Roster slashing! All bubble players must go!
NFL teams trim roughly a third of their rosters this week... from 80+ players to the league mandated 53 by Saturday. There'll be some shuffling between practice squads and the like as well.
Somewhere in there the Redskins have their longest trip of the season (documented at 1,964 miles) as they face Arizona. Defensive end Philip Daniels has expressed his displeasure with the distance... but it's not as though the Cardinals have a wealth of teams west of the Mississippi to choose from: 7 plus Minnesota, St. Louis and New Orleans. Since teams rarely "double-dip" (playing team in preseason and regular season) that eliminates division rivals Seattle, San Francisco and St Louis. This year the NFC West plays the AFC West so strike Oakland, San Diego, Kansas City and Denver from the equation. The Cardinals have to play somebody-- and road trips to Tennessee and Chicago aren't drive-by commutes for them either. So please, just enjoy the flight and go play the game.
Donovan and out?-- A sprained ankle may sideline the Skins #1 QB even longer than originally thought. McNabb's out for the preseason game with Arizona and is a question mark for the regular season opener against Dallas--and with backup Rex Grossman seeing limited work against the Cardinals, the big question is who gets more snaps--John Beck or Richard Bartel? Should we start printing bumper stickers?
Runningback roulette-- The banged up backfield isn't limited to the quarterback... or even the fullback (Mike Sellers' sprained knee kept #45 out of last week's exhibition with the Jets)... as Clinton Portis is on the shelf for the time. So far Larry Johnson appears to have the edge as Clinton's running mate (17 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown catch) as opposed to Willie Parker (15 yards on 9 carries this August). Don't be surprised if Keiland Williams remains on the roster and gets an opportunity this fall... something about Shanahan and diamonds in the rough runningbacks.
Jets could crash-- nice to see Rex Ryan use his starters well into the fourth quarter. Perhaps it was for the HBO show. All the offseason hype has transformed the AFC runners-up into a sure-fire dynasty. Never mind the fact that they only made the playoffs because the Colts pulled their starters and the Bengals declined to appear at all in the regular season finale. Their two previous wins? Against Tampa Bay and Buffalo... two teams that combined for a 9-23 mark. Now they have the Darelle Revis situation... a sophomore slump likely for Mark Sanchez... injuries mounting defensively... and the added spotlight as well as everyone's undivided attention.
What's a Haynesworth?-- one tackle against the Jets. No postgame blowups. Status quo ante bellum.
Colt Brennan Award comes down to final week-- Brandon Banks and Anthony Armstrong square off Dancing with the Stars style for the crown of August Emperor... and both have legitimate chances to make the final 53 man roster.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Future is OW...
So much for the summer of optimism. Two franchise faces are in sick bay... what lies in store for the Skins and Nats?
Donovan and out-- a sprained ankle has #5 on the shelf for the Jets preseason game... and likely he won't go out for the ceremonial possession against Arizona, meaning his next live situation will be opening night against Dallas. Not ideal but not an impossible situation. Just as scary is the loss of Kareem Moore for 3 to 6 weeks... the safety looked like he was coming along...and a shaky secondary is the last thing a new 3-4 scheme needs to deal with.
Strasburg on the shelf-- let the record show the Nats did everything they could to prevent the phenom's likely impending Tommy John surgery. If it were legal to dust off the righthander's arm in between pitches they would have... bad arms are just a fact of life in baseball. Ironically Jordan Zimmerman's just come back from TJS the week that Strasburg's troubles percolated. The righthander's rehab lasted roughly 16 months... so one would think Strasburg might be ready by opening day 2010. While this is less than ideal, there are plenty of reasons to have the Nats glass half-full. The signing of Bryce Harper means hopefully there will be another high-level talent in the lineup eventually.
Sixteen going on eighteen-- after 30+ years with the perfect schedule, the NFL is grabbing more cash in the form of two extra regular season games while slicing its preseason to two games. While I'm not a fan of August football... I'm even less enthused with a more bloated regular season slate. Sixteen games is perfect-- just enough to make every game meaningful while giving teams more than enough opportunities to play their way into the postseason.
One benefit of an expanded slate would be the rebirth of interconference local rivalries: make the Redskins and Ravens play every year... and you'll stoke the flames of dislike. Who wouldn't want to see the Jets and Giants bring out the worst of both fan bases (not to mention the Post back page)?
Donovan and out-- a sprained ankle has #5 on the shelf for the Jets preseason game... and likely he won't go out for the ceremonial possession against Arizona, meaning his next live situation will be opening night against Dallas. Not ideal but not an impossible situation. Just as scary is the loss of Kareem Moore for 3 to 6 weeks... the safety looked like he was coming along...and a shaky secondary is the last thing a new 3-4 scheme needs to deal with.
Strasburg on the shelf-- let the record show the Nats did everything they could to prevent the phenom's likely impending Tommy John surgery. If it were legal to dust off the righthander's arm in between pitches they would have... bad arms are just a fact of life in baseball. Ironically Jordan Zimmerman's just come back from TJS the week that Strasburg's troubles percolated. The righthander's rehab lasted roughly 16 months... so one would think Strasburg might be ready by opening day 2010. While this is less than ideal, there are plenty of reasons to have the Nats glass half-full. The signing of Bryce Harper means hopefully there will be another high-level talent in the lineup eventually.
Sixteen going on eighteen-- after 30+ years with the perfect schedule, the NFL is grabbing more cash in the form of two extra regular season games while slicing its preseason to two games. While I'm not a fan of August football... I'm even less enthused with a more bloated regular season slate. Sixteen games is perfect-- just enough to make every game meaningful while giving teams more than enough opportunities to play their way into the postseason.
