Skins are still looking to put a complete game together. For the second week in a row, the defense was outstanding for the first half but cracked in the second half. What was more difficult to take was the offense in the last game. Seemed to me a combination of problems with RG3 not going through his progressions, to guys dropping passes, to the coaching running less and going for home run balls. I had difficulty understanding the play selection but I can only speak as a fan watching the game. Would like to understand what the game plan was there in the second half.
I didn't expect to beat the Broncos in Denver. However, when we were up 21-7 in the third expectations did change and was disappointed in the last quarter and a half.
Whatever, on to this week and a chance to bounce back against the Chargers. Here are my keys:
1. RUN - Alfred Morris has yet to carry for more than 20 times in a game. Running is our bread and butter and he has been effective. We just need to stick with him more. Also, RG3 was effective running in the Dallas and Pear games but did very little of it in the Broncos game. This is part of our offense and we need that to be successful.
2. Stop Rivers and Gates - these guys are both having a good year and we have to slow them down. Gates presents some matchup problems for us but if we can get to Rivers a few times, he will make mistakes. This is the key. Haslett needs to draw up some blitzes and get after him as he will make the mistakes. Also, the defense needs to stop the screens to the RBs and the bubble screens to WRs. Denver crushed us with those and we need better contain and pursuit. The Chargers coach is a good offensive minded coach so no doubt he will come in with a good game plan. We just need to be prepared for him.
3. Take advantage of being at home - It's difficult for teams to travel cross county and perform. We have to take advantage of them traveling cross country and then give our crowd something to get excited about and keep them excited. This can be a huge advantage for us.
We have been looking better each week but we have to put an entire 60 minutes together. I believe we will get back on track this week and the we pull out a 27-17 win.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Meriweather going after knees
Brandon Meriweather, who served a one-game suspension Sunday for the way he hits, vowed to begin targeting players' knees. Meriweather has received numerous fines over the years for his helmet-to-helmet hits. After two more incidents against the Bears on Oct. 20, the NFL suspended Meriweather for two games until an appeals process reduced the ban to one.
"I guess I just got to take people's knees out," Meriweather said Monday morning in the Redskins' locker room. "That's the only way. I would hate to end a guy's career over a rule, but I guess it's better other people than me getting suspended for longer.
"You just have to go low now, man. You've got to end people's careers. You got to tear people's ACLs and mess up people's knees. You can't hit them high anymore."
I'm sure he is not intending to end people's careers but I do think he may take his hits lower. I get that the NFL is trying to make the game safer but the game is inherently violent. There are going to be violent collisions. There will be helmet to helmet hits as guys are crossing the middle and jumping and a DB is trying to make a play. DBs are reacting and intentional or unintentional, there will continue to be helmet to helmet hits.
I will say Meriweather's hit on Jeffery was deserving of a penalty/fine but the one on Marshall looked more like a reaction and there was contact. Meriweather has a history and no doubt calls will come against him because of his reputation. I do believe there are times he is lunging in with his helmet and he needs to be more aware that he has to go in with his shoulder and wrap up. Frankly, basic tackling is a lost art in the NFL as more guys are looking to just hit and knock the other guy down without wrapping up.
I just find it interesting how the NFL is trying to balance safety with inherent violence of the game. Guys are getting bigger, faster, and stronger and there are reactionary plays that happen in the game and guys are taking penalties for it.
"I guess I just got to take people's knees out," Meriweather said Monday morning in the Redskins' locker room. "That's the only way. I would hate to end a guy's career over a rule, but I guess it's better other people than me getting suspended for longer.
"You just have to go low now, man. You've got to end people's careers. You got to tear people's ACLs and mess up people's knees. You can't hit them high anymore."
I'm sure he is not intending to end people's careers but I do think he may take his hits lower. I get that the NFL is trying to make the game safer but the game is inherently violent. There are going to be violent collisions. There will be helmet to helmet hits as guys are crossing the middle and jumping and a DB is trying to make a play. DBs are reacting and intentional or unintentional, there will continue to be helmet to helmet hits.
I will say Meriweather's hit on Jeffery was deserving of a penalty/fine but the one on Marshall looked more like a reaction and there was contact. Meriweather has a history and no doubt calls will come against him because of his reputation. I do believe there are times he is lunging in with his helmet and he needs to be more aware that he has to go in with his shoulder and wrap up. Frankly, basic tackling is a lost art in the NFL as more guys are looking to just hit and knock the other guy down without wrapping up.
