Note to athletes worldwide: Guns and gym bags do not mix. In fact, guns and most things do not mix. Gilbert Arenas must have missed the memo. The Washington Wizards guard was foolish enough to possess firearms in an NBA locker room, and now he will pay the hefty price. Commissioner, David Stern, came down hard on Arenas Wednesday with an indefinite suspension effective immediately. The ruling occurred on Arenas’ 28th birthday. Maybe he should have wished for some common sense before blowing out his birthday candles. Perhaps Arenas’ uniform number “zero” stands for the amount of common sense he has. This isn’t the first time the Wizard hoopster has been suspended because of a gun-related incident. He sat out the Washington home opener in 2004 because he failed to maintain proper registration for a gun while living in California. The most recent incident pegged Arenas for bringing four unloaded guns into Washington’s Verizon Center locker room. Four? Why in the world would an NBA player need to carry four guns to a home game? Arenas claims he wanted the weapons out of his house after the birth of his daughter. Investigators believe the guns were present following a gambling dispute and heated discussion with teammate, Javaris Crittenton. D.C. newspapers reported Crittenton brandishing a gun and loading it with ammunition. Arenas’ latest claim is an even poorer show of judgment. The Wizards’ star joked about carrying firearms, citing it was a misguided effort to play a joke on a teammate. The NBA will continue to investigate the Arenas Arms situation. Arenas will sit out without pay even after apologizing for his actions on Monday. The Wizards will be deprived of their on-court leader because of his off-court behavior. I hope the next time a professional athlete thinks about hauling heat into an arena, they use common sense first.
The Washington Redskins have their man. Mike Shanahan was hired to replace the fired Jim Zorn in D.C. The former Denver Broncos head coach was introduced Wednesday as Washington’s head coach and executive vice president. Owner Daniel Snyder’s embattled Redskins are coming off a 4-12 season. Snyder felt the need to hire an established and strong leader to run a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in eight of the past eleven seasons. The owner also hired a general manager, Bruce Allen, for the first time in 11 years. Snyder took control of the Redskins in 1999. He’s been very hands-on and influential in roster moves since he’s been in the front office. Washington hasn’t been as strong in their performance during this decade. The Redskins are 82-99 on his watch. Six coaches have come and gone, including Hall-of-Famer, Joe Gibbs returning from retirement. Marty Schottenheimer was hired in 2001, but canned after an 8-8 season. Zorn was called upon for his first stint at head coaching. He was a last-minute option for Snyder after all other coaching candidates turned him down. It was a no-win situation from the get-go 23 months ago for a man without even coordinator experience. Snyder promoted Zorn to head coach after interviewing him for an offensive coordinator slot. Zorn’s zesty rokie year with the Redskins started off surprisingly well. Washington began 2008 with a 6-2 run but lost 18 of their last 24 games. Zorn’s second season was anything but zealous, leading to yet another Snyder staff overhaul. Shanahan will make $35 million over the next five years and have control over coaching and executive football decisions.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “All Over You” by Live
Congrats to U.S. Hockey’s World Juniors for clipping Canada 6-5 in overtime in the world hockey junior championship game Tuesday.
Hook ‘em Horns! Here’s hoping Texas topples the Crimson Tide tonight.
Showing posts with label Washington Redskins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington Redskins. Show all posts
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Big Blue Beatdown Boosts Buoyancy
The New York Giants were shutting out the rival Redskins 24-0 after thirty minutes of Monday night football in Washington. Big Blue wasted no time in the next half hour in putting up another 28 points before leaving the nation’s capital with a blowout 45-12 drubbing of the home team. New York’s romping of the Redskins keeps the Giants just one game behind Dallas and Green Bay for the NFC wildcard. The lukewarm Giants remained in the hunt by playing with focus and controlling every facet of the game. Tom Coughlin’s offense scored on six of their first seven possessions to pulverize and humiliate Washington. New York’s defense produced five sacks and three picks to back a three touchdown night from quarterback, Eli Manning.
The 8-6 Giants looked like a team facing a must-win when they came out of the gate all fired up. Running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, was a man on a mission too. Bradshaw scored the first touchdown of the game. It wasn’t a quick seven. The drive shaved nine minutes of the clock in the first quarter. Bradshaw’s three yard bolt on the 16th play of the 80 yard drive provided New York their first edge of the game. The Redskins would never come close to retaking the lead. Bradshaw found the end zone again in the second quarter, and Lawrence Tynes’ 38 yard field goal made it a 17-0 New York lead. Washington couldn’t seem to do anything right. The four-win ‘Skins went three-and-out on their first three possessions. Washington signal caller, Jason Campbell, tossed two interceptions and completed 15 of his 28 passes. Manning was efficient in throwing 268 yards. Steve Smith was on the receiving end of Manning’s first touchdown Monday night. Smith’s six yard reception occurred four minutes before the half. The Redskins faked a field goal before the break, but the failed play resulted in a Giant turnover.