One benefit of an expanded slate would be the rebirth of interconference local rivalries: make the Redskins and Ravens play every year... and you'll stoke the flames of dislike. Who wouldn't want to see the Jets and Giants bring out the worst of both fan bases (not to mention the Post back page)?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Redskins Rehash... will 92 be 86ed?
Remember what I said about the glass always being half-full or half-empty? Just as the Skins aren't as great as the team that whipped Buffalo... they're not as bad as the unit that fell 23-3 to Baltimore. Championships are not won in August-- despite the gatorade bath Ravens quarterback coach Jim Zorn received (was that weird or what?).
What's a Haynesworth?-- One major headache. The 100 million dollar man notched one tackle and one sack while playing in the third quarter... before complaining in the locker room that as a nine year veteran he shouldn't be playing in the second half. And he said the team wasn't being completely honest about his ailments during the week. This is not going to end well.
Banged up Bunch-- Kareem Moore... Mike Sellers and Trent Williams suffered injuries in the loss... and while Moore appears to be out of the question for the regular season opener against Dallas, the other two appear to be ready to go for the preseason game with the Jets.
Donovan and Distance-- Mr. McNabb completed 11 of 26 passes but for 206 yards-almost 20 yards per completion. Nice to see the fact that the field is being stretched more this year as opposed to the Campbell Dumpoff Era.
Turnovers Tell the Tale-- far from the dominant night against Buffalo, the Skins threw a pair of interceptions and lost two fumbles.
You can call him Johnson, just don't call him the starter-- Larry Johnson gained 4 yards on 8 carries... laying to rest any running back debate (unless Willie Parker lights the world on fire this week). Clinton Portis is also the better receiver and blocker... making him a better option in the passing game.
Hold the Line-- Trent Williams and the O-Line had a rough outing... generating 25 yards rushing on 14 tries and allowing fur sacks. It's more a reflection of how good the Ravens D is... as opposed to how the OL is coming together.
Defense a difference maker-- despite the 23 points allowed, Jim Haslett's 3-4 continued to make progress. They held the Ravens to 1 of 10 on third down conversions while tallying two sacks and a fumble recovery.
Penalty Pain-- the Skins committed 8 penalties for 58 yards... not ideal but not out of the ordinary for a second preseason game where a big chunk of the players won't be here in two weeks.
Colt Brennan Award-- this weeks nominee is Anthony Armstrong-- who notched 4 catches for 82 yards against the Ravens... unfortunately he's only 5-11 as the Lollipop Guild Era continues.
What's a Haynesworth?-- One major headache. The 100 million dollar man notched one tackle and one sack while playing in the third quarter... before complaining in the locker room that as a nine year veteran he shouldn't be playing in the second half. And he said the team wasn't being completely honest about his ailments during the week. This is not going to end well.
Banged up Bunch-- Kareem Moore... Mike Sellers and Trent Williams suffered injuries in the loss... and while Moore appears to be out of the question for the regular season opener against Dallas, the other two appear to be ready to go for the preseason game with the Jets.
Donovan and Distance-- Mr. McNabb completed 11 of 26 passes but for 206 yards-almost 20 yards per completion. Nice to see the fact that the field is being stretched more this year as opposed to the Campbell Dumpoff Era.
Turnovers Tell the Tale-- far from the dominant night against Buffalo, the Skins threw a pair of interceptions and lost two fumbles.
You can call him Johnson, just don't call him the starter-- Larry Johnson gained 4 yards on 8 carries... laying to rest any running back debate (unless Willie Parker lights the world on fire this week). Clinton Portis is also the better receiver and blocker... making him a better option in the passing game.
Hold the Line-- Trent Williams and the O-Line had a rough outing... generating 25 yards rushing on 14 tries and allowing fur sacks. It's more a reflection of how good the Ravens D is... as opposed to how the OL is coming together.
Defense a difference maker-- despite the 23 points allowed, Jim Haslett's 3-4 continued to make progress. They held the Ravens to 1 of 10 on third down conversions while tallying two sacks and a fumble recovery.
Penalty Pain-- the Skins committed 8 penalties for 58 yards... not ideal but not out of the ordinary for a second preseason game where a big chunk of the players won't be here in two weeks.
Colt Brennan Award-- this weeks nominee is Anthony Armstrong-- who notched 4 catches for 82 yards against the Ravens... unfortunately he's only 5-11 as the Lollipop Guild Era continues.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Redskins Rehash-- a Ravens Rivalry? Really?
There's often that "really?" moment in the preseason-- especially in areas where there are NFC and AFC teams both co-habitating. Houston-Dallas, Jacksonville-Tampa Bay and Redskins-Ravens are prime examples of regional rivalries that aren't.
There are always exceptions to the rule: Jets-Giants because although things have changed since both teams shared a New Jersey stadium in the 80's... there's quite a bit of disdain between the two fan bases (most of my NYC friends in college were Giants-Yanks-Knicks-Rangers or Mets-Nets-Jets-Islanders fans)... and I'll even put Pittsburgh-Philadelphia in a different room because until 1970, these two teams were division rivals (except when they merged as the "Steagles" during WWII). Raiders-Niners is another exception as there's still some old AFL-NFL ire that Al Davis stokes up.
But new-school interconference regional rivalries? Not in an era when you play once every four years in the regular season... and not in an era where your franchise's value increases when everybody does well. The Giants and Niners didn't just want the Jets and Raiders to lose; they wanted those franchises to go bankrupt. That's hatred... and a pure rivalry.
Will the Redskins and Ravens have anything like that? Not unless they meet with a title on the line ala Steelers-Cowboys in the 70's... the Yankees and Dodgers in the 50's and 70's... or the Celtics and Lakers a dozen times. Until then, this Redskins-Ravens rivalry is an abstract thing... more between hatred of the other's city (no love lost between Washingtonians and Baltimoreans).
