playmaker but we just need to get him the ball. The guy is an exciting player that brings a lot of energy. He's a playmaker and you need to get the ball to your playmakers. He's the kind of guy that can make shorter passes into longer gains with his ability to run after the catch and we need to find ways to get him the ball.
7. Defense is becoming an issue. For the third game in a row, we have been giving up multiple big plays. This is unacceptable. Understand that we knocked Orton out of the game but if we take those two deep balls away from the Broncos, they pretty much had nothing. I don't understand how guys get SO wide open. Again, these big plays must stop.
8. Carlos Rogers once again falls for the double move. I like Rogers and think he could be a pretty good CB but he always falls for the double move. He has had issues with that his entire career. I was happy to see him get benched and thought Smoot did a good job stepping in. The tough part for Rogers is that he is in a contract year and playing the way he did and getting benched doesn't help his cause for a bigger contract. Still, he has to play better or else I say go with Smoot.
9. Orakpo is a monster. That guys along with Andre Carter are very disruptive and with the help of Haynesworth, we finally have a line that is able to get pressure on the QB.
10. Red zone offense has gotten MUCH better. All of a sudden the last couple of weeks we are finding ways to get TDs. That's great news.
All in all a good effort. Again, in some ways, I prefer losing out but then again, it was nice to see a victory. What's interesting is that with all these NFC teams losing, the Skins really aren't out of it. I know that is kind of crazy talk and I really don't want to entertain that idea right now. After all, it was only one game. However, a victory this week against Dallas would make things kind of interesting.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Jeff Cutler
It's happening. The guy is a malcontent and a crybaby. In the Card game And Jay George took a 15-yard penalty for arguing with officials and then questioned his team’s internal makeup afterward.
That’s right. Quarterback Cutler was asked if the Bears have a chemistry and leadership problem after their 41-21 loss to Arizona. Cutler response: “I don’t know. We’ll see.” Apparently he was heard muttering as he left the podium. This guy is a loser.
I can appreciate his desire to win but if things don't go his way or he doesn't get his way, he doesn't want to play ball.
The thing is I'm sure he will take heat for his penalty and comments this week in Chi Town. Talk radio will have a field day with him, Tommie Harris, and the Bears play in general. I'm sure that will only want him to say "F U!" even more. It's coming.
The worst thing that can happen today is if Orton comes out and has a stellar game against the Steelers. That will only add to the fire.
Grossman was broken because of these fans. He seemed to lose his charisma and confidence in his abilities. Cutler will make sure he goes out with a bang and challenge everyone in Chicago to a fight before he leaves.
That’s right. Quarterback Cutler was asked if the Bears have a chemistry and leadership problem after their 41-21 loss to Arizona. Cutler response: “I don’t know. We’ll see.” Apparently he was heard muttering as he left the podium. This guy is a loser.
I can appreciate his desire to win but if things don't go his way or he doesn't get his way, he doesn't want to play ball.
The thing is I'm sure he will take heat for his penalty and comments this week in Chi Town. Talk radio will have a field day with him, Tommie Harris, and the Bears play in general. I'm sure that will only want him to say "F U!" even more. It's coming.
The worst thing that can happen today is if Orton comes out and has a stellar game against the Steelers. That will only add to the fire.
Grossman was broken because of these fans. He seemed to lose his charisma and confidence in his abilities. Cutler will make sure he goes out with a bang and challenge everyone in Chicago to a fight before he leaves.
Redskins lose to Falcons
I didn't expect to win this game and as I have mentioned, I prefer to lose the rest of our games so that it increases the likelihood for needed change. However, I just don't want to be embarrassed and I want to see guys compete and not just lay down. That said, here are my thoughts:
1. The first half was a complete embarrassment. In particular, I was disgusted with the penalties we took. A Falcon 4th and 1, we jump offsides for a first down. A Falcon 4th and 4 and they punt, we jump offsides resulting in a Falcon 1st down. A Falcon 3rd and I believe 15 they throw and incomplete pass but we are called for roughing the passer resulting in an automatic 1st down (I actually didn't agree with that call but that doesn't matter). Those are three drives that we allowed to continue because of undisciplined penalties.
The O line was worse than it ever has been. Allowed 5 sacks and I believe 4 in the first half. A couple of them were allowed when the Falcons were only rushing 3 guys. That's pathetic even for these guys. It's like these guys are just getting worse.
