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Friday, August 31, 2012

Banks in/Hightower out

As cut day continues, word from Redskins Park is that Brandon Banks has made the roster but Tim Hightower has been released.

Retaining Banks isn't much of a surprise given his ability to return the ball and how he showed this during preseason.

The apparent release of Hightower is a mild surprise.  I think coming into camp he had a hold on the starting job but with the emergence of Morris and young guys like Helu and Royster it made Hightower, who was coming off of an ACL injury, expendable.  I am good with the move.  Hightower is still recovering and the other guys are younger and capable so why not release the older Hightower.

No other real notables that have been cut.  Apparently they have released 15 players and have another 7 to notify.  I'm sure it's a stressful day for those on the bubble.

Lance Armstrong is a cheater



After more than a decade of outrunning accusations that he had doped during his cycling career, Lance Armstrong, one of the most well-known and accomplished athletes in history, finally surrendered on Thursday, etching a dark mark on his legacy by ending his fight against charges that he used performance-enhancing drugs.

Armstrong, who won the Tour de France an unprecedented seven straight times, said Thursday that he would not continue to fight the charges levied against him by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which contended that he doped and was one of the ringleaders of systematic doping on his Tour-winning teams.
"There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, 'Enough is enough,' " Armstrong said in a statement, adding that his decision is not an admission of drug use but a refusal to enter an arbitration process he believes is improper and unfair to athletes facing charges.

"The toll this has taken on my family and my work for our foundation and on me leads me to where I am today — finished with this nonsense."

His decision means he will be stripped of his Tour titles (1999 to 2006), the bronze medal he won at the 2000 Olympics and all other titles, awards and money he won from August 1998 on.

It also means he will be barred for life from competing, coaching or having any official role with any Olympic sport or other sport that follows the World Anti-Doping Code.

Armstrong says USADA doesn't have the authority to vacate his Tour titles. USADA chief executive Travis Tygart thinks otherwise.

Tygart called the Armstrong case a "heartbreaking" example of a win-at-all costs approach.

I'm sure many of the cyclists during his reign were doing the same thing but that doesn't make it right.

If Armstrong truly was innocent, he would fight to the end to prove his innocence.  If I were truly innocent, I am not going to allow anyone tarnish my name and legacy.  I will not allow anyone strip me of my titles.  I would do whatever it took.  I can only imagine that most people (particularly competitive athletes) would want to do the same.  For me, by giving up, he is admitting his guilt. 

CEAFOD draft results

I had the #1 overall pick (would have actually preferred a pick more in the middle of draft) and ended up with Arian Foster.  I remember a couple of years ago when I drafted him, Deepie said, "Who?"  Funny how he is a consensus #1 overall pick in draft rankings.

I like the makeup of my team.  I feel like I did a good job with the draft.  Last year was a down year for me and it all started with the draft.  I remember walking away from the draft last year feeling disappointed.  I felt like I got caught up in the Eagle "dream team" talk (took Vick) and falling into what the "pundits" were saying and didn't go with my gut.  It hurt me in the end.

This year I went more with my heart and I feel good with my team.

My RBs include Foster and Doug Martin who I hope is this year's Arian Foster.  Reviews for him are good as he can run, catch, and block so he seems like an every down back.  Blount has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff so I am looking for big things from Martin.

QB is E. Manning.  I don't really like Manning but he is a pretty good points producer and has proven that he is one of the better QBs in the league.  He is clutch and he has good weapons with Cruz and Nicks on his team.

WRs include Julio Jones who I think will have a breakout year this year.  He has been great in preseason and with White getting double teams, Jones will have mismatches on his side.  Other WR is Eric Decker who by all accounts has developed a good repoire with P. Manning so I'm hoping he has a breakout year as well.

TE is Tony Gonzalez.  He is long in the tooth but he is still productive and I've heard Hotlanta is looking to be more of a passing/attacking type of offense so hopefully we see a lot of Gonzo.  Backup TE is Jacob Tamme who like Decker has developed good chemistry with Manning and hopefully Tamme becomes the second coming of Dallas Clarke.

