To whom it may concern:
Do you care? I mean, do you really care? If you go to a Capitals game and they lose to, say, their biggest rival, does it matter to you at all? Because it matters to me, and unfortunately, I think I’m in the minority.
Let me explain.
The Caps are experiencing some turbulence right now, there’s no doubt about that. It’s been a bumpy few weeks, and the team’s fortunes will continue to ebb and flow as they adjust to the management style of their new bench boss. If you expected Hunter to return to Washington and the team would immediately start putting together 4, 5, 6-goal games, you obviously haven’t been paying attention. It’s a work-in-progress, and patience is key.
For what it’s worth, I think last night’s game was a good one, with the team showing marked improvement in their defensive end, especially with regards to back-checking. They played smart, extremely physical hockey and were done in by a weak shot that somehow made its way by (through?) Tomas Vokoun. A game like that is to be expected against Pittsburgh, however, and if the team came out flat, we’d have a much bigger problem on our hands.
My issue does not lie with the team itself, but rather you, John Q. Ticketholder. Getting back to my original query, do you really give two shits whether the Caps win or lose? Or do you go to games, rock the red, unleash the fury, etc. because it’s the cool, trendy thing to do in Washington these days?
Things have changed dramatically over the past 4 years, since the miraculous season-ending run to make the playoffs after Boudreau’s Thanksgiving weekend hiring. You all have come out to the Verizon Center in droves, and while it’s evident the fan base has become increasingly more passionate and knowledgeable since that 2007-2008 season, it seems pretty clear that most people don’t actually care.
Sitting in Section 114 last night, I witnessed a really disheartening lack of passion from the majority of those around me.
Imagine the scenario: the Caps are down a goal to their biggest rival (part of arguably the best rivalry in the sport), the fury has already been unleashed (a few minutes prior) and there is a defensive-zone faceoff coming after a lengthy TV timeout. There are about 3 minutes left in the game and players from both teams are milling about to stay loose.
Sensing an uninterested and unenthusiastic crowd, I stand up and, from the depths of my throat, encourage others to do the same. To get pumped up for a huge draw, for the final minutes of an intense, passionate game, for their damn team. The response? Lackluster at best.
A few people stood and cheered, and I was happy about that, but the majority looked at me as though I was asking them to stand in front of class for that presentation they didn’t prepare enough for. It was, in my opinion, an absolutely pathetic display of fandom and one that irked me to no end, until the end of the game and well on my way home.
Look, I know Caps games are fun. They’re the place to be (and be seen) in DC sports right now, and for good reason. But think about what you’re doing. You’re there to support the guys on the ice, and during lengths of poor play, don’t you think they’d be appreciative -- and maybe even dig deeper within themselves for the final minutes -- if people got out of their seats and cheered without being provoked?
Unleashing the fury, while a solid tradition, is relatively worthless in retrospect. What happens the second after the fury is unleashed, even when it’s a tie game and there are fewer than, say, 2 minutes in the game? That’s right, everyone sits back down and the decibel level drops.
Is it that hard to get pumped up without having the PA tell you to be pumped up? Or do you simply think that it’s not worth it? Trust me, it is.
Players respond, and while it’s unfair to expect people to go ape-shit the entire game, I think the lack of passion shown in the final minutes of a tight game, against the best team in the conference -- the team’s biggest rival -- is very telling.
It bothers me, frankly, and it should bother you too.
Why? Because I care.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A classic weekend in enemy territory
Just before the official Winter Classic announcement was made and it became a realization that the Washington Capitals would visit Heinz Field on New Years Day, my brother had the brilliant idea to book hotel rooms in the Steel City to increase our odds of actually attending the game and, you know, having a place to lay our heads. 7 months, countless hours scouring the internet and numerous e-mails pestering friends with hey, know anyone looking to get rid of tickets?, it finally came to be...