New York had all the right moves and motives. The threat of Brandon Jacobs and Bradshaw in the backfield opened up the passing game for Manning. Bradshaw’s nine touches produced a pair of first half touchdowns. But, the balanced New York offense kept Washington off-balance. Fred Davis finally gave the home team their first touchdown in the third quarter. Campbell’s completion from 11 yards was spoiled by a blocked extra point, however. The Giants were a hungry team from every angle. The pass rush excelled in applying pressure on the pitiful trio of quarterbacks utilized by Washington. The defense delivered the beatdown in a tantalizing effort against the tainted ‘Skins. Derek Hagan reeled in one pass Monday night, but it was good for six points. The little-used receiver’s 23 yard touchdown continued the rout midway through the third quarter. Terrell Thomas put the Giants up by 32 points following an interception return for a touchdown. Campbell answered the turnover with four straight first downs. Washington scored with .14 second left in the third quarter on a one yard cut up the middle by Quinton Gather for their final touchdown of the night.
Manning added to the New York lead in the fourth quarter before he was pulled from the game. Mario Manningham scored on the opening drive of the final quarter after Washington’s Pro-Bowl defender, Albert Haynesworth, was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Manningham had three catches for 44 yards. Safety, Aaron Rouse and linebacker, Chase Blackburn overwhelmed the Redskins with an interception each. Ten receivers frustrated Washington in numbing fashion Monday night as the Giants looked like a genuine playoff team. Even without Corey Webster and Aaron Ross, the defense thrashed Jim Zorn’s offense and made it look relatively easy minus their inactives. The Redskins were held to 78 total yards in the first half. The Giants were exceptional in converting third downs in embarrassing their hapless NFC East opponents. Had New York lost down in D.C., they still would have remained post-season eligible. But with three teams vying for two wildcard spots, the Giants couldn’t take a chance of losing the game. The Giants have the edge over both the Cowboys and Packers in any tie-breaker scenarios. Monday night’s devastating defeat of Washington puts them in a better position of not sitting out the playoffs.
Parting Points: Thank goodness the Dallas Cowboys ridded themselves of Nick Folk.
Adios, Melky…welcome back, Javy.
Listening to Foo Fighters’ “Long Road to Ruin” on repeat this terrific Tuesday.
The 8-6 Giants looked like a team facing a must-win when they came out of the gate all fired up. Running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, was a man on a mission too. Bradshaw scored the first touchdown of the game. It wasn’t a quick seven. The drive shaved nine minutes of the clock in the first quarter. Bradshaw’s three yard bolt on the 16th play of the 80 yard drive provided New York their first edge of the game. The Redskins would never come close to retaking the lead. Bradshaw found the end zone again in the second quarter, and Lawrence Tynes’ 38 yard field goal made it a 17-0 New York lead. Washington couldn’t seem to do anything right. The four-win ‘Skins went three-and-out on their first three possessions. Washington signal caller, Jason Campbell, tossed two interceptions and completed 15 of his 28 passes. Manning was efficient in throwing 268 yards. Steve Smith was on the receiving end of Manning’s first touchdown Monday night. Smith’s six yard reception occurred four minutes before the half. The Redskins faked a field goal before the break, but the failed play resulted in a Giant turnover.
New York had all the right moves and motives. The threat of Brandon Jacobs and Bradshaw in the backfield opened up the passing game for Manning. Bradshaw’s nine touches produced a pair of first half touchdowns. But, the balanced New York offense kept Washington off-balance. Fred Davis finally gave the home team their first touchdown in the third quarter. Campbell’s completion from 11 yards was spoiled by a blocked extra point, however. The Giants were a hungry team from every angle. The pass rush excelled in applying pressure on the pitiful trio of quarterbacks utilized by Washington. The defense delivered the beatdown in a tantalizing effort against the tainted ‘Skins. Derek Hagan reeled in one pass Monday night, but it was good for six points. The little-used receiver’s 23 yard touchdown continued the rout midway through the third quarter. Terrell Thomas put the Giants up by 32 points following an interception return for a touchdown. Campbell answered the turnover with four straight first downs. Washington scored with .14 second left in the third quarter on a one yard cut up the middle by Quinton Gather for their final touchdown of the night.
