Enjoy the Trestman era while it lasts because it isn't going to last much longer.
Last night the Puckers spanked the Pears building a 42-0 lead at HALF TIME! I'm sure they could have put up another 20-30 points in the second half but dialed it down and let starters rest. The Pears are in utter disarray. Here are just a few of their problems:
1. Jeff Cutler: The guy is getting paid like a top flite QB and producing like a second (or even a third) stringer. His indifference is bothersome too. On the INT that bounced off of Long's head and was returned for a pick six, George made little effort to try and catch him. Yes, the game was out of reach. Yes, George probably wasn't going to catch him. However, as a "leader" of the team, show some pride. He quit on that play. I'm sure there are plenty of guys on that team that don't believe they can win with Jay George.
2. Trestman: He's lost control of the team. Back to back games of giving up 50+ points. Show some pride. He looks like a guy that has lost control. He looks overmatched. Trestman seems like a good coordinator and maybe a good head coach in the CFL or a small time program but he doesn't look like a guy that can get it done in the NFL particularly in a large market like Chicago. His time is done.
3. Defense is offensive: Apparently tackling is optional for this group. On Lacy's long run off of the screen for a TD, the defenders didn't look like they even wanted to try and tackle him. Just poor effort. Hate to see that. D Coordinator Mel Tucker should be fired immediately.
4. Too much talent on the offense to not be scoring: With guys like Marshall, Jefferey, Forte, Bennett, they should be putting up some points. I don't think anyone thought the defense was going to be great this year. The strength was the offense but they too are struggling. Trestman was brought in to help foster the offense and take them to another level. I suppose he did get them to another level...another level of suckiness. This group is a disappointment.
Just a slew of other problems:
- No identity.
- No control.
- Aging vets (Briggs, Tillman).
- GM sucks
In the end, they are going to have to blow this up and start over (new coach, new GM, new players). It's going to take a couple of years before the Pears get competitive.
As far as the Puckers, they are hitting their stride. They should have a tougher test next week against the Iggles but they are looking formidable. Rodgers is looking like the elite QB that he is and they have several weapons on offense. If their defense can solidify, they will be tough to beat.
In other league news:
1. Feel terrible for Carson Palmer and Arizona: It's looking like Palmer may have suffered an ACL injury. This is tough for Palmer in that he was having a solid year and he doesn't have too many years left. It's extra tough given that AZ had the best record in the NFL and it's going to be difficult to lose their starting QB. Injuries are part of the game and teams have to do their best to backfill.
2. Skins had a bye week and get back to work today in preparation for TB. Frankly, the Skins better beat the Bucs at home. If we don't, I may just have to start considering denouncing the Skins.
3. Iggles play tonight in the start of the Dirty Sanchez era. The Iggles weren't thrilled with Foles anyways and seemed to be pondering sitting him so the injury may not be such a bad thing. I'm sure Sanchez is happy to get back to being a starter so we'll see how he does with a fresh start on a new team. It's MNF so it's a national stage but they are playing a disappointing Carolina team so he should be okay.
4. Seattle seems to have bounced back. A much needed win for them against the Giants. Lynch was truly a beast with FOUR TDs.
Another week and another set of stories. Still a lot of football left to be played and I'm sure there will still be more great stories to come.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
"Amateurish" jounalism - part trois
SI did a piece on the "amateurish" journalism done by McHenry. It is an independent piece with Post reporter Jason Reid being interviewed for much of it. Anyone that has read and listened to Reid on JFK knows he has been very critical of the Skins over the years so I don't think he can be counted on as a "homer" or anything.
McHenry has her perception of things and perceived the disruption to be a revolt against RG3. Reid mentions that players would not do something so public if they truly felt that way towards their QB. He also mentioned that McHenry is not close enough to understand the Skins locker room and if she had any questions, he would have been happy to have helped her out. All the report did was to create more of an unnecessary distraction and doesn't do anyone any good. I suppose except for McHenry who has gotten a heck more play than she ever has in her career.
The article can be read here: http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/11/04/robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-britt-mchenry-espn
McHenry has her perception of things and perceived the disruption to be a revolt against RG3. Reid mentions that players would not do something so public if they truly felt that way towards their QB. He also mentioned that McHenry is not close enough to understand the Skins locker room and if she had any questions, he would have been happy to have helped her out. All the report did was to create more of an unnecessary distraction and doesn't do anyone any good. I suppose except for McHenry who has gotten a heck more play than she ever has in her career.