On Friday morning, we left downtown DC and were on our way through Central Pennsylvania for the mother of all weekends. Caps vs. Pens, Ovie vs. Sid, Boudreau vs. Bylsma. 24/7. Bad blood, the rivalry, etc. There's no way it wouldn't be glorious, is there?
So the weather stuck a little wrench in the spokes? Really, it made the whole experience that much more memorable. Nevermind the fact that a night game would make for a bigger spectacle and provide a primetime showcase for two of the NHL's best teams. It also meant a better viewing experience for fans in attendance and a more gradual (i.e. intense) build-up from Saturday morning until the puck dropped.
A few rain drops never killed anyone -- and thankfully, all ACLs remain intact for both teams -- so the weather was a mere footnote.
As for the overall experience, let's take it from the top...
At the end of the last episode of HBO's 24/7, a camera dollies down one of the concourse tunnels and the view opens up to Heinz Field and all its hockey-transformed greatness, creating both an incredible setting and a giddiness for anyone lucky enough to be attending the game. Chills ran down my spine as the day had nearly arrived -- less than 3 days after the final credits rolled, we'd be sitting in the stands for a tradition unlike any other (with apologies to The Masters).
Leaving Chinatown at about 10am on Friday, and after a quick stop in Bethesda to drop off the dog, we headed up 270 for what ended up being an unbelievably easy drive. Perhaps the highlight of the trip, which most on the road that day will tell you, was the astonishing number of Capitals fans spotted along the way. I knew that it was inevitable we'd see cars with Virginia, Maryland and DC tags, but the amount of Caps flags, jersey-wearing drivers and high-school-like painted rear windows was pretty awesome. Breezewood, the mother of all Pennsylvania rest stops, was littered with Backstrom, Semin and Ovechkin jerseys, a great and reassuring sign that those making the trek would have plenty of company at the big game.
Arriving in the Steel City just after 3pm, we drove through the Winter Classic banner-lined streets and arrived at the Wyndham Grand downtown, a quick walk across the river from the stadium and a hotel mobbed with fans of both teams. Crosby and Malkin jerseys hung in some windows, while Caps gear adorned others. We had to expect that the city would be buzzing for the weekend's festivities, but it still was an unbelievable site, as essentially everything going on had something to do with the NHL. It was, in short, a hockey fan's paradise.
On Friday morning, we left downtown DC and were on our way through Central Pennsylvania for the mother of all weekends. Caps vs. Pens, Ovie vs. Sid, Boudreau vs. Bylsma. 24/7. Bad blood, the rivalry, etc. There's no way it wouldn't be glorious, is there?
So the weather stuck a little wrench in the spokes? Really, it made the whole experience that much more memorable. Nevermind the fact that a night game would make for a bigger spectacle and provide a primetime showcase for two of the NHL's best teams. It also meant a better viewing experience for fans in attendance and a more gradual (i.e. intense) build-up from Saturday morning until the puck dropped.
A few rain drops never killed anyone -- and thankfully, all ACLs remain intact for both teams -- so the weather was a mere footnote.
As for the overall experience, let's take it from the top...
At the end of the last episode of HBO's 24/7, a camera dollies down one of the concourse tunnels and the view opens up to Heinz Field and all its hockey-transformed greatness, creating both an incredible setting and a giddiness for anyone lucky enough to be attending the game. Chills ran down my spine as the day had nearly arrived -- less than 3 days after the final credits rolled, we'd be sitting in the stands for a tradition unlike any other (with apologies to The Masters).
Leaving Chinatown at about 10am on Friday, and after a quick stop in Bethesda to drop off the dog, we headed up 270 for what ended up being an unbelievably easy drive. Perhaps the highlight of the trip, which most on the road that day will tell you, was the astonishing number of Capitals fans spotted along the way. I knew that it was inevitable we'd see cars with Virginia, Maryland and DC tags, but the amount of Caps flags, jersey-wearing drivers and high-school-like painted rear windows was pretty awesome. Breezewood, the mother of all Pennsylvania rest stops, was littered with Backstrom, Semin and Ovechkin jerseys, a great and reassuring sign that those making the trek would have plenty of company at the big game.
