Great matchup on Saturday (should they play). The Penguins look like they are the top team in the league and the Caps seem to have found their way after that horrendous losing streak.
I have been watching 24/7 on HBO. The first two episodes were mildly interesting. However, last night's episode was much more interesting as it spent about half of the episode on the first meeting b/t the two teams which the Caps lost in the 7th round of the shootout. It was neat to have watched the game live but then hear what the coaches/players were saying before the game and during the intermissions. It was also interesting to hear some of the discussion taking place on the ice during the game. Found it particularly interesting how Bylsma never referred to Caps players by name and only on their numbers. Also liked how Boudreau broke down game film of the Pens and in particular Malkin and said that if you hit him, he will retaliate and could get a stupid penalty. For those that watched the game, we saw early on how Ovie laid out Malkin and right on cue, moments later Malkin tried to return the favor to Ovie and took a bad penalty. Gave you a sense of how the players feel about each other and the way they take the rivalry.
Given where the two teams stand right now and the type of game they had just a few days ago, it certainly makes for an exciting matchup on Saturday in front of a national audience. This is the type of game that Ovie loves. The grander the stage the more he loves it. I believe Varly will get nod over Neuvy who played in the first Penguins game. Varly is coming off of a shutout and while Neuvy has been playing well and the two are the same age, Varly seems like more of the veteran and more of the imposing goalie for the opposition.
It is only one regular season game but there is no doubt that the players will be more excited about this one. The first game had a playoff feel about it and I expect this one to feel the same way. Hopefully the weather will cooperate but look forward to this one.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thoughts on Rexy
Looks more and more like Rexy will be the Skins starting QB next year. I don't have a huge problem with it as it seems like the best option given the way things have played out this year. I still don't think that highly of Rexy. He was good in the Dallas game and okay in the J Hole game but the one thing that I find tremendously interesting about the guy is that the players/coaches on the teams he plays for seem to really like the guy.
In Chicago, amidst all the criticism, the players/coaches really stood by him. The same is happening here in D.C. It's obvious that Kyle likes the guy and it's good that the two seem to be in sync. However, when you listen to players like Moss and Cooley, they really seem to like Rexy as well. Moss has said that the offense seems "light years" better than what it was when Rexy is in there. I listened to Cooley on the LaVar and Dukes show and he seemed really jazzed about Rexy being in there.
I know the fans/media are all over Rexy but that is what they do. Coaches coach. Players play. Fans/media bitch and moan. That is the nature of sports. I am not sold on Rexy but what I do like is that the players seem to be rallying around the guy and that is important. Not sure what Rexy is doing to garner the love but it's good. He does seem to have command of the huddle and players have backed that statement up and that he has good tempo in getting guys to the line and organized. Rexy comes across in interviews a little bit like an idiot or a guy that thinks he can play but really can't but his behavior on the field is a little different. He seems to show more confidence and emotion on the field which again is a good thing.
Before Robs starts going off, for the third time, I am not sold on the guy but he is making me look at him in a slightly different light. Again, his play has not been the greatest so far. It's been okay but the thing I am impressed with is the command IT APPEARS he has of the huddle and the way the players seem to be responding to him.
The Giants game will be a big game for him and he can really win/lose over people with his play in Sunday's game.
In Chicago, amidst all the criticism, the players/coaches really stood by him. The same is happening here in D.C. It's obvious that Kyle likes the guy and it's good that the two seem to be in sync. However, when you listen to players like Moss and Cooley, they really seem to like Rexy as well. Moss has said that the offense seems "light years" better than what it was when Rexy is in there. I listened to Cooley on the LaVar and Dukes show and he seemed really jazzed about Rexy being in there.
I know the fans/media are all over Rexy but that is what they do. Coaches coach. Players play. Fans/media bitch and moan. That is the nature of sports. I am not sold on Rexy but what I do like is that the players seem to be rallying around the guy and that is important. Not sure what Rexy is doing to garner the love but it's good. He does seem to have command of the huddle and players have backed that statement up and that he has good tempo in getting guys to the line and organized. Rexy comes across in interviews a little bit like an idiot or a guy that thinks he can play but really can't but his behavior on the field is a little different. He seems to show more confidence and emotion on the field which again is a good thing.
Before Robs starts going off, for the third time, I am not sold on the guy but he is making me look at him in a slightly different light. Again, his play has not been the greatest so far. It's been okay but the thing I am impressed with is the command IT APPEARS he has of the huddle and the way the players seem to be responding to him.
The Giants game will be a big game for him and he can really win/lose over people with his play in Sunday's game.
CEAFOD Championship game
So it was closer than I wanted it to be but I was able to stave off AP and Deepie to pull out the victory and take the championship of the CEAFOD league. The Philly D was not great but they got a couple of sacks and most importantly they recovered an AP fumble that may have been the play of the CEAFOD championship game. AP did score a late TD and my heart sank as I thought b/t AP's additional points plus the subtraction of points from the Philly D that that may have pushed Deepie into the lead but I checked and I was still a few points into the lead. At that point, I was just praying for the clock to run out. AP got a few more yards and Philly D got an additional sack so I was able to pull out a 118-112 win.
I was proud of my team and felt that I finished very strong. I had won 10 of the previous 11 games with the only loss coming to Scott in which I still put up 168 points. The only thing I could have hoped for would have been to play Scott in the championship game and beat him and avenge that one loss. Still, in the end I am just happy to pull out the win and claim my second title in three years.
Great year and look forward to defending my crown next year.
I was proud of my team and felt that I finished very strong. I had won 10 of the previous 11 games with the only loss coming to Scott in which I still put up 168 points. The only thing I could have hoped for would have been to play Scott in the championship game and beat him and avenge that one loss. Still, in the end I am just happy to pull out the win and claim my second title in three years.
Great year and look forward to defending my crown next year.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
CEAFOD - the door stays open for Deepie
As mentioned in a previous post, I felt pretty comfortable with my position in the championship game given the score at the end of Sunday's games and the remaining players Deepie and I both had. Basically, the score was 95-91 and I had Brees, Colston, and the Philly D vs. AP.
Brees and Colston had a combined projected score of 32 so I was hoping to put the game out of reach last night with them playing. However, they just couldn't get their groove on. Going into the 4th quarter, the tandem only combined a total of 7 points. The Saints did have a drive in the 4th quarter and Brees threw an over the top pass down the middle to Colston for a TD but it was called back because of a false start. If that play had stood, I think it would have been almost a lock of me winning the championship. Brees did throw the game winning TD so he did get me some points but the tandem combined for a final result of 17 points (a little more than half of what they were projected).
So we find ourselves going into tonight's game with me having a 13 point lead and I have the Philly D and Deepie has AP. It's still wide open. I have to believe that if AP does play, the focus of the Philly D will be to stop him. Joe Webb is starting at QB and AP is Minnesota's best player so it would only make sense that the Philly D would key on AP and force Joe Webb to beat them. Also, the weather will be cold and AP still has a sore knee and the Queens are out of the playoffs so I'm not sure why they would want to push AP (their franchise player) and risk further injury. These are all my thoughts and hopes of keeping AP on the sidelines. Seems like the Queens will also want to see what they have in some of the younger guys and give Gerhart some reps.
Finally, given that Webb is the starter, I am hoping the Iggles can force a couple of turnovers.
The last two weeks the teams I have played have each had one individual that has scored at least 40 points. Hopefully AP doesn't continue that trend and cost me victory. At least tonight's game becomes more exciting for Deepie and me.
Brees and Colston had a combined projected score of 32 so I was hoping to put the game out of reach last night with them playing. However, they just couldn't get their groove on. Going into the 4th quarter, the tandem only combined a total of 7 points. The Saints did have a drive in the 4th quarter and Brees threw an over the top pass down the middle to Colston for a TD but it was called back because of a false start. If that play had stood, I think it would have been almost a lock of me winning the championship. Brees did throw the game winning TD so he did get me some points but the tandem combined for a final result of 17 points (a little more than half of what they were projected).
So we find ourselves going into tonight's game with me having a 13 point lead and I have the Philly D and Deepie has AP. It's still wide open. I have to believe that if AP does play, the focus of the Philly D will be to stop him. Joe Webb is starting at QB and AP is Minnesota's best player so it would only make sense that the Philly D would key on AP and force Joe Webb to beat them. Also, the weather will be cold and AP still has a sore knee and the Queens are out of the playoffs so I'm not sure why they would want to push AP (their franchise player) and risk further injury. These are all my thoughts and hopes of keeping AP on the sidelines. Seems like the Queens will also want to see what they have in some of the younger guys and give Gerhart some reps.
Finally, given that Webb is the starter, I am hoping the Iggles can force a couple of turnovers.
The last two weeks the teams I have played have each had one individual that has scored at least 40 points. Hopefully AP doesn't continue that trend and cost me victory. At least tonight's game becomes more exciting for Deepie and me.
Monday, December 27, 2010
CEAFOD Championship
Deepie had most of his guys playing in the 1 pm games and most of my guys were playing at 4 pm and on Monday night so needless to say, Deepie jumped out to an early lead.
I believe he had about a 40 point lead heading into the 4 pm games. I had Arian Foster, Ahmad Bradshaw, and LeGarrette Blount at 4 pm while Deepie had Vincent Jackson. Jackson. Jackson (and the Chargers) didn’t play as well as projected while my three headed monster provided significant contributions. I have Brees, Colston, and the Philly defense left for Monday and Tuesday while Deepie has Adrian Peterson left. So last night I was hoping to close the gap to 10 points and I would feel pretty comfortable about my chances with the remaining guys left.
By the end of the 4 pm games, I had shrunk the lead to 4 points. Deepie is up 95 to 91 with the guys I mentioned above remaining. I fully expect to take the lead tonight with Brees and Colston. Hopefully they can rack up the points and give me enough of a cushion where AP will need the game of his life to take back the lead for Deepie.
In the end, I hope to capture my second CEAFOD title in three years and do so against Deepie in a rematch of our title game from two years ago.
I believe he had about a 40 point lead heading into the 4 pm games. I had Arian Foster, Ahmad Bradshaw, and LeGarrette Blount at 4 pm while Deepie had Vincent Jackson. Jackson. Jackson (and the Chargers) didn’t play as well as projected while my three headed monster provided significant contributions. I have Brees, Colston, and the Philly defense left for Monday and Tuesday while Deepie has Adrian Peterson left. So last night I was hoping to close the gap to 10 points and I would feel pretty comfortable about my chances with the remaining guys left.
By the end of the 4 pm games, I had shrunk the lead to 4 points. Deepie is up 95 to 91 with the guys I mentioned above remaining. I fully expect to take the lead tonight with Brees and Colston. Hopefully they can rack up the points and give me enough of a cushion where AP will need the game of his life to take back the lead for Deepie.
In the end, I hope to capture my second CEAFOD title in three years and do so against Deepie in a rematch of our title game from two years ago.
Skins beat J Hole
Skins pull out a win yesterday. Didn’t care so much for the win as much as I liked that we fought hard against a team that needed that win for their own playoff hopes. Here are my general thoughts:
1. Defense was big. More than half of the defense was backups. Three fourths of the secondary was backups. Two thirds of our D line was backups. We were missing arguably our best players in Landry and Orakpo but still the defense played well recording 4 sacks, 2 INTs, and forcing Garrard to fumble twice. Really liked the play of Rob Jackson and the NT Bryant. Kevin Barnes was also solid. It was good to see some of the young guys get a chance and step up. I also liked that we attacked Garrard more. We blitzed and blitzed effectively. We were able to get pressure and a lot of credit goes to the DBs for covering guys without additional help because of sending more guys at the QB. The big concern with the group is that they need to do it on a consistent basis.
2. Rexy was okay. Wasn’t good but wasn’t terrible. Pretty uneventful for him and didn’t really do anything that made you comfortable that he is the solution at QB. Still, I was fine with him. He didn’t blow it. I also didn’t like the play calling. We did not commit at all to the run in the first half. Not sure if that was the game plan against J Hole or if it was to get Rexy more reps and opportunities to help evaluate him. Either way, didn’t like the play calling.
3. Gano. Gano? GaYES!!! The guy made a couple of long FGs and then put the game away in OT. So good job by him and at least saved his job for this week.
4. Cooley. What was up with him? Dropped at least 4 passes. The most silly was the short pass in the end zone where he was wide open and the ball was right in his hands. He is a good player and he just had an off day. His TD drop didn’t hurt us as we ended up scoring on the next play. Still, it was tough to see such a good player struggle the way he did. I don’t expect that to happen often.
Not a whole lot else. Again, felt like the story of the game was our defense and how well this group of backups played. We finish up with the Giants next week and the game will have meaning as it is a divisional game. We got embarrassed by them a few weeks ago in NY so we will want to play better. We will be at home and most importantly, the G-men need the win for a possible playoff berth. They have been embarrassed the last two weeks so no doubt they will be fired up for the game. Hopefully we can play spoilers to them and finish on a high note.
HAIL SKINS!!!
1. Defense was big. More than half of the defense was backups. Three fourths of the secondary was backups. Two thirds of our D line was backups. We were missing arguably our best players in Landry and Orakpo but still the defense played well recording 4 sacks, 2 INTs, and forcing Garrard to fumble twice. Really liked the play of Rob Jackson and the NT Bryant. Kevin Barnes was also solid. It was good to see some of the young guys get a chance and step up. I also liked that we attacked Garrard more. We blitzed and blitzed effectively. We were able to get pressure and a lot of credit goes to the DBs for covering guys without additional help because of sending more guys at the QB. The big concern with the group is that they need to do it on a consistent basis.
2. Rexy was okay. Wasn’t good but wasn’t terrible. Pretty uneventful for him and didn’t really do anything that made you comfortable that he is the solution at QB. Still, I was fine with him. He didn’t blow it. I also didn’t like the play calling. We did not commit at all to the run in the first half. Not sure if that was the game plan against J Hole or if it was to get Rexy more reps and opportunities to help evaluate him. Either way, didn’t like the play calling.
3. Gano. Gano? GaYES!!! The guy made a couple of long FGs and then put the game away in OT. So good job by him and at least saved his job for this week.
4. Cooley. What was up with him? Dropped at least 4 passes. The most silly was the short pass in the end zone where he was wide open and the ball was right in his hands. He is a good player and he just had an off day. His TD drop didn’t hurt us as we ended up scoring on the next play. Still, it was tough to see such a good player struggle the way he did. I don’t expect that to happen often.
Not a whole lot else. Again, felt like the story of the game was our defense and how well this group of backups played. We finish up with the Giants next week and the game will have meaning as it is a divisional game. We got embarrassed by them a few weeks ago in NY so we will want to play better. We will be at home and most importantly, the G-men need the win for a possible playoff berth. They have been embarrassed the last two weeks so no doubt they will be fired up for the game. Hopefully we can play spoilers to them and finish on a high note.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sexy Rexy!
Okay, so I have been a big anti Rexy guy for years. Now I find myself in the strange predicament of him being the starting QB for the Skins. I have long maintained that my problem with Rexy is not that he isn't talented. It's that he makes BAD mistakes. He is not consistent. If he eliminated the bad mistakes and played with more consistency, he could/would be a legitimate NFL starter.
Anyways, yesterday he got the nod to be the starter. I do feel bad for D. McNabb because he has had a very good (not great) career but barring some strange occurence, he will find himself on a new team next year. It's tough for a guy that was a mainstay and perennial Pro Bowl player with the Eagles to find himself jettisoned from his team by the coach that drafted him to a divisional rival. There were not a lot of suitors for the guy when he left the Eagles. Then he comes to D.C. where he has had difficulty picking up the offense and despite all the changes and arguably the lack of talent around him, he still hasn't played as well as he should/could have. He has been benched for the rest of the season and we get the opportunity to see what Rexy can do.