I also have Michael Bush who should steal carries from Forte and also be a good short down back so hopefully gets the TDs instead of Forte.  Cedric Benson who has been productive and who should start for the Packers at least to open the season.  Pierre Garcon who I think is primed for a big year.  I know he wants to prove he is a true number on wideout and I think the Shannys want to show that he is too.  RG3 has the arm to get him the ball, we'll see if Garcon can accommodate.

Not thrilled with NE as my defense but I went into the draft knowing I would sacrifice on defense.  I will probably end up swapping out my defense regularly over the course of the season.  Washington is my backup defense and I like their front seven.  The question with them is the secondary.  If the secondary proves to be stronger than expected this could be a good defense particularly with Banks as a return man.

Other notables include Flacco as backup QB, Nate Burleson WR, and Felix Jones at RB.  Don't expect much from Jones this season so doubt he will see the field much.

I face defending champion Robs in the opener and I'm looking forward to reclaiming my spot as the top team in the CEAFOD league.  Will be a good test and we'll make sure we are ready.

Good luck to all this year!

Cut down day

It's a tough day for many in the NFL.

For the Skins, the guys that are most interesting include guys at WR - particularly Banks and Armstrong and see who will make it.  I think Banks will make it as the team will carry 6 WRs and how often will the 6th WR see action as a WR.  Banks has done enough to warrant a spot as a kickoff/punt return specialist.

Also, interested in the RB spot as I'm not sure if the Skins will carry four RBs (not including fullbacks).  Morris, Hightower, Helu, and Royster have all performed well in camp so it will be interesting to see if the Skins hold on to all these guys.  They may end up trying to trade one of them.

I'm also interested in DB Richard Crawford.  I think he has done enough to get a spot and he seems like he could be a solid special teamer so hopefully he makes the team.

We'll find out later today.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

CEAFOD Draft Day!

It all starts tonight with the draft. 

Robs dominated the league last year and is looking to repeat.  Scott and JSR were both solid.  Deepie and I had more of a down year.

I was not satisfied with my draft at all last season and need to do a better job of scouting my players. 

Good luck to all!

Skins final preseason game tonight

So no starters are going to play tonight but it's still an interesting game to watch as the team needs to cut down to the mandatory 53 man roster by Friday and we are currently at around 75 players so guys will be fighting for their jobs.

Key position battles that will be interesting to watch include:

1. WR where there is an abundance of guys and only 1 or 2 spots available so we'll see who comes through. 

2. RB where we still don't have a clear number 1 RB.  Will be good to see more of Morris, Helu, and Royster to see what they can do.

3. Secondary.  We just traded away Kevin Barnes which I had no issue with.  I want to see more of Richard Crawford who had a nice preseason so want to see if he can continue his solid play.

Specifically, I am interested in seeing what Brandon Banks and Anthony Armstrong can do at WR.

I also want to see both Rexy and Cuz play and if Cuz can make some ground up to be the 2nd string QB.  I don't think that will happen.  I think the veteran Rexy has that position locked up.  Although if the season is tanked, I wouldn't mind seeing what we have in Cuz.

I also want to see Chris Baker in at NT.  I like that guy and want to see what he and some of the other backups on the defensive front seven can do (namely L. Alexander, Chris Wilson, Rob Jackson, etc.).

It's a tough time for these guys as they are fighting hard and a couple of plays tonight can be the difference between making the roster and looking for work next week. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Cooley released!


The Washington Redskins released tight end Chris Cooley Tuesday, announcing after Tuesday’s practice that the nine-year veteran--one of the most popular and recognizable players on the team--is being given the chance to find a starting job elsewhere.

Cooley said he believes he still can be a productive NFL player but it would be difficult for him to play for another team.

“I’ll take some time and make sure what I do in the future is exactly what I want to do,” Cooley said.
“It’s been awesome,” he added.

Cooley said he leaves with no hard feelings toward the organization.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said: “We know how much Chris has meant to this organization and this community.”