Arriving in the Steel City just after 3pm, we drove through the Winter Classic banner-lined streets and arrived at the Wyndham Grand downtown, a quick walk across the river from the stadium and a hotel mobbed with fans of both teams. Crosby and Malkin jerseys hung in some windows, while Caps gear adorned others. We had to expect that the city would be buzzing for the weekend's festivities, but it still was an unbelievable site, as essentially everything going on had something to do with the NHL. It was, in short, a hockey fan's paradise.
Let's Go (Little) Caps!After checking in to our room, a few of us made our way to a rink adjacent to the stadium to watch the Little Caps play the Mario Lemieux-coached Little Pens. Watching a bunch of 14 year-olds who have more skills now than I ever did -- or will -- was both depressing and awesome, and while the team from Washington falling to their rivals from the Keystone State was a bummer, it was also a pretty cool way to kick off the weekend.
Back to the hotel, it was nearly time to get ready for New Year's Eve. I wish I had a better story to tell from this night, as those that were able to get into the Hofbrauhaus surely do, but it was a great evening nonetheless. We dined at Nakama, a killer Japanese steakhouse on the Southside, and more than a few times during the meal the ridiculously packed restaurant echoed with chants of "Let's Go Pens!" and "Let's Go Caps!", each one louder than the last.
Dinner ended, and while we worked on a game-plan as to where we'd ring in 2011, we were informed by someone on the inside that the Hofbrauhaus was one-in / one-out, meaning our group of 30+ people would have no chance at gaining access to what I've heard was a red-filled great time.
With little time to dilly-dally, we made an executive decision to begin walking and simply jump in to a bar that would accommodate us all. That bar would end up being Finn McCool's, a rather generic pub, but one that served its purpose; we did some shots, slammed our beverages of choice for the evening -- in my case, Captain & Coke -- and greeted the New Year with much merriment.
As closing time approached, we poured out into the Pittsburgh night and began looking for transportation, which, as it turns out, was harder to find than Sidney Crosby's moustache. So we walked, and walked, and ended up walking some more until we convinced one taxi driver to take a few of the girls in our group back to the hotel. A friend and I continued our journey on foot, ducking down barren streets and under gigantic overpasses before making it back to the Wyndham about 30 minutes later. Not the greatest accommodations for the amount of people the city had to expect, but all in all, it could've been much worse.
Saturday morning brought a new day, one in which severely cloudy skies could not dampen the excitement surrounding the lead-up to the game. As my wife and I were dehydrated and hungry, we decided to walk a few blocks to Market Square, which, according to my iPhone, would have plenty of healthy and nutritious options. I've heard great things about Primanti Bros. sandwiches, and while roast beef topped with fries would've been a most splendid treat, the amount of people waiting was too much to bear.
After much deliberation, we headed across the plaza to Breugger's Bagels, which had only 3 people in line -- one in a sweet Langway jersey! -- and prepared our stomachs for the long day ahead. Walking out of Bruegger's into a nearly empty square, a rather pretty blonde woman in her mid-30s approached and asked where the closest Macy's was. I said we were from out of town, to which she replied "me too... I'm married to one of the Capitals." Really. Do tell.
"My husband is John Erskine."
Nice. Erskine, he of the Rupp-beating, handlebar-toting variety, was married to a woman who appeared to be just as cool as he is. After explaining that "the wives went out for New Year's Eve and all those bitches are still asleep," all she wanted do was shop because "the rest of [her] family was at practice and she didn't want to watch that shit." Oh, and she also said her husband "looked like an asshole" with that handlebar moustache.
See, HBO audience? Not only do the coaches and players have foul mouths, but their wives do too!
At the risk of digressing -- and becoming entirely too long-winded -- it was getting dangerously close to go-time and we had to head back to rest up for what would prove to be a very exhausting -- yet unbelievably fulfilling -- evening.