The article can be read here: http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/11/04/robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-britt-mchenry-espn
Caps thoughts
Caps are trying to end a 4 game skid tonight against Calgary. After the last game, Trotz had had enough and was fairly critical of the Caps and the same mistakes that are plaguing them (bad penalties and costly turnovers in their zone). He seems very much about accountability and indicated there could be changes.
For me, I have enjoyed watching the Caps this year. The mistakes are frustrating but it's clear there is much better play from this team. Stats point out that after the first 10 games this year, we have outshot the opponents in 8 of those 10 games - compared to only 3 out of 10 last year. Also, we have given up around 80 shots less than a year ago after 10 games. This is proof showing the difference in play. There is a real commitment to playing two way hockey. Offensive players need to get back on defense and defenders are expected to engage in offensive runs and create chances.
I like the play but again the mistakes are frustrating and costly. Heard Brooks Laich a few days back and he mentioned how different it is under Trotz (in a good way) and that the team is still settling into the new system and how Trotz is still figuring out line combinations. He mentioned that things should start to settle down at game 20 or 30. We'll see if this is the case. Again, I like the style of play and we are competing but we need to start winning.
One thing that has been really bugging me is the trade McPhee made for Erat. He gave up our top pick in Filip Forsberg who at 20 years old is already showing signs of becoming a quality player in Nashville. Erat was a malcontent that isn't even on the team anymore so we basically got Latta out of that trade. It's clear who got the better end BY FAR out of that trade.
For me, I have enjoyed watching the Caps this year. The mistakes are frustrating but it's clear there is much better play from this team. Stats point out that after the first 10 games this year, we have outshot the opponents in 8 of those 10 games - compared to only 3 out of 10 last year. Also, we have given up around 80 shots less than a year ago after 10 games. This is proof showing the difference in play. There is a real commitment to playing two way hockey. Offensive players need to get back on defense and defenders are expected to engage in offensive runs and create chances.
I like the play but again the mistakes are frustrating and costly. Heard Brooks Laich a few days back and he mentioned how different it is under Trotz (in a good way) and that the team is still settling into the new system and how Trotz is still figuring out line combinations. He mentioned that things should start to settle down at game 20 or 30. We'll see if this is the case. Again, I like the style of play and we are competing but we need to start winning.
One thing that has been really bugging me is the trade McPhee made for Erat. He gave up our top pick in Filip Forsberg who at 20 years old is already showing signs of becoming a quality player in Nashville. Erat was a malcontent that isn't even on the team anymore so we basically got Latta out of that trade. It's clear who got the better end BY FAR out of that trade.
Monday, November 3, 2014
"Amateurish" journalism part deaux
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2014/11/02/jay-gruden-vehemently-denies-report-by-espns-britt-mchenry/
This sheds some light on the "amateurish" story written by McHenry. People want gossip and negativity and that's what sells but McHenry either was knowlingly fabricating this story or she just didn't get it.
What's worse is that the Redskins people asked the journalists to keep the incident in house so that the Skins could deal with the individuals themselves (to think that this is unique to the Skins is also silly) but McHenry chose to disregard that message and not only put the story out there but do it inaccurately.
Media is given the right to meet with players but they should do so responsibly. It's a shame when trust is broken. Frankly, this is why I hate most of these "reports" because you never know what to believe. Things can be taken out of context or it's one person's perception of what was said. I know I have said things and thought I was trying to convey a certain message only to find out that the person I was speaking to took it completely different than what I intended.
Whatever. It's too bad this story even came out but that's the nature of media/social media.
This sheds some light on the "amateurish" story written by McHenry. People want gossip and negativity and that's what sells but McHenry either was knowlingly fabricating this story or she just didn't get it.
What's worse is that the Redskins people asked the journalists to keep the incident in house so that the Skins could deal with the individuals themselves (to think that this is unique to the Skins is also silly) but McHenry chose to disregard that message and not only put the story out there but do it inaccurately.
Media is given the right to meet with players but they should do so responsibly. It's a shame when trust is broken. Frankly, this is why I hate most of these "reports" because you never know what to believe. Things can be taken out of context or it's one person's perception of what was said. I know I have said things and thought I was trying to convey a certain message only to find out that the person I was speaking to took it completely different than what I intended.
Whatever. It's too bad this story even came out but that's the nature of media/social media.