I just find it interesting how the NFL is trying to balance safety with inherent violence of the game. Guys are getting bigger, faster, and stronger and there are reactionary plays that happen in the game and guys are taking penalties for it.
Snyder meets with Goodell regarding Redskins name
Danny boy met with Goodell yesterday to discuss the Redskins name one day in advance of Goodell meeting with members of the Oneida tribe to discuss the same subject.
Apparently the meeting was not about changing the name but about the strategy to defend the name amongst critics.
Again, I like the name as it is the name I have grown up rooting for but I am okay with a name change as long as it keeps with the spirit of the tradition as there is a long and storied tradition with this franchise. I would be fine with Washington Warriors and keeping everything else the same. Still, it doesn't look like the name with change in the very near future.
Apparently the meeting was not about changing the name but about the strategy to defend the name amongst critics.
Again, I like the name as it is the name I have grown up rooting for but I am okay with a name change as long as it keeps with the spirit of the tradition as there is a long and storied tradition with this franchise. I would be fine with Washington Warriors and keeping everything else the same. Still, it doesn't look like the name with change in the very near future.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Skins beat the Pears
Exciting game. High scoring and some back and forth. Still, it felt like the Skins were going to win the game. Here are a few thoughts:
1. RG3 is coming back. I've said it ALL season. Everyone wanted to get all over the guy that he didn't look good and this and that and the Skins stink. IT TAKES TIME!!! All you could hope for was that he would look better each week and that has been the case. In the Pear game, he looked more like the RG3 that we all remember. I expect him only to get better and have more games like the last one.
2. Jeff George injury. Looked like a pretty benign hit from Chris Baker but ended up a groin tear. Probably a good thing for the Pears that day as George looked bad. He had an INT (not his fault) and two other passes that should have been picked by D. Hall. Josh McClown came in and had a really good day and not sure if George would have done any better.
3. Special teams gives up another punt return for a TD. I get that it is Hester but another TD is a REAL concern. I will say that it looked like a push in the back on the Chicago return team but it also looked like our guys didn't stay in their lanes and once Hester headed towards the sidelines, the Pears had a nice seal protecting him from any Skins tacklers. This has to improve!
4. A tale of two halves for the defense. The first half the D was fantastic. The second not so much. When you saw the stats of the two halves, it was completely different. I will say that the Pear O line looked pretty good and we couldn't get a whole lot of pressure on McClown. Our D has had times when they have been pretty good but it's too bad we couldn't play the second half like the first. As a side note, Meriweather needs to tackle smarter. The hit on Jeffery was dangerous. The one on Marshall not so much. I thought that that was more of a reaction type play but he got called because of his reputation. Still, he has to be smarter. As a side note, the Pears have been crying about Meriweather WAY too much and should just focus on their own issues.
5. The Pears are part of the muddled middle. It's like I have been saying, they aren't special. Their D is horrible. They haven't gotten turnovers to mask all the yards/points they give up but they can't rely on that all season. They are just too porous.
In the end, good/exciting game and it's nice to see progress. You could see what the offense could/should be. It will get better.
HAIL SKINS!!!
1. RG3 is coming back. I've said it ALL season. Everyone wanted to get all over the guy that he didn't look good and this and that and the Skins stink. IT TAKES TIME!!! All you could hope for was that he would look better each week and that has been the case. In the Pear game, he looked more like the RG3 that we all remember. I expect him only to get better and have more games like the last one.
2. Jeff George injury. Looked like a pretty benign hit from Chris Baker but ended up a groin tear. Probably a good thing for the Pears that day as George looked bad. He had an INT (not his fault) and two other passes that should have been picked by D. Hall. Josh McClown came in and had a really good day and not sure if George would have done any better.
3. Special teams gives up another punt return for a TD. I get that it is Hester but another TD is a REAL concern. I will say that it looked like a push in the back on the Chicago return team but it also looked like our guys didn't stay in their lanes and once Hester headed towards the sidelines, the Pears had a nice seal protecting him from any Skins tacklers. This has to improve!