Cooley wants to be a starter, Shanahan said, and the coach told him that Fred Davis is the Redskins’ starter at tight end. The team is giving Cooley an opportunity to seek a starting job elsewhere, Shanahan said.
“I think he’s earned that right,” Shanahan said.

Shanahan said the two sides did not discuss Cooley’s contract. The tight end, who has filled in at fullback with starter Darrel Young injured, would have counted more than $6 million against the salary cap this season if he had remained with the team.

On his Twitter account, Cooley wrote, "Im very fortunate to have played for a team and a fan base that have embraced me like they have. This team changed my life."

It's tough because Cooley was a great Redskin.  He was a solid player but he was supportive of the team no matter what.  He seemed like a great locker room guy but the fact of the matter was that he was not going to start and he was expensive. 

It will be interesting to see if Cooley hooks up with another team.  I don't doubt he can play and will generate some interest but I really don't think Cooley wants to go any where else at this point in his career. 

Skins sign Cundiff and release Ga-NO!!!

Not a big surprise here.  Both Robs and I thought this was a good possibility.  I like the move as I was never confident with Ga-NO!  He seemed kind of arrogant too which bothered me even more given that he wasn't that great.

Now we sign a veteran kicker that has proven his value in the league. 

Funny because on Monday, after veteran Neil Rackers had been cut, Gano told reporters, "I'm excited to have the opportunity" to return for a fourth season in Washington.  He seemed pretty confident the job was his.  Obviously, he was wrong.

The 32-year-old Cundiff is among the NFL's best on kickoffs, racking up an NFL record 44 touchbacks last season. 


Again, a solid acquisition.  Hopefully he fairs better than Gano but if not, as mentioned, we can make a quick and easy switch as Gano will probably still be looking for employment. 

RG3 - QB controversy

Last week, Robs seemed to be instigating a brewing QB controversy in D.C.  It was nonsense.  Yes, moronic fans started some rumblings but it is/was all nonsense.

Bob had a good game against the Colts and showed that he is capable of running the offense.  It should also be clear how much the talent drops when the starters come out.  Everyone loved Cuz last week and this week Rexy got the nod and played very well going 8 for 8 with 2 TDs. 

I like Rexy and think he is a solid backup.  Theismann said during Rexy's performance that he was playing well and as a veteran that understands the system going up against lesser talent, he is supposed to perform the way he was playing.  He's right.  Most fans are morons and don't get that but the smarter fans and the coaches and players do so there is no legitimate QB controversy.

Still, if RG3 struggles over a good portion of the season, I don't doubt that Cuz would get a shot as I'm sure the coaches would want to see what they have in Cuz.  However, as of now, there is no question in my mind that Bob is the best option we have.  Now lets see what he can do.

HTTR!!!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Rackers cut - Gano is the kicker

No real surprise.  Gano has the stronger leg for kickoffs and neither one really separated themselves in camp/preseason. 

I expect a short leash for Gano so if he fails, he will get the boot. 

Outside of a select few, kickers are expendable and there are plenty of them out there on the shelf so it's not a big deal.

Should Bears cut Brian Urlacher?



From the Chicago Sun Times: Brian Urlacher may be the heart of the Bears, but if the pump in the middle of the machine is busted, you either fix it or get a new one. Urlacher just needs more time to rehab his injured left knee. He'll be fine by the season opener, 14 days from now, at Soldier Field against the Indianapolis Colts. That's what Urlacher has been saying. That's what coach Lovie Smith has been saying. That's what teammates have been saying. But how do they know? They don't. And here's the thing. The Bears have to decide no more than 13 days from now -- the Saturday before that opener -- if Urlacher is all that he's supposed to be, all that he once was, or at least a good-enough replica of his eight-time Pro Bowl self that he can hold down his expensive spot in the middle. That Saturday, Sept. 8, is the last day the Bears could release Urlacher and be off the hook for his $7.5 million 2012 salary. Keep him until Sunday and they owe him everything. But $7.5 million is a lot of cap space.

About 50% of the postings from fans on the article are saying to cut him. 