In his first game, Rexy had a very good game. The guy threw for a career tying best 4 TDs and over 320 yards. He looked liked he had good command of the offense and his accuracy for the most part was excellent. I did say prior to the game that he will fumble at least once and the fumble he had wasn't the best. Also, his first INT was not the smartest throw. He basically lofted one up there and I know he thought Sellers was going to stop but still it would have been better for him to eat the ball and take a sack or throw it out of bounds instead of trying to make that throw that results in a Cowboy INT in our territory. The second INT was not that bad given that time was running out and he had to make a play and if that throw had been just a little bit higher, it could have been potentially caught setting up a long FG (that Gano would have probably missed).
All in all, I was pleased with his play. I would rate it a B+. Lets keep in mind that it is only one game so it will be interesting to see what he does in the final two. But he has an opportunity to show everyone (fans, league, peers, coaches, etc.) that he is capable of being a starter in this league.
What was also interesting was that several players upon hearing that Rexy was going to be the starter accepted the news (there were some that seemed disappointed with the move) and that afterwards, there did seem to be some excitement among some players with how the offense was clicking. Moss, who had two TDs, seemed pretty pumped with the performance. Shanny also looked and sounded less frustrated when talking about the offense.
I admit that it was good to see the offense click and how the ball was spread around. Six players caught balls and three different players caught TDs. Armstrong had 100 yards in receptions. It was a solid offensive performance.
Going back to McNabb. It's tough because again the guy was jettisoned by the Eagles, now looks like he will leave the Redskins and will find himself on his third team in three years. The guy didn't have a whole lot of suitors previously so I imagine there will be less suitors now. There's no question he will find a place to play (best options are Minnesota or Arizona). However, it looks more and more like his final years will be spent as a journeyman QB and I'm not sure what kind of success he will find.
As far as the Redskins are concerned, Rexy has an opportunity in the final two games to make a case that he should be the starter next year. I think Kyle loves this thought. Kyle is the reason Rexy is here. Maybe it is a good match between those two guys. Grossman is in the final year of his contract so we could sign him for not too much and then draft a QB to learn the ropes.
The toughest part of this whole thing is thinking that we had found a franchise QB in McNabb and that not panning out and giving up 2 higher level draft picks for the guy. Still, it is better to find out now rather than later if he is our guy.
Will be interesting to see if Rexy can replicate his performance next week against the Jags. I like his confidence. Again, it has been an issue of consistency with that guy so hopefully he can string together a couple more good performances.
As my son says, "PEACE OUT, BRO!!!"
Anyways, yesterday he got the nod to be the starter. I do feel bad for D. McNabb because he has had a very good (not great) career but barring some strange occurence, he will find himself on a new team next year. It's tough for a guy that was a mainstay and perennial Pro Bowl player with the Eagles to find himself jettisoned from his team by the coach that drafted him to a divisional rival. There were not a lot of suitors for the guy when he left the Eagles. Then he comes to D.C. where he has had difficulty picking up the offense and despite all the changes and arguably the lack of talent around him, he still hasn't played as well as he should/could have. He has been benched for the rest of the season and we get the opportunity to see what Rexy can do.
In his first game, Rexy had a very good game. The guy threw for a career tying best 4 TDs and over 320 yards. He looked liked he had good command of the offense and his accuracy for the most part was excellent. I did say prior to the game that he will fumble at least once and the fumble he had wasn't the best. Also, his first INT was not the smartest throw. He basically lofted one up there and I know he thought Sellers was going to stop but still it would have been better for him to eat the ball and take a sack or throw it out of bounds instead of trying to make that throw that results in a Cowboy INT in our territory. The second INT was not that bad given that time was running out and he had to make a play and if that throw had been just a little bit higher, it could have been potentially caught setting up a long FG (that Gano would have probably missed).
All in all, I was pleased with his play. I would rate it a B+. Lets keep in mind that it is only one game so it will be interesting to see what he does in the final two. But he has an opportunity to show everyone (fans, league, peers, coaches, etc.) that he is capable of being a starter in this league.
What was also interesting was that several players upon hearing that Rexy was going to be the starter accepted the news (there were some that seemed disappointed with the move) and that afterwards, there did seem to be some excitement among some players with how the offense was clicking. Moss, who had two TDs, seemed pretty pumped with the performance. Shanny also looked and sounded less frustrated when talking about the offense.
I admit that it was good to see the offense click and how the ball was spread around. Six players caught balls and three different players caught TDs. Armstrong had 100 yards in receptions. It was a solid offensive performance.
Going back to McNabb. It's tough because again the guy was jettisoned by the Eagles, now looks like he will leave the Redskins and will find himself on his third team in three years. The guy didn't have a whole lot of suitors previously so I imagine there will be less suitors now. There's no question he will find a place to play (best options are Minnesota or Arizona). However, it looks more and more like his final years will be spent as a journeyman QB and I'm not sure what kind of success he will find.
As far as the Redskins are concerned, Rexy has an opportunity in the final two games to make a case that he should be the starter next year. I think Kyle loves this thought. Kyle is the reason Rexy is here. Maybe it is a good match between those two guys. Grossman is in the final year of his contract so we could sign him for not too much and then draft a QB to learn the ropes.
The toughest part of this whole thing is thinking that we had found a franchise QB in McNabb and that not panning out and giving up 2 higher level draft picks for the guy. Still, it is better to find out now rather than later if he is our guy.
Will be interesting to see if Rexy can replicate his performance next week against the Jags. I like his confidence. Again, it has been an issue of consistency with that guy so hopefully he can string together a couple more good performances.
As my son says, "PEACE OUT, BRO!!!"
Skins come up short
The game was a tale of two halves. The first half was ridiculous but the second half looked very good.
Just a couple of notes:
1. Special teams in the first quarter/half was terrible. On the opening kickoff and our first 2 or 3 punts we gave up big yards to the Cowboys. We have had good coverage all year but yesterday it hurt us big time as the Cowboys had great field position the entire first half. Not sure if this was a result of putting in backups to see what they were capable of doing but whatever it was, it sucked.
2. Field position. Touched on it above but the entire first half the starting field positions for us sucked. We seemed to be pinned back deep in our territory while the Cowboys seemed to be starting on our side of the field. That definitely hurt us.
3. Defense sucked. The 3-4 has not worked this year. We went from a regularly top 10 defense to the worst in the league. I recognize we don't have the pieces yet but Haslett has got to get this thing fixed. He will have another offseason to bring in more pieces that fit his system but if we don't make dramatic improvement next year and at least get to be a middle of the pack defense, he has to go.
4. Offense. Was good...very good in the second half. The ball was being spread around. A pretty good mix of run and pass and for the first time in quite some time, we actually looked like a good offense where things were clicking...consistently. I will speak specifically on Rexy's performance in a separate post.
5. Good to see getting some of the young guys out there. Playoffs are out of the picture so it was nice to see guys like Riley, Barnes, Austin get into the game. There is no reason not to play them now and see what they can bring. Hopefully we will see more of them in the final two games.
In the end, it doesn't really matter that we lost. It's an evaluation period and you want to see guys work hard. There were positives yesterday but still areas for improvement. I do believe in the coaching staff and that these guys have a plan and are committed to sticking with their plan. We'll see what the rest of the year brings.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Just a couple of notes:
1. Special teams in the first quarter/half was terrible. On the opening kickoff and our first 2 or 3 punts we gave up big yards to the Cowboys. We have had good coverage all year but yesterday it hurt us big time as the Cowboys had great field position the entire first half. Not sure if this was a result of putting in backups to see what they were capable of doing but whatever it was, it sucked.
2. Field position. Touched on it above but the entire first half the starting field positions for us sucked. We seemed to be pinned back deep in our territory while the Cowboys seemed to be starting on our side of the field. That definitely hurt us.
3. Defense sucked. The 3-4 has not worked this year. We went from a regularly top 10 defense to the worst in the league. I recognize we don't have the pieces yet but Haslett has got to get this thing fixed. He will have another offseason to bring in more pieces that fit his system but if we don't make dramatic improvement next year and at least get to be a middle of the pack defense, he has to go.
4. Offense. Was good...very good in the second half. The ball was being spread around. A pretty good mix of run and pass and for the first time in quite some time, we actually looked like a good offense where things were clicking...consistently. I will speak specifically on Rexy's performance in a separate post.
5. Good to see getting some of the young guys out there. Playoffs are out of the picture so it was nice to see guys like Riley, Barnes, Austin get into the game. There is no reason not to play them now and see what they can bring. Hopefully we will see more of them in the final two games.
In the end, it doesn't really matter that we lost. It's an evaluation period and you want to see guys work hard. There were positives yesterday but still areas for improvement. I do believe in the coaching staff and that these guys have a plan and are committed to sticking with their plan. We'll see what the rest of the year brings.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Caps win...FINALLY!!!!
After an 8 game skid, the Caps finally found victory yesterday against the Senators. Still, again they got down early. The Senators took a 2-0 lead before the Caps rallied for a 3-2 win.
I watched the game on Saturday against the Bruins and we fought hard in the final two periods but still came up short. We outshot the Bruins something like 26-2 in the final period but only found the net once.
Last night, Eric Fehr looked like he found the net right before the end of the first period but the puck went in a half second after the horn sounded so the goal did not count.
There are some troubling signs with this Caps team. Boudreau has altered the schemes to be more defensive minded and gear them better for the playoffs. However, it just doesn't seem to be working. Our offense is down and our main offensive weapons (Ovie, Backstrom, Semin, etc.) have not been finding the net. On top of that, we are still letting in goals so not sure what the benefit is of the new system. Also, we seem to be snake bitten. Seems like we hit the post often and just aren't getting the breaks. Finally, we just can't seem to put an entire 60 minutes of quality hockey together. We just seem to go these long stretches in the game where we look like we don't even want to be there and are getting outworked and outhustled. That is unacceptable.
The only hope is that after last night's win, it gets the monkey off their backs and they can get on a win streak. We went from being one of the stronger teams in the NHL (prior to the losing streak) to middle of the pack within out own division. This team has too much talent and is expected to make a run at the Cup so the recent play cannot be tolerated. The stars need to play better and Boudreau needs to get his guys ready to play better. I like Boudreau but maybe he should spend less time doing commercials and more time preparing his team. As much as I don't like to think about it, continued losing and Boudreau's seat will start to get a little warmer.
Penguins come to town this week and the teams seem to be going in different directions. We need that win not just for the 2 points but for our psyche and to let the league know that we are still a top tier team.
LETS GO CAPS!!!
I watched the game on Saturday against the Bruins and we fought hard in the final two periods but still came up short. We outshot the Bruins something like 26-2 in the final period but only found the net once.
Last night, Eric Fehr looked like he found the net right before the end of the first period but the puck went in a half second after the horn sounded so the goal did not count.
There are some troubling signs with this Caps team. Boudreau has altered the schemes to be more defensive minded and gear them better for the playoffs. However, it just doesn't seem to be working. Our offense is down and our main offensive weapons (Ovie, Backstrom, Semin, etc.) have not been finding the net. On top of that, we are still letting in goals so not sure what the benefit is of the new system. Also, we seem to be snake bitten. Seems like we hit the post often and just aren't getting the breaks. Finally, we just can't seem to put an entire 60 minutes of quality hockey together. We just seem to go these long stretches in the game where we look like we don't even want to be there and are getting outworked and outhustled. That is unacceptable.
The only hope is that after last night's win, it gets the monkey off their backs and they can get on a win streak. We went from being one of the stronger teams in the NHL (prior to the losing streak) to middle of the pack within out own division. This team has too much talent and is expected to make a run at the Cup so the recent play cannot be tolerated. The stars need to play better and Boudreau needs to get his guys ready to play better. I like Boudreau but maybe he should spend less time doing commercials and more time preparing his team. As much as I don't like to think about it, continued losing and Boudreau's seat will start to get a little warmer.
Penguins come to town this week and the teams seem to be going in different directions. We need that win not just for the 2 points but for our psyche and to let the league know that we are still a top tier team.
LETS GO CAPS!!!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Rexy to get the start against the Cowboys
This should be interesting. I have mixed feelings about it. As a Skin fan, I try and be supportive. I like to think that I don't follow blindly. It's clear we are not going to the playoffs. It's also clear McNabb doesn't seem to have panned out for us. I recognize that our offense as a whole has not been the greatest but despite any deficiencies with the line, WRs, RBs, coaching staff, etc., McNabb has not done his part. I have the utmost respect for him as a leader and that is a much needed quality in a QB and something the Skins have not seen in some time. However, his performance on the field has been far from stellar. Peter King wrote a good piece on this subject.
"So now it's eight months after the McNabb trade to Washington, and a second highly respected quarterback guy, Mike Shanahan, has spurned McNabb. Whether you like the move or hate it (and I find the timing questionable, certainly, with McNabb having played better than average Sunday in the 17-16 loss to Tampa Bay), the one thing you have to admit is this: Two smart quarterback men have turned thumbs-down on McNabb in the span of nine months. You can defend McNabb all you want, and Lord knows he has his legions of defenders out there, but Reid and Shanahan are in the business of winning football games. Both have been to Super Bowls. Shanahan's won two of them. And both said they thought they could do better than McNabb.
Reid was under tremendous pressure to be right when he traded McNabb within the division. And 13 games into McNabb's Washington career, Shanahan is under tremendous pressure to be right in playing Grossman. My point is: Criticize Shanahan for his handling of McNabb and for thinking Grossman is anything but a backup, and acknowledge that McNabb is hamstrung by poor offensive support, but understand that McNabb bears a prominent role in this too. He's 25th in the league in passer rating, 26th in touchdown-to-interception ratio, 27th in accuracy."
I like McNabb and the big problem with this move is that it has created a division within the locker room. I'm sure players are upset about it. The question is can Shanny reunite the guys or will he lose them all together. The other interesting big piece that has not been mentioned that much is Rexy. Can he perform? Should he go out there and have a good game, what then? If he sucks, what happens?
Either way, it makes Sunday's game all the more exciting because one way or another Rexy will make for a great story.
"So now it's eight months after the McNabb trade to Washington, and a second highly respected quarterback guy, Mike Shanahan, has spurned McNabb. Whether you like the move or hate it (and I find the timing questionable, certainly, with McNabb having played better than average Sunday in the 17-16 loss to Tampa Bay), the one thing you have to admit is this: Two smart quarterback men have turned thumbs-down on McNabb in the span of nine months. You can defend McNabb all you want, and Lord knows he has his legions of defenders out there, but Reid and Shanahan are in the business of winning football games. Both have been to Super Bowls. Shanahan's won two of them. And both said they thought they could do better than McNabb.
Reid was under tremendous pressure to be right when he traded McNabb within the division. And 13 games into McNabb's Washington career, Shanahan is under tremendous pressure to be right in playing Grossman. My point is: Criticize Shanahan for his handling of McNabb and for thinking Grossman is anything but a backup, and acknowledge that McNabb is hamstrung by poor offensive support, but understand that McNabb bears a prominent role in this too. He's 25th in the league in passer rating, 26th in touchdown-to-interception ratio, 27th in accuracy."
I like McNabb and the big problem with this move is that it has created a division within the locker room. I'm sure players are upset about it. The question is can Shanny reunite the guys or will he lose them all together. The other interesting big piece that has not been mentioned that much is Rexy. Can he perform? Should he go out there and have a good game, what then? If he sucks, what happens?
Either way, it makes Sunday's game all the more exciting because one way or another Rexy will make for a great story.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
CEAFOD Playoffs - Round 2 preview
So after my epic game in Round 1, I face Hoo Knows? in Round 2. I am projected to win by 34 points. However, as Scott is all too familiar with, projections mean nothing. That's why we lace them up and play the game. I am the only higher seed to make it past the first round. I do feel good about my team although some of the individual matchups for my guys concern me. Brees and Colston will be going up against the Raven defense in Baltimore so that is a concern. The Saints O has picked up in recent weeks but it will be cold and there will be a hostile crowd so not sure if they will be able to continue their strong play. Still, I like my team and I fully expect to win this week and make it to the Championship.
In the other matchup, Deepie faces the Maniacs. The Maniacs barely eked their way into the playoffs with a 4-7-1 record. I don't particularly care for the Maniacs and don't really want to see them in the finals. Deepie has been solid but tailed off towards the end of the year. Deepie is favored by about 6 points so it could be a tight match for those guys.
