tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20684848299345704142024-03-13T00:07:05.676-04:00SkinServHome of the ol' <br>
Maroon, Yellow and BlackSaadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-9787934778730009562008-12-21T14:08:00.001-05:002008-12-21T14:09:43.699-05:00Swan Song: Volume 3, Issue 17<div style="text-align: left;">Fighters of Dixie,<br /></div>First, I would like to thank all my dedicated Skins Servers for being so patient with, and supportive of me this year. Guest authors, mini versions, subpar quality and a sucky team could potentially lead to angry emails, calls for the server's head and eggs on my front door. None of this has happened. In fact, I have been inspired by all your encouragement and genuine love for this team.<br /><br />Why would Scooter's intro sound like this is the last Serv of the year? Odd...there's one more week left. Yes, peeps, this is the end of the road for 08' (pending a miracle win and miracle losses by the entire NFC South, North, West, AFL, USFL and half of the English Priemer League). I have decided to bump up my off-season by a week and will be taking this show on the road - spreading Redskins love to those in Caribbean. It's possible I'll bump into actual Redskins players on my cruise - they got a faster jump on the offseason than I did as they've been down there fishing since Thanksgiving.<br /><br />This has been ugly - no matter how you chalk it up. Even the biggest white washer will tell you this is a disaster, and even the biggest skeptic will admit that this is even worse than once thought. What is so demoralizing for me is that this core is finished. The free agent class of 2004 (Griffin, Springs, Portis etc) is just about kaput and now the Skins will have to do some real rebuilding in order to get back on track. For those of you who believe that this was a rebuilding year, please reconsider. You don't rebuild by sending two picks away for Jason Taylor and you don't rebuild by signing DeAngelo Hall. The front office wanted to win now - remember Snyder called for a deep playoff run - and now that they haven't; with the pieces aging rapidly, its back to the drawing board.<br /><br />Unfortunately for all of us who love this team, we'll be counting on two dingbats to get us out of this mire. After one disaster draft class (I'm not being quick to judge, they're a disaster), the Skins are without four picks in the upcoming draft. So unless they decide to trade for more picks (a smart move), they might try to rebuild the ole Danny way - bringing next years Bruce Smith, Mark Carrier and Deion Sanders in to rescue a floundering franchise. But before we prognosticate on just how embarrassing this off season might be, lets go over what needs to be addressed. Grab a Snickers, this could be a while.<br /><br />And as for 2008. Lets keep it simple. This was an aging team with limited talent in the skill positions, no interior play to speak of and a new coach trying to implement a system these players weren't ready for. Joe Gibbs got the most out this personnel last year at 9-7. Getting Zorn to raise the bar from that was a lot to ask. Is putting up 10 points a game his fault? Yes. But to be honest, I don't think 17 points a game would have made a difference. This team is a bottom 10 team in the league no matter how you chalk it up.<br /><br />I wish I could say things will get better.<br /><br />Eh,<br />Saadman<br /><br />---------------<br /><br /><b>1) Horny for Zorny? - </b>The scheme hasn't worked, but it could. It isn't exactly like Zorn had Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson up there to give Campbell any time. This team broke down in the trenches as the season went on and Campbell couldn't really ever get comfortable throwing the ball. And what about targets? Zorn was dealing with an aging Santana Moss (who is a #2 WR anywhere else in this league), ARE (a #4 anywhere else) and James Thrash (a DNP-CD on any other team). It is very hard to implement the west coast without targets and time. Give Zorn both and maybe things are different. My only issue with this guy is that the players don't care for him much. How do I know this? Because if they cared for him they would have showed up to play last Sunday. That was one of the most uninspired Redskins efforts since the Turner years. A December game with the playoffs still in the equation and you come out flat and lose to a 1-11-1 team? That's grounds for dismissal right there. You can knock Joe Gibbs for his conservative play-calling, his time management, etc., but he had these same players fighting their guts out in December the last four years. Zorn isn't even close. Maybe that changes with time. I really hope it does.<br /><br />Now position by position (until I get bored).<br /><br /><b>2) RB - </b>Clinton Portis got banged up this year. The mix of his overuse and abusive running style has taken its toll on CP. The entire league is going to the Williams-Stewart mold and its time the Skins do it for real. I believe Portis still has some tough runs in him and can still turn the corner quicker than most in the league, but with that said, its time to bring in some fresh legs. The fast runners these days come in all shapes and sizes - Felix Jones, Sproles, Slaton - the Skins need to draft a speedster and let him bring in a change of pace from Portis. The Portis/Betts combo doesn't work bc Ladell doesn't really change the pace, if anything, he slows it down. If the Skins can bring in a guy who will scare defenses with the big-play speed who can come in after CP wears them down, the running game will take on a much healthier dimension. Am I saying drop Betts on the depth chart? Yes I am.<br /><br /><b>3) QB - </b>To re-up JC or not? I wouldn't do it this off-season. I don't think he's earned a big contract. The guy has been steady (that's being kind) but not spectacular. He doesn't elevate this team to another level. He's flies though his reads and makes a living with his check downs. He rarely hits the big play and is prone to losing the ball. But is it his fault? Does the scheme stink? Are his targets getting space? Does his line protect him? I'm willing to give JC the benefit of the doubt to the point where the Skins don't bring someone in to compete with him this off season. Let him grow and develop under Zorn more and if he is showing very positive signs by late next year then re-sign him. If it looks like he's part of the problem, well then, fare thee well.<br /><br /><b>4) WR - </b>As I eluded to, this position is a disaster. Santana Moss isn't getting any faster (and he might be getting dumber), ARE is a joke and James Thrash needs to hang it up. Oh yeah, didn't the Skins draft two outside playmakers? One had a bad wrap for being injured prone - guess what? He's barely been on the field. And the other had a bad wrap for being a one-hit wonder at MSU. Guess what? He's not that good. So where the heck do the Skins go from here? Do not go drafting more WRs (like Matt Millon). If there's a young, sure-thing WR in free agency (I can only think of TJ Howsyourmama) then go after them. If not, give Kelly and Thomas one more training camp and if they stink, boo the heck out of them.<br /><br /><b>5) O-line - </b>Its scary to say this, but the only guy who probably has two good years left in him is Casey Rabach. Its hard to find a solid center in this league and with younger guards around him, he could be OK. Everyone else can hit the road. I don't know how Snyerrato managed to do this but this line is old, finished and has no backups! Chad Reinhart was supposed to be the answer, but if he was that good, I assume he would have been active more than twice this year. The Skins need to upgrade Jansen (I guess Heyer can get a shot - but he's looked awful). Samuels might have one more year in him, but I'd still draft his replacement now. Kendall wants to come back, but he's got more gray hairs than a mule. And Randy Thomas is deep into the downside of his career (and also can't stay on the field). I propose the Skins draft 2 guards and 2 tackles with their first four picks. They have to. And if they can sign a big-named guard, maybe do that too. Look at what Alan Faneca has done for the Jets running game? The need to blow up this group now. Btw - maybe the Skins can snag the dude from the "Blind Side." I love that guy. Michael Oher, is it?<br /><br /><b>6) D-line - </b>Looks like the Skins are going to need more draft picks, because its time to blow up this unit too. The front four can't get within sniffing distance of a QB. Andre Carter is AWOL, Jason Taylor wants to go to Hollywood, Griffin will probably retire and Golston/Montgomery aren't NFL starters. So I think you give Carter the chance to bounce back (they can't cut him anyway), but you can draft a young, fast pass rusher for the other side and you can also draft two hefty run-stoppers in the middle. This front four needs some young energy (and not the Rob Jackson/Erasmus James kind of energy). I know Julius Peppers is off a great year and is a FA, but let him go somewhere else and be awesome. There's no way he makes it here.<br /><br /><b>7) LBs - </b>I guess London Fletcher's got one more year in him. Marcus Washington and Rocky McIntosh don't though. Rocky McIntosh? Yup. Apparently, the degenerative knee thing that the Skins knew about when they drafted him as really slowed this guy down this year. People around the Park don't really know what his deal is. So now we're looking at upgrading two LB positions. Can HB Blades and Albert Fincher be adequate fillers? They might have to be, because at this point I don't think the Skins have draft picks or cap money to address these issues.<br /><br /><b>8) Secondary -</b> This is the unit the Skins can probably get away without touching. And by not touching, I mean please don't bring back Hall. I know he has great hands, but the dude is a ticking time bomb. Club house cancer is an understatement. He's a me-first guy who's on everyone's target list. Don't bring him back!!! The Skins can live with Carlos, Smoot, and a veteran nickle guy (who they can sign on the cheap). They'll have Landry, Horton and Springs back at safety. With a decent pass rush, the unit will be fine.<br /><br /><b>9) Special Team - </b>Suisham is miserable. Need to upgrade over there. Placky is worth bringing back - maybe have someone in camp to challenge him. Rock Cartwright can still get it done on kickoffs, but ARE has to be upgraded. The Skins can use Moss if he isn't the number one anymore or put Justin Tryon back there (if that loser is still on the team).<br /><br /><b>10) Prediction - </b>With the Cowboys losing last night, the Bucs losing early against SD, and Arsenal and Liverpool drawing at Anfield, it looks like everything is in line for the Skins to enter the NFC playoffs through the back door. Just a win today, an Eagles...wait. No. Isn't happening. The Skins will be exposed, yet again, on national TV. No need to discuss how it will play out. <b>Eagles 27 Redskins 10 (shocker?)</b><br /><br />HTTRSaadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-46893746597238650592008-12-14T10:33:00.000-05:002008-12-14T10:34:22.028-05:00Finals Week: Volume 3, Issue 16<div style="text-align: left;"> Servers,<br /></div>I have to a apologize for a very condensed version of Skins Serv this week. I am in the midst of finals, and time (and knowledge) isn't on my side. In fact, those two introductory sentences (and this one) will make up the meat of this week's edition. To business. After a fun week at the Park (this is the first time I've enjoyed being a Skins fan in about two months), the Skins will get healthy this week in Cincy. Somehow the B&G's wake will be delayed one more week as our boys will be thrust into a huge showdown for the last NFC playoff spot against the Eagles (yes - I'm not only calling a Skins victory but I'm also calling a Cowboys and Falcons loss). Don't get your hopes up though, next week's Skins Serv will detail how the Eagles will obliterate us and roll into the post season (on national TV again, btw. NFL: it isn't funny anymore).<br /> Happy Birthday Dad,<br />Saadman<br /><br /><b>1) CP v. Zorn - </b>I take CP on the points that he shouldn't have been benched, the scheme sucks and that Campbell needs more help in protection. I don't take CP as a team leader. Team leaders don't air their grievances on the radio. Grow up, Dolla Bill. That being said, I think he has a big day today running behind Jason Scrubini. (I also got 4:1 that Zorn's gone in three months).<br /><br /><b>2) Injuries - </b>Jason Campbell's gonna have to get rid of the ball quickly today. He's got Scrubini on one side and Heyer on the other. I wouldn't want those two guys protecting Dani at Shabb Footy. Marcus won't go either. Fletcher and Springs will play. Horton's out too. Its about freaking time we see Fred Davis, Kelly and Thomas on the field at the same time. How much worse could it get?<br /><br /><b>3) Prediction - </b>Skins find one of the five teams in the league who are worse than them. Skins run, pass (kind of) and score. Mostly because they'll get the ball inside the Bengals 30 a lot due to Fitzpatrick (or is it Boomer Esiason today?) turnovers. Btw - if Marvin Lewis is coaching the Bengals next year, the NFL is a joke.<br /> <b><br />Redskins 24, Bengals 13</b><br /><br /><b>HTTR</b>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-51722810570608701402008-12-07T15:22:00.001-05:002008-12-07T15:23:34.402-05:00The Ravens Wear Purple: Volume 3, Issue 15<div style="text-align: left;">Fans of the Authentic Mid-Atlantic NFL Franchise,<br /></div> Even if the Skins weren't 7-5 and in the heart of the NFC playoff chase, this game would still mean a lot to many people in the Washington/Baltimore area. Let's face it, although these two teams play once every four years and play in different conferences, their fans don't like each other at all. I believe the bitter hostilities start with Baltimore's second city mentality - a constant inferiority complex because the nation's capital that sits 45 minutes to its south. Another factor that plays into the hatred our fans have for each other is that Baltimorans were forced to watch a decade plus of amazing Redskins football teams while they were without a franchise. The above factors have created a breed of obnoxious, angry and traitorous Ravens fans who'd like nothing more than to see the Skins go 0-16 every year.<br /><br />What really grinds my gears about these awful human beings is that 30-50% of them were Skins fans during our glory years. Of course I'm not talking about the 50-70 year old Ravens fan who wept upon their beloved Colts leaving town, but the Ravens fans of our generation who, without hesitation, put their Redskins Jerseys in the incinerator once the Ravens showed up. Those people are gonna have big-time issues when they get up in front of St. Peter (who clearly is a huge Redskins fan). On a personal level, I believe that any Ravens or Nats fans who were previously Redskins and Orioles fans should be sent to Guantanamo Bay. For Redskins fans, we look at Ravens fans as that ignorant, pesky and rude little brother who is always so damn annoying (kid was probably adopted or something). At some point between when the Ravens were created fans and now, Redskins fans went from effectively ignoring this group of purple punks to starting to get really pissed off that little adopted brother doesn't ever stop yapping. Now we hate little brother as much as little brother hates us. Game on. Time to BBQ some Poe.<br /><br />Unfortunately for us Skins fans, as many fights go these days, we'll be the ones hanging from the flag pole by our Fruit of the Looms. As I have told a couple of peers this week, the 2008 Redskins season will be remembered as a slow, painful death. As opposed to 05 and 07, when a couple of Dr. Benton-like shocks got us going late in the year, tonight the plug will be pulled for good. At some point last week (either when I lost feeling in my toes, Amani Toomer ran his fastest 40 in 12 years or when I had beer thrown in my face in friendly fire) I knew this thing was kaput. These guys have nothing left (and as you can see by my abuse use of the analogy today, I got nothing left either). The offense doesn't exist and the defense looks worse every week. Amazingly, they're not just playing bad football but they also have nothing to build on either. In a year when NFL teams are putting up record numbers of points, the Skins are putting up 7 points a game. That's like a baseball team being carried by Mike Bordick during the juicing era (hmmm...sound familiar).<br /><br />In the Skins last three home games they've put up a combined 23 points. They rank 28th in the NFL in points scored and haven't managed to put up 30 points in a game yet this season. Now you ask this team to go on the road to a very hostile environment (see previous paragraphs) and play a team that gives up 15.8 points a game and even more importantly, gives up 78 yards on the ground. This thing could get real ugly.<br /><br />So what do we do as fans? I say try to enjoy today as much as possible. Enjoy the spotlight, enjoy the cool intros on NBC, enjoy the attention. Remember there are only four weeks left to the season, and we'll all be feeling a lot more miserable when the season is over than we will when the Ravens kick us around like a rag doll tonight. There's some Bobby Knight quote out there about a situation like tonight - feel free to wikipedia it if you'd like. So throw yourselves a party tonight, Skins Fans. Get some beers, buy some Tostitos scoops and invite some buddies over. It's the last time the Skins will be in the spotlight this year (and maybe for some time after that).<br /><br />Stay Strong,<br />Scoot<br /><br />-------------------------<br /><b>1) Take on JC - </b>There's been a lot of talk in DC this week about the Skins woes having to be attributed to Jason Candle's (it's Campbell) sub-par performances of late. I'd be the first to admit that I am not sold on JC being the Redskins franchise QB, but with that being said, you cannot pin this dismal stretch on number 17. Campbell's productivity is a byproduct of an anemic offensive system. We really haven't seen what #17 can do with a decent array of WR's and when he's getting consistent time in the pocket. The Redskins offensive coaches, especially Jim Zorn, have not really adjusted to what teams have done against them of recent (double Moss, shade Cooley, stuff the box and blitz at will). No extra protection packages, no deep shots, no imagination in trying to free up Moss (more motion, etc.) This offense showed its cards early, had some production and now defenses have caught up and Zorn has pretty much refused to adjust. They've gotta open things up and get out of the west coast for a bit: run, run, play action (with heavy protection). Keep it simple, do the things that Jason is comfortable doing and see if you can wake this group up.<br /><br /><b>2) The Wildcat - </b>There's also been a lot of talk this week about the Skins going more to trickery and the "wildcat" formation in hopes of keeping defenses off-balance. The idea would be to use Randle El in some sort of one back formation and giving him the option to run or throw. Although I do like the idea of going to ARE a little more in the option setting, I just don't think the Skins can use it 5-10 a game, especially tonight on the road. Maybe they can slowly integrate it into the offense, but I think we might be about 4 weeks late for that. Maybe Zorn picks the right spot for some trickery tonight, but its not how this game is going to be won or lost.<br /><br /><b>3) The Weather - </b>I woke up this morning to the sound of heavy winds banging against my window. According to local meteorologists (and my wet finger-tip up against this morning's blustery air), the wind will be howling tonight at M&T. Remember last year's mid-December Meadowlands Miracle? Conditions will be identical. This game will be won and lost on the ground. Whoever can control the line of scrimmage and get first downs off of three straight hand-offs will win the game. Unfortunately, the Redskins o-line, specifically Chris Samuels, is really banged up. They're going to need a huge game from this unit, especially from center Casey Rabach, who has the daunting task of controlling <span style="font-size:-1;">Hatoli Ngata, the big mama who anchors the Ravens 3-4 defense and is controlling opposing run offenses. The Skins have had a miserable time against the last two 3-4's they've faced (the Cowboys and Steelers) and will have to do something different to implement the running attack. I'm all about going back to the ole' Gibbs jumbo formations of two TE's and one WR on the outside. Everyone knows were gonna run it, so lets just maximize our blocking resources and hope we wear the Ravens out. Running cute stuff out of 3 and 4 receiver sets is probably not gonna get it done against this smart, fast group of defenders.<br /><br /><b>4) Split Carries -</b> I'm all about CP, but the dude is falling apart. He's a hero to be playing every week, but Zorny's gotta force him to the sidelines. The Skins need to work Betts in there more tonight early, so CP will have something left for the 4th quarter. Last week Portis ran hard early and after taking some viscous hits was pretty much a non-factor in the second half.<br /><br /><b>5) Play Action - </b>In the theme of going back to the basics tonight, the Skins should only pass after setting up the play action. Again, run out of one and two WR sets and then pass out of those same sets. Draw as many Ravens to the line of scrimmage, max protect and see if Moss can beat double coverage or if ARE or Malcolm Kelly can beat Frank Walker on the other side. The Ravens can be vulnerable to the pass, especially if you throw away from Ed Reed. But Campbell's gonna have to be smart about looking Reed off and then taking advantage of whoever has Walker on him. I'd even be fine with picking on Rolle - just make sure there's an eye on Reed at all times. This guy can kill you.<br /><br /><b>6) TE/FB Blocking -</b> A huge factor in tonight's game will be the ability of Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers to locate and then successfully block the the Ravens fierce linebacking unit. When the Skins run outside, Cooley and Sellers will be responsible for getting out ahead of Portis/Betts and finding guys like Lewis, Scott and Suggs. It is essential that these guys don't close holes and penetrate into the backfield, otherwise the Skins running game will never get going.<br /><br /><b>7) Keeping it Close - </b>The Skins have to stay neck and neck with the Ravens throughout the game. Getting behind at any point will prove catastrophic. If the Redskins get to the point where they'll have to pass the ball to get back in it, you might as well turn off your TV. The Ravens will fire away at Campbell and I don't think we have the pass blocking to hold up. Keep the game close, burn time on the ground and pick spots to go deep. Once the Ravens sniff out pass, Campbell will be on the ground a lot.<br /><br /><b>8) The Ravens Offense - </b>Cam Cameron (of Indiana and Redskins fame) has done a great job maximizing his talent. He pounds the rock a lot (even at a pretty low ypc), then he lets Flacco and his big arm air it out to Mason and Clayton (very real threats on the outside). The Ravens also employ a lot of trickery, so the Skins corners cannot get caught leaving their men early in the play. If I was Greg Blache, I'd pretty much have to use the same scheme as last week and hope the Skins corners can hold up better. Last week's performance against the Giants was embarrassing and this unit is going to have to do a much better job containing the Ravens outside threats and try to create some turnovers off the rookie in bad conditions. If the Skins can force the Ravens into some third and longs, then they have to send the house at Flacco and hope Springs, Los, Lo and Smoot can man the heck up.<br /><br /><b>9) Injuries - </b>CP will go. Spring will go. Fletcher will go. Griff will go. I think Carter will play too. No Washington and probably no Golston either. Nothing major on the Ravens side. They had a few questionables but I think they'll all play.<br /><br /><b>10) Prediction -</b> Not loving this matchup at all. The Ravens defense has somehow stayed young and fast and will make it hard for the Skins to get anything on the ground. With the conditions, don't expect anything through the air. On the other side, the Skins will commit to the run and could get burned by Flacco once or twice (enough to lose). <b>Ravens 13 Redskins 3.<br /><br />HTTR<br /></b></span>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-92071048776086481252008-11-29T21:40:00.001-05:002008-11-29T21:40:45.767-05:0021: Volume 3, Issue 14Seattle Slews,<br />First I would like to wish everyone on Skins Serv a very Happy Thanksgiving - I hope you each had a special holiday and are ready to parlay that spirit into a huge victory tomorrow. I also would like to wish Sean Taylor's family a long and joyful life filled with great memories of 21 - it's hard to fathom that it has been a full year since 21's tragic death, but hopefully his family has found some solace in their tremendous loss and will honor 21's spirit through their actions for the rest of their lives. As for us fans, it's probably a lot easier to forgot about 21 - players are very transient in the NFL and we are used to not seeing the same names run out of the tunnel annually. I think DC and Skins fans have done an admirable job holding onto the spirit of 21 though - probably because of his great potential more than anything else. We all find ourselves wondering how special the Skins secondary would have been with 21 and 30 back there. But it wasn't meant to be, and now, again we all grieve the loss of this blossoming flower - we will never know what kind of magic he had in store for us. Instead tomorrow, one year after his death, the angel of 21 watches over all Redskins players and us fans - 21 will be there tomorrow willing our boys into their best performance of this 2008 season. I am freaking pumped to see it.<br /><br />Yes - I believe the Skins will win tomorrow. No x's and o's. No real rationale thought behind it. I just have a gut (and I dreamed they'd lose - which is a good sign). This team has been awesome with its back against the wall and tomorrow is a must win again. I believe the Skins will play with much more passion, aggression and spirit than the Giants, who will be walking into the proverbial NFL boobie-trap. 92,000 emotional fans and 53 driven players looking to honor the spirit of a fallen soldier. I know this game looks similar to the Buffalo game last year, but that Skins team had nothing left. They were emotionally drained. This Skins team will reach an emotional peak at 1255 tomorrow and will have enough energy and spirit to carry it all the way to 4PM. Tomorrow will be cold, wet and ugly. The Giants, who are dealing with all sorts of injury and distractions, will want to get out of the game alive (similar to the Skins against Pittsburgh). At 10-1, the Giants know they are cruising to a division championship - this is a game they just want to get through. They have shown the nation just how good they are and have nothing left to prove. Tomorrow emotion, aggression, and passion will be strictly be on the Skins side. It won't matter how good these Giants are.<br /><br />Of course the Skins are a battered team as well. In fact, they might have to win this tilt with a bunch of scabs. Players such as Samuels, Portis and Fletcher are no sure thing to play. Of course, on Sean Taylor day, I think they all end up playing - but who knows just how effective they'll be and how far into the game they can go. If I was betting on it, Portis will still carry the ball 25 times. Samuels will struggle in pass protection and Fletcher won't make it through the first quarter. That being said, the Redskins can plug any bodies in there tomorrow to stuff that big Giants running attack and it still might do the trick.<br /><br />The Giants will be without Plax (idiot), and with Brandon Jacobs and third string back Ahmad Bradshaw battling injuries, I expect the Giants to be very cautious with them on a wet, cold day. Look for this battle to unfold as Derrick Ward versus the Redskins front-8. On a bad weather day with Plax out and the Redskins being very strong at corner, all the B&G have to do is take away the run (sounds so easy). This game will be a war of attrition. No passing, no finesse. Just north-south running - may the best line win. Under normal circumstances, I give the Giants the edge. But again, i believe tomorrow will be special. I believe eight Redskins defenders, honed in on the outside runs they've been getting burned on recently, will hold up. Smith, Toomer, Hixon, S. Moss - they won't be factors. In fact, look for Redskins corners to do a much better job containing the outside runs as Blache will have them play much further up tomorrow.<br /><br />My only other concern is Kevin Boss - the Skins don't really have a LB who can man this guy up and I can see the Giants sending him out in play-action. The Skins will have Chris Horton keep an eye on him - hopefully the young man will be up to the task.<br /><br />On the other side of the ball, look for the Giants to do the same thing as the Redskins. Stuff eight men in the box and force Jason Campbell to throw the ball. If the Redskins can effectively spread the Giants out early and move the chains out of 3 and 4 receiver sets, I think the offense has the potential to put up the 20 points necessary to beat this Giants team. Throw early and force the Giants to pull a safety into coverage. Get Moss, Kelly and ARE into the action early and then expose the Giants front-7 by gashing them with delayed draws and that stretch play to the left that Portis is averaging about 7 YPC on this year. Remember those delayed draws in the Meadowlands last year? The Skins need to do a ton of that to keep this aggressive Giants defense off balance. As this game progresses into the later quarters the team who has controlled the clock will have the edge and will be able to run it however they want to - hopefully it's the Skins.<br /><br />Which makes the first quarter so crucial and the reason I believe the Skins can win this thing. If the Skins can ride the emotion of the moment into a couple of sustained drives, some big stands and get up early, they can dictate the last three quarters. Of course, it's easier said than done.<br /><br />I don't want to disrespect the Giants at all. This team has been a juggernaut. They have done it without Burress for most of the year and looked just fine without Jacobs last week. BUT - Burress is the player that gives the Skins the most fits. Our corners are too small to handle him in the Red Zone and just about anywhere else on the field. In game one, Eli heaved three or four passes that Plax went up and got. Manning won't be afforded that luxury tomorrow. The Skins corners can man up any Giants receiver tomorrow. Which means the entire defensive focus can be on stuffing the box and blitzing Eli. The Skins have to force the issue tomorrow - especially early. Take chances and tee off on Eli if the Giants face long second and third downs in hopes of forcing a turnover or two. If the Skins can get some short fields they'll get into the end zone more easily on a day when points will be at a premium. We saw much more of LaRon Landry in the box last week - look for the Skins to do more of this tomorrow as they drop Springs back to be the over-the-top security blanket.<br /><br />Back to offense. Malcolm Kelly being on the field was big last week. The Skins took a deep shot with him and threw him a fade in the Red Zone. Just having those options in the repertoire makes the Skins more dynamic. As this kid develops and gets on the field more, teams will have to account for him. Defenses like the Giants will not be able to stuff the box, shadow Moss with a safety and leave Kelly alone in man coverage. Hopefully tomorrow we'll see more of this develop. Get the young man the ball early, ease up the safety on Moss's side and then get 89 the ball. At that point, run it down their big blue throats. Kelly's had another week of practice - hopefully Zorny showcases him more tomorrow.<br /><br />I also hope to see more of Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers in the aerial attack tomorrow. Sellers had a big role last week and as long as one of those guys can get down the field a little bit, it'll ease the burden on Portis to carry the load.<br /><br />Which brings me to CP. 141 yards on 29 carries with the knee, the ribs and the hip. The dude is not just leading the league in rushing, he's evolving into a Redskins legend. CP is 50/50 to go tomorrow but did light drills on Friday, which makes me think he'll be good to go. The Skins had some success on the ground in Week 1 but Zorn got away from it early. I think CP has to have a big role tomorrow. Whether its blocking, catching balls out of the backfield and eventually putting the Giants away late, CP's gotta be the guy. It gives the entire squad and the 92 thousand fans a huge emotional lift to see the star back there sacrificing it all for a win. I love this guy.<br /><br />If the Skins do have Stephon Heyer tomorrow, look for Portis to be running behind Jon Jansen (right) more than we're used to. Heyer might be an upgrade in pass protection (with Samuels playing on a bad knee for weeks now), but the kid stil doesn't block with anger. I think the Giants will know this and move Antonio Pierce over right on most running plays - again, it'll be a war of attrition. I think the Skins will be more hungry.<br /><br /><b>Injuries</b> - Griffin will go. Golston will sit, I think. Montgomery and Alexander will have to be huge tomorrow if the Skins are going to pull this off. Fletcher will give it a go. Look to see HB Blades and Albert Fincher spelling him a lot though. And don't be surprised if the Skins drop J Taylor into LB sometimes too. CP will go.