4. A tale of two halves for the defense. The first half the D was fantastic. The second not so much. When you saw the stats of the two halves, it was completely different. I will say that the Pear O line looked pretty good and we couldn't get a whole lot of pressure on McClown. Our D has had times when they have been pretty good but it's too bad we couldn't play the second half like the first. As a side note, Meriweather needs to tackle smarter. The hit on Jeffery was dangerous. The one on Marshall not so much. I thought that that was more of a reaction type play but he got called because of his reputation. Still, he has to be smarter. As a side note, the Pears have been crying about Meriweather WAY too much and should just focus on their own issues.
5. The Pears are part of the muddled middle. It's like I have been saying, they aren't special. Their D is horrible. They haven't gotten turnovers to mask all the yards/points they give up but they can't rely on that all season. They are just too porous.
In the end, good/exciting game and it's nice to see progress. You could see what the offense could/should be. It will get better.
HAIL SKINS!!!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Skins fall to Dallas 31-16
Pretty disappointing game coming off of the bye week. The Skins looked ill prepared. Here are a few thoughts on the game:
1. Special teams were far from special. This group SUCKED! Allowing a punt return for a TD and a long kickoff return and a missed FG. Not to mention that our special teams coach was flagged for a penalty for standing too close to the field and making contact with an official (not that it mattered much as the play still resulted in a TD). This group has been mediocre at best all season. Now we lose our long snapper for the year with a meniscus tear. B Mitch, being a former special team standout, pointed out how important it is to have guys that are fearless and aggressive and want to make plays. This is a place for young guys looking to make a name for themselves. Lorenzo Alexander was a big loss for us. He wanted to stay. We wanted him to stay. We just didn't have the money to pay him. He was that guy. He was a captain and a guy that led by example on special teams. Shanny mentioned Alexander by name in yesterday's press conference and how we need someone else to step in to fill those shoes. Some one has to step up and lead this group and it has to get better.
2. Defense was good. Thought the defense played well in particular thought D. Hall was tremendous. It seems when he has to lock on to a WR for the game, he plays his best. Still, thought the D as an entire group played their best game.
3. Offense struggled. There were three problems I had with the offense: a) RG3 looked his most comfortable and looked much more mobile; however, he struggled with his passes. He had several throws that were just bad spirals and missed the mark. While disappointing, I chalk it up to a bad game. He is still working back into the flow and the passes will come as he gets more time. I also thought he should have run more. The Cowboys were filling the box and playing man to man and there were several times when he side stepped defenders and had room to run down the field given that only DBs were back covering WRs. I'm not saying he should have been looking to get to the end zone but pick up 5, 7, 10 yards and hit the deck. He did it a couple of times but I thought he had many more opportunities to get easy yards with his legs. This would have also made Dallas alter their defense.
b) WRs needed to get separation in man to man coverage. This was more frustrating as our WRs were losing their one on one battles. They need to do a better job of beating man to man coverage. In many of the plays/replays I could see, they were not getting open. This bothered me.
c) Offensive coaching. This area probably bothered me the most. Okay, we get the defense that Dallas was playing. We see that our WRs are not getting separation. Make some adjustments. I'm not an O coordinator but Kyle Shanny gets paid big bucks to make something happen. Cris Collingsworth suggested that the Skins use some bunch formations to have the DBs back off the line and create some confusion for them. I'm not aware of the game plan and whether there were any adjustments made but for the common man watching on tv, it didn't look like it and this is what gave me the most heart ache.
In the end, I felt it was a game we could have won. I'm not devastated. This is not a floundering franchise (i.e., JAX). Problem is that while the rest of the NFL is in midseason form, our offense is still trying to get to speed. RG3 is looking better week to week but he/the offense is still not there. Again, my hope is that the improvement continues and we start to see later this season what we showed last season. If we can do that and not suffer any injuries, we will improve. We have a solid young group (QB, WRs, RB, TE) that if given a full offseason to train and with the cap penalty lifted, we can make big strides. On to the Pears.
1. Special teams were far from special. This group SUCKED! Allowing a punt return for a TD and a long kickoff return and a missed FG. Not to mention that our special teams coach was flagged for a penalty for standing too close to the field and making contact with an official (not that it mattered much as the play still resulted in a TD). This group has been mediocre at best all season. Now we lose our long snapper for the year with a meniscus tear. B Mitch, being a former special team standout, pointed out how important it is to have guys that are fearless and aggressive and want to make plays. This is a place for young guys looking to make a name for themselves. Lorenzo Alexander was a big loss for us. He wanted to stay. We wanted him to stay. We just didn't have the money to pay him. He was that guy. He was a captain and a guy that led by example on special teams. Shanny mentioned Alexander by name in yesterday's press conference and how we need someone else to step in to fill those shoes. Some one has to step up and lead this group and it has to get better.