Back to the hotel, it was nearly time to get ready for New Year's Eve. I wish I had a better story to tell from this night, as those that were able to get into the Hofbrauhaus surely do, but it was a great evening nonetheless. We dined at Nakama, a killer Japanese steakhouse on the Southside, and more than a few times during the meal the ridiculously packed restaurant echoed with chants of "Let's Go Pens!" and "Let's Go Caps!", each one louder than the last.
Dinner ended, and while we worked on a game-plan as to where we'd ring in 2011, we were informed by someone on the inside that the Hofbrauhaus was one-in / one-out, meaning our group of 30+ people would have no chance at gaining access to what I've heard was a red-filled great time.
With little time to dilly-dally, we made an executive decision to begin walking and simply jump in to a bar that would accommodate us all. That bar would end up being Finn McCool's, a rather generic pub, but one that served its purpose; we did some shots, slammed our beverages of choice for the evening -- in my case, Captain & Coke -- and greeted the New Year with much merriment.
As closing time approached, we poured out into the Pittsburgh night and began looking for transportation, which, as it turns out, was harder to find than Sidney Crosby's moustache. So we walked, and walked, and ended up walking some more until we convinced one taxi driver to take a few of the girls in our group back to the hotel. A friend and I continued our journey on foot, ducking down barren streets and under gigantic overpasses before making it back to the Wyndham about 30 minutes later. Not the greatest accommodations for the amount of people the city had to expect, but all in all, it could've been much worse.
Saturday morning brought a new day, one in which severely cloudy skies could not dampen the excitement surrounding the lead-up to the game. As my wife and I were dehydrated and hungry, we decided to walk a few blocks to Market Square, which, according to my iPhone, would have plenty of healthy and nutritious options. I've heard great things about Primanti Bros. sandwiches, and while roast beef topped with fries would've been a most splendid treat, the amount of people waiting was too much to bear.
After much deliberation, we headed across the plaza to Breugger's Bagels, which had only 3 people in line -- one in a sweet Langway jersey! -- and prepared our stomachs for the long day ahead. Walking out of Bruegger's into a nearly empty square, a rather pretty blonde woman in her mid-30s approached and asked where the closest Macy's was. I said we were from out of town, to which she replied "me too... I'm married to one of the Capitals." Really. Do tell.
"My husband is John Erskine."
Nice. Erskine, he of the Rupp-beating, handlebar-toting variety, was married to a woman who appeared to be just as cool as he is. After explaining that "the wives went out for New Year's Eve and all those bitches are still asleep," all she wanted do was shop because "the rest of [her] family was at practice and she didn't want to watch that shit." Oh, and she also said her husband "looked like an asshole" with that handlebar moustache.
See, HBO audience? Not only do the coaches and players have foul mouths, but their wives do too!
At the risk of digressing -- and becoming entirely too long-winded -- it was getting dangerously close to go-time and we had to head back to rest up for what would prove to be a very exhausting -- yet unbelievably fulfilling -- evening.
Crossing over to the dark side.Shortly before 4pm, the troops from the Wyndham gathered their gear and headed out into enemy territory. While there were certainly plenty of Penguins fans that were fine with the site of red-clad legions entering the Heinz Field parking lots, there also existed much good-natured animosity.
As we snaked behind the Hyatt and into Gold Lot 4, we were greeted with a thunderous round of boos and more than a few people telling us what they thought of everyone's favorite Russian-born Washingtonian. Most of it was in good fun, and I personally didn't see one fist thrown or serious confrontation, so kudos to everyone involved for remaining civilized.
As we snaked behind the Hyatt and into Gold Lot 4, we were greeted with a thunderous round of boos and more than a few people telling us what they thought of everyone's favorite Russian-born Washingtonian. Most of it was in good fun, and I personally didn't see one fist thrown or serious confrontation, so kudos to everyone involved for remaining civilized.
