Yesterday, the Redskins looked like they had an easy victory, only to let it slip away as Matt Schaub torched them for 497 yards and three touchdowns to overcome a seventeen point deficit and win in overtime. Still, Redskins fans need not take the defeat too hard. Their team still looked very good, looked like it was clicking beautifully at times, and will not have to face a quarterback like Schaub -- who led the NFL in yards last year, only to be ignored in favor of Brees -- every single week. For a team that was so bad in recent years and faced a tremendous overhaul at the hands of new coach Mike Shanahan, the Redskins look to be every bit in the hunt for the NFC East.
There was a time, not long ago, when the NFC East was the best division in football. Teams from that division were expected to represent the NFC in the Superbowl every year -- the Giants did so with style, winning against the Patriots in 2007. But those days are over. This year, the division is wide open. The Dallas Cowboys, after all the hype of the offseason, and playing mediocre to poor football, losing in Week One to the Redskins in a crucial game and dropping Week Two to an even worse opponent, the Chicago Bears. The Eagles barely survived beating the Detroit Lions. The Giants were completely routed by the Colts in The Manning Bowl II, and it was so bad that it has been reported that Giants' runningback Brandon Jacobs is asking for a trade.
All in all, the Redskins could win the division despite the loss to the Texans, who I think are going to overcome the hump and beat Indy this year -- as they did in Week One. The 'Skins have a great quarterback in Donovan McNabb, and he and the offense are only going to get better as they get things together and start clicking more often. Clinton Portis is back with Shanahan, a coach who made him into a sensation when he was drafted by Denver, and could get him back to that form. Chris Cooley is healthy and looking to light up the league. With the division in a slump, the Redskins are the only team that looks to be going in the right direction, up, and they could find themselves winning it with a 9-7 or 10-6 record.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Signs of Hope for the Redskins in a Big Win
Coming into a new NFL season, everybody is undefeated and optimism reigns in each fan base. For a team like the Redskins, playing under a new coach and quarterback in Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb, the start is all the more crucial. Although their opener against the Dallas Cowboys was far from an artistic success, Washington was able to post a big, fat "W" in the column that matters most. That the 13-7 victory came at the expense of a hated divisional rival makes it all the more sweet.
Skeptics can find plenty to fault in the Redskins’ effort. McNabb threw more passes that fell incomplete (17) than completions (15), although many of the passes were on target but dropped. The ground game didn’t net 100 yards – Clinton Portis led with 63 yards on 18 rushes. Two trips into the red zone produced only one short Graham Gano field goal. On the other deep penetration, Shanahan went against the coaching axiom to never take points off the scoreboard, choosing a first down via a Dallas penalty over a made field goal, and then came away with nothing when holder Josh Bidwell missed the snap on a subsequent FG attempt.
On the flip side, McNabb’s veteran guidance promised better games ahead. With Washington leading from their opening drive, he didn’t throw any interceptions while establishing Santana Moss and Chris Cooley as favored targets. The team limited mistakes, being flagged for only 5 penalties for 42 yards, compared to 12 for 91 on Dallas. Anchored by Trent Williams, the offensive line kept the vaunted Cowboy pass rush to a single sack.
The Washington defense shone brightest, denying the Dallas offense points with the exception of a 4-yard TD pass late in the third quarter. Plus, they provided the game’s two key plays to punctuate each half. Rather than running out the clock before halftime, Dallas coach Wade Phillips elected to attack. Tashard Choice caught a short pass from Tony Romo, only to be stripped of the football by Washington’s defense led by DeAngelo Hall, Andre Carter, and Lorenzo Alexander. Hall returned the miscue for the only Redskin touchdown, putting his team up 10-0 at the break.
Leading 13-7, Washington’s fate rested on the play of its defense on the Cowboy’s final drive. The unit looked poised to win the game a series earlier by forcing a fourth and ten, but Romo hit Miles Austin for 30 yards. Three plays later, he found Roy Williams for an apparent 13-yard game winner, but a flag for a blatent offensive holding decided the game in Washington’s favor.
The ‘Skins didn’t beat themselves. With a dubious coaching decision and fumble to end the first half and a costly penalty on the game’s final play, that is precisely what the Cowboys did.
