Caps fall to Blues in Hunter's debut

Interesting game last night in that it was Dale Hunter's debut as Caps coach. Was curious what differences there would be in both attitude and style of play. I am no expert on hockey strategies and systems so it's hard for me to understand the nuances but for me it clearly looked like we were more focused on the defense and staying back and not allowing for breakdowns leading to odd man rushes.

The problem was that it was hard to generate any type of offense. We only mustered 11 shots after two periods and I believe 16 overall. It actually reminded me of the late 80s and early 90s when the Caps were regularly beaten in the shot department. I imagine it will take some time for the Caps to get used to Hunter's style but hopefully it pans out. They did look a little unsure yesterday and never really seemed to have a good offensive flow.

Pittsburgh comes to town tomorrow and Crosby is back and they are playing some of the best hockey out there so will be interesting to see how the game plays out.

It's tough because right now we are not a very good team so this rivalry takes a different tone to it. I just hope this team can get on track and that Hunter is the right coach for this group. Time will tell.

JMU wins first round playoff game

In an expanded field of 20 teams, JMU eked its way into the playoffs. We also have our starting QB back after being out the bulk of the season due some disciplinary action (funny how he is back for the playoffs).

JMU beat Eastern Kentucky on a last second FB to pull out a 20-17 win.

This Saturday we play #2 North Dakota St. We don't typically travel that far so will be interesting to go out there. I like our chances as the CAA is widely considered the strongest conference in the FCS so not sure how many tough teams North Dakota St. has faced. Also, I anticipate it to be cold up there which suits are game of strong running and solid defense.

It's a big game for us and hopefully we can keep this thing going and advance.

GO DUKES!!!

ESPN Power Rankings - Week 13

Puckers stay at #1.

Pears fall 5 spots to #12.

Skins climb 3 spots to #23.

Jags fire Del Rio

He was on the hot seat for a while and at 3-8, it's not a surprise. They really didn't look like a team that is headed in any direction and after 9 years, it is probably time for change.

Question is who is next. I got to believe Norv Turner is on the hot seat as the Chargers are floundering. He has been there for a while and he was never able to get them over the hump and it may be time for change in San Diego.

Others include:

Jim Caldwell
Leslie Frazier
Steve Spagnuolo
Todd Haley (depends how the Chefs finish)
Whisenhunt (depends how the Cards finish)
Sparano looks to have saved his job as the Fins are playing very competitive football for the last several weeks.

Will be interesting to see how teams finish up the season.

CEAFOD heats up

Wins by Deepie and JSR propel them into the playoffs. In fact, seven of the eight spots have been secured. My loss last week has me on the outside looking in but in sole possession of the seed 8. However, I control my own destiny this week. If I win, I'm in. If I lose, I need to hope I have scored more points than FU Bioch and Rookie Brits (which barring a miracle should happen). I face Rookie Brits who were considered a joke early in the season but have somehow gotten competitive much like the Dolphins of the NFL. Makes for an exciting week for me this week as other teams will fight to better their playoff seedings.

However, even if I make it into the playoffs, I have Robs to face in Round 1 who is undefeated and who has been rolling through the league easily.

Skins beat the 'Hawks

Good win yesterday. At this point, I don't get too caught up with a win or a loss but rather I want to see good effort. Yesterday I saw that. I thought we played well and I thought it was a well coached game as well. Here are my highlights:

1. Rexy was good. For the second straight week, the guy played well. He had solid numbers and made a number of nice throws especially on the crossing routes. He did have two picks but I didn't mind the first one. Sure, it came at an inopportune time on our side of the field but it was a very good play by a tall DB with very long arms. That is not a pick with 99% of the other CBs in the league. The second pick was a very poor decision as he threw it into triple coverage after one or two offensive plays sending our D right back out on the field. However, all in all a very good effort throwing for 300+ yards and two TDs. Funny because Scott was complaining about how Rexy wasn't playing well but he views things through a different lense and seems to expect perfection when it comes to the QB position - especially the Redskins QB.

2. Helu solid. Helu started and saw the bulk of the work on all downs. The guy is an every down player and seems better suited than Torain for the offense right now. For the first time in weeks, we were actually able to establish some run game. His TD was a great run as he leaped over the defender for the touchdown. He is also a solid receiver out of the backfield.

