Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- continuing education...

You never stop learning in college... or in college basketball. Teams that go 1-13 in pre-conference play become league contenders while December flavors of the month taste sour when league play begins... players step up or slip into a shell... and crazy league developments have you shaking your head bigtime. Up until the final buzzer in March or April, you never stop learning.





Georgetown lost tough games at Syracuse and Villanova but was able to end Pitt's 31 game home winning streak. Despite Greg Monroe playing like a sophomore (which he is) and not like a combination of what we think we remember about Patrick Ewing/Alonzo Mourning (which doesn't exist)...this team has a shot to make things happen in Big East play-- they look like the classic #4 seed that's an afterthought in their own league but dangerous during the tournament.



Alma mater update-- Syracuse is 20-1 for just the third time under coach Jim Boeheim... and this team has the feel of the late 80's units that I cut my teeth on... I can't believe how athletic this team looks, especially Wesley Johnson (serious hops).



Maryland somehow leads the ACC (a half game ahead of surprising Virginia) and has posted three straight double digit league victories (while scheduling the Longwood punching bags/tomato cans). The fire and ice (Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes) combo plus better than expect big men in the lineup is a recipe for success-- it's just a question of how much. And how long can this team play as well as they are as a unit against their ACC rivals?

George Mason continues to cruise through CAA play; but while an 8-1 league mark isn't out of the ordinary, three straight road conference wins is notable. Even in the years when GMU's contended for an NCAA berth, they've been less than ideal away from the Patriot Center. Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison have made the leap from learning freshmen to producing sophomores...a nice presence inside to counter AU's backcourt firepower.


George Washington has hit an early Atlantic Ten Conference snag; four straight losses has washed away much of the non-league confidence the Colonials built in themselves... and it doesn't get much better in the near future: the next three opponents are a combined 42-14. Damian Hollis looks to reassert himself after a 1-for-7, 6 turnover performance against Richmond.



American is fighting for Patriot League respectability; with a virtually new cast the Eagles have yet to post a road conference win. 6-foot-9 Romanian Vlad Moldovoneau (who transferred from George Mason last winter) provides punch in the pivot... while Nick Hendra is a sidebar waiting to happen (his father Tony was in the movie "This is Spinal Tap"--and portrayed the band's manager). Three of their next four games are at Bender Arena-- but in that span they will play league co-leaders Lafayette and Lehigh.





Howard continues to shock the MEAC and conventional wisdom: after going 1-13 in pre-league action, the Bison have posted a 5-2 conference mark. Monday they held Bethune-Cookman to 16 first half points en route to a 67-64 victory. While Calvin Thompson is no Eugene Myatt, the supporting cast is much improved. One major caveat with this team-- the MEAC plays a Saturday-Monday schedule and the Bison's next four are on the road... where momentum can turn from good to bad to worse just like that.

Pro File-- Final Four Focus...

The strangest day of the NFL season has become conference championship Sunday. For nineteen weeks games kick off at 1pm...through late summer through fall into early winter. Our bodies are conditioned to Sunday doubleheaders-- and then all of a sudden fans are delivered a curve-ball.

We have to wait until 3pm? What's a fan to do... outside of scramble for hopefully some college basketball, NBA or hockey. I understand why the move was made (the conference championship games now begin at noon pacific time)... but it's just a little disjointing.

Are they betting on preseason games too? One irritating subplot of the Ravens run in the postseason was Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley needing to bet with opposing governors... Maryland Crabcakes against New England Lobster or whatever it is Indiana has. Excuse me? These are wildcard and divisional playoff games. There should be a rule that allows mayors and governors and senators and congressmen who want to score TV time by making "bets" (not of their own money but of somebody else's product indigenous to the area)-- wait until the Super Bowl.

Thoughts on the AFC-- karma is a conniving character. The New York Jets were headed to non-contention when Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell lifted his starters in the second half of the Colts-Jets game one month ago. Can the Jets reward the Colts for taking their foot off the gas in December? Why is irony so ironic...

Super Bowl Party Update-- unfortunately Larry won't be hosting this year; thus I won't be hearing "are ya havin a good time" every five minutes. Hopefully Doug's wife will still make the butter bars (85% butter and 38% shortening) and buffalo chicken wing dip.

Thoughts on the NFC-- Brett Favre's back on the big stage... can he somehow get the Vikings past the ultra-explosive New Orleans offense? The Saints resurgence has helped heal a city still recovering from disaster...

24 Characters Hall of Fame...

24 premieres Sunday night on Fox. Yes, prepare yourself for more shouting, shooting and implausible plotlines...as a primer, my 24 most memorable characters. Now let's throw some caveats out there-- these are peripheral characters you may have forgotten... as opposed to primary protagonists (Jack, Tony, Michelle, President Palmer), antagonists (the Drazens, Nina, President Logan) or irritants (Kim). These are people in the 24 universe who sneak onto the scene-- steal it-- and then are either killed or forgotten thanks to the breakneck pace of the program.