Skeptics can find plenty to fault in the Redskins’ effort. McNabb threw more passes that fell incomplete (17) than completions (15), although many of the passes were on target but dropped. The ground game didn’t net 100 yards – Clinton Portis led with 63 yards on 18 rushes. Two trips into the red zone produced only one short Graham Gano field goal. On the other deep penetration, Shanahan went against the coaching axiom to never take points off the scoreboard, choosing a first down via a Dallas penalty over a made field goal, and then came away with nothing when holder Josh Bidwell missed the snap on a subsequent FG attempt.
On the flip side, McNabb’s veteran guidance promised better games ahead. With Washington leading from their opening drive, he didn’t throw any interceptions while establishing Santana Moss and Chris Cooley as favored targets. The team limited mistakes, being flagged for only 5 penalties for 42 yards, compared to 12 for 91 on Dallas. Anchored by Trent Williams, the offensive line kept the vaunted Cowboy pass rush to a single sack.
The Washington defense shone brightest, denying the Dallas offense points with the exception of a 4-yard TD pass late in the third quarter. Plus, they provided the game’s two key plays to punctuate each half. Rather than running out the clock before halftime, Dallas coach Wade Phillips elected to attack. Tashard Choice caught a short pass from Tony Romo, only to be stripped of the football by Washington’s defense led by DeAngelo Hall, Andre Carter, and Lorenzo Alexander. Hall returned the miscue for the only Redskin touchdown, putting his team up 10-0 at the break.
Leading 13-7, Washington’s fate rested on the play of its defense on the Cowboy’s final drive. The unit looked poised to win the game a series earlier by forcing a fourth and ten, but Romo hit Miles Austin for 30 yards. Three plays later, he found Roy Williams for an apparent 13-yard game winner, but a flag for a blatent offensive holding decided the game in Washington’s favor.
The ‘Skins didn’t beat themselves. With a dubious coaching decision and fumble to end the first half and a costly penalty on the game’s final play, that is precisely what the Cowboys did.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Redskins 9-7: Bank On It!
In a league where it’s possible for a 1-15 Dolphins team to win their division the next season and where the Lions are actually capable of winning two games at all, I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect vast improvement in the Redskins this season. I think the Redskins have the potential to win nine games, and, with the new personnel that the team has on board, I think my prediction can be easily met.
Consider that, last year, seven of the Redskins’ losses came by a margin of a touchdown or less, with an additional loss coming by eight points. These are games whose results could have easily been shifted by having an experienced head coach and a proven quarterback, both of which we lacked in 2009. We have both of these elements in place this year, with Mike Shanahan as coach, one who has proven his coaching ability as a two-time Super Bowl winner and Donovan McNabb as quarterback, a player whose Eagles’ teams only missed the playoffs twice and had a losing record once in the past 10 years. With an all-time great coach and an all-time great quarterback at the helm, I don’t think the Redskins lose as many close games.
My projection is also borne out by statistical analysis. A Washington Post column by Brian Burke (Washington Post) postulates that, if we could place Donovan McNabb’s stats into the games of the Redskins’ 2009 season, even with all other factors being the same, the Redskins would have won 10 games. Even without McNabb, the team would have been expected to win 7.5 games were it not for statistical flukes, which may be attributable to being led by Jason Campbell and Jim Zorn.
Given these factors, nine wins don’t sound unrealistic at all. Of course, my projection is dependent on Donovan McNabb remaining healthy for the entire season and Mike Shanahan being able to regain the coaching touch that evaded him the last few years in Denver. However, both men have long track records of success and Shanahan’s handling of the Albert Haynesworth situation has proven that he remembers how to be a strong leader. Therefore, my 9-7 projection stands and I have every confidence that it will be achieved.
Consider that, last year, seven of the Redskins’ losses came by a margin of a touchdown or less, with an additional loss coming by eight points. These are games whose results could have easily been shifted by having an experienced head coach and a proven quarterback, both of which we lacked in 2009. We have both of these elements in place this year, with Mike Shanahan as coach, one who has proven his coaching ability as a two-time Super Bowl winner and Donovan McNabb as quarterback, a player whose Eagles’ teams only missed the playoffs twice and had a losing record once in the past 10 years. With an all-time great coach and an all-time great quarterback at the helm, I don’t think the Redskins lose as many close games.
