http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/27/AR2005112700943.html
This WP article after the Cardinals game cited the following stat.
4: Times in 27 games since Gibbs's return the Redskins have scored more than 21 points.
New stat.
3: Times in 4 games since then that the Redskins have scored more than 21 points.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/29/AR2005122901331.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/28/AR2005122801331.html
Might things be different if Gregg Williams takes on a head coaching gig elsewhere? Worst case: Redskins lose both Williams and Arrington during the offseason. Best case (but unlikely): Both stay put, Arrington has a great year, and makes the defense that much better.
One interesting scenario would be the Redskins not making the playoffs but going deep into the postseason and Arrington playing a critical role down the stretch. LaVar seems the reconciliatory type. Can Snyder be the same?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/28/AR2005122801331.html
Might things be different if Gregg Williams takes on a head coaching gig elsewhere? Worst case: Redskins lose both Williams and Arrington during the offseason. Best case (but unlikely): Both stay put, Arrington has a great year, and makes the defense that much better.
One interesting scenario would be the Redskins not making the playoffs but going deep into the postseason and Arrington playing a critical role down the stretch. LaVar seems the reconciliatory type. Can Snyder be the same?
http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20051228-120248-9729r.htm
Hard to believe this kind of article came out. Is Arrington seriously thinking about leaving football? In his mind, he probably is at peace with that idea. However, faced with the actual prospect of it, it's doubtful that he'll really stepping away from the gridiron. He's too enamored with the celebrity of being a sports star.
Arrington won't restructure his contract. Gibbs is probably tired of dealing with him. He has said that he has spoken more with LaVar than with any other player in his coaching history -- which says a lot, considering the colorful cast of characters Gibbs has dealt with (Gary Clark, Riggins, Dexter Manley).
Arrington is one of the most beloved Redskins and it is sad to see his situation with the team deteriorate as it has. As Elfin notes, he's likely to get cut before the Redskins pay him the huge signing bonus. He's also not likely to be traded because the Redskins would have to take on another staggering salary cap hit the way they did with Laveranues Coles' trade.
The fans loved him because he plays with great energy, he's always smiling, he makes big plays, and everyone envisioned him as a perennial Pro Bowler and likely Hall of Famer once he was drafted. They won't want to see him leave but obviously the management, starting with Snyder, is readying to move on without him. It would be painful to see LaVar Arrington in another uniform but as long as he's not wearing Eagle green, Giant blue, or the Cowboy star, fans will accept it if the team keeps winning.
Hard to believe this kind of article came out. Is Arrington seriously thinking about leaving football? In his mind, he probably is at peace with that idea. However, faced with the actual prospect of it, it's doubtful that he'll really stepping away from the gridiron. He's too enamored with the celebrity of being a sports star.
Arrington won't restructure his contract. Gibbs is probably tired of dealing with him. He has said that he has spoken more with LaVar than with any other player in his coaching history -- which says a lot, considering the colorful cast of characters Gibbs has dealt with (Gary Clark, Riggins, Dexter Manley).
Arrington is one of the most beloved Redskins and it is sad to see his situation with the team deteriorate as it has. As Elfin notes, he's likely to get cut before the Redskins pay him the huge signing bonus. He's also not likely to be traded because the Redskins would have to take on another staggering salary cap hit the way they did with Laveranues Coles' trade.
The fans loved him because he plays with great energy, he's always smiling, he makes big plays, and everyone envisioned him as a perennial Pro Bowler and likely Hall of Famer once he was drafted. They won't want to see him leave but obviously the management, starting with Snyder, is readying to move on without him. It would be painful to see LaVar Arrington in another uniform but as long as he's not wearing Eagle green, Giant blue, or the Cowboy star, fans will accept it if the team keeps winning.
Monday, December 19, 2005
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2265576
Norv doesn't have it in him to be head coach. He doesn't have the gumption to straighten players out who step out of line. Poor Norv. He's a good playcaller but he'll never be a head coach. It's just not his personality.
Norv doesn't have it in him to be head coach. He doesn't have the gumption to straighten players out who step out of line. Poor Norv. He's a good playcaller but he'll never be a head coach. It's just not his personality.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2265650
The Redskins were right to let go of Gardner. Now if only they had listened to Danny Boy and drafted Moss in 2001 instead of Gardner... at least they got a low draft choice out of him whereas the Panthers ended up releasing him.