24. Mandy-- she had sex with a guy in an airplane she then blew up in season one... before giving the President a biological weapon-laced handshake in season two. Season four saw her kidnap Tony and kill a 90210 reject (more on that phenomena later). Played to perfection by Mia Kirshner, you wished she'd come back for an extended run-- as a nemesis or partner for Jack.




23. Diego-- remember Kim's wavy-gravy boyfriend from season two? The goatee... the earring... and his ridiculously awesome karate kid-like takedown of Gary the abusive father Kim was nannying for... although after police car accident that Kim engineered, Kung Fu took a backseat as Diego's lower leg was amputated.

22. Willie from Sangala-- Kim's rap sheet also includes a boyfriend with a lost hand (Chase-season three) and a dead friend (season one). How black-cattish is Jack's daughter? In the two-hour movie, 24 Redemption-- she's not in the episode at all but helps cause the death of a character. You see, when Jack was in India he purchased a scarf/shawl to give to Kim. Realizing he'd never return to the US, Jack gave the shawl/scarf to one of the adolescent refugee orphans from his school, Willie. Wouldn't you know Willie would get the garment stuck. Wouldn't you know he'd step on a mine while trying to get it. Wouldn't you know Jack's friend Carl Benton would take Willie's place and sacrifice his life. Thanks, Kim--this one is definitely your fault.

21. Olivia-- setting a new standard for daughters and presidential family members who make bad decisions, season seven's First Daughter leaked administration information to the press... got the Chief of Staff to resign... taped herself having sex in order to blackmail a reporter... and then hired a hit-man-- winding up in prison. You go, girl.

20. Syed Ali-- season two's "first arc villain" (YES, each season sends a succession of bad guys at Jack Bauer with the impression of "you thought adversary #7 was tough... well wait til you see HIS/HER superior... they're twice as dangerous!--televisionwithoutpity.com compared it to a Russian Doll). Francesco Quinn's chilling portrayal scared you-- and after he was caught and killed there was a tension missing. Until the next bad guy showed up, at least.



19. Barooz-- Season four's first batch of bad guys had a two Middle Eastern parents with an unsuspecting son whose eyes bugged out with every discovery ... "mom, you killed my girlfriend Debbie!"... "mom, they were going to kill me!". He even gave the bug-eyes when asked by his girlfriend (before mom poisoned her iced tea), "Barooz, I left 17 messages on your cellphone. Why haven't you called me back?".



18. Ryan Chappelle-- even more commonplace than the multitude of bad guys is the endless list of mid-level managers in CTU or other branches. Most of these empty suits are characterized by their lack of faith in Jack Bauer's intuition as well as blatant incompetence. Ryan Chappelle took things to a new level of loathing... on a personal and professional level-he was undeniably unlikeable.



17. Edgar Stiles-- overweight lispy computer techs are often one-way tickets to cheap caricatures... but Louis Lombardi made season 4's computer guy respected (he helped reprogram 85 reactors from meltdown) and faulted ("I don't know If I can stay conthouth during my prethentathion-- I have low blood thugar") during the same episode. During his tenure it seemed as though scriptwriters were going out of their way to give Edgar "S" words in his lines. And he delivered in a manner you could only dream of. Why did he have to get poisoned in season five? Or should I say-- why did he have to get poithoned in theathon five?



16. 90210 rejects-- from the kid who took Brenda to the Prom, to the dude who Andrea had the affair with to the guy who dated Donna after beating up Ray Pruitt (partially for abusing Donna, partially for singing every time you turned around)... second tier 90210ers find second life on 24... until they're usually drugged or killed. Even when they're bad guys... (remember the journalism teacher Andrea had the crush on during senior year?) they have a three episode arc that never ends on a good note.

15. Bill Buchanan-- why did they kill the silver fox in season seven? He started as one of the many mid-level CTU supervisors... and seemingly asked everyone out to breakfast after the crisis was averted (he wound up marrying one potential breakfast date--Homeland Security Secretary Karen Hayes). But Buchanan didn't emerge as we knew him until he was fired... proving that rogues trump reliability any day of the week. His demise came all to quick. May he be taking Teri Bauer to lunch in the ever after.


14. Reza-- season two's first red herring was a groom on his wedding day. Reza worked for the Warner family and the bad guys were traced through some of their business transactions. He finally went to his office to exonerate himself only to be shot through the heart by his fiancee. Wedding days can be rough on everybody.


13. Audrey's husband-- Paul Raines (season four) suffered from the start as the guy standing in the way of Jack's romantic happiness... I mean although Jack and Audrey were meant to be together there was the technicality of her marriage. The fact he had huge ears AND called his wife "Orrdrey" didn't help either-- but despite that and the fact he was a Britcitizen and non-CTU employee, Raines appeared to have unimpeded access to the hallways of CTU with no security detail anywhere near him. Raines was shot later and died on the operating table after Jack pulled the medics away to work on an informant... thus making way for the best quote of the entire series: "earlier today Jack and Audrey were planning their life together; now he's killed her husband and will probably torture her brother."