Lovie loves the guy so I don't expect hm to be cut but I also don't expect him to be fully healthy this year and at 34 years of age, I don't see him being able to play at the level people are used to seeing. 

Skins vs. Colts thoughts

It was billed as the RG3 vs. Luck game and looked like both QBs played well.  Here are my general thoughts:

1. RG3 was solid. He finished 11 of 17 for 74 yards and one TD.  He looked in control and seemed comfortable.  He threw three deep balls and was unable to connect on any of them.  Two of them were just out of reach and the third was not catchable.  All in all a very solid performance.

2. Starting RB job is up in the air.  Alfred Morris continues to shine.  He runs hard and may very well end up as the starter.  He finished with 14 carries for over a 100 yards.  I like the way this kid plays.  Hightower saw his first action of the preseason after coming off of an ACL injury.  He also looked good.  It's clear that with these two and Helu and Royster we have good depth at the RB spot.

3. Defense was solid.  They finished with four sacks and put consistent pressure on the Colts QBs.  I like the depth we have on the front seven with LBs Jackson and Wilson.  This certainly seems like the strong point of the team.  I also thought Tanard Jackson played pretty well filling in for the injured Meriweather at the S position.

4. WR - who will be the odd man out?  There is good depth here.  You have to figure Garcon, Hankerson, Moss, and Morgan are going to make the roster.  Then it is down to Banks, Briscoe, Armstrong, Austin, and Robinson for another two spots.  I think the Shannys want Banks to be there but I've stated before he is basically a return specialist and that's it.  I like Armstrong as he can stretch the field and is good for a 5 WR set.  He is also a very good special teamer.  Briscoe has had success in the past and had a good preseason.  The same can be said for Robinson.  I don't think Austin has done enough to stay.  Will be interesting to see how this shakes out.

All in all, I was pleased with this "dress rehearsal."  Now it's time to make the final roster moves and get ready for New Orleans.  Just excited that the regular season is around the corner.

HTTR!!!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Portis retires


Portis formally announced his retirement Thursday, frequently shedding tears as he spoke uninterrupted for some 25 minutes about his life and nine-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins.

It's tough as he was only 77 yards shy of reaching the 10,000 yard mark.  I'm sure he wanted that and it's tough to be that close especially when retirement chose him and he didn't choose retirement.

He had his issues and he was a diva of sorts deciding when and how hard he wanted to practice.  He was close with Snyder and got preferential treatment especially when Zorny was the coach as pretty much everyone walked all over Zorny.  Still, he played hard and sacrificed a lot.  He took a ton of punishment in his time with the Skins as he was used as the workhorse.  He took as much pride in his blocking as he did in his running and was the first to celebrate touchdowns and victories.  He was also loose with reporters, fans, and his teammates especially when he would breakout in his characters like SE Jerome.

In the end, I enjoyed CP in his time here.  I enjoyed watching him play and felt like he gave it his all.  Thanks for the memories.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Skins vs. Pears

As a whole, it was an exciting game capped off with a last second Gould 57 yard FG that won the game.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Skins were pretty bad as a whole in the first quarter.

2. Skins were better in the second quarter.

3. Skins were much better in the second half but this doesn't mean as much since you had backups and guys that will be driving trucks in a couple of weeks playing.

4. RG3 was fine.  Not a great performance but he was under duress and he made a couple of nice plays.  It was okay.

5. Skins O line not real good (particularly in the first quarter).

6. Cedric Griffin is making me a little nervous back there.  Not sure he is the best option but it was one game so we'll see.

7. Morris was okay at RB.  He ran hard and had a couple of nice rushes so it will be interesting to see how the RB story plays out.

8. Cousins was very good but again, he was going up against nobodies so shouldn't get overly excited about him.  We saw the same thing happen with Colt Brennan a few years back and everyone fell in love with him.  Now where is he?  ZACTLY!

9. That WR #11 was very good but we are crowded at the WR position so not sure he will make the team.

10. Interesting that the Pears came out strictly passing.  They looked good. 

11. Good to see JC out there.  I thought all in all he did good and I'm sure that there were some idiot Skin fans that wondered why he didn't do that in D.C.  The answer is that he played the same it's just that QBs in D.C. are under super microscopes and fans expect perfection (even if talent around the QB is suspect).