First half was just a complete and utter embarrassment. Again, I was not watching this game thinking we were going to win but the lack of effort was embarrassing to me as a fan.
2. Laron Landry - just a very disappointing effort on his part. I'm fine with Landry and think he has a ton of talent and can be a very good player but his effort yesterday was VERY poor. The hit out of bounds yesterday may have been frustration but it was just a dumb penalty. You have to know the QB is going out of bounds and he still tried to give him a shot. Just dumb. On multiple occasions, he took bad angles and put himself in poor position to make a play. His non hit on Turner that led to his long TD was ridiculous. When I watched the replay, I was thinking about how he tried to hit Jacobs last year and was bowled over. Maybe he was thinking of that and just decided to go for the ankles but any semi decent player will just sidestep or jump over him and he takes himself completely out of the play. There is a reason why you are called Safety and that is because you are the last line of defense and the safety net. You have to be able to make those tackles. Just a poor effort and poor technique. Landry has done that a couple of times throughout the year and I know he is a young guy that looks for that impact hit but he just needs to settle down and play within himself and the defense. I am confident that he will be a good player so I am not too down on the guy. He just needs to mature. Still, yesterday's effort was very poor. I will give him credit for the one great play on the Falcon RB on the 3rd and short where he came up, fought off the stiff arm, and made the tackle short of the first down. Outside of that play, he was pretty useless.
3. Another point on the lack of effort and Landry's unsportsman like play - after he did it, D. Hall came over and tried to get Landry out of there and ended up jawing with a lot of the Falcons and even their coach. I don't like Landry's play. It was dumb but he did it and when all the Falcons jumped all over D. Hall, I would have liked to have seen some of the Redskins get in there and mix it up. I'm not saying fight but defend your player. Show some heart. Show some toughness. Show some attitude. It's par for the course, we will just take it and not show any emotion.
Again, I don't condone that play and prefer it to not have taken place but it did and I know good teams when one of their own is in a scuffle, the rest of the team will get in there and defend that player. Didn't like that we just didn't do anythign about it.
4. Second half - completely different than the first half. We played well. We dominated that half, particularly the third quarter. Honestly, it was probably the best I had seen the Skins play all year. The line held up pretty well, the play calling was good, and the execution was good. We scored a TD when we were in the red zone and we did it on a 4th and short at the goal line and we just sent Betts up the middle on the run. Loved the call. Loved that we didn't get cute or do some kind of stretch run but just sent it up the gut. Loved that the defense stepped up on the ensuing Falcon drive and sent them 3 and out. Our offense came back and marched down the field again and we scored another TD in the red zone to start the 4th quarter. Again, it was pretty exciting football for a while. We looked like a different team. We had 10 penalties in the game 7 in the first half. I believe we gave up 5 sacks in the game and 4 in the first half. Apparently the coaches got in the players faces at halftime and let them have it. While it was great to see the total change in attitude and play, why did it have to take an entire first half and a yelling at halftime to get these guys going? It is bothersome that they couldn't come out and play that way from the get go.
5. Defense - was pretty happy with them. The Falcons had given up only 9 sacks all year but we were able to get Ryan 3 times and had good pressure on the guy. All in all it wasn't a bad performance by the defense. Where we really failed was on the stupid penalties that kept drives alive and then for the second consecutive game, we gave up a couple of big plays that proved to be the difference. That comes down to a couple of individuals totally blowing their assignments and allowing the big play to happen. It wasn't a great defensive performance but I feel pretty good about this group in general.
6. Playcalling. In the third quarter, I thought we were just hitting on all cylinders. I liked the playcalling. We did some misdirectional stuff and I like the playaction rolling out play to Davis. I like the WR screen to Moss. I like the end around to Moss (same play Desean Jackson ran for the long TD against us). I like them because we get the ball into our playmakers hands but also because we know we don't have an O line to buy JC much time so these plays get the ball out quickly and allow our playmakers to do something. I really didn't like the 4th and short call in the 4th quarter. Instead of just running up the gut. We got cute and had Sellars run all the way behind the line (ran from left to right) but got chipped as he was running and wasn't able to get separation. Don't mind a pass play but that play takes too long to develop and just didn't seem like a high probability for success. We didn't get the first down and the pretty much ended the game.