Other random thoughts...:
What's a Haynesworth?-- will the 100 million dollar man play after not practicing for the bulk of this past week? And can more be made out of tummy and headaches? It appeared as though the newest nosetackle had turned the corner with the new regime. Is this a bend in the road or the beginning of the end of the road?
What will the 3-4 add up to?-- Haynesworth's potential play aside, will the new defense take another step forward with the first teamers playing 30-35 first half plays? Last week the first string was less than ideal against the run... but in a limited sample. We move from a snapshot to more of a portrait this week.
You can call him Johnson-- Larry Johnson gets the start this evening with his chance to shine as the Skins featured back...although Clinton Portis will be involved in some offensive packages.
Banking on Brandon-- #16 entered the consciousness of Redskins Nation with a 77 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Bills; will he shine or shrink in a spotlight that has been turned up a little bit in the last week? And will he make any plays in the passing game?
There are always exceptions to the rule: Jets-Giants because although things have changed since both teams shared a New Jersey stadium in the 80's... there's quite a bit of disdain between the two fan bases (most of my NYC friends in college were Giants-Yanks-Knicks-Rangers or Mets-Nets-Jets-Islanders fans)... and I'll even put Pittsburgh-Philadelphia in a different room because until 1970, these two teams were division rivals (except when they merged as the "Steagles" during WWII). Raiders-Niners is another exception as there's still some old AFL-NFL ire that Al Davis stokes up.
But new-school interconference regional rivalries? Not in an era when you play once every four years in the regular season... and not in an era where your franchise's value increases when everybody does well. The Giants and Niners didn't just want the Jets and Raiders to lose; they wanted those franchises to go bankrupt. That's hatred... and a pure rivalry.
Will the Redskins and Ravens have anything like that? Not unless they meet with a title on the line ala Steelers-Cowboys in the 70's... the Yankees and Dodgers in the 50's and 70's... or the Celtics and Lakers a dozen times. Until then, this Redskins-Ravens rivalry is an abstract thing... more between hatred of the other's city (no love lost between Washingtonians and Baltimoreans).
Other random thoughts...:
What's a Haynesworth?-- will the 100 million dollar man play after not practicing for the bulk of this past week? And can more be made out of tummy and headaches? It appeared as though the newest nosetackle had turned the corner with the new regime. Is this a bend in the road or the beginning of the end of the road?
What will the 3-4 add up to?-- Haynesworth's potential play aside, will the new defense take another step forward with the first teamers playing 30-35 first half plays? Last week the first string was less than ideal against the run... but in a limited sample. We move from a snapshot to more of a portrait this week.
You can call him Johnson-- Larry Johnson gets the start this evening with his chance to shine as the Skins featured back...although Clinton Portis will be involved in some offensive packages.
Banking on Brandon-- #16 entered the consciousness of Redskins Nation with a 77 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Bills; will he shine or shrink in a spotlight that has been turned up a little bit in the last week? And will he make any plays in the passing game?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Redskins Rehash-- Bills past due...
The preseason glass is never completely full or empty... and although Skins Nation has reason to be excited after one week (it took the '09 team the entire preseason to reach the 42-point plateau)... one must remember these games don't count in the standings and they're more of a barometer than an actual thermometer. Although veterans feel their odometer during this month. Belated week one musings--
Buffalo is Bad-- and not just this season. The once proud AFL Stalwart and 90's pretender to the throne is in miserable shape. No playoff appearances at all since 1999. No winning records since 2004. Several home games being held in a foreign country. And another coaching regime underway when Chan Gailey took the job nobody wanted. Say what you will about the shenanigans in Ashburn; it's better than the mess on Lake Ontario.
Donovan and Distance-- Mr. McNabb completed 5 of 8 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown; buying time with his feet and making throws when necessary. Glass definitely more than half-full here.
Third Down the Difference-- the Skins converted 12 of 19 third down situations while the Bills went 1 for 10. Game. Set. Match.
Is Haynesworth it? The 100 million dollar man played 8 snaps with the second team at nose tackle; while #92 failed to notch a tackle, the middle man helped his teammates shine around him-- holding the Bills to 4.62 yards per play. Glass half-full but heavy and wheezing.
Turnovers telling the tale-- Yes, the Skins fumbled four times... but lost none of those miscues. Meanwhile, the defense intercepted a pair of passes and recovered a Bills fumble. If there was one issue with Greg Blache's defense it was that no matter how high its ranking they had issues generating takeaways and thus Jason Campbell was always having to drive the team 60 to 80 yards. Glass more than half-full here.
Triple Back Attack-- Clinton Portis played briefly, gaining 22 yards on 6 carries. More importantly, this looks more like the Portis who played for Shanahan in Denver... a bruising speedback as opposed to the quick powerback that Gibbs and Zorn tried to make him. No carries for either Larry Johnson or Willie Parker... and word is that Johnson will start against Baltimore this Saturday.
This Year's Colt Brennan-- every August there's one backup who shines beyond his station... and this year it appears to be reserve running back Keiland Williams... 11 carries for 51 yards and two touchdowns against the Bills puts #35 squarely on the radar.
Not All is Bright in Ashburn-- the Skins inked free agent longsnapper James Dearth to compete with Nick Sundberg... making it even more apparent that the days of the Red Snapper are no more without even a possibility of a reunion. Ethan Albright manned the least-thankful special teams position for nine years-- surviving the Marty, Spurrier and Gibbs II eras and bringing honor to his position (even making the Pro Bowl). Alas, the 39 year old didn't survive the most recent regime change-- and Preston's Perspective wishes the class act from North Carolina well.