<br /><br /><b>Prediction - </b>Close and ugly NFC East battle. I like the Skins riding the emotion of the day, getting a couple of big turnovers and controlling the clock late with a huge dose of CP. <b>Redskins 20, Giants 16.</b><br /><br />Ok - no points by points this week. I'm going to paste an edited version of the Sean Taylor piece I wrote last year (the old version is on <a href="http://skinserv.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">skinserv.blogspot.com</a>).<br /><br />HTTR and RIP 21<br /><br />---------------------------<br /><br />In late November 2007, Sean Taylor, a star football player for the Washington Redskins, was murdered in his home in Miami, Florida. Taylor's death was an inexplicable tragedy that left his family, the Redskins organization and their fans in a state of shock. As an ardent follower of the Redskins – a season-ticket holder who attends every game and whose daily mood is a reflection of whether the Redskins win or lose - I took Taylor's loss extremely hard. Yet for the hours that I spent in a cloud thinking about Taylor's squandered life, I spent as many hours trying to figure out why I was so upset.<br /><br />I only met Sean Taylor once, never knew him on a personal level, and never really understood his persona. Yet I mourned, I cried, and turned to my loved ones for support and answers. This wasn't 9/11 or Pearl Harbor. Taylor wasn't someone I could touch or lean on. Sean Taylor wasn't my own flesh and blood who had been stricken with cancer, leukemia or a heart attack - my mother, father, sister or brother never to be seen again. Yet I, along with so many others in Washington, DC, lost a part of me when I heard the news of his death. Why? <br /><br />Sean Taylor was 24 years old. There is nothing wrong with weeping over the loss of human life, yet alone someone so young with so much potential for greatness, both professionally and personally. Sean Taylor was just a baby - still learning the world, learning about who he was, and evolving every day. As a young man, only one year older than Taylor, I grapple with those same struggles and growing pains, hoping to one day get "it" right. This made seeing someone who did not realize his full maturation even harder.<br /><br />I also felt pain for those who were left to pick up the pieces, Taylor's family: his parents, his fiancée and his orphan child. I also grieved for the Redskins players. I never want to see my heroes weep and never want to worry over their mental state. The Redskins are the ones who ease my mind, but after Taylor's death, I worried over theirs.<br /><br />To me, Sean Taylor was a superhero. His death was even harder because Taylor's intimidating six-feet, two-inch, two-hundred and twelve pound body epitomized the indestructibility of an athlete - he was the strongest and the scariest. Every player feared him. Sean Taylor was immortal. <br /><br />But for me, Taylor's death went beyond the human tragedy. In my life, football is a constant. And every autumn Sunday for nearly a century, football has been there for America too. For that three hour break, for that escape from everyday life, for a tailgate party with my family or a pile-on with my friends after a big touchdown - football is always there. And for the last four years, Sean Taylor was part of football's dependability. I was used to seeing Taylor's number twenty-one, expected him to play ferociously, and knew he was putting himself on the line for my beloved Redskins. Every week I had the pleasure of seeing Taylor's Samsonian body up close, and now he will no longer be there. Football is no longer dependable.<br /><br />Football is also my great escape - it lets me shut the real world out: no wars, no tragedy, no sorrow, no terrorist threats or fear of death. Football is a day without stress and a tough work week made easier because of the ability to look forward to Sunday. And then, with one piece of news, the wicked world that we use football to ignore rears its ugly head, sabotaging the game that is supposed to protect us from a dark world.<br /><br />When Taylor died, football became real for me. It was no longer a hideaway, no longer a safe haven. Football became another depressing tale on the 6oclock news: a soldier never coming home from battle, a child murdered, wild men with guns running amok on our nation's streets. When Sean Taylor died where was I supposed to turn? What means could I use to seek refuge? I was instead forced to engross myself in the tragedy that befell Taylor, his family and the Redskins. I had to deal with this harsh reality because my fantasy world had been hijacked and the real world was so painful. <br /><br />There is no need to ever justify emotions or feelings. Every person is entitled to handle tragedy as they see fit. For me, Sean Taylor's death struck harder than one might expect. I hope I was able to shed a little light on why this was so.Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-73294104323820476862008-11-23T13:27:00.000-05:002008-11-23T13:29:27.125-05:00Now or Never: Volume 3, Issue 13<div style="text-align: left;">Servers,<br /></div> I just want to again thank Yair for his fantastic Skins Serv last week. Knowing that Skins Serv has such great bench strength makes the future of this project even brighter - although it does put a bit more pressure on me to give you more substantive, knowledge-based writing. Now that you know what's out there, I can't really mess around. So here goes...<br /> <br />This is it. Make or break. Must win. Now or never. Pick a cliche, any cliche. Win won for the gipper, the scooter, the pope. I don't care - just freaking win one. Just to set it up for you a little bit. If the Skins win today (while showing us some improvement in their offensive vitals), then they sit pretty with 7 wins and 5 weeks to go. Looking at the schedule (again, based on an improvement this week), there are probably still wins out there against Cincinnati, San Francisco and Philadelphia (the Philly prediction isn't based on us as it is Philadelphia's gradual implosion). By December 21, we might not see McNabb or Westbrook. 10 wins with 3 more conference wins in the pocket, probably get us in.<br /> <br />On the other hand, if <b>our </b>Redskins show up this week in Seattle and lay another leggo my eggo, you can chalk up 2008 to another 1997 - hot early, stumbled late and out of the post season again. Maybe we call it the year Zorny should have popped a 17-week Cialis and not an 8-week Viagra. Lets face it, if the B&G can't beat a 2-8 Seahawks team, then they're 6-5 (a game behind the Cowboys probably) and all games going forward are hefker. No gimme in Cincy, no gimmy in San Fran and no gimme against the Ron Jaworski-led Fleagles. This is the week we will either look back and say that the Skins righted the ship or the week that we wrote 08's epitaph.<br /> <br />So how do I feel about this 53 man roster of old maids? On paper, they have as good a shot at winning this game as they did winning last January in Seattle (they lost that one - remember?). A little harsh maybe, but lets face it - this is the exact same team, with the exact same inept offense and exact same non-existent pass-rush. Ma Nishtana, people? Ma freaking Nishtana?<br /> <br />You know what, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that this offense is worse now than it was when the Skins marched into Seattle earlier this calendar year. If you recall, that team could not only run, they could pass, pass block and wait, here's the clincher...score points! If you put your prejudices against the front-office and their disastrous decision making to the side for a second and just run some simple numbers, the case against this offense is easily formed. They're 27th in the league in points scored. They haven't scored 30 points once this entire year. They've broken 20 only once in the last five weeks and that was against a Lions team that has surrendered 31 points per game this year.<br /> <br />The 16 total points the Skins have mustered over the last two weeks are not only embarrassing and shameful, they have exposed this lackluster unit and all the schemes behind it to the rest of the league. To Joe Gibbs credit, at least he took care of his QBs. No matter how defunct the offense was between 04-07, Gibbs always left the extra blocker in the box to protect the man behind center. Say what you want about the lack of imagination behind two-WR sets, at least they gave the QB time to not find the open receiver. In this latest iteration of Washington offense, the Skins leave nobody in the box to protect JC so the poor kid has zero time to find those same unopen receivers. Defenses have officially gotten the memo: tee off on Jason Campbell because the Skins won't max protect and they won't beat you with their outside weapons (because they don't have any).<br /> <br />Can five o-lineman change so much in 8 months? Maybe. But I have a hunch Gibbs and Buges understood their front 5 a little better than the next administration does. They're great getting out in run blocking, but if you're gonna sit back and wait for things to open up downfield you better help these geriatrics out.<br /> <br />Jason Campbell has been steady, but have they really asked him to do much. Talk about stat padding. I could have a 90 QB rating throwing slants, TE screens and RB screens in a very scientific three pass play rotation that is the Redskins passing offense. Maybe he's not getting time, maybe Zorn's not protecting the young man, or maybe he's too scared to take a chance, but when's the last time JC has thrown a seam route splitting a corner and a safety? That'd be October 12th against the Rams (a nice toss to Cooley right before the Pete Kendall debacle). If Campbell is going to take the next step and join the QB elites, he's going to have to start carving up defenses himself. No more check downs, no more safe routes - down field throws that might be intercepted but might also lead to points. Being risk averse has put us in this position - why not start taking some chances?<br /> <br />To the Dee for a second. They're good, but not great. I know many on this serv swear by the defense and their very misleading number four ranking, but I do not get caught up in the hype on this one. Just like when the Redskins offense goes on the field, you kind of know what you're getting when the Skins defense goes out there. Heavy pass coverage, decent run defense and zero pass rush or turnovers created (and Ami before you start screaming that that Skins forced two last week, go back and watch game film - those were both on Romo). The Giants marched into the Super Bowl because of a stellar pass rush. Defenses in this league are considered great when they constantly wreak havoc for a QB and set up their offenses with short fields. The Skins bend but don't break and have been doing it for 5 years now. I'm sick of it. Either break or break someone else.<br /> <br />I guess I have to switch to the point by point section at some point.<br /><br />Kol Tuv,<br />Scooooota<br /><br />------------------------------<div class="gmail_quote"><wbr>--------<br /><br /><b>1) Shir Lamaalot M'Malcolm Kelly - </b>Get on the field today, young man. Excel today, young man. Use all 6-4, 225 pounds of your god-blessed frame to eat up those diminutive Seattle DB's. Continue catching the balls with ease and grace as you do in practice and please don't worry about where you're next injury is gonna come from (although I got 50 bucks it'll be a pulled groin). Catch 7 balls today, Yes Malcolm Can! Be a Red Zone target today, Yes Malcolm Can! Be a compliment to Santana Moss, Yes Malcolm Can! Take 2 defenders out of the box, Yes Malcolm Can!<br /> <br /><b>2) CP will Play -</b> The only benefit to CP playing with that knee last week is that everyone in this area loves him as much as I do. No more haters, no more critics. This guy cares and this guy will give you everything on Sunday. The numbers might fade as he is slowed by this knee and teams hone in on the run more, but Portis has shown everyone his true colors. He wants this as bad as all the great ones do and will do whatever it takes to make this team win. Playing with a 3 inch tear in the knee? You gotta be kidding me. I was going to buy my CP Pro Bowl jersey in a couple of weeks, but I probably can get it cheaper with a bulk order. Who else wants one? And yes, FoxSports.Com reports that despite another week of knee pain, Kid Bro Sweets will start today.<br /> <br /><b>3) Jason Taylor is one week away from being a bust - </b>No more excuses, twinkle toes. The knee's fine. The calf is fine. We need something out of you. Remember, the Skins gave up draft picks for this guy. I was about making this move as much as anyone else, but at some point the excuses run dry. He has got to start getting at the QB.<br /> <br /><b>4) Zorn's Emotions -</b> I read something interesting about Zorn's emotions getting to him on the sidelines to the point where it effects his play calling. Lets hope he doesn't get caught up in the Seattle thing today and calls a nice game. As I said earlier - more jumbo sets to protect Jason is a must.<br /> <br /><b>5) The O-Line -</b> I know I kind of defended them before and I truly believe that Zorn's thrown them under the bus this week by saying that the scheme is right, and the o-line just needs to hold. The NFL doesn't work like that, Zorn. You need to scheme around your players - not force them into something they can't do (see Steve Spurrier). Zorny's gonna start having to take some accountability for these embarrassing showings. Change the scheme, go to max protect, run on first and second down and pass on third. Don't force the issue with guys who can't hold up in protection for that long. It's not working. CP got hosed earlier this year for his comments about the o-line. I think what Zorn did this week was far worse.<br /> <br /><b>6) That Being Said - </b>This unit is aging in dog years.<br /><br /><b>7) Vinny - </b>He's a miracle worker. I am constantly dumbfounded how this team will go into this offseason with all the exact same issues as it did last off season. At least have some new issues to deal with. Or some one less old issue to deal with. No, says Vinny. After 10 draft picks and a handful of free agent acquisitions, all the same issues need to be addressed. An aging offensive line - they will need at least 2 new starters after this year and will need five new starters after 09. No second WR. Third WR. Fourth WR. Fifth WR. Pass rusher. Interior lineman. I just can't believe that the personality and make-up of this group has been so consistently mediocre for this long without changing. This team is becoming the 1980s Washington Capitals. It must change.<br /> <br /><b>8) Seattle - </b>If the Skins do lose, it will be another case of wrong team, wrong time. Seattle's getting healthy with Hasslebeck and Deion Branch back in the lineup. Their defense is without Kerney for the rest of the year, but they still have a formidable pass rush, still have Lofa roaming the middle and still have Trufant as a shut down on Moss on the outside. Oh yeah, they play in our personal gey ben henom.<br /> <br /><b>9) Injuries -</b> Shawn Springs will be in the lineup today. Look for him playing as a safety in deep shell coverage with Landry blitzing more and Chris Horton watching from the sidelines. CP is a warrior and Betts will play too. Marcus Washington may have played his last game for the Skins. Anthony Montgomery should give the interior line some more depth today.<br /> <br /><b>10) Prediction - </b>After painting a black and white picture, the Skins leave us a lot more grey area after this one. They'll win. Barely. Another barn burner with limited points and ugly play on both sides. They'll get to 7-4, leaving us all wondering if it'll end up being 11-5 or 7-9. <b>Redskins 20 Seahawks 14.<br /> <br />HTTR<br /></b><b><br /></b></div>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-29690509280940995002008-11-16T15:32:00.002-05:002008-11-16T15:36:10.923-05:00Oy CP: Volume 3, Issue 12<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Potomac Warriors,<br /></div>Today's Skins Serv has a special guest bloggers: Yair Rozmaryn. Yair is one of the foremost Redskins experts on the 95 corridor. I assure all Skins Servers that you're in great hands this week.<br /><br />As for me, I plan to be back (badder than ever) next week. Just two quick points before I hand it over. 1) CP's injury is tragic. This guy was on an MVP-type roll and a grade 2 MCL Sprain is a major setback regardless of whether he suits up today. I'm totally depressed about this injury and you should be too. 2) Prediction. I got a hunch the Skins are gonna get spanked today. I think the defense has a hard time with all the Cowboys downfield stuff and the offense will be a no-show. <b>Cowboys 31 Redskins 14</b>.<br /><br />Now to Yair.<br /><b><br />HTTR<br /><br />------------------------------<wbr>----<br /></b><br /> Landover Legion,<br /> <br /> This week's Skins' Serv may vary a bit from the previous weeks, months, year's editions, but I assure you everything you read will be uncut, uncensorred, and most of all unbiased (read very biased). I would also like to thank Amitai Passover Rozmaryn for his DeAngelo Hall piece this week. Maybe his parents named him Passover b/c his opinions on the Skins' organization has passed over logic & rational thought to complete lunacy. I don't know, I wasnt at the naming at his bris. But what I do know is that Ami is part of the Optomistic Squad of Skins fans, which makes up about 1% of the Skins nation, while I lie in the 99% side that would like nothing more than to see Cerrato & Snyder on a spit. So in this segment, there will obviously be lots of Skins negativity but at the same time a few worthy notes to be somewhat optimistic. I would also like to mention that I was asked to write this piece at 11am with no internet for research, so if it sucks I dont really care. Hopefully it doesn't :).<br /> <br /> THE ISSUES:<br /> <br /> 1) The Monday Night Debacle:<br /> <br /> The Stadium / Fans - All week i've been reading Skins Post Columnists discuss the Steelers sellout at FedEx. Was it pathetic? Yes. Should we be embarressed? Yes. Should we kill ourselves? Maybe. But stop blaming the Skins FANS for the embarressment. Im looking at you Riggo. The Steelers are the #1 best traveled team in the NFL "<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/preview08/columns/story?id=3530077" target="_blank">http://sports.espn.go.com/<wbr>nfl/preview08/columns/story?<wbr>id=3530077</a>", and it doesn't help that they're only a 3 hour 45 minute drive from DC/MD either. Ever go to a Caps-Penguins game at Verizon? Its a 60/40 split at best. If this were RFK or in D.C, well...it would be much different. The fact is there are 90,000 seats at FedEx field and the 30,000 lower level seats are for the corporate cats that don't really care about this game or our team so they either gave their tickets away or sit quietly and sip wine. The real Skins fans are in the uppers and on their laz-e-boys. Don't blame the fans, blame Jack Kent Cooke for building that monstrosity in the middle of nowhere. Blame Daniel Snyder for seeing it as a way to please the fat cats and not the diehards. It's become more and more clear that Snyder doesnt give two poops about the Skins fans. He's more than happy to charge top $ for Skins merchandise, tickets, parking, tailgate club membership, merchandise, food, drinks, and more as long as he's making money and running the team the way he wants it run. I know what you're thinking. I mentioned merchandise twice. I know that, it was a gutsy move and im sticking with it. Anyway, the point is Snyder wants two things at any cost. Money and W's. Regardless, this is the owner of our team, so we live with his maniacal, napoleon, disrespectful, foolish, kiniving, ruthless, and greedy ways, and love our team regardless.<br /> <br /> The Game Itself - We all knew going into the Steelers MNF game that it would be a physical, no-nonesense affair that we'd be happy to come out of alive and healthy, whether or not the W came with it. What we didn't expect was the embarressment that ensued for 4 hours in front of the national TV audience. In front of a 70,000 terrible towels, the Skins put on their worst performance since the Giant game in week one. I know what you're thinking, "but Ironhead, what about the Rams game??". No, this was far worse than the Rams game. The Rams game was more disappointing than anything else, but not embarressing. Boneheaded plays cost us that game but the possession and total yards was a one-sided affair in favor of the Skins. We feared this Steelers game may expose what many of us had a hunch about all along. This is a 9-7 team that has been overacheiving this entire year b/c of an overall downyear in the NFL. If you want to get a real guage for this team, it's somewhere b/w the 05' Skins team the last 5 weeks of the year, and the Skins team that faced the Pats in Foxboro last season. Who knows what we'll get week to week in terms of W's and L's but what is for sure is that the problems are more noticable than my receding hairline.<br /> <br /> The Issues - Depth at WR - This is by far the biggest issue right now. Santana Moss is an all-world talent, but behind him there's nothing. To quote Boomin' with the Jdawg, "there's more garbage there than you can fit into a can". I've heard every excuse as to why ARE is underperforming this season from the playbook to where he lines up on the field, but the bottom line is, he's not getting it done. He gets no seperation at the line of scrimmage, he's no longer fast enough to beat his guy in man-to-man coverage, and he's scared to go across the middle and get hit. If you're scared to get hit, sit down rando. James Trash is just that, and behind them are the rookies, which brings me to my next gripe. The rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.<br /> <br /> The Rookie WR's - After watching the Eagles / Giants game on Sunday night I am officially pissed off. I was thinking about this long and hard and I just can't get past it. DeSean Jackson is a flat out stud. Im not saying that we could have possibly known that Jackson thus far would be far superior to Thomas, but at the very least with our aging squad, wouldnt the team elect to pick a player that is the most "NFL Ready?" (most scouts compared him to Santana Moss, are we not happy with Santana?!?!) . DeSean Jackson had an excellent 3 years at Cal and was considered one of the most (if not the most) explosive playmaker in the country. On the other hand, Thomas played 1 full year of Division I Big 6 collegiate football, and while he played exceptionally well, was clearly a very raw prospect. Even if Thomas ends up being a stud, he's still not the player we needed to win with our current squad. If we had the depth at WR that the Giants do, and then we were debating b/w Jackson or Thomas, this would make sense. But we weren't and for the last 4 years we've been searching for a 2nd receiver that can help us NOW. Maybe we thought we had that player in Malcolm Kelly, but if other teams saw the big red flag with his knee, than why couldnt the Skins? DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal, Donnie Avery, Josh Morgan, the list goes on. JLC told me this week that the reason Snyder wanted Thomas was b/c he is represented by Drew Rosenhaus and as we all know they are b-f-f-a-e. This just makes no sense and makes me so angry. If nobody else has realized this we are a DeSean Jackson away from being a serious super bowl contender. He would have been a perfect #2 receiver and an excellent punt returner. Damnit!!<br /> <br /> Tryon / Torrence - A big deal has been made over Leigh Torrence's release last week to make room for DeAngelo Hall. I'm not going to discuss DeAngelo Hall with you right now, but I will say this. Leigh Torrance was a liability. He was a liability with his mouth and he was a liability in his defensive coverage. What he wasnt a liability with was his special teams work. From JLC on Friday...<br /> <br /> "Jim Zorn spoke today about how difficult it was for special teams coach Danny Smith to waive corner Leigh Torrence last week, and said the team realizes what a daunting task it will be to replace him there. In the end, it's likely to take multiple players to supply what Torrence, claimed by New Orleans on waivers, gave the team. Smith addressed special teams players about Torrence's departure at a meeting Monday, players said, with everyone in the room realizing that it was a significant blow. He told the players that rookie corner Justin Tryon and rookie wide receiver Devin Thomas are likely going to have to assume more duties now."<br /> <br /> Umm...then why did they let him go? It will take "multiple players to replace him?" "significant blow". This wasnt an injury, they cut him! Justin Tryon isn't exactly a first-round pick playing poorly. He's a later round pick, that has been seen twice so far. In the pre-season getting burned over and over and running into Randle-El on a punt return in the Rams game. That's it. What exactly are we clinging onto? I understand, Tryon is a rook so maybe we should give him a few more strikes. So than why not cut Jason Fabini? He doesnt add "depth" hes just another body that can be replaced with no dropoff by Wade, Lorenzo Alexander, Heyer....etc etc. I dont get it.<br /> <br /> The O-line - I'd like to thank Jon Jansen for bringing to my attention that while some o-lineman are excellent run blockers they may also be at the same time horrible in pass protection. I really never knew that. I thought maybe one is sometimes stronger than the other, but I didnt know that the discrepency could be that big. With CP hobbling 1/2 the game last week and Zorn deciding in the 2nd quarter to abandon the run, the Skins offense stalled. This is very concerning and a possible re-occuring theme for the remainder of the season. With Samuels at 70%, Jansen's inability to pass protect, and Heyer's inability to run block, we could be looking at a lesser version of last year's o-line mess. Heck, while Kendall's been great in in-game action, he cant even make it on the practice field any week to work with the team. With a hurting CP now, we could be looking at the mess magnified 10 fold. For all the hype after the draft about Chad Rinehart's smooth transition to the similar blocking scheme the Skins use, where is the news/notes on his progress? There is none and that's why the ol fart backups are still around. The O-Line is the oldest part of the team and as the season wears on will likely wear down at a much faster rate than any other position, which is a huge problem in the later part of the year against great D-Line's with Dallas, Philly, the Giants, and the Ravens still ahead. This is a situation that should be closely watched in the remaining weeks and it will be interesting to see what adjustments Buges can make.<br /> <br /> The Defense - With all the turmoil on offense, isn't it such a warm and fuzzy feeling having such a potentially great defense? I truely believe we have the potential to be the 2006 Chicago Bears. If Hall is all that and a big of cheddar cheese & onion baked lays chips than we may have the most dominant defense in the league. Of course getting to the QB may be an issue, but who knows...if Carter can right his season and Taylor / Evans can step up, this D could be top 3. I wanted to give Evans a big yashar ko'ach for his performance monday night vs. the Steelers. Thank you for being the only player that came to play. Back to the secondary. Nobody in the league has a better secondary. Landry, Horton, Spring, Rogers, Hall, and Smoot. Wow. The talent and depth are there and there's no reason to think that it wont be for the rest of the year, and years to come. Aside from Springs, only Smoot is over 25 years old and he's still a young buck. If Rogers could catch a ball, it makes you wonder what this team's record would be...7-2? 8-1? I dont know but a good amount better. Lets hope this defense carries us the same way the Ravens and Bears defense carried them to the super bowl in 2000 & 2006. Amen.<br /><br /><br /><br /> DeAngelo Hall - Ok. So it's looking like September's promise of a ball hawking defense hasn't exactly panned out. Our secondary's exciting 5 picks in the first 4 games has turned into a depressing 5 picks in 9 games. The Redskins are in dire need to start creating short fields for the offense. To this end the front office picked up newly available CB Deangelo Hall. Not too confident about the prospects of bringing in the Raiders' garbage to enhance our secondary? Here's some stats. Since Hall's second year in '05 he would have lead the Skins in INTs every year. In that same time period he caught more balls than all Redskin's CBs combined. He'll get picks. And maybe he'll give Carlos some tips while he's there. Hall brings some baggage along with his hands. He reportedly didn't get along with the ownership and coaching staff in Oakland which, along with his hefty salary, precipitated his release (same as in Altlanta). The Redskins are gambling that Hall will reward them with the turnovers they so desperately need without tearing apart the locker room. That's is pretty much all they risk as they signed him for the year for dirt cheap and have the personnel to play him mostly when they need to. Plus, he knows how to get under TO's skin, which is always a good start.<br /><br /> <br /> Onto the Cowboys:<br /> Even with the recent mess in Big D, the Cowboys are still a very dangerous team that is all of a sudden healthy and rested. This is a very scary game. At 5-4 and 3rd in the NFC East, Dallas knows tonight's game is a must-win. With Romo's idi-widdy-pinkie feeling a bit better, Felix Jones back from injury, Terrance Newman back, and 1 week of rest, the Dallas team looks as daunting as it did in week 5. Then again, we won week 5. Logic in this situation suggests that since the Redskins have a better record, beat Dallas in Dallas, are playing the a Cowboys team worse than the one they beat, and are at home where we havent lost to Dallas since 2004, we should win. The Redskins should be fine then, right? Maybe...but most likely, Maybe not. I know, you know, vegas knows, my booba knows, and the Skins know that this Cowboys team will be ready to play tonight and if the Skins dont bring their A-game this will look more like the Steelers game monday night the the game back in Big D.<br /> <br /> The Defensive Gameplan - Stopping Romo - The Redskins know Marion Barber well. He's a tough physical runner that makes great cuts and cant beat you coming out of the backfield as a receiver. But Marion Barber hasnt hurt them, and shouldnt hurt them in this game either. No team in the league has stuffed Barber the way the Skins have in the last 2 years. For whatever reason, we own the dude. We have excellent run stopping DT's in Gholston, Griffin, and Montgomery, with Evans shielding the edge. The player of concern is Tony Romo. Dallas averaged 29.2 points with Romo at quarterback, but scored 14, 13 and 14 in the three games he missed. Exclusing Romo's last trip to FedEx where he played 1 half of the game in week 17 with no T.O., Romo has thrown for almost 600 yards with 7 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in 2 games. He's a nightmare to handle as he makes excellent decisions, crisp accurate throws, and he's very unpredictable. The Redskins D needs to try and do much of what the did to somewhat contain him last game. Show him alot of different formations and packages and try to throw him off guard. Send the safeties all over the field and use the linebackers to disguise it. Last game it worked very well, with Horton coming up with a big pick, and lots of important defensive stops by Fletcher. What the Skins can't do at any point is play a prevent defense. This killed them on 2 possessions last game against Dallas, one before the half, and the other mid-4th quarter, both of which resulted in long-sustained touchdown drives for dallas. The pressure will be on the D-Line to get to Romo to try and force him into hurried throws. He's not easily rattled so a few hard shots could set the tone early.<br /> <br /> The Offensive Gameplan - Move the ball any way possible. Dallas is 18th in the League against the run and 11th in the league against the pass. I still believe the way to beat this team is to control the clock, run the ball, and let the defense make a few plays, even though the who task is daunting without the services of 26. Thats the way we've been successful so far, lets stick with that. The Offense is going to need to free up bigger holes than usual as Betts isnt the player CP is, but seems to run well between the tackles. Control of the line of scrimmage will give us a big advantage in Time of Possession. The Top 5 teams in time of possession this season are the Titans, Giants, Cardinals, Redskins, and Steelers. It's no wonder all of those teams are 6-3 or better. Betts and Alexander will be asked to do more than they can imagine both running and blocking, so lets pray they are up to the task. As for the passing game, Santana has been eating up Dallas D ever since he put on a Skins uni. Doesn't matter who the QB has been, Brunell, Collins, Campbell, doesnt matter if there was double coverage with a safety over top, Santana has killed Dallas. If Santana can continue to beat the Dallas double-team, and Cooley (who has also played nicely vs. Dallas) can get on track early, the run lanes should open up and the Skins could be in business. Neutralizing DeMarcus Ware will be this offense's main priority. If Samuels can contain Ware, this offense should roll. If not, he could be in for a 3-4 sack day and Snyder may think twice about Campbell's potentially big payday ahead.