The Redskins were right to let go of Gardner. Now if only they had listened to Danny Boy and drafted Moss in 2001 instead of Gardner... at least they got a low draft choice out of him whereas the Panthers ended up releasing him.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/18/AR2005121801017.html
Losing Randy Thomas could make all the diference in the world. He was making huge blocks for Portis. Ray Brown is a capable backup but in his forties, there's no way he's as agile, quick, and devastating as Thomas, who had a Pro Bowl-caliber year.
Losing Randy Thomas could make all the diference in the world. He was making huge blocks for Portis. Ray Brown is a capable backup but in his forties, there's no way he's as agile, quick, and devastating as Thomas, who had a Pro Bowl-caliber year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/18/AR2005121800345.html?nav=hcmodule
A beautiful win. What's surprising is why Dallas wouldn't employ a max protect scheme again, given Bledsoe's tendencies. Presumably, they wanted to take advantage of the Redskins' banged-up secondary.
The Skins have now maneuvered into the second wild card spot and control their own destiny. Their chance to win the division likely came to an end when the Chiefs fell to Tiki Barber's 220 yards and the rest of the G-men's efforts. What also hurt was the prior week when the Giants slipped past the Eagles in overtime. If the Giants had lost to the Eagles, and the Skins continue running the table, they would have had the divisional record tiebreaker over the Giants at the end of the season.
As it is, the Skins still have to remain supremely focused against an extremely talented Giants team with two potent defensive ends, a spy as the 3rd QB, and an explosive offense.
A beautiful win. What's surprising is why Dallas wouldn't employ a max protect scheme again, given Bledsoe's tendencies. Presumably, they wanted to take advantage of the Redskins' banged-up secondary.
The Skins have now maneuvered into the second wild card spot and control their own destiny. Their chance to win the division likely came to an end when the Chiefs fell to Tiki Barber's 220 yards and the rest of the G-men's efforts. What also hurt was the prior week when the Giants slipped past the Eagles in overtime. If the Giants had lost to the Eagles, and the Skins continue running the table, they would have had the divisional record tiebreaker over the Giants at the end of the season.
As it is, the Skins still have to remain supremely focused against an extremely talented Giants team with two potent defensive ends, a spy as the 3rd QB, and an explosive offense.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Redskins' Offseason Needs
Here's a first pass at what the team needs going into next year, in order of priority.
DE - It's evident to everyone that the Redskins can't mount a pass rush with their front four. Wynn and Daniels are capable but not difference-makers.
WR - Patten wasn't the complementary WR opposite Santana Moss that they envisioned.
DT - When Cornelius Griffin goes down, the Skins' D-line is in trouble.
CB - Walt Harris's performance dropped off dramatically this year. Shawn Springs is getting older and will break down more. The team will need to acquire a solid 3rd CB that can step up into the starting role if Rogers or Springs is injured.
Here's a first pass at what the team needs going into next year, in order of priority.
DE - It's evident to everyone that the Redskins can't mount a pass rush with their front four. Wynn and Daniels are capable but not difference-makers.
WR - Patten wasn't the complementary WR opposite Santana Moss that they envisioned.
DT - When Cornelius Griffin goes down, the Skins' D-line is in trouble.
CB - Walt Harris's performance dropped off dramatically this year. Shawn Springs is getting older and will break down more. The team will need to acquire a solid 3rd CB that can step up into the starting role if Rogers or Springs is injured.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/04/AR2005120401368.html
This win just proves that the Rams feel like they are always going to play their style of football. Despite the fact that they were starting a rookie quarterback against a blitzing defense and despite the fact that other teams have demonstrated success with maximum protection, the Rams (even without Martz calling the plays) showed the stubbornness in game-planning that had been Martz' Achilles heel the previous few years.
This win just proves that the Rams feel like they are always going to play their style of football. Despite the fact that they were starting a rookie quarterback against a blitzing defense and despite the fact that other teams have demonstrated success with maximum protection, the Rams (even without Martz calling the plays) showed the stubbornness in game-planning that had been Martz' Achilles heel the previous few years.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/04/AR2005120401309.html
Derrick Dockery states eloquently:
"Look, we understand that on third-and-long we need to buckle up and protect. But whenever it's possible, let us attack the line. Even in the passing game, with quick passes we can attack. We're all good athletes, we can all move. Let us get out on screens and attack the defense. And it seems to fit with the defense we have. It would help us control the clock, and I think in some cases cut out some of all the silly mistakes we made over the last four or five weeks."
Derrick Dockery states eloquently:
"Look, we understand that on third-and-long we need to buckle up and protect. But whenever it's possible, let us attack the line. Even in the passing game, with quick passes we can attack. We're all good athletes, we can all move. Let us get out on screens and attack the defense. And it seems to fit with the defense we have. It would help us control the clock, and I think in some cases cut out some of all the silly mistakes we made over the last four or five weeks."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/04/AR2005120400470.html
Gregg Williams was able to flummox a rookie QB once again. Will he be able to do the same against Kurt Warner, Drew Bledsoe, and a now-season Eli Manning when they have their maximum protection schemes?