Buffalo is Bad-- and not just this season. The once proud AFL Stalwart and 90's pretender to the throne is in miserable shape. No playoff appearances at all since 1999. No winning records since 2004. Several home games being held in a foreign country. And another coaching regime underway when Chan Gailey took the job nobody wanted. Say what you will about the shenanigans in Ashburn; it's better than the mess on Lake Ontario.
Donovan and Distance-- Mr. McNabb completed 5 of 8 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown; buying time with his feet and making throws when necessary. Glass definitely more than half-full here.
Third Down the Difference-- the Skins converted 12 of 19 third down situations while the Bills went 1 for 10. Game. Set. Match.
Is Haynesworth it? The 100 million dollar man played 8 snaps with the second team at nose tackle; while #92 failed to notch a tackle, the middle man helped his teammates shine around him-- holding the Bills to 4.62 yards per play. Glass half-full but heavy and wheezing.
Turnovers telling the tale-- Yes, the Skins fumbled four times... but lost none of those miscues. Meanwhile, the defense intercepted a pair of passes and recovered a Bills fumble. If there was one issue with Greg Blache's defense it was that no matter how high its ranking they had issues generating takeaways and thus Jason Campbell was always having to drive the team 60 to 80 yards. Glass more than half-full here.
Triple Back Attack-- Clinton Portis played briefly, gaining 22 yards on 6 carries. More importantly, this looks more like the Portis who played for Shanahan in Denver... a bruising speedback as opposed to the quick powerback that Gibbs and Zorn tried to make him. No carries for either Larry Johnson or Willie Parker... and word is that Johnson will start against Baltimore this Saturday.
This Year's Colt Brennan-- every August there's one backup who shines beyond his station... and this year it appears to be reserve running back Keiland Williams... 11 carries for 51 yards and two touchdowns against the Bills puts #35 squarely on the radar.
Not All is Bright in Ashburn-- the Skins inked free agent longsnapper James Dearth to compete with Nick Sundberg... making it even more apparent that the days of the Red Snapper are no more without even a possibility of a reunion. Ethan Albright manned the least-thankful special teams position for nine years-- surviving the Marty, Spurrier and Gibbs II eras and bringing honor to his position (even making the Pro Bowl). Alas, the 39 year old didn't survive the most recent regime change-- and Preston's Perspective wishes the class act from North Carolina well.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Redskins Rehash--Hitting the Snooze...
While July is the sunrise to the overall season, August is the snooze button for Redskins Nation. The diehards are up and ready to go with each practice-- charting possible cuts and personnel groups while the casual fan notices the preseason score, and then hits snooze and turns back over for another week's football slumber.
Thoughts entering the preseason (not exhibition) opener against Buffalo:
Someone please explain why this is being played on a Friday night at 7:30... has anyone ever heard of beltway traffic? On a Friday? Fed Ex Field is near the beltway! It's not like the old days when you could find a myriad of ways to approach RFK...let the record show it's also raining and there's a baseball game in DC. If you are planning on attending the game, you should depart early. Like Yesterday.
Donovan and distance-- if you want to see #5 at QB, don't show up late. McNabb will probably see less than one full quarter of play as is the custom with the first preseason game, although with a new QB, system and coach there's the temptation to give him more work early to hammer out any remaining kinks.
What's a Haynesworth-- the 100 million dollar man makes his nose tackle debut... as thankfully he passed his conditioning test last weekend. It'll be interesting to see what type of 3-4 they'll use... I often call the Steelers 3-4 a "1-6" because the linebackers/defensive ends with their zone blitzing are virtually interchangeable. And Haslett was a defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh.
Ask and ye shall receive-- Malcolm Kelly's banged up. Marko Mitchell is no more. Will one of the young big receivers step up? Or is Donovan McNabb destined to throw to the Lollipop Guild?
Hold the Line-- They've upgraded in the offseason... now its time to see the new unit hold its own for one or two possessions. Or at least remain healthy. Hoping for both, accepting the latter.
Thoughts entering the preseason (not exhibition) opener against Buffalo:
Someone please explain why this is being played on a Friday night at 7:30... has anyone ever heard of beltway traffic? On a Friday? Fed Ex Field is near the beltway! It's not like the old days when you could find a myriad of ways to approach RFK...let the record show it's also raining and there's a baseball game in DC. If you are planning on attending the game, you should depart early. Like Yesterday.
Donovan and distance-- if you want to see #5 at QB, don't show up late. McNabb will probably see less than one full quarter of play as is the custom with the first preseason game, although with a new QB, system and coach there's the temptation to give him more work early to hammer out any remaining kinks.
What's a Haynesworth-- the 100 million dollar man makes his nose tackle debut... as thankfully he passed his conditioning test last weekend. It'll be interesting to see what type of 3-4 they'll use... I often call the Steelers 3-4 a "1-6" because the linebackers/defensive ends with their zone blitzing are virtually interchangeable. And Haslett was a defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh.
Ask and ye shall receive-- Malcolm Kelly's banged up. Marko Mitchell is no more. Will one of the young big receivers step up? Or is Donovan McNabb destined to throw to the Lollipop Guild?
Hold the Line-- They've upgraded in the offseason... now its time to see the new unit hold its own for one or two possessions. Or at least remain healthy. Hoping for both, accepting the latter.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Redskins Rehash-- "Choosing not to run"...
My favorite scene in Footloose* is the famed "Tractor-Chicken" scene where Kevin Bacon's character takes on the town bully "Chuck Cranston"... to the tune of "Holding out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler. Bacon being the new kid in town has to prove himself-- and is ready to stare down the bad guy up to a point. Somewhere between the first and second verse Bacon realizes his shoelace is tangled with the gas pedal. Bacon can't brake... or jump off the tractor that's racing towards a head-on collision-- and having gone thus far he has no choice but to push forward.