7. JC - I still like the guy. I think he can play. I feel badly for him because he has to feel like every play he is going to get hit. It makes it very hard to do your job when you don't have confidence in your line. I imagine it is like sitting at your office desk and every now and then somebody is going to blow an air horn from behind you. Even when he doesn't blow it, you will be on edge because you know it is coming. The other thing I REALLY liked about JC this week was he was decisive when he was going to run the ball. He had a few really nice runs where he got significant yardage. JZ and JC have both been saying much of the year that he needs to get better at that and he did a good job with that yesterday. His numbers were solid and I still would love to see JC play behind a decent line with a solid running game. I really feel like he could be a good player in this league.
There were some positives but again I was thoroughly embarrassed in the first half. I was disappointed with every part of our team in that first half. Players were executing, they were making dumb mistakes, and the coaches didn't seem to have them prepared or motivated to even come out and play. That is a HUGE issue. It took the first half and a yelling at halftime to get them going. That is unacceptable and that is where I have the bigger problems with yesterday's game.
1. The first half was a complete embarrassment. In particular, I was disgusted with the penalties we took. A Falcon 4th and 1, we jump offsides for a first down. A Falcon 4th and 4 and they punt, we jump offsides resulting in a Falcon 1st down. A Falcon 3rd and I believe 15 they throw and incomplete pass but we are called for roughing the passer resulting in an automatic 1st down (I actually didn't agree with that call but that doesn't matter). Those are three drives that we allowed to continue because of undisciplined penalties.
The O line was worse than it ever has been. Allowed 5 sacks and I believe 4 in the first half. A couple of them were allowed when the Falcons were only rushing 3 guys. That's pathetic even for these guys. It's like these guys are just getting worse.
First half was just a complete and utter embarrassment. Again, I was not watching this game thinking we were going to win but the lack of effort was embarrassing to me as a fan.
2. Laron Landry - just a very disappointing effort on his part. I'm fine with Landry and think he has a ton of talent and can be a very good player but his effort yesterday was VERY poor. The hit out of bounds yesterday may have been frustration but it was just a dumb penalty. You have to know the QB is going out of bounds and he still tried to give him a shot. Just dumb. On multiple occasions, he took bad angles and put himself in poor position to make a play. His non hit on Turner that led to his long TD was ridiculous. When I watched the replay, I was thinking about how he tried to hit Jacobs last year and was bowled over. Maybe he was thinking of that and just decided to go for the ankles but any semi decent player will just sidestep or jump over him and he takes himself completely out of the play. There is a reason why you are called Safety and that is because you are the last line of defense and the safety net. You have to be able to make those tackles. Just a poor effort and poor technique. Landry has done that a couple of times throughout the year and I know he is a young guy that looks for that impact hit but he just needs to settle down and play within himself and the defense. I am confident that he will be a good player so I am not too down on the guy. He just needs to mature. Still, yesterday's effort was very poor. I will give him credit for the one great play on the Falcon RB on the 3rd and short where he came up, fought off the stiff arm, and made the tackle short of the first down. Outside of that play, he was pretty useless.
3. Another point on the lack of effort and Landry's unsportsman like play - after he did it, D. Hall came over and tried to get Landry out of there and ended up jawing with a lot of the Falcons and even their coach. I don't like Landry's play. It was dumb but he did it and when all the Falcons jumped all over D. Hall, I would have liked to have seen some of the Redskins get in there and mix it up. I'm not saying fight but defend your player. Show some heart. Show some toughness. Show some attitude. It's par for the course, we will just take it and not show any emotion.
Again, I don't condone that play and prefer it to not have taken place but it did and I know good teams when one of their own is in a scuffle, the rest of the team will get in there and defend that player. Didn't like that we just didn't do anythign about it.
4. Second half - completely different than the first half. We played well. We dominated that half, particularly the third quarter. Honestly, it was probably the best I had seen the Skins play all year. The line held up pretty well, the play calling was good, and the execution was good. We scored a TD when we were in the red zone and we did it on a 4th and short at the goal line and we just sent Betts up the middle on the run. Loved the call. Loved that we didn't get cute or do some kind of stretch run but just sent it up the gut. Loved that the defense stepped up on the ensuing Falcon drive and sent them 3 and out. Our offense came back and marched down the field again and we scored another TD in the red zone to start the 4th quarter. Again, it was pretty exciting football for a while. We looked like a different team. We had 10 penalties in the game 7 in the first half. I believe we gave up 5 sacks in the game and 4 in the first half. Apparently the coaches got in the players faces at halftime and let them have it. While it was great to see the total change in attitude and play, why did it have to take an entire first half and a yelling at halftime to get these guys going? It is bothersome that they couldn't come out and play that way from the get go.