<br /> <br /> Active's & InActive's - Portis probably limited but Active. Griffin in. Santana in. Taylor probably active but limited. Springs in for the 1st, out in the 2nd, in for a series in the 3rd, out in the 4th. Montgomery out. The Skins have an amazing 16 players on their injury report out of their 53 man roster. Yikes.<br /> <br /> The outcome - I think this game gets nasty. Jerry Jones said the Cowboys will make the playoffs. Must-win for both teams. Physically tough game in freezing cold weather. Skins pass the ball a bit better, Randle-El has a nice game, and Betts is serviceable. Betts has a costly fumble which leads to Dallas points, but in the endRomo beats them with a big play down the field to Roy Williams, which sets up a death blow via the right leg of Nick Folk.<br /> <br /> Dallas 16 Redskins 13.<br /> <br /> Hopefully im wrong in my first and likely only Skins Serv prediction.<br /> <br /> HTTR,<br /> <br /> JDR<b><br /></b>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-19671172018070863472008-11-02T23:36:00.000-05:002008-11-02T23:37:26.126-05:00Crawling to the Bye: Volume 3, Issue 11<div style="text-align: left;">Braves,<br /></div>Let me just throw this out there. If you like it, great. If not, you can throw it right back at me. Tomorrow night's game versus the Steelers is a nightmare waiting to happen. The only saving grace for you Skins Servers is that I firmly believe the Black and Gold are going to give us an ole' fashion spanking, and usually whatever I think is wrong - which means the Skins have a fighting chance.<br /><br />First and most importantly, I believe the Skins players and coaches want no part of this game right now. If you read between the lines are guys are basically saying this: they're tired, they're hurting and they can't wait for the bye week to rescue them from the longest stretch of games of any team in the NFL. Is that really something you want to be hearing from a team that is going on national television tomorrow night in a marquee NFL match up? And what's worse is that they happen to be playing the most physical, bone crushing team in the league.<br /><br />While the Redskins seem to be crippling physically, the Steelers are starting to get stronger (they get Parker and Holmes back this week). And don't think I fault the Skins players and coaches for saying what they're saying. They are tired and beat up. If you run the numbers, except for the teams on bye next week (and the Colts), the Skins have played a full two more games than everyone else in the league. That's crazy. These guys have been playing every week since August 1. That will be 14 straight games as of tomorrow night - remember, they played 5 in the preseason. The Skins are hurting and desperately seeking the week off. Problem is they're gonna have to play an angry, physical football team tomorrow night who are desperate for the win. I don't think the Skins want any part of it. I think in the back of a lot of their heads they want to get through the game healthy and are happy going into the bye at 6-3. I know this sounds outlandish and baseless but I really believe this is the sentiment around Ashburn. That is scary - if the Skins duck out tomorrow night and play for 6-3, it'll get ugly quick.<br /><br />And we haven't even gotten to matchups and actual injuries yet.<br /><br />Even if the Skins were playing the Steelers at full strength in Week 5, I wouldn't like this game. Two main reasons. The teams that have the most success against the Steelers are able to get at Big Ben, while the Steelers are a team that can shut the run down no matter who they play. For the Redskins, this presents a terrible matchup. They can't get a hand on a QB no matter what offensive line they play, and I'm not sure how the offense can produce if the Steelers front seven can contain Portis.<br /><br />First the pass rush - it doesn't exist. Somehow the Skins have gotten away with it thus far, but being in the bottom five in the league in sacks and turnovers forced (a direct correlation to sacks) will come back to bite you. They cannot be an elite NFL team letting QBs sit in the pocket and pick them apart. Especially a QB like Big Ben who has shown how capable he is when given time. Rothlesberger was mauled in his games against Philly and the Giants (something like 15 sacks combine) - but I just don't see the Skins front four being able to distrupt him like that - no matter how bad the Steelers o-line might be. Jason Taylor isn't in my dog house yet because he's been playing through injury and I do think the Skins pass rush will get a boost with Taylor out of the lineup this week - still though, a three headed monster of Demetric Evans, Erasmus James and Chris Wilson doesn't exactly put fear in an o-line. Somehow Greg Blacke is going to have to scheme the heck out of this one and figure out a way to get at the QB - if it means blitzing corners, safeties or LBs, the Skins will have to do something to make up for a pathetic pass rush.<br /><br />Second - Portis or bust. Despite being 6-2, I can't help but be sad over just how plain our offense is. I know the Skins move the ball and I know they control the clock, but none of that matters if they can't score. Not reaching the 3 TD plateau over the last 5 weeks is pathetic. It wasn't like the Skins were playing good defenses either. This team has no second receiving threat, they have no red zone receiving threat and now, with a hobbled Santana Moss, defenses can utilize all their resources to stop the run. So if Portis gets bottled up, Santana isn't a viable option (or doesn't end up playing), how the heck are the Skins supposed to move the ball, let alone score? Somebody's going to have to step up a be a threat. ARE has been decent, but he doesn't strike fear in a defense. James Thrash could fill in for Moss tomorrow night - you think the Steelers are going to allocate more than one defender to contain him? I love CP and I love what our o-line's been able to do this year, I just don't think they'll be able to be as effective when the Steelers (a super-fast defense to begin with), put all their energy into stopping 2-6. With James Thrash/Santana Bad Hammy on one side and ARE on the other, why not hone in on CP.<br /><br />Oy. A little about Santana. Right now he's questionable to play and hasn't run side to side or cut on his hammy yet. What that tells me is that either he doesn't play, and even if he does, he'll be thinking about it. Let me remind you of a similar Santana situation last year when he was questionable with pretty much the exact same injury against GB. 'Tana was awful - he dropped at least three big balls and had a fumble that led to the game winning TD for the bad guys. 'Tana's great, but when he's unhealthy he is a liability. I don't even know what I'd rather have tomorrow: him play with the hammy lurking or him not play at all. Either way, it makes things a whole lot easier for Pittsburgh.<br /><br />Quick point of re-emphasis. Every time I've been this down on the Skins this year they have disproved me. I hope they come out and do it again tomorrow.<br /><br />This Chris Samuels knee thing isn't going a way for a while either. Poor guy is practicing in a lot of pain and is going to have surgery to repair some messed up cartilage. How long he can play through this and when he'll need to go under the knife is unclear, but as of yesterday evening he went from a sure active to a very questionable. In case you didn't notice, we need him badly. Stephon Heyer was awful in replacing Samuels last week - he didn't look comfortable and was consistently being beaten around the corner. Can Heyer go from being schooled by a weak Detroit pass rush to stopping Harrison, Farrior and co.? I don't see it.<br /><br />And while I'm tearing up the Skins, let me just get a few more body blows in there. The Skins offense is killing me. I can't put my finger on it, but something isn't right. Maybe Zorn's gone conservative. Maybe he doesn't trust Campbell to take chances. Maybe there's nobody to catch the ball. I don't freaking know. All I do know is that this offense can't score, doesn't make big plays and relies way to heavily on big CP runs and TE screens. As I said before, they got away with it because they've played some god awful teams of recent. It ain't going to work with the likes of Pittsburgh and Dallas coming to town.<br /><br />OK. Saving Graces. I think Zorn and staff know that this 6-2 team isn't as good as their record indicates. They're not satisfied and only getting hungrier. To add to that, somehow this team is 6-2 and still hasn't played their best football this year. There is so much room for improvement on both sides of the ball. A pass rush, some rookie WRs, some turnovers and this team could be hoppin.<br /><br />For now, they're all CP all the time and not much else. With a hungry steel curtain coming to town and with a hobbled Moss and Samuels potentially not available, it might get ugly. I am always wrong though.<br /><br /> Rest Up,<br />Scott<br /><br />---------------------<br /><br /><b>Failed to Mentions<br /><br />1) Campbell -</b> I probably don't give this guy enough credit. He's been solid, hasn't thrown a pick in years and finds the open guy. I still think if the Skins are going to take it to the next level, Campbell's going to have to do more. How often do you see him splitting the corner and the safety? Zorn plays it safe with the play calling, Campbell plays it safe with his choice in throws. It makes for a great offense between the 20's, but it doesn't give us anything on the scoreboard. JC's gotta start opening up more.<br /><br /><b>2) Rookies - </b>Everyone knows I hate them. I do. Rookies are good for carrying bags and being torn up on blogs. That being said, we need Devin Thomas to wake up NOW. If Tana doesn't play tomorrow, he'll be on the field a ton and will have to give this team something. Catch a deep one, break some tackles - anything to keep the defense honest and believing the Skins will throw the ball.<br /><br /><b>3) Steelers Offense/Skins Defense -</b> I think Pittsburgh's offense will get 17-20. They're a pretty underachieving unit plagued by terrible line play, but still have the ability to pound it out on the ground. The Steelers will get Willie Parker back and he could give the Skins fits as all small, shifty backs do. I also think the Steelers will try to test our secondary deep with Holmes and Washington, and Heinz Ward is a tough matchup for any DB. Don't forget, though, that despite a lousy pass rush, the Skins are a top-7 defensive unit that doesn't let up a lot of points. I think the Steelers will struggle moving the ball at times, but will be able to pick spots where the Skins are vulnerable.<br /><br /><b>4) 3-4? </b>This game will be determined by the Skins success running on this 3-4 defense. Remember, CP and co. have torn two 3-4 teams to bits already on the ground (Dallas and Cleveland), but I think Pitt's personnel is much better suited to stop us than those two teams. The Steelers LB's can cover more field than the both the aforementioned teams and they have Troy Palomalou - probably the best run stopping safety in the league. If the quicker Steelers defense can break through the Skins zone running schemes, Portis will get caught in the backfield a lot. If, on the other hand, the Skins o-line is able to control their zones and find all pursuers, maybe CP will have the lanes he did in the Cleveland and Dallas game. I'm not sold he will.<br /><br /><b>5) Blitsburgh - </b>I've focused a lot on the the Steelers run-stopping ability, but don't forget that his team gets after the QB. Jason Campbell is going to see blitzers from all over the place. Corners, safeties, LBs, waterboys. It is my hope that the o-line and Campbell can call the right protections, identify the blitzers and give JC a chance to throw the ball. If not, Campbell will be under the gun and forced into making bad throws. My hope is that the Skins combat the blitz as well as they did against another blitz-heavy team, the Eagles. It will be tough though as Pittsburgh will send anyone, anytime and because Heyer is just not game-tested yet. The Skins do have the advantage of CP picking up blitzers, but he can't fend off two guys alone. Another great way to combat the blitz is setting up the screen (which the Skins do well) and taking shots downfield. I hope they're able to do both, thus forcing the Steelers to play off the line of scrimmage more.<br /><br /><b>6) Blitzington -</b> Greg Blache has been very conservative about getting after QBs. He can't be tomorrow. Teams beat the Steelers by getting in Ben's face and making him throw picks. Look for Blache to start throwing more people at him too.<br /><br /><b>7) Injuries -</b> Regardless of whether Santana plays, assume he won't be the Santana were used to having. The dude isn't the same with a bad hammy. Samuels is in a lot of pain and if I had to bet, I think he misses another. Springs will miss another one - as will Kelly. I think the Skins will have Griff back and will have Carlos and Smootsie getting close to 100%. Beware of one more injury: LaRon Landry. He too has been bothered by a hammy and has missed a lot of practice. I wouldn't be shocked if he's inactive.<br /><br /><b>8) Prediction - </b>Late byes are good in that they make a team fresher later in the year. I still think that this one comes one week too late. The Skins are dying for a break, and again, playing the most physical team in football is a daunting task for anyone - especially one that is so banged up. Like our beloved owner says, its all about who is more physical. I give the edge to the Steelers tomorrow in the physical department and that's why I'm gonna take em.<br /> <b>Steelers 17 Redskins 7<br /><br />HTTR</b>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-21584971160903460562008-10-24T14:30:00.000-04:002008-10-24T14:31:21.952-04:00Trap? This Ain't No Trap: Volume 3, Issue 10<div style="text-align: left;">Doodie Browns,<br /></div> For those of you who've been on me about the late Servs, here's a little Friday special for you. Should be some nice Shabbos Dinner reading for you and your family (I might even throw in a Dvar Torah so you can kill two birds).<br /><br />A couple interesting points of note.<br />1) The Skins beat the Brown. Yessur!!! Demons exorcised (lata demons). Don't care how ugly the looked doing it - they got the job done. Braylon Edwards, the Browns so-called Super Star receiver, who openly questioned whether the Skins deserved their playoff spot last year and insinuated that the Browns were a better team, can kiss our collective butts. Braylon Edwards might have the worst hands I have ever scene and he looked scared to catch anything in and around Redskins players. See you in 4 years Brownies, you guys stink.<br />2) Remember last weeks bit about running on the field? Well two Skins Servers took it to heart. I'll say, I was very impressed with their strategy. Redskins security was not prepared for a two-pronged attack. Both guys were looking pretty good until one got a beat down on the sidelines and one got whipped by Randle El (ARE's first good special teams play of the season). Credit the drunkards for their imagination.<br />3) Clinton Portis. Clinton Portis. Clinton Portis. The guys is the NFL's darling. Its like a dream come true. Its like every writer in America became Troy Aikman (or me) and realized that Dolla Bill is elite, special, dare I say, Most Valuable. CP got 5,10, 15 and 20 yard chunks last week like they were free with 4 UPC's from the top of Cocoa Puffs. Some folks have been critical of CP for not turning the 20 yarders into 60 yard dingers. Relax - they'll come. This is the first time he's run with so much room since he's been here. He'll start looking for the hanging sliders and hit em' out. I promise.<br />4) This isn't a trap game. I know people are nervous about this one: the Lions are hungry and winless, so the Skins will take em lightly. Not so much. The Skins had their hiccup against the Rams and are too mature of a team to let down again. And, more importantly, this Lions team might be as bad is it gets ever. There's no Marc Bulger, no Stephen Jackson. Its pretty much 20 shabb footballers, Calvin Johnson and Ernie Sims. Two guys aren't going to beat the Skins. The Lions can't pass, run and stop either on defense. They are constantly playing from behind and give up the worst numbers in the league to opposing RBs and QBs. This means the Skins will pound it on the ground - one 15-20 yard gain at a time - and then will utilize the middle of the field with the passing game. The Skins pass rush will actually get to Aaaron Orlovsky - who'll have plenty of time to think about his next real-estate transaction after being thrown to the ground by Andre Carter and Jason Taylor. And don't worry about Calvin Johnson - according to JLC, all his numbers come in Garbage Time - Carlos will have him on lock down when it counts. If you're a gambling man, bet heavy on the Skins. They'll cover the 7.5 - I think its way too low a line, considering how good the Skins defense has been and how bad the Lions are.<br /><br />I've really gotten off to an unusual Skins Serv start here. Formatting is all hoekie. My apologizes.<br /><br />5) My nephew has a blog. Its a must read for any sports enthusiast. The kid's the Damon Bailey of bloggers. <a href="http://jdawgsports.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://jdawgsports.blogspot.<wbr>com</a>.<br /><br />Kol Tuv,<br />Scooter<br /><br />------------------<br /><br />1)<b> Get Healthy or Die -<br /></b>So even though I've already tipped my hand about my very optimistic prediction for this week, let me say this: the Skins offense has been pathetic and if it doesn't start showing signs of improvement, they'll figure out a way to not make the playoffs. Explain to me how you can have a prolific running attack and get nothing through the air? I don't care what the Skins tell you - they're run heavy, blah blah blah - something is very wrong still with the passing offense. Portis is getting 25 carries and 120 plus yards a game - you're telling me defenses aren't keying on the run? It's a miracle that this o-line is still tearing up holes with Portis getting so much of the attention. So if this is the case, then why the heck can't the throw it down field and score some points? The Big Ole' Elephant in the room exists and its ugly - either the Redskins receiving corps is just terrible (not unlikely) or Jason Campbell still can't consistently find people down the field. I don't want to hear about Zorn going conservative last week after JC tweaked the groin - this passing offense hasn't had any legs since mid way through the Dallas game. Couple things have to change. 1) Campbell's gonna have to take chances (JC gets credit for not throwing INTs, have you ever considered the fact that maybe he doesn't throw picks because he refuses to ever take a chance on the Skins first reads before going to the safe check down?). He's been very efficient, but he's gonna have to start throwing for more yards and start taking some chances if this offense is going to go to the next level. If not, it will continue to stagnate. 2) Devin Thomas is going to have to get a brain (he can have mine - seriously, I'd pull the switch for the sake of the Lombardi trophy). The Skins need this guy so bad. ARE is not a number two receiver - he's a slot/third receiver. Chris Cooley isn't a number two receiver - he's a good pass-catching tight end. The Skins need a good number two to compliment Moss now. No way around it. If Thomas can make strides and pose a threat on the opposite side, defenses will have trouble adjusting. Put the safety in the box? Shade Moss? Drop back in a cover-two? Until that happens, defenses can keep an eye on Moss and continue focusing on CP. Winning scoring 14 is just not a motha flippin option if you want to be a con-ten-duh.<br /><br /><b>2) Fletcher/Rogers in 08' - A secure national defense -<br /></b>These two guys have been insane. It is a distinct possibility that the Skins could have the offensive and defensive MVPs of the league (CP and London) and have the NFL comeback player of the year ('Los). Flashback to the Brownies first goal line stand. London, a product of C-Town's John Carroll Uni, made three of the four goal line plays. The first one, a Lavar Leap, took down Jamal Lewis like a Jackhammer into the ground (I personally was schepping nachas). The second one, broke up a play action fake to the TE (Heiden) and the third, as I recall, was breaking up a screen to the weak side. The guy was everywhere. Not sure how he is getting faster and covering more ground as he gets older. Roids? And how about Carlos? The guys coming back from ACL and MCL. And it wasn't like he was particularly good before he got hurt. All of a sudden, he's catapulted into a top-10 cornerback in the entire league. The Skins secondary is without Shawn Springs and they aren't missing a beat. Carlos shut down Braylon in man coverage, he shut down Tory Holt in man coverage and was great swallowing up the Eagles WRs the week before that. I don't know what opposing QBs will do once Springs is healthy. There's no where to throw the ball.<br /><br /><b>3) Smoooooot -</b> Fred Smoot's also got a bad groin (still lingering effects from the Viking Boat incident three years ago), yet even without practicing a lick last week went out and gave the Skins a solid performance (I think Smoot might be the second best tackler on the team behind Fletcher). Smoot had no plans to play but once Springs went out he had no option. Talk about putting it on the line for the team. Love that guy.<br /><br /><b>4) Great Portis Stat -</b> More on CP. Why not. I was in the trenches with him in the hard times, I gotta revel some more in this. According to the Elias Sports Bureau (JLC), if CP breaks 120 this week, he'll be the second RB in NFL history (good yichus - the other one is Juice) to rush for 120+ yards in five straight games twice in a career. BTW's - I was so very close to my 200 yard prediction. CP finished with a buck seven five. But he lost 15 on a Mike Sellers hold and probably another 20 because of the late-game fumble. Dude could have pushed 230 probably. Also, if CP keeps running like this, Sellers will get his Pro Bowl birth too.<br /><br /><b>5) Saadman 4 Pro Bowl -</b> I'd really like to go to the Pro Bowl this year. I've been a fan alternate the past couple of years but think I deserve the nod this year. The work I've put into the Serv (with being in school) plus the tailgates I've banged out despite mid-terms and finals. I gotta be with CP in Honolulu. Call your Congressmen, email Roger Goodell, write in my name in the Pro Bowl ballot.<br /><br /><b>6) Injuries - </b>No Springs (probably out till Dallas). No Kelly (he's going to IR probably). No Griff (Golston's been amazing and I think Montgomery could fill the void). Smoot's groin will go, Carlos is fine, CP is still nursing the hip but will get his 25, and JC's groin should be fine too. Marcus Washington is finally fully healthy and starting to show signs of 04 (poo poo poo).<br /><br /><b>7) Prediction - </b>Lions are 27 in total offense and 32 in total defense. Nothing else you need to know. CP finally hits the homer (410 to deep center). Devin Thomas scores too. Why not? <b>Redskins 32 Lions 14</b><br /><br />HTTRSaadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-39804054142475856702008-10-19T03:16:00.003-04:002008-10-19T03:18:16.931-04:00That's More Like It: Volume 3, Issue 9<div dir="ltr"><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Ram Rods,<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hate making this blog all about me. As a pseudo sports journalist and life-long sports enthusiast, I have learned to loathe those folks in the media who make their craft all about themselves while losing sight of the sport that they're being paid to report on. Those who are most guilty of this charge are Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Tony Kornheiser and Greg Gumbel (to name four DB's). With that being said, I'd be failing all three of my readers if I didn't mention my awful prediction record this year and in years past. For those who haven't done the math, I'm a whopping 1-5 this year in predicting Skins games, and if it were not for a miraculous throw from JC to Tana in week 2, I'd be 0-6. Not surprisingly, my personal 1-5 number is exactly where I would have the Skins right now according to my weekly picks (in my preseason predictions, I had them at 2-4 - not much better). Point is, I'm really starting to believe I might have some prophetic tendencies - more specifically, I might be a reverse prophet. Whatever I say, the exact opposite happens.<br /><br />Certain Skin Serv readers caught onto this phenomenon quite early, in fact, I have been threatened to get my bum kicked by a unnamed reader (who lives in Israel) if I don't stop predicting Redskins victories. So what should I do? Keep going with my gut and giving you all a chance to make great money on money-line bets (its like shorting a stock)? Or should I start preempting my gut and go with my naturally opposite thought line (like George Costanza)? And what if I guess? Is it really fair that I get blamed for the loss? I guessed!<br /><br />I think I'm gonna just keep truckin' - I'll get his thing turned around. You guys want to start betting against me, that's your prerogative. One day - yes, one day - it might bite ya in the butt (it could be a while).<br /><br />I also wanted to give another shout out to myself for making the season's first chili. Another yom tov, of sorts. Rosh Hashanah shel Chili - one last chance to get the all the Al-cheyts in for finishing off your families supply of Tums, not courtesy flushing, and for dutch ovening your wife on winter Sunday evenings.<br /><br />And back to what really counts - the big one at 4:15 (CBS, national TV). Btw - those of you watching it in DC could have the beginning of the game blacked out because of the Ravens. Unreal right? The entire country gets to watch the Skins while DCers are stuck watching Keanu Reaves led the Baltimore Sentinels. ! I might hate the Ravens more than I do the Cowboys - can't wait to purge those purple pansy poets on December 6th.<br /><br />This is a huge game. For the Skins, for me, for all Skins Servers. For various reasons that I only get into with Dr. Epstein, I've had this mamma-jamma circled on my schedule for about 3 years now. If there was ever a chance that I run on the field in the middle of a play in order to alter the outcome, it might be this game.<br /><br />Speaking of which - I saw Leigh Torrence blow that play well before he actually did. While I found that ball in mid-air from my seat in the 7th row, Torrence was still checking out the out of town scoreboard (or maybe the cheerleader just inside the 17 yard line, Ashley, is it? She sure looked good). In hindsight, there was no reason that I personally didn't make a play on the ball (Bulger hung it up forever). The officials, the NFL, Fed Ex Security - they can't do anything about a fan breaking up a play. It isn't challengable. I see the ball, run on the field, make the play, no challenge, 4th down, I get arrested, and I am a living hero in this city forever. My closing speed is awesome right now - I could have made the play. My bad.<br /><br />Back to my point. Last week the Skins did what they've done every year since 1991 - let us all down. This had Raiders in 05', Titans in '06 and Bills in 07' written all over it. To be honest, besides the collective shart in week 1, this was the most Redskins-like thing the Redskins have done all year. I didn't cry after the game, there was no Monday hangover; as a matter of fact, it felt just right. After five weeks of mental insecurity, I finally felt comfortable again as a Skins fan. How sad is that?<br /><br />And now, with us and the rest of the nation just as unsure of this team as we were a month ago, the Skins have a chance to go out and make a big statement. Yes the Browns are sub-.500 and yes they've looked like a Pop Warner team at times this year, but just six days ago they looked like one of the best teams in the NFL. The Redskins have a chance to cut off the Browns momentum and calm my fears that the Mistakes might actually be good this year. Besides restoring reality to the NFL, this is also a big game because the Skins cannot afford to give another game back to the division, they cannot afford to lose another game at home, and they cannot afford to effectively squander everything they did in September. A loss would be tragic - seriously. Even without my personal need to catheterize Cleveland, the Skins need this game if they seriously want to vie for the division. The Skins win tomorrow, they got as good a chance as anyone to win this thing, but if they lose, just like '05 and '07, it'll be a four month struggle for the wild card spot. The difference between 5-2 and 4-3 is gigantic (especially before the Detroit game - a team we haven't lost to since the Harrison administration).<br /><br />And with that official "must win" call, please don't forget that I need this one. It's another four years until we get a chance to beat these clowns again.<br /><br />Kol Tuv,<br />Saadman<br /><br />----------------------------<br /><br /><b>1) Run along the Edges</b> - I'd like to take a moment to let everyone know that before this season I decided that I would put 10 dollars away after every Skins game (even I can save money) so that at the end of the year I could buy myself a Clinton Portis pro bowl jersey (knock on wood, poo poo pooo). Even though I have forgotten to actually put the money aside, Kid Bro Sweets hasn't forgotten his end of the deal. Dude is breaking tackles, hitting holes and going from zero to twenty faster than I've seen from him in five years. I'm in heaven watching this guy right now. Tomorrow, just like in the 4th quarter last Sunday, Coach Jenky Spanky is going to have to carry this team. The Browns have a solid front led by nose tackle Shaun Rogers. In order to wear this unit down, the Skins are going to have to get those fat Brown defenders moving laterally. The Skins will do this by running CP off tackle behind Samuels and Jansen while being led by Mike Sellers. The Skins might get stuffed early, but if they stay patient and keep pounding the rock, the Browns line will fade and CP will net some big numbers in the second half. I'm gonna go out on the line and say Portis could go for his first 200 yard game of his Skins career tomorrow (if he goes for negative 200, I'm sorry in advance).<br /><br /><b>2) Secondary Concerns -</b> CP is also crucial because a good running attack keeps the Browns offense off the field. This Browns unit, which has looked awful early on, came alive Monday night. Unfortunately, the Skins might not have the personnel to match up with them right now. All three Skins corners are nursing injuries and it looks like Carlos Rogers will probably have to play hurt against Braylon Edwards, while our favorite Leigh Torrence (featured in SI's Who's Not) will get assigned to Dante Stallworth. The Skins secondary will also have to be accountable for Kellen Winslow - who will play tomorrow despite enlarged testicles (what do I write to make that any funnier than it already is? OK - ping pong sized? baseballs? basketballs? medicine balls?). Look for Chris Horton to draw the Winslow match-up. The Skins have been great stymieing good arial attacks (Cowboys, Cards, Saints) but that was with a full boat of healthy players. Who knows how Carlos will be and what Smoot can give them tomorrow as the Nickel. Justin Tryon, a key component of this year's draft class (insert laughter here) might get on the field tomorrow - a scary thought considering he had no business being on the Skins pre-season roster.<br /><br /><b>3) Pressure -</b> As I discussed last week, the Skins lack of front-four pass rush is starting to hurt them. The Skins did send some secondary blitzes last week to compensate for a lack of pass rush, but those attempts failed. Carter and Taylor were nowhere to be found last week, and if these guys don't get better soon, the secondary will get exposed. Tomorrow is a great day for our ends to show up - if they can get a hand on Anderson, he'll make a mistake. Anderson is playing on the road with the pressure of being benched permanently, the Skins need to pounce on his vulnerability.<br /><br /><b>4) Receiver Issues -</b> My biggest problem with this team is our lack of weapons on the outside. Opposing coordinators are taking Santana Moss out of the offense and challenging the Skins to get big plays somewhere else. It isn't happening. ARE doesn't look right, Devin Thomas can't get on the field, and Malcolm Kelly is one sniffle away from IR. Chris Cooley is great but he isn't a number two threat. Like in past years, teams are going to start stuffing 7 and 8 men in the box while keeping an eye on Moss - if the Skins can't combat that by hitting some down field plays with their other guys, this offense will hit a wall fast. Even my dear Dolla Bill will be held in check. Tomorrow the Skins need to come out looking to establish the pass early with some of the other guys, which will then force the Browns to play coverage. If they can do that, things will take a much better course. If not, it might get ugly.<br /><br /><b>5) Turnovers -</b> Turnovers are fluky, they're heart breaking and for the first month of the season we Skins fans forgot all about 'em. Well thanks to three mental lapses, we remember now. The Skins had no business losing to the Rams and besides for the three mishaps, actually outplayed the Rams on both sides. Means nothing if you can't hold on to the ball. Can't happen again - I just pray the Skins win enough that we don't have to look back on the season and curse Pete Kendall. He's a good guy with a nice family. Poor fella.