12. Kate Warner and her terrorist sister-- you can't have a wonderful wedding without a blushing bride and her suspicious spinster sister. While Kate's main issue was the fact that she was bummed her younger sister was getting married before she was, Marie was concerned her cover as Syed Ali's money-launderer may be exposed. Solved by blowing away her financee in one episode to cover her tracks, followed by blowing away a complete stranger (in a different manner) order to secure the nuclear detonator less than an hour later. While her sister was being tortured (Kate narrowly avoided the famed deli-slicer), by the way. Did I mention Marie pulled a gun on Kate one episode later? Heaven help the mister or sister that comes between Marie and her plan!

11. Cheng Zhi-- season four saw Jack lead a CTU raid on the Chinese Consulate in LA. Big diplomatic no-no. Especially when you kill the consul. Especially when his director of security has the interrogation manner of Mr. Belding-- who wound up tracking Jack through death.

10. CTU guy who rolled on Jack-- of course, Zhi had help in the manner of CTU agent Howard Bern... whose face was caught on camera at the consulate. After being captured and questioned briefly Bern was threatened with labor camp and couldn't give fess up quickly enough. For all the torture Jack went through--he didn't say a word for two years in China-- this clown gives him up with the threat of no cable?





9. Elizabeth Nash-- season one's plot revolved around an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. One of his staff members was unknowingly sleeping with one of the would-be killers. Nash then was to plant a homing device on Andre Drazen... and wound up stabbing him as well. Love, espionage and death--now that's an episode arc.



8. Spenser who slept with Chloe-- season five meant the glamming up of Chloe... the tech who had no social skills whatsoever. Mary Lynn Rajskub woke up after a crazy night with co-worker Spenser... leading to an awkward situation at the office. Did I add he was unknowingly working for the bad guys? Still, I was waiting for Edgar to say... "Thpenther... have you been having thethual relathionth with Chloe? Hath it been conthenthual?"





7. Moles, moles, everywhere moles-- Spenser wasn't the first or last mole at CTU/FBI/Secret Service/LA Public Library we've seen...no surprise there. For an organization that specializes in security (counter-terrorism) they have a very poor screening process...as well as a bad internal audit system. Jamey, Marianne, Sean Hillinger... one would think the CTU staff model has budgeted for turncoats. And the non-traitors? Often working on a "secret project" that gives co-workers the impression that they're in cahoots with the villains.

6. C. Thomas Howell/ Rick Schroeder/ Sean Astin/ Kevin Dillon/ the kid from Witness-- outside of recycling moles, 24 has become a rest stop for the 80's actors... and for the most part these guys remind us why they faded from the limelight in the first place. Thank goodness 24 is moving into the new decade with a 90's has-been, Freddie Prinze Jr.

5. Crazy daughter from season four-- no, not Kim Bauer. CTU Director Erin Driscoll had a schizophrenic teenage daughter Maya that committed suicide after being hospitalized Unfortunately this subplot ranged from irritating to unintentionally funny.


4. Wise administration voice nobody listens to-- from Michelle Forbes as Lynn Kresge to Peter MacNicol as Tom Lennox... there's usually just one person in the White House with sound advice to get this nation out of the current crisis. Most always this person is ignored, sabotaged, blackmailed and/or held hostage. Executive Branch efficiency at the highest level.

3. Dr. Anne Packard-- one subplot in the third season involved President Palmer's illness from being given a biological weapon by hand (thanks, Mandy)... and Palmer's physician was also his girlfriend whose ex-husband killed himself in her presence the night of Palmer's Presidential Election debate. And then poof! No more word of any of this as Season Three went south (literally and figuratively). Like a sanitation department, they buried this under a heap of other plotlines that didn't resonate. What happened?

2. Mountain Lion-- what was with that? Pointed to by many the shark-jumping moment of the series... and Kim's just reward for more than a few bad life decisions (going to a furniture store at midnight, leaving an injured child by a dumpster, dating Sean Avery in real life). Trust me, fans were rooting for the Lion.





1. Aaron Pierce-- he and Kiefer are the only actors to appear in every season, and while Jack saves the world by going over the top, breaking necks, sawing heads off with a hacksaw and shouting, Aaron Pierce subtly turns the bad guys plans awry. While Jack's shouting, Aaron's finagling a way to switch pilots on the Presidential helicopter. When Jack's shooting, Pierce is making detailed recordings he can pass to the necessary people. That's why last season I was never concerned for a minute after Olivia (#22) put Pierce on her detail-- he'd find her out sooner or later. It was only a matter of time. Plus, he wooed the President's wife--we know Marsha Logan was crazy, but still...

Album of the Month: Surrealistic Pillow...