Either way, I fully expect to win it.
In the other matchup, Deepie faces the Maniacs. The Maniacs barely eked their way into the playoffs with a 4-7-1 record. I don't particularly care for the Maniacs and don't really want to see them in the finals. Deepie has been solid but tailed off towards the end of the year. Deepie is favored by about 6 points so it could be a tight match for those guys.
Either way, I fully expect to win it.
Band Aid
So around this time of year, in the car I will listen to 97.1 WASH FM for the Xmas music. The kids seem to enjoy it. They seem to often play that Band Aid song quite a bit. The song was done decades ago and is a collection of European artists singing to help raise funds for famine relief. It's not a bad song but there is a line in there that always makes me chuckle. It's Bono and he sings, "Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you."
It just sounds funny that we should be thanking God for their poverty and poor situation and that we are not them. I get what they are trying to say but it just seems like the lyrics could have been better.
Anyway, just a random thought.
It just sounds funny that we should be thanking God for their poverty and poor situation and that we are not them. I get what they are trying to say but it just seems like the lyrics could have been better.
Anyway, just a random thought.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
UNBELIEVABLE CEAFOD GAME FOR ME!!!!
Basically, started the night 35 points back but I had Arian Foster, Sydney Rice, Ahmad Bradshaw, and the Baltimore defense and he had Andre Johnson.
My guys made up quite a bit of ground and I ended up taking a 9 point lead with 2 and a half minutes left in the Texan/Raven game last night. The Texans took the ball over inside their 5 yard line and had to drive the length of the field with no timeouts. The one thing that could not happen to me is for Andre Johnson to score a TD. So what happens? Andre Johnson scores with 20 seconds left! Since I had the Raven defense, I lost points there and he gained points because of Johnson. All of a sudden, I find myself down by 3 points.
Then the Texans convert the 2 pt conversion to tie the game sending it to OT. I was thinking I'm still not out of it because I have Arian Foster and maybe he could do something in OT. However, the Ravens won the coin toss and I was thinking they will come down and score and that will be the ball game and I'll lose. The Texans end up forcing a punt. They take over inside their 10 yard line and on, I think it was their second offensive play of OT, Schaub throws an INT for a TD. Because I had the Raven defense, I got the points and ended up winning by like 5 points. UNBELIEVABLE victory!
It sends me into the second round of the playoffs (the final four) and I am the highest remaining seed.
My guys made up quite a bit of ground and I ended up taking a 9 point lead with 2 and a half minutes left in the Texan/Raven game last night. The Texans took the ball over inside their 5 yard line and had to drive the length of the field with no timeouts. The one thing that could not happen to me is for Andre Johnson to score a TD. So what happens? Andre Johnson scores with 20 seconds left! Since I had the Raven defense, I lost points there and he gained points because of Johnson. All of a sudden, I find myself down by 3 points.
Then the Texans convert the 2 pt conversion to tie the game sending it to OT. I was thinking I'm still not out of it because I have Arian Foster and maybe he could do something in OT. However, the Ravens won the coin toss and I was thinking they will come down and score and that will be the ball game and I'll lose. The Texans end up forcing a punt. They take over inside their 10 yard line and on, I think it was their second offensive play of OT, Schaub throws an INT for a TD. Because I had the Raven defense, I got the points and ended up winning by like 5 points. UNBELIEVABLE victory!
It sends me into the second round of the playoffs (the final four) and I am the highest remaining seed.
Monday, December 13, 2010
CEAFOD Playoffs - Round 1
Very tough day for the favorites. Most surprising/disappointing is it looks as though Scott will lose to Mark's Maniacs.
Scott has been pretty dominant the entire season and was even projected to get 140 points but looks like he will score about half of the projected amount and lose out. Scott is Green Bay Packer player loaded and a 7-3 loss to the Lions yesterday certainly didn't help his cause.
Robs is out. He had a strong early showing with P. Manning and Garcon having strong games Thursday night but struggled after that and was not able to score more than 100 points.
Deepie looks like he will hold on for a win and advance to the next round.
Darren McFadden may be the end for me. The guy has a career game yesterday and accounts for 41 points himself. I find myself down 118 to 83 going into tonight's games. I do have Arian Foster, Ahmad Bradshaw, Sydney Rice, and the Raven defense tonight while my opponent has Andre Johnson still left to play. I need for my guys to really step up for me to have a chance. With my 4 guys, I have to pick up 35 points plus any points that Johnson gets.
We'll see what happens.
Scott has been pretty dominant the entire season and was even projected to get 140 points but looks like he will score about half of the projected amount and lose out. Scott is Green Bay Packer player loaded and a 7-3 loss to the Lions yesterday certainly didn't help his cause.
Robs is out. He had a strong early showing with P. Manning and Garcon having strong games Thursday night but struggled after that and was not able to score more than 100 points.
Deepie looks like he will hold on for a win and advance to the next round.
Darren McFadden may be the end for me. The guy has a career game yesterday and accounts for 41 points himself. I find myself down 118 to 83 going into tonight's games. I do have Arian Foster, Ahmad Bradshaw, Sydney Rice, and the Raven defense tonight while my opponent has Andre Johnson still left to play. I need for my guys to really step up for me to have a chance. With my 4 guys, I have to pick up 35 points plus any points that Johnson gets.
We'll see what happens.
GANO!!!!!!
What the heck, man?!!! Skins lose a heartbreaker. We had a number of opportunities to win the game but we blew it. Here are my thoughts:
1. Ride the Love Torain. Torain was unbelievable. He racked up like 120 yards in just over a quarter. The guy runs hard and seems to have great vision in the zone blocking scheme. He seems to know what hole to hit and when to hit it. O line deserves a lot of credit for the monster holes they created.
2. GANO!!!! The guy blew it! He was on shaky ground coming into the game and then he missed a 34 yarder and like a 20 yarder. He barely made the extra point. That's an easy 6 points that if we get, could have been the difference in the game. Won't be surprised if we start trying out kickers this week.
3. Playcalling. I loved the commitment to the run game. However, we should have used the run to set up play action. It was obvious going into the second half that the TB defense would bring more guys down into the box and make a commitment to stop the run seeing how they were gashed in the first half. We didn't adjust. Our first few drives, we continued to try and run and it wasn't going to work. Would have loved to see on our first offensive play in the second half to show run, do play action, and try for a deep ball.
Also, I did not like in the first half, when we were inside the TB 10 yard line, after running the ball effectively down to that spot, we line McNabb in shotgun and spread the field and do a shovel pass to Moss. Why get cute? Just pound the ball down there. We had been effective with it the entire first half and don't get cute with it.
4. HOLDING!!! On the TB touchdown with a few minutes remaing there was OBVIOUS holding on Orakpo. I recognize that there is probably holding on every play. However, what bothered me on that play was that Orakpo and the tackle were not jumbled up with the rest of the O and D lines. They were by themselves as Orakpo tried to go around the tackle. It was clear as day and shocking that the ref missed it. The ref told Orakpo that he was busy looking down field. That is not his job! That is why there are back judges! Terrible blown call that changed the scope of the game.
5. Botched extra point. After celebrating a last second drive that culminated with a McNabb to Moss 4th down TD, we botch the extra point. Given our issues with the kicking game the entire day, I did not expect the kick to be automatic. Still, it was VERY disappointing. The snap was a little high and the ball is wet but that is part of what Hunter Smith is paid to do. HOLD THE FREAKIN' BALL!! He blew it!
In the end, there were positives but we again found ourselves on the short end of the stick. I loved the effort. Moss was actually a little emotional after the game so I like that these guys showed heart and fought hard. It's clear they care even though they are not going to the playoffs. What I really want to see though is consistency. We play well one game and then suck another game. The inconsistency even shows up during the game. One drive will be flawless and then the rest of the half we suck. Also, we seemed to change our identity yesterday. We have not committed to the run as much as I would have liked this year but then that's all we do yesterday. I recognize we had been down to our third and fourth string RBs the last several weeks so that played a part in it. Still, I just want to see consistency.
I do think the team is headed in the right direction and I think another off season where the coaches can bring in their guys that can run their systems and have the players work another year in the systems will make a big difference.
Will be interesting to see if the coaches allow some of the younger guys play in the last three games to see what they offer. Wouldn't mind seeing Kevin Barnes, Terrence Austin, Perry Riley among others in there to see if there is a spot on this team for them next year.
1. Ride the Love Torain. Torain was unbelievable. He racked up like 120 yards in just over a quarter. The guy runs hard and seems to have great vision in the zone blocking scheme. He seems to know what hole to hit and when to hit it. O line deserves a lot of credit for the monster holes they created.
2. GANO!!!! The guy blew it! He was on shaky ground coming into the game and then he missed a 34 yarder and like a 20 yarder. He barely made the extra point. That's an easy 6 points that if we get, could have been the difference in the game. Won't be surprised if we start trying out kickers this week.
3. Playcalling. I loved the commitment to the run game. However, we should have used the run to set up play action. It was obvious going into the second half that the TB defense would bring more guys down into the box and make a commitment to stop the run seeing how they were gashed in the first half. We didn't adjust. Our first few drives, we continued to try and run and it wasn't going to work. Would have loved to see on our first offensive play in the second half to show run, do play action, and try for a deep ball.
Also, I did not like in the first half, when we were inside the TB 10 yard line, after running the ball effectively down to that spot, we line McNabb in shotgun and spread the field and do a shovel pass to Moss. Why get cute? Just pound the ball down there. We had been effective with it the entire first half and don't get cute with it.
4. HOLDING!!! On the TB touchdown with a few minutes remaing there was OBVIOUS holding on Orakpo. I recognize that there is probably holding on every play. However, what bothered me on that play was that Orakpo and the tackle were not jumbled up with the rest of the O and D lines. They were by themselves as Orakpo tried to go around the tackle. It was clear as day and shocking that the ref missed it. The ref told Orakpo that he was busy looking down field. That is not his job! That is why there are back judges! Terrible blown call that changed the scope of the game.
5. Botched extra point. After celebrating a last second drive that culminated with a McNabb to Moss 4th down TD, we botch the extra point. Given our issues with the kicking game the entire day, I did not expect the kick to be automatic. Still, it was VERY disappointing. The snap was a little high and the ball is wet but that is part of what Hunter Smith is paid to do. HOLD THE FREAKIN' BALL!! He blew it!
In the end, there were positives but we again found ourselves on the short end of the stick. I loved the effort. Moss was actually a little emotional after the game so I like that these guys showed heart and fought hard. It's clear they care even though they are not going to the playoffs. What I really want to see though is consistency. We play well one game and then suck another game. The inconsistency even shows up during the game. One drive will be flawless and then the rest of the half we suck. Also, we seemed to change our identity yesterday. We have not committed to the run as much as I would have liked this year but then that's all we do yesterday. I recognize we had been down to our third and fourth string RBs the last several weeks so that played a part in it. Still, I just want to see consistency.
I do think the team is headed in the right direction and I think another off season where the coaches can bring in their guys that can run their systems and have the players work another year in the systems will make a big difference.
Will be interesting to see if the coaches allow some of the younger guys play in the last three games to see what they offer. Wouldn't mind seeing Kevin Barnes, Terrence Austin, Perry Riley among others in there to see if there is a spot on this team for them next year.
What the heck is going on with the Caps?!!!
The Caps have lost 6 in a row and it was culminated with a 7-0 drubbing last night against the Rangers. Ovie has been in what seems like a season long slump. Semin was super hot a couple of weeks ago but has really cooled off. Seems like we never hear Backstrom's name. Hannan hasn't won since he arrived. They've tried different things to jump start the team (brought up Perreault, Ovie fought last night, etc.).
We went from having a pretty nice cushion in our division to now fighting to stay atop of it. The interesting thing is that this team was expected to make a run for the Cup. A few more losses in a row and Boudreau will really be on the hot seat.
I still like this team and think it's better to lose now than come playoff time. In fact, if anything, maybe this is a good thing as it will help humble the team and help them learn how to fight through a losing streak and/or personal/team slumps as they make their push towards the playoffs.
We went from having a pretty nice cushion in our division to now fighting to stay atop of it. The interesting thing is that this team was expected to make a run for the Cup. A few more losses in a row and Boudreau will really be on the hot seat.
I still like this team and think it's better to lose now than come playoff time. In fact, if anything, maybe this is a good thing as it will help humble the team and help them learn how to fight through a losing streak and/or personal/team slumps as they make their push towards the playoffs.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Haynesworth suspended
Haynesworth was suspended without pay for the rest of the season yesterday for conduct detrimental to the team. I have no problem with this move. I’m sure Shanny could have dealt with things better over the past few months but Haynesworth made it clear he was not happy to be part of this team. What’s most telling is that it seems that most of the team is happy he is gone as well. I’m sure everyone wanted him to play but they wanted him to be a positive force and a good teammate. He was not that and as a result, most everyone got sick of him. He had become too big of a distraction to this team.
Was listening to Grant Paulsen (Redskins reporter) on the LaVar and Dukes show last night and he was saying that Haynesworth had been saying recently that he wanted more snaps and that he still thought he was a top tier D lineman but he is the one that dictated his role. He refused to be the nose tackle in the 3-4 and he was the one that wanted to only play on passing downs. He would show up late to meetings and instead of showing any remorse, he would say things like so what? Everyone is late to meetings/practice every now and then. A couple of weeks ago, he was asked who his best friends were on the team and he said Vonnie Holliday and Jeremy Jarmon. Just a couple of days ago, Holliday criticized Albert for his behavior.
Sure, he is better suited in the 4-3 but it’s not like a totally different position. It’s still D line and he should be a professional. Football is football and he is part of the team and should act like it. Andre Carter, who had one of his better seasons last year with 11 sacks at DE, was asked to play and entirely different position this year. I’m sure he wasn’t happy about it but he has handled himself with the utmost class. That is what a good teammate and professional does.
What’s worse is Shanny gave Fat Al a chance to be released in the Spring but Al said he was on board and then he took the money and reneged on his word.
Bottom line, he is a loser. There is no question that if he puts his mind to it, he can be a very good player but getting his mind (and body) in proper shape is too big of an ordeal.
Frankly, Fat Al is the epitome of the Snyderatto era so I say good riddance to Fat Al
Was listening to Grant Paulsen (Redskins reporter) on the LaVar and Dukes show last night and he was saying that Haynesworth had been saying recently that he wanted more snaps and that he still thought he was a top tier D lineman but he is the one that dictated his role. He refused to be the nose tackle in the 3-4 and he was the one that wanted to only play on passing downs. He would show up late to meetings and instead of showing any remorse, he would say things like so what? Everyone is late to meetings/practice every now and then. A couple of weeks ago, he was asked who his best friends were on the team and he said Vonnie Holliday and Jeremy Jarmon. Just a couple of days ago, Holliday criticized Albert for his behavior.
Sure, he is better suited in the 4-3 but it’s not like a totally different position. It’s still D line and he should be a professional. Football is football and he is part of the team and should act like it. Andre Carter, who had one of his better seasons last year with 11 sacks at DE, was asked to play and entirely different position this year. I’m sure he wasn’t happy about it but he has handled himself with the utmost class. That is what a good teammate and professional does.
What’s worse is Shanny gave Fat Al a chance to be released in the Spring but Al said he was on board and then he took the money and reneged on his word.
Bottom line, he is a loser. There is no question that if he puts his mind to it, he can be a very good player but getting his mind (and body) in proper shape is too big of an ordeal.
Frankly, Fat Al is the epitome of the Snyderatto era so I say good riddance to Fat Al
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
CEAFOD Playoffs
Interestingly, Scott, Deeps, Robs, and myself are all in the playoffs but none of play against each other.
I am the #2 seed and face Paladins United and am actually pretty worried about the game. I am projected to lose by 10 points. The individual matchups don't seem to favor me so it may very well be one and done for me. Would love for Robs and I to advance as we would face each other in the next round.
We'll see how it goes.
I am the #2 seed and face Paladins United and am actually pretty worried about the game. I am projected to lose by 10 points. The individual matchups don't seem to favor me so it may very well be one and done for me. Would love for Robs and I to advance as we would face each other in the next round.