<br /><br /><b>6) Remeber '04 -</b> Gibbsies first year - the Skins win the first and then drop two close ones to NY and Dallas. Well the tailspin continued in C-Town. The Skins took an early lead with some nice Brunell to Coles hook-ups but eventually faltered at the hands of Lee Suggs. That was an awful Browns team, and despite our eventual 5-11 record we had no business losing to them then, just as we have no business losing to them now. Lets do this.<br /><b><br />6) Injuries -</b> Assume Springs is out. Assume Carlos will play. Smoot won't be a factor. Jason Taylor still has calf issues and I'd wish the Skins would let him heal but he'll be out on the field and probably be ineffective. Portis didn't practice most of the week with a hip flexor, but I still think he gets 25 carries. Sean Alexander is slated to back up CP - look for the Brown to blitz on Alexander downs and look for #35 to be on the bench quick when he doesn't pick up those blitzes. Betts is done for a month. The Skins o-line is banged up but it looks like Hands Kendall and Samuels will go.<br /><br /><b>7) Prediction -</b> I think Zorny gets these guys ready to play. The Skins defense will continue bending but not breaking, and the offense will be fluid, not spectacular. The Skins will eat lots of clock, cause some timely turnovers and overpower the Browns along the lines - just the way the did against the Cowboys and Eagles. No let down tomorrow. I'm bringing it and so are they.<br /><b>Redskins 28 Browns 17<br /><br />HTTR!!!!!<br /></b><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /></div></div>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-39228714772508105282008-10-12T02:20:00.000-04:002008-10-19T03:21:36.486-04:00What the Heck is Going On? Volume 3, Issue 8Eagle Eaters,<br />Three major things I need to address before kick off. One, the Skins are good. For those of you who've known this since week 1 at the Meadowlands - good for you, Nostradamus. For those of you, like myself, who needed four weeks of empirical evidence - well we got that too.<br /><br />Two, I decided last night that cautious optimism is bologna. I don't understand what I was thinking over the last month when I wrote to you all that I was "cautiously optimistic." Either you think they're good or you don't. Cautious optimism is for coaches, its for Zorny - to make sure his players stay "medium"... whatever that means. I have no responsibility to keep readers of Skins Serv honest. You guys aren't suiting it up on Sunday. You're not running out of the tunnel. You guys are going to be sitting on your butts watching a game - it makes absolutely no difference if I have you have proper mental prep for the experience or not.<br /><br />I'm sorry. I saw the Skins stink in the pre-season and I saw them stink against the Giants - that was enough for me. I thought they stunk. And now that they've dominated two of the supposed best teams in the NFL - I think they're good. Was I wrong? Yes. Do I care? Nope.<br /> <br />And now that I have decided that they're good, I'm gonna run with it. And why not - lets just embrace it while we can. Can you imagine being "cautiously optimistic" for an entire season? And lets say that season turns out to be a glorious one. Are we, as fans, going to look back and say "good thing I was even-keeled for that Super Bowl run - I can't imagine what the Skins would have done if I got too excited at any point during the year." Haha - no! You're gonna shoot yourself for not being as emotionally involved and unhealthily hopeful as possible. These kind of special years happen once a yovel - a fan can't take any chances. Am I saying the Skins are going to the Super Bowl - no way. But I am saying that you might as well start dreaming about it (just in case they actually do). Permission to dream granted.<br /> <br />Third point - this week is no gimme. Five people in this world really scare me. Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, Tory Holt, Al Saunders and Javier Bardem. No matter how much this team is in disarray, not matter how many points they've given up, they still flaunt three pro bowlers and one angry offensive coordinator - and Bardem's just flat out scary. If there's anyone who knows how to score on the Redskins defense, its probably the guy who's been practicing against them every day for the last two years. Saunders knows every flaw of our defense and every defensive player's tendency. He'll exploit it. And don't think the anger factor isn't a part of this - every Ram knows how Danny boy ran Saunders out of town. They'll come to play tomorrow.<br /> <br />Back to point one for a second. The Skins are legit good. 4-1 with three winnable games coming up. Close your eyes and imagine the feeling of having a 7-1 Redskins team host the Steelers on Monday night football in early November! If by that point the Titans and Giants lose one, the Skins will be the consensus best team in football. Crazy? Not that so. The Skins have shown dominance in every facet of the game over the last month (except punting). If they don't hiccup, they'll be the NFC Super Bowl favorite before too long. Are we gonna get burned because I'm drinking the Kool Aid? Because cautious optimism is chilling somewhere with Maurice Clarett, Ray Finkel and Ray Guy? Lets find out. Its early October and the Skins are 4-1. It's time to start tansin' a little bit.<br /> <br />Kol Tuv,<br />Saadman<br /><br /><b>---------------------------<br /><br />1) The O-Line - </b>It's getting late and a big tailgate awaits, but I need to show some appreciation for, and apologize to, the Skins o-line. I hope in the days after Yom Kippur, they'll grant me some forgiveness. These guys are still old, but man have they been effective. Since Jon Jansen's replaced Stephon Heyer at tackle, this line has shown power and aggression in the run game. I know a lot of it has to do with play calling and keeping defenses guessing, but have you ever seen Clinton Portis work with such big holes? Since he's been in DC, poor Dolla Bill's had very little to work with - eight man fronts, unimaginative play calling and injured o-lines. Now CP runs behind a healthy, re-inspired group that is blowing up younger, quicker defensive units. What might be more shocking than the Skins winning two in a row in Dallas and Philly is that CP went over 100 in both games - something he hasn't done at Dallas and at Philly in the same year since he's been here. Of course Dolla Bill's running like the Dolla Bill we know and love, but a lot of credit has to go to Samuels, Kendall, Rabach, Thomas and Jansen. Watching them perform has been a thing of beauty.<br /><br /><b>2) The Pass Rush - </b>I know I've been sounding like the eternally optimistic old-school Scoots, so I'm gonna turn the tables for a sec and say that the Skins 4-man pass rush could be what breaks them this year. Remember the Giants? Remember how they ran the table by having the best four-man front in the playoffs last year. The Skins aren't close to that yet and if they don't improve, some QB with weapons is going to sit back there and pick them apart - no matter how good a scheme Greg Blache has to cover up the front-four's flaws. In good news, Jason Taylor returns tomorrow. He can give the front four a significant boost and maybe help revive Andre Carter, who, except for last week, has been very quiet this year. The Skins need to start hitting QBs,and there's no way around it.<br /><br /><b>3) Zorn -</b> Zorny's been masterful under the headset thus far. Since the Meadowlands debacle the guy hasn't called a bad play. He's keeping defenses honest with his balance of pass and run, he hasn't shown any tendencies on specific downs and he keeps on changing strategy and formation in the red zone. It is so telling that CP keeps going into the end zone untouched. It shows how confused defenses are and how Zorn continues to baffle opposing d-coordinators who never seem to make the right call against us. My only concern is that defenses will catch up to Zorn. They'll watch tape, study tendencies, and run some derivatives (whatever that means) - with enough to study, they'll figure something out. That is unless if even Zorn doesn't know what Zorn's going to do - in that case, we're safe. Seriously though, its analogous to a rookie pitcher who's gone around the league once or twice - teams pick things up. Hopefully nobody in the NFL figures things out for at least a year. Keep it fresh, Zorny, keep it fresh.<br /><br /><b>4) Campbell - </b>Moxy. Good ole' moxy. I don't even know what that word really means besides the fact that it rhymes with Oxy and it illustrates everything Jason Campbell has done over the last month. Pure Moxy. Jason Moxy Campbell. The dude is composed, he's poised - he's "medium." The guy's tone hasn't changed - through the rough start and this amazing run - he's just so calm. Some, like me, were concerned that Campbell's nature can be construed as apathetic; that maybe he needs to be a bit more fiery on the sidelines. I guess I was wrong... again. Campbell has used his unflappable nature to make amazing decisions, to limit (eliminate) turnovers, and lead this team to victory. He's avoiding sacks, running for first downs, hitting his receivers in tight spots, throwing the deep ball and throwing on the run. Dude's played like a pro bowler thus far. Keep it up, Moxy Pad.<br /><br /><b>5) Achtung! - </b>Did I mention that Stephon Jackson held out and is only starting to get his running legs back? Did I mention that Jackson ran all over a stout Buffalo Bills run defense two weeks ago? If the Rams can establish the run with Jackson, which, I believe they can, that will open things up through the air for Bulger. The Redskins can't let the Rams control the ball. We need to take the opening possession up the field and score and keep piling on the points and keep the Rams offense off the field. If the Rams chew clock, this game will be closer than expected.<br /><br /><b>6) Injuries - </b>Taylor In. Kelly In. Springs In. Washington, Doughty, Heyer probably won't play. Griff should be good to go.<br /><br /><b>7) Prediction - </b>As you can tell, I'm a bit nervous about this one. Saunders really scares me. If that guy wants one all year its this. Good thing for the Skins is that Saunders can't control that Rams horrible defense. I think the Skins defense is pushed a bit in the first half, but CP and that o-line wear the Rams down in the second. <b>Redskins 31, Rams 18.</b>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-2223025877045067072008-10-05T10:00:00.000-04:002008-10-19T03:20:04.915-04:00Confessions of a Hungover Hog: Volume 3, Issue 7Cowboy Killers,<br />Every year around this time of the season I go through a proverbial mid-season writing crisis. Basically, I question whether or not this list serv is intended for x's and o's or whether it's meant to provide a sassy slant on our team, coming from the brain of a psycho, witty (?) Redskins fan. If it's the former, than I have done good, Obie One. To my credit, I (well, really, Jason LaCanfora) drew up a hell of a game plan last week. Jim Zorn, an avid Skins Serv reader, just implemented it. But I fear that I should be giving you more of the latter - the personal touch: what about the Skins that gets me risin' in the mornin' and keeps me from shluphin late at night. Well, my friends, I'm gonna give Skins Serv Personal a whirl this week because I got a lot I need to get off my chest. And this is a whole lot cheaper than paying for a shrink.<br /><br />First of all, I haven't been this hung over on a Skins Sunday morning since week 4 of 2005. Good Omen? You know it. That week, the Skins triumphed over the eventual NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. As you may recall, Mark Brunell hit Santana Moss over the middle for a 30+ yard gain setting up a game-winning Nick Novak Field Goal in overtime. On that glorious day, the Skins moved to 3-0 - remember they beat Chicago out of the gate, then beat the Cowboys in the miracle game and had an early bye. Anyway, point is, my Blood Alcohol Level reached October 2005 levels at about 3AM last night - horrible for Uncle Scooter, amazing for the Redskins.<br /><br />Second, I feel terrible about the fact that I won't be in Philly today. I haven't missed a Skins/Eagles game since before the glorious "Poopie on the Car Incident" of January 1, 2006. But alas, due to two midterms, I'll be watching this tilt on my Samsung. I feel sick to my stomach about it (literally). If I had nothing else to repent over this Thursday (Yom Kipps), I can now go into Shul with plenty to haggle about with the Big Guy because now I gotta explain why I didn't trek up 95 this morning. Sorry Big Guy (Sorry Sean). Also, I pin the Skins recent success at the Linc to the fact that I've been there in the trenches with them over the past three years. I was there when the Angel scooped the fumble, I was there to care for CP when he broke his hand and I was there when Jason Campbell had his short-lived coming-out party last year. Hopefully they don't need me today.<br /><br />Third, I finally had my first Redskins dream of the season on Friday night. This has all sorts of ramifications, but I'll deal with two. This means that subconsciously a part of me has finally accepted the fact that the Skins might be good. If you haven't noticed, my conscious self has been in total denial over the notion. Even this morning, I lay in the Viking Ship pretty unsure about what kind of team we really have (I'll get to that later). But, as I mentioned, something deep in my loins is starting to drink the Kool Aid (and its mixed with Vodka). As you know, it's bad when I consciously or sub-consciously drink the Kool-Aid. I usually do it before the season and the Skins usually respond by going 6-10, or I usually do it before a big game and the Skins usually respond by losing 52-7 in Foxboro.<br /><br />Well, my friends, I had a dream the Skins won 24-6 (and that Jim Zorn won't be judged by his spiky hair, but rather by the content of his play calling). You pretty much don't have to watch the game, because when I chalk up a W while catching Z's, they lose. Can't hate a man for dreaming, right? No, you can. I wanted to kill myself yesterday morning. The second I went to the dream video tape and realized that my cerebellum produced a late-game Devin Thomas TD (the first of his career), I knew we were in big trouble. Why? Because, as I said, I never dream correctly, and worse, the national media is starting to play with my head. Which takes me to paragraph five.<br /><br /><b>Achtung Redskins Fans!</b> The national media is evil! They're just luring us in just to crush us. Please don't fall for it!!! It's like Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, except now it Little Red Skin Fan Riding Hood and the Wolf is being played by the Fox Sports NFL Power Rankings. Don't buy it! These media folks hate us and are just plotting our demise. Number two in the NFL? Number four in the NFL? The Skins haven't had approval ratings this high since just after 9-11 - these numbers are totally absurd and inflated! These people are messing with our heads and anxiously waiting for the Skins to falter so they can rip on them again and drop them in their rankings. When you're this high in the week four power rankings, there's only one place to go: down.<br /><br />You may think this is all paranoia. Me trying to play reverse psychology in hopes of the Skins disproving us yet again. I say no. I really believe it's too early to roll out any forms of group transportation. This team has major structural flaws, hasn't shown it can decisively beat anybody, and hasn't shown the ability to run up 7's at will. If the Skins can meet those requirements, then maybe I'll be sold. Till then, I ain't gonna do it. Yes last week was amazing, and yes it was an epic win, and yes it was worth celebrating. But it doesn't mean a playoff spot, and it sure as hell doesn't mean a home playoff game. All it means is that they're better than we (I) first thought.<br /><br />So through four weeks how good are they? I still don't know. Can they apply pressure like the 85 Bears? Nope. Can they put up points like the 91 Skins? Nope. Right now, they're a mistake-free offense (huge kudos to JC for that, btw) that is capable of sustained drives and one to three major downfield plays. I think they're offense could use a legitimate second receiver threat and I still am not sold on their pass protection. This defense is bend but don't break. That works for a 9-7 team but I don't know if it works for a division winning team. I'll believe in the Skins defense when they force the issue, i.e getting pressure out of a four-man rush. Maybe it won't happen until J Taylor returns - until then, I ain't buying.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, 3-1 is amazing. I thought they'd be 0-5. My problem is I don't know what to do with 3-1. I never gave this season a chance, so basically as the Skins get better, my optimistic side is just getting its legs (the optimistic side reported late to camp, if you will). Usually the Skins win the off-season Super Bowl and all of us are ready for glory in week 1. The wasn't the case this year, so my mind is all out of whack. For us fans, this whole turning it around thing has been like trying to hit a Jeff Ballard sinker ball. I think dreaming about a victory is a good first step (albeit dangerous), but I still believe cautious optimism is the healthiest way to go about this thing right now. It's way too early to be thinking big.<br /><br />Which leads me to today. Talk about playing with house money. The Skins already have a road divisional win in their pocket, they've already clinched at least a 3-2 record going into a much easier 3-game run, and they already have 3 conference wins (huge for tiebreakers). If they win, amazing - another step in the right direction and another confidence builder for JC and the entire bunch of em'. If they lose - no big deal. Winning in Philly is a daunting task no matter the team, and as long as they can hold home-field against the Eagles later in the year, it's a push. They're playing a very hungry Eagles team who is coming off an ugly loss. They know the importance of a home divisional game and can't afford to go under .500 in this division. McNabb said it's a must-win. I believe him. The Cowboys didn't play hungry last week and Philly's a much scarier environment than Texas Stadium. Pulling this off could mean a lot (and I'll talk about that), but losing isn't so bad.<br /><br /><b>Shhh (Quiet Time): What if they Win? </b>I know I'm preaching cautious optimism, but I gotta be true to my heart here and tell you what I'm thinking. If the Skins pull one out today, it is a HUGE step towards making the playoffs and even, dare I say it, winning the division. If they win, the Redskins-hating schedule makers become Santa Claus. After today the Skins will be the only team in the entire NFL to have completed their road divisional schedule - which essentially means they have a much easier road than any other team going forward. With that said, a win today also gives them a two-game lead on the Eagles, a 2-1 divisional record with 3 home division games to go, and gives them a legit shot at being 7-1 going into the bye week. I know - the possibilities are endless.<br /><br />Do I think they're gonna win? No sir (at least consciously).<br /><br />3-2 is still a whole lot better than 0-5.<br /><br />----------------------------<br /><br /><b>1) 26 Blitz Packages - </b>These are the 26 reasons I think the Eagles will win. Jim Johnson is a psycho and the Eagles believe that the only way to win is to be in Campbell's face the entire game. This means two things. One, the Skins o-line, which has been susceptible to a heavy pass rush, is going to have be strong. No easy task in a hostile road environment. The Philly fateful will be loud. This also means that Campbell is going to have to get rid of the ball fast. The West Coast offense was built to break down a blitzing defense - we'll see how it works today. If Campbell can connect early on some three-step drops, Johnson will be forced to tone it down.<br /><br /><b>2) Testing Lito, Sheldon and Asante -</b> Another way the Skins can beat the blitz is by chucking it deep. The Eagles corners will be in man coverage with no safety help. Campbell can lob some things down field and make his WRs go get it. Asante is a great deep cover corner, so again, pray ARE or Devin Thomas can give the Skins something on the outside if Moss can't break free. I think if we can hit with those two guys the Eagles will be forced to play more coverage. The Bears did it last week with much weaker WRs and a much weaker QB.<br /><br /><b>3) The Double Screen -</b> Even NFL novices knows that you beat a blitz by setting up a screen. You don't think Jim Johnson knows that? Look for the Eagles to stagger their blitzes and even pick and choose sides based on where they think the Skins will go on a screen. I think the Skins need to be one step ahead on this one and try to set up the double-screen early on. Look for Campbell to pump-fake to CP's side, twirl and toss it over to Cooley on the other side. The Eagles don't have the resources to blitz, look for the screen, and account for the weak side.<br /><br /><b>4) Donovan - </b>Dude's become a pocket passer again. He looked real quick in week 1 and 2 but the guy is hurt and is vulnerable now. The Skins need to hit him - he's just not as good when he's in pain.<br /><br /><b>5) Westbrook - </b>He'll play today, but I don't think he'll be a factor. As I said, this is a huge game for Philly so he'll give it a go, but I don't think he's ready to take on a big load.<br /><br /><b>6) Manning up on the WRs - </b>I know a lot of people don't think highly of the Eagles receiving corps, but I'm scared of DeSean Jackson and Reggie Brown. In the absence of Springs today, Smoot and Carlos are going to have be huge on these guys - especially if Westbrook gets more carries and touches than I think.<br /><br /><b>7) Heroes -</b> I haven't been doing a lot of recapping of the previous week's game but I stil would like to give out some game balls. What should we call my game balls? Scooter's Beytsim? Scooter's Sensationals?<br /> <b>JC - </b>What a mentsch. So composed, so unflappable. No turnovers in four games. Perfect in the fourth quarter and nearly perfect in Dallas? Who is this fellar? I love it.<br /> <b>Chris Horton - </b>A lot of this stuff is right place, right time. Kol HaKavod, Chris. Keep doing what you're doing.<br /> <b>CP -</b> Troy Aikman loves him. I love him. He's running harder and tougher than ever and he finally broke through in Dallas. Dolla Bill is back!!!!<br /> <b>Springs -</b> Manning up TO like that. Unreal. I don't think Champ could have done as fine a job.<br /> <b>Zorny - </b>Dude's a natural born playcaller. If it wasn't for Casey Rabach, I would officially coronate Zorn King of the Red Zone. It'll have to wait another couple of weeks.<br /> <b>Snyder - </b>Did anyone catch Snyder post-game? If not, here it is (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=735BgQC7fXQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr>v=735BgQC7fXQ</a>). He finally showed the country what a total douche bag he is in real life (besides when he is scene wearing those stupid sun glasses and hob nobbing with Tom Cruise or Bernard Shaw).<br /> <br /><b>8) Injuries - </b>Springs Out. Taylor Out. Heyer Out. Washington in. Smoot In.<br /><br /><b>9) Prediction - </b>This thing is going to be ugly. NFC East roadie with a lot on the line. The Eagles blitz is going to wreak havoc, while I don't see the Eagles offense having much offense to capitalize. Low scoring, grind-it-out type game. Skins come up short.<br /><br /><b>Eagles 14, Redskins 10<br /><br /></b>HTTRSaadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-75326842166678949382008-09-28T00:46:00.000-04:002008-09-28T00:47:20.033-04:00Can They Do This? Volume 3, Issue 6Burgundy Bleeders,<br />Big game tomorrow. In fact, I'd say it's a huge game. Besides the fact that it's Dallas and it's the last Skins/Girls game at ole' Texas Stadium, this game is litmus test for where the Skins rank amongst the NFL's elite teams. Many of you out there are sold on this offense and believe that the past two weeks indicate the Skins are fore real. I am of a different segment of Skins fans - the cautious optimists. I believe that the last two weeks were a vast improvement from week 1, tell us the Skins offense will have an aggressive, pass-happy offense going forward, and that Jim Zorn is constantly re-working and re-vamping his schemes to maximize point output. Does that mean that the Skins are a playoff team now? Does that mean they can dethrone the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys for one of the three NFC East playoff spots? I just don't know. The Skins did just enough to beat the Saints and the Cards - two months from now will we say that those were impressive wins or will we say that those teams were more glitz than substance? Only time will tell.<br /><br />Fortunately for those of us who don't have patience for answers, the Skins get to play the Cowboys tomorrow. The Cowboys are, without any shadow of a doubt, the best team in the NFL. Their running game is strong, their passing game is prolific and their defense is speedy and strong. The Cowgirls have looked great in knocking off the Eagles and Packers over the last two weeks and have shown very few flaws (those which they have, I'll discuss) in those games. With that being said, this showdown becomes a benchmark game for the B&G. Remember last year in Foxboro? That game turned out to be a pretty good indicator of where the Skins were relative to the best in the league. And now again, the Skins get to show us how they stack against the league's best. Lets just hope the outcome is slightly less one-sided than against the Pats.<br /><br />So what should we want out of tomorrow? For me, I want the Skins to hang. This team is a heavy dog (currently 11 points) and history tells us they don't fare well in Texas Stadium. I'd love for the Skins to steal one, but I'd be just as happy with them showing me they can move the ball on an opponent's turf - both by airing it out and getting push off the line of scrimmage - and that they can contain the Cowboys offense.<br /><br />Recall how Joe Gibbs teams of the four previous years would come into Dallas and stall for the first three quarters - you know, the barrage of three and outs and the embarrassing offensive numbers (like this year's Giants game). If the Skins are an NFC playoff contender, that cannot happen again. If this offense is for real, they'll get first downs and put up TDs. If this defense is for real, they'll contain some of Dallas's threats. Its what good teams would do. So for me, a win's nice, but a good looking football team that gives the Cowboys a great game might be just as nice too.<br /><br />I pray they're a good football team tomorrow.<br /><br />Kol Tuv,<br />Scooter<br /><br />-----------------------<br /><br /><b>1) Housekeeping - </b>I've been getting some complaints that the late Saturday postings aren't cutting it. I apologize for not giving you hooked-on-phonicsers enough time before the game starts. Seriously though, I'll do my best to try to get this out of the drafts folder by Friday morning. Also, because it's Cowboys week and I want to keep this email a football only deal, I have attached a letter I recently wrote to the Washington Post (unpublished) for those who are interested in my opinions on Redskins non-football topics. If you want to read about Vinny/Danny gay ghezunta heid, if not, no worries.<br /><br /><b>2A) How The Redskins Win - Offense</b> - To Jim Zorn's credit, the offense has really mixed it up nicely over the last two weeks. They've done a lot out of those west-coast spread sets and been effective in those Gibbsian jumbo packages. They've also kept defenses honest by hitting on the quick stuff, while trying to take big shots down the field too. The Skins have also done a nice job running out of passing formations and vice-versa.<br /><br />Tomorrow I think the Skins need to tweak the offensive plan a little bit for a Cowboys defense that is vulnerable in the secondary. Basically, I think the Skins need to go long - early and often. The Skins have to test the Cowboys corners - Newman and Henry - and attack their very weak safety core of Patrick Watkins and Ken Hamlin. To hit the big play, I'm convinced the Skins are going to have to take shots out of their protection-heavy formations. Show run with I-formations, and go play action. The Cowboys will bring their safeties up early (sniffing out the runs) and it'll leave Moss and Thomas (yes, Thomas) room to run sprints at the Cowboys CBs.<br /><br />I don't think the Skins have the pass-protection ability to take deep shots in the spread formations, the Cowboys pass rush is just too good. That being said, the Skins will have to move the ball in shorter chunks by utilizing the quick-hitting stuff. Ware and company are going to get to Campbell fast, which means that the dink and dunk must be effective. Only once the Skins can establish a deep play threat and be effective with the under stuff, than they'll then be able to run it. If Campbell can get hot early, CP will find lanes out of the spread formations and he won't face 7 or 8 men fronts in the run formations.<br /><br />Nice thing about Zorn is that he's not obsessed with establishing the run early - which means that they might actually do this! If Zorn, for some stupid reason, comes out running, even me, the CP fantasy owner, will be angry.<br /><br /><b>2A, II) That's Right, Devin Thomas - </b>Don't think I'm sold on this guy. In fact, before I tell you he'll be a factor tomorrow, let me get my rips in first. On his first "thrown to's" last week, Thomas picked up two offensive PI's and turned the wrong way on a short pattern, which nearly led to a pick-6. The dude has got to get his S&*% together ASAP or else....yeah, that's right, else.<br /><br />So what can Devin do tomorrow? He can run straight down the sideline as fast as possible (and hopefully catch the ball). Thomas has shown some speed and can win jump balls over Newman and Henry. The Cowboys will shade their secondary over to Moss, which means Thomas (or ARE) will have man-to-man opportunities down the field. As I said before, the Skins must hit on these if they want a chance.<br /><br /><b>2A, III) The O-Line v. the Pass Rush - </b>DeMarcus Ware scares the ba-heysus out of me. Unfortunately, he scares the crap out of our AARP o-line too. The Cowboys move Ware all over the line, so he'll test Jansen (he's baaaack) and Samuels throughout the game. What this means for the Skins is max protect (TE chipping) or quick hitters off the spread formations. Jason Campbell cannnot and will not get away with holding onto the ball in the 4-receiver sets - he'll get killed. If the Skins protect with five, the three step drop is all he'll be able to do. Because of the Cowboys over-aggressiveness, the Skins might be able to steal yards with screen plays, so look for them to do some of that early - anything to keep this defense off balance. I also think the Skins will be uber-obsessed with Ware, so beware of Marcus Spears or Greg Ellis coming from the other side. Chris Cooley, who's much loved for his pass-catching and YAC ability, has been a dog in pass protection. Captain Chaos and Yodes will have to hold strong on these Cowboys LB's if Campbell's gonna survive.<br /><br /><b>2A, IV) Red Zone Offense - </b>Can you get over how well the Skins have looked inside the red zone and more specifically, inside the 10-yard line? For me, it's been the biggest difference in the offense in the Zorny area. Campbell was great at moving the team between the 20's last year - now they're going the full 80. I pin the new success on Zorn's counter-intuitive play calling. For example, two of Clinton Portis's three TD's have been virtual strolls down the middle of opponents defenses. Do you ever remember a time when CP wasn't killing himself for every TD (TB in 04 and SF in 05 being the few exceptions)? Dude's been going in untouched and it's because Zorn has been spreading the defenses out with 4-wr sets and running up the middle.<br /><br />Or, like on the Todd Yoder TD, Zorn's been going jumbo and then passing out of that. The only worry is that defenses will catch on and assume Zorn's going to do the opposite of what he shows. I think Zorn's too smart for that. He'll keep defenses guessing by passing out of those spread sets and running CP in jumbo - only to change it up when the moment's right. This week, Zorn better get it right. The Skins red zone opportunities will be precious. If they want to win, they'll have to be perfect.<br /><br /><b>2B) How They Win - Defense - </b>Stop the Cowboys offense. Haha. Sounds so easy when putting it like that. The Cowboys have a three-pronged attack, so lets dissect it that way.<br /><b> </b><br /><b>2B II) Stop TO - </b>Based on what I've read and seen, the Skins best shot at containing TO is putting Shawn Springs on him in man-to-man coverage the entire day. If you recall (JLC reminded readers this week), the Skins did a nice job of blanketing TO in the first half of last year's Texas Stadium tilt. TO had no big plays and one short TD. In that first half, Springs shadowed TO all over the field. No cute zones. No embarrassing coverage lapses. The second half was a whole different story. Why? You guessed it - Grilliams got greedy in the locker room and decided to zone-up TO in the second half. TO made em' pay - three TDs (all long bombs) and a ton of catches and receiving yards. So tomorrow the Skins MUST committ to matching Springs up on TO for four quarters. Springs has looked great thus far, knows all of TO's tendencies, and I think is up for the challenge.