2010 is a year made for lists: I mean there's a top 20 or top 10 in just about everything, right? From teams current to all time, TV shows to music, there's always a list waiting to happen. There's even a list of best and worst lists ever... plus a list of lists that haven't been made yet.



This year I'm going to try to take a journey through different musical tastes I've had... from turntables (more on that later) through cassettes to CDs. I'll try to hit one a month--are these the best 12 albums from the best 12 artists ever? It's all subjective. But each rings with me in some way that makes me bring it to this page...and if these make you think of Def Leppard's Pyromania or Franz Ferdinand's You Could Have it So Better with a different ear, then perhaps you can make your own list as well.

The first album I remember as a kid was Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow. I also remember being scolded for almost ruining my parent's turntable. You see, Pillow led off with "She has Funny Cars"... and while a great song, it wasn't nearly the monster ear candy "Somebody to Love" was-- then, now or forever. Naturally when a three year old learns you can press play... then lift the needle and move it one song in- you can hear your favorite song. And once it's done? Press stop-- that ends the record and then you can repeat the process. Again and again. At first my dad was pleased his son liked Jefferson Airplane. Then he was amused I had learned how to manipulate his record player. Then he wondered about the wear and tear on the record and turntable I was causing...: "David--once you start playing a record you've got to let it play through." Thank goodness for CDs.

Chemistry goes a long way towards a group's success. Thank goodness good chemistry isn't a requirement-- otherwise Jefferson Airplane would have never gotten off the ground. On paper these five were a disaster waiting to happen. A group leader who hated sharing the spotlight. A female songstress who stole the spotlight and not only didn't know her place in a man's world but also brought two HUGE songs that outshone anything anyone else in the band had written. A drummer whose main attribute was that he was sleeping with the lead singer. A rhythm guitarist who wished he was sleeping with the lead singer. A bassist who was primarily a guitarist. A lead guitarist who was primarily interested not in rock but in folk and jazz. Can anyone say spontaneous combustion?

Side one begins with the song I skipped all those years ago--and one can hear the off kilter energy from Spencer Dryden's opening drumbeat...singers and instruments join together yet in different directions. Marty Balin while dominating the lead vocal is joined at the mic by Grace Slick and Paul Kantner-- and although the future couple has a supporting role in the song one can hear them slowly chip away at Marty's supremacy in the band. Jorma Koukanen and Jack Casady as always provide the guitar-bass foundation everyone else bounces off of.

"Somebody to Love"-- instantly recognizable... Grace takes the spotlight and doesn't give it up until the late 80's. She also sang solo lead on side two anchor "White Rabbit"... and it's hard to imagine Surrealistic Pillow-- or Jefferson Airplane-- without either song. Yet both were songs she was already performing with her group Great Society when she joined Airplane.

Other highlights include "Today"-- Marty's heartfelt ballad that stops time completely... "D.C.B.A 25"-- an unasumming seduction that pairs Grace and Paul (little did she know how into her he was and how into him she'd eventually be)... "Embryonic Journey"-- Jorma's first ever composition, an instrumental that doesn't wear out its welcome... and "Plastic Fantastic Lover"-- Marty's side two ender about a television set.

All these years later the progression still blows me away-- the perfect recipe of five unique ingredients and not one mistep along the way. I've always likened a good album to an incredible journey- and from start to finish you don't want to get off. Thanks Dad-- for making me listen all the way through.

P.S... I never saw Jefferson Airplane nor Jefferson Starship in concert-- instead I caught "Starship" in the late 80's in wake of the suckitude of "We Built this City"...also singing songs like "Beat Patrol" and "It's Not Over (til it's over)"... a far cry from greatness-- singing about mannequins and Marco playing mamba. Who counts the money, indeed.

Pro File-- On a Coaching Carousel...

Riding along on a carousel--will I catch up to you... Horses chasing 'cause they're racing--so near yet so far......
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame enshrines the Hollies this year-- and On a Carousel was one of their signature hits... featuring the trademark three-part harmony of Graham Nash, Allen Hicks and Tony Clarke. Somehow with all of the coaches heading every which way this week it comes to mind...


Nearer, nearer by changing horses-- still so far away... People fighting for their places-- just get in the way... Soon you'll leave and then I'll lose you--still we're going round...
Good thing the Redskins are done bringing in the big names. Former New Orleans coach Jim Haslett was named the team's new defensive coordinator... he most recently spent time on the sidelines with the Florida of the United Football League. His most recent stop in the NFL? Two plus years with St. Louis as defensive coordinator for the Rams followed by 12 games as interim coach (his first game the 19-17 stunner of coach Jim Zorn's Skins). It's expected he'll turn the defense from a conservative unit into a more blitz-happy bunch. While boasting a reputation as a defensive mastermind, Haslett's units in St. Louis and New Orleans both underperformed. Beware the glare of genius coordinators: in 2006 both Skins units were led by certified "geniuses"-- and Al Saunders' offense (weighed down by a 700 page playbook) never got off the ground while Gregg Williams' defense (weighed down by Adam Archuleta) finished 31st in the league.