Gregg Williams was able to flummox a rookie QB once again. Will he be able to do the same against Kurt Warner, Drew Bledsoe, and a now-season Eli Manning when they have their maximum protection schemes?
Four wins.
Arizona is definitely beatable. The Cards running game is weak. However, Kurt Warner, Boldin, and Fitzgerald are a formidable trio capable of racking up big-time yards. Gregg Williams will be challenged to keep keep the Cards' aerial in check. The team's advantage is the Skins' O vs. the Cards' D.
If the Skins get by the Cards, then each game gets bigger and bigger. The next game against Dallas in Landover would have both teams in playoff contention and Skins' fans the world over would go berserk to see that rumble end in the Skins' favor.
Two 100 Yard Rushers
Running over the Rams 27th-ranked rushing defense should be a good confidence builder. Arizona's rushing defense (after week 11) is ranked 20th.
Is Rock Cartwright the (backup) man? Not yet. At this point, Betts has done a better job proving himself as the fill-in guy. Betts' knock is his health. The fact that Cartwright was able to rip off a 55-yard run in a short-yardage situation is what the Skins needed to see.
Arizona is definitely beatable. The Cards running game is weak. However, Kurt Warner, Boldin, and Fitzgerald are a formidable trio capable of racking up big-time yards. Gregg Williams will be challenged to keep keep the Cards' aerial in check. The team's advantage is the Skins' O vs. the Cards' D.
If the Skins get by the Cards, then each game gets bigger and bigger. The next game against Dallas in Landover would have both teams in playoff contention and Skins' fans the world over would go berserk to see that rumble end in the Skins' favor.
Two 100 Yard Rushers
Running over the Rams 27th-ranked rushing defense should be a good confidence builder. Arizona's rushing defense (after week 11) is ranked 20th.
Is Rock Cartwright the (backup) man? Not yet. At this point, Betts has done a better job proving himself as the fill-in guy. Betts' knock is his health. The fact that Cartwright was able to rip off a 55-yard run in a short-yardage situation is what the Skins needed to see.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Five Wins.
Can the Skins go 5-0 to close out the season? Wishful thinking. If they can beat the Rams, it sure would be a sweet start though.
Fantasy Assessment.
Brunell and Santana Moss had maximum value through the first half of the season. Since opposing defenses started double covering moss and rolling coverages toward him, he hasn't broken the 100-yard barrier.
David Patten was a complete bust. Thrash and Taylor Jacobs weren't even worth considering either.
With 943 yards through 11 games, Clinton Portis is on par for a second 1300 yard season. While it would be an excellent for just about any back, it's subpar considering his three straight 1500 yard seasons in Denver with which he started his career.
Chris Cooley is sure getting a lot of looks and catches but he's not getting any TDs. The TDs that would normally come his way are getting siphoned away by Mike Sellers.
The Redskins defense isn't the same caliber it was last year, although they started strong. A lack of turnovers, lack of pass rush, and a suspect run defense are three major weaknesses. Two are enough to hurt a team but all three combined are debilitating. Maybe Gregg Williams won't be flooded with head coaching offers after all. Teams have figured that max protecting is the best way to stave off his zone blitzing schemes.
Can the Skins go 5-0 to close out the season? Wishful thinking. If they can beat the Rams, it sure would be a sweet start though.
Fantasy Assessment.
Brunell and Santana Moss had maximum value through the first half of the season. Since opposing defenses started double covering moss and rolling coverages toward him, he hasn't broken the 100-yard barrier.
David Patten was a complete bust. Thrash and Taylor Jacobs weren't even worth considering either.
With 943 yards through 11 games, Clinton Portis is on par for a second 1300 yard season. While it would be an excellent for just about any back, it's subpar considering his three straight 1500 yard seasons in Denver with which he started his career.
Chris Cooley is sure getting a lot of looks and catches but he's not getting any TDs. The TDs that would normally come his way are getting siphoned away by Mike Sellers.
The Redskins defense isn't the same caliber it was last year, although they started strong. A lack of turnovers, lack of pass rush, and a suspect run defense are three major weaknesses. Two are enough to hurt a team but all three combined are debilitating. Maybe Gregg Williams won't be flooded with head coaching offers after all. Teams have figured that max protecting is the best way to stave off his zone blitzing schemes.
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