2. Defense was good. Thought the defense played well in particular thought D. Hall was tremendous. It seems when he has to lock on to a WR for the game, he plays his best. Still, thought the D as an entire group played their best game.
3. Offense struggled. There were three problems I had with the offense: a) RG3 looked his most comfortable and looked much more mobile; however, he struggled with his passes. He had several throws that were just bad spirals and missed the mark. While disappointing, I chalk it up to a bad game. He is still working back into the flow and the passes will come as he gets more time. I also thought he should have run more. The Cowboys were filling the box and playing man to man and there were several times when he side stepped defenders and had room to run down the field given that only DBs were back covering WRs. I'm not saying he should have been looking to get to the end zone but pick up 5, 7, 10 yards and hit the deck. He did it a couple of times but I thought he had many more opportunities to get easy yards with his legs. This would have also made Dallas alter their defense.
b) WRs needed to get separation in man to man coverage. This was more frustrating as our WRs were losing their one on one battles. They need to do a better job of beating man to man coverage. In many of the plays/replays I could see, they were not getting open. This bothered me.
c) Offensive coaching. This area probably bothered me the most. Okay, we get the defense that Dallas was playing. We see that our WRs are not getting separation. Make some adjustments. I'm not an O coordinator but Kyle Shanny gets paid big bucks to make something happen. Cris Collingsworth suggested that the Skins use some bunch formations to have the DBs back off the line and create some confusion for them. I'm not aware of the game plan and whether there were any adjustments made but for the common man watching on tv, it didn't look like it and this is what gave me the most heart ache.
In the end, I felt it was a game we could have won. I'm not devastated. This is not a floundering franchise (i.e., JAX). Problem is that while the rest of the NFL is in midseason form, our offense is still trying to get to speed. RG3 is looking better week to week but he/the offense is still not there. Again, my hope is that the improvement continues and we start to see later this season what we showed last season. If we can do that and not suffer any injuries, we will improve. We have a solid young group (QB, WRs, RB, TE) that if given a full offseason to train and with the cap penalty lifted, we can make big strides. On to the Pears.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Washington Warriors?
So there has been some increased discussion recently about the Redskins name. A few native American leaders have been camped out at the same hotel as the one the NFL owners are meeting at this week conducting their own meetings regarding the name. Even President Obama mentioned that if he was the owner, he would consider a name change.
That said, I don't think the name is going to change any time soon. However, if it were to change, I actually like the Washington Warriors. Still, not sure if the logo needs to change. Seems like it is only the term "Redskins" that is being asked to change. Frankly, if the logo is being asked to change than I would imagine the Chicago Blackhawks logo would have to change as well since it is nearly identical.
Again, I would be fine with the Washington Warriors and keeping everything else the same. I like the name Redskins and view it as a positive term and a tribute to native Americans but I am not a native American and I certainly don't want to disparage or hurt people. Will be interesting to see if the native Americans can gain any more traction and if anything comes from it.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Redskins O line
So there are some that have said the Skins O line is terrible. I have disagreed.
The Redskins’ offensive line is much maligned by many in the fan base and while some of it is deserved the reputation of the unit has yet to catch up to its improved performance over the last couple of years. They’re not the ’82 Hogs but last year they performed well enough for the Redskins to lead the NFL in rushing yards. How are they doing this year?
The Redskins are currently 16th in the NFL in rushing yards but the scoreboard has dictated fewer rushing attempts this year. When they do run, however, they are getting it done; the team has averaged a very respectable 4.8 yards per rushing attempt, fifth in the league. And despite trailing for all but about 20 minutes this season, the line has allowed just seven sacks despite blocking for a less-mobile version of Robert Griffin III. Only four teams have allowed fewer sacks. Other than Trent Williams none of the members of the line are Pro Bowl candidates but they perform better than the sum of their parts.
The O-line is the least of the Redskins’ problems at the moment. As a collective, they’ve opened holes for Morris (5.3 yards per attempt), provided Robert Griffin III with ample time in most situations and done a solid job neutralizing some of the game’s top pass rushers. In fact, Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Connor Barwin and Clay Matthews all failed to register a sack against the group.ProFootballFocus.com ranks the Redskins’ line as one of the NFL’s top units, having allowed 38 quarterback pressures (sacks, hits and hurries) through four games. Only seven teams, according to PFF, have allowed fewer.