5. Defense - was pretty happy with them. The Falcons had given up only 9 sacks all year but we were able to get Ryan 3 times and had good pressure on the guy. All in all it wasn't a bad performance by the defense. Where we really failed was on the stupid penalties that kept drives alive and then for the second consecutive game, we gave up a couple of big plays that proved to be the difference. That comes down to a couple of individuals totally blowing their assignments and allowing the big play to happen. It wasn't a great defensive performance but I feel pretty good about this group in general.
6. Playcalling. In the third quarter, I thought we were just hitting on all cylinders. I liked the playcalling. We did some misdirectional stuff and I like the playaction rolling out play to Davis. I like the WR screen to Moss. I like the end around to Moss (same play Desean Jackson ran for the long TD against us). I like them because we get the ball into our playmakers hands but also because we know we don't have an O line to buy JC much time so these plays get the ball out quickly and allow our playmakers to do something. I really didn't like the 4th and short call in the 4th quarter. Instead of just running up the gut. We got cute and had Sellars run all the way behind the line (ran from left to right) but got chipped as he was running and wasn't able to get separation. Don't mind a pass play but that play takes too long to develop and just didn't seem like a high probability for success. We didn't get the first down and the pretty much ended the game.
7. JC - I still like the guy. I think he can play. I feel badly for him because he has to feel like every play he is going to get hit. It makes it very hard to do your job when you don't have confidence in your line. I imagine it is like sitting at your office desk and every now and then somebody is going to blow an air horn from behind you. Even when he doesn't blow it, you will be on edge because you know it is coming. The other thing I REALLY liked about JC this week was he was decisive when he was going to run the ball. He had a few really nice runs where he got significant yardage. JZ and JC have both been saying much of the year that he needs to get better at that and he did a good job with that yesterday. His numbers were solid and I still would love to see JC play behind a decent line with a solid running game. I really feel like he could be a good player in this league.
There were some positives but again I was thoroughly embarrassed in the first half. I was disappointed with every part of our team in that first half. Players were executing, they were making dumb mistakes, and the coaches didn't seem to have them prepared or motivated to even come out and play. That is a HUGE issue. It took the first half and a yelling at halftime to get them going. That is unacceptable and that is where I have the bigger problems with yesterday's game.
Groh is gone
UVA is terrible. They were embarrassed by Miami on Saturday and it all but sealed Groh's fate. Last week, UVA's AD said that Groh would be evaluated at the end of the season and that pretty much is the PC way of saying that he will be fired. Groh did nothing to help his cause with the beating they took against the Canes.
UVA has lost 10 of 13 starting with an overtime defeat to Miami last season. The Cavaliers were outgained 515-149 on Saturday and looked completely overmatched.
If you are a UVA fan, it's probably exciting that change will be coming and hopefully they make a good pick to be their next coach. Still, whoever it is, can't be much worse than Groh.
UVA has lost 10 of 13 starting with an overtime defeat to Miami last season. The Cavaliers were outgained 515-149 on Saturday and looked completely overmatched.
If you are a UVA fan, it's probably exciting that change will be coming and hopefully they make a good pick to be their next coach. Still, whoever it is, can't be much worse than Groh.
JMU wins
It's been a disappointing season but the Dukes made it two in a row and improved to 4-5. The loss of Dudzik changed the complexion of the entire season but it looks like redshirt freshman Justin Thorpe is getting some good experience and finally showing what he will be capable of in a couple of years.
Thorpe (had 216 total yards of offense in the JMU victory. He completed nine of 13 pass attempts for 133 yards and a score while also rushing 17 times for a net of 83 yards and a score. I'm confident the guy will develop and given the state of the season, it's good that he gets a chance to learn.
Hopefully we can finish out the season strong.
Thorpe (had 216 total yards of offense in the JMU victory. He completed nine of 13 pass attempts for 133 yards and a score while also rushing 17 times for a net of 83 yards and a score. I'm confident the guy will develop and given the state of the season, it's good that he gets a chance to learn.