On a carousel--
Round and round and round and round and round and round and round and round with you... Up, down, up, down, up, down too...
While Haslett arrives, a legend leaves Ashburn. Joe Bugel departs after 36 years on the sidelines-- most notably as the architect of the Hogs... an offensive line that defined the Redskins during their glory days. Without Bugel turning Joe Jacoby from a free agent freak into a dominant left tackle, there is no Riggo run in SB XVII. Without Bugel transforming Jeff Bostic, Mark May and Russ Grimm into All-Pros there is no 35-point second quarter in SB XXII. Without no carryover of the legacy of the Hogs... Mark Rypien is sacked more than 7 times and doesn't turn 1991 on its ear en route to SB XXVI. While the Redskins enjoyed limited success in Bugel's second term with the team, he did help produce a rushing attack that ranked in the league's top ten. In between tours with the Burgundy and Gold he coached in Phoenix and Oakland-- any man who works for Bill Bidwell and Al Davis deserves a medal. These guys make Dan Snyder look like Dan Rooney. Bugel's class, brutal honesty and spunk will be missed in Ashburn.


As she leaves she drops the presents--that she won before... Pulling ducks out of the water-- got the highest score... Now's my chance and I must take it--a case of do-or-die ..
NFL Playoff Aside--turnovers told the tale in week one...
Cincinnati fumbled on its first possession (inside the redzone)--setting the tone for the weekend: the New York Jets bounced the Bengals after taking the takeaway battle 2-0... Cincinnati also missed a pair of field goal attempts to add to their afternoon of misfortune. Philadelphia faltered when the Eagles lost the turnover battle 4-1 in Dallas...the two key plays being an interception that wasn't (Tony Romo's pick called back by instant replay) and a fumble that was (Michael Vick's drop setting up a second quarter TD that made it 24-7). Baltimore booted New England after turning two fumbles and an interception into a 17-0 first quarter lead... the Ravens won the turnover battle 4-1. The only close contest of the weekend saw Arizona get by Green bay 51-45 in overtime... intercepting Aaron Rodgers' first pass while scooping up a Rodgers' fumble on his final play from scrimmage... P.S. the Cardinals won the turnover battle 3-1.

What to expect in round two? Go with the home teams. Not only are the higher seeds at home (with better records), they've enjoyed a week off.


Riding along on a carousel-- trying to catch up to you... Riding along on a carousel-- will I catch up to you... Now we take our ride together-- no more chasing her ...
The carousel hit high gear with Pete Carroll leaving USC for Seattle. Did he not learn anything from two disappointing tenures in the NFL? Carroll's enthusiasm seemed perfect for the college gridiron-and rang false during stops with the Jets and Patriots. He'll have close to total control in Seattle--isn't that what proven NFL winner Mike Holmgren had? But with the NCAA knocking, perhaps this is the best time for Carroll to pack his bags.

Carroll's departure meant Lane Griffin's westward migration from Knoxville to LA. While I'm impressed by Kiffin's ability to make statements and stir the pot, he's yet to overwhelm me. All he did in Oakland was get into trouble with the NFL for overpracticing during OTA's... and all he did at Tennessee was get everyone in the SEC mad at him-- and keep the NCAA on constant alert. Thank goodness he's bringing his dad with him... much like Fredo bringing Vito with him to help manage the families interest in Las Vegas. Much like Vito, Monte Kiffin's genius will offset his kid's penchant for quotes with minimal substance.

Now Tennessee has to pluck somebody from another program... as the carousel continues...

On a carousel, on a carousel...

Beltway Basketball Bonanza... 2010 debut...

College basketball's season isn't completely unlike college football's... although the pre-conference season is a little more defined on the hardwood: non-league games are few and far between before New Year's Day while many a gridiron opener involves league competition. November and December become a blend of "ceiling-floor" months... setting the range of possibilities for March...even though show me month (January) and moving month (February) define the team's position for closing month (March).



Georgetown had a comeback for the ages against Connecticut--thank goodness the Hoyas had some time off after their third game in seven days; the rough and tumble Big East that devoured them last year will be just as competitive this winter. But with Greg Monroe a year older and Austin Freeman a year wiser, a post-Huskies win fold doesn't appear in the cards.



Maryland began ACC play with a win over #18 Florida State and an overtime loss at Wake Forest; can the mixture of experience on the perimeter (Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes) and youth in the post (Jordan Williams and James Padgett) result in 10+ conference wins? An NCAA berth hinges on the answer.



George Mason lost a heartbreaker to Villanova in November and a head-scratcher at Radford in December before starting league play 4-1... the lone blemish a 25 point loss at Northeastern. Question is--how many more road thumpings will there be?