My projection is also borne out by statistical analysis. A Washington Post column by Brian Burke (Washington Post) postulates that, if we could place Donovan McNabb’s stats into the games of the Redskins’ 2009 season, even with all other factors being the same, the Redskins would have won 10 games. Even without McNabb, the team would have been expected to win 7.5 games were it not for statistical flukes, which may be attributable to being led by Jason Campbell and Jim Zorn.
Given these factors, nine wins don’t sound unrealistic at all. Of course, my projection is dependent on Donovan McNabb remaining healthy for the entire season and Mike Shanahan being able to regain the coaching touch that evaded him the last few years in Denver. However, both men have long track records of success and Shanahan’s handling of the Albert Haynesworth situation has proven that he remembers how to be a strong leader. Therefore, my 9-7 projection stands and I have every confidence that it will be achieved.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Will He Start or Will He Go?
Listening to the differing reports coming out of the Redskins, you wonder if their coaches were watching the same Albert Haynesworth play. Early news out of team coaches lambasted Haynesworth for his performance in Thursday’s preseason game against Arizona and even raised doubt over whether or not he would play in Sunday’s season opener. However, head coach Mike Shanahan stemmed the tide of criticism by complimenting his play and, while he didn’t guarantee that Haynesworth would start on Sunday, he also didn’t discount it. Either Shanahan and his coaches attended different games on Thursday or there is a reason for Shanahan’s backtracking on criticism of Haynesworth.
One possible reason could be due to the trade talk that is currently surrounding Haynesworth. Reportedly, the Redskins and the Titans are in trade talks and the Redskins are apparently asking for two draft picks in exchange for Haynesworth. If true, Shanahan would certainly not want to lower Haynesworth’s trade value by publicly bashing him. As the Vice President of Football Operations in addition to being the head coach, Shanahan wouldn’t want to hurt his chances of obtaining a good return for Haynesworth if he does mean to trade him.
The other possible option is that Shanahan is trying to mend ties with Haynesworth, who has garnered a lot of negative publicity for weeks now. Shanahan knows how bad media reports can swirl around a locker room and impede a team’s progress. In his first season as Redskins coach and in his first game back after a disappointing end to his tenure with the Broncos, Shanahan will surely want to get the season off to a good start, so burying the hatchet may be his method of doing so.
Ultimately, the true test of what Shanahan and his coaches think of Haynesworth will come this Sunday, assuming he’s still with the team at all. If Haynesworth starts, then it indicates that the team is willing to give him a chance to help them succeed. If he doesn’t start, then it’s going to be a long season of drama unless Haynesworth is ultimately traded.
One possible reason could be due to the trade talk that is currently surrounding Haynesworth. Reportedly, the Redskins and the Titans are in trade talks and the Redskins are apparently asking for two draft picks in exchange for Haynesworth. If true, Shanahan would certainly not want to lower Haynesworth’s trade value by publicly bashing him. As the Vice President of Football Operations in addition to being the head coach, Shanahan wouldn’t want to hurt his chances of obtaining a good return for Haynesworth if he does mean to trade him.
The other possible option is that Shanahan is trying to mend ties with Haynesworth, who has garnered a lot of negative publicity for weeks now. Shanahan knows how bad media reports can swirl around a locker room and impede a team’s progress. In his first season as Redskins coach and in his first game back after a disappointing end to his tenure with the Broncos, Shanahan will surely want to get the season off to a good start, so burying the hatchet may be his method of doing so.
Ultimately, the true test of what Shanahan and his coaches think of Haynesworth will come this Sunday, assuming he’s still with the team at all. If Haynesworth starts, then it indicates that the team is willing to give him a chance to help them succeed. If he doesn’t start, then it’s going to be a long season of drama unless Haynesworth is ultimately traded.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Revamped Redskins Look to Shock Over Confident Cowboys
Throughout the storied history of the National Football League, there have been many rivalries which, depending on who you ask and when, have been called “The Greatest” in the game.
In many cases though, the original reasons for the long standing animosity have been lost in the shuffle of free agency, teams moving from city to city, and all the other ever moving parts that make up the modern NFL. The contemporary feuds tend to run cold and hot from year to year, and many have all but lost the fire of passion they once held.