12. Rackers didn't impress me but I'm not thrilled with Gano either.

In the end, I don't worry too much.  It is preseason and I don't put too much stock into it.  I was disappointed with the overall team play in the first quarter but that will happen on occasion.  Hopefully it doesn't happen much in the regular season.  I was also VERY disappointed at the two dropped INTs.  Wilson had one right in his hands and some backup LB had one right in his hands that would have ended the game.  Those missed opportunities for turnovers have plagued the Skins over the years and has to improve. 

Good to see Banks return a punt for a TD.  Not sure it is enough for him to keep his job.  I think the Shannys like him and want him to make the team but he hasn't done anything as a WR and given that kickers now kick from the 35 yard line and many of them can kick it out of the end zone, it really limits the scope of Banks and not sure you want to give a roster spot to a guy that is pretty much only used for punt returns and the occasional kick off. 

On to this week and the RG3 vs. Luck battle on Saturday.  I know it is more for the media and they will play it up but it will be fun to watch.

HTTR!!!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Poor Urlacher

Urlacher's procedure Tuesday to alleviate swelling and soreness in his left knee was not his first of this offseason, CSNChicago.com reports. Urlacher reportedly had a non-invasive procedure, similar to the one he had Tuesday, shortly after the end of the 2011 regular season. One source even said Urlacher had a second operation in the spring. Regardless, it seems Urlacher's knee issue is worse than the team originally let on, and it's unclear whether he'll recover in time for Week 1.  No way this guy makes it through the entire season.
 
To top things off, he broke up with Jenny McCarthy.
 
Just another day in As the Pears Turn.

Preseason Game 2 - Skins vs. Pears

Again, it's preseason so I don't put too much stock into it but it is game #2 and I imagine RG3 will play into the second quarter and it should be a good test for him. 

I imagine the Pears will play some of the guys that didn't play the first game including Jay George.  Going to be interesting to see Kerrakpo work against that line and get to George.  Would love to sack is ass right back to Vandy along with Cavallari and Camden. 

Will be good to watch how our patchwork O line fairs against a pretty strong Pear D line and how well they protect Bob.  Want to see more of a running game this week.  Not sure who will get the starting nod but I'm interested in seeing all of the RBs (Hightower, Royster, Helu, and Morris) all perform.  Want to see Hank get some catches. 

Again, it's still pretty vanilla offense and defense but guys/teams still want to perform so it's going to be fun to watch.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Nield tears ACL

He's done for the year.  Too bad but it does make the decision for Cofield's backup that much easier.  Looks like it will be Chris Baker who looked like he was going to beat out Nield anyway.  That is one of the big pluses of this year's Skins is that we have a lot more depth than the previous decade and if a guy goes down, there are others to fill in. 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

RG3's locker

The Washington Redskins opened their locker room to reporters for the first time Tuesday, revealing Robert Griffin III's cubbyhole with six figurines, including Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, an extra-muscular version of Captain America and, of course, a Baylor Bear.

Underneath each figurine is a slogan. Spider-Man is "Amazing." Others include "Conquer Every Obstacle," "Sacrifice" and "Army Strong." The bear, a nod to his college team, gets a simple "BU." The Hulk is so large he's on a shelf by himself, accompanied by the words, "Be Unstoppable."

The No. 2 overall draft pick, weighted with the responsibility of being the future of the Redskins franchise, also has posted a piece of paper printed with the words: "Forget about being MVP; Forget about being in the Pro Bowl. Those are nice consolation prizes if you don't get a SUPER BOWL RING." That's followed by another slogan: "KNOW YOUR WHY."

Not that such a display shouldn't be expected. The son of two U.S. Army sergeants famously wore Superman socks to the Heisman Trophy ceremony last year, and he's written "Seize the day" and "Seize the moment" on the cleats he wears to practice.

Griffin also has a card holder with other inspirational sayings, featuring the first part of a Bible verse from Philippians: "I can do all things ..."