George Washington looks to bounce back from two straight sub-par seasons; reaching double-digit in non-conference wins is step one-- step two is holding its own during the Atlantic Ten regular season. Lasan Kromah is the impact player here; the freshman's providing a threat from the perimeter with 10 points a game and 40% three point shooting.



American tries to recover from losing the nucleus of back-to-back NCAA teams. Vlad Moldonveanu comes over from George Mason; the transfer's 18 points a game will be a major benefit as the Eagles make their way through Patriot League play.



Howard responded to a 1-13 non-conference slate to a 2-1 start in the MEAC--go figure. Gone is graduating senior Eugene Myatt (the best beltway player nobody knew about)... this year's bunch has a little more balance.

Redskins Rehash--meet the new boss...

I had no idea one could get that tan in the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps it's the day skiing. The Redskins introduced Mike Shanahan as their new head coach Wednesday... and while things look like a corner has been turned-- one wonders how permanent this permanent shift of philosophy will be. Still some issues to put to bed with the Chargers game as well as a peek ahead...


One more thought about Jim Zorn-- didn't it concern anyone that his hairstyle was an exact replication of Bob Haldeman (Nixon's first Chief of Staff)? Next to Tampa Bay Rays Manager Joe Maddon resembling Bobby Goldwater, this was the #1 political blast from the past in 2008.


How do we number this one-- is Shanahan the 5th, 6th or 7th coach under owner Dan Snyder? Depends on how technical one gets. The line of succession since 1999 has been Turner, Schottenheimer, Spurrier, Gibbs, Zorn and Shanahan. While I count Turner's tenure towards the total, I do not count Terry Robiskie as he was an interim coach filling out the 2000 season-- his brief tenure wrapped up the Turner administration.


Charger musings-- speaking of Norv, the hottest team in the NFL played its backups for the bulk of a 23-20 victory over the beleaguered 4-12 Skins. Even with a second half lead against the San Diego second string-- one never felt safe... as was the case the entire season. It was odd, however, facing an AFC West backup quarterback that didn't vomit all over himself...props to Billy Volek, apologies to JaMarcus Russell and Chris Simms.


Shanahan's record-- the former Denver Broncos coach brought a pair of Super Bowl titles to the Mile High city...enjoying a 54-18 mark in his first four seasons (12-4 average), but since John Elway retired he guided his team to a pedestrian 92-73 (.558-roughly a 9-7) mark with one playoff victory (one less than the Skins' tally). Still, the Burgundy and Gold went 79-86 over that span. Nobody is doubting the man's offensive prowess-- but Shanahan went through three defensive coordinators his last year in Denver...until he finally went over the side.


Campbell competent but not compelling-- the Skins quarterback threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns...but taking a closer look Campbell averaged just over 10 yards per completion-- and that's with an 84 yard strike to Malcolm Kelly in the mix. Campbell's campaign? Career highs in yards, completion percentage and touchdowns. Yet his 86.4 passer rating places #17 fifteenth in the league. Not Jake Delhomme territory-- but definitely not the kind of stuff that makes you jump up and down.


Allen's record-- Bruce Allen will be shopping for the groceries with coach Shanahan. How well did he perform in that role with Tampa Bay? Just one whiff-- released defensive end Gaines Adams (although runningback Cadillac Williams has been very brittle). The vast majority of draftees remain on the roster and the most of those start-- especially on the offensive line, from Davin Joseph to Jeremy Zuttah. That's very encouraging. How many pro bowlers did he brought into Tampa Bay? Five one-timers. Draftee Davin Joseph. Undrafted free agent Clifton Smith (kick returner). Veteran acquisitions Josh Bidwell (punter), Jeff Garcia (quarterback) and Dave Moore (longsnapper). Less than ideal.


What's a Haynesworth? The 100 million dollar man missed the season finale with injury... the third game he missed after the bye week. Haynesworth's production shrunk from 25 tackles and 3 sacks over the first eight games-- to 12 tackles and 1 sack while missing three of the final eight contests. Absent Haynesworth, the defense was held to one sack against the Chargers and finished with 40 for the season (tied for 8th in the NFL with Cleveland).


Snyder's record-- regardless of what Allen, Shanahan, Campbell or Haynesworth do... one man can change it all for better or worse. Owner Dan Snyder has had an active role in his first decade with the team...and although the Skins remain a highly profitable entity, the team's on the field performance is securely in the red. Will the owner step back and reign like a British monarch or feel the need to step forward and rule like a third world despot? So far it looks like Snyder is stepping back... but it's early.


Tracking the Triumvirate, Final Edition-- with Devin Thomas injured for the Chargers game, the duo of Davis & Kelly posted 11 catches for 155 yards. Season totals: a combined 98 receptions for 1181 yards and 9 touchdowns. Last year they combined for 21 catches... this year each surpassed that mark and each gave fans hope for the future: Davis as a true tight end... Kelly as a post-route threat and Thomas as a premier possession man.

Getting rid of the wrong colors, but are the Skins going in the right direction?

Maroon and Black.