Hopefully we can finish out the season strong.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Blache to the Rescue!
Breaking his media silence, Greg Blache spoke up and defended Danny Boy after hearing about Riggo's ranting.
"This is a man I've known for six years, since I've been here," Blache said. "And in the six years, I've never seen John Riggins here. I met him once at the Beach Blitz down in Virginia Beach -- never seen him in the building. So, to hear such a vicious criticism of somebody I consider not just my employer, but a good friend, bothered me."
Blache cited Snyder's charity work and his dealings with Blache and Blache's wife.
"We've had criticisms from people outside the building saying who Dan Snyder is and who he isn't," Blache said. "They don't know Dan Snyder and that's the problem. Trust me because he and I, we work together. I'm not going to tell you that this is a utopia. There are no utopias in football, and there are no utopias in life. At the same time, enough is enough. Every story, there is one person's side, another person's side, and then behind it all there is a third side and it's the truth.
"I just felt like it was time for somebody to come and throw a little truth out there," Blache said. "We keep hearing these other sides, these other factions, and to be quite candid, the third side -- the truth -- is that this person, all he wants to do is win. That's all he wants to do. He will spend his money, he will spend his time, he wants to win, he is here for the people, for the fans, for the Washington Redskins.
"Nobody pains more when we are unsuccessful than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that cares more about the fans than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that wants to win here, more than Dan Snyder. I just think that it's time to put out there, for you guys to understand, that everything that is wrong with this organization is not Dan Snyder."
Blache is a guy that stood by his players, his head coach, and now his owner. I don't doubt Snyder's commitment to wanting to win and feeling genuinely sick at our record. However, it really starts with Snyder and if he truly wants a winner, he has to change some of the fundamental ways he is conducting his business.
"This is a man I've known for six years, since I've been here," Blache said. "And in the six years, I've never seen John Riggins here. I met him once at the Beach Blitz down in Virginia Beach -- never seen him in the building. So, to hear such a vicious criticism of somebody I consider not just my employer, but a good friend, bothered me."
Blache cited Snyder's charity work and his dealings with Blache and Blache's wife.
"We've had criticisms from people outside the building saying who Dan Snyder is and who he isn't," Blache said. "They don't know Dan Snyder and that's the problem. Trust me because he and I, we work together. I'm not going to tell you that this is a utopia. There are no utopias in football, and there are no utopias in life. At the same time, enough is enough. Every story, there is one person's side, another person's side, and then behind it all there is a third side and it's the truth.
"I just felt like it was time for somebody to come and throw a little truth out there," Blache said. "We keep hearing these other sides, these other factions, and to be quite candid, the third side -- the truth -- is that this person, all he wants to do is win. That's all he wants to do. He will spend his money, he will spend his time, he wants to win, he is here for the people, for the fans, for the Washington Redskins.
"Nobody pains more when we are unsuccessful than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that cares more about the fans than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that wants to win here, more than Dan Snyder. I just think that it's time to put out there, for you guys to understand, that everything that is wrong with this organization is not Dan Snyder."
Blache is a guy that stood by his players, his head coach, and now his owner. I don't doubt Snyder's commitment to wanting to win and feeling genuinely sick at our record. However, it really starts with Snyder and if he truly wants a winner, he has to change some of the fundamental ways he is conducting his business.
Riggins calls Snyder a "bad guy."
In an interview with JB that will air on Showtime's Inside the NFL, John Riggins says the following:
John Riggins: "...this is a bad guy (Snyder) that owns this team. I'll just tell you that upfront. Bad guy. And if the Commissioner is worried about potential new owners and saying some of these guys shouldn't apply, he might want to police his own inside guys...."
Brown: "Why is he a bad guy?"
Riggins: "Because his business practices, I think. I don't want to say they are unethical, but I don't think it's a place, a climate that is created there where people can be successful. It's driven all by his ego and everything has to come from him. And I just don't think you can be successful in those situations and when you are dealing with someone with the mindset of a child and yet owns a franchise in the NFL. I think you have some problems there."
Cris Collinsworth: "We are talking about Daniel Snyder . Are you saying in some way he is unethical? Because I have dealt with him in the past and I have never sensed anything close to that. Or are you saying he has made bad decisions on the football side as an owner? Or what is specifically the issue?"