I can only imagine what a scene like this would've been like in Philly.Settling in to the tailgate nearly 3-1/2 hours before the game meant plenty of time to relish in the scene and observe some great moments. A few of my favorites (from both sides of the fence):
-- While our particular group of Caps fans was totally surrounded, we still had probably 100+ red-rockin' faithful making sure we wouldn't go quietly into the night. Plenty of insults were hurled our way, but the responses were always equally as boisterous.
-- The Pens tailgate next to us had two awesome additions: 1) a street hockey goal set up with three pictures (targets) dangling from the crossbar, two of Sid and Ovie shaking hands and one of Ovechkin's toothless grin; and 2) a hockey stick with 4 shot glasses attached a la the skis you used to see in movies like Hot Dog. Before the puck dropped, a group of fans stood in the back of a pick-up and must've done 10 shots a piece. Hey, whatever it takes to erase the memory of losing the Winter Classic at home, boys... I hope it worked.
-- The group of Pens fans next to us also had one thing that was interesting, sure, but I just can't see the point. Much like Caps jerseys that say "Crosby Sucks," I think spending money on a customized jersey only to ridicule someone or their team is lame. These particular fans had a red Caps sweater with the number 8 and DOUCHEBAG on the nameplate. Really? Don't you have better ways to spend that money you've earned by working so hard at Sheetz?
-- While our particular group of Caps fans was totally surrounded, we still had probably 100+ red-rockin' faithful making sure we wouldn't go quietly into the night. Plenty of insults were hurled our way, but the responses were always equally as boisterous.
-- The Pens tailgate next to us had two awesome additions: 1) a street hockey goal set up with three pictures (targets) dangling from the crossbar, two of Sid and Ovie shaking hands and one of Ovechkin's toothless grin; and 2) a hockey stick with 4 shot glasses attached a la the skis you used to see in movies like Hot Dog. Before the puck dropped, a group of fans stood in the back of a pick-up and must've done 10 shots a piece. Hey, whatever it takes to erase the memory of losing the Winter Classic at home, boys... I hope it worked.
-- The group of Pens fans next to us also had one thing that was interesting, sure, but I just can't see the point. Much like Caps jerseys that say "Crosby Sucks," I think spending money on a customized jersey only to ridicule someone or their team is lame. These particular fans had a red Caps sweater with the number 8 and DOUCHEBAG on the nameplate. Really? Don't you have better ways to spend that money you've earned by working so hard at Sheetz?
Just a small portion of our group.-- OK, I'll admit… while I love Bruce Boudreau, the guy is a pretty damn easy target for ridicule. The footage of him with BBQ sauce on his face alone is priceless (and was mocked pretty aggressively at the game), but perhaps the best sign I saw at the tailgate was one of Boudreau's mug next to a Haagen-Dazs logo and the words "I SMELL FOOD" in big, bold letters. If there was any reason to make fun of Bylsma, I'm not sure anyone could come up with something that would top BB's obvious love of all things consumable.
After a great tailgate that featured lots of laughs, plenty of cheers and good-natured ribbing, it was time to start walking. Heading towards the lights of Heinz Field and knowing that we were about to watch the Washington Capitals play hockey outdoors was pretty amazing. So much so that I must've said "this is so frikking awesome" 20 or 30 times, but hey, I had enjoyed a few cold ones... can you blame me for being excited?
As we entered the gates and made our way to the club level, wiping the smile off my face would've taken a Herculean effort. Nothing anyone could say or do would've taken away the high of getting to our seats and seeing what had been 7 months in the making.
When both teams made their way out of the tunnel below us, watching the boys in the crisp white sweaters and beautiful red pants strut out to a crowd of nearly 70,000 was a site and sound to behold.
After a great tailgate that featured lots of laughs, plenty of cheers and good-natured ribbing, it was time to start walking. Heading towards the lights of Heinz Field and knowing that we were about to watch the Washington Capitals play hockey outdoors was pretty amazing. So much so that I must've said "this is so frikking awesome" 20 or 30 times, but hey, I had enjoyed a few cold ones... can you blame me for being excited?