The Redskins end coach Jim Zorn's two-year tenure after the team lost 23-20 to San Diego's backups, wrapping up a 4-12 season... their fewest wins since 1994. Zorn finishes 12-20 as Joe Gibbs II successor-- the identical record as Gibbs II predecessor Steve Spurrier (nice symmetry involving the two expansion quarterbacks of 1976... Spurrier-TB and Zorn-SEA). Some say the seeds of his demise were in his opening press conference, when he said he had purchased Skins gear for his family-- all of the team colors..."maroon and black".

Maroon and Black.

From the very beginning this man was overmatched in a difficult situation that was far above his head. Zorn in his first job above position coach did not know fully what he was getting into... a point underscored by his lack of knowledge about the team colors. Burgundy and Gold is to the Skins as Silver and Black is to the Raiders... as Scarlet and Gray is Ohio State and Maize and Blue is to Michigan. Burgundy and Gold isn't just a color choice, it's embedded in the Redskins Nation culture. To whiff on that set the tone for two years of a few thrills and mostly spills.

Maroon and Black.

Jim Zorn never had a chance in DC. The remnants of a Redskins roster built for Gibbs football had more than a few snags in adapting to Zorn's west coast offense... and it seemed as though Zorn never completely installed his new attack. The offense had problems putting points on the board-- not reaching the 30 point plateau until the 28th game of his tenure. Jason Campbell never seemed comfortable... while Clinton Portis appeared to be the wrong man for the right job.

Maroon and Black.

Discipline seemed to be an issue. The most lax training camp in the NFL (allowing players to sleep at home as a reward for the 8-8 season) set the tone for poor preseason play both years. The Skins didn't seem to be ready for either regular season to begin...and poor play highlighted both openers. Zorn in his postgame press conferences during both seasons appeared to refer to his team as a work in progress; not realizing time for rehearsals was over and they were on stage from there on out.

Maroon and Black.

How laissez-faire were things in Ashburn? Rock Cartwright said there were "rule guys" and "guideline guys"... it always appeared as though Clinton Portis operated under a different set of rules and guidelines. Albert Haynesworth? Tossed out of practice before complaining to anyone who'd listen about how he was being misused. Zorn played in the league back in the 70's and 80's... so I can't imagine he'd have trouble connecting with players. It's been long maintained that the team's elite players had personal pipelines past the coaching staff and into the owner's office. Did the former NFL veteran lose this team on his own or was the culture such he could never win it over in the first place?

Maroon and Black.

Zorn was given a top-heavy offense filled with prima-donnas and few glue-guys... and the superstars (Portis, Moss, Cooley) could never overcome an offensive line held together by duct tape with minimal depth. The defense while ranked highly during Zorn's tenure couldn't stop teams when it really mattered. Special teams? Despite Hunter Smith running and throwing for touchdowns out of field goal formation-- the memory remains Antwan Randle-El returning punts far too deep into the season...to a point where even Eleanor Holmes-Norton in her non-voting capacity was clamoring for his replacement.

Maroon and Black.

Zorn was in above his depth-- here was a guy who many thought may have been a stretch as an offensive coordinator all of a sudden being given the keys. I compared the situation to the Democrats being unable to decide between Obama or Hillary for the nomination-- and having chosen Virginia Governor Tim Kaine for the VP slot promoted him right before the convention. To illustrate the backwardness of the front office-- a new coordinator was chosen before the head coach was signed... where does that happen? It's not the case of Tampa Bay retaining Monte Kiffin when they replaced Tony Dungy-- the Skins went outside the organization for a position that the eventual head coach would want to fill himself.

Maroon and Black.

He leaves a legacy of intriguing interview sessions... I loved it when he went into different character voices--from "YOU CRASHED MY CAR!" after Pete Kendall's fumble against the Rams to "I had a conversation with myself-- hey, self..." Zorn was very thoughtful and introspective--always able to focus on the intricacies of the offense. Unfortunately the Skins needed an admiral to lead a fleet into battle, not a petty officer who could explain how the gun-turret operated.

Maroon and Black.

Perhaps Jim Zorn was the best thing that could have happened to the Redskins organization-- an illustration of how not to go about hiring a head coach... an underscoring of how poorly the Cerrato regime constructed this roster (that led to Vinny's ouster)... a road map of how not to plan a training camp... exhibit A in how a quality NFL organization doesn't operate. General Manager Bruce Allen has a chance to make a clean break with the mess that has been allowed to fester over the last decade-- and with rumors having Mike Shanahan coming to Ashburn there's always hope on the horizon. Perhaps this is where the Redskins turn the page... and thus Zorn's tenure could be viewed as a crop-burning of sorts-- to clear the pastures for proper franchise building.

Maroon and Black.

Nine for '09....

Happy 2010...and farewell to what was an extremely intriguing 2009 on many levels. What stories resonated... which ones made me sit back-- what made this past year memorable for me?

Here are nine for '09...