Riggins: "I am saying that I don't think that this franchise can be successful where you have people saying, 'Oh, this person Dan Snyder wants to win. He wants to win.' It's all about priorities. 'What's my priorities? The priority is it's all about me. I have to have my needs met, then I want to make money, and those are one and two, and then I want to win. You can see by the decisions that are made....I don't know if you have agreed with anything I am saying so far, but at this point, I would think you would say, 'Yeah, I'll go along with that.' This person knows nothing about football, absolutely nothing. I don't think they have a clue how a football team comes together, how it works. And yet they are the ones that are basically calling all the shots through a puppet, which is Vinny Cerrato. That is my take on it....I speak for the fans because these are the people that paid my salary for all these years. They are the ones that need to know that this is a bad guy."
Collinsworth: "There is a fine line between being a bad guy and a bad GM, if you will. Are you saying a bad guy as in the NFL needs to take a look at this?"
Riggins: "Let me put it to you this way, Cris, this person's heart is dark."
Riggins is a legend in this town but he is a clown. I don't think Snyder is much of an owner. He meddles too much and has made a number of questionable football decisions but he has done a great amount of charitable work. I think it is a bit silly for Riggins to say Snyder has a dark heart and is just a bad person. I don't know either of them but Riggins never really gave any specifics when Collinsworth asked him. Again, Snyder seems to be a bad owner but seems to go a little overboard calling him a bad person. Riggo is just a clown.
I am more inclined to go with a guy like B-Mitch who is highly critical of Snyder and Cerrato for their football decisions but recognizes there is a line between a person's professional life and personal life. He thanked Snyder for being included in the Redskins Ring of Fame and when the crowd started booing Snyder when Mitchell said his name, Mitchell told them not to boo.
John Riggins: "...this is a bad guy (Snyder) that owns this team. I'll just tell you that upfront. Bad guy. And if the Commissioner is worried about potential new owners and saying some of these guys shouldn't apply, he might want to police his own inside guys...."
Brown: "Why is he a bad guy?"
Riggins: "Because his business practices, I think. I don't want to say they are unethical, but I don't think it's a place, a climate that is created there where people can be successful. It's driven all by his ego and everything has to come from him. And I just don't think you can be successful in those situations and when you are dealing with someone with the mindset of a child and yet owns a franchise in the NFL. I think you have some problems there."
Cris Collinsworth: "We are talking about Daniel Snyder . Are you saying in some way he is unethical? Because I have dealt with him in the past and I have never sensed anything close to that. Or are you saying he has made bad decisions on the football side as an owner? Or what is specifically the issue?"
Riggins: "I am saying that I don't think that this franchise can be successful where you have people saying, 'Oh, this person Dan Snyder wants to win. He wants to win.' It's all about priorities. 'What's my priorities? The priority is it's all about me. I have to have my needs met, then I want to make money, and those are one and two, and then I want to win. You can see by the decisions that are made....I don't know if you have agreed with anything I am saying so far, but at this point, I would think you would say, 'Yeah, I'll go along with that.' This person knows nothing about football, absolutely nothing. I don't think they have a clue how a football team comes together, how it works. And yet they are the ones that are basically calling all the shots through a puppet, which is Vinny Cerrato. That is my take on it....I speak for the fans because these are the people that paid my salary for all these years. They are the ones that need to know that this is a bad guy."
Collinsworth: "There is a fine line between being a bad guy and a bad GM, if you will. Are you saying a bad guy as in the NFL needs to take a look at this?"
Riggins: "Let me put it to you this way, Cris, this person's heart is dark."
Riggins is a legend in this town but he is a clown. I don't think Snyder is much of an owner. He meddles too much and has made a number of questionable football decisions but he has done a great amount of charitable work. I think it is a bit silly for Riggins to say Snyder has a dark heart and is just a bad person. I don't know either of them but Riggins never really gave any specifics when Collinsworth asked him. Again, Snyder seems to be a bad owner but seems to go a little overboard calling him a bad person. Riggo is just a clown.
I am more inclined to go with a guy like B-Mitch who is highly critical of Snyder and Cerrato for their football decisions but recognizes there is a line between a person's professional life and personal life. He thanked Snyder for being included in the Redskins Ring of Fame and when the crowd started booing Snyder when Mitchell said his name, Mitchell told them not to boo.