The bully bails out... diving into the river as the tractor falls off the side of the road- and Bacon's on the road to winning the heart of Lori Singer, teaching Christopher Penn how to dance and getting music back into the lives of a community.
One week into Redskins training camp, coach Mike Shanahan's playing a game of tractor chicken with Albert Haynesworth. By having the defensive tackle take the "conditioning test", the new kid in town is letting everybody know who's in charge. Haynesworth had his way with the Skins last year, much like Chuck did with Ariel before Ren McCormick came to town. Friday, Haynesworth continued his transformation into a latter-day Calvin Coolidge... once again "choosing not to run".
How many practices will he miss? Will he miss any preseason games? What is the point of no return? And how come Bonnie Tyler couldn't build on the momentum of "Holding out for a Hero" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart"?
Hold the Line-- OT Jamal Brown missed practice Wednesday and was limited in Thursday's workout... and while his status doesn't get as much attention as the 100 million dollar man, Brown did not play a regular season down last year and with Mike Williams done for 2010 the leaky OL is in danger of returning front and center.
Colt, we hardly knew ye-- so much for Redskins Nation's romanticism of #5 turned #15... Colt Brennan was released earlier this week after being a preseason darling during the past two training camps. John Beck comes over in a trade from Baltimore-- making Brennan's presence unnecessary.
Hall Pass-- It's a shame it took this long for a member of the most celebrated offensive lines to finally enter Canton... but Russ Grimm takes his rightful place in Pro Football's Hall of Fame this weekend. Joe Jacoby also deserves to enter the Hall in the near future-- and I've gone on the record early and often about Ray Guy's conspicuous absence.
Elsewhere this first week of August--
Nats note-- at the trading deadline the Nationals dealt closer Matt Capps to Minnesota for catching prospect Wilson Ramos... fantastic pickup. Ramos hopefully after learning under Pudge Rodriguez will become the defensive foundation for this team. Glad they kept Adam Dunn-- his presence in the lineup is huge for Zimmerman and Willingham. Problem is, this team needs a little glove-- they continue to lead the league in errors.
College Football Corner-- Maryland media day is next Tuesday... this should be an interesting season as the Terps try to get off the mat following a 2-10 season where everything went wrong. There's a new era in Charlottesville and the same old championship expectations in Blacksburg.
Proof there is hell on earth-- Earlier this week, Michaela Salahi got into a fight with Whoopi Goldberg. Evidently there's a new show on Bravo called "Real Housewives of Washington DC" ... and the cast appeared on "The View". And the State Dinner gate crasher got into a shouting match with the Oscar-winner. I feel for everyone in the studio audience who was there against their will-- and anyone who happened to be watching the show (especially those who didn't have control of the TV remote).
*My esteemed friends disagree on the best scene in Footloose... they're divided between the "Angry Dance" scene where Bacon unwinds by running recklessly through an empty warehouse and the "Let's hear it for the Boy" segment where Christopher Penn learns to snap... spin and dance for Sarah Jessica Parker (let the record show that nobody on Sex & the City learned to dance for Carrie Bradshaw-- I'm just sayin').
The bully bails out... diving into the river as the tractor falls off the side of the road- and Bacon's on the road to winning the heart of Lori Singer, teaching Christopher Penn how to dance and getting music back into the lives of a community.
One week into Redskins training camp, coach Mike Shanahan's playing a game of tractor chicken with Albert Haynesworth. By having the defensive tackle take the "conditioning test", the new kid in town is letting everybody know who's in charge. Haynesworth had his way with the Skins last year, much like Chuck did with Ariel before Ren McCormick came to town. Friday, Haynesworth continued his transformation into a latter-day Calvin Coolidge... once again "choosing not to run".
How many practices will he miss? Will he miss any preseason games? What is the point of no return? And how come Bonnie Tyler couldn't build on the momentum of "Holding out for a Hero" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart"?
Hold the Line-- OT Jamal Brown missed practice Wednesday and was limited in Thursday's workout... and while his status doesn't get as much attention as the 100 million dollar man, Brown did not play a regular season down last year and with Mike Williams done for 2010 the leaky OL is in danger of returning front and center.
Colt, we hardly knew ye-- so much for Redskins Nation's romanticism of #5 turned #15... Colt Brennan was released earlier this week after being a preseason darling during the past two training camps. John Beck comes over in a trade from Baltimore-- making Brennan's presence unnecessary.
Hall Pass-- It's a shame it took this long for a member of the most celebrated offensive lines to finally enter Canton... but Russ Grimm takes his rightful place in Pro Football's Hall of Fame this weekend. Joe Jacoby also deserves to enter the Hall in the near future-- and I've gone on the record early and often about Ray Guy's conspicuous absence.
Elsewhere this first week of August--
Nats note-- at the trading deadline the Nationals dealt closer Matt Capps to Minnesota for catching prospect Wilson Ramos... fantastic pickup. Ramos hopefully after learning under Pudge Rodriguez will become the defensive foundation for this team. Glad they kept Adam Dunn-- his presence in the lineup is huge for Zimmerman and Willingham. Problem is, this team needs a little glove-- they continue to lead the league in errors.
College Football Corner-- Maryland media day is next Tuesday... this should be an interesting season as the Terps try to get off the mat following a 2-10 season where everything went wrong. There's a new era in Charlottesville and the same old championship expectations in Blacksburg.
Proof there is hell on earth-- Earlier this week, Michaela Salahi got into a fight with Whoopi Goldberg. Evidently there's a new show on Bravo called "Real Housewives of Washington DC" ... and the cast appeared on "The View". And the State Dinner gate crasher got into a shouting match with the Oscar-winner. I feel for everyone in the studio audience who was there against their will-- and anyone who happened to be watching the show (especially those who didn't have control of the TV remote).