Redskins in bus crash on way to game
Original reports were that it was a fairly minor accident. It turns out it could have been a lot worse than people thought. From Brian McNally of WJFK, apparently it was the police escort that missed the exit and then tried to over correct and cut in front of the first bus to make the exit causing the bus to avoid the cruiser, slamming on the brakes, getting hit from behind by the second bus, and hitting the guard rail. Fortunately, the bus did not break through the guard rail as they could have gone over an embankment and on to a highway where it could have been a much more serious if not catastrophic accident.
McNally reported that RG3 did fly around the bus on impact as did I believe it was Ryan Clark. Stephen Bowen apparently was in the back cursing loudly as he thought he had re injured his knee. Some of the players mentioned that they had never been so scared in their life.
Again, the good news is that no one was seriously hurt but this certainly could have been a much much worse accident.
McNally reported that RG3 did fly around the bus on impact as did I believe it was Ryan Clark. Stephen Bowen apparently was in the back cursing loudly as he thought he had re injured his knee. Some of the players mentioned that they had never been so scared in their life.
Again, the good news is that no one was seriously hurt but this certainly could have been a much much worse accident.
"Amateurish" journalism
So there was a report from ESPN's Britt McHenry reported last week that RG3 had alienated himself from the team so much so that during an interview in the locker room last week, about a dozen players interrupted the session in protest so much so that the interview had to be moved to the hallways. McHenry indicated that the players interruption was a result of their feelings towards RG3.
McHenry is a young woman who used to report for WUSA in D.C. She is fairly new to ESPN and I'm sure she is trying to promote herself and probably thought her report would get her noticed. It did but it has since become clear the report was inaccurate.
Yes, there was a disruption during RG3's interview but it had nothing to do with RG3. Was listening to Brian McNally (the beat reporter for WJFK) and he said that he is friend's with McHenry and thought the report was accurate in that there was a disruption but completely disagreed with McHenry in that in had anything to do with RG3. From McNally's standpoint and everyone else he talked to, they felt the players had no issue with RG3. McNally mentioned that the players yelling were immature and some thought it was a prank and others were genuinely bothered by the media and some of their reporting and were voicing their displeasure.
Was trying to find McHenry's report on ESPN today and it appears that it has been removed.
It's this type of nonsense that causes hysteria. Silly fans will automatically buy into it and it causes unnecessary distractions.
McNally also reported that the Skins were embarrassed by the players yelling and asked the media to not report about it indicating that those individuals would be dealt with in house. McHenry apparently felt like she should report on it. I have a feeling McHenry won't be covering the Skins any more and if she does, she will certainly have a hard time at Redskins Park from players and management alike.
McHenry is a young woman who used to report for WUSA in D.C. She is fairly new to ESPN and I'm sure she is trying to promote herself and probably thought her report would get her noticed. It did but it has since become clear the report was inaccurate.
Yes, there was a disruption during RG3's interview but it had nothing to do with RG3. Was listening to Brian McNally (the beat reporter for WJFK) and he said that he is friend's with McHenry and thought the report was accurate in that there was a disruption but completely disagreed with McHenry in that in had anything to do with RG3. From McNally's standpoint and everyone else he talked to, they felt the players had no issue with RG3. McNally mentioned that the players yelling were immature and some thought it was a prank and others were genuinely bothered by the media and some of their reporting and were voicing their displeasure.
Was trying to find McHenry's report on ESPN today and it appears that it has been removed.
It's this type of nonsense that causes hysteria. Silly fans will automatically buy into it and it causes unnecessary distractions.
McNally also reported that the Skins were embarrassed by the players yelling and asked the media to not report about it indicating that those individuals would be dealt with in house. McHenry apparently felt like she should report on it. I have a feeling McHenry won't be covering the Skins any more and if she does, she will certainly have a hard time at Redskins Park from players and management alike.
Skins fall to Vikings 29-26
Disappointing. Makes the win over Dallas pretty meaningless. They had a chance to string three wins in a row and go into the bye week feeling pretty good. Instead, it leaves a sour taste in their mouths that they couldn't get the job done. Here are my thoughts:
1. RG3. Wasn't perfect but given that the guy has missed nearly the entire season, I was happy with the way he played. I know everyone is giving him grief for the INT before the half that led to the Vikings first score. However, I put this as much on the play call as I do on RG3. The Skins were up 10-0 and had just stopped the Vikings on a 4th and 2. We get the ball back around our 35 yard line with just over a minute left. I would have been content with the 10-0 lead and having all the momentum. I get that there was time to get an additional score. However, if you are going to go for it, call a VERY high percentage play. Call a bubble screen or a regular screen or a draw play...anything that is VERY high percentage and if you get some significant yardage they can proceed with trying to get more points on the board. They called an out pattern that is no guarantee. Obviously, the pass sucked and RG3 would be the first to admit to that but the play call should have been much more conservative in that situation. Still, other than that play, I was fine with his play. He made some really nice throws and did a good job of eluding pressure which was on him much of the day. He led a great drive late in the game when the Skins were down 21-20 to take back the lead 26-21. He certainly is not the reason why we lost.