Fred Davis
So the guy had a rough early start to his career but in his first opportunity at extended playing time did very well against the Eagles. He had a very good day receiving but struggled blocking.
He has put good work in the weight room and strengthened his body but his technique is poor. Davis deserves credit for staying at Redskin Park during the bye week and working with coaches for a few hours each day on his blocking technique.
I will say that that says a lot about the guy who is a young player on a 2-5 team. We could only hope others would step up and work during the bye week. I'm not saying everyone. Certainly, taking time off when things are going bad can be a good thing both in terms of getting away from football and nursing injuries but staying and working is where leaders can be born. The Skins are certainly lacking some real leaders and this is the time when guys can take a stand on their own and show that they are committed to being better.
Hopefully Davis's work translates to the field.
He has put good work in the weight room and strengthened his body but his technique is poor. Davis deserves credit for staying at Redskin Park during the bye week and working with coaches for a few hours each day on his blocking technique.
I will say that that says a lot about the guy who is a young player on a 2-5 team. We could only hope others would step up and work during the bye week. I'm not saying everyone. Certainly, taking time off when things are going bad can be a good thing both in terms of getting away from football and nursing injuries but staying and working is where leaders can be born. The Skins are certainly lacking some real leaders and this is the time when guys can take a stand on their own and show that they are committed to being better.
Hopefully Davis's work translates to the field.
Randle El still the primary punt returner
WHY?!!!!!!!!!
This year, Randle El has returned 11 punts for a 5.2-yard average, among the worst in the league. He also has 11 fair catches, second-most in the league.
He catches it, hops in place 3 or 4 times and then hits the deck before anyone touches him. That is not what a punt returner does. For goodness sake, just run upfield and get a few yards.
I don't even understand what the strategy is anymore. Apparently ARE is the punt returner but Moss and D. Hall will each get an opportunity or two per game. What is this? PR by committee? Just put a guy like Devin Thomas in there or Tryon or someone who is young and fast and looking to get on the field for the playing time.
This year, Randle El has returned 11 punts for a 5.2-yard average, among the worst in the league. He also has 11 fair catches, second-most in the league.
He catches it, hops in place 3 or 4 times and then hits the deck before anyone touches him. That is not what a punt returner does. For goodness sake, just run upfield and get a few yards.
I don't even understand what the strategy is anymore. Apparently ARE is the punt returner but Moss and D. Hall will each get an opportunity or two per game. What is this? PR by committee? Just put a guy like Devin Thomas in there or Tryon or someone who is young and fast and looking to get on the field for the playing time.
Danny Boy speaks...
Earlier this week, Danny boy said the following regarding the disappointing Skins.
“I think, number one, I feel bad for the fans,” Snyder said. “I feel sorry for the fans. We’re very, very appreciative of our great, loyal fan base. And I'm understanding. I mean, we just feel terrible. We’re disappointed and we’re embarrassed. And we hope to get it going soon.”
Asked how the team’s struggles have impacted him personally, Snyder replied: “It hurts. I mean, it really hurts. We are really trying very, very hard. Everyone at Redskins Park--the coaches, the players, the organization--quite frankly has held up well. I think we have an opportunity the rest of the season to hopefully get it going.
“But to date we have let everyone down, including ourselves. We know that. We’re just apologetic. We've blown some games that obviously we think we should have won.”
Asked for his thoughts on the fans’ perspective of the team, Snyder replied: “I see disappointment. It’s the same way I feel and I share their frustration. It’s hard. We’re going to try to put it together and get it going.”
I do think he genuinely is hurt and frustrated and bothered by the team's performance. I don't doubt his commitment to wanting to win. The problem is his execution. It is poor. Also, the whole business of suing fans and not allowing signs in the stadium and that type of b.s. does not absolve him by any means.
On the flip side, the media is scrutinizing each and every one of his words and trying to find out what he is truly saying and how he truly feels and whether it is enough and this and that. I don't like that type of b.s. either. The guy said what he said and lets move on. That is why he doesn't speak because every one of his words is overanalyzed. Again, I don't excuse him for a lot of the shat that has gone on but I don't feel the need to overanalyze each one of his words. NEXT!