*My esteemed friends disagree on the best scene in Footloose... they're divided between the "Angry Dance" scene where Bacon unwinds by running recklessly through an empty warehouse and the "Let's hear it for the Boy" segment where Christopher Penn learns to snap... spin and dance for Sarah Jessica Parker (let the record show that nobody on Sex & the City learned to dance for Carrie Bradshaw-- I'm just sayin').
Friday, July 30, 2010
Redskins Rehash-- welcome campers!
So much for the summertime slumber. NFL training camps begin this week and all eyes are on the "Redskins Experiment" brewing in Ashburn. What should we be looking for over the next month? What's A-1 priority and what can we back-burner until the opener September 12th?
Form a Line-- how well the offensive line comes together will be the most important aspect of this team's August. Especially with the loss of projected starting guard Mike Williams for the season. This turns Artis Hicks from reserve into a starter on a line where both starting tackles did not play a down in the NFL last year. And Trent Williams remains unsigned.
Is Haynesworth it after all-- the 100 million dollar man was in camp and reportedly 30 pounds lighter. Unfortunately #92 failed to pass the team's conditioning test--not a complete surprise to anyone who saw him get winded on a regular basis last fall. Haynesworth is the Ashburn equivalent of a referee-- the less one hears about him the better off everybody is.
Running back rotation-- the 2005 Fantasy Football trio of Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker will get to compete over carries in the next month... as we get to see how coach Shanahan may maximize his backfield options. Is Portis fully recovered from his concussion and is he ready to become a "Shanahan-type" back? Do Johnson and Parker have anything left in the tank? And can these three pro-bowlers co-exist?
Tracking the triumvirate-- much was made of the lack of production regarding Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Fred Davis in 2008. The three second round picks each made strides in their second season-- and now it's a question of producing in Shanahan's offense.
Form a Line-- how well the offensive line comes together will be the most important aspect of this team's August. Especially with the loss of projected starting guard Mike Williams for the season. This turns Artis Hicks from reserve into a starter on a line where both starting tackles did not play a down in the NFL last year. And Trent Williams remains unsigned.
Is Haynesworth it after all-- the 100 million dollar man was in camp and reportedly 30 pounds lighter. Unfortunately #92 failed to pass the team's conditioning test--not a complete surprise to anyone who saw him get winded on a regular basis last fall. Haynesworth is the Ashburn equivalent of a referee-- the less one hears about him the better off everybody is.
Running back rotation-- the 2005 Fantasy Football trio of Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker will get to compete over carries in the next month... as we get to see how coach Shanahan may maximize his backfield options. Is Portis fully recovered from his concussion and is he ready to become a "Shanahan-type" back? Do Johnson and Parker have anything left in the tank? And can these three pro-bowlers co-exist?
Tracking the triumvirate-- much was made of the lack of production regarding Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Fred Davis in 2008. The three second round picks each made strides in their second season-- and now it's a question of producing in Shanahan's offense.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Will Soccer Fever Ever Kick In?
Well, the World Cup came, saw, conquered and just like that it's gone for four years. We're washing the sheets and towels it used and we're closing the door to the room it stayed in. Keep in mind, we'll still use it for storage from time to time-- but it's practical use is done: unlike members of the family who live under our sports roof like Football, Basketball and Baseball, this room is for our visiting guests like Swimming and Track & Field. It's amazing how for one month every four years soccer climbs into our sports consciousness and then disappears like Keyser Soze. Each time the extreme soccer fans say this is the tipping point... and each time they're proven differently.
I write this having played soccer as a kid. It was forced upon me (my dad played collegiately and then coached in our youth league) and I eventually grew to love the game and its nuances beyond my abilities. I even watched "Soccer Made In Germany" on public TV and was one of 7 people in the U.S. who subscribed to "The Globe Kicker" (pronounced by the announcers as "the glowb kickah"). I enjoyed its demand of speed and reorganization on the fly... the necessity for perfect execution of a perfect opportunity and its punishment for making the slightest error in judgement... its focus on team and its ability to make everybody feel as though they contributed to the greater good. In my mind's eye I can see the perfect cross coming off my foot and curving out right in front of the 18 yard mark; the header in traffic or the garbage goal off a weakside carom. It can truly be a beautiful game at all levels (even the 6-year olds who can only use their dominant foot and their massive stampede has its charm).
There are two major camps I cannot stand when it comes to soccer's discussion--the naysayers who complain how boring and how stupid soccer is ("yeah man, you can't even use your hands!") and how anyone who likes soccer has to have the IQ of a soccer score itself; and the firebrands who elevate the game as though it was invented on Mount Olympus itself and how anyone who doesn't completely love every single aspect is just not smart enough to understand its beauty. Neither side can be convinced that there could be any grain of truth in what either believes--and whatever merits their arguments may have are drowned out by both group's absolutism. Reminds me of when I was in high school and would argue with friends who thought Roger Moore was the better Bond.
Soccer is a great game and has many fantastic elements, but as constructed is not USA-TV-friendly. And there's no way FIFA will bend to American demands. But if they did have an open mind...what would make the game more entertaining to U.S. audiences?
Liberal substitution. I'm not saying let's turn this into hockey, but allow teams to substitute freely on goal kicks. It'll potentially make for a quicker game...no need to save yourself when you can take extended breaks on the sidelines... and create more offensive opportunities.
Moderately more TV timeouts. Give us quarter breaks-- there's nothing wrong with resetting midway through the half. Many times teams will be doing that at midfield anyway as they're continuously playing for 45 straight minutes. Oh, and it'll boost TV revenue which I hear is big in the states.