I wouldn't have imagined his locker looking any different.  Kid is impressive in how grounded he is and how much he expects excellence from himself.  Hard to find something not to like about him.  GO RG3!!!

Horshack is dead!


Arnold Horshack is dead.  With Epstein passing several months ago that makes two of the four original sweat hogs gone.  We are down to Boom Boom and Barbarino. 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Oh Ochostinko!


Dude's a moron.  He is a 34 year old has been and he had a chance to try to resurrect a stalling career.  He signed a one year deal on a team looking for a WR with a new QB and new coach.  So what does he do?  He head butts his hot wife in an argument over a receipt for a box of condoms he had in his car trunk causing a 3 inch gash on her head.  The result is his arrest and subsequent release from the team.  Johnson had already annoyed his head coach with some of his antics in interviews and in practice and this was the last straw.  No need to keep a distraction like him around.  His talent (or lack thereof) is not worth the headache. 

It's a shame that a guy that was one of the better receivers in the game goes out so fast and in such an ugly manner.  Will be interesting to see if anyone is desperate enough to bring him on. 

Friday, August 10, 2012

RG-ESUS!!!!

Thought it was a really good performance by RG3 last night.  I would grade it as a B+.  All in all, I was pleased with most of what I saw out there.  Here are my thoughts:

1. RG3 played very well.  He got in there an looked confident.  The first drive started with two short runs and a good looking out pattern to Garcon that appeared to be in bounds but the replacement refs called him out.  The second drive ended with a muffed handoff to Royster.  Not sure who was to blame here but we can't have that.  The third drive was a nice drive with multiple completions to Garcon and one to Hank.  The drive was capped off with a short screen to Garcon, and left tackle Trent Williams went out and made a terrific open-field block to spring Garcon. The former Colt sprinted to the end zone and somersaulted in. As impressive as the play was, Garcon was the third or fourth option for RG3.  Great that he was able to go through his progressions and make the right decision.  Very solid performance for RG3.  What I also loved was that throughout the game Griffin was going up and down the sidelines and slapping shoulder pads for guys that made plays and he very much carried himself like the leader of the team.  I continue to be impressed with this kid and hopefully he can continue.

2. O line play was solid:  Given that this was a patchwork O line, they didn't let anyone touch RG3.  They were also going up against one of the better D lines in the league so that was encouraging.  This is an under rated group and it is clear that we have more depth at the line than in previous years.

3. WRs:  Garcon was very good and looks like he has the potential for a big year.  I love the size of Hank.  The guy looks huge out there and he is certainly not afraid.  He too has the potential to break out this season.  The slimmed down Moss slides perfectly into the slot role.  Morgan had a few catches and should be another good option for us.  Armstrong is hurt but he will be a good special teamer and occasional deep threat.  Banks is gone.  He had a number of balls thrown to him and made very few plays.  He slipped on routes.  He is too short and small to compete for jump balls.  He is very limited in what he can do and there isn't enough upside to warrant a roster spot for him.

4. RBs okay:  Royster got the start and had one nice run but was largely held in check.  Helu doesn't look quick or fast but he has cutback ability to make tacklers miss and had some nice runs.  New kid Alfred Morris looks big and strong and runs hard.  He wears #46 and kind of reminds you of Torain.  By all accounts, he has had a good camp and people think that he will get time on the field this year.  Still, looks like a healthy Hightower is the projected starter.

5. D line: Solid.  First defensive play, Kerrakpo close in on Fitzpatrick with Orakpo getting a hand on him forcing Fitz to tuck the ball for just a second allowing Kerrigan to finish him off.  Like that combo.  Deepie made a comment that Nancy looks like the stronger of the two.  He may be right.  Orakpo's needs to learn to do a better job of bull rushing and/or getting around guys.  He has worked on that this preseason but Kerrigan seems to have the better repetoire.  He also did a nice job of blocking down a pass.  Backup NT Chris Baker was solid and has impressed in camp.  Huge defensive stop near our goal line before the end of the first half.  Stopped the Bills six straight times forcing a short FG which they missed.  That was tremendous D.  Again, it shows that we have a whole lot more depth than in previous seasons.