“I think, number one, I feel bad for the fans,” Snyder said. “I feel sorry for the fans. We’re very, very appreciative of our great, loyal fan base. And I'm understanding. I mean, we just feel terrible. We’re disappointed and we’re embarrassed. And we hope to get it going soon.”
Asked how the team’s struggles have impacted him personally, Snyder replied: “It hurts. I mean, it really hurts. We are really trying very, very hard. Everyone at Redskins Park--the coaches, the players, the organization--quite frankly has held up well. I think we have an opportunity the rest of the season to hopefully get it going.
“But to date we have let everyone down, including ourselves. We know that. We’re just apologetic. We've blown some games that obviously we think we should have won.”
Asked for his thoughts on the fans’ perspective of the team, Snyder replied: “I see disappointment. It’s the same way I feel and I share their frustration. It’s hard. We’re going to try to put it together and get it going.”
I do think he genuinely is hurt and frustrated and bothered by the team's performance. I don't doubt his commitment to wanting to win. The problem is his execution. It is poor. Also, the whole business of suing fans and not allowing signs in the stadium and that type of b.s. does not absolve him by any means.
On the flip side, the media is scrutinizing each and every one of his words and trying to find out what he is truly saying and how he truly feels and whether it is enough and this and that. I don't like that type of b.s. either. The guy said what he said and lets move on. That is why he doesn't speak because every one of his words is overanalyzed. Again, I don't excuse him for a lot of the shat that has gone on but I don't feel the need to overanalyze each one of his words. NEXT!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Redskins coming off the bye week
So I know the bye week was supposed to take the Redskin players minds off of football and the dismal 2-5 record and they are supposed to come back refocused and recharged. They started the season against very soft teams and now go into a stretch in November with the toughest schedule in the NFL in terms of the oppositions win percentage.
For me, the worst possible thing would be for the Redskins to surprise a couple of teams and actually pull out a couple of victories and put up some decent numbers. At this point, I would rather continue losing and have a couple of embarrassing losses to help continue the charge for change. Hopefully the O line continues to stink it up. Things have to be SO obvious for Snyder that he will have no choice but to fire Cerrato. Snyder is a marketing guy and he is losing his fan base fast. Cerrato is Redskin fan enemy #1 so even if Snyder loves Cerrato it seems like he would have no choice but to fire that idiot if he wants to save some face. Literally, that move alone would bring smiles to many Skin fans faces.
Of course, than we would need to find a decent football guy to serve as GM and assume that that qualified guy would be willing to work with Snyder. We would then need for that GM to bring in a strong coach that could work with the GM and for the two of them to be on the same page in terms of direction and what type of team we are building and get the right players for that particular system. We can't just continue to get the big name free agent and try and continue to fit square pegs in round holes. It doesn't work.
We have got to draft a couple of O linemen and get a couple more in FA. I am literally hoping for continued sacks (don't want JC to get injured though -- sorry JC) and continued embarrassment and for the fans to continue this revolution that has really gained momentum so that change is forced.
I love the Skins and only say the above because it truly is time for change and it won't come about unless we really suck.
For me, the worst possible thing would be for the Redskins to surprise a couple of teams and actually pull out a couple of victories and put up some decent numbers. At this point, I would rather continue losing and have a couple of embarrassing losses to help continue the charge for change. Hopefully the O line continues to stink it up. Things have to be SO obvious for Snyder that he will have no choice but to fire Cerrato. Snyder is a marketing guy and he is losing his fan base fast. Cerrato is Redskin fan enemy #1 so even if Snyder loves Cerrato it seems like he would have no choice but to fire that idiot if he wants to save some face. Literally, that move alone would bring smiles to many Skin fans faces.
Of course, than we would need to find a decent football guy to serve as GM and assume that that qualified guy would be willing to work with Snyder. We would then need for that GM to bring in a strong coach that could work with the GM and for the two of them to be on the same page in terms of direction and what type of team we are building and get the right players for that particular system. We can't just continue to get the big name free agent and try and continue to fit square pegs in round holes. It doesn't work.
We have got to draft a couple of O linemen and get a couple more in FA. I am literally hoping for continued sacks (don't want JC to get injured though -- sorry JC) and continued embarrassment and for the fans to continue this revolution that has really gained momentum so that change is forced.
I love the Skins and only say the above because it truly is time for change and it won't come about unless we really suck.
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