Stop stoppage time. Our nation is governed by the clock-- we are always wondering what time is it... and how much time is left-- I mean the beeping clock turned Kiefer Sutherland's career around! To have the ambiguous "stoppage time" at the end of every half is frustrating and lets air out of the balloon. Give us a stadium clock that governs when the half ends... and have time stopped when there's a "stretcher injury" (like when Pele was waylayed during "Victory"). Non-stretcher injured players can of course be replaced at the ensuing goal kick. It wont steal from the integrity of the game--did you know that during the NFL's dark ages time was kept by the officials on the field? It's time soccer follows suit.
Give us a name-- or at least a number. In every other pro sport when there's a penalty or a foul the official says what the infraction is and who the perpetrator is. No phantom calls like Slovenia. We're not going to be ashamed of a player if he trips someone else. We don't need to keep him in anonymity--let everyone be accountable.
Shorten the MLS Season. Did you know the Major League Soccer season begins before the NCAA Tournament and ends deep in football season? I love my country but completely recognize our lack of attention span--it's tough enough during baseball's dog days of August to be into a sport that was our national pastime... somehow we've got to stay in tune with a low-scoring sport while we crown NCAA, NHL, NBA, MLB as well as Masters, Wimbledon, British Open, French Open, both US Open and PGA Champions? Please remind me what I was talking about. Oh yes-- shorten the season to what the WNBA does: Memorial Day to Labor Day (with maybe a few weeks either way)-- get in...charm us with exciting play and intriguing races where every match is pivotal as opposed to a 20-date marathon with friendlies and sub-tournaments skimming suspense off the top.
Will this ever happen? Not likely. Unfortunately FIFA is bound by the tradition of a 19th century sport that does have wonderful merits... but doesn't have wonderful vision to maximize what makes it great.
The other question that gets bandied about every four years as the US improves and then sometimes disappoints on the World Cup Stage: will the US ever be a serious contender? I think Team USA will continue to improve... but if you look at where our best athletes are going (basketball/football/baseball) soccer's talent pool is diminished. Wouldn't it have been awesome to have had Ray Lewis as the defensive backbone against Ghana? Or Kobe Bryant crossing the ball across the goalmouth to Derek Jeter against England? I compare US soccer to Vanderbilt basketball. It's not as important and although they can develop a handful of quality players and good coaching, they're not in the same league as the Brazils/Kentuckys from a budget or student athlete pool standpoint. So while there will be excitement in future Cups... this nation is more Commodore than Wildcat. Or Connery than Moore--sorry, I still can't let that one go.
I write this having played soccer as a kid. It was forced upon me (my dad played collegiately and then coached in our youth league) and I eventually grew to love the game and its nuances beyond my abilities. I even watched "Soccer Made In Germany" on public TV and was one of 7 people in the U.S. who subscribed to "The Globe Kicker" (pronounced by the announcers as "the glowb kickah"). I enjoyed its demand of speed and reorganization on the fly... the necessity for perfect execution of a perfect opportunity and its punishment for making the slightest error in judgement... its focus on team and its ability to make everybody feel as though they contributed to the greater good. In my mind's eye I can see the perfect cross coming off my foot and curving out right in front of the 18 yard mark; the header in traffic or the garbage goal off a weakside carom. It can truly be a beautiful game at all levels (even the 6-year olds who can only use their dominant foot and their massive stampede has its charm).
There are two major camps I cannot stand when it comes to soccer's discussion--the naysayers who complain how boring and how stupid soccer is ("yeah man, you can't even use your hands!") and how anyone who likes soccer has to have the IQ of a soccer score itself; and the firebrands who elevate the game as though it was invented on Mount Olympus itself and how anyone who doesn't completely love every single aspect is just not smart enough to understand its beauty. Neither side can be convinced that there could be any grain of truth in what either believes--and whatever merits their arguments may have are drowned out by both group's absolutism. Reminds me of when I was in high school and would argue with friends who thought Roger Moore was the better Bond.
Soccer is a great game and has many fantastic elements, but as constructed is not USA-TV-friendly. And there's no way FIFA will bend to American demands. But if they did have an open mind...what would make the game more entertaining to U.S. audiences?
Liberal substitution. I'm not saying let's turn this into hockey, but allow teams to substitute freely on goal kicks. It'll potentially make for a quicker game...no need to save yourself when you can take extended breaks on the sidelines... and create more offensive opportunities.
Moderately more TV timeouts. Give us quarter breaks-- there's nothing wrong with resetting midway through the half. Many times teams will be doing that at midfield anyway as they're continuously playing for 45 straight minutes. Oh, and it'll boost TV revenue which I hear is big in the states.
Stop stoppage time. Our nation is governed by the clock-- we are always wondering what time is it... and how much time is left-- I mean the beeping clock turned Kiefer Sutherland's career around! To have the ambiguous "stoppage time" at the end of every half is frustrating and lets air out of the balloon. Give us a stadium clock that governs when the half ends... and have time stopped when there's a "stretcher injury" (like when Pele was waylayed during "Victory"). Non-stretcher injured players can of course be replaced at the ensuing goal kick. It wont steal from the integrity of the game--did you know that during the NFL's dark ages time was kept by the officials on the field? It's time soccer follows suit.
Give us a name-- or at least a number. In every other pro sport when there's a penalty or a foul the official says what the infraction is and who the perpetrator is. No phantom calls like Slovenia. We're not going to be ashamed of a player if he trips someone else. We don't need to keep him in anonymity--let everyone be accountable.
Shorten the MLS Season. Did you know the Major League Soccer season begins before the NCAA Tournament and ends deep in football season? I love my country but completely recognize our lack of attention span--it's tough enough during baseball's dog days of August to be into a sport that was our national pastime... somehow we've got to stay in tune with a low-scoring sport while we crown NCAA, NHL, NBA, MLB as well as Masters, Wimbledon, British Open, French Open, both US Open and PGA Champions? Please remind me what I was talking about. Oh yes-- shorten the season to what the WNBA does: Memorial Day to Labor Day (with maybe a few weeks either way)-- get in...charm us with exciting play and intriguing races where every match is pivotal as opposed to a 20-date marathon with friendlies and sub-tournaments skimming suspense off the top.