We'll see how it goes.
Monday, December 6, 2010
CEAFOD
I will win this week but Scott will also win so Scott will hold on to first place heading into the playoffs this coming weekend. I will hold on to the #2 seed. We all know anything can happen in the playoffs; however, it really looks like the Scott and me are the top teams in the league. We are seeded one and two respectively. We have held on to those spots for some time. We are the top two scoring teams in the league. If there is justice in this league, he and I will square off in the Championship. However, we all know that guys can have a monster game in any given week so there are always opportunities for upsets.
I think the way it is shaping up right now, I would face Deepie in the first round of the playoffs. Deepie has been struggling as of late so I may be catching him at the right time.
We'll see.
I think the way it is shaping up right now, I would face Deepie in the first round of the playoffs. Deepie has been struggling as of late so I may be catching him at the right time.
We'll see.
Beaten!
Skins blew it against the Giants yesterday. What's worse is I'm not sure if the Giants beat us worse than we beat ourselves. Just a really poor showing. Here are my thoughts:
1. Turnovers, turnovers, TURNOVERS!!! Ridiculous! Six turnovers and many of them were just poor turnovers. Perhaps the most egregious one was where McNabb had a 2nd and short and it looked like they ran that play with Donovan rolling right and throwing across the field to the TE. He had plenty of room to run for the first down but he hesitated as he wanted to wait for the WRs to run their routes. When he decided to run, he was tentative and then he just let go of the ball as he tried to slide. It was an ugly play from the get go. McNabb had another bad INT when he tried to make a play to Moss in the end zone. The safety barely had to move from the spot he lined up at on the play. Cooley was stripped. Williams fumbled a shovel pass. The list goes on. I don't care about it being cold or this or that...both teams had to play under the same conditions and we just hurt ourselves with those turnovers.
2. POOR TACKLING!!! Apparently the scheme going into the week was to stop the ground game. Didn't work that well as both Jacobs and Bradshaw pretty much ran for 100 yards apiece. Much of that can be attributed to just plain poor tackling and taking the wrong gaps. Pathetic.
3. More dropped balls. Once again, blame is shared. Moss, Cooley, Sellers all had very makeable catches that they dropped and cut short drives. Pathetic.
4. Rotating offensive line. Seemed like every other play there were new O linemen in the game. Just seemed like a constant shuffle. That just seems like a very difficult way to run the offense.
Not much else to say. What bothers me most is the lack of consistency with this team. They are so unpredictable. We can put together a good series or even a good game but then we can look terrible. I understand there are growing pains with the types of changes that we made in the offseason. I never expected playoffs this year. I said at the beginning of the season that 8-8 would be a tremendously successful season. However, what I wanted to see was improvement week to week and right now that isn't happening. There is still too much inconsistency which bothers me. We have 4 more games to show improvement and hopefully we can do that.
HAIL SKINS!!!
1. Turnovers, turnovers, TURNOVERS!!! Ridiculous! Six turnovers and many of them were just poor turnovers. Perhaps the most egregious one was where McNabb had a 2nd and short and it looked like they ran that play with Donovan rolling right and throwing across the field to the TE. He had plenty of room to run for the first down but he hesitated as he wanted to wait for the WRs to run their routes. When he decided to run, he was tentative and then he just let go of the ball as he tried to slide. It was an ugly play from the get go. McNabb had another bad INT when he tried to make a play to Moss in the end zone. The safety barely had to move from the spot he lined up at on the play. Cooley was stripped. Williams fumbled a shovel pass. The list goes on. I don't care about it being cold or this or that...both teams had to play under the same conditions and we just hurt ourselves with those turnovers.
2. POOR TACKLING!!! Apparently the scheme going into the week was to stop the ground game. Didn't work that well as both Jacobs and Bradshaw pretty much ran for 100 yards apiece. Much of that can be attributed to just plain poor tackling and taking the wrong gaps. Pathetic.
3. More dropped balls. Once again, blame is shared. Moss, Cooley, Sellers all had very makeable catches that they dropped and cut short drives. Pathetic.
4. Rotating offensive line. Seemed like every other play there were new O linemen in the game. Just seemed like a constant shuffle. That just seems like a very difficult way to run the offense.
Not much else to say. What bothers me most is the lack of consistency with this team. They are so unpredictable. We can put together a good series or even a good game but then we can look terrible. I understand there are growing pains with the types of changes that we made in the offseason. I never expected playoffs this year. I said at the beginning of the season that 8-8 would be a tremendously successful season. However, what I wanted to see was improvement week to week and right now that isn't happening. There is still too much inconsistency which bothers me. We have 4 more games to show improvement and hopefully we can do that.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Steve Johnson blames God for the dropped ball
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson dropped a game-winning touchdown in the end zone Sunday in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Anyone who has ever tossed the pigskin around in the back yard dreams of that scenario - minus the fumble, of course.
Johnson did not even have to work for the ball. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's pass was text-book perfect, landing squarely in Johnson's hands.
After the game, Johnson's twitter account filed this faithy tweet:
@StevieJohnson13
I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO...
It was an easy catch and would have been a great way for Buffalo to end that game so it's too bad that he dropped it. It happens. This guy has come out of no where to become arguably Buffalo's best skill player. Still, he seems like a pretty emotionally charged guy. His post game conference was interesting too. I give him credit for having a conference. He looked kind of dazed and confused by what had just happened. I watched it on CBS's post game highlights and I think Shannon Sharpe ended Johnson's clip with an, "Okaaaaay." It was actually a pretty funny response.
Anyways, to blame God for the dropped ball is pretty silly.
Johnson did not even have to work for the ball. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's pass was text-book perfect, landing squarely in Johnson's hands.
After the game, Johnson's twitter account filed this faithy tweet:
@StevieJohnson13
I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO...
It was an easy catch and would have been a great way for Buffalo to end that game so it's too bad that he dropped it. It happens. This guy has come out of no where to become arguably Buffalo's best skill player. Still, he seems like a pretty emotionally charged guy. His post game conference was interesting too. I give him credit for having a conference. He looked kind of dazed and confused by what had just happened. I watched it on CBS's post game highlights and I think Shannon Sharpe ended Johnson's clip with an, "Okaaaaay." It was actually a pretty funny response.
Anyways, to blame God for the dropped ball is pretty silly.
Leslie Nielsen dead at 84
Sad news for a guy that brought many laughs in his roles on Airplane and the Naked Gun series.
Here we go with the Heat
The Miami Heat's players are frustrated with Erik Spoelstra and some are questioning whether he is the right coach for their team, according to people close to the situation.
With the ballyhooed Heat losing four of their last five games and sporting a mediocre 9-8 record, the players are privately grumbling about Spoelstra on several fronts.
Sources say the players believe he is not letting them be themselves, that they are questioning his offensive strategies, and that they think he is panicking because he fears losing his job.
I love it! After "The Decision;" the show they put on in Miami unveiling James, Bosh, and Wade; and all of the other hoopla, I love seeing how it is crumbling. The Heat have lost 4 out of their last 5 and don't look like a championship caliber team. All of the "Big 3s" numbers are down from a year ago and with the mounting losses, fingers will start pointing in various directions. This whole experiment will probably end up being a big mistake and James will probably regret his "Decision." He should have just stayed in Cleveland where he was adored and who had a championship caliber team.
With the ballyhooed Heat losing four of their last five games and sporting a mediocre 9-8 record, the players are privately grumbling about Spoelstra on several fronts.
Sources say the players believe he is not letting them be themselves, that they are questioning his offensive strategies, and that they think he is panicking because he fears losing his job.
I love it! After "The Decision;" the show they put on in Miami unveiling James, Bosh, and Wade; and all of the other hoopla, I love seeing how it is crumbling. The Heat have lost 4 out of their last 5 and don't look like a championship caliber team. All of the "Big 3s" numbers are down from a year ago and with the mounting losses, fingers will start pointing in various directions. This whole experiment will probably end up being a big mistake and James will probably regret his "Decision." He should have just stayed in Cleveland where he was adored and who had a championship caliber team.
DISAPPOINTING!!!
Skins lose to the Viqueens 17-13. I am disappointed for a variety of reasons. Here are my thoughts:
1. Great opening drive for the Skins. The question is what happened after that? We were clicking on all cylinders on that first drive. We spread the ball around and it really looked great. After that, the offense pretty much disappeared.
2. Too many dropped balls. Both Cooley and Moss dropped balls on a drive in the second quarter that would've resulted in first downs but their drops killed the drive. Armstrong dropped a ball in the fourth quarter right after his bomb that would have set up a second and short. Moss had the ball right off his hands on that slant deep in our territory that ricocheted off of him and ended up getting picked off. Those dropped balls hurt bad.
3. No running game. We were totally one dimensional yesterday. I understand we have injuries to our first and second string RBs but what happened to Keiland Williams? Was he hurt too? Why was that guy they just brought in playing so much? We just didn't commit to the running game and that hurt.
4. Illegal blocks. Riley had two illegal blocks on PRs. The first one didn't really have much of an impact but the second one cost us a Brandon Banks TD. The sad part about that one was that the illegal block had no impact on the play. Banks looked to have already been passed the guy that got that illegal block. That was a killer.
5. Didn't like our defense. We held up pretty well but we didn't do as a good job stopping the run as we should have. I would have liked to see a commitment to stop the run and pressure on Favre and have Favre beat us. We didn't apply the kind of pressure that I would have liked to see because we should have had Favre try and beat us and I'm confident he would have thrown a couple of INTs.
6. Favre's naked bootleg. C'mon! Letting him have that first down was ridiculous. Ole man Favre making that play? The thing was there were like three guys running away from him as he rolled out. If just one of those guys commits to Favre that does not happen.
7. Bomb to Armstrong. It was underthrown. If he had hit Armstrong in stride, it was an easy TD. I understand he had a guy in his face and took a hit but still Donovan has got to make that throw.
There are always would'ves and should'ves but in the end we lost. At the start of the season, I never expected to make the playoffs this year but I was disappointed because this was a game I expected to win and we just didn't show the kind of consistency and improvement I would have liked to see at this point.
Anyways, it's over and it's time to move on to next week.
HAIL SKINS!!!
1. Great opening drive for the Skins. The question is what happened after that? We were clicking on all cylinders on that first drive. We spread the ball around and it really looked great. After that, the offense pretty much disappeared.
2. Too many dropped balls. Both Cooley and Moss dropped balls on a drive in the second quarter that would've resulted in first downs but their drops killed the drive. Armstrong dropped a ball in the fourth quarter right after his bomb that would have set up a second and short. Moss had the ball right off his hands on that slant deep in our territory that ricocheted off of him and ended up getting picked off. Those dropped balls hurt bad.
3. No running game. We were totally one dimensional yesterday. I understand we have injuries to our first and second string RBs but what happened to Keiland Williams? Was he hurt too? Why was that guy they just brought in playing so much? We just didn't commit to the running game and that hurt.
4. Illegal blocks. Riley had two illegal blocks on PRs. The first one didn't really have much of an impact but the second one cost us a Brandon Banks TD. The sad part about that one was that the illegal block had no impact on the play. Banks looked to have already been passed the guy that got that illegal block. That was a killer.
5. Didn't like our defense. We held up pretty well but we didn't do as a good job stopping the run as we should have. I would have liked to see a commitment to stop the run and pressure on Favre and have Favre beat us. We didn't apply the kind of pressure that I would have liked to see because we should have had Favre try and beat us and I'm confident he would have thrown a couple of INTs.
6. Favre's naked bootleg. C'mon! Letting him have that first down was ridiculous. Ole man Favre making that play? The thing was there were like three guys running away from him as he rolled out. If just one of those guys commits to Favre that does not happen.
7. Bomb to Armstrong. It was underthrown. If he had hit Armstrong in stride, it was an easy TD. I understand he had a guy in his face and took a hit but still Donovan has got to make that throw.
There are always would'ves and should'ves but in the end we lost. At the start of the season, I never expected to make the playoffs this year but I was disappointed because this was a game I expected to win and we just didn't show the kind of consistency and improvement I would have liked to see at this point.
Anyways, it's over and it's time to move on to next week.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Done in by Rivers and Moreno
So I had a 32 point lead going into last night's game over Scott. I was the high scorer for the week with 168 points. Again, couldn't have asked much more from my guys.
Unfortunately, Rivers threw for 4 TDs last night and accrued 30 points. Tag in an additional 24 points from Moreno and I ended up on the losing side as Kaos totaled a staggering 190 points. That may be a league high this year.
I attribute it to bad luck. Thus, the standings remain unchanged this week as Scott holds on to first, Deepie is in second, and I am in third.
Still, I like my team and feel like I am getting stronger as the season wears on. I feel good as we near the playoffs.
Unfortunately, Rivers threw for 4 TDs last night and accrued 30 points. Tag in an additional 24 points from Moreno and I ended up on the losing side as Kaos totaled a staggering 190 points. That may be a league high this year.
I attribute it to bad luck. Thus, the standings remain unchanged this week as Scott holds on to first, Deepie is in second, and I am in third.
Still, I like my team and feel like I am getting stronger as the season wears on. I feel good as we near the playoffs.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Skins beat the Titans
Good win. Great to see the Skins come out and show some pride and heart after getting that thumping against the Eagles. It should also shut up those morons that said Shanny had lost the team. That was ridiculous. Here are my overall thoughts:
1. Gano saved his job with the kick in OT. He missed a 45+ yarder at the end of the half and a 40+ yarder at the end of regulation. If he had missed the one in OT, no question we would be inviting kickers to Redskin Park this week.
2. Very good game by McNabb. He wasn't perfect. He missed some open throws but he still threw for close to 400 yards and a TD. It was great to see him engineer two two minute drill drives (one at the end of the half and one at the end of regulation). It was also nice to see him set up the game winning drive in OT.
3. Defense was big. They only gave up three FGs the entire game. They gave up some plays but the BIG difference was that when it came time to make a stop, they did. Especially big for them to show pride after last week's debacle and also considering they were without Landry and Rogers.
4. INJURIES! An unbelievable amount of injuries but it was tremendous to see the backups step up. Namely the guys on the O line. You had second and third stringers in there and guys playing out of position yet I'd almost say that this group of backups was better than the starters. McNabb seemed to have a lot of time nearly every play and that's huge considering they went up against the 3rd ranked sacking team. The group that played most of the game was Williams, Lichtensteiger, Montgomery, Heyer and Brown. Great job to that group.
Also, thought Keiland Williams did a great job as we lost Portis early who aggravated his groin and lost Chad Simpson to injury in warmups.
5. Third down conversions! We were dead last in third down conversion percentage this year but we did a tremendous job converting third downs on Sunday. Nice to see them pick that stat up and hopefully that continues.
6. Cooley and Davis. Really liked seeing the two TE sets and using both Davis and Cooley as receivers and for them to make plays. They are assets and can create mismatches and would like to see more of that.
7. The final drive. The Titans shot themselves in the foot with the multiple penalties but what I liked about them was that all of them were legit. I hate to see a game decided by a bad/cheap call but those were all legitimate penalties (personal foul for ripping Lichtensteiger's helmet off, personal foul for lowering the head and going head first into McNabb's head, and the illegal contact on the DB).
It was a good game and one that we needed to show that we weren't quitting on the season. I liked the heart this team showed. I had hoped for 8-8 at the beginning of this year and said that that would be a tremendously successful year for us. We are now 5-5 and right on pace for that mark.
HAIL SKINS!!!
1. Gano saved his job with the kick in OT. He missed a 45+ yarder at the end of the half and a 40+ yarder at the end of regulation. If he had missed the one in OT, no question we would be inviting kickers to Redskin Park this week.
2. Very good game by McNabb. He wasn't perfect. He missed some open throws but he still threw for close to 400 yards and a TD. It was great to see him engineer two two minute drill drives (one at the end of the half and one at the end of regulation). It was also nice to see him set up the game winning drive in OT.
3. Defense was big. They only gave up three FGs the entire game. They gave up some plays but the BIG difference was that when it came time to make a stop, they did. Especially big for them to show pride after last week's debacle and also considering they were without Landry and Rogers.