6. LBs solid:  Already mentiond Kerrakpo.  Fletcher looked like Fletcher and I really like Riley in there.  Both Fletcher and Riley did a really nice job in coverage and I feel good about this group.

7. Secondary okay:  As Deepie mentioned, Meriweather dropped a pick right in his hands.  He seemed to have been caught by surprise by the throw.  The Bills were certainly trying to test the secondary as they consistently lined up with five wide and I thought the secondary largely held up strong.  I also have to give credit to the D front for getting penetration forcing the QB to get rid of the ball.  A CB's greatest friend is guys getting pressure on the QB. 

8. What up, Cous?  He was okay.  I actually expected more from him.  He had a number of passes just off the mark and could have ended up with a huge day.  He threw short to Banks AND Aldrick whateverhislastnameis on deep balls that could have resulted in TDs.  He rolled right and threw back across his body for an incompletion right before the two minute warning.  As mentioned, he seemed just off most of the night.  I suppose my expectations were higher for him so it was hard for him to meet them.

So it was one game and a preseason game at that so no need to get overly excited but there are some basic things to like particularly the play and composure of RG3 and the depth at a number of spots throughout this team.  On to the Pears next week.

HTTR!!!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

RG3 TONIGHT!!!

Yes, it is only preseason.  Yes, the offense will be very basic.  Still, it is our first opportunity to see RG3 in a Skins uniform against another team.  Even though it will be basic, there is no question players on both teams are excited to get out on the field and take reps against another team.  Guys will be amped up and it will be fun to watch. 

The things to watch for include:

1. RG3 - obviously.  He's who everyone will be focusing on.  Hopefully he maintains composure and plays within himself and doesn't try to do anything too crazy.  Last thing we need is for him to improvise and get hurt.  Keep things simple, stick to the plan, and execute.

2. O line - three out of five starters are hurt on this unit.  However, many of the guys starting tonight saw plenty of action last year so we'll see how they perform, particularly Polumbus at RT as he will probably see a lot of action there this year with Brown's ailing hip.  It's a banged up group going against a very tough Bill D front.  We'll see how well they can protect RG3.

3. RBs - it's an open battle.  Hightower seems to be the starter but I thought I heard that Royster moved passed Helu on the depth chart.  Even the 4th stringer guy seems to be impressing so this is anyone's position to win.

4. Cooley - I like him but Davis seems to be the better option at TE.  Niles Paul has bulked up and should provide competition at the TE spot.  Cooley has had his fair share of injuries so it'll be interesting to see how he looks out there as he tries to reclaim his top spot at TE and vie for more playing time.

5. WRs - it's a revamped corps this year and there is a lot of competition.  Clearly, Garcon is the #1 but it should be fun to watch Hankerson back and a much more trim Moss work out of the slot.  Not sure if Morgan intends on playing but I'm looking for him to have a break out year.  Banks has to make the team as a WR because we can't afford to give him a roster spot just as a return guy.

6. D line - specifically Jenkins and Carriker.  Jenkins was impressive before going down in the preseason last year.  Will be interesting to watch how he plays and how he pushes Carriker for the starting position.  Who ever wins the starting job it won't matter much as both guys will see plenty of action this year.  Also, there is some guy in the backup NT spot that seems to have supplanted Neild as the backup.  Will be interesting to see how he performs.

7. Secondary - this is a big question mark for us this year.  D. Hall has moved from the starting corner to a nickel back and a guy that will have more responsibility (coverage, blitzing, etc.) when he is in there.  Griffin will take the starting role opposite Wilson.  Safeties is a huge question mark.  Can Meriweather ressurrect his career?  I think he is better suited for this defense particularly at the SS position.  We'll see how he produces.  Madieu Williams has the top spot at FS but Tanard Jackson is right on his heels so we'll see how these guys perform. 