Will this ever happen? Not likely. Unfortunately FIFA is bound by the tradition of a 19th century sport that does have wonderful merits... but doesn't have wonderful vision to maximize what makes it great.
The other question that gets bandied about every four years as the US improves and then sometimes disappoints on the World Cup Stage: will the US ever be a serious contender? I think Team USA will continue to improve... but if you look at where our best athletes are going (basketball/football/baseball) soccer's talent pool is diminished. Wouldn't it have been awesome to have had Ray Lewis as the defensive backbone against Ghana? Or Kobe Bryant crossing the ball across the goalmouth to Derek Jeter against England? I compare US soccer to Vanderbilt basketball. It's not as important and although they can develop a handful of quality players and good coaching, they're not in the same league as the Brazils/Kentuckys from a budget or student athlete pool standpoint. So while there will be excitement in future Cups... this nation is more Commodore than Wildcat. Or Connery than Moore--sorry, I still can't let that one go.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
One Wild Week--summer cleaning...
Sometimes summertime is a snooze-- but not this past week. Too much to get into and recover from...
World Cup thrills, chills and spills... From goals that should have counted to thrilling comebacks, Team USA went unbeaten in Group play only to fall in extra time to Ghana in the Round of Sixteen. It's a shame because the traditional heavyweights (Germany, Argentina, Brazil) were in the other half of the bracket; sometimes a nation needs a few breaks in its draw to make noise and it appeared as though the US had that break... instead they leave South Africa broken hearted.
It's a credit that they got so far with as little firepower (no goals from the forwards) and slow starts (allowing goals often early-- even Algeria had a great early chance in the first half of their match). These were sore points that would have eliminated a weaker team; and if nothing else Team USA will look at 2010 as the year of the comebacks.
Wacky Wimbledon-- one incredible turn after another this fortnight: from John Isner's Inna-Gadda-da-Vidda of matches against Nicolas Mahut (eleven hours and three days) to quality battles littered throughout the first few rounds-- Roger Federer's comeback from 2 sets back on opening day... Rafael Nadal's escape of upset over the weekend and the rash of womens upsets (with the consonants market cornered in the semifinals)... setting up two fantastic round of sixteen matches Monday-- Yen-Hsun Lu shocking Andy Roddick (4 of 5 sets went to tiebreaker) and Serena Williams outlasting Maria Sharapova (11-9 the first set finish). Of course with Venus Williams out and Andy Roddick headed home two of the four annual questions have been answered no: the "Will we see the Williams Sisters in the Finals?" and "Is this the year for Roddick?". It remains to be seen about the other two: "Another Federer-Nadal Clash for the Title?" and "Is this the year for a Brit (aka Andy Murray)?".
Murray aside-- it's interesting how Britain recycles best hopes like Bond actors... as Tim Henman's the original--I've yet to determine if Murray is Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan or Craig (although Andy Murray is Scottish like Sir Sean).
Strasburg support-- after taking winning his first two major league starts, Stephen Strasburg has pitched well but shows he can't field 8 positions or hit the other 8 spots in the batting order. Although the strikeouts have dropped off (from 11 per start to just under 9) so has his run support (one run in three games). Unfortunately, the rest of the rotation is starting to stagger-- and we aren't even at the all-star break yet.
World Cup thrills, chills and spills... From goals that should have counted to thrilling comebacks, Team USA went unbeaten in Group play only to fall in extra time to Ghana in the Round of Sixteen. It's a shame because the traditional heavyweights (Germany, Argentina, Brazil) were in the other half of the bracket; sometimes a nation needs a few breaks in its draw to make noise and it appeared as though the US had that break... instead they leave South Africa broken hearted.
It's a credit that they got so far with as little firepower (no goals from the forwards) and slow starts (allowing goals often early-- even Algeria had a great early chance in the first half of their match). These were sore points that would have eliminated a weaker team; and if nothing else Team USA will look at 2010 as the year of the comebacks.
Wacky Wimbledon-- one incredible turn after another this fortnight: from John Isner's Inna-Gadda-da-Vidda of matches against Nicolas Mahut (eleven hours and three days) to quality battles littered throughout the first few rounds-- Roger Federer's comeback from 2 sets back on opening day... Rafael Nadal's escape of upset over the weekend and the rash of womens upsets (with the consonants market cornered in the semifinals)... setting up two fantastic round of sixteen matches Monday-- Yen-Hsun Lu shocking Andy Roddick (4 of 5 sets went to tiebreaker) and Serena Williams outlasting Maria Sharapova (11-9 the first set finish). Of course with Venus Williams out and Andy Roddick headed home two of the four annual questions have been answered no: the "Will we see the Williams Sisters in the Finals?" and "Is this the year for Roddick?". It remains to be seen about the other two: "Another Federer-Nadal Clash for the Title?" and "Is this the year for a Brit (aka Andy Murray)?".
Murray aside-- it's interesting how Britain recycles best hopes like Bond actors... as Tim Henman's the original--I've yet to determine if Murray is Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan or Craig (although Andy Murray is Scottish like Sir Sean).
Strasburg support-- after taking winning his first two major league starts, Stephen Strasburg has pitched well but shows he can't field 8 positions or hit the other 8 spots in the batting order. Although the strikeouts have dropped off (from 11 per start to just under 9) so has his run support (one run in three games). Unfortunately, the rest of the rotation is starting to stagger-- and we aren't even at the all-star break yet.
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