<br /><br />What this means is that the Skins can make Dallas's other threats their primary defensive focus. Of course the Skins will have LaRon Landry over the top in case of the big play, but besides Springs and Landry, the Skins 9 other defenders can hone in on Witten and Barber.<br /><br /><b>2B III</b>) <b>Stop Witten - </b>Because of my confidence in Springs and because of what I've seen of Dallas this year, Witten scares me more than the aforementioned TO. Witten runs great patterns, doesn't drop balls and has deceptive speed off the line and after the catch. The dude is literally a chess piece being moved around flawlessly by Jason Garrett. He'll get you on the sideliness and he'll get you up the seam. Of course Witten is so successful because of the TO threat, but because the Skins will man-up Springs on TO, Witten can become the LB's and other secondary personnel's primary concern.<br /><br />The Skins willl do a bunch of different things with Witten and I assume stick with the thing that works. The Skins will go with three safeties - Landry back and Horton and Doughty chasing around the #3 WR (Austin?) and Witten. This strategy might work because the safeties will have more speed to keep up with Witten. On the other hand, the Skins will give up lots of size. The Skins might also go to a Rocky McIntosh-shadowing strategy - Rocky's looked great over the last two weeks, but I'm not sold on his coverage skills. Witten could run circles around him, but lets hope not. It'll be a trial-by-error situation.<br /><br />With TO taken care of and Witten being the D's focus, the Skins will have limited resources to stop Marion Barber. Which gets me to my third point....<br /><br /><b>2B IV) Make Barber Beat You - </b>I know this sounds crazy, but I think the Skins need to let Marion Barber be the guy that beats them. This really isn't about Barber as it is as much about Jason Garrett. Garrett's obsessed with the big play - watching Cowboys games are like watching kids play Madden 09. Instead of forcing the run early (like Gibbs), Garrett forces the pass early taking shot after shot. Once he's done that, he goes to Barber for the 2nd half slam. So I believe you have to get Garrett flustered - take the pass away early and make him do something out-of-character. If it's running Barber on every down - fine. By that point, the Cowboys will probably be playing from behind and go to the pass anyway.<br /><br />If you watch the Cowgirls, they don't consistently hand the ball to Barber in the first half - he gets his 8, his 9, and then they start airing it out anyway. So I say give Barber his early chunks because they're going to abandon the run regardless. Once they start passing, the defense will be ready. You overplay the run early, you feed into Garrett's plan and he'll find a way to beat you through the air. One note about Felix Jones (the Cowboys backup RB) - dude is a great change of pace back and can hit the dinger - it always seems like the Skins get killed by these types of guys. If Jones is in the backfield they need to keep a keen eye on him.<br /><br />One more point - the Skins will have Demetric Evans in there instead of Taylor which will definitely help in stopping the run in nickle and dime situations.<br /><br /><b>2B V) Pressure on Romo - </b>It goes without saying that in order to stop this offense you gotta force Romo to make mistakes. Usually that means getting pressure on him. With Taylor out and Carter presumably getting the TE chip, the Skins don't have a good shot of getting at him too often. Instead the Skins are going to have to disguise coverages and change looks up on every down in hopes of getting Romo to throw to a bad spot. If they can get a hand on him, great, if not, get him to do something stupid instead.<br /><br /><b>3) Jason Taylor Won't Play for a Long Time - </b>I still don't have a good handle on this situation, but Jason Taylor sustained a freak injury last Sunday. He got kicked in the calf muscle, which then led to internal bleeding. The condition deteriorated so fast that Taylor nearly lost the ability to ever use his legs again and wasn't far from losing his life. Crazy! I don't understand what happened (I wish I had a Skins Serv Sanjay Gupta) and I can only read through the lines of the Skins prognosis. Here's my gut - he's done for the year and probably never going to wear the B&G again. I hate to be Debbie Downer, but the guys walking around with a cane and he doesn't have any idea how long it will be. So I am expecting the worst. Draw your own conclusion: <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/jason_taylor_moving_ever_so_sl.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/<wbr>jason_taylor_moving_ever_so_<wbr>sl.html</a>.<br /><br /><b>4) Other Injuries - </b>Skins are looking pretty good. I think Fred Smoot and Marcus Washington will play. By most reports, it seems like Stephon Heyer isn't fully recovered from some kind of shoulder thing so Jon Jansen gets to redeem himself (good for the running game, bad for pass protection). I think this is the last time I mention Malcolm Kelly on the injury report - just assume he's out until I say otherwise.<br /><br /><b>5) Prediction - </b>History isn't on our side. Check out Dan Steinberg's blog on what the Skins have done at Texas Stadium over the years (<a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/skins_lines_in_texas_stadium_a.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/skins_<wbr>lines_in_texas_stadium_a.html</a>)<div dir="ltr"><wbr>. If you're lazy, the article says the Skins never win in Dallas, barely ever beat the spread and hardly ever break 20 points. And you must also consider how much better this Cowboys team than all of those that make up the stats. With that said, I think the Skins show they're legit (that's right, me being positive), and give the 'Boys a run. The Skins will contain TO and they'll air it out on a bad Cowboys secondary. Problem is, I think that's not going to be enough. Look for Dallas to eek one out with a special-teams play, a late turnover (we're due for one), or by a big performance from an unheralded offensive player. I just think there's too much there right now for the Skins to handle. With the Skins still maturing as a team, looking for a W in their second matchup is more realistic.<br /><br />I'll be looking for signs tomorrow - more reason to believe - and I think I'll get them.<br /><br /><b>Cowboys 30, Redskins 24</b>.<br /><br /><br />HTTR</div>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-82025490250841320502008-09-23T16:45:00.001-04:002008-09-28T00:50:11.415-04:00Fascism in Football: A Letter to the Washington PostDid you know that in Washington DC, the center of the free world, a virtual state-run radio station is thriving? As a die-hard Washington Redskins fan and season ticket holder, I have grown deeply concerned with the latest expansion of the Washington Redskins marketing and PR machine. The newest twist to this saga is Daniel Snyder’s takeover of Sportstalk 980, thus merging Snyder’s previously held Triple-X ESPN Radio and Sportstalk 980 into one mega sports station.<br /><br />Despite his promise to keep the station’s Redskins reporting objective, Snyder has taken full control of all Redskins-related messaging, and has begun to abuse his power. By using the airwaves, the Redskins have already suppressed dissent and stifled free speech - bullying other media members into speaking the same message or risk the threat of being publicly embarrassed, censured and delegitimized.<br /><br />I happened to have been tuning into Redskins Radio on Monday morning when Redskins Executive Vice President Vinny Cerrato, host of “Inside the Red Zone,” publicly denounced the Washington Post’s Jason LaCanfora and accused him of undermining the Redskins organization and their fans by filing a “tampering” complaint to the NFL league office. Simply, Cerrato told listeners that LaCanfora tattle-tailed on the Redskins with hopes of having the team penalized with fines and lost draft picks. Listening to Cerrato’s on-air diatribe, I could only help but think of the fascist, free speech stymieing tactics used by state-run radio stations in totalitarian countries.<br /><br />By inquiring with the NFL about the ramifications of Cerrato hosting a radio talk show, something unprecedented in NFL circles, LaCanfora was simply doing his job as a reporter. LaCanfora reports on the Redskins, both positively and negatively, and this was a case of him asking the right questions. For Cerrato to use the airwaves to attack and bully LaCanfora, and even worse, to try to strike fear in loyal Redskins fans that a beat reporter committed treason, was analogous to government-run media’s suppression of opposition voices in Castro’s Cuba or Kim Jong’s North Korea.<br /><br />Daniel Snyder, who made his millions in marketing, has long been obsessed with his personal image and the Redskins brand – this obsession can be directly correlated to Snyder’s immature spending habits, rash decision-making, and his team’s lack of success over the last decade. Instead of looking to change his personal habits and that of his team’s front office, Snyder has instead opted to seize control of those who report on it. In a nation where freedom of speech and freedom of the press are two of our most valued assets, Snyder’s recent actions must be condemned.<br /><br />I squirm in fear of what Snyder’s next step could be. Is it possible that the Redskins will confiscate my three season tickets for writing this letter? At this point, nothing would surprise me.<br /><br />Scott Zakheim<br />Washington DC<br />Redskins Season Ticket Holder Since 2004Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-58221671288215528042008-09-21T01:00:00.002-04:002008-09-28T00:44:56.806-04:00Football? This Team Plays Football? Volume 3, Issue 5Sons and Daughters of the Potomac Valley Braves,<br /><br />I apologize for a very brief version of <span class="nfakPe">Skins</span> <span class="nfakPe">Serv</span> this week, but mid-terms have been the focus and I got be at FedEx by 10AM.<br /><br />I'm actually not going to use this forum to talk about last week's game or even this week's game. Instead I will give you (in cased you missed it) a quick primer on the outlandish activity that came out of Ashburn this week. To say this team is a soap opera is a vast understatement - to say that they're run by, and represented by, juvenile delinquents is a little more accurate. You really gotta love this group. Could be the most lovable group of athletes since Willie Stargell and the 79 Pirates or maybe Doc Gooden and the 86 Mets. In honor of the <span class="nfakPe">Skins</span> not doing anything football news worthy this week, I'm not going to write about anything football related. I'd say it's a fair deal, no? Let's get to it:<br /><br />1) <b>Chris Cooley Exposed Himself on the Internet - </b>Don't think I need to explain further. Here are the links to explanations, reactions and the pic:<br />- How it happened: <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/how_chris_cooleys_privates_hit.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/how_<wbr>chris_cooleys_privates_hit.<wbr>html</a><br />- The Pic (<b>nudity - viewer discretion is strongly advised</b>): <a href="http://buzzfeed.com/mjs538/chris-cooley-penis-slip-bu" target="_blank">http://buzzfeed.com/mjs538/<wbr>chris-cooley-penis-slip-bu</a><br />- The Cooley Apology: <a href="http://chriscooley47.blogspot.com/2008/09/were-dumb.html" target="_blank">http://chriscooley47.blogspot.<wbr>com/2008/09/were-dumb.html</a><br /><br />2) <b>Clinton Portis and Brian Mitchell Fight on the Radio (and nearly in person) -</b> This is my personal favorite. I've never heard Dolla Bill so angry and I love John Thompson's mediation:<br />- The uncut clip: <a href="http://nick8.surfernetwork.com/Media/Pod/wwxx/podcasting/09-16-08-Portis-JT-Show.mp3" target="_blank">http://nick8.surfernetwork.<wbr>com/Media/Pod/wwxx/podcasting/<wbr>09-16-08-Portis-JT-Show.mp3</a><br />- The Dan Steinberg Translation (This is Amazing): <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/breaking_down_portis-vs-brian.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/<wbr>breaking_down_portis-vs-brian.<wbr>html</a><br /><br />3) <b>Redskins GM Vinny Cerrato Gets a Radio Show on Redskins Radio ESPN 980</b> - Just in case they hadn't fully claimed the title of biggest joke in the NFL Danny/Vinny were at it again this week. This time Czar Daniel gave his Vinny-boy 4 hours of air time on the only sports station in the city:<br />- The LaCanfora Rip (Go Jason): <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/vinny_cerrato_dan_snyders_new.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/<wbr>vinny_cerrato_dan_snyders_new.<wbr>html</a><br />- The JLC Follow Up: <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/quotes_from_cerratos_radio_deb.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/<wbr>quotes_from_cerratos_radio_<wbr>deb.html</a><br />- Quotes: <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/quotes_from_cerratos_radio_deb.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/<wbr>quotes_from_cerratos_radio_<wbr>deb.html</a><br />- Other 980 Hosts Discuss Cerrato: <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/sports_reporters_crush_vinny_c.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/dcsportsbog/2008/09/<wbr>sports_reporters_crush_vinny_<wbr>c.html</a><br /><br />OK - some quick hitters for you (I changed my mind about the football thing):<br /><br />A) <b>The Cards Can Play - </b>This team isn't a joke and might be the biggest surprise in the NFL by year's end. They flaunt amazing position players on offense and might end up being better on the defensive side of the ball. Guys like Dansby and Wilson are just the start - the front four might have two pro-bowlers too (Docket and LaBoy). Redskins optimists beware. JLC explains breaks down their defense: <a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/cards_d_line_is_no_joke.html" target="_blank">http://voices.washingtonpost.<wbr>com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/<wbr>cards_d_line_is_no_joke.html</a><br /><br />B) <b>Can JC Build on that Throw? - </b>Despite JC's insane outing last week, I'm convinced this is still a week-to-week operation. The Cards have a faster and more aggressive defense than the Saints. I'd love to see Campbell come out on fire again, but I just don't think this will develop so quickly. Patience is crucial.<br /><br />C) <b>CP is Angry - </b>In case you didn't hear the clip, Clinton Portis is mad. I think this means great things for the <span class="nfakPe">Skins</span> and for my fantasy team. Portis might have the biggest chip on his shoulder of any player up here in the NFL - crazy considering he's coming off a 96 yard, 2 TD performance.<br /><br />D) <b>One Problem - </b>They don't run right. Ever notice how CP can only gain yards going left? Very troublesome. They need to start running behind Heyer and Thomas or else teams will start shifting over and playing for the run left. We could already start seeing it in the first quarter tomorrow.<br /><br />E) <b>'Zona WRs -</b> Somehow Smootsie, Springs and Carlos are going to have to have a huge day. The Cardinals are very talented on the outsides, and even worse, very tall. Our corners are going to have to play lights out and...<br /><br />F) <b>Jason Taylor Needs to Attack Kurt Warner - </b>Warner's old and can only play on timing. If he gets rattled, has to escape a rush or hold onto the ball for an extra second, he's in deep doo doo. The dude has been awesome, but hasn't exactly faced a good pass rush yet. Taylor looked great last week and if he and Carter can get around on the edges, the <span class="nfakPe">Skins</span> will be able to create turnovers and get some easy points.<br /><br />G) <b>Durant Brooks Sucks -</b> A botched hold and a 25 yard punt to Reggie Bush? Send him back to Atlanta or wherever the heck he came from. Reggie Roby please report to the deli counter.<br /><br />H) <b>Prediction - </b>I have a bad feeling about this one - it's a tough matchup for us. The Cards defense is super fast which means our old o-line will be tested and our speedster WRs can be contained. The Cards also remembers the Rackers 52-yard doink last year and the awful calls that led to that heartbreaking defeat (which ended up keeping them out of the playoffs). The Cards have also been in DC for the week instead of practicing back in PHX. No jet lag means no sleepy Cardinals. That scares me too. <b>Arizona 34 Redskins 26.<br /><br />HTTR<br /><br /></b>ps - thank you to the Wash Post sports staff for providing all the meaty substance (links) this weekSaadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-88076027261535139742008-09-13T23:35:00.001-04:002008-09-13T23:38:54.861-04:00The Exception or the Rule? Volume 3, Issue 4<div>Loyal Friends of the Feather,</div><div><br /></div><div>I never thought that writing this Skins Serv would be the greatest Communications struggle of my life, but alas, it I think it is. In my brief and unexciting PR career, I never had to spin anything thing like this before. My job as Chief Skins Server is to keep the huddled masses fresh,excited and enthused for every football Sunday. And not to pat myself on the back too much, but over the past 3 years I've done a pretty freakin' good job of it. I've really BSed myself, and more importantly all of you, into believing that every Sunday is the biggest Sunday - that a mid-December game, when the Skins are 5-8 and starting Kerry Conklin under center is as big the Super Bowl - heck, all they have to do is reel off three in a row and have 6 teams die in a plane crash and they're there rolling into the playoffs and probably the Super Bowl. Throughout the duration of Skins Serv I have been successful in spreading the gospel that is my delusional, yellow-journalistic approach to the Burgundy and Gold. Myself and all you Skins Servers have rarely shown a moment of vulnerability, even in the most dire of Skins moments.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this week seems to be different. I confess I am struggling. I bore witness to the trouncing the Skins took last Thursday night, and I'm still IBSing it out of my system. I know the Giants only won by 9 points and I know the Skins could have cut it close late in the game, but that really isn't the point. To me, the point is that our beloved Redskins look as uncomfortable, confused and disjointed playing football as I have ever seen any Skins team play in my life. They did nothing.</div><div><br /></div><div>To me it's a simple equation, in the NFL season opener team's flaunt what they've accomplished over the last eight months. Forget NFL teams for a second, just look at yourselves and ask "What have I done (that I can show for) over the last EIGHT MONTHS of my life? Do you know what the Redskins showed for their 8 months worth of work? 7 points. Seven. One touchdown - which, by the way, would have never happened if not for Rock Cartwright's pure will and determination to keep the Skins in games they have no business being in.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was truly depressed but what I saw. This team can't pass, pass protect, run-block, catch, stop the run and stop the pass. I know it's a lot of negatives, and I know I'm being harsh, but that's really what was on display for the whole world to see. And if Eli Manning and the Giants vanilla second half offense weren't as terrible as they were, it would have been a whole lot worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what do I do? How do I spin this? How can I possibly convince you that the Skins have a fighting chance against a Goliath of a team on Sunday? Well for one, I actually believe it. Yes, that's right. For all those of you out there who have been critical of my criticism (so much criticism going around these days), I'm gonna respond by saying that I truly feel, deep down in my heart, that the SKINS WILL WIN THIS WEEK VERSUS THE SAINTS.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why? Can't explain that. It's just one of those things - you know, when you're driving to school while reading JLC's insider and pondering that the Skins have no business pulling off an upset this week, let alone playing on the same field as the Saints - yet you're suddenly taken aback by this feeling in your stomach (I hadn't eaten breakfast yet), and you think this feeling correlates to the outcome of Sunday's game? Well folks, it happened to me. That's right, at about 9:53 Wednesday morning I got that feeling - that exciting gust of Autumn wind where hope springs eternal - a feeling that wasn't even on my radar last week as I drove to the Meadowlands.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the home opener. The Skins have some good players, right?. They'll have the 70,000 fans and 22,000 empty seats behind them, right? They beat a great Saints team in 06' with so much less to play for, right? Right!</div><div><br /></div><div>This team has heart. This team has character. This team has veterans that won't roll over and play dead. This team has Clinton Portis. This team has Joe Bugel. This ain't no JV squad. This is the Washington Redskins, people. Our Washington Redskins.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know we're all very wounded (it felt like someone bit me). It was a tumultuous summer and an even harder last 10 days, yet there are still 16 weeks to go. Anything can happen. 30 more Tom Brady-like injuries and the Skins are the Super Bowl favorites. So here's what I say: lets figure out a way to park our disdain for 12 more hours (I'll be parking my disdain in the Red Lot for $35), see how tomorrow plays out, and reassess Monday morning. Isn't that the beauty of a football weekend anyway?</div><div><br /></div><div>CPSpeed,</div><div>Scoot</div><div><br /></div><div>ps - Is the Skins Serv title referring to last week's game or this week's game? Touche, Saadman, touche.</div><div><br /></div><div>------------------------------------------</div><div>1) Business First - Continuing this week's theme of self promotion and positivity, I'd like to introduce you to SkinServ.Blogspot.Com. Yes, this list serv has finally made the tragic, cliche mutation into a blog. I finally have my own home in the world wide of webs. I cannot take credit for this turn of events, but have to give some hakarat hatov to the family Rozmaryn (and my parents and God). Ami and Elan planned, desigined, archived and executed the site - it's pretty pretty good. If you are ever up at three in the morning, flipping back and forth between Univision (of course you don't speak spanish) and QVC, and you get the urge to find out what I predicted for the Skins 2006 Week 6 tilt, you can now find it. Let the hits start a comin'.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) Business Second - Skins Serv is having its first official sales drive (we're going corporate). I have worked a deal with the distributors of KrazyKeepahs (www.krazykeepahs.com) They make an amazing Redskins Yarmulka and I want you all have the chance to have it - men, women and family pets alike. The skullcap runs for $10 and I will personally deliver it to your place of work. Email me if you're interested.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) The NFC East (aka JTFCest) - I know this blog is Skins only and I promise we'll get back to tomorrow's game with the 'Aints, but let me digress for a couple of sections so I can air my feelings on some other sticky issues that have been weighing on these scrawny shoulders. The NFC East is totally out of control. Totally. I know the Cowboys played a highly-overrated Browns, but they look like a 14-win football team. I also know the Eagles played a lousy Al Saunders-run offense, but they also looked awesome - probably a 10-plus-win football team. So if the Cowboys are good for 14 and the Eagles are good for 10+ and the Giants already have a game on the Skins, where is our place in this division? My point isn't that the Skins are necessarily bad (although they very well might be), they just happen to be playing in one of the hardest division's in NFL history. So in order for them to win a division, or even grab a wild card spot, they're going to have to pitch a perfect game over the next 16 weeks. A perfect game! We'll find out if Zorny's got a Don Larson up his sleeve.</div><div><br /></div><div>4) Elami Turn Away: A Little More Front-Office Bashing - I just want to address two things that made me hate DannyVinny even more. One was the amount of inactives rookies the Skins had against the Giants. 6/9 to be exact (I don't count Colt Brennan bc the third QB inactive rule is weird). The Skins played 3 of their 10 drafted rookies in week 1 - no Kelly, no Fred Davis, No Rob Jackson, No Chad Reinhart. Who did they play? Besides Chris Horton, who might actually might be a gem, the Skins sported Devin Thomas and his pathetic first down attempt and Durant Brooks. A word about Brooks - I didn't think I could hate a human being more than I hated Derrick Frost, I guess drafting Brooks was a success in that regard because he's my least favorite human being...ever. Well done, kids. My second issue is the productivity of the WRs that the Skins passed upon in the second round. I know it was only one week, but these numbers stung me and I'd like them to sting you too. The Skins took "First Down" Devin at pick 34 opting for the one-year wonder at Michigan State over Eddie Royal, who went 42, a local guy who caught 11 balls and posted 150 yards plus of receiving yards in his NFL debut. The Skins then picked Fred Davis, who was inactive last week, at 48, passing on DeSean Jackson, who the Eagles drafted one pick behind Davis. Jackson posted 100 receving yards and also took a 60 yard punt return to the hizzy. Just sayin...</div><div><br /></div><div>5) Ok, The Game, Offense:</div><div>Skins Serv is already really long and I gotta start up with the Saturday night spirits, so I'm gonna keep the X's and O's to a minimum. The Skins have to move the ball. Pretty simple equation. I think the Skins have to open up through the air and establish some kind of passing game against the Saints most vulnerable spot. The Saints will be without starters Randall Gay (CB), Roman Harper (S), and likely without corner Mike McKenzie. On the other hand, the Saints have a very aggressive front four, led by Sedrick Ellis, Will Smith, Charles Grant and Kendrick Clancy. Ok, I don't know much about these guys, but CP says they're good and I've read they plan on stacking the box. What that means is that JC and his group of smurfs will have to somehow make eye contact and hook up for passes early in the game, which will then force the Saints to play more coverage, which then might get CP some running lanes. So many good NFL teams are going with the pass to set up the run, the Skins have to make it happen too. Early last week, after establishing nothing in the air, Portis was juking and jumping away from Giants in the backfield - this was due to horrible run blocking but more importantly because the Giants didn't respect the pass and threw everyone up at Portis. I actually thought CP ran quick and ran hard this week, he looked faster and more slender - it'd be a damn shame if the Skins squander a potential big-year from CP. But establishing the pass is a must, which leads me to...</div><div><br /></div><div>6) To Gun or Not to Gun - Basically, Jason Campbell isn't ready to run the West Coast Offense. The question is whether Jim Zorn is willing to take the hits this year and let JC develop in the system or if they compromise the integrity of the West Coast in order to make the Skins a serviceable NFL team right now. It's pretty much a long-term v. short-term gain issue. If they compromise and let Campbell go to the shotgun, he has a couple of more seconds to see his receivers and gives him space to find the little ones coming over the middle. If they stick to the true west coast, Campbell struggles now, but potentially learns how to run the system the way it's supposed to be run down the road. I think I'm willing to take the pain now and see the gain later. If they shotgun it, JC will never get comfortable. Also, if they go to the shotgun a lot, how will they be able to run the ball? Teams will know exactly what they're doing. The larger issue at hand is that JC wasn't drafted to run this offense, and now VinnyDanny have forced this system down his throat. Somethings gonna give: either the system (and Zorn) will be run out of town soon, or JC moves on. I don't think this organization has the patience to wait for him to develop in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>7) Stopping the Saints - The Saints not having Marques Colston is a plus, but Colston isn't the Skins focus. I read something real interesting about what the Saints are gonna try to do. They like hitting Jeremy Shockey early in the game, taking advantage of the middle of the field and forcing the opposing LB's to lean towards Shockey up the middle. Once Shockey establishes himself in the middle, the Saints swing Reggie Bush out of the backfield into the side flats, leaving LB's out of position and having to chase Bush from behind. As we saw last week, that's not a situation teams want to be in. What makes things worse is that the Skins are extremely vulnerable at Outside LB right now. Marcus Washington is dealing with a hammy and Rocky McIntosh still has some serious knee tzurus. The Skins are gonna somehow cover Shockey while keeping an eye on Bush.</div><div><br /></div><div>8) Injuries - As we saw last week, Jason Taylor is not 100%. I'd say he's 60% at best. He made an heroic effort but the dude got dominated at the line and was pushed backward all night long. I think we see a lot more of Demetric Evans this week, especially if the Saints start running toward Taylor (which they'll do). In other injury news, Chris Cooley's got a quad and missed the first practice of his career. Looks like Cooley's gonna go though. M Washington is set to go with the hammy and it also looks like Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs will be ready as well (lord they need em'). If I was a betting man, I would put my money on us not seeing Malcolm Kelly tomorrow. Kelly's a game-time decision, but the Skins seemed to get more and more pessimistic about Kelly playing as the week went on. Jason Campbell is in dire need of Kelly, who's gives JC a big target on the short stuff the Skins are running. Campbell literally said he couldn't see Moss and ARE last week - it's tragic if Kelly can't get on the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>9) Prediction - I have written nothing to indicate the Skins will have an easy go of things tomorrow, but this league is week-to-week and I think this is a trap game for the Saints. The Skins will create some early turnovers that will lead to easy points, and the Saints won't be able to recover. The Skins finally will have the benefit of short fields and Campbell will improve on his nightmare from last week. Skins Win! Skins Win! Redskins 29 Saints 19</div><div><br /></div><div>HTTR</div>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-84423979834246543932008-09-04T10:37:00.002-04:002008-09-04T15:32:19.312-04:00Welcome Home SaadSkinServ is ALIVE.<div><br /></div>Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-74866885486662455262008-09-03T15:30:00.000-04:002008-09-04T15:31:37.273-04:00The Magical Mystery Tour Begins: Volume 3, Issue 3<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Braves on the Warpath,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I would first like to wish you all Happy New Year! Tomorrow night is the start of the next chapter in our riveting, emotional ride as Redskins fans - and before we start chalking up the L's and W's, I think we should pause to remember just how great it is to be here for another season of NFL football - the greatest spectator sport in the history of mankind.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I would also like to apologize for being a deadbeat SkinsServer (Chief Server?). I am going through some major life changes and am still figuring out how to include Skins Serv in the juggling act. Thus, I totally neglected the preseason, discussing hot new players (assuming we have any), and cutting the roster down to 53. In hindsight, this was probably the year to do it. Lets just say the last few weeks haven't been pretty. As you can see though, I have found the time to get this Week 1 edition out to press, and with God's will, I'll be able to do it for 21 more weeks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before I get down into the nitty and the gritty, I would also like to make a general statement aimed at all of Skins Servers and Redskins fans universe-wide. The malaise ends tonight. All cynicism, skepticism, and any other "ism" that has captured the sentiment of 99.9998 of Redskins fans (the .0002 are Ami and Elan) over the last two months must be laid to rest tonight (rest in peace, cynicism - see you at the 2009 draft).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As of tomorrow, it is just us the fans, our 53-man roster and the coaching staff that parade on the Sunday sidelines. When Squeezy or Tynes place the ball on the tee tomorrow, there will be no more front office, no more politics, no more PR fiascoes. It will be us the fans and our beloved Potomac Warriors.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This rebuke is just as much internal as it is external - we all need to exorcise our bitterness (go the mikvah maybe?) and come into 2008 with positivism, love and excitement for our boys. JC, CP, Marcus, Rock and all the others that comprise this team we all love so much need us as much as we need them. So lets bring it Skins Fans - better, faster, stronger and more emotionally-tied than ever before.