3. Solid O line play. I was content with the O line play. Rexy was hit and took I believe one sack but it is a pretty good Seattle defense and I was fine with the protection.

4. Defense was good. We pretty much held Seattle in check. Lynch did get 100+ yards but we limited them for the most part. Unfortunately gave up a TD off of a Skin turnover on a short field. Also, gave up a FG on a really bad pass interference call on Josh Wilson but other than that, I was pleased with their effort.

5. Return of D. Hall. I thought he had a very good game. Made some nice plays defending passes sent his way. Also fitting to finish the game with an INT. Great rebound game after his issues last week.

6. Guano sucks. Okay maybe the blocked FG and PAT wasn't really his fault but I am just not comfortable with him there. I think the guy is on thin ice. I am fine with him for the rest of the year but I basically look at it as a tryout. Lets see what he can do and I would give him opportunities for some longer kicks and see if he can make some and decide if he will be our kicker next year. Lets not forget the kickoff out of bounds too. It was almost like he was trying to find a way to get cut yesterday.

7. Solid coaching. It really seemed like there was a solid game plan coming into this game. I liked all the crossing patterns and setting up the screens. They seemed to be very effective. I was also happy that we got some type of run game going as that really helped set up the play action. If we can generate some solid run game, I believe the play action pass will be there because Rexy is pretty good at that.

All in all, pleased with the effort. Was also nice to get a comeback victory. Again, mostly happy because the team fought hard and hasn't shown any signs of quitting. I just want to see the kind of effort we have put in the last few weeks continue as it gives us something to build off of going into next year. I really believe the season got derailed when we took Beck out. It just broke the entire flow of the offense and the season. We are still playing catch up but it's obvious we are a better team with Rexy in there. We have some tougher games coming up so it will be interesting to see how the team/players respond.

HAIL SKINS!!!

Boudreau FIRED!

Not a real surprise. Frankly, I was saying for the last week that if things did not change quickly, they should fire him. It seemed like he had lost the locker room and that there was growing dissatisfaction between him and some players including Ovechkin.

The killer was losing back to back games badly against the Rangers at home and then to a VERY undermanned Sabre team that was essentially playing their AHL team and we were dominated.

What is interesting about the firing is that it did not happen immediately after the Sabre game. The Caps took their time to think about it and then pulled the trigger either late last night or early this morning.

I like Boudreau but it just wasn't working this season. What's funny is when the Caps started out 7-0, ESPN had him as the early favorite for Coach of the Year. Funny how things change so quickly.

The Caps will bring in former Cap great Dale Hunter to pick up the pieces. He is a no nonsense guy and will certainly bring discipline to this team. Will be interesting to see how things change and how the players respond. I am sure they will respect the guy for his time/toughness as a former player, as a former Cap, and a very good minor league hockey coach. Hunter is one of just a few Caps to have had his number retired so the team will be able to look up at his number in the rafters every home game. Hunter is a tough guy that will get in peoples faces. I'm sure it will be a very different style of coaching compared to the more affable Gabby.

This team is built for the Cup and needs to win now and the way they have been playing the last few weeks it is not a surprise at all about Boudreau. I just hope that Hunter can get this thing rolling.

LETS GO CAPS!!!

CEAFOD

We all won our respective games as the regular season dwindles down. As a result, Scott secures a playoff berth and finds himself in third place. Robs continues to dominate as he plows through the league.

JSR finds himself as the fourth seed with a 6-5 record. Me and Deepie are the sixth and seventh seeds respectively at 5-6. With a very mediocre league, each game can have significant playoff ramifications. The goal is just to get to the playoffs and then anything can happen.

ESPN Power Rankings - Week 12

Puckers stay where they have been all season...at #1.

Despite winning, the Pears fall two spots to #7. This may be because of Cutler's injury.

Skins hold at #26.

Skins come up short against the Cowboys

Good game. It was entertaining and hard fought. Here are a few observations:

1. Thought Rexy was very good. He commanded the offense and made a number of very good throws. What I also loved to see was his emotion and how the team really seemed to rally behind him. It was a HUGE mistake to replace him earlier in the season as that completely derailed this team and our season. Still, I am glad to see him get another chance and show what he can do.