As we entered the gates and made our way to the club level, wiping the smile off my face would've taken a Herculean effort. Nothing anyone could say or do would've taken away the high of getting to our seats and seeing what had been 7 months in the making.
When both teams made their way out of the tunnel below us, watching the boys in the crisp white sweaters and beautiful red pants strut out to a crowd of nearly 70,000 was a site and sound to behold.
Just after this was taken, our camera was dunked into a 20 oz. cup of beer. Seriously, full submersion. We saved the memory card, but the camera was put to rest.It was officially time to get the Winter Classic underway and play some damn hockey, and play some damn hockey they did. After a scoreless first period that featured plenty of drama, the stage had been set for a final two frames that would surely be as intense as any these two teams have played. Neither was as sharp as it usually is, but that almost added to the atmosphere. It was good old-fashioned, rough-and-tumble, body-banging hockey at its finest.
Behind Knuble's poke-in, Fehr's pair and Varlamov's stellar play between the pipes, the Washington Capitals emerged victorious. The boys from DC won the Winter Classic at the hands of their biggest rivals in front of a primetime audience on New Years Day.
If anyone honestly thinks that the winner of this game wouldn't be insanely pumped, they simply don't have much common sense.
Was it the prettiest game the NHL has seen? Of course not. Will it erase the 6-2 drubbing in Game 7 two years ago and the years and years of heartache the Pens have caused the Caps dating back to the early 90s? No. Hell, it wasn't even the best Caps / Pens game I've been to (that belongs to the Super Bowl Sunday thriller in DC).
It was, however -- and pardon my Boudreau-isms here -- a fucking blast. It was the fucking best experience I've ever fucking had at a fucking hockey game in my life. The guys in white shrugged off a 1-goal deficit, played with fucking courage and had fucking fun out there.
After the game was over, an eerie silence fell over the Pittsburgh faithful, and I'll be honest, it was one of the greatest non-sounds I've ever heard. The walk out of the stadium was full of C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS chants. Sure, more than a few Pens fans asked, to nobody in particular, how many Cups the Caps have won, but at that moment it didn’t matter. The Caps owned this day and nothing will ever change that.
Joining tens of thousands of other Capitals fans as we took over whole sections of Heinz Field was an experience I can't imagine will ever be replicated. Between the 2nd and 3rd periods, with the Caps clinging to a 2-1 lead, I made my way up and down our empty row and high-fived as many Washington fans as I could reach. The game wasn't over yet and I probably looked like a bit of a dick, but it was a risk I was willing to take. The camaraderie was too strong to pass up an opportunity to bond with people I'll never know.
I was told to "sit the fuck down" and "shut the fuck up" by some middle-aged guy that probably hated the fact that he sat in the rain to watch his team lose, but hey, them's the breaks. I stood my ground, got plenty of support from the surrounding Caps fans and the visiting team prevailed, so all is right with the world.
The season series is now tied at one apiece, with two epic battles already in the books. The Caps and Pens meet twice more in the regular season and could, potentially, meet in the playoffs for a rematch of the 2009 Eastern Conference semifinals. Regardless of whether or not that comes to pass, the decision to have these two face for the marquee match-up and a chance to show the world what the NHL has to offer was a no-brainer.
It was a brilliant experience and one I'd do over a thousand times if I could.
--
A few more random notes from the weekend:
1. I drove right by the Fairmont on the way to Market Square on Sunday morning, and the Caps just happened to be leaving their hotel and loading up the team bus. As we approached, I rolled my window down as Mike Knuble walked by about 2 feet from my driver's side. I tried my damndest to yell out "K-NOOOOOOOBLE!", but with all the cheering and jeering I'd done the night before, it barely came out. He looked at me, said "hey" and kept walking (probably fearing for his life).