4. INJURIES! An unbelievable amount of injuries but it was tremendous to see the backups step up. Namely the guys on the O line. You had second and third stringers in there and guys playing out of position yet I'd almost say that this group of backups was better than the starters. McNabb seemed to have a lot of time nearly every play and that's huge considering they went up against the 3rd ranked sacking team. The group that played most of the game was Williams, Lichtensteiger, Montgomery, Heyer and Brown. Great job to that group.
Also, thought Keiland Williams did a great job as we lost Portis early who aggravated his groin and lost Chad Simpson to injury in warmups.
5. Third down conversions! We were dead last in third down conversion percentage this year but we did a tremendous job converting third downs on Sunday. Nice to see them pick that stat up and hopefully that continues.
6. Cooley and Davis. Really liked seeing the two TE sets and using both Davis and Cooley as receivers and for them to make plays. They are assets and can create mismatches and would like to see more of that.
7. The final drive. The Titans shot themselves in the foot with the multiple penalties but what I liked about them was that all of them were legit. I hate to see a game decided by a bad/cheap call but those were all legitimate penalties (personal foul for ripping Lichtensteiger's helmet off, personal foul for lowering the head and going head first into McNabb's head, and the illegal contact on the DB).
It was a good game and one that we needed to show that we weren't quitting on the season. I liked the heart this team showed. I had hoped for 8-8 at the beginning of this year and said that that would be a tremendously successful year for us. We are now 5-5 and right on pace for that mark.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Chilly out...is Favre next?
Not a real surprise. It was going to happen eventually. The team had quit on him. The Vikings are more of a circus than the Skins were last year and that's saying something.
Leslie Frazier gets an opportunity to take over the head coaching responsibilities. Will be interesting to see if Favre continues to play. Change is certainly on the way over there. Interesting how Favre and that offensive coach that has been a long time Favre supporter got into it on the sidelines last week over Favre's bad INT. Favre is on pace for a career record in INTs this year.
My only hope is that he plays against the Skins this week. I would much rather see him than Tarvaris. We'll see.
Leslie Frazier gets an opportunity to take over the head coaching responsibilities. Will be interesting to see if Favre continues to play. Change is certainly on the way over there. Interesting how Favre and that offensive coach that has been a long time Favre supporter got into it on the sidelines last week over Favre's bad INT. Favre is on pace for a career record in INTs this year.
My only hope is that he plays against the Skins this week. I would much rather see him than Tarvaris. We'll see.
VY is a head case
Titans quarterback Vince Young has lost his hold on the starting job, coach Jeff Fisher said following Tennessee's 19-16 overtime loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday.
Fisher's comments followed an emotional day for Young in which the fifth-year signal-caller was booed, injured his thumb, threw his shoulder pads into the stands, stormed out of LP Field without talking to the media and reportedly verbally sparred with his coach following the game. “I'm not running out on my teammates, I'm running out on you.” -- Vince Young to Jeff Fisher, according to The Tennessean
Young, who tore the flexor tendon in his right thumb late in the third quarter and was replaced by rookie Rusty Smith, left for the locker room after being hurt but returned to the sideline and had the thumb taped and re-taped in an effort to return. He even tried a glove, but Fisher stuck with Smith.
After the game, Young walked toward the tunnel and suddenly tossed his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands.
When the team gathered in the locker room following the loss, Young began muttering and cursing under his breath as Fisher addressed the team, the Tennessean reported Sunday night.
After Fisher asked Young to be quiet, the paper said, the quarterback finished dressing and prepared to leave the room. Fisher told Young to stop and not to "run out on your teammates," sources told The Tennessean. Young told Fisher, "I'm not running out on my teammates, I'm running out on you," the paper said.
Young then left the locker room and ignored media members as Titans safety and former University of Texas teammate Michael Griffin chased after him. The Tennessean reported that Griffin was seen confronting Young in the players' parking lot.
Griffin reportedly pleaded with Young, "You can't leave, you can't do this," before Young shrugged and left.
Griffin denied chasing after Young, but multiple media outlets reported witnessing the incident. Griffin did say that he hoped people can set aside their egos and personal feelings so they could stick together as a team. Told that Young's injury could end his season, Griffin said he didn't know that.
"Whatever happens, that's between them two," Griffin said of Fisher and Young. "I'm just trying to be a loyal teammate and a supporter."
VY is tremendously talented but he has got to grow up. Egging on the fans as they boo will not make things better. Throwing your shoulder pads into the seats as you walk off will not make things better. Take your lumps and grow from them. It reminds me of Tim Couch (who wasn't nearly as talented as VY) and when the fans booed him. In the locker room after the game, he started crying in interviews saying the fans were being mean. That does not make things better.
VY is a captain and the way he acts does not exemplify what it means to be a captain. Jeff Fisher is one of the longest tenured and most respected coaches in the league and VY should pay attention to that and just follow Fisher. I'm sure Fisher wants nothing more than for VY to fulfill his talent. The guy just needs to grow up.
Fisher's comments followed an emotional day for Young in which the fifth-year signal-caller was booed, injured his thumb, threw his shoulder pads into the stands, stormed out of LP Field without talking to the media and reportedly verbally sparred with his coach following the game. “I'm not running out on my teammates, I'm running out on you.” -- Vince Young to Jeff Fisher, according to The Tennessean
Young, who tore the flexor tendon in his right thumb late in the third quarter and was replaced by rookie Rusty Smith, left for the locker room after being hurt but returned to the sideline and had the thumb taped and re-taped in an effort to return. He even tried a glove, but Fisher stuck with Smith.
After the game, Young walked toward the tunnel and suddenly tossed his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands.
When the team gathered in the locker room following the loss, Young began muttering and cursing under his breath as Fisher addressed the team, the Tennessean reported Sunday night.
After Fisher asked Young to be quiet, the paper said, the quarterback finished dressing and prepared to leave the room. Fisher told Young to stop and not to "run out on your teammates," sources told The Tennessean. Young told Fisher, "I'm not running out on my teammates, I'm running out on you," the paper said.
Young then left the locker room and ignored media members as Titans safety and former University of Texas teammate Michael Griffin chased after him. The Tennessean reported that Griffin was seen confronting Young in the players' parking lot.
Griffin reportedly pleaded with Young, "You can't leave, you can't do this," before Young shrugged and left.
Griffin denied chasing after Young, but multiple media outlets reported witnessing the incident. Griffin did say that he hoped people can set aside their egos and personal feelings so they could stick together as a team. Told that Young's injury could end his season, Griffin said he didn't know that.
"Whatever happens, that's between them two," Griffin said of Fisher and Young. "I'm just trying to be a loyal teammate and a supporter."
VY is tremendously talented but he has got to grow up. Egging on the fans as they boo will not make things better. Throwing your shoulder pads into the seats as you walk off will not make things better. Take your lumps and grow from them. It reminds me of Tim Couch (who wasn't nearly as talented as VY) and when the fans booed him. In the locker room after the game, he started crying in interviews saying the fans were being mean. That does not make things better.
VY is a captain and the way he acts does not exemplify what it means to be a captain. Jeff Fisher is one of the longest tenured and most respected coaches in the league and VY should pay attention to that and just follow Fisher. I'm sure Fisher wants nothing more than for VY to fulfill his talent. The guy just needs to grow up.
CEAFOD - who will be #1
In an epic battle of titans, I hold a 28 point lead going into tonight's game. Scott has Philip Rivers and Knowshown Moreno tonight. It will be hard for me to hold off those two. I have a total of 168 points so I couldn't have asked much more from my guys. I am the highest scorer for the week but we'll see if it is enough to stave off Scott and hold on to victory and a share of first place.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
New keg
It was a tough choice but I went with Modelo Especial. It is a 1/4 barrel so it is a little larger than I would have liked but I like the beer so is it really wrong to have too much of a good thing?
Well, I should be good for the next couple of months.
Stay thirsty, my friends!
Well, I should be good for the next couple of months.
Stay thirsty, my friends!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
T.O. is what he is...a LOSER!
After Terrell Owens took to Twitter with "How do u justify a 78 million dollar contract w/this type of performance?" regarding a certain former teammate -- or, perhaps, his team -- that former teammate shot back. Washington Redskins QB Donovan McNabb responded on Tuesday to criticism of his new contract extension from former teammate Terrell Owens. ... In an appearance on ESPN Radio on Tuesday, McNabb fired back. "It's unbelievable how they can comment on what I'm doing over here," McNabb said, while bringing up the 2-7 Bengals' lowly record.
Why does T.O. care? That guy is a loser and an idiot. McNabb is a class act. T.O. is just jealous. The thing is T.O. is having a good year and he should just be content with his own business and success and not worry about what other people do.
Why does T.O. care? That guy is a loser and an idiot. McNabb is a class act. T.O. is just jealous. The thing is T.O. is having a good year and he should just be content with his own business and success and not worry about what other people do.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
DISASTER!
It's hard to find the words that can describe last night's Skins game. It's probably best to forget it and try our best to put it behind us. Just a few thoughts on the game:
1. We were beaten in every facet of the game (offense, defense, special teams, coaching).
2. It was the Michael Vick show and he was unbelievable. It truly is hard to believe that a guy could spend two years in jail and then not only make it back to the NFL but potentially be its MVP.
3. VERY disappointed in the defense. I think it was a combination of game planning and execution but we just didn't have an answer for Vick. It seemed as though we would have/should have pressured more and keep Landry as a shadow on Vick and force Vick to make plays. However, it seems that what we did was rush down linemen, play the safeties back to avoid giving up the big play, and had the LBs drop back about 7 yards and watch for Vick and contain him. It obviously didn't work. I love Lorenzo Alexander but he missed a number of opportunities to tackle Vick and keep him from scrambling for a first down. However, you can't really blame the guy. You are basically asking a converted O lineman to stop Michael Vick. Not going to happen. It's putting him in a position to fail. Just a bad job overall on defense.
4. The first TD there was obvious holding on Orakpo. I literally said as I watched the play, "Holding. HOLDING. HOLDING!!!" I said it three times even before Vick threw the ball. After the catch, I was certain I would see a flag. Disappointed to have not seen the flag and I was upset for a short time but it proved that it really didn't matter as we couldn't stop Vick.
5. McNabb was decent. In fact, the offense showed sparks and when we actually seemed to dominate the second quarter...unfortunately by that time, it was already 35-0. We did get two TDs to make it 35-14 and then got the ball back except McNabb ended up throwing and INT in our side of the field that the Iggles turned into points. That was a critical point. Just a throw in...Galloway sucks and I have no idea why he is on the team.
In the end, it's a loss. It was embarrassing. What will be most interesting is how we respond next week against VY and the TITians. Will we take this loss as an embarrassment and come out angry and show some pride or will we be so shell shocked at this outcome that it affects our play next week. We'll see.
Until then...HAIL SKINS!!!
1. We were beaten in every facet of the game (offense, defense, special teams, coaching).
2. It was the Michael Vick show and he was unbelievable. It truly is hard to believe that a guy could spend two years in jail and then not only make it back to the NFL but potentially be its MVP.
3. VERY disappointed in the defense. I think it was a combination of game planning and execution but we just didn't have an answer for Vick. It seemed as though we would have/should have pressured more and keep Landry as a shadow on Vick and force Vick to make plays. However, it seems that what we did was rush down linemen, play the safeties back to avoid giving up the big play, and had the LBs drop back about 7 yards and watch for Vick and contain him. It obviously didn't work. I love Lorenzo Alexander but he missed a number of opportunities to tackle Vick and keep him from scrambling for a first down. However, you can't really blame the guy. You are basically asking a converted O lineman to stop Michael Vick. Not going to happen. It's putting him in a position to fail. Just a bad job overall on defense.
4. The first TD there was obvious holding on Orakpo. I literally said as I watched the play, "Holding. HOLDING. HOLDING!!!" I said it three times even before Vick threw the ball. After the catch, I was certain I would see a flag. Disappointed to have not seen the flag and I was upset for a short time but it proved that it really didn't matter as we couldn't stop Vick.
5. McNabb was decent. In fact, the offense showed sparks and when we actually seemed to dominate the second quarter...unfortunately by that time, it was already 35-0. We did get two TDs to make it 35-14 and then got the ball back except McNabb ended up throwing and INT in our side of the field that the Iggles turned into points. That was a critical point. Just a throw in...Galloway sucks and I have no idea why he is on the team.
In the end, it's a loss. It was embarrassing. What will be most interesting is how we respond next week against VY and the TITians. Will we take this loss as an embarrassment and come out angry and show some pride or will we be so shell shocked at this outcome that it affects our play next week. We'll see.
Until then...HAIL SKINS!!!
CEAFOD Part Deaux
Pulled off the victory against Deepie but a win by Scott keeps me in third place and a game out of first. However, I get a chance to take on Scott and his Organized Kaos team this week. I have a 5 game win streak going into this weekend's game and am on a roll. I also get back many of my starters so I am looking to take my rightful spot at the top of the league.
Good luck, Organized Ka-arse! You're going to need it.
Good luck, Organized Ka-arse! You're going to need it.
Monday, November 15, 2010
McNabb signs extension
Contrary to Robs beliefs, the Washington Redskins and quarterback Donovan McNabb have agreed to a five-year, $78 million extension, his agent told The Associated Press.
$40M is guaranteed. I imagine he will be here for the next 3 years.
I like the signing.
$40M is guaranteed. I imagine he will be here for the next 3 years.
I like the signing.
CEAFOD
So I had a comfortable lead in my game with Deepie until Brady had his monster game last night and got 38 points. I now find myself 12 points down but Deepie doesn't have any more guys and I have the Philly defense and Santana Moss playing tonight. Between them, I need 13 points. I got to get 13 points out of these guys.
Should that happen, I will find myself a half game behind Deepie and potentially 1 game back from Scott who is 5 points down in his game but has Jeremy Maclin playing tonight.
The game tonight now has even further excitement tied to it. That said, I would be willing to have the Eagles defense give up a ton of points and lose the CEAFOD game if it meant that the Skins won.
Should that happen, I will find myself a half game behind Deepie and potentially 1 game back from Scott who is 5 points down in his game but has Jeremy Maclin playing tonight.
The game tonight now has even further excitement tied to it. That said, I would be willing to have the Eagles defense give up a ton of points and lose the CEAFOD game if it meant that the Skins won.
Favre's shoulder hurts
Brett Favre said that he now has pain in his right shoulder that could be related to surgery he had to repair a partially torn biceps tendon following the 2008 season.
Favre said it could be a similar injury or the rotator cuff -- shaved during the previous surgery -- could be damaged.
Favre said he would contact Dr. James Andrews, who performed surgery to repair the partially torn biceps tendon in '08, and expects he will be asked to submit to an MRI. Favre discussed the pain with Vikings doctors but they have not been involved in his recovery from that injury and lack familiarity.
It's funny how his pain seems to directly coincide with a loss in which he plays poorly.
Favre said it could be a similar injury or the rotator cuff -- shaved during the previous surgery -- could be damaged.
Favre said he would contact Dr. James Andrews, who performed surgery to repair the partially torn biceps tendon in '08, and expects he will be asked to submit to an MRI. Favre discussed the pain with Vikings doctors but they have not been involved in his recovery from that injury and lack familiarity.
It's funny how his pain seems to directly coincide with a loss in which he plays poorly.
JMU beats W&M
W&M was the #1 team in the country but JMU was able to salvage their season with a good win against them. Final score was 30-24.
W&M apparently couldn't stop our running game as DudSUCK only had one pass attempt the entire game (of course it was incomplete).
I had said that our offense had become largely one dimensional over the recent weeks but we were able to manage with our running game.
Again, good win to help salvage a disappointing season.
W&M apparently couldn't stop our running game as DudSUCK only had one pass attempt the entire game (of course it was incomplete).
I had said that our offense had become largely one dimensional over the recent weeks but we were able to manage with our running game.