2. Morris. Thought he had a strong game. For the first time all season, he looked more like the Morris we are used to seeing. I'm sure part of this is a direct result of having RG3 back. Hopefully we see more of this Morris moving forward.
3. Desean Jackson has been worth it. The guy is a playmaker. He is not going to get a ton of balls thrown his way but he will get big yards when it is thrown his way. He is good for 2-3 long balls each game and getting him balls in space is dangerous for opposing defenses as he is small and quick enough to elude guys.
4. Defense SUCKED!!!! Giving up four TDs on the Vikings last five offensive drives is INEXCUSABLE. I gave Haslett and company credit last week for doing a great job against Dallas but this week he was terrible. They let a rookie QB who is one of the lowest rated in the NFL pick us apart. The Skins put up 26 points against a solid defense. That should be enough to win that game but the defense couldn't get it done. Don't understand why we couldn't get pressure on Bridgewater. I do chalk up a lot of this to coaching. He just didn't get the job done. I think there is enough talent on this defense that it should be better. London Fletcher didn't seem thrilled with Haslett as he left in retirement. I would not be opposed to letting him go now and installing Raheem Morris in as DC for the remainder of the season to see what he can do. It's sickening. They lost this game for us. With the score 17-14 Skins winning, the defense allowed Bridgewater to march the length of the field to score a TD. RG3 leads a TD drive to take back the lead 26-21. The defense again allows Bridgewater to lead a length of the field drive for the game winning TD. UNACCEPTABLE!!! The poor play of the defense was the story of the game. They blew it.
Not much else to say.
1. RG3. Wasn't perfect but given that the guy has missed nearly the entire season, I was happy with the way he played. I know everyone is giving him grief for the INT before the half that led to the Vikings first score. However, I put this as much on the play call as I do on RG3. The Skins were up 10-0 and had just stopped the Vikings on a 4th and 2. We get the ball back around our 35 yard line with just over a minute left. I would have been content with the 10-0 lead and having all the momentum. I get that there was time to get an additional score. However, if you are going to go for it, call a VERY high percentage play. Call a bubble screen or a regular screen or a draw play...anything that is VERY high percentage and if you get some significant yardage they can proceed with trying to get more points on the board. They called an out pattern that is no guarantee. Obviously, the pass sucked and RG3 would be the first to admit to that but the play call should have been much more conservative in that situation. Still, other than that play, I was fine with his play. He made some really nice throws and did a good job of eluding pressure which was on him much of the day. He led a great drive late in the game when the Skins were down 21-20 to take back the lead 26-21. He certainly is not the reason why we lost.
2. Morris. Thought he had a strong game. For the first time all season, he looked more like the Morris we are used to seeing. I'm sure part of this is a direct result of having RG3 back. Hopefully we see more of this Morris moving forward.
3. Desean Jackson has been worth it. The guy is a playmaker. He is not going to get a ton of balls thrown his way but he will get big yards when it is thrown his way. He is good for 2-3 long balls each game and getting him balls in space is dangerous for opposing defenses as he is small and quick enough to elude guys.
4. Defense SUCKED!!!! Giving up four TDs on the Vikings last five offensive drives is INEXCUSABLE. I gave Haslett and company credit last week for doing a great job against Dallas but this week he was terrible. They let a rookie QB who is one of the lowest rated in the NFL pick us apart. The Skins put up 26 points against a solid defense. That should be enough to win that game but the defense couldn't get it done. Don't understand why we couldn't get pressure on Bridgewater. I do chalk up a lot of this to coaching. He just didn't get the job done. I think there is enough talent on this defense that it should be better. London Fletcher didn't seem thrilled with Haslett as he left in retirement. I would not be opposed to letting him go now and installing Raheem Morris in as DC for the remainder of the season to see what he can do. It's sickening. They lost this game for us. With the score 17-14 Skins winning, the defense allowed Bridgewater to march the length of the field to score a TD. RG3 leads a TD drive to take back the lead 26-21. The defense again allows Bridgewater to lead a length of the field drive for the game winning TD. UNACCEPTABLE!!! The poor play of the defense was the story of the game. They blew it.
Not much else to say.
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