8. Cousins - I'm interested in watching Cous.  I'm impressed when I hear him talk and he seems like a guy that certainly wants to prove he is capable to start in this league.  Frankly, the training camp practice I went to see, I thought he out performed RG3.  Granted he is going up against second stringers but still he looked sharp and seems like a good guy.  We'll see what he can do out there.

I'm pretty much interested in all the positions as I think there is a whole lot better depth on this team in previous years and there are still battles/positions to be won.  Frankly, I'm just happy that there is football.

HTTR!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Devin Thomas retires

From the Redskins perspective, the Devin Thomas era has been over for some time. From the wide receiver's point of view, his NFL career is now over as well.

Thomas, the first of three receivers Washington drafted in the second round of the 2008, announced his retirement via Twitter on Sunday.
"@IamDevinThomas: I have decided to retire from the NFL. LOL.  More like: No one wants me."

We all know the story: Along with Fred Davis and Malcolm Kelly, Thomas came to town with high expectations as the team sought upgrades for its lacking passing game. Instead, the decision to invest heavily in the young pass catchers all at once and so early in the draft became one of the comically defining moments of the past decade - and certainly of Vinny Cerrato's reign as the team's chief player personnel "guru".

Constant injuries kept Kelly, now a free agent, off the field. Davis has turned into an upside option at tight end and a prominent part of the Redskins' 2012 plan, but getting to this point has been at times exasperating and hardly stable.

I wonder where MK is these days.  Thomas had great physical gifts but just not too bright and probably not the best worker.  It's just another part of cleansing the Cerrato stink off.

Shooting in Wisconsin

We probably all know by now the shooting that took place yesterday at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin. Details are emerging and it looks to be an obvious hate crime committed by an Army veteran who may have been a white supremacist. The incident left six people and the gunman dead.

It's pretty sad and pathetic. It's hard to imagine what goes through someone's head that drives them to kill unarmed, defenseless, and innocent people particularly in a house of worship. Apparently the guy had a 9/11 tattoo on his body and you can assume he may have been driven by some sort of thoughts of revenge for the 9/11 tragedy.

The ridiculous thing is that Sikhs had nothing to do with 9/11. I'm not saying that it would have been right for this guy to go into a mosque and do the same thing. It doesn't make sense to kill random Muslims for the acts of a few twisted and evil people. However, it just goes to show the ignorance of this individual to place an attack against people with absolutely no connection to 9/11.

The only good that came from this incident is that I thought CNN's coverage of the tragedy was excellent and I thought the Sikh community in Wisconsin handled this situation unbelievably. While there was obvious shock and sadness, there were not Sikhs looking for revenge or hate. In fact, Dr. Rajwant Singh who is the Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education participated yesterday on CNN's coverage and tried to explain who Sikhs are and what we believe in and while he condemned the attack, he explained that Sikhs even in adversity should stand tall and proud. He also invited anyone and everyone to a Sikh temple this Sunday to join in our sorrow and also to better understand Sikhs. I thought it was an amazing way to show strength.

Hopefully the families and the community in Wisconsin can find peace and hopefully this type of ignorance (which has happened way too often against Sikhs in the past) does not happen again.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

First indian in Playboy

Later this year, Sherlyn Chopra will become the first Indian woman to pose naked in Playboy. Cause for celebratory erections, right? Not for everyone.

With the 28-year old brunette reportedly suggesting the idea herself to the magazine, Chopra is coming under major fire in her native country for the upcoming reveal. One Twitter user has described the occasional Bollywood actress as "repulsive," while an Indian columnist named Gayatri Sankar writes of her: "At a time when innocent women across the nation from Gujarat to Guwahati have been subjected to sexual abuse and humiliation, one wonders if Sherlyn Chopra’s pictures wound a woman’s integrity."

Chopra, however, wonders no such thing. She tells BBC Hindi that the nation's youth "is racing towards liberalization, and that’s why being unconventional in your choices is no longer a taboo" and she even says she may next move into the porn industry. Chopra posed for her spread at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles and sounds like the world's biggest Hugh Hefner fan. "I am thinking of making him my idol because he lives his life on his terms and conditions," she said.

Making Hugh Hefner her idol should tell you all that you need to know about this person.