Again, good win to help salvage a disappointing season.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Skins vs. Eagles preview
Eagles come to town for a big Monday night game. It’s a critical game for a number of reasons many of which we already know (divisional game, Eagles are one game up on the Skins, McNabb facing his old team, first game coming off of the McNabb benching controversy, MNF and a national audience). Keys to the game are as follows:
1. Stop Vick. We knocked him out early in the game the first go around but we were able to contain him while he was in there. We need to do a similar job this time around. I imagine Landry will be shadowing him and will have to key on him.
2. Stop LeSean McCoy. We hurt him too in the first game but he definitely hurt us while he was in the game.
3. Stop the Eagle WRs. I know these are all obvious things but I will still bring them up. Do NOT let Jackson get behind our DBs. The WRs were a virtual non factor in the first game but I don’t expect that to be the case this go around. We really need to keep these guys in front of us and not give up the big play.
4. Stop the Eagle pass rush. Our line has been suspect and there is no question the Eagles defense will be attacking. We need to most definitely watch that double A gap blitz. The RB will have to pick that up and help out. McNabb needs to recognize this at the line and make any necessary adjustments to counter that.
5. Ride the love Torain. Torain should be back and we need to get that running game going. He had a good game the first time around and has been solid while he has been given the opportunity to start so he needs to continue that strong running game. Looks like CP will not play as he suffered a little set back this week in practice and not sure he is game ready.
6. Get Cooley involved. He presents mismatches and we need to utilize him more. The same could be said for Fred Davis. Would love to see two TE sets for blocking purposes and then mix in passes to these guys as they release for a route.
7. McNabb needs to shine. We all know about the benching and it has created quite the story but as I thought, it does seem to have blown over as best as possible. McNabb has been honest in that he was upset about the benching but that he has cleared the air with Shanny. McNabb said yesterday that he has a friendship with Kyle. Shanny yesterday pretty much admitted he was wrong without actually admitting he was wrong in his decision. Bottom line, it seems that there is no question that McNabb is the starter and that there is no controversy and everyone is ready to move forward. That said, there is also no question that that “controversy” will be a big story on MNF leading up to the game. It would be outstanding if he came out and had a big game to silence everyone and again stick it to his former team.
My prediction is that we are coming off of a much needed bye week. The crowd has been a factor in all of our home games and I expect that to continue. I think most everyone will be rooting for McNabb and he will feed off of that. I expect him to have a good game and I expect the coaches to put him in a position to be successful. In the end, I think home field advantage will be the difference and the Skins will come out with a 24-16 win.
HAIL SKINS!!!
1. Stop Vick. We knocked him out early in the game the first go around but we were able to contain him while he was in there. We need to do a similar job this time around. I imagine Landry will be shadowing him and will have to key on him.
2. Stop LeSean McCoy. We hurt him too in the first game but he definitely hurt us while he was in the game.
3. Stop the Eagle WRs. I know these are all obvious things but I will still bring them up. Do NOT let Jackson get behind our DBs. The WRs were a virtual non factor in the first game but I don’t expect that to be the case this go around. We really need to keep these guys in front of us and not give up the big play.
4. Stop the Eagle pass rush. Our line has been suspect and there is no question the Eagles defense will be attacking. We need to most definitely watch that double A gap blitz. The RB will have to pick that up and help out. McNabb needs to recognize this at the line and make any necessary adjustments to counter that.
5. Ride the love Torain. Torain should be back and we need to get that running game going. He had a good game the first time around and has been solid while he has been given the opportunity to start so he needs to continue that strong running game. Looks like CP will not play as he suffered a little set back this week in practice and not sure he is game ready.
6. Get Cooley involved. He presents mismatches and we need to utilize him more. The same could be said for Fred Davis. Would love to see two TE sets for blocking purposes and then mix in passes to these guys as they release for a route.
7. McNabb needs to shine. We all know about the benching and it has created quite the story but as I thought, it does seem to have blown over as best as possible. McNabb has been honest in that he was upset about the benching but that he has cleared the air with Shanny. McNabb said yesterday that he has a friendship with Kyle. Shanny yesterday pretty much admitted he was wrong without actually admitting he was wrong in his decision. Bottom line, it seems that there is no question that McNabb is the starter and that there is no controversy and everyone is ready to move forward. That said, there is also no question that that “controversy” will be a big story on MNF leading up to the game. It would be outstanding if he came out and had a big game to silence everyone and again stick it to his former team.
My prediction is that we are coming off of a much needed bye week. The crowd has been a factor in all of our home games and I expect that to continue. I think most everyone will be rooting for McNabb and he will feed off of that. I expect him to have a good game and I expect the coaches to put him in a position to be successful. In the end, I think home field advantage will be the difference and the Skins will come out with a 24-16 win.
HAIL SKINS!!!
JMU vs. W&M tomorrow
I would be more excited about this and this game looked like a better matchup earlier in the year but as Dudzik has become DudSUCK, I am less excited about this game.
Still, I will cheer for my Dukes and hope for a win.
GO DUKES!!!!
Still, I will cheer for my Dukes and hope for a win.
GO DUKES!!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
CHUCK E. CHEESE
Went there last weekend and I won the JACKPOT in one of those games where you have to stop the light on the jackpot. 287 TICKETS, BABY!!!!!
Even better, my son got the jackpot two more times!!!!
The good news is that we got around 500 tickets. The bad news is that amount of tickets can buy you either a crazy straw or an eraser.
Chuck E. Cheese should change his name to Chuck E. Cheap.
Even better, my son got the jackpot two more times!!!!
The good news is that we got around 500 tickets. The bad news is that amount of tickets can buy you either a crazy straw or an eraser.
Chuck E. Cheese should change his name to Chuck E. Cheap.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Pockets Straight going down!
I face Pockets Straight this week. Unfortunately, I had like 4 or 5 guys out so I had to make adjustments. My WRs are weak but I feel pretty good otherwise. It's time to make my move to the top.
Wade Phillips fired
I don't care for the Cowboys and normally I don't like midseason coaching changes in football but in this case I agreed with Jerry Jones. The Cowboys have been a disappointment all year but the effort (or lack thereof) they showed on Sunday Night was an all out embarrassment and there needed to be swift action to let the team (players and coaches) know that that performance was not acceptable and if things don't improve, there will be further changes.
I suppose this is a HUGE opportunity for Jason Garrett whose stock has fallen dramatically over the last couple of years. He went from being one of the hottest coordinators looking to become a head coach to a guy that may not even keep his job as a coordinator. The next 8 weeks will be critical for his future.
Frankly, being a Skins fan, I hope it all continues to fall apart.
I suppose this is a HUGE opportunity for Jason Garrett whose stock has fallen dramatically over the last couple of years. He went from being one of the hottest coordinators looking to become a head coach to a guy that may not even keep his job as a coordinator. The next 8 weeks will be critical for his future.
Frankly, being a Skins fan, I hope it all continues to fall apart.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dudzik sucks!
This post may come as a surprise to many of you as I have lauded and praised Dudzik for a couple of years but the guy has changed. His running abilities are still okay but JMU's offense has become so one dimensional and predictable that he needs to up his passing abilities which seem to have really taken a hit over the last year.
Anyway, JMU threw away the game against Richmond in OT as Dudzik on a 3rd and long scrambled 20 yards back and got sacked! Just throw the freaking ball away and at least we have a FG attempt. Instead it was 4th and 30 and we were out of FG range. Shockingly, we didn't convert the 4th down and Richmond easily kicked the game winning FG in OT and we lost.
Thanks, Dudzik!
Anyway, JMU threw away the game against Richmond in OT as Dudzik on a 3rd and long scrambled 20 yards back and got sacked! Just throw the freaking ball away and at least we have a FG attempt. Instead it was 4th and 30 and we were out of FG range. Shockingly, we didn't convert the 4th down and Richmond easily kicked the game winning FG in OT and we lost.
Thanks, Dudzik!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Skins workout Jamarcus Russell today
WHAT?!!!!!
I'm not sure what is going on but I'm not digging it.
I'm not sure what is going on but I'm not digging it.
Giants win the World Series
Does anyone care?
I watched perhaps 4-5 innings of the entire series.
Still, congrats to the Giants.
I watched perhaps 4-5 innings of the entire series.
Still, congrats to the Giants.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Vikings waive Moss
Randy Moss was waived by the Vikings on Monday just weeks after Minnesota traded a third-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for the receiver. Didn't take long for Moss to wear out his welcome in the twin cities.
Looks like the Queens got a good ROI on that one. This one more season at a hope for glory has turned out into a nightmare for Favre. I'm sure he is wishing he never came back.
If the Queens don't start improving, Childress will be fired and you can expect pretty significant changes over there.
Skins lose to Lions
Frustrating loss as pretty much any loss is frustrating. A couple of notes:
1. Great game by Brandon Banks. He's like the mini version of Devin Hester. He broke one and had another one that was called back by a Reed Doughty illegal block. He had a number of good PRs too. HUGE upgrade over ARE.
2. Daniels jumping offside on the FG?!!! C'mon, man!!! That one hurt as instead of 13-10 Skins lead, it became a 14-13 Lions lead.
There were some other issues and other bounces that if they had gone our way, we could have won but every game this season has been close and if the ball had bounced this way or that way a little differently in each of those games, we could have found ourselves undefeated or we could have found ourselves winless. Bottom line, we are 4-4 and if someone were to tell me at the beginning of the year we would be 4-4 at the bye, I would've taken it. Also, I think the Lions are a good football team and CJ is a beast.
That said, lets cut to the chase. What was the deal with McNabb getting pulled? It's now obvious it wasn't because of injury. I know Shanny said that Rexy understood the terminology better and that would be better in the 2 minute drill but that is b.s. What was the offseason for? What was preseason for? You're telling me that in Week 8, McNabb wouldn't be fluent enough in the offense to run the 2 minute drill? Shanny was trying to sell it but I don't buy it.
It's basically a slap in the face if your McNabb. We weren't 0-7. We were 4-3 and it a matter of seconds I feel the complexion of the season has completely changed. What's worse is that the decision came on a bye week so I am sure McNabb is going to go home and talk to his friends and have more time to stew about this. Even better is that Rexy came in and does what Rexy does...fumble. Sure, he was hit but McNabb has been hit plenty and does a much better job of holding on to the ball. Rexy will fumble left and right if he is in there.
Another thought...I don't believe for a second that this was a snap decision. It seems like there has been some build up to the pulling. In last week's game against the Pears, when McNabb threw the tipped pass for an INT that went for a TD, Kyle and McNabb were in a discussion on the sideline. Kyle was showing him the fax pictures of the play and it looked as though he was blaming McNabb for the INT. McNabb seemed surprised and seemed to be saying something to the effect of "You serious?" Where Kyle again told him you should have done XX. At that point, McNabb pulled away and started saying loudly, "FINE! FINE!" and looked pretty annoyed. We all remember reports in camp about how McNabb didn't look sharp and didn't seem to be picking up the offense well. Rexy is Kyle's boy from Houston and he was brought in by Kyle specifically because he understood this offense. Good move in bringing him in but it seems like Kyle has been itching to give Rexy a chance. Again, we don't know what all is going on and I am speculating on some of the above but bottom line, making a move like that certainly has consequences. This is now the big story and will be the story for the next two weeks. We will hear plenty of it.
For me, I don't think McNabb has played particularly great this year but the big thing I like about him is that he seems to have brought some much needed leadership and a calmness to our offense and the entire team. That is/was needed. The other thing is that McNabb still isn't signed. Now, we shouldn't sign him if we really believe he isn't the right fit but then it begs the question whether we should have traded for him in the first place. We gave up a 2nd round pick. Sure, there is always a risk with a trade and not knowing if the guy will pan out but we should have been more confident and comfortable with this move. Halfway through the season, McNabb is still unsigned and it appears that relations b/t he and the Shannys is breaking down. I may be wrong on that but it is just my perception. We may not want to sign him and/or he may not want to sign with us. The thing is the players seem to respect and enjoy McNabb and if he were to leave, where does that leave us? With Rexy? With John Beck? I'm not saying this is all over with McNabb. Perhaps, everything will be fine and the relationship is just fine. Maybe we will resign him but it just doesn't look like that right now.
We'll see what happens.
1. Great game by Brandon Banks. He's like the mini version of Devin Hester. He broke one and had another one that was called back by a Reed Doughty illegal block. He had a number of good PRs too. HUGE upgrade over ARE.
2. Daniels jumping offside on the FG?!!! C'mon, man!!! That one hurt as instead of 13-10 Skins lead, it became a 14-13 Lions lead.
There were some other issues and other bounces that if they had gone our way, we could have won but every game this season has been close and if the ball had bounced this way or that way a little differently in each of those games, we could have found ourselves undefeated or we could have found ourselves winless. Bottom line, we are 4-4 and if someone were to tell me at the beginning of the year we would be 4-4 at the bye, I would've taken it. Also, I think the Lions are a good football team and CJ is a beast.
That said, lets cut to the chase. What was the deal with McNabb getting pulled? It's now obvious it wasn't because of injury. I know Shanny said that Rexy understood the terminology better and that would be better in the 2 minute drill but that is b.s. What was the offseason for? What was preseason for? You're telling me that in Week 8, McNabb wouldn't be fluent enough in the offense to run the 2 minute drill? Shanny was trying to sell it but I don't buy it.
It's basically a slap in the face if your McNabb. We weren't 0-7. We were 4-3 and it a matter of seconds I feel the complexion of the season has completely changed. What's worse is that the decision came on a bye week so I am sure McNabb is going to go home and talk to his friends and have more time to stew about this. Even better is that Rexy came in and does what Rexy does...fumble. Sure, he was hit but McNabb has been hit plenty and does a much better job of holding on to the ball. Rexy will fumble left and right if he is in there.
Another thought...I don't believe for a second that this was a snap decision. It seems like there has been some build up to the pulling. In last week's game against the Pears, when McNabb threw the tipped pass for an INT that went for a TD, Kyle and McNabb were in a discussion on the sideline. Kyle was showing him the fax pictures of the play and it looked as though he was blaming McNabb for the INT. McNabb seemed surprised and seemed to be saying something to the effect of "You serious?" Where Kyle again told him you should have done XX. At that point, McNabb pulled away and started saying loudly, "FINE! FINE!" and looked pretty annoyed. We all remember reports in camp about how McNabb didn't look sharp and didn't seem to be picking up the offense well. Rexy is Kyle's boy from Houston and he was brought in by Kyle specifically because he understood this offense. Good move in bringing him in but it seems like Kyle has been itching to give Rexy a chance. Again, we don't know what all is going on and I am speculating on some of the above but bottom line, making a move like that certainly has consequences. This is now the big story and will be the story for the next two weeks. We will hear plenty of it.
For me, I don't think McNabb has played particularly great this year but the big thing I like about him is that he seems to have brought some much needed leadership and a calmness to our offense and the entire team. That is/was needed. The other thing is that McNabb still isn't signed. Now, we shouldn't sign him if we really believe he isn't the right fit but then it begs the question whether we should have traded for him in the first place. We gave up a 2nd round pick. Sure, there is always a risk with a trade and not knowing if the guy will pan out but we should have been more confident and comfortable with this move. Halfway through the season, McNabb is still unsigned and it appears that relations b/t he and the Shannys is breaking down. I may be wrong on that but it is just my perception. We may not want to sign him and/or he may not want to sign with us. The thing is the players seem to respect and enjoy McNabb and if he were to leave, where does that leave us? With Rexy? With John Beck? I'm not saying this is all over with McNabb. Perhaps, everything will be fine and the relationship is just fine. Maybe we will resign him but it just doesn't look like that right now.
We'll see what happens.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Redskins vs. Lions
The Skins are 3-1 over the last 4 games and head to Detroit to face the Lions before their bye week. I am actually more concerned about this game than the Pears game. The Lions are 1-5 but they are favored. This shouldn't come as a big surprise as the Lions have had to play tough teams and have just come up short in many of the games (Giants, Eagles, Packers, Pears) and they completely demolished the Rams.