Again, people are entitled to their opinions but it is nice if opinions are based on something. I have never said that the O line is a stellar group but it has been solid and when you look across the league, I would like to know what people consider to be a good O line so that we have something to compare the Skin O line to.
The Redskins’ offensive line is much maligned by many in the fan base and while some of it is deserved the reputation of the unit has yet to catch up to its improved performance over the last couple of years. They’re not the ’82 Hogs but last year they performed well enough for the Redskins to lead the NFL in rushing yards. How are they doing this year?
The Redskins are currently 16th in the NFL in rushing yards but the scoreboard has dictated fewer rushing attempts this year. When they do run, however, they are getting it done; the team has averaged a very respectable 4.8 yards per rushing attempt, fifth in the league. And despite trailing for all but about 20 minutes this season, the line has allowed just seven sacks despite blocking for a less-mobile version of Robert Griffin III. Only four teams have allowed fewer sacks. Other than Trent Williams none of the members of the line are Pro Bowl candidates but they perform better than the sum of their parts.
The O-line is the least of the Redskins’ problems at the moment. As a collective, they’ve opened holes for Morris (5.3 yards per attempt), provided Robert Griffin III with ample time in most situations and done a solid job neutralizing some of the game’s top pass rushers. In fact, Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Connor Barwin and Clay Matthews all failed to register a sack against the group.ProFootballFocus.com ranks the Redskins’ line as one of the NFL’s top units, having allowed 38 quarterback pressures (sacks, hits and hurries) through four games. Only seven teams, according to PFF, have allowed fewer.
Again, people are entitled to their opinions but it is nice if opinions are based on something. I have never said that the O line is a stellar group but it has been solid and when you look across the league, I would like to know what people consider to be a good O line so that we have something to compare the Skin O line to.
Caps win home opener
GREAT win last night for the Caps in their home opener. They got down early 3-0 in the first period. They pulled Holtby for Neuvy and things changed from there.
In the second period, Connor Carrick took a BAD penalty. I like the kid but he is raw and he has committed a couple of bad penalties already. However, he made amends as once his penalty was over, he exited the box behind all the Calgary defenders and MoJo found him for a great head man pass allowing for a breakaway. He made some nifty moves and got his first NHL goal against Ramo. Problem was a couple of minutes later, Calgary got a cheapie goal on a puck misplayed by Neuvy making it 4-1. After that it was all Caps.
Ovi got two goals and Backstrom got the equalizer with about 6 minutes left. Went to OT and Grabovski and Ovi netted their chances and Neuvy shut the door to win it. HUGE come from behind win.
Again, I really like this team. I think we have a lot more speed and there is less pressure on these guys as expectations are not has high as in previous seasons. That coupled with the maturity of the core players makes for what could be a very interesting season.
A couple of other notes:
1. The Power Play is almost automatic. These guys were number one in PP last season and there is no sign of a let up. In fact, it seems more powerful than ever and you almost expect a goal every time they get a PP chance. I thought they would lose something with no Ribeiro as he had great stick handling and patience but they haven't missed a beat. Not sure what their percentage is but it's got to be something like 75% right now. Of course, it's skewed having played only two games but still in those two games they have like 4 PP goals.
2. No Ribeiro, no problem. I was a disappointed to not bring back Ribeiro as he was a good player and seemed like a good teammate. However, I did very much understand that the Caps just didn't (and shouldn't have) signed the guy for what he was asking. Enter Mikhail Grabovski. This guy has been unbelievable so far. A hat trick in game 1 and then nets a shootout goal last night. He plays with a fire and speed that fits well with the team. He seems like a gritty guy that is looking to prove he is a very good player in this league. Hopefully he will continue and hopefully we can resign him.
3. What's up with Holtby? He started out last season rocky and seems to be doing the same thing this year. He's made some good saves but he has let in some that he definitely should have had. Against the Blackhawks, the game winning goal was a shot going well wide and he tried to glove it and ended up sweeping it into his own net. On the other side, Neuvy was very sound yesterday. He had the one big mistake but otherwise played a great game. There is no doubt Neuvy can play but what I like more about him this season is that he seems MUCH more mature and willing to accept whatever role he is given as long as it's in the best interest of the team. In previous years, he sulked if he didn't start and was pretty immature and selfish and even outspoken in his beliefs that he was the best goalie on the team. I don't see that anymore and if he plays it smart, he may very well end up being the #1 goalie. Will be interesting to see who starts for the Caps on Saturday.