Manning added to the New York lead in the fourth quarter before he was pulled from the game. Mario Manningham scored on the opening drive of the final quarter after Washington’s Pro-Bowl defender, Albert Haynesworth, was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Manningham had three catches for 44 yards. Safety, Aaron Rouse and linebacker, Chase Blackburn overwhelmed the Redskins with an interception each. Ten receivers frustrated Washington in numbing fashion Monday night as the Giants looked like a genuine playoff team. Even without Corey Webster and Aaron Ross, the defense thrashed Jim Zorn’s offense and made it look relatively easy minus their inactives. The Redskins were held to 78 total yards in the first half. The Giants were exceptional in converting third downs in embarrassing their hapless NFC East opponents. Had New York lost down in D.C., they still would have remained post-season eligible. But with three teams vying for two wildcard spots, the Giants couldn’t take a chance of losing the game. The Giants have the edge over both the Cowboys and Packers in any tie-breaker scenarios. Monday night’s devastating defeat of Washington puts them in a better position of not sitting out the playoffs.
Parting Points: Thank goodness the Dallas Cowboys ridded themselves of Nick Folk.
Adios, Melky…welcome back, Javy.
Listening to Foo Fighters’ “Long Road to Ruin” on repeat this terrific Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Rugged Redskins
The Washington Redskins open up the 2009 football season at The Meadowlands against the New York Giants. The NFC East team will have to deploy their weapons on defense and derive points from three Pro Bowl offensive studs. The blasé Redskins organization made a splash during off-season free agency. Dan Snyder, the team’s name-loving owner, added All-pro tackle Albert Haynesworth this winter. The $100 million defensive tackle is unfazed by the Giants. He was practically dismissive of the NFC East rival when asked about the challenge of tackling Big Blue running back, Brandon Jacobs. DeAngelo Hall, a November pickup, was also signed to add some zip in the secondary. The ‘Skins also drafted the best defensive end available, Texas’ Brian Orakpo. Washington’s offense will be boosted by tight end Chris Cooley, fullback Mike Sellers and running back Clinton Portis. All three made the Pro Bowl last year and return to shine in Jason Campbell’s shaky offense.
Campbell was the subject of various trade rumors during the off-season. The Redskins tried desperately to trade him for Jay Cutler and considered drafting Mark Sanchez as his replacement. They landed neither quarterback, and now Campbell is expected to be consistent or he is out in 2010. Head coach, Jim Zorn, has Todd Collins as a backup if Campbell falters. The 37 year old veteran doesn’t reap confidence or reliability, however. Santana Moss is a fine receiver and Antwaan Randle El is a former superstar with proven talent. If Moss, Randle El and Portis can develop perfect chemistry with Campbell, the Redskins will have stellar symmetry on offense.
The trite Washington offense will get a dose of reality in week one against the Giants’ defense. Portis will carry the load running the ball and be relegated as the top back. Clinton was an MVP candidate in 2008 before injuring his knee and ribs and verbally sparring with Zorn. Portis produced 523 yards and just two touchdowns in 2008. As long as Portis is not on the shelf for most of the year, he should be able to top Hall of Famer John Riggins’ team rushing record. Portis will have to plow through the Giants with a heavy dependence on an untested but durable line. Starting left tackle, Chris Samules and right tackle, Jon Jansen, returned to the roster last year after battling ailments. They put up respectable, All-Star-like numbers. Guard Randy Thomas is also a viable lineman on the right side for Campbell. He can create holes for Portis and Sellers. But the 33 year old missed camp because of surgery. Center Casey Rabach is the rock of the line that did not allow any of their preseason opponents to get to their quarterback in 35 dropbacks. Journeyman Jeremy Bridges and on-the-mend Mike Williams are backups. Right tackle, Stephon Heyer has improved tremendously according to his head coach. The 25 year old has enormous upside. Cooley is an insufficient blocker at the tight end position but still a legitimate Pro Bowler at the top of his game. Backup Todd Yoder is a reliable blocker, and Fred Davis is a second year pass-catcher who could be impactful with more time. A punishing blocker could give Cooley more freedom to roam. Moss, the 30 year old receiver out of Miami, recorded over 1,000 yards with six touchdowns in 2008. In three seasons with the ‘Skins, he’s averaged just over 15 yards per touch. Malcolm Kelly made a statement in the preseason as the number two receiver and compliment to Moss. Zorn expects Kelly and second year wideout, Devin Thomas, to step up and improve the offense. Marko Mitchell also made the team this year and Randle-El is coming off a promising showing in camp. The seventh round pick has great hands and scored twice for Washington during the preseason. Randle-El is better considered for the slot in three-receiver sets. Ladell Betts could change the complexion of the running game in certain situations if the speedy back is utilized.