But in the NFC East, arguably the premiere division in the conference, the battle between the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys has been a constant for 50 years. The rivalry even pre-dates the Cowboys franchise, owing its roots to a business deal gone wrong and two strong willed entrepreneurs and owners.
Despite all the battles waged off the field between these two giants of the NFC, the battles that have created legends have all been fought on the field. The two teams have combined for an astounding 10 NFL Championships, and since they first faced off as divisional rivals in 1961, the road to the divisional title has gone through one or the other an amazing 31 times.
This season’s installment of the Redskins and Cowboys rivalry promises to be more exciting than any in recent years for Washington fans. Although mostly lost in the media storm surrounding the Haynesworth question, the Redskins are in a position to perhaps be the biggest surprise in the NFC.
While so much attention has been focused on the Cowboys and the year to year maturation of several key Cowboy players, the addition of Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb and two time Super Bowl Champion head coach Mike Shannahan to the D.C team has the potential to be the most dynamic of any offseason moves in the NFL.
A solid win against an always dangerous Cowboys team would go a long way toward silencing any critics, and the combination of Shannahan and McNabb gives the Redskins the best chance they’ve had in years to sweep both games of one of the NFL’s truly great rivalries.
In many cases though, the original reasons for the long standing animosity have been lost in the shuffle of free agency, teams moving from city to city, and all the other ever moving parts that make up the modern NFL. The contemporary feuds tend to run cold and hot from year to year, and many have all but lost the fire of passion they once held.
But in the NFC East, arguably the premiere division in the conference, the battle between the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys has been a constant for 50 years. The rivalry even pre-dates the Cowboys franchise, owing its roots to a business deal gone wrong and two strong willed entrepreneurs and owners.
Despite all the battles waged off the field between these two giants of the NFC, the battles that have created legends have all been fought on the field. The two teams have combined for an astounding 10 NFL Championships, and since they first faced off as divisional rivals in 1961, the road to the divisional title has gone through one or the other an amazing 31 times.
This season’s installment of the Redskins and Cowboys rivalry promises to be more exciting than any in recent years for Washington fans. Although mostly lost in the media storm surrounding the Haynesworth question, the Redskins are in a position to perhaps be the biggest surprise in the NFC.
While so much attention has been focused on the Cowboys and the year to year maturation of several key Cowboy players, the addition of Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb and two time Super Bowl Champion head coach Mike Shannahan to the D.C team has the potential to be the most dynamic of any offseason moves in the NFL.
A solid win against an always dangerous Cowboys team would go a long way toward silencing any critics, and the combination of Shannahan and McNabb gives the Redskins the best chance they’ve had in years to sweep both games of one of the NFL’s truly great rivalries.
But Will We Beat Dallas?
I’m happy to hear about all the events that Dan Snyder is planning for Redskins Week as the team heads into the season opening Cowboys game. With the parties, the spirit, and the community events and involvement, it almost brings a college football atmosphere back to professional football, an atmosphere that the fans will love. I’m particularly encouraged by the fact that Redskins alumni will be involved and that general manager Bruce Allen has been doing that outreach to make it happen. But, it’ll all be lacking without a victory.
The new tailgate rules, which allow for tailgating to start at noon, long before the 8:00 kickoff of the game, are encouraging and show a new commitment to making sure that the fans are having a good time. I appreciate the extra commitment that Snyder is showing to the fans in bringing in large screen televisions so fans don’t have to miss out on the other game action going on during opening weekend. But, will we win against Dallas?
There is a great sense of community that is being fostered, with “HONK IF YOU HATE DALLAS” Thursday returning and events like sending off the team after Saturday practice in grand style is terrific. The fact that Snyder is even reaching out to do events at local high schools like Heritage and High Point signifies a desire to actually do grassroots work in building Redskins fandom. But, is it enough to beat the Cowboys?
As much as I love all the events, the perks, the atmosphere, and the outreach, I’d trade it all, every single screen and sign, for a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. All the promotion and pep will be without meaning if it doesn’t translate into an on the field victory. I’m happy that this much work is being done to psych the fans up about beating Dallas. But, I’ll be all the happier once we actually beat Dallas.