Finally, too bad for Jack Hillen last night. I like the guy and it looked like he suffered a pretty serious injury last night. Hopefully he will make a fast recovery. The good news is that we still have Steve Oleksy that can fill the spot and we just picked up Alexander Urbom for depth.
Really looking forward to this season.
In the second period, Connor Carrick took a BAD penalty. I like the kid but he is raw and he has committed a couple of bad penalties already. However, he made amends as once his penalty was over, he exited the box behind all the Calgary defenders and MoJo found him for a great head man pass allowing for a breakaway. He made some nifty moves and got his first NHL goal against Ramo. Problem was a couple of minutes later, Calgary got a cheapie goal on a puck misplayed by Neuvy making it 4-1. After that it was all Caps.
Ovi got two goals and Backstrom got the equalizer with about 6 minutes left. Went to OT and Grabovski and Ovi netted their chances and Neuvy shut the door to win it. HUGE come from behind win.
Again, I really like this team. I think we have a lot more speed and there is less pressure on these guys as expectations are not has high as in previous seasons. That coupled with the maturity of the core players makes for what could be a very interesting season.
A couple of other notes:
1. The Power Play is almost automatic. These guys were number one in PP last season and there is no sign of a let up. In fact, it seems more powerful than ever and you almost expect a goal every time they get a PP chance. I thought they would lose something with no Ribeiro as he had great stick handling and patience but they haven't missed a beat. Not sure what their percentage is but it's got to be something like 75% right now. Of course, it's skewed having played only two games but still in those two games they have like 4 PP goals.
2. No Ribeiro, no problem. I was a disappointed to not bring back Ribeiro as he was a good player and seemed like a good teammate. However, I did very much understand that the Caps just didn't (and shouldn't have) signed the guy for what he was asking. Enter Mikhail Grabovski. This guy has been unbelievable so far. A hat trick in game 1 and then nets a shootout goal last night. He plays with a fire and speed that fits well with the team. He seems like a gritty guy that is looking to prove he is a very good player in this league. Hopefully he will continue and hopefully we can resign him.
3. What's up with Holtby? He started out last season rocky and seems to be doing the same thing this year. He's made some good saves but he has let in some that he definitely should have had. Against the Blackhawks, the game winning goal was a shot going well wide and he tried to glove it and ended up sweeping it into his own net. On the other side, Neuvy was very sound yesterday. He had the one big mistake but otherwise played a great game. There is no doubt Neuvy can play but what I like more about him this season is that he seems MUCH more mature and willing to accept whatever role he is given as long as it's in the best interest of the team. In previous years, he sulked if he didn't start and was pretty immature and selfish and even outspoken in his beliefs that he was the best goalie on the team. I don't see that anymore and if he plays it smart, he may very well end up being the #1 goalie. Will be interesting to see who starts for the Caps on Saturday.
Finally, too bad for Jack Hillen last night. I like the guy and it looked like he suffered a pretty serious injury last night. Hopefully he will make a fast recovery. The good news is that we still have Steve Oleksy that can fill the spot and we just picked up Alexander Urbom for depth.
Really looking forward to this season.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
ESPN Power Rankings - Week 5
Skins up two spots to #25.
Pears drop five spots to #9.
The idle Puckers hold steady at #12.
Pears drop five spots to #9.
The idle Puckers hold steady at #12.
NHL opens tonight - Caps vs. Blackhawks
Best time of the year as the football season is right in the thick of things and now the start of the NHL season begins. It's an interesting time for the Caps as expectations aren't quite as high as they have been in previous years. However, I think this group is going to surprise. They enter the season in the newly aligned Metropolitan division with tough teams like the Penguins, Rangers, Islanders, and Flyers. No longer will they have the easier Southeast division to beat up on.
I do really like the makeup of the team this season. I also like Adam Oates and think having a fully offseason/training camp/preseason with him will really benefit the team. We all know the Caps started out slowly in the strike shortened season last year and they were trying to adjust to Oates' style on the fly but by the end of the season they were arguably the hottest team in hockey. I think they will pick up where they left off at the end of last season and be a very tough team to play.