Campbell is no automatic playmaker and still has plenty to prove despite being named the captain. The Redskins also named Samuels, Cornelius Griffin, London Fletcher, Sellers and Rock Cartwright as captains. The Redskins are coming off a subpar season and are projected by most to remain competitive in one of football’s toughest divisions. An 8-8 record seems reasonable for Washington in 2009. The Redskins finished last in the NFC East with a rookie head coach in 2008. They hope to make a postseason run this year with keen and critical play. Washington will have to conquer the Giants in week one and their success could depend on how much Portis has left. Portis is the team’s consistent cog because Campbell doesn’t have a strong enough line in front of him to pass all the time. Haynesworth won’t fly under the radar, and the Redskins will use his immense presences to dominate games. The paper-thin patience of Snyder will be the motivation as the Redskins present a team poised to make the playoffs. Washington assembled a solid defense but did little to address the line in the offseason. Zorn’s players now have a full year in his system, so that plays do his advantage. He did not have the personnel to execute his West Coast offense last year, but the maturity and health of the players should not be as detrimental in 2009.
Parting Points: Listening to Leona Lewis is always to my liking.
Campbell was the subject of various trade rumors during the off-season. The Redskins tried desperately to trade him for Jay Cutler and considered drafting Mark Sanchez as his replacement. They landed neither quarterback, and now Campbell is expected to be consistent or he is out in 2010. Head coach, Jim Zorn, has Todd Collins as a backup if Campbell falters. The 37 year old veteran doesn’t reap confidence or reliability, however. Santana Moss is a fine receiver and Antwaan Randle El is a former superstar with proven talent. If Moss, Randle El and Portis can develop perfect chemistry with Campbell, the Redskins will have stellar symmetry on offense.
The trite Washington offense will get a dose of reality in week one against the Giants’ defense. Portis will carry the load running the ball and be relegated as the top back. Clinton was an MVP candidate in 2008 before injuring his knee and ribs and verbally sparring with Zorn. Portis produced 523 yards and just two touchdowns in 2008. As long as Portis is not on the shelf for most of the year, he should be able to top Hall of Famer John Riggins’ team rushing record. Portis will have to plow through the Giants with a heavy dependence on an untested but durable line. Starting left tackle, Chris Samules and right tackle, Jon Jansen, returned to the roster last year after battling ailments. They put up respectable, All-Star-like numbers. Guard Randy Thomas is also a viable lineman on the right side for Campbell. He can create holes for Portis and Sellers. But the 33 year old missed camp because of surgery. Center Casey Rabach is the rock of the line that did not allow any of their preseason opponents to get to their quarterback in 35 dropbacks. Journeyman Jeremy Bridges and on-the-mend Mike Williams are backups. Right tackle, Stephon Heyer has improved tremendously according to his head coach. The 25 year old has enormous upside. Cooley is an insufficient blocker at the tight end position but still a legitimate Pro Bowler at the top of his game. Backup Todd Yoder is a reliable blocker, and Fred Davis is a second year pass-catcher who could be impactful with more time. A punishing blocker could give Cooley more freedom to roam. Moss, the 30 year old receiver out of Miami, recorded over 1,000 yards with six touchdowns in 2008. In three seasons with the ‘Skins, he’s averaged just over 15 yards per touch. Malcolm Kelly made a statement in the preseason as the number two receiver and compliment to Moss. Zorn expects Kelly and second year wideout, Devin Thomas, to step up and improve the offense. Marko Mitchell also made the team this year and Randle-El is coming off a promising showing in camp. The seventh round pick has great hands and scored twice for Washington during the preseason. Randle-El is better considered for the slot in three-receiver sets. Ladell Betts could change the complexion of the running game in certain situations if the speedy back is utilized.
Campbell is no automatic playmaker and still has plenty to prove despite being named the captain. The Redskins also named Samuels, Cornelius Griffin, London Fletcher, Sellers and Rock Cartwright as captains. The Redskins are coming off a subpar season and are projected by most to remain competitive in one of football’s toughest divisions. An 8-8 record seems reasonable for Washington in 2009. The Redskins finished last in the NFC East with a rookie head coach in 2008. They hope to make a postseason run this year with keen and critical play. Washington will have to conquer the Giants in week one and their success could depend on how much Portis has left. Portis is the team’s consistent cog because Campbell doesn’t have a strong enough line in front of him to pass all the time. Haynesworth won’t fly under the radar, and the Redskins will use his immense presences to dominate games. The paper-thin patience of Snyder will be the motivation as the Redskins present a team poised to make the playoffs. Washington assembled a solid defense but did little to address the line in the offseason. Zorn’s players now have a full year in his system, so that plays do his advantage. He did not have the personnel to execute his West Coast offense last year, but the maturity and health of the players should not be as detrimental in 2009.
Parting Points: Listening to Leona Lewis is always to my liking.
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