Lakers, Heels and Yankees...Oh my!-- blue-bloods reigned in the NBA, NCAA's and MLB... the only thing that would have made last year worse is if the Cowboys, Notre Dame and Duke had won titles. Lost in the shuffle of Kobe's first post-Shaq title was the fact his supporting cast was just as good if not better than the last few Shaq teams. More depressing was the fact it seemed as though uber-talented UNC was getting by with just enough to get things done. Finally, Alex Rodriguez' journey from steroid-user to bubblegum sweater wearer to Kate Hudson boytoy to champion was exhausting.


Super Bowl brings butter bars... chicken wing dip and another thriller... Believe it or not, this used to be a mid-winter bore. Scores like 55-10. 52-17. 49-26. For the fifth time in eight years, pro football's championship was decided by less than a touchdown; six such games existed in the first 35 Super Bowls. From 99 yard returns to last-minute touchdowns, from Bruce at halftime to the various food options-- SB LXIII gets an A+.


Six overtimes! Six overtimes!
Six overtimes! Six overtimes!
Six overtimes! Six overtimes!
Syracuse faced Connecticut in the Big East Quarterfinals--an instant and extended classic. I didn't know it then but this was the beginning of the end of Jonny Flynn's days in Orange (34 points and 11 assists in 67 minutes). I spent the marathon game in three locations: after attending a friend and fellow SU alum's birthday happy hour... I stumbled over to the my alumni group's gamewatching location at halftime. Like many on the MSG floor, I started to hit the wall during the first overtime and went to my bench in the form of McDonald's. Although the M Street location had run out of Shamrock Shakes, i was refueled and ready to watch the 4th, 5th and 6th OT's. SU would beat West Virginia in overtime the following night before losing to Louisville in the finals. Tacked on with the Orange's OT regular season finale win over Marquette the previous Saturday, SU had played the equivalent of 6 games in 8 days. It's not often March Madness' signature moment takes place before the NCAA Tournament.



Long Nationals Nightmare far from over-- 2009 was not kind to DC's baseball team... starting in February when one of the team's Dominican prospects was actually four years older than initially reported and General Manager Jim Bowden was being investigated for skimming signing bonuses. April saw a flammable bullpen get roasted with regularity as the Nats fell out of contention well before Mother's Day... but it was various off the field incidents that made '09 a year that will remain in infamy. It began with the discovery of several uniforms having the team name spelled "Natinals". Innocent enough. Added into the mix was bobblehead doll packaging spelling our 26th president's name as "Teddy Rosevelt". But that was merely prelude to spraying unsuspecting fans with shotgun pellet size pieces of sausage... having shot sausage sandwiches wrapped inside T-shirts as a promotion. I always thought baseball executives weren't rocket scientists. Now I had proof.





Watson's elementary flaw-- for four days in July, Tom Watson owned the world of golf-- and until he missed a putt on the 72nd hole Sunday, the eight-time major champion looked like he was turning back the clock to the early 80's when he was in the midst of five British Open titles over nine years. Instead Watson dialed back the clock to the late 80's, when poor putting prevented him from winning anywhere on tour. This robbed golf of a signature moment in a year where there were none--2009's majors were more about who didn't win them as opposed to who did.

Federer at Fifteen-- Not only did Roger Federer tie and break Pete Sampras' record of 14 singles championships... he did so on the one surface that Sampras couldn't conquer--the red clay of Roland Garros. Although it would have been sweeter to defeat Rafael Nadal at the French Open, Federer and Andy Roddick gave fans a Wimbledon to remember with a marathon match for the ages.


Gridiron Groans-- Virginia Tech entered this past fall with national title hopes, while Maryland and Virginia had postseason hopes. All were dashed for by mid-October; and while the Hokies settled for another double-digit win season the Terps and Cavaliers suffered legendarily horrific campaigns (2-10 and 3-9). This coming in what could be easily termed as another down season for the ACC. While Ralph Friedgen survived to prowl the sidelines at least one more season the bell finally tolled for Al Groh... complete with poem in his final press conference. Say what you will about Groh's tenure in Charlottesville-- he had a unique style that will be missed in today's cookie-cutter soundbyte era.


Skinsationalism-- from the team's romancing of quarterback replacements to hiring a bingo leader as its offensive playcaller, the Redskins did more than their part to stay in the spotlight. Sometimes frustrating, often mindboggling, always eye-catching-- Redskins Nation had another banner year--albeit one that didn't yield a banner of any sort.



Tiger's tumble-- safe to say few saw this story unraveling... what began as a curious piece of ice in the water (too much Turkey on Thanksgiving?) turned into the iceberg that sunk the S.S. Reputation. Tiger had spent more than a decade cultivating a persona-- and behind the fortress walls there was a world he preferred we rather not see. Regardless of whether or not his marriage survives, his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus now has the subtext of that phone message, the texting, a broken fire hydrant and a golf club shattering a car's window.