I also like the makeup of the team. We still have our core group of guys in Ovi, Backstrom, and Green all of which I expect a solid year from. We've added some young guys and then a couple of FAs to complete the mix. Unfortunately, we weren't able to hold on to Ribeiro which sucks because both sides wanted to work out a deal but Ribeiro was really asking too much from the Caps and I understood them not signing him. To replace him, the Caps picked up Mikhail Grabovski. A talented guy that is VERY passionate and who had a down year in Toronto and really fell out of favor with the coach. He signed a one year deal and there is no doubt he has a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove. He was very solid in the preseason and was an assist machine. I'm looking to him as someone that could really make a difference.
The other interesting guys I will be looking at are:
Eric Fehr who looks like he will be making the move to center. He had a tremendous preseason scoring five goals and may have found a new position that better suits him.
Brooks Laich who has been battling injuries the last couple of seasons. Hopefully he can stay healthy because when he is, he is one of the better two way players in the game. He is also a great locker room guy.
Tom Wilson is the young 19 year old who is big and strong and will be playing on the checking line. He deserves the roster spot and will be interesting to see him grow.
Connor Carrick who came out of no where to pick up a defenseman roster spot. The guy is in the mold of Mike Green in that he can skate and control the puck and has a strong shot that is able to find the net. He will have a hard time getting on the ice but from what I have seen in preseason, he may eventually take over some one else's spot for more ice time.
Neuvy/Holtby - I think Holtby is coming in with great confidence but Neuvy is coming in accepting his role (unlike the previous couple of years) and both played very well in camp. Goalie should not be a problem for us.
Finally, I think the expectations from the experts are lower for the Caps this year. I think that is a good thing. I don't believe they feel the same type of pressure as in previous seasons and it will work to their advantage. I do think the Caps will surprise people and end up having a very good year. The question is will it be good enough. I think this is a good group of guys that genuinely care for each other and there is a quiet commitment from this group to perform. It's got all of the makings of a very good team. We'll see what happens. It all starts tonight against the defending champion Blackhawks. Should be a good one.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
I do really like the makeup of the team this season. I also like Adam Oates and think having a fully offseason/training camp/preseason with him will really benefit the team. We all know the Caps started out slowly in the strike shortened season last year and they were trying to adjust to Oates' style on the fly but by the end of the season they were arguably the hottest team in hockey. I think they will pick up where they left off at the end of last season and be a very tough team to play.
I also like the makeup of the team. We still have our core group of guys in Ovi, Backstrom, and Green all of which I expect a solid year from. We've added some young guys and then a couple of FAs to complete the mix. Unfortunately, we weren't able to hold on to Ribeiro which sucks because both sides wanted to work out a deal but Ribeiro was really asking too much from the Caps and I understood them not signing him. To replace him, the Caps picked up Mikhail Grabovski. A talented guy that is VERY passionate and who had a down year in Toronto and really fell out of favor with the coach. He signed a one year deal and there is no doubt he has a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove. He was very solid in the preseason and was an assist machine. I'm looking to him as someone that could really make a difference.
The other interesting guys I will be looking at are:
Eric Fehr who looks like he will be making the move to center. He had a tremendous preseason scoring five goals and may have found a new position that better suits him.
Brooks Laich who has been battling injuries the last couple of seasons. Hopefully he can stay healthy because when he is, he is one of the better two way players in the game. He is also a great locker room guy.
Tom Wilson is the young 19 year old who is big and strong and will be playing on the checking line. He deserves the roster spot and will be interesting to see him grow.
Connor Carrick who came out of no where to pick up a defenseman roster spot. The guy is in the mold of Mike Green in that he can skate and control the puck and has a strong shot that is able to find the net. He will have a hard time getting on the ice but from what I have seen in preseason, he may eventually take over some one else's spot for more ice time.
Neuvy/Holtby - I think Holtby is coming in with great confidence but Neuvy is coming in accepting his role (unlike the previous couple of years) and both played very well in camp. Goalie should not be a problem for us.
Finally, I think the expectations from the experts are lower for the Caps this year. I think that is a good thing. I don't believe they feel the same type of pressure as in previous seasons and it will work to their advantage. I do think the Caps will surprise people and end up having a very good year. The question is will it be good enough. I think this is a good group of guys that genuinely care for each other and there is a quiet commitment from this group to perform. It's got all of the makings of a very good team. We'll see what happens. It all starts tonight against the defending champion Blackhawks. Should be a good one.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
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