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As for what to expect - I just don't know (as indicated by "Mystery" in the Skins Serv title). This team has some major upside, some major downside, a fledgling QB and a post-fetal head coach. And oh yeah - they play in the hardest division in the National Football League. To me, as a humble blogger, it's the equivalent of making chulent for the first time - I just don't know how it's gonna come out. Good thing is we now have 17 weeks to watch it all play out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To a very happy new year full of happiness, health and 19/20 total wins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kol Tuv,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saadman</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">___________________________________</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Welcome Zorny (Yeah - I coined that)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When you talk about the 2008 Washington Redskins, you cannot look past the new man under the Motorola. Regardless of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>how you feel about the total alienation of, and sheer disregard for, human life the front office showed during the hiring process (OK, I'll stop), you can't help but like Zorny. This guy brings a fresh energy and youthful exuberance (shocking that he's a 50-something, actually) that this organization needed. He's a great offensive mind, he develops quarterbacks, and his most endearing trait, he is candid with the media (no more "great team effort" and no more "3 lb, 8 oz baby Jesus").</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In terms of X's and O's, Zorn brings in the West Coast offense. The WCO, based on my limited knowledge, is all about quick hitting, timing-based patterns, which depend equally as much as yards after the catch as it does on the QB's ability to make a quick decision at the line of scrimmage. What this means for the Redskins offense is that Jason Campbell is going to have to know where all his options are within mili-seconds after the snap and then make the optimal decision based on the defensive coverage. In the preseason, I'd say JC was 2/5 in performances - against the Colts and Bills he looked like he had a handle on it, in the last three games not as much (we'll get to that later). The west coast also implements more of a spread-style offense - look for 4-wide sets as well as 2 passing catching TE formations featuring Cooley and Fred Davis. Also look to see more of CP and Betts lining up wide or swinging out of the backfield - this offense loves good pass-catching RB's (see Roger Craig and Ricky Watters).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other thing Zorn did was keep the Gibbs-era running game in tact. That means we'll still see a heavy dose of Portis and Betts in the North/South running game, but even more so in the zone blocking schemes - where the big guys in will get out front and pull ahead of the pack.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I expect the offense to be a major work in progress. For anyone who thinks the Skins offense will be a Juggernaut out of the gate - I'd downgrade your thinking to cautious optimism. This offense will work eventually - JC has played in it before and is smart enough to manage it, and all the receivers (including twiddle dumb and twiddle dee) will eventually understand where they need to be - but it will take time and the early stages might not be too pretty. That isn't to say the Skins won't shown signs of brilliance. They still have a dynamic and talented group of offensive weapons who will be able to compensate for what they might not grasp yet with their natural skill. Again, this thing is going to be a mystery.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The Development of JC</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I alluded to earlier, I believe this team and this offense rides on the development of Campbell under Zorn. In his three years, JC has looked amazing, looked terrible and looked everywhere in between. He ran the west coast brilliantly as a senior in Auburn, but as I said, this is going to take time. Many observers, like Peter King, have stated that JC is up for the task and ready to make an impact immediately. Again, I'd approach the situation with cautious optimism - the dude's barely played a full season as a starting QB and needs to get real game experience in this offense before we can expect him to fully flourish.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Campbell has worked extremely hard in the off season, established himself as a team leader and has made sure that everyone on the offensive side of the ball is on the same page with him. He clearly has the tools and the attitude to be a pro bowl quarterback, and it is my belief that if Zorn can develop Matt Hasslebeck into a stud NFL QB, he'll be able to do it with Campbell (who has much more raw ability than Hasslebeck).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) The Defense will be Top-5 in the league</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My bold statement of the season isn't really that bold. This defense is stacked. I don't think we've seen a Redskins defensive roster with this much talent since, dare I say, 1991. Gregg Williams and Greg Blache put together a top 5 defense in 2004 with much less talent than this Redskins team, and the schemes and strategy haven't changed much since then. Although Williams is gone, Blache hasn't overhauled the playbook and now has many more options to defend than Williams ever did.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First is the defensive front four - the anchor of a teams defense. The Skins upgraded significantly at Defensive End with the signings of Jason Taylor and Erasmus James and added depth with the drafting of Rob Jackson out of Cal. They, along with Demetric Evans as a run-stopping DE specialist and Andre Carter as a speed rusher, will give QB's a lot more to think about than they've ever had to before when facing the Skins. In the interior, the Skins are anchored by CGriff and have a nice rotation of tackles between Montgomery, Golston and Lorenzo Alexander (who is probably the most talented of the lot).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With Taylor and Carter lining up at end, the Redskins secondary can finally count on a consistent pass rush, something that will lead to more press coverage on the outside and more freedom for the Linebackers, who can now focus on the middle of the field instead of having to worry about getting to the QB as well. The Skins will utilize safety and corner blitzing, but again, it won't be as necessary with a good rush from the front four. With addition of Taylor (and with Cater opposite) every player on the Skins defense can go back to their natural roles without having to worry about compensating for a flawed front four.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For the line backing corps this means players like Marcus Washington (who is finally fully healthy and may have had the best preseason of any Skins player) can roam sideline-to-sideline, help on the rush defense, spot blitz and drop in coverage when asked to. The Skins LB's might be the most vulnerable unit because Rocky McIntosh is still recovering from the knee surgery, but I believe that London Fletcher and a healthy Washington will compensate for any rustiness McIntosh might show.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As for the secondary, the Skins got a nice surprise when Carlos Rogers made a miraculous recovery from his knee surgery. Rogers, along with Smootsie and Springs, are ready to go. No more 10-yard cushions - this corner triumvirate will be able to be more aggressive and take chances with plays on the ball. I think we'll see a ton more turnovers than we're used to. LaRon Landry has been absent in the preseason with a hammy, but that doesn't worry me too much. Landry will be able to roam 20 yards deep in many cover-1 coverages (just as Sean Taylor did last year) and will also spot blitz and maybe even cover the run (if Shawn Springs doubles in safety coverage as well). I think Reed Doughty is a good run stopper, but the superlatives stop there. Doughty is very flawed in coverage - even when matched against lumbering tight ends. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Redskins rookie safeties takes over the job mid way through the year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) The Offensive Line</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I guess you could stay this is the start of the "oooh boy" section. I just don't know what to make of this unit. They're old, they're looking slow and they can't protect JC at all. In a west coast offense (see timing, precision), the QB needs some space to go through his reads and have a second to think before acting. Joe Montana always had time, Hasslebeck has time, even Jeff Garcia has time - so far in the pre-season, JC's has had time find a nice resting spot for his tusch. Although I will leave the front office out of this, the Skins didn't really address the 30-somethings that make up JC's secret service. They drafted this kid Rinehart hoping he might develop into a tackle - now its looking like he can be a solid guard in the NFL (just not yet). The Skins also have another kid (2nd year) Justin Geisinger, who might also develop into a decent NFL guard, but he isn't first team ready either.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What this means is that the Skins are looking at an o-line with the ages of 32, 35, 31, 31 and....24. I'll get to the 24 in a minute. In a league that gets faster by the minute, with younger, quicker defensive ends and tackles, the Redskins offensive line has only gotten older. Randy Thomas can still pull, but beyond that there are no guarantees. In his limited action in the pre-season CP did have some room to roam on about every other play.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And we haven't even really addressed the pass protection. Lets just say it has been has been non-existent. Amazingly its gotten so bad that the Skins have demoted 32 year old Jon Jansen. Jansen, to be fair, is coming off his second major injury in four years, but the man has looked slow and ineffective. Every pass rusher who he faced in the preseason ran circles around him (literally), and now Jansen must re-establish himself as a force on the practice field, because Stephon Heyer (24 years old) has usurped the role. I could brag about Heyer's age (he brings down the average age of the line significantly), but the guy is raw. He did show some signs last year, but he still doesn't have the footwork or experience the Skins need at that position. I think Heyer will develop nicely, and getting reps as starter will be great for him but still expect a learning curve.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Somehow this unit needs to hold together. Maybe this can be the reincarnation of the over-the-hill gang. Maybe they'll last into late January. Maybe JC will find a comfort zone behind them. All huge maybes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Something's Stinky in the land of WR's</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Skins ended '07 with major problems at WR. They were carrying the usual suspects - 'Tana, ARE and James Thrash, to go along with Keenan McCardell, Reche Caldwell and my boy Brandon Lloyd. This troop of pass catchers made up for one of the worst in the league - they were old, small and injury-riddled. So, in the off season, the Skins tried to address the issue by drafting not just one, but two WRs (and a pass catching TE). That's right ladies and gents, the Skins used their first three draft picks to upgrade on the outside (at the expense of not drafting any 2nd Round O-lineman, btw) and now, this is what they have to show for it:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">'Tana, ARE and James Thrash.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Confused? I am. Of course it's still early and there's time for Kelly and Thomas to make up for a comical summer, but until they prove themselves with red-zone TD's (or just time on the field), these two guys are the reincarnates of Michael Westbrook, Desmond Howard, Albert Connell and ...Tidus Wynans (remember him? If you don't, he sucked).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The wrap on Kelly was that he wasn't durable and scared to play through it (that's why he slipped in the draft). Guess what? He's injured and scared to test his surgically-repaired knee. The wrap on Thomas was that he was slow and was a one-season-wonder. Guess what? As I write this, he's still getting to the twenty yard line of the opening kickoff versus Jacksonville. I know I'm being harsh, but these guys haven't brought it. And I'm not the only one saying it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Apparently JC himself (not Jason Campbell, but Jesus) went to the receivers' homes and begged them to get serious about playing football professionally. For real - this actually happened. Thomas was quoted last week as saying that he's started to take film home with him so he can get a better grasp of the the playbook. It was Labor Day weekend! Both guys have disappointed everyone around them in the early going. The only good part about the whole thing is that that Jim Zorn has been open about just how bad they've been.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So you'd assume the Skins would carry some more WRs right? Not so much. According to my calculations, the Skins will carry 2.5 WRs tomorrow night. 'Tana, Thrash and ARE's right hand (his left one has a brace - don't ask me how he plans on catching the ball). Thomas will be active, but considering he still doesn't know all the routes, don't expect to see him. Kelly will be inactive with the knee thing, and I would assume we don't see him until late October.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So how will the Skins move the ball down the field? They'll get Chris Cooley in the slot in 4WR sets and they'll mix in Fred Davis to match up with weaker-in-coverage LB's. Also look for some two RB formations with either Betts or Portis coming out to catch the ball.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The bottom line is that if you're expecting to move the ball down field with your second TE and two RB sets, you might have some offensive tsurus.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As not to be Debbie Downer, Moss is 100% healthy and is still a big play threat, and ARE's legs are also 100% - which means he could be a threat in the middle of the field. Thrash also could be a guy who gives them a red zone score.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Where have you gone Billy McMullen (who, by the way, was the best WR in the league during the preseason)?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6) I Love CP</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you haven't noticed, I'm one of the 50% of DCites who fall out in the "love CP" camp. Dude can get to the outside in a jiffy, lay out LBs and has good hands coming out of the backfield. This offense is perfect for a RB with diversified skill sets. Portis is healthy, has shed a ton of weight, and is running faster than he has since his days at the U. I think Zorn has actually built a nice trust in Portis, and when the passing game hits road blocks, they will turn to CP to carry the offense. Look for Portis to have his best year as a Redskin, both running and catching the ball. I know Dolla just got a fat contract and has nothing but pride to play for, but something tells me 2-6 has grown up a lot and realizes his window for success in the NFL is starting to close. If there's any guarantees from week to week on the offensive side of the ball, it's that CP will give this team a lot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Skins v. G-Women</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I'm starting to ramble and time is a getting late, so lets move on to tonight's Meadowlands showdown. I actually have no idea what's going to happen...shocker?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) History favors the Skins</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Isn't it nice having a NFC-East affair in prime time to open up the season? Traditionally, the NFC East Super Bowl winner would play a division rival on Monday Night to open the season, and would usually get shmised. Cowboys would whoop the Skins, Skins would whoop the Cowboys, etc etc. That's why my gut tells me that tomorrow night the Skins come out hungry and the Giants come out flat. No X's and O's, no matchups, purely empirical.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) What to Expect</p> <p class="MsoNormal">JLC wrote that the Giants plan to spread the Skins defense out and get some favorable match ups with their Tight End, Kevin Boss, and maybe their 4th WR on Reed Doughty and McIntosh (the weak links). If the Giants can pull this off, then those two are going to have to find a way to rise to the occasion. If not, the Giants could dink and dunk with the big TE for many long drives.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Personally, I think the Skins have looked vulnerable against the run. Tom Coughlin remembers Eli's 50-pass disaster in late December last year, and will instead opt to wear the Skins D-line down with a heavy dose of Jacobs and Bradshaw. This strategy concerns me more. If the Skins line doesn't shore up those gaps and creases quickly, the Giant RB's will get to the secondary and wreak havoc.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If the Giants try to test our pass coverage, I think the Skins have no trouble. If they keep the ball on the ground, it could be a long night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On offense I assume Zorny will try to pass the ball early, testing our lineman in pass protection. If the outcome is good, expect to see the beauty of the west coast unfold before your eyes. If the o-lineman can't protect Campbell, expect to see a lot of Portis, and for Zorn to pick and choose spots to throw the ball. Yes - it pretty much all rides on this offensive line.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) The Prediction</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gotta have one, right? I think the Skins win this game because the Giants come out flat and the Skins defense comes through (as they always seem to do on opening day). The offense will put together two good drives for the game and squeak in a late field goal before the half as well. A win, but nothing to get too excited about. Just like in recent years past, opening day doesn't reach the 20's.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Redskins 13, Giants 10</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Season Predictions</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Over the past three months, I've been everywhere from 3-13 to 11-5. I don't think anything is out of the question. Seriously, if the week 3 Giants of 07 could end up winning the Super Bowl, what's not to say we can't? Just picture it now - "The swarming pass rush of Andre Carter, Jason Taylor and Erasmus James over-matched the Patriots offensive line. Just like 07, the NFC East defensive monster was just too much for Bellichek." Hey it happened in 86, it happened in 90, and it happened in 07. Who's to say it can't happen in 87, 91, and 08?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But really, my friends, this thing seems to be a work in progress. I refuse to use the world rebuilding though. You don't rebuild by picking up a 30+ yr old's 8 million dollar contract. The Skins front office isn't in rebuilding mold. The players want to win right now. So lets just call it a work in progress.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And how far can they progress? Can the offense click by week 4? Week 12? Week 16? We can only wait and see. I personally see this thing coming together for them in October, unfortunately, after they've dug themselves too big a hole to get out. The schedule the NFL handed them is just too grueling, and I think we're asking a lot of them to develop as an offensive unit while going on the road in the NFC East in 3 of their first 5. They'll win tomorrow and then I think it gets ugly for a couple of months, before they start showing signs late - just in time for us to get legitimately excited about a 2009 Super Bowl run.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here's how I break it down (for those of you scoring at home)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 1 - 9/4 - @Giants - W - 13-10</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 2 - 9/14 - Saints - L - 24-10</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 3 - 9/21 - Cardinals - L - 21-14</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 4 - 9/28 - @Cowboys - L - 20-13</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 5 - 10/5 - @Eagles - L - 16-10</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 6 - 10/12 - Rams - W - 28-9</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 7 - 10/19 - Browns - W - 24-21</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 8 - 10/26 - @Lions - W - 27-13</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 9 - 11/3 - Steelers - L - 21-9</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 11 - 11/16 - Cowboys - W - 30-17</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 12 - 11/23 - @Seahawks - L - 16-14</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 13 - 11/30 - Giants - L - 22-17</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 14 - 12/7 - @Ravens - W - 31-9</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 15 - 12/14 - @Bengals - L - 28-14</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 16 - 12/21 - Eagles - W - 24-21</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week 17 - 12/28 - @49ers - W - 34-21</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Parting Shot</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Didn't Joe Gibbs will an 8-8 record after an 0-5 start in 81? Guess what happened the next year...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">HTTR</p> <!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-50451020273255975502008-07-21T15:29:00.000-04:002008-09-04T15:30:31.255-04:00On Hiatus: Volume 3, Issue 2<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Dearly Beloved Fans of the Feather,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I apologize for being so aloof in these early days of Training Camp 2008. As many of you know, I am currently on a Redskins Fan Recruiting/Fact Finding Mission through the Middle East. Today Israel, tomorrow Egypt, and so on. By week's end, the Burgundy and Gold will be painted all over the Middle East, and I'll have a better idea if Al-Qaeda was behind 21's death.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because of my nomadic tendencies, lack of computer, and the costly Near East Internet Rates, I can barely track training camp appropriately, never mind report on it to you all diligently. I AM TRULY SORRY.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I will send my first comprehensive Skins Serv upon my return to Washington DC on July 30th. Until then, please keep up-to-date on all things Skins with Jason LaCanfora's Redskins blog at http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also feel free to keep me updated with emails and/or phone calls. My number is 011-972-52-566-8787.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Looking forward to a magical 08'.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kol Tuv,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saadman</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In Case You Live in a Cave (Bin Laden's new to Skins Serv):</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Injuries - Daniels and my boy Buzbee are done for the year leaving a gaping hole at D-End. Daniels is aging and they way I see it, the Skins would have been lucky to get 8 starts out of him anyway. Buzbee's a good prospect but is nowhere near starting up here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) JTaylor9?- Taylor or Julius Peppers were the only options the Skins had after yesterday morning's debacle. People are scared off by Taylor's lack of focus - I ain't. A focused Skins D-line over the past 7 years hasn't been able to muster one double-digit sack guys - Taylor had 11 last year. The guy is durable - he hasn't missed a start since the Clinton Administration. He also fits under the cap. The move had to be made and it was a great one at that. The dude forces defenses to choose who they'll chip and double team and it will force teams to go to more block-heavy packages, easing up the pressure on our corners...finally.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Smoot - Smoot was the only other injury yesterday, and word on the street in Eilat is that he was practicing this morning. So no worries there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Go to Training Camp - Training Camp is a special time and Ashburn is lovely in late July. Somebody needs to go see our boys and report back to everyone what they're looking like. Tailgate, buy lots of apparel and get autographs - its any Skins Fan's dream.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Pass Catchers - After being a bit down on our choice of draft picks in April, I'm now really pumped to see how Thomas, Kelly and Davis pan out. If they blossom quickly, the Skins offense could be a JUG-ERR-NAUT.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">HTTR</p> <!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-50578925161266617272008-04-15T15:28:00.001-04:002008-09-04T15:29:47.904-04:00Schedule Day: Volume 3, Issue 1<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The NFL's first Yom Tov has hit and it's a good enough reason for me to type up the first Skins Serv of the 2008-2009 season. The Skins have some big-time match-ups on the docket, including the NFL season-opener in New York against the Giants on Thursday night September 4th at 7PM on NBC. The Skins home opener will take place ten days later when they host the Saints on September 14th at 1PM.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Skins have a Monday Night Football tilt with the Steelers on November 3rd, and host the Cowboys for Sunday Night Football on November 16th. The Skins also have a 9th home game against the Ravens in Baltimore on December 7th, and host the SB Champion Giants over Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 30). The Skins were awarded a week 10 bye this year (much better than last year's week 4 bye), and they close the season with a Week 17 matchup against Niners in San Fran.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some other noteworthy facts about the schedule:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) The Skins play their first 3 NFC East games on the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The Skins close the season with 4 of their last 6 games on the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) The Skins travel to Seattle (again) to take on the Seahawks (Jim Zorn's alma mater) on November 23rd.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) The Skins match up against the NFC West and the AFC North this year. According to my humble calculations, the NFC West will stink up the joint again in 08-09, while the AFC North will sport two good teams (both our home matchups) and two awful teams (our away matchups).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) No major Jewish holidays coincide with Redskins games this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also please don't forget that the Skins will participate in the NFL's first pre-season game, the HOF game, on Sunday night August 3rd in Canton, Ohio against the Colts (the day following Art Monk and Darrell Green's HOF induction).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is so much speculation going into every NFL season, but I am pretty sure this might be the most clueless any of us will ever be heading into a season - should make for a fun campaign.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The draft is a week away - I'll check in if and when there is anything worth checking in about.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">142 days, 3 Hours, 43 Minutes till opening kickoff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It's OK to officially get pumped again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kol Tuv,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saadman</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">----------------------------</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) The Pre-Season Schedule</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sun., Aug. 3 vs. Indianapolis 8 PM NBC ( Canton , Ohio )</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sat., Aug. 9 vs. Buffalo 7 PM</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sat., Aug. 16 at New York Jets 7 PM</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sat., Aug. 23 at Carolina 7 PM</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thurs., Aug. 28 vs. Jacksonville 7 PM NBC</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The Real Schedule</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 4 @ New York Giants 7 p.m. ET NBC</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 14 New Orleans Saints 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 21 Arizona Cardinals 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 28 @ Dallas Cowboys 4:15 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 5 @ Philadelphia Eagles 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 12 St. Louis Rams 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 19 Cleveland Browns 4:15 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 26 @ Detroit Lions 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Monday Nov. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers 8:30 p.m. ET ESPN</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 9 BYE ---</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 16 Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m. ET* NBC</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 23 @ Seattle Seahawks 4:15 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 30 New York Giants 1 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 7 @ Baltimore Ravens 1 ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 14 @ Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 21 Philadelphia Eagles 1 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 28 @ San Francisco 49ers 4:15 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">HTTR</p> <!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-78368054691801140702008-04-15T15:28:00.000-04:002008-09-04T15:29:46.500-04:00Schedule Day: Volume 3, Issue 1<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The NFL's first Yom Tov has hit and it's a good enough reason for me to type up the first Skins Serv of the 2008-2009 season. The Skins have some big-time match-ups on the docket, including the NFL season-opener in New York against the Giants on Thursday night September 4th at 7PM on NBC. The Skins home opener will take place ten days later when they host the Saints on September 14th at 1PM.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Skins have a Monday Night Football tilt with the Steelers on November 3rd, and host the Cowboys for Sunday Night Football on November 16th. The Skins also have a 9th home game against the Ravens in Baltimore on December 7th, and host the SB Champion Giants over Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 30). The Skins were awarded a week 10 bye this year (much better than last year's week 4 bye), and they close the season with a Week 17 matchup against Niners in San Fran.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some other noteworthy facts about the schedule:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) The Skins play their first 3 NFC East games on the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The Skins close the season with 4 of their last 6 games on the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) The Skins travel to Seattle (again) to take on the Seahawks (Jim Zorn's alma mater) on November 23rd.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) The Skins match up against the NFC West and the AFC North this year. According to my humble calculations, the NFC West will stink up the joint again in 08-09, while the AFC North will sport two good teams (both our home matchups) and two awful teams (our away matchups).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) No major Jewish holidays coincide with Redskins games this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also please don't forget that the Skins will participate in the NFL's first pre-season game, the HOF game, on Sunday night August 3rd in Canton, Ohio against the Colts (the day following Art Monk and Darrell Green's HOF induction).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is so much speculation going into every NFL season, but I am pretty sure this might be the most clueless any of us will ever be heading into a season - should make for a fun campaign.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The draft is a week away - I'll check in if and when there is anything worth checking in about.