Stafford is back and apparently he is looking very sharp so this certainly will not be an easy game. Here are the keys:
1. Get to Stafford. He has been out since week 1 and although he has been practicing the last couple of weeks, practice is different than games. The Skins need to get to him and get him unbalanced. We need to force him to make mistakes (fumbles and/or INTs). Osakpo needs to continue his onslaught and would love to see Haynesworth play the way he played against Philly and the Pears. Haynesworth does seem more committed but still seems unsure of fitting in the 3-4. He said this week he still wants to be the best ever but said that he is not good in the 3-4. He just needs to buy in and continue to play the way he has been and all will be good.
2. Ride the Love Torain. Torain has been running hard and the O line loves run blocking. Torain has had success the last couple of weeks and that needs to continue against Detroit.
3. McNabb refocused. McNabb has good spurts but he has yet to put together a full game together. Need to get those short to medium range passes going and then continue to take 2 or 3 shots deep down field. I like McNabb from a confidence and leadership perspective but we need for him to be more consistent.
4. Don't fumble Banks! I like Banks as he gives us some big play capability but my butt cheeks clench and I tense up every time he touches the ball as it always looks like a fumble is imminent. Would love to see him break one but would hate to see him fumble one away.
5. Gano. We'll be playing indoors and if it comes down to a FG, we really need to see Gano get more consistent. He started out the year very good but the last few weeks anything longer than 40 yards seems iffy. Weather will not be a factor in Detroit so I need to see him make everything 45 yards and in.
6. Stop Suh and VandenBosch. Those are two premier pass rushers and our line has held up pretty well over the last few weeks. We need to make sure that we keep these guys checked to allow for McNabb to have time to make plays.
7. Just win baby! I really don't know too much about the Lions. They have been terrible for the last decade but they are not the Lions of old. This is a good, young team that is on the rise and they are a few bounces away from having a good record. They cannot be treated like the Lions of yesteryear and we need to go in there and take care of business. Being 5-3 going into the bye is a whole lot better than being 4-4. We also need to take our revenge from last year's loss in Detroit so we should have incentive to go out and win this game. A win and going 5-3 heading into the bye and we might start to get a whiff of the playoffs.
I expect another good game. Again, this will be a tougher game than many people expect. We cannot just look at the teams records. In the end, the Skins will do enough to win this game 27-16.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Stafford is back and apparently he is looking very sharp so this certainly will not be an easy game. Here are the keys:
1. Get to Stafford. He has been out since week 1 and although he has been practicing the last couple of weeks, practice is different than games. The Skins need to get to him and get him unbalanced. We need to force him to make mistakes (fumbles and/or INTs). Osakpo needs to continue his onslaught and would love to see Haynesworth play the way he played against Philly and the Pears. Haynesworth does seem more committed but still seems unsure of fitting in the 3-4. He said this week he still wants to be the best ever but said that he is not good in the 3-4. He just needs to buy in and continue to play the way he has been and all will be good.
2. Ride the Love Torain. Torain has been running hard and the O line loves run blocking. Torain has had success the last couple of weeks and that needs to continue against Detroit.
3. McNabb refocused. McNabb has good spurts but he has yet to put together a full game together. Need to get those short to medium range passes going and then continue to take 2 or 3 shots deep down field. I like McNabb from a confidence and leadership perspective but we need for him to be more consistent.
4. Don't fumble Banks! I like Banks as he gives us some big play capability but my butt cheeks clench and I tense up every time he touches the ball as it always looks like a fumble is imminent. Would love to see him break one but would hate to see him fumble one away.
5. Gano. We'll be playing indoors and if it comes down to a FG, we really need to see Gano get more consistent. He started out the year very good but the last few weeks anything longer than 40 yards seems iffy. Weather will not be a factor in Detroit so I need to see him make everything 45 yards and in.
6. Stop Suh and VandenBosch. Those are two premier pass rushers and our line has held up pretty well over the last few weeks. We need to make sure that we keep these guys checked to allow for McNabb to have time to make plays.
7. Just win baby! I really don't know too much about the Lions. They have been terrible for the last decade but they are not the Lions of old. This is a good, young team that is on the rise and they are a few bounces away from having a good record. They cannot be treated like the Lions of yesteryear and we need to go in there and take care of business. Being 5-3 going into the bye is a whole lot better than being 4-4. We also need to take our revenge from last year's loss in Detroit so we should have incentive to go out and win this game. A win and going 5-3 heading into the bye and we might start to get a whiff of the playoffs.
I expect another good game. Again, this will be a tougher game than many people expect. We cannot just look at the teams records. In the end, the Skins will do enough to win this game 27-16.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
This is the way we wish we could remember Favre
This one is for you, JSR. This is the way we wish we could remember Favre. This is when I was a fan. This is when pretty much all football fans were a fan of Favre.
Again, it is sad because as a result of his actions the last couple of years (and he was free to act the way that he did), he forever tarnished his legacy. He will never be loved the way he would have been if he had just stayed retired when he made his orginial announcement.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Gretzky's return to Edmonton
Back in 1988, Wayne Gretzky who was by far and away the greatest hockey player in the game and who had just led Edmonton to its 4th Stanley Cup and who was in the prime of his career was traded to the L.A. Kings. He was traded because the owner was having financial difficulties in his other business ventures and along with players and picks that were swapped the Pocklington (Edmonton's owner) also received $15M in cash. Gretzky did not want to leave Edmonton. However, the owner was intent on trading him.
On his first appearance in Edmonton after the trade—a game that was nationally televised in Canada—he received a four-minute standing ovation. The arena was sold out, and the attendance of 17,503 was the Oilers' biggest crowd ever to that date. Large cheers erupted for his first shift, his first touch of the puck, and his two assists. After the game, Gretzky took the opportunity to confirm his patriotism: "I'm still proud to be a Canadian. I didn't desert my country. I moved because I was traded and that's where my job is. But I'm Canadian to the core. I hope Canadians understand that." He wasn't booed because the Oiler fans "cared." He wasn't booed because it is human nature to show no appreciation for teams/players that pose a threat. He was loudly applauded and appreciated because they recognized that he wanted to be an Oiler but his owner/organization kicked him out. He didn't hold the organization hostage or flutter in the wind whether he wanted to stay or go.
According to JSR and Deepie, the fans should have booed Gretzky because they cared or that it's human nature to boo someone that is a threat to their team. It's Again, Gretzky was overwhelmingly applauded. He wanted to stay an Oiler. It was not his choice to leave and the fans recognized that and applauded him as they should have. It was not disingenuine. It was not unofficially orchestrated. It is what fans do. Again, the difference with the Favre situation should be very clear. The GB fans harbor a lot of resentment and bitterness as their hero deserted them. He was not pushed out.
The same will be true when LeBron returns to Cleveland this year. Cleveland fans feel that he deserted them and is a traitor. Cleveland wasn't looking to trade him. They would have given him max amount of money. They tried to build a winner around him (bringing in Shaq, trading for Antawn Jamison at the trading deadline). Cleveland had the best record in the NBA last year so it wasn't like the organization wasn't trying to help him. However, he chose to take less money and go elsewhere and then chose to hold a spectacle when he announced his "decision." Immediately, Cleveland fans were seen burning his jerseys. They pulled down his "We are all witnesses" monument from downtown. Fans were bitter and angry.
Again, it is clear why fans react the way they do. If Favre was truly loved in GB, they wouldn't treat him the way that they do. They would not have booed him after Minnesota's Sunday Night loss where he was battered, injured, and disappointed. If they truly didn't have any hard feelings, they would have cheered him. So the point that they boo because they care or that it is human nature to show no appreciation for teams/players that pose a threat doesn't make sense.
On his first appearance in Edmonton after the trade—a game that was nationally televised in Canada—he received a four-minute standing ovation. The arena was sold out, and the attendance of 17,503 was the Oilers' biggest crowd ever to that date. Large cheers erupted for his first shift, his first touch of the puck, and his two assists. After the game, Gretzky took the opportunity to confirm his patriotism: "I'm still proud to be a Canadian. I didn't desert my country. I moved because I was traded and that's where my job is. But I'm Canadian to the core. I hope Canadians understand that." He wasn't booed because the Oiler fans "cared." He wasn't booed because it is human nature to show no appreciation for teams/players that pose a threat. He was loudly applauded and appreciated because they recognized that he wanted to be an Oiler but his owner/organization kicked him out. He didn't hold the organization hostage or flutter in the wind whether he wanted to stay or go.
According to JSR and Deepie, the fans should have booed Gretzky because they cared or that it's human nature to boo someone that is a threat to their team. It's Again, Gretzky was overwhelmingly applauded. He wanted to stay an Oiler. It was not his choice to leave and the fans recognized that and applauded him as they should have. It was not disingenuine. It was not unofficially orchestrated. It is what fans do. Again, the difference with the Favre situation should be very clear. The GB fans harbor a lot of resentment and bitterness as their hero deserted them. He was not pushed out.
The same will be true when LeBron returns to Cleveland this year. Cleveland fans feel that he deserted them and is a traitor. Cleveland wasn't looking to trade him. They would have given him max amount of money. They tried to build a winner around him (bringing in Shaq, trading for Antawn Jamison at the trading deadline). Cleveland had the best record in the NBA last year so it wasn't like the organization wasn't trying to help him. However, he chose to take less money and go elsewhere and then chose to hold a spectacle when he announced his "decision." Immediately, Cleveland fans were seen burning his jerseys. They pulled down his "We are all witnesses" monument from downtown. Fans were bitter and angry.
Again, it is clear why fans react the way they do. If Favre was truly loved in GB, they wouldn't treat him the way that they do. They would not have booed him after Minnesota's Sunday Night loss where he was battered, injured, and disappointed. If they truly didn't have any hard feelings, they would have cheered him. So the point that they boo because they care or that it is human nature to show no appreciation for teams/players that pose a threat doesn't make sense.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Favre's 2009 reception in GB and McNabb's 2010 reception in Philly
JSR, the difference seems obvious but if you see/hear something different, please explain to me.
The balance of the NFC
I have been saying or the last three weeks that I cannot remember a time when the NFC looked so mediocre and so wide open. You look at the teams with the better records and many teams are not who you expect to see up there. HOTlanta and NY Giants are leading the conference with 5-2 records but after that you have Tampa Bay and Seattle at 4-2 and then the Redskins, Bears, Saints, Iggles at 4-3. Bottom line, is that the NFC right now is open for the taking and many teams have an opportunity to steal it (including my beloved Redskins).
That said, if I had to make a call as to the best team in the NFC right now, I would have to say the Giants. After starting out 1-2 and getting yearly criticism about how the team is falling apart, they have won 4 straight. I have never thought much of Eli Manning but he is putting up good numbers. Like his brother, he has been the beneficiary of being in the same system for his entire career. He understands the system well and there are times when he just picks apart the defense as well as anybody. The Giants have a solid front four on defense and they seem to be playing with a lot of confidence and fun right now.
Still, the conference seems wide open and things can change from week to week.
That said, if I had to make a call as to the best team in the NFC right now, I would have to say the Giants. After starting out 1-2 and getting yearly criticism about how the team is falling apart, they have won 4 straight. I have never thought much of Eli Manning but he is putting up good numbers. Like his brother, he has been the beneficiary of being in the same system for his entire career. He understands the system well and there are times when he just picks apart the defense as well as anybody. The Giants have a solid front four on defense and they seem to be playing with a lot of confidence and fun right now.
Still, the conference seems wide open and things can change from week to week.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Time to go home, Favre
He sucks. Sure, he almost pulled it out in the end but he didn't and he had a pretty poor game throwing 3 INTs (one for a pick six and the other leading to GB TD). Favre's three picks came in a span of seven of his 29 passes, and led directly to 14 Packers points. What's worse is that Childress is openly criticizing the QB and their already tense relationship is certainly taking another hit. In talking about Favre's INTs, Childress stated, "Yeah, the one to Bishop,'' he said. "I'd have to look at that, cause I'd like to know where we're going with the football, because I believe the play was designed to go to the other side and I think Percy's (Harvin) standing there in big air. So not sure why we're looking at the left-hand side.''
What's annoying is that Favre wants to always portray himself as the warrior. He makes a bad play and then is seen limping and just seems like he is looking for sympathy or for the crowd to just think "Wow! Look at this courageous legend." He reminds me of the spoiled kid in the neighborhood who wants to play QB but sucks and then whenever he makes a bad play will cover it up with an excuse. I'm sure the ankle got tweaked but what was silly was that when he would run a play, he was fine. It was only in between plays when he was really limping. Again, if you are having such a difficult time walking, how can you run a play and look fine? Or if it is hurting you as badly as it seems, wouldn't you consider coming out and letting someone healthy play because it just might give your TEAM a better shot at winning?
This whole season has been a debacle for Favre so far. He hasn't played well. The team is struggling. His return to GB was a bad showing and the crowd that loved him for so many years booed him loudly at the beginning and end of the game. On top of that, the day started with more reporting about the Favre/Jenn Sterger story with Favre admitting he left Sterger messages. No doubt Favre is questioning why he let those three Vikings buddies convince him to leave the family farm in southern Mississippi two months ago. For this? For 2-4? For an embarrassing game on the Lambeau sod in what is quite likely his last trip there?
I have said before that I used to be a Favre fan; however, it's pretty sad to see what has become of him. Again, he went from being one of the most celebrated and beloved players in NFL history to a guy that is polarizing and divisive and a guy that has lost most of the love from the proud fans of GB. A guy that looks 61 instead of 41 out there trying to play and recapture some of his youthful glory. A guy that has been exposed for infidelities and admissions of guilt. Go home, Brett and try and work on your family.
SKINS BEAT THE PEARS!!!
It was ugly but the Skins pull out a great win on the road and beat the Pears 17-14. It was basically the D. Hall show as the guy comes up with 4 (YES, 4!) INTs! Here are my general thoughts on the game as always in no particular order:
1. D. Hall, D. Hall, and more D. Hall. Clearly, he will be the NFC Defensive Player of the Week tying a game record of 4 INTs in the game including a huge 94 yard pick six. Not taking much away from D. Hall but Jeff Cutler seemed like his favorite receiver was D. Hall as a few of these seemed to go right to him. The TD was a floater where pressure was coming and Cutler just laid it out there. The one to Hester, Hester just didn't come back for the ball. The one deep in Pear territory on a slant to Johnny Knoxville, Hall had great position on and it was just a bad throw. The deeper ball towards the end of the game was right to Hall. He was basically the story of the game.
2. Missed opportunities. The Skins controlled the game for most of the first half. Our defense manhandled Cutler and the Pear offense and I think held them to like 40 yards of total offense in the half. We consistently had a great field position which has been rare to come by this year but we did not do anything with it. A few dropped balls and other missed opportunities kept us from opening the game up. The scary thing was the Pear defense came up big with a tipped ball on McNabb that was intercepted and returned for a TD so the game was close throughout the half and then the Pears got a good drive scoring a TD shortly before the half and despite their offensive struggles, the Pears went into halftime with the lead and the ball to start the second half. The Skins really needed to take advantage of the great field position and have to learn to put teams away early.
3. Good special teams. While I didn't like Hunter the Punter losing a lot of yardage by kicking out of bounds too early in his punts. It was still the right move to keep it out of Hester's hands. As I mentioned last week, the one thing I ABSOLUTELY could not tolerate is if Hester beat us so great job keeping it away from him. Gano is a concern. I felt earlier in the year we were pretty settled at the kicker position but I am starting to feel a bit worried with him back there. Seems like anything 40+ is a crap shoot with this guy. Also, worried with his recent struggles and being a young guy his confidence is taking a hit.
4. Strong running game. Torain is not easy to bring down. Typically, one guy and one hit will not bring the guy down. He is a strong power runner and although he had a couple of fumbles which could have really hurt us, he did a good job of closing out the game getting a couple of first downs to ice the game for us. He ended up with like 125 yards on 22 carries. Nice work.
5. Good O line play. I can't remember hearing Peppers or Urlacher's names all game. Those guys were pretty much non factors. I have seen two other Pear games this year (Giants and Packers) and Peppers was a major disrupter on the defense but again, he was pretty much non existent out there so great job O line and particular Trent Williams who seems to relish the challenges of going up against the best week in week out.