2. O line. Very good pass blocking but not so good run blocking. I suppose you can't expect too much from this banged up group that included some guy named Polumbo or Polumbus who was just signed a couple of weeks ago starting at LG (because of injuries to Lichtensteiger, Locklear, and Hurt). Still, the lack of a run game is really hampering the offense.

3. Where are the RBs? As mentioned, the run game is anemic. O line deserves much of the blame on this (although I believe the Cowboys have a good run defense). However, our backs need to do better as well. I would like to see more of Helu as he seems like a better cut back runner. Torain is a big, physical, downhill type runner but if the hole isn't in front of him, he doesn't seem to be able to see the backside cut. Helu may be more ideally suited for this.

4. The return of Banks. Finally, good to see him produce. We need more of that to warrant his position on the team. Good game by him.

5. Defense was okay. They were very good in the first half keeping the 'Boys to 10 points which included giving them the ball on a short field. They were okay in the second half but what was most distressing is giving up third down conversions. This has been a strength for much of the season but we had them in several third and longs in the fourth quarter and OT but couldn't make that one play. While I am not happy about that, those things can be corrected.

6. D. Hall. I believe the guy can play but I also agree he runs his mouth too much. I know he shoulders much of the blame for the loss but some of those plays that went on him are tough plays and frankly the coaches could have done a better job of helping him out. At least, he took some accountability and I can respect that.

7. Ga-NO!!! He missed two long FGs (49 yarder and 52 yarder). I get that these are long FGs but his percentage for anything over 40 yards must be pretty low. I don't now what the league percentage is for longer FGs but it just seems like he struggles. May be it's because I am obviously more cognizant of his kicks because I just checked out how he stacks up to the league and it isn't as bad as I thought but still, his two misses were killers.

In the end, it was a good game but still tough to come up short. Honestly, I would have loved to see us try a two point conversion after we scored late in the game. We had nothing to lose and if we made it great, if we don't, I could have accepted the loss and respected the call. Still, I loved that we fought and that guys certainly don't seem to be laying down. I think this team has too much pride and I also believe they know that there is a different mentality and culture with this team now and losing hurts more and that there are pieces that can build from with this group.

Well, on to next week.

HAIL SKINS!!!

ESPN Power Rankings - Week 11

Packers hold the top spot.

The Pears climb four spots and fall in at 5.

Skins fall four spots down to 26.

CEAFOD

Interesting developments as we all won our games for this week. Robs is still undefeated and maintains the top spot and continues to dominate. Scott is riding a 3 game win streak and at 6-4 finds himself in sole possession of third place.

JSR is at 5-5 and in 5th. JKSD and Deepie are at 4-6 and in spots 7 and 8 respectively.

Interesting is that Robs and Mark's Maniacs have already clinched playoff berths. It's also interesting because they face off this coming week in what should be a battle of titains.

We are getting down to crunch time for the rest of us and each week can make a big difference in the standings and whether we can get that playoff berth.

Should be interesting.

Hankerson done for the year

He dislocated his hip and tore his labrum and was put on IR. It's a shame as he had a very good first game and it would have been nice to see what he could do for the rest of the season. That makes our second and third picks this season out for the year. With Hankerson, it is also tough because it came on his last catch in the latter part of the game but it happens and hopefully he comes back fully healthy next season.

Skins fall to the Fins

Frustrating loss. Here are my grades:

Offense: D- So I was very surprised to see Grossman start. I thought it was a good thing. I actually thought he played pretty well and certainly better than what Beck has to offer. I thought the pass blocking was solid enough. I was also very happy with Hankerson’s contributions. The guy caught 8 passes for over 100 yards. The reasons for the poor grade are because twice our defense set up the offense in a short field and we were only able to come away with FGs. That can’t happen. We need to be able to get it in. Another BIG problem is that we had virtually no running game and that can’t happen. We are not good enough to rely heavily on the passing game. I felt this was a combination of poor run blocking and the RBs missing the hole on occasion. Finally, the pick near the end zone was a killer. Offense, again, is where I knew we would struggle this season so I am not surprised. Again, happy that Rexy is back in and was happy with Hankerson’s production and hopefully he is not hurt too bad as I would like to see more of him and what he has to offer.

Defense: C I felt like this group did enough to win. As mentioned, we got two big turnovers that set up our offense on short fields. I thought Kerrigan had a big game as he had two sacks where he stripped the ball. Also pleased with Perry Riley’s production. He was in on a number of tackles and I believe had a sack. However, the defense also gave up two long drives ending in TDs that hurt but all in all, they did enough to win this game.