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">142 days, 3 Hours, 43 Minutes till opening kickoff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It's OK to officially get pumped again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kol Tuv,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saadman</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">----------------------------</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) The Pre-Season Schedule</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sun., Aug. 3 vs. Indianapolis 8 PM NBC ( Canton , Ohio )</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sat., Aug. 9 vs. Buffalo 7 PM</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sat., Aug. 16 at New York Jets 7 PM</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sat., Aug. 23 at Carolina 7 PM</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thurs., Aug. 28 vs. Jacksonville 7 PM NBC</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The Real Schedule</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 4 @ New York Giants 7 p.m. ET NBC</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 14 New Orleans Saints 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 21 Arizona Cardinals 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sept. 28 @ Dallas Cowboys 4:15 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 5 @ Philadelphia Eagles 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 12 St. Louis Rams 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 19 Cleveland Browns 4:15 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oct. 26 @ Detroit Lions 1 p.m. ET</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Monday Nov. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers 8:30 p.m. ET ESPN</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 9 BYE ---</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 16 Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m. ET* NBC</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 23 @ Seattle Seahawks 4:15 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nov. 30 New York Giants 1 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 7 @ Baltimore Ravens 1 ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 14 @ Cincinnati Bengals 1 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 21 Philadelphia Eagles 1 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dec. 28 @ San Francisco 49ers 4:15 p.m. ET*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">HTTR</p> <!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-46703055388226348102008-01-23T15:26:00.001-05:002008-09-04T15:28:51.134-04:00Coaching Search Over, G-d Help Us: Volume 2, Issue 23<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">According to the Post's Jason LaCanfora the Redskins coaching search is finally over. Jim Fassel will take the helm as head coach, Rex Ryan will be the new defensive coordinator and Jim Zorn will be the offensive coordinator. As reported earlier in the week, Vinny Cerrato will be the team's Exec VP of Football Operations while Daniel Snyder remains the CED, Chief Evil Dictator. Williams? Gone. Saunders? Gone. The rest of the staff? Probably gone too. According to Jason, some final negotiations over Ryan's contract are still taking place at this hour, but this is pretty much a done deal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I'll follow up with more tomorrow, but let me just say this is a total disaster. According to Jason, the Skins are being referred to as a "laughingstock" around the league and the entire organization, except for Snyder and Cerrato, is totally distraught over the situation. Expect a huge shakeup now - from the head waterboy all the way up to Dolla Bill himself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fassel and Co. are going to have to win over the players, fans, and this entire city. It ain't going to be easy and definitely will not be done in one year. Want my 2008 prediction? I know it's a bit early, but here it is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>7-9. If we're lucky.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It's safe to say that four years of progress just went down the tubes. Where is coach Joe and all the stability now? This is the most dysfunctional family of all time. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am sick.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-26576133583278995982008-01-11T15:25:00.000-05:002008-09-04T15:26:50.514-04:00A Franchise in Limbo: Volume 2, Issue 22<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Braves on the Warpath,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although I can thankfully say I've never been addicted to narcotics in my life, if I were trying to make an analogy to following the Redskins, it would have to be like a junky's deep addiction to drugs. Case and point: this week. After breaking off from the Skins cold turkey Saturday night (except for reading's Jason's blog and watching Coach Joe's post-game presser), I figured I needed an extended break (healthy, right?). Don't think about the loss, don't talk about the loss, and maybe send the Betty Ford Clinic Volume 2, Issue 21 of Skins Serv - could that be qualified as ODing?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I would give myself a week to recuperate - no football, no burgundy and gold, just some HBO and American Gladiators (which is amazing, btw). Well, like the good ole' addict I am, I decided to put on Monday's Coach Joe Presser while counting down the final minutes of work - something that has become a weekly tradition for me this season. After about five minutes of watching Coach Joe deflect talk about his future and give more muddled answers than a White House press conference, I knew another chapter was closing. Coach Joe was done. And just like that, in classic Redskins style, the off-season break was over. Time to go full throttle with the B & G...again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had given myself a week (maybe two) to not research draft boards, prospective free agents, and potential road trips for next year, and instead I got a whole 41 hours of off-season. Unfortunately for many of us, this wasn't the typical start to a Skins Summer of big free-agent splashes and restructured contracts, but instead was another sad goodbye to this franchise's patriarch. So now with the future so uncertain, us poor Redskins fans are left to not only pick up the pieces from 2007, but also left to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>agonize over what will come in 2008. Redskins Nation has been left an orphan in a mean NFL world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hope a good ending will come from all this.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stay Strong,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saadman</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">----------------------------------------------------------</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First: Seattle </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Limited Analysis - Before I discuss the game, let me say that my knowledge about it is very limited. I didn't read anything about the game or watch any highlights or game film. I just couldn't bare it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) So Close (This Paragraph is painful) - When Anthony Mix (who we have on lockdown for another 2 years) recovered that fumble, I thought it was over. The change of possession rule is perplexing and ended up being the start of our demise. The biggest play might have been Chris Cooley's dropped ball on the sideline near the 3 yard line on first and ten of the ensuing drive. If Cooley hauls it in, the Skins probably score and game over. Instead the Skins go 3 and out, Suisham does what spineless, vulnerable kickers do, and the rest is painful history. I'd venture to say that even if he makes that FG the Skins probably win - the air only came out of the tires because the ball sailed left. There was no recovering after that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Todd - Collins was fantastic in December and nearly pulled off a monumental comeback - we owe him the world. Unfortunately for us, it wasn't meant to be and unfortunately for him, he was exposed a bit as well. Collins, who thrives on timing routes, got burned by corners who were getting more accustomed to his timing and jumping those routes. Collins tendency to throw to spots killed him on the deep Moss INT - the final backbreaker of the game. Collins lack of arm strength was also exposed for the first time. On many critical third and fourth down situations the Skins went for the sideline out play and Collins was just not strong enough to get the ball to his receivers on those patterns, enabling the Seattle corners to break up those plays.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think the Skins need to re-sign Collins (as long as Saunders stays) - his ability to step in was remarkable this year and he gives the Skins a great edge in terms of having a serviceable number two. That being said, Jason Campbell just has too many physical qualities to let him sit on the bench any more. The Skins need to continue growing with Campbell, need to develop his offensive mind, and, most importantly, need to develop his confidence. That can only come if he's in the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Why the Loss was Healthy - You know that whole Super Bowl hangover theory? I surmise that a lot of that stuff happens because teams who don't belong in the big game end up getting there, and then don't try to revamp their mediocre team in the off-season. Teams go on magical runs and are fooled into thinking their roster is set for the future. Thankfully the Skins were exposed against Seattle and will now fill some critical holes for next year. I'm not saying the Skins need an entire overhaul (they don't) but Saturday made it obvious that they need more depth at certain positions. Hopefully whatever regime takes over in Ashburn will analyze that film, understand what needs to be bolstered and then go about making those changes in the most mature way possible (mature being a word for using the draft and not overpaying for less talent). Which leads me too...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Second: What the Skins Need</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) O-Line Depth - The Skins patchwork o-line, which was stout for their 4-game run, fell to pieces against a faster, more athletic Seahawks defense. I know the o-line didn't get help with the crazy crowd noise, but that still shouldn't be an excuse for their lack of protection of Collins and their inability to open up any holes for Portis. Jason Fabini is not a starter in the NFL. He's mediocre in passing situations and even worse opening holes for the run. Stephon Heyer is coming along nicely, but I don't think he'll be ready to start next year. His footwork is still clumsy and has trouble with speed rushers. Lorenzo Alexander, who will probably end up playing full-time guard next year, will also boost the line - but he is also not ready to be a starter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Skins are hopeful Jansen and Thomas will be 100% in September but with their history, you never know. The Skins need to spend a first day pick on both a guard and a tackle to develop next year. If they do that than they'll have Alexander and Heyer, along with two high draft picks, to develop on the bench while Thomas, Jansen and Kendall give whatever they have left. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Defensive End - The Skins 4-man pass rush, which also was effective against some poor offensive lines earlier this year, did not get it done on Saturday. Matt Hasslebeck had way too much time to pick apart the Skins coverage-heavy defense as the front four couldn't get a hand on him. I believe Golston and Montgomery are a solid foundation in the middle and they'll only get better with time, and if the Skins can get some run out of Griffin next year than the middle is taken care of. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The outside is where the problem lies. Andre Carter had a great season but cannot be effective if he gets double teamed or chipped by tight ends. Because Philip Daniels doesn't inspire fear as a pass rusher, teams were able to load up on Carter's side - which left the Skins getting no pressure from either ends. The Skins must upgrade Daniels in the off-season and they must do so by not dropping dough on an aging, over-priced DE. Instead they should do it with their first round draft pick. According to what I've read about the draft, there should be a quality DE available midway through the first round and the Skins should pounce on whoever it is. A young speed rusher will not only generate pressure from the weak side but will also take away the double teams from Carter - making him that much more effective.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Don't ask me what to do if the Skins end up playing a 3-4 next year (I pray they won't).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Safety - As I feared would be the case, the Skins secondary showed how thin it was on Saturday. Leigh Torrence is developing nicely and might be a good fit for 4th CB or even Nickel corner (if Carlos isn't ready in time). If Shawn Spring doesn't return, the Skins might have to waste some salary cap money on a replacement. But for now, they must focus on bringing in another safety.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pierson Prielou is old and ineffective. DJ Hackett ran by him easily for the go ahead score on Saturday<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>- Prielou should never have been in a man-to-man situation like that. Hopefully the Skins can draft a safety, but more likely will sign someone to play along with Landry. I think Doughty's solid against the run but is too slow to play in coverage. Ideally, the Skins bring in a solid #2 safety and have Doughty off the bench.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) WR - The Skins are one receiver away from the perfect corps. They have the deep threat in Moss, they have the possession receiver in Caldwell, they have the gimmick/slot receiver in ARE.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All they need now is a tall red zone and over-the-middle receiving threat. Ideally the Skins work some magic and bring in Larry Fitzgerald, but they more likely will have to settle for someone less talented. Regardless, the Skins must bring in a tall target for Campbell - someone who can run the fade inside the five and someone who will be able can take the pressure off Moss, who, I believe, is more suited to be a number 1a or number 2 receiver.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Third: Gibbs</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like many of you, I was pretty broken up about Gibbs leaving. I know many felt he was washed up and couldn't handle the young man's game, but I have pretty much been a big Gibbs guy throughout and am very sorry to see him go. Let's face the simple fact: in 11 years that Gibbs wasn't the coach, the Skins made the playoffs once. In last the four years he was coach, they made the playoffs twice.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gibbs provided the organization exactly what it needed: stability. Until Gibbs took over, the Redskins were the laughing stock of the league. They couldn't hang onto a coach, they couldn't build a core group of players, they couldn't build any momentum from year to year. In four years here, Gibbs brought a sense of calmness back to the organization - Snyder was invisible, they began developing young talent and mixed in respectable, affordable veterans. Of course, mistakes were made and Gibbs' aged showed in some situation, but if you put up this stretch of seasons against most others throughout recent Skins history, it was definitely a success.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On a personal level, I found Gibbs almost saint-like. Before he came back I considered him a phantom legend, as I barely remember his glory years. To those who do remember the 80's well, he is considered godly. Gibbs is the face and personality of this organization and when he came back it was if the messiah was resurrected to save the Skins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is just sad that, fifteen years after his first retirement, Redskins fans are again left with an awful feeling of emptiness. Are the Skins going to be OK? Will we ever be in the playoffs again? When Joe was here, you kind of knew everything would be fine and now that he's gone nobody really knows for sure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fourth: The Replacement</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stability is the buzzword, people. The fans want it. Coach Joe wants it. The players want it. The only one who isn't so down with the idea is the big Danny. Despite being somewhat aloof to the fans eyes for so long, Snyder, at least by the looks of it, hasn't really learned much since Gibbs came back.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just like after the 1999 playoff run, when the Danny ran Brad Johnson out of town and brought in a ton of overpriced vets, and just like after the 2001 season, when the Skins made great progress going 8-8 under Marty, the Danny ran him out in favor of Spurrier, it looks like in 2008 he's gonna run Williams out of town and blow the whole thing up again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To me, it's a simple equation. Make Williams the coach, keep Saunders, and don't touch the rest of the coaching staff (maybe Buges and Beraux follow Gibbs out). The players love Williams, the offense seems to be growing in Saunders system, and the coaches know and want to keep the core group of players.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here's where the problem lies. The Danny wants to run the show. Even though Gibbs made the final call on everything as President of Football operations, he made Danny an integral figure in the process. Danny was in on every call. Now, with Gibbs gone, Snyder wants that same level of power, if not more. He doesn't want a GM, but instead wants a coach who will confide in him, or, more likely, be a puppet figure to the final personnel calls Danny and his henchmen make.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gregg Williams doesn't fit that mold - not one bit. He's a stubborn guy. He knows the type of players he wants and he will not cower to the pressure Snyder will obviously try to impose on him. Snyder knows this. Williams knows this. The marriage ain't happening.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what is going to happen? Either Snyder can suck it up and realize it is in the team's better interest for him to hand the reigns to Williams, or he can bring in a weak-sister coach, someone who'll get the title of Team President, but won't really have any say in personnel decisions. In the latter case it will be Snyder, Vinny and Louis Riddick running the whole show. I get nauseous even thinking about it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don't think we're gonna see Bill Cowher here either. Cowher worked under the most likeable owner in the Steelers Dan Rooney, who many say is the polar opposite of Dan Snyder. Cowher understands that Snyder's meddling will make his job impossible, and Cowher is also close to Marty - the guy Snyder fired because Marty wanted more control. Cowher and Snyder won't happen either.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And as I write this, the Skins are interviewing Jim Schwartz - a former Gregg Williams assistant. Makes perfect sense, right? Go behind Williams back, hire the guy who knows his scheme but won't be a threat to Snyder's decision-making power, and then, of course, say farewell to Williams in the same way he said farewell to all the coaches pre-Gibbs. Schwartz fits the puppet mold perfectly. Remember Barry Switzer and Chan Gailey in Dallas? Same deal. If Snyder refuses to give over the team over to someone else, its gonna hurt them real bad.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now What?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pray Snyder has a change of heart. Pray Gregg Williams turns down the title of President of Football operations and Snyder is forced to make someone from the outside a GM. Pray this team stays together next year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What is more likely to happen? Williams walks, Saunders walks, the entire staff walks. The Skins have to learn a new offense and have to welcome in a bunch of new, overpriced talent because the good ole Danny is up to his old tricks. Oh yeah, we'll also probably have to say goodbye to many of the core players who comprised the Gibbs II roster. Could be goodbye to CP.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I'm sorry to be so down on the state of this franchise but unless we're delivered some miracle, it ain't looking too good.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don't want to end the last Skins Serv on such a downer, because it has been a heck of a season. As has become tradition here, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Coach Joe, his staff and all the Skins players. Somehow they were able to take one of the darkest moments in this franchise's history and turn it into one of its brightest. I will have so many fond memories of this playoff run - one that might go down as greater than any other Skins run before it or after it. It truly has been special.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You won't be hearing from me until a new coach is signed on board. Until then...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">HTTR and R.I.P #21</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">PS - if you liked Skins Serv this year, please donate money to the St. Baldricks foundation in its honor. St. Baldricks raises money for pediatric cancer research. Last year, St. Baldricks raised over $13 Million dollars for this great cause.</p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US">https://www.stbaldricks.org/get_involved/donate.html?ParticipantKey=2008|21647 </span><!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-27924300854049407482008-01-04T15:24:00.001-05:002008-09-04T15:25:41.785-04:00Revenge for 2005: Volume 2, Issue 21<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Braves on the Warpath,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I will be honest - it has been very hard for me to enjoy the playoff birth as much this week as I did the pending playoff birth last week. If you would have told me a month ago that the Skins would make the post-season, I know I would have been satisfied. But not now - not with this team. The Skins didn't just make the playoffs, they rolled into the playoffs. This team didn't back in or get some lucky calls or breaks, they earned this the real way - obliterating every team in their path. The Skins, who for four years couldn't earn a decisive victory, gave us 3 1/2 games of polished football, leaving no doubt about the outcomes late in each game. Heck, this team hasn't played from behind in over a month! So when I should be soaking up this moment, enjoying every second of playoff bliss, the Skins leave me no option other than to believe they can do more.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But before we get to how this improbable run can continue - let us first say thanks. If it all goes down in flames on Saturday, than thank you, Redskins. After the hardest month in the history of the franchise, the Skins have given me the happiest, most memorable month I have ever experienced as a sports fanatic. They have overcome all odds, and in the face of the harshest adversity, played their best football in 16 years. Todd, CP, Tana, that defense and the coaches deserve all the credit - they actually delivered for us in four huge games in a row.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So now what? How do the Skins muster the energy and emotion to travel across the country on 5 days rest and defeat a football team that poses the hardest matchup problems the Skins have faced since Foxboro, and do it in the harshest of all NFL environments? This is not going to be easy. In fact, based on all I've read, no outcome would surprise me. The Skins could very well ride this wave and trounce the Hawks at their place. Or, on the other hand, the Skins could fall victim to a prolific aerial attack that will over match a depleted secondary. And of course, as has been the case for most of this year, this could come down to the very end - with no team budging until the final gun. If that's the case, than this one is anyone's game also.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Redskins have overcome everything this year, so my hope is that they do it one more time. The schedule makers, the environment, the tough matchups all could lead to our demise. They could also be three more hurdles the Skins easily transcend on their next leg of this magical run.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One game at a time,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saadman</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">----------------------------------------------------------</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First: Dallas Gameballs</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) The Coaching Staff - The Skins could have easily wilted last Sunday. They were coming off the high of the Minnesota game and were facing a team that wasn't willing to play their starters the whole game. Natural instinct would have had the Skins overlooking the 'Boys and more focused onto their first round playoff game. But instead they stayed true to their first task: getting there. The Skins came out with a passion and hunger that easily over matched the Cowboys energy levels, and dominated the game from the beginning. The coaches had these guys ready to roll in what amounted to the ultimate trap game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) CP - I could have listed Collins first, but CP's my boy. Dolla set the tone early with that 23 yard scamper to the hizzie. That run exemplified everything the Skins have done in their four game run: overpowering teams at the line of scrimmage, alluding defenders and breaking tackles in route to big time scores. When CP got in, you pretty much knew this one was going to be a party. Bro Sweets didn't stop there though, as he continued fighting for tough yards and earning big gains through the air. The Skins need CP big time this Saturday - he's going to have to carry them to the divisional round.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Collins - Collins could have folded after a couple of early fumbles and a near INT, instead the vet regained his composure and moved this team with clutch completions. His timing and accuracy seem to getting better with every game, and he has an amazing connection with his three primary targets. That is pretty impressive for a guy who's only played for a month. Collins is going to have to be unflappable again at Qwest on Saturday as the crowd noise and a fierce pass rush will make things even testier for no. 15.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) The Front Four - Giving up one total rushing yard for a game is as impressive as any stat I have ever come across. Montgomery and Griffin are pushing linemen backwards and Daniels and Carter are not letting backs run to the edge. The Skins are going to ask these guys to stop the run out of four men fronts against Seattle and with a weak Seattle o-line, they'll be up for the task.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Springs - Springs pick late in the first half against Chicago ignited this run and the veteran corner hasn't slowed down since. Springs is playing the best ball of his career and can shut down any receiver in man-to-man coverage. He is breaking to the ball quickly, covering ground deep and wrapping up when needed. Springs will be a huge factor this week in shadowing Deion Branch and/or Bobby Engram.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why the Seahawks give me butterflies</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Hasslebeck - Lets face it, the Skins haven't faced a pro-bowl caliber QB since Sean Taylor's death. The last legit QB the Skins secondary has had to match up against was Tony Romo in Dallas in late October (and we know how that went). Since Taylor's passing, the Skins have faced names like Edwards, Gradkowski and Jackson - nobody that's going to instill fear in a back 7. Hasslebeck comes in off a pro bowl campaign in which he's passed for nearly 4,000 yards, threw for 28 touchdowns and had a QB rating over 90. To make matters worse, Hasslebeck's been lights out in the rainy gloom of Seattle - completing over 64% of his passes and connecting on 18 of his 28 TDs. Hasslebeck has a gluttony of weapons to look for, and if given time, is smart enough to pick apart the best of secondaries in this league.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Outside Weapons - To make matters worse for the Redskins, the Seahawks might have the deepest wide receiving corps in the NFL, and they spread around the ball to those WRs out of four and five receiver sets. The Hawks combat aggressive teams by getting the ball to their playmakers quickly on three and four step drops and letting the receivers go to work after the catch (similar to Green Bay).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Skins will have a tough time matching up with Seattle's WRs man for man, as the Hawks will line up Deion Branch, Nate Burelson, Bobby Engram and DJ Hackett and force the Skins to play nickel and dime packages that will put our weaker corners and safeties on their top-tier receivers. The Skins will probably avoid these matchups by playing zone, but that still means that players like Leigh Torrence and David Macklin might be lined up against anyone of Seattle's big four. The Skins will also have to have their LBs matchup against Marcus Pollard - a very solid receiving Tight End.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Pass Rush - Don't know if you noticed, but last week against Dallas, Collins was a split second away from getting crushed on numerous occasions. The Skins did a great job against DeMarcus Ware and Spears, but the margin for error is so slim in those passing situations. This week the matchups don't get any easier. The Skins will go up against one of the best pass rushes in the league, spearheaded by DE Patrick Kerney ( 14.5 sacks), DE Darryl Tapp (7 Sacks), and OLB Julian Peterson (9.5 sacks).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kerney, who led the NFC in sacks, will pose the Skins biggest matchup problem as he'll go head to head with rookie Stephon Heyer. Heyer has been fantastic of recent but look out, he slightly strained his knee last week and may be more vulnerable than at any other point this season. Peterson will attack Collins from any direction and Clinton Portis is going to have to do a great job of blocking him in passing situations. Tapp should be marginalized by Chris Samuels, but could also cause problems especially if Samuels has trouble hearing the snap count in the loud stadium.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To give you an understanding of just how hard it is for opposing O-lineman at Qwest, Kerney has registered 10.5 of his sacks at home. The heavy pass rush has led the Hawks to give up the 6th least points in the league (18.2 ppg), and has led to 20 INTs (4th best in the league).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Trufant - Marcus Trufant has become one of the best shutdown corners in the league and will shadow Santana Moss all day. If Trufant, who has 7 picks on the year, can stop Moss in man-to-man coverage, it will enable the Seattle safeties to come up and play the run. Trufant will do his best to disrupt the timing routes Collins and Moss have been so successful with of recent. If he succeeds, the Skins will be forced look away from Moss and pass more to Cooley and Randle El.