Harbaugh-nger (Harbinger) of Doom

Bad pun. Jim Harbaugh has had the Niners on a tear since taking over my local team. His commanding yet engaging personality has pervaded the entire organization, turning around a franchise that has been directionless for the past decade.

New Niner/former Skins Carlos Rogers couldn't be happier with his new surroundings.

The only thing Washington had going for them heading into this game was home-field advantage. That obviously wasn't enough. A stout defense, a caretaker QB, and a strong running game was supposed to be the Skins' formula for success. Instead, it's how San Francisco has played it for a surprisingly strong 6-1 (now 7-1) first half record.

Blown Out by Buffalo

With the team in disarray due to injuries and the quarterback mess, it was no surprise that the Bills dispatched Washington.

What was surprising was how bad the Skins looked in their defeat. They could muster up nothing. Wound up with Shanahan's first-ever shutout loss. Ignominious distinction that he went more games than any other coach before being shut out but yet here it was, a shutout loss as coach of the Washington Redskins in his second year at the helm.

Tied Fates No More

Cal had beaten Utah handily. Despite Cam Newton's up and coming status, I was confident that the Skins would have this game well in hand.

Unfortunately, the NFL.com analysts were right. They almost all (including Joe Theismann) chose the Panthers to win based on the Skins' inability to handle Newton. And that's what happened. cam Newton played really well and carried the Panthers to victory.

Worse yet, Washington lost a number of players to injury in the past two weeks:
Tim Hightower
Chris Cooley
Santana Moss
London Fletcher
Kory Lichtensteiger
Trent Williams

Hightower and Cooley's losses might be mitigated by a capable stable of RBs in Torain and Helu. However, Moss's loss will hurt the passing game significantly, as will injuries along the offensive line.

Wiith today's game against the Bills, it looks like the Skins will continue their downward slide.

Week 6: Train Rex against the Eagles

The outcome was a given. We all knew that Philly was too talented to not turn it around at some point. If only I had wagered for the Eagles to beat the spread... Plus, Cal had lost to USC on Thursday anyway.

Way too many turnovers for Grossman. Columnist Sally Jenkins hit the nail on the head by noting if Grossman doesn't acknowledge his own mistakes, then he will continue to be a huge liability.

The Shanahans are much better going off with John Beck. Let's all hope that he can avoid Unsexy Rexy's mistakes.

Not a good sign

Cal lost to USC Thursday night. Doesn't portend well for Washington today. Now they are in a 7-0 hole.