Special Teams: D Banks had one nice punt return but really nothing there. Coverage teams were fine. Gano missed two long FGs. Not good.

The loss stings and players seem frustrated but they also seem like they are putting it on themselves rather than the coaches so I don’t see any issue in the locker room. However, those things can creep up suddenly so we’ll have to keep an eye out for that. Again, there were pluses with some of the young guys (Kerrigan, Hankerson, Riley) stepping forward. I still like the direction of the team. As mentioned, improvements were made on the defense this season and we need to strengthen the offense for next season. I can take losses as long as we show improvement on the defense and we are competitive. Again, we need to focus on the offense in the offseason and see significant improvement next season. Year 3 will be very telling for the Shannys.

FIRED!!!

Paterno was fired yesterday along with the University President (Spanier) and deservedly so. To not act on what they knew and to try and protect their program and the university is just despicable. What's also bothersome is all those idiot kids out there trying to support Paterno. These guys are only thinking about the football program and school. If it was explained to them that what if this had happened to them or their younger brother, would be interesting to see if they would change their tune.

Unfortunate in that it tarnishes a long and legendary career but he brought it on himself and, again, it was deserved and just the right thing to do.

Pats cut Haynesworth

Looks like Fat Albert has done it again and worked his way off of a team that typically resurrects players with attitudes.

The guy is jerk. He is a lazy SOB that took plays off and then got blown off by Dave Diehl on an easy TD run for Jacobs. After the play, he got into a yelling match with Pepper Rogers and that pretty much was it.

His contribution to the Pats, three tackles and no sacks.

The guy went from being the most dominant DL in the league to a joke seems like overnight. Will be interesting to see what happens next.

SHOCKING!!!!

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2011/1107/espn_e_Sandusky-Grand-Jury-Presentment.pdf

This is the link for the grand jury's report on the accusations against Jerry Sandusky. It is shocking and sickening to read that some one could behave like this and I feel terrible for the victims.

This guy should be locked up in a max security prison and left to defend himself.

CEAFOD

I lose again and am really slipping back. Deepie has lost 4 in a row and right there with me near the bottom.

JSR has lost 3 in a row and in the middle of the pack. Scott has won 2 in a row and finds himself in third in a largely mediocre league.

Robs has a little tougher test but still wins to remain undefeated and continues to look strong.

ESPN Power Rankings - Week 10

Puckers hold on to the top spot.

Pears climb one spot to #9.

Skins hold at #22.

BECK SUCKS!!!

No real surprise that the Skins fell to the 9ers given our offensive woes. Interesting because my prediction was pretty much spot on. It's tough because defensively we did enough to win the game. The problem is that our offense is terrible and I am convinced a large part of it is because of John Beck. The guy cannot play. With that, let me get into my grades.

Special Teams: B: This is largely because of Gano's 59 yard FG which was pretty tremendous. The kick and punt coverages were good too. However, Banks is starting to look like the second coming of ARE. Actually not that bad but what bothers me about him is that he is so intent on trying to make a play that he forgets his fundamentals. He fielded a punt inside our 5 and then did nothing. That is football 101 and it was a mistake. He also regularly tries to return kickoffs that are sent deep into our end zone. I understand why he is doing this as he is trying to justify his job on the roster since this is his only function but he has to do better and be smarter. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind seeing Austin back there.

Defense: B-: I thought this group did enough to win the game. Given that they got NO help from the offense, I was pleased with their effort. The turnover right before the half that set up the 49er TD was a killer but we got consistent pressure Smith and did a decent job against Gore. I am comfortable with this group.

Offense: D-: The only reason why this grade is not an F is because it was nice to see production from Hankerson, Helu, and Mo Hurt. Hankerson actually looks like he is capable out there as he saw his first extended action. However, Beck is useless. Much of the blame for the offensive issues fall on him. I know Shanny was trying to defend him but you could see in his face he wasn't thrilled with Beck. All he did was dump off. For F's sake, Helu caught 14 passes! Never took a shot downfield. Blocking was decent during the game so that is not an excuse. Again, teams are going to take the run away and force Beck to beat them and he can't do it. There were also some dropped balls by Davis and Austin that were disappointing but I am tired of Beck.