The new tailgate rules, which allow for tailgating to start at noon, long before the 8:00 kickoff of the game, are encouraging and show a new commitment to making sure that the fans are having a good time. I appreciate the extra commitment that Snyder is showing to the fans in bringing in large screen televisions so fans don’t have to miss out on the other game action going on during opening weekend. But, will we win against Dallas?
There is a great sense of community that is being fostered, with “HONK IF YOU HATE DALLAS” Thursday returning and events like sending off the team after Saturday practice in grand style is terrific. The fact that Snyder is even reaching out to do events at local high schools like Heritage and High Point signifies a desire to actually do grassroots work in building Redskins fandom. But, is it enough to beat the Cowboys?
As much as I love all the events, the perks, the atmosphere, and the outreach, I’d trade it all, every single screen and sign, for a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. All the promotion and pep will be without meaning if it doesn’t translate into an on the field victory. I’m happy that this much work is being done to psych the fans up about beating Dallas. But, I’ll be all the happier once we actually beat Dallas.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Haynesworth In on Every Down, Shanahan Makes His Point
Albert Haynesworth has been in Coach Mike Shanahan's doghouse since failing to report to Redskin's offseason training camp this summer. Shanahan has made it clear to both Haynesworth and the media that he will not tolerate any such behavior. According to Shanahan, Haynesworth is not ready to play because he is not in game shape.
The Redskins played their final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, losing by the final score of 20-10. Interestingly to note, however, was Haynesworth. Shanahan deliberately played Haynesworth the entire game, including throughout the fourth quarter, which included the majority of second and third line players from both teams. Without a doubt, Shanahan was trying to show to Haynesworth and to the rest of the Redskins team that he, in fact, is boss.
It could be that Shanahan gave Haynesworth more game time and defensive repetitions throughout the entire preseason to serve as a punishment for missing the offseason workouts. Primarily because Haynesworth failed to report to offseason conditioning, Shanahan thinks he lacks the necessary speed and endurance to play in regular season games. Serving to both prove a point, as well as to condition Haynesworth, Shanahan is clearly demanding respect.
In the future, the Redskins players are going to have the offseason conditioning date clearly marked and highlighted on their calendars. Without question, none of these players want to subject themselves to the kind of treatment that Haynesworth is receiving. Even Haynesworth, who is in the elite class of defensive tackles, is not immune to the punishment from Shanahan. Shanahan is clearly showing the entire organization that he means business.
Although there were some harsh and direct comments made by Haynesworth towards Shanahan in the past, the last comments made by him were mostly of the joking manner. Without a doubt, this is good news for Redskins fans and players, who are both hoping to have a successful regular season and playoff run. If one thing is for certain, the fans and players know that Shanahan certainly means business, and is more than capable of keeping the his team focused and under control.
The Redskins played their final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, losing by the final score of 20-10. Interestingly to note, however, was Haynesworth. Shanahan deliberately played Haynesworth the entire game, including throughout the fourth quarter, which included the majority of second and third line players from both teams. Without a doubt, Shanahan was trying to show to Haynesworth and to the rest of the Redskins team that he, in fact, is boss.
It could be that Shanahan gave Haynesworth more game time and defensive repetitions throughout the entire preseason to serve as a punishment for missing the offseason workouts. Primarily because Haynesworth failed to report to offseason conditioning, Shanahan thinks he lacks the necessary speed and endurance to play in regular season games. Serving to both prove a point, as well as to condition Haynesworth, Shanahan is clearly demanding respect.
In the future, the Redskins players are going to have the offseason conditioning date clearly marked and highlighted on their calendars. Without question, none of these players want to subject themselves to the kind of treatment that Haynesworth is receiving. Even Haynesworth, who is in the elite class of defensive tackles, is not immune to the punishment from Shanahan. Shanahan is clearly showing the entire organization that he means business.
Although there were some harsh and direct comments made by Haynesworth towards Shanahan in the past, the last comments made by him were mostly of the joking manner. Without a doubt, this is good news for Redskins fans and players, who are both hoping to have a successful regular season and playoff run. If one thing is for certain, the fans and players know that Shanahan certainly means business, and is more than capable of keeping the his team focused and under control.
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