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Lofa Tatupu - Tatupu is one of the best MLB's in the game and one of the best run stoppers. He will be shadowing CP all day (as he did when Seattle held Portis to under 60 yards in 2005). The Skins will run at the edges - forcing the smaller, less-equipped Seattle ends to make plays against the run. But if the Redskins can't block Tatupu on those stretch plays, than the strategy will backfire. I'm sure the Skins can win the battle in the trenches this week, but if they can't block Lofa on the second level, CP will be held in check. Marginalizing this guy might be the most important thing the Skins do all day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why the Skins can Win</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Portis - After having success against some great rush defenses of recent (Giants, Vikings, Cowboys), I think CP will have more room to work than in any of those other games. As I mentioned above, as long as the Skins can keep an eye on Tatupu (presumably with Sellers lead blocking), than Dolla Bill can run wild in this game. The Seahawks tend to take away the big passing play (they've only given up three passing TDs of over 30 yards) by dropping back their safeties, which means Portis probably won't see many 8 man fronts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Skins will also be able to get to the edges in their zone blocking schemes. Kerney and Tapp come in at a slight 270 pounds each and should be easy to run at. Also look for the Skins to bring back the delayed draws they employed against the Giants. The Seahawks front four will get aggressive around the corners and the Skins might find holes right up the middle. If Portis can find some open room on the edges or up the gut, the Hawks will be forced to bring more men into the box which would set up the play action and make life much easier on Collins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Cooley - Captain Chaos might be the X factor on offense on Saturday. I believe much of the Seahawks defensive focus will be on stopping the run and limiting the big strikes, which will leave the middle of the field wide open for Cooley. The Seahawks LBs will have to decide whether to watch Cooley or stuff Portis - I believe they'll opt for the latter and leave Cooley free to roam. Cooley can get open on any one of the Hawks linebackers, who are much better at the line of scrimmage than they are in coverage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Making the Hawks 1-D - I don't care how good the Seahawks passing game is, if the Skins can make them one-dimensional early on, they'll be alright. I assume Grilliams will try to take Alexander and Morris out of the game early by bringing up the LBs to stop the run. Once that happens, Williams and Mike Holmgren will jump into a passing chess match. Williams should have the advantage simply because he knows that once Holmgren abandons the run, he won't go back to it. The Skins will have some big decisions to make on how to combat the pass (but we'll get to that later). As long as Alexander is held in check early than Skins will have a major advantage later in the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Other targets - The biggest difference from this game to the 2005 loss might be the Skins depth at WR. As opposed to 2005 when Taylor Jacobs and Antonio Brown were complimenting Moss, this week the Skins will be able to utilize Randle El, Reche Caldwell and maybe even Keenan McCardell. After Trufant, the Hawks don't have great depth at CB with the young Kelly Jennings (0 Ints) on the other side and Jordan Babineaux (a safety) as a nickel corner. It's possible the Skins will give a Hawks a taste of their own medicine by combating the blitz with quick hits to their WRs out of spread formations. The Hawks, who rank 19th against the pass just don't have the secondary depth to hold up - especially if the Skins can set up the play action.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) The Trenches - Football is won and lost in the trenches, right? If this is the case, you also have to give the edge to the Skins. The Hawks have a very fragile offensive line that will have trouble holding up against Griffin and Montgomery's push up the middle. On the outsides, the Hawks have a slight edge with Walter Jones, but Philip Daniels and/or Andre Carter will have an advantage on the other side against Sean Locklear. On the offensive side, the Skins should hold their own against interior tackles Brandon Membane (rookie) and an aging Rocky Bernard. As I have noted, the Skins might have issues with Kerney on the outside - but if they run at him early, he will shy away from a strong pass rush.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Seahawks as an Overrated Team</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are some interesting numbers out there in regards to the Seahawks benefiting from an easy schedule and easy division opponents. I think there might be some truth there, so I will indulge the idea for a moment. Before I begin, let me just say that the Hawks home field negates the over-rated factor, so we have to take them very seriously regardless. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here's what I've found:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) The Basics - The Hawks field a very mediocre 15th best defense in the league. Apparently, despite their pressuring ability, this defense is very vulnerable and in the playoffs, the better defense usually gets it done.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The Whopper - The Seahawks had the easiest strength of schedule in all of football. Amazingly, they ended up beating only one team with a winning record (and it was a mediocre Tampa team in Seattle's home opener).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Even Better - So I've made a big fuss about the Hawks eighth ranked passing offense, right? They put up about 250 yards a game through the air! Here's where it gets interesting - the Seahawks three division opponents finished ranked 21, 22 and 28th against the pass. The Seahawks also faced teams ranked 26th, 27th, 28th and 30th against the pass. In case you're scoring at home, half the Hawks games were against opponents in the bottom eight in the league in pass defense (the most games of this kind for any team in the league).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) The Best - The Seahawks only played four games against top-10 defenses and averaged 18.75 points in those games (the Skins currently rank 8th overall and 16th against the pass). That's a full touchdown less than their normal 24.6 ppg.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why This Might Be Different from 2005</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Health - If you recall, the Skins came into the divisional game in 2005 with a myriad of injuries. Portis got very banged up in the Tampa game the week before (I think it was a busted hand). Springs had an abdomen strain in that game (which, I believe, was the start of his sports hernia issues), and was abused by Daryl Jackson that day. Brunell wasn't near 100% as he played with a bad knee throughout the playoff run. The Skins also were playing without Randy Thomas and his replacement, Ray Brown, also went down in that game. I believe the Skins had to bring in Cory Raymer in that game to replace Brown - which killed the running game and led to a bunch of line penalties. This year the Skins come in with no major injury concerns and have much better cohesiveness on the o-line than they did after the 05 Thomas injury.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Momentum/The Offense - In 2005, the Skins had exhausted all their energy in that 6 game run and came into Seattle on an empty tank. This year the Skins come in fresh and their offense has legs. As opposed to 2005, when the Skins won in Tampa with the lowest playoff offensive output for a victor ever, this year they come in with an offense that has been top ten in the league over the last month.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) The Spirit of 21 - The Redskins players really believe the spirit of Sean Taylor is carrying them right now. They feel they're playing for a larger purpose than just football and believe they are a team of destiny. I'll believe them until they lose.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Miscellaneous</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Turnovers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amazingly, Todd Collins hasn't thrown a pick since he replaced Campbell on 12/6. The Skins are plus four on turnovers in their four game winning streak, and they cannot afford to lose the turnover battle on the road. The Skins need to protect the football and keep the early lead trend going. The Hawks thrive on getting takeaways, especially from the pressure they apply to the QB. If the Skins give up the ball - especially Collins - and shorten the field for the Seahawks, it could be trouble.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the Half</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After going 12 games in which the Skins were awful after halftime, they've now scored on the opening possession of the second half in four straight games. I know Coach Joe will fight his tendency to protect and run on a lead if the Skins go up on Saturday, but ole' Joe needs to stay true to recent history and keep aggressive in the second half.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My Biggest Question - What Does Greg Williams Do???</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Besides all the matchups I have already mentioned, it's possible this game will come down to one thing: how Greg Williams stops the pass. Williams has two options and he'll probably mix in a bit of both.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first option is to stay aggressive at the line of scrimmage (as he's done over the past month). This means stuffing the run and bringing up the safeties and LBs to pressure Hasslebeck, trying to force him to make mistakes. If Williams opts for the aggressive scheme he'll leave the corners in man coverage and have Laron Landry sweep up behind. If and when the Seahawks come out in 4WR sets, this strategy might be tough to execute if Hasslebeck gets rid of the ball quickly. Unless the Skins gamble and get at Hasslebeck fast, they'll probably need to matchup with those WRs by having more men in coverage than they've had in recent weeks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grilliams second option is to do what he did against GB, Detroit and Arizona, which is to drop back into heavy zone coverage and hope to get pressure on the QB from the front four. This strategy worked in those games, but again, the Skins had the benefit of having Sean Taylor and Carlos Rogers. As opposed to having Landry, Springs, Rogers, Smoot and Taylor in nickel, the Skins will now have Landry, Smoot, Torrence, Springs and Doughty. Personnel wise, the Skins will be at much more of disadvantage. If Williams goes to these zone schemes (which I think he will), the game might come down to how Torrence and Doughty hold up underneath and how well Landry can cover the deep ball (as Taylor did in those early games).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Either scheme has the potential for greatness and has the potential for disaster.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Weather</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">45 degrees with a 90% chance of rain. You have to believe the rainier it is, the better it is for the Skins. If it's very wet the Hawks will be forced to keep the ball on the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Injuries</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Coach Joe said Heyer is ready to go (cross your fingers). James Thrash is the only other significant injury - if he can't go, McCardell will go in his place.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By the Numbers</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Joe Gibbs in the Playoffs: 17-6</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Joe Gibbs in the Wild Card Round: 5-0</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Parting Shot</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the Redskins could only muster 10 points at Seattle two years ago, Coach Joe hopped on a plane and recruited Al Saunders to take over the floundering offense. After two years of offensive struggles and suspected division amongst the coaching staff over offensive philosophies, the Skins now come back to Seattle as the hottest offense in the NFC. Additionally, the Skins are now led by Todd Collins, the QB Saunders hand-picked to come with him to DC and who many believe, Saunders had been vouching to start throughout his two years with the Skins. So now, two years later, the Skins come into a eerily similar situation - a road playoff game at Seattle. This time, its Saunders and Collins who can push the Skins over the hump. If there was ever a time for vindication over the Saunders signing, it'd be now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Prediction - I just don't know. It's the playoffs and crazy things happen. There are so many determining factors in this game, it's hard to gauge what will really transpire. The one thing you can be certain is that Coach Joe will have the Redskins ready to play - he always does this time of year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US">HTTR</span><!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-28180302339296497102007-12-31T15:23:00.000-05:002008-09-04T15:24:13.733-04:00Playoffs!!!!!: Volume 2, Issue 20<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Braves on the Warpath,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I've tried to be religious about sending out one Skin Serv per week as to not flood your inboxes with spam, but exceptions must be made sometimes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Congratulations to all Skins Servers!!!! What a huge victory yesterday. Playoffs in 2007. Who would have thunk it????</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After what has been the most trying year in franchise history, the Skins have battled back from near extinction and now, somehow, find themselves in the post-season for the second time in the last three years. This is a team of destiny, and this is a story we'll be all telling our children for a very long time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And by the way, in case you live in a cave somewhere (and still get Skins Serv), the Skins are the hottest and most dangerous team in the NFC (but we'll get to that on Thursday).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For now, soak it up. Make a toast (l'chaim) to the Burgundy and Gold as we bring in the new year tonight, and make sure to give some appreciation to ole' Coach Joe and his group of fighters for this amazing miracle they have given us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Playoffs!!!!!!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wild Card Game versus Seattle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4:30 PM ET Saturday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">HTTR,</p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US">Saadman</span><!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068484829934570414.post-7714344464274921672007-12-28T15:21:00.001-05:002008-09-04T15:23:19.880-04:00Achtung Baby!!!!: Volume 2, Issue 19<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Braves on the Warpath,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As has become traditional on Skins Serv over the last month, it would only be appropriate that we take a moment of appreciation for our beloved Redskins, the position they have put themselves in, and the magical ride they have taken us on. Never in our wildest dreams could have we scripted such a turnaround - a destiny-filled, emotionally-fueled run at, dare I say it, a post-season birth. The entire Redskins organization, from the kickoff kid right up to the big Danny, has provided all of us happiness, joy and most importantly, hope during the holiday season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This team is a wellspring of inspirational stories, as they have re-defined the human triumph over adversity. From Todd Collins's ten years as a NFL nomad to Clinton Portis and Santana Moss's revitalization in the name of a fallen friend, the Skins have given even the most cynical hater reason to believe. Regardless of what happens this Sunday at FedEx, the Redskins have done enough - they have managed to erase the bitterness and tears, and have left all of us with a taste of how sweet this whole NFL thing can be. This team has literally crawled through 10 football fields of the most foul-smelling sh%$ and come out better for it. Thank you, Redskins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But yes, unfortunately, there is still a game to be played. And yes, as fans, it is our duty to be as mentally ready as possible for this monumental showdown with the Cowboys on Sunday. There are no free passes in the NFL, so don't expect the Cowboys to hand us one now. I would like all us Skins Servers to approach this Cowboys game as the Redskins players will.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Monday and Tuesday - the players days off - are OK for celebration and playoff dreaming. Even Wednesday, when the Skins only had a walk through, could our minds be cluttered with thoughts of back-ups, no Romo and TO, and red-eye flights back to Seattle in time for work next Monday (Guilty as charged). But by Thursday, when the players strap on the pads and start hitting each other over in Ashburn, our minds need be solely focused on those shiny silver helmets with those stupid blue stars. For the next four days, its Cowboys and Cowboys only. Please don't mention that city with an "S" - not in front of me, not in front of anybody.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yes, the Skins are the hottest team in the NFC and yes the Cowboys have nothing else to gain on Sunday, but to the 22 Cowboys who play offense and defense against the Skins this week, that won't matter one bit. If it's the starters, they'll want to play spoiler and ensure they don't have to see the Skins again. If its the bench players, they will try to use the opportunity to prove themselves to their coaches, and show off their abilities on a national stage. Football players are competitive beasts, and in no way should we think that those players and their coaches are going to let the Redskins run it all over them. Pride is a very strong human emotion and there will be plenty of it on Sunday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Remember new years day '05? Remember how the Eagles were done and without Donovan? Did it matter? Nope. The Eagles went up early and scared the ba-jesus out of us (when we all thought it was a gimme) and not until Sean swooped in and saved the sons and daughters of DC, was that game in the books. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This game will be just like that one: a hard-hitting, cold, bitter affair between two of the biggest rivals in the NFL. It will be closely contested. It will be scary. The Skins are one game from the playoffs, but you better realize that it will be one long, hard game. I hope by the end of Skins Serv, you'll believe me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One game at a time,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saadman</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">----------------------------------------------------------</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First: Minnesota Gameballs</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Elan Fredman - Many of you don't know Elan Fredman. A good boy from St. Louis, Elan was wed on Sunday to one Sara Sebrow of Teaneck, New Jersey. In their great Wisdom, Elan and Sara scheduled their wedding at 3:30 PM, so us Skinservers attending could still watch the game at 8:15 PM. With Elan's encouragement and screams of "Skins control their own destiny...wooooo," Skinservers in attendance were sent home after the first dance. Thank you, Elan and Sara.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) The Coaches - All 300 Redskins coaches earned their combine 3 billion dollar salaries last week. What scheming, what preparation, what genius (in Bill Walton voice). First and most importantly, on the defensive side: Greg Williams delivered. According to a report today, the Skins used 10 different packages on defense. Normally the Skins come into a game with 6 or 7 packages and don't use all of them consistently. Not in this game. Using all 10 packages, including Buddy Ryan's famous 4-6 run-stopping defense, the Skins shut down Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor and confused the heck out of Tavaris Jackson (who was an angel sent from the heavens) and Brad Childress (aka Uncle Allen). The Skins had every gap covered, every pass defended, and got pressure on the QB. It was a coaching performance for the ages.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On offense, the law firm of Saunders, Buges, Beraux and Gibbs finally got it together. The Skins schemed the perfect run/pass mix and didn't back down from the Vikings great front four. Instead, the coaches attacked the Vikings on the ground - first at the edges and eventually up the gut. The Skins game plan tired out the Vikes defense, kept them off balance, and enabled the Skins to set up the play action - which came up huge on big TD passes to Cooley and Moss. The Skins could have opted to abandon the run altogether, but instead took it right at the Vikes defense - it paid off. Also, give credit to the Skins for pouring on the big plays late in the first half instead of being comfortable up 9 or 16 points. The halfback option call late in the first half was the perfect play call for that situation. Kudos to the boys upstairs for that one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) The Trench Warriors - This game was won in the trenches. On both sides of the ball the Redskins line play was marvelous. On defense, the Redskins got great push - moving a strong and successful Minnessota o-line backwards all night. Kedric Golston set the tone early with his stuff of Richardson for the safety and Montgomery and Griffin kept the heat up the middle throughout the game. The Skins also got great performances from Carter and Daniels, who didn't let Peterson get outside. Carter, who isn't the best run-stuffer, was tremendous in wrapping up Peterson on the outside toss plays.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On offense, the Skins o-line created creases for Portis and had the Minnesota front-line on their heels. This makeshift group seems to be gelling at the right time - if the Skins can muster 100+ running yards on that Minnesota front four, than they can do it on anyone. The o-line is also doing a great job in pass protection. Collins is comfortable and has enough time to read through all his progressions in the pocket. Heyer and Samuels continue to protect well on the sides and Rabach, Kendall and yes, Scrubini have been solid up the middle. Lorenzo Alexander again made his presence felt Sunday, pulling to both directions on Portis runs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) CP Baby!!!! - First, congrats to Coach Jenky Spanky on winning the NFC offensive player of the week this week - the first Redskins RB to do so since Stephen Davis in 1999. Sheriff Gonna Getchya was fantastic Sunday night - fighting for the extra yards and using his cutback ability to gain crucial yards on the outside. Dolla Bill was also excellent with yards after the catch, gaining numerous first downs after catching the ball in the backfield. Kid Bro Sweets seems to be moving quicker and better than he has since the 05 run and his threat alone is opening the field up for everyone else.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Santana - Some breathtaking catches, including the TD grab and the sideline acrobatics late in the game. I forgot how good he is when he's healthy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6) Collins (No. 1 Gameball) - It's almost unthinkable for anybody, in any profession, to be inactive for 10 years and then come in and perform at such a high level. Collins's understanding of this offense, his ability to wait in the pocket, and his deadly accuracy have led to over an 100 QB rating thus far. Collins is making clutch throws, hitting important third down plays and throwing the ball deep - everything you could ask of a QB. Most importantly he hasn't thrown a pick (poo poo poo). Collins is Coach Joe's dream QB - a smart, unflappable veteran leader.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">7) The LBs - This group's tackling on Sunday was flawless. Fletcher, Godfrey, Blades and Marcus didn't let anyone by them. They are playing sideline-to-sideline, they're hitting hard and they're fast. It's a scary group right now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">8) Smoot and Springs - These guys have been blankets for weeks now. They haven't given up big plays and are starting to force some turnovers. They're looking as good as any CB tandem in the league.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dallas: Reason to be Nervous</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Recycling - Remember Skins Serv before Skins/Boys I? When I showed you that history says the team that is supposed to win usually loses in this matchup? Well, in case you forgot...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) History (zachor et asher asa Dallas) (note that all the below games took place at home) -</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A) 12/5/1982 - The Skins, the eventual Super Bowl champs, are shocked at home by the Boys 24-10. Joe Theismann is sacked 7 times.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">B) 9/5/1983 - The Cowboys come back from 20 points after halftime to beat the defending champs 31-30 in the season opener at RFK on Monday Night Football.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">C) 11/5/89 - The Cowboys, who finished the season 1-15, get their lone win at RFK against a playoff-bound Redskins team, 13-3.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">D) 11/24/91 - The Skins, who came in undefeated (11-0), lose to the Cowboys at home thanks in large part to an Alvin Harper-caught Hail Mary just before halftime. As we all know, the Skins went on to with the big one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">E) 9/12/99 - The Redskins blow a 35-14 lead and lose on a Rocket Ishmail OT TD catch, 41-35 in the season opener. The Skins would go on to make the playoffs and the Cowboys would finish at 8-8.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">F) 9/18/00 - In a Monday nighter filled with huge expectations for the Skins (they got Deion and co. after making the playoffs), the Skins crumble at home 27-21 to a Cowboys team playing without Troy Aikman. Dallas would go on to win the next 8 out of 9 meetings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Brad Johnson - For those of you licking your chops over 3 quarters of Brad Ball, please let me remind you of one score: Minnesota 19, Washington 16. Remember last year's opener? A sure-win game between the Super Bowl contender Skins and the rebuilding, new head coach-led Vikes? Remember their starting QB? That's right, it was Brad Johnson. He was angry at the Redskins then and he's angry at the Redskins now. You don't think he's itching for the chance to knock the Danny out of the playoffs? The guy who cut him for Jeff George after a playoff appearance in 1999? I don't care if Johnson hasn't played a snap all year - he diced us up for 223 yards and a TD last year in route to a win, he could do it again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) The Bench - I want to quickly address the notion of NFL bench players: to think it will be easier against the Cowboys bench than their starters is stupid. Was it easier for the Bears when Collins came in for Campbell? Was it easier for the Giants when Blades came in for Rocky or when Heyer came in to check Strahan? Absolutely not. If you're in the NFL, you can play - that's the bottom line. The Cowboys will sport a healthy, fresh and motivated roster on Sunday, and none of them like Redskins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Starters - Last thought on this issue. The Boys ain't sitting everyone. Pro Bowlers Marion Barber and Jason Witten are going to play. DeMarcus Ware and Roy Williams are gonna play. Those four players can change a game by themselves. Barber will be breaking tackles, Witten will give our LBs fits and Ware and Williams will be looking to take heads off. That's scary stuff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How The Skins Can Win</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Establish the Run - Just like last week against the Vikes, the Skins will have to look to CP to ignite the offense on the ground by attacking the 'Boys 3-4 defense. The Cowboys will be without starting nose tackle Jay Ratliff - the anchor of the 'Boys 3-4 - so the Skins need to attack that front seven by going right up the gut. If the line can get push and CP can accrue some early yards, Saunders will turn things over to Collins to work the play action...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Attack the Corners - Even with starting cornerback Terence Newman, the Cowboys secondary has been vulnerable to the big play. With Newman out this Sunday, the Skins are going to have to test backup corner Jaques Reeves just like they did Sunday night with the Vikes Marcus McCauley. Moss is back to full speed and will be able to get room on Reeves or Anthony Henry. If the Skins can get some big plays early, they should be able to dictate what they want to do on offense for the rest of the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3) Knock Out Romo - I know I spent time shpieling about Brad Johnson, but I still would rather have him in there than Romo. If I am Gregg Williams, I force the issue with Wade Phillips. If Romo trots out on the opening drive, blitz the heck out of him. Get some body blows and even a late hit if need be. Philips has no reason to keep Romo under attack in a meaningless game and if he sees Williams sending the house, he'll put a very short leash on his Pro Bowl QB.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4) Stuff the Run - With no Terrell Owens in the lineup, Marion Barber becomes the top threat on the Dallas offense. The Skins need to take him out of the game early similar to what they did against Minnesota. The Skins have to make the 'Boys QB (whoever it is) throw the ball. Crayton and Terry Glenn are not TO and can be stopped in man coverage. If the Skins can avoid being burned by Barber (another Pro Bowler) they should be able to force some turnovers and slow the Dallas attack down. The Skins rund defense will get a boost as Cowboys Pro-Bowl center Andre Gurode will sit this one out too.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5) Cooley - Remember this guy having a field day in the first half against the Boys and Pack only to go silent in the second half? The Skins need to get Cooley the ball early and often - he can beat any Cowboy linebacker in coverage and his threat should open up the offense even more for guys like Portis and Moss. Cooley needs to have a monster day (see Skins/Cowboys December 2005)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6) Turnovers - Even though the weather forecast is changing for the better, the Skins still need to focus on ball protection. One of the easiest ways for a heavy favorite to give a game away is by turning it over. If the Skins limit their TO's to zero and stay positive in the turnover ratio, they can win this game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">7) Being Ready to Play - This is the most important factor on Sunday. If the Skins come out hungry, mentally prepared and with an edge, the will dominate this game. If it's the same Redskins team as it was in New York and Minnesota, than the 'Boys will get crushed. Any NFL team would struggle against those Redskins teams. But that's a big "if." The Skins might be in playoff cruise control already and it could prove fatal. This is the ultimate trap game. I know Coach Joe will do everything to get them ready, I just hope they are.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Injuries</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1) Skins - The Skins put jumbo guard Mike Pucillo on IR so he's done for the season. Todd Yoder was in pads today so he'll probably be available. Mike Sellers will also be ready after that scary play Sunday night. Everyone else should be ready to go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2) Boys - The Cowboys will definitely be without TO, Ratliff and Gurode and most likely without Terence Newman. The Cowboys will get Terry Glenn back (he's missed all season) and he'll probably start alongside Patrick Crayton.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By the Numbers (I gotta get you guys a little hopped up)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">61-23 - Coach Joe's career December record</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2005 - The last time the Skins had a four game winning streak. That year the Skins advanced to the post season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2 - The number of playoff appearances the Skins have had since Joe Gibbs retired after the 1992-1993 season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">9 of 15 (60%) - Years in which the Washington Redskins have made the playoffs under Joe Gibbs</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">11 of 55 (20%) - Years in which the Washington Redskins have made the playoffs under every other coach.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5-0 - Coach Joe's record in the wild card round.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1982 - The last time the Redskins faced the Cowboys in the playoffs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Prediction - The Redskins are going to make us nervous - they always do. Whether its a slow start out of the gate or hitting the late 3rd quarter wall, they make us sweat. On a cold winter day against the arch-rivals on national TV, I can't imagine the Skins make it that easy on us. But as they did on New Year's 05 and as they've been doing throughout this magical run, the Skins will prevail when they're backs are to the wall. At some point on Sunday, the game will turn into a celebration of 75 years of Redskins football (I just don't know exactly when). Redskins 28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cowboys 10</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pump Up Video - Make sure to watch this 5 times before Sunday at 4:15. http://redskins.torresa.com/videos/video.php?video=12-18Dallas</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Parting Shot - If you're going to the game on Sunday, please be loud. FedEx Field usually sounds like a hotel lobby - under these circumstances, that'd be a terrible shame. Get jacked up and bring em' out, baby!!!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US">HTTR</span><!--EndFragment-->Saadmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11570027972720171458noreply@blogger.com0