I wasn't happy when the switch was made as we were 3-1 (on the road to 3-2) and atop the East. I admit that I wasn't satisfied with Grossman and I still don't think he is that great but he is much better than Beck. I heard Kyle Shanny last week saying that Beck is essentially a rookie but if that is their feelings on the guy, why make the freaking change when they did? You put in a rookie when the season is tanked and you want to see the potential future.

Now I will say that Beck was okay in Carolina. He made some nice decisions and throws but he was bad against the Bills (granted I thought the offense was bad in general so I can't put it all on him). However, I put more blame on him against SF because again he had time and his WRs (Davis and Gaffney) said that they were open a number of times. Beck will say that he needs to review the tape but I say F THE TAPE! He isn't capable of playing. He was probably scared of throwing INTs (especially after his first downfield throw was an INT - looked like he was late throwing it to Davis).

Now I like what we have done on defense and I said before the season started that we needed to see progress on the defensive side of the ball and I give credit to Shanny for improving the defense but the one thing he has completely botched is the QB situation. The Mc5 situation was a fiasco and going to Beck was a mistake. Shanny has already named Beck starter for next week's game against Miami and now that Beck is in, I am fine with that but this should be the last straw. If Beck can't get up and perform against the team that drafted him and then cut him, he will show that he can't play and I say go back to Rexy to at least get something going with our offense.

I can appreciate the players telling Beck to keep his head up and patting him on the back but our offense has taken a big step back with him in. Also, those roll outs that Beck does isn't fooling anyone. A j.v. high school coach could game plan against that and it's obvious the last three weeks our opponents were ready for that so that's not doing anything. Again, lets see what Beck can do against the Fins but if it goes south (which I expect), bring Rexy back.

I pretty much said this was going to happen. I said that Beck would get in and struggle and all the people chanting for Beck will see him for what he is and then want Rexy back. We'll see what happens.

Skins vs. 9ers preview

This one is going to be interesting. After two weeks playing away, the Skins are back at home having dropped three straight. We are also playing a rejuvenated 49er team that has been looking good. Here are my thoughts:

1. Offense: It really falls on Beck and Kyle to get this thing going. The 49ers have the top run defense in the league and I don't doubt for a second that they are going to force Beck to make plays. I imagine they will crowd the box and send extra pressure to force Beck to make mistakes/hold on to the ball and take sacks. I don't have a whole lot of faith in Beck so I think this could get ugly. I imagine the fans will start to boo early on as the offense struggles under Beck. I won't be too surprised if we see Rexy back in there in the second half. We'll see how this goes.

2. Defense: I expect a MUCH better performance from this group. I don't believe much in Alex Smith and we have to get back to playing better. I am just hoping that our offense doesn't put the defense in short fields. I really expect to see these guys step up and make plays. This is the area of the game I will be most interested in.

3. Special Teams: I know Banks wants to get a spark and runs the ball out of the end zone every time he gets a chance and that's fine but he has got to do better to justify his spot on the roster. Same for punts. Otherwise, just let Austin have a chance to see what he can do and if it is the same, get rid of Banks to make room for another player.

In the end, I think our offense will struggle again. Beck and Kyle will really be on the hot seat this game and will really need to make some plays. However, I think the 49er defense is good and they are going up against an injury riddled offense with no real QB so I am not expecting much. I think our defense will play well but it won't matter because our offense will sputter. Skins will fall 19-9.

HAIL SKINS!!!

Theo fires Quade

Theo moved quickly and made his first big move by firing manager Mike Quade. Quade was a good players manager but he didn't seem to fit the Epstein mold. He wants to start with a clean slate and it's probably a good thing.

Would be interesting to see if he hired Tito although I highly doubt that given the issues surrounding Francona this offseason. Not sure if that type of added drama would be needed in Chicago.

Ryno is also ruled out as Theo called him up and told him that he was not in the running. Sandberg appreciated the call and wished Theo and the Cubbies well.

Will be interesting to see who they settle on.

ESPN Power Rankings - Week 9

GB holds on to the top spot.

After a bye week, the Pears hold steady at #10.

Skins drop two spots to #22.

CEAFOD

Scott pulls out a victory and Deepie and JSR lose again. I get pasted by Robs so we are all part of the muddled middle.

Robs continues to dominate and is looking unstoppable at this point.