6. Strong defensive play. Osakpo got to Cutler twice and Haynesworth had a big game. Haynesworth seems to be coming around a bit. The team really seems to be rallying behind the guy and hopefully this is more of what we will see. He had a good game against Philly and even a better game against the Pears. His sack where he bowled over Williams like a rag doll and pushed him right into Cutler was almost enough to warrant that salary. Clearly, when this guy plays, he is still one of the top DL in the game.
7. Pears are who we thought they were. Not taking anything away from the Redskins but the Pears, who started out 3-0, really aren't that great. After their strong start, they have been 1-3 and taken back to back losses at home. Their offense is bad as it seems like they have no identity and just seem out of sync. They almost look like they are still trying to figure things out that should have been figured out in the offseason/preseason. Jeff Cutler looks bad and continues to make bad throws and you have to wonder how much of it is him just trying to be a hero and make bigger play as opposed to checking down and taking what is given to him or him getting tired of getting hit all the time and it's now affecting his play. The O line is not very good. The receivers are mediocre at best as they don't run the best routes and they had a few dropped balls. Martz's offense does not seem to be clicking. Forte is not getting any running yardage and doesn't seem to get the ball enough to find a rhythm. Chester Taylor has been grossly misutilized as they brought him in, paid him a boat load of money, but are barely even playing the guy. When he did get in there, he seemed to provide a spark as he looked quicker but then they pulled him out and I didn't see much more of the guy. Clearly, that offense is in need of work as it is clear even to the Pear crowd (by their booing) that it just is not working.
In the end, the Skins pulled out the victory and we now find ourselves at 4-3 and with the Eagles loss yesterday and if the Giants lose to the Assboyz tonight, we find ourselves tied again a top the NFC East. Going into Week 8, I don't think many people would have figured us to be 4-3 and in the thick of things so I'll take it.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Redskins vs. Bears
This is what we have been waiting for friends. This is like a mini Super Bowl. It's Robs Pears vs. our Redskins. It's going to be a loo loo. It's an important game for both teams as both are fighting for their division. The Bears are coming off of an embarrassing home loss to the Seahawks and the Redskins are coming off of a tough loss to Indy.
Here are the keys to the game:
1. Sack Cutler. The Pears O line is horrendous. They are starting a guy who was actually cut from the Redskins (Edwin Williams). They have been mixing and matching their O line all year and they have given up like 15 sacks in Cutler's last two games. Orakpo needs to have a field day. Haynesworth should get back in the fray and should get pressure as well. Send Landry in for the occasional blitz to knock Cutler's ass out (yeah, I said knock his ass out). If we can hit/sack Cutler a few times and get consistent pressure on him, we will get turnovers.
2. Get our running game going. The Pears have a decent defense but Torain runs very hard and does not go down often with one guy getting one hit. We need for Torain to keep plugging away and get those hard yards.
3. O line and backs need to pick up the blitz. Urlacher and Briggs consistently line up in the A gap and we need to watch out for these guys. They don't often blitz but if they do, we need to be ready for them. Also, watch out for Tillman on a CB blitz.
4. Play within the Tampa 2 defense. That defense is meant to keep everything in front of them. We should stick with shorter passes. Look for those crossing patterns and utilize Cooley and Davis.
5. McNabb's homecoming. McNabb should play within himself and not get caught up in the moment. Stick to the game plan. He's a veteran that has been in pretty much every situation imaginable so I don't worry too much about this.
6. Take the crowd out. The Pears are in a dangerous spot with their fans as they have lost 2 of their last 3 games. The offense is a mess and Martz has taken a lot of heat recently for the playcalling and particularly the lack of running. I am assuming Forte will get more carries this week and we have to make sure we stop him. If the offense struggles, the crowd could start to turn on the Pears and that would be ideal.
7. DO NOT LET DEVIN HESTER BEAT US. The one thing I absolutely could not tolerate is if Hester beats us. He is the most dangerous punt return man in the game so we have to be very careful with him. We have had excellent special teams on kick and punt return coverages so I feel pretty good about this but still I am sure other teams have been pretty confident about their coverage abilities but Hester is dangerous every time he touches the ball so we need to be very cautious with him.
In the end, I feel good about our chances. I think the Skins are the better team and we will get to Cutler a few times and he isn't the best at reading defenses and he is Jeff George like in that he wants to make the deeper throw even if it means throwing into double coverage and he's trying to thread the needle. Offensively, I think we will be very comfortable taking what the defense gives us. The main thing will be not settling for field goals in the red zone. We need to punch a few in which I think we will do. In the end, the Skins will win this one 24-13.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Here are the keys to the game:
1. Sack Cutler. The Pears O line is horrendous. They are starting a guy who was actually cut from the Redskins (Edwin Williams). They have been mixing and matching their O line all year and they have given up like 15 sacks in Cutler's last two games. Orakpo needs to have a field day. Haynesworth should get back in the fray and should get pressure as well. Send Landry in for the occasional blitz to knock Cutler's ass out (yeah, I said knock his ass out). If we can hit/sack Cutler a few times and get consistent pressure on him, we will get turnovers.
2. Get our running game going. The Pears have a decent defense but Torain runs very hard and does not go down often with one guy getting one hit. We need for Torain to keep plugging away and get those hard yards.
3. O line and backs need to pick up the blitz. Urlacher and Briggs consistently line up in the A gap and we need to watch out for these guys. They don't often blitz but if they do, we need to be ready for them. Also, watch out for Tillman on a CB blitz.
4. Play within the Tampa 2 defense. That defense is meant to keep everything in front of them. We should stick with shorter passes. Look for those crossing patterns and utilize Cooley and Davis.
5. McNabb's homecoming. McNabb should play within himself and not get caught up in the moment. Stick to the game plan. He's a veteran that has been in pretty much every situation imaginable so I don't worry too much about this.
6. Take the crowd out. The Pears are in a dangerous spot with their fans as they have lost 2 of their last 3 games. The offense is a mess and Martz has taken a lot of heat recently for the playcalling and particularly the lack of running. I am assuming Forte will get more carries this week and we have to make sure we stop him. If the offense struggles, the crowd could start to turn on the Pears and that would be ideal.
7. DO NOT LET DEVIN HESTER BEAT US. The one thing I absolutely could not tolerate is if Hester beats us. He is the most dangerous punt return man in the game so we have to be very careful with him. We have had excellent special teams on kick and punt return coverages so I feel pretty good about this but still I am sure other teams have been pretty confident about their coverage abilities but Hester is dangerous every time he touches the ball so we need to be very cautious with him.
In the end, I feel good about our chances. I think the Skins are the better team and we will get to Cutler a few times and he isn't the best at reading defenses and he is Jeff George like in that he wants to make the deeper throw even if it means throwing into double coverage and he's trying to thread the needle. Offensively, I think we will be very comfortable taking what the defense gives us. The main thing will be not settling for field goals in the red zone. We need to punch a few in which I think we will do. In the end, the Skins will win this one 24-13.
HAIL SKINS!!!
NFL cracking down on helmet to helmet hits
The NFL imposed huge fines on three players -- the Pittsburgh Steelers' James Harrison, Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson and New England Patriots' Brandon Meriweather -- for illegal hits last weekend. It warned that, starting with this week's games, violent conduct will be cause for suspension.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter was clearly perplexed by the decision. "There's no more hitting hard. That's what our game is about. It's a gladiator sport," Porter said. "I mean, the whole excitement of people getting hit hard, big plays happening, stuff like that. Just watch -- the game is going to change," he said.
Violence has always been a part of the NFL, bringing soaring TV ratings and strong attendance -- along with the allure that accompanied tackles by Chuck Bednarik, Fred "The Hammer" Williamson and Jack "The Assassin" Tatum.
The question is how much to allow.
"Physical, tough football is what people are attracted to," said Ray Anderson, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations. "Violent, unnecessary hits that put people at risk, not just for the careers but lives ... we're not subscribing to the notion fans want that."
Commissioner Roger Goodell told the teams that "further action is required to emphasize the importance of teaching safe and controlled techniques and of playing within the rules. It is incumbent on all of us to support the rules we have in place to protect players," he said.
But some players think the league is asking for something much more difficult: complete changes in playing style -- changes that fans don't want to see.
Not surprisingly, defensive players are most critical.
"What they're trying to say -- 'We're protecting the integrity' -- no, you're not," Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman said. "It's ruining the integrity. It's not even football anymore. We should just go out there and play two-hand touch Sunday if we can't make contact."
Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder said the only way of preventing helmet-to-helmet hits is to eliminate the helmet. "If I get a chance to knock somebody out, I'm going to knock them out and take what they give me," Crowder said. "They give me a helmet, I'm going to use it."
The players are questioning how they are supposed to adhere to the heightened emphasis on avoiding dangerous hits when it goes against everything they've been taught since they first stepped on the field as kids.
"Guys have to be coached differently because we've been coached a certain way our whole lives," said Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, a member of the executive committee of the players' union. "I think people out there would be shocked at the things players hear in their meetings with their coaches and the things they are supposed to do, the way they are taught to hit people."
Many players also wanted stronger discipline for flagrant fouls to be part of their negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, not something unilaterally imposed six weeks into the season.
"We want to protect the players, absolutely," Fujita said. "But we need to have a longer conversation about it, and if you're going to impose sweeping changes like that and talk about suspending players, that's something that you have to address in the offseason."
Urlacher was critical of the changes as well saying that they should change the league name to the NFFL - National Flag Football League.
I personally don't like the changes either. Football is a violent sport. It is the nature of the game. I agree with James Harrison that many defensive players want to hurt their opponents but they do not want to injure them. That is what makes them who they are. It may be hard for some people to understand this mentality but it makes perfect sense. They want guys to feel pain when they get hit by them but they do not want them to suffer injuries.
One problem is guys are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. The physical makeup of players has changed dramatically over the years and as a result, there will be bigger hits.
I agree that the helmet should not be used as a weapon or players should lead with their helmets. Doing so jeopardizes the health of not only the guy being tackled but the tackler himself. However, I have to believe in most cases guys are not trying to lead with their helmets. The game is moving so fast and guys are flying around out there trying to make plays and if helmets hit each other, to me, that is part of the game and unfortunately guys make get hurt. Again, that is the nature of the game and I think most players understand those inherent risks of playing this game. The one exception I have to helmet to helmet hits is on QBs. Many times QBs are stationary objects OR they are trying to move away from defenders so if a defender comes in and is leading with the helmet and hits the QB in the helmet that to me is more blatant and obvious the player went in with bad intentions.
No question last week was a week in which there were an exceptional number of very hard hits. We'll see what happens this week. My guess is guys are going to continue to play the way they have always played.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter was clearly perplexed by the decision. "There's no more hitting hard. That's what our game is about. It's a gladiator sport," Porter said. "I mean, the whole excitement of people getting hit hard, big plays happening, stuff like that. Just watch -- the game is going to change," he said.
Violence has always been a part of the NFL, bringing soaring TV ratings and strong attendance -- along with the allure that accompanied tackles by Chuck Bednarik, Fred "The Hammer" Williamson and Jack "The Assassin" Tatum.
The question is how much to allow.
"Physical, tough football is what people are attracted to," said Ray Anderson, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations. "Violent, unnecessary hits that put people at risk, not just for the careers but lives ... we're not subscribing to the notion fans want that."
Commissioner Roger Goodell told the teams that "further action is required to emphasize the importance of teaching safe and controlled techniques and of playing within the rules. It is incumbent on all of us to support the rules we have in place to protect players," he said.
But some players think the league is asking for something much more difficult: complete changes in playing style -- changes that fans don't want to see.
Not surprisingly, defensive players are most critical.
"What they're trying to say -- 'We're protecting the integrity' -- no, you're not," Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman said. "It's ruining the integrity. It's not even football anymore. We should just go out there and play two-hand touch Sunday if we can't make contact."
Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder said the only way of preventing helmet-to-helmet hits is to eliminate the helmet. "If I get a chance to knock somebody out, I'm going to knock them out and take what they give me," Crowder said. "They give me a helmet, I'm going to use it."
The players are questioning how they are supposed to adhere to the heightened emphasis on avoiding dangerous hits when it goes against everything they've been taught since they first stepped on the field as kids.
"Guys have to be coached differently because we've been coached a certain way our whole lives," said Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, a member of the executive committee of the players' union. "I think people out there would be shocked at the things players hear in their meetings with their coaches and the things they are supposed to do, the way they are taught to hit people."
Many players also wanted stronger discipline for flagrant fouls to be part of their negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, not something unilaterally imposed six weeks into the season.
"We want to protect the players, absolutely," Fujita said. "But we need to have a longer conversation about it, and if you're going to impose sweeping changes like that and talk about suspending players, that's something that you have to address in the offseason."
Urlacher was critical of the changes as well saying that they should change the league name to the NFFL - National Flag Football League.
I personally don't like the changes either. Football is a violent sport. It is the nature of the game. I agree with James Harrison that many defensive players want to hurt their opponents but they do not want to injure them. That is what makes them who they are. It may be hard for some people to understand this mentality but it makes perfect sense. They want guys to feel pain when they get hit by them but they do not want them to suffer injuries.
One problem is guys are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. The physical makeup of players has changed dramatically over the years and as a result, there will be bigger hits.
I agree that the helmet should not be used as a weapon or players should lead with their helmets. Doing so jeopardizes the health of not only the guy being tackled but the tackler himself. However, I have to believe in most cases guys are not trying to lead with their helmets. The game is moving so fast and guys are flying around out there trying to make plays and if helmets hit each other, to me, that is part of the game and unfortunately guys make get hurt. Again, that is the nature of the game and I think most players understand those inherent risks of playing this game. The one exception I have to helmet to helmet hits is on QBs. Many times QBs are stationary objects OR they are trying to move away from defenders so if a defender comes in and is leading with the helmet and hits the QB in the helmet that to me is more blatant and obvious the player went in with bad intentions.
No question last week was a week in which there were an exceptional number of very hard hits. We'll see what happens this week. My guess is guys are going to continue to play the way they have always played.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Seau drives over a cliff
Police say former NFL star linebacker Junior Seau told investigators he fell asleep before driving off a seaside cliff in the San Diego area.
Police Lt. Kelly Cain told the North County Times newspaper that the lack of skid marks leading up to where Seau plunged off the cliff in his white Cadillac SUV was consistent with the idea that he fell asleep.
Seau's SUV landed close to the beach in Carlsbad on Monday morning, hours after the former All-Pro was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
Seau was hospitalized but escaped major injury.
Seau was arrested on a charge of felony spousal assault with injury, Oceanside police reported in a statement. He was booked into the San Diego County Jail in Vista early Monday morning and posted bail after 3 a.m. PT and was released, the watch commander told ESPNLosAngeles.com.
Carlsbad police later responded to a 911 call of a single vehicle off the road and dispatched police and fire personnel. Cain said that Seau's SUV was found on the beach about 100 feet below the roadside. Cain said it wasn't a sheer cliff but was a significant, rough slope.
Poor deluded Junior. Now that he doesn't have football and has to spend every day with a 25 year old, he's probably annoyed at how immature she is and she is probably tired of his old man stink.
Police Lt. Kelly Cain told the North County Times newspaper that the lack of skid marks leading up to where Seau plunged off the cliff in his white Cadillac SUV was consistent with the idea that he fell asleep.
Seau's SUV landed close to the beach in Carlsbad on Monday morning, hours after the former All-Pro was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
Seau was hospitalized but escaped major injury.
Seau was arrested on a charge of felony spousal assault with injury, Oceanside police reported in a statement. He was booked into the San Diego County Jail in Vista early Monday morning and posted bail after 3 a.m. PT and was released, the watch commander told ESPNLosAngeles.com.
Carlsbad police later responded to a 911 call of a single vehicle off the road and dispatched police and fire personnel. Cain said that Seau's SUV was found on the beach about 100 feet below the roadside. Cain said it wasn't a sheer cliff but was a significant, rough slope.
Poor deluded Junior. Now that he doesn't have football and has to spend every day with a 25 year old, he's probably annoyed at how immature she is and she is probably tired of his old man stink.
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