2. I also saw a few guys waiting to load the bus and Boudreau waddling around in his sweet red throwback varsity-style jacket. Again, I love the guy... but he could clearly stand to lose a few pounds.
3. Downtown Pittsburgh is an absolute ghost town on Sunday mornings, which is actually kind of sad. Market Square, which was understandably pretty dead on New Years Day, was much worse on the 2nd. The only place open was Starbucks -- no Bruegger's, no Dunkin' Donuts, no Einstein Bagel. Do people not go out to eat on Sunday mornings in the Steel City?
4. About the whole "rivalry" thing...
While I've only read one Pittsburgh-based reaction to the game -- and it was a blog, so take it for what it's worth -- it's amazing how idiotically some people react to scenarios like this weekend's. There is no doubt that the Capitals and Penguins are the best rivalry in the NHL right now, and any Penguins fan making fun of the Caps for celebrating the way they did is bitter, plain and simple.
Obviously a win like Saturday's will never get "Ovechkin," "Green or "Laich" engraved on the Stanley Cup, but who cares? It was the biggest game of the regular season on the biggest stage, and the Capitals reacted as any of the Penguins would -- with unbridled joy and enthusiasm.
If the Pens had come back and emerged victorious, you better believe they would've gone on and on about how the Caps can't win under pressure, how much Ovechkin sucks, etc. It certainly wouldn't have been "just two points" to any of the Penguins faithful, that's for sure.
I may be naïve in saying this, but I think Caps fans that made the journey to Pittsburgh would've left the weekend feeling as though they were part of something great, regardless of the outcome (assuming it wasn't a blowout). I know that's the way I feel, and no Pens fan trying to rain on the Caps parade is going to change that.
Behind Knuble's poke-in, Fehr's pair and Varlamov's stellar play between the pipes, the Washington Capitals emerged victorious. The boys from DC won the Winter Classic at the hands of their biggest rivals in front of a primetime audience on New Years Day.
If anyone honestly thinks that the winner of this game wouldn't be insanely pumped, they simply don't have much common sense.
Was it the prettiest game the NHL has seen? Of course not. Will it erase the 6-2 drubbing in Game 7 two years ago and the years and years of heartache the Pens have caused the Caps dating back to the early 90s? No. Hell, it wasn't even the best Caps / Pens game I've been to (that belongs to the Super Bowl Sunday thriller in DC).
It was, however -- and pardon my Boudreau-isms here -- a fucking blast. It was the fucking best experience I've ever fucking had at a fucking hockey game in my life. The guys in white shrugged off a 1-goal deficit, played with fucking courage and had fucking fun out there.
After the game was over, an eerie silence fell over the Pittsburgh faithful, and I'll be honest, it was one of the greatest non-sounds I've ever heard. The walk out of the stadium was full of C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS chants. Sure, more than a few Pens fans asked, to nobody in particular, how many Cups the Caps have won, but at that moment it didn’t matter. The Caps owned this day and nothing will ever change that.
Joining tens of thousands of other Capitals fans as we took over whole sections of Heinz Field was an experience I can't imagine will ever be replicated. Between the 2nd and 3rd periods, with the Caps clinging to a 2-1 lead, I made my way up and down our empty row and high-fived as many Washington fans as I could reach. The game wasn't over yet and I probably looked like a bit of a dick, but it was a risk I was willing to take. The camaraderie was too strong to pass up an opportunity to bond with people I'll never know.
I was told to "sit the fuck down" and "shut the fuck up" by some middle-aged guy that probably hated the fact that he sat in the rain to watch his team lose, but hey, them's the breaks. I stood my ground, got plenty of support from the surrounding Caps fans and the visiting team prevailed, so all is right with the world.
The season series is now tied at one apiece, with two epic battles already in the books. The Caps and Pens meet twice more in the regular season and could, potentially, meet in the playoffs for a rematch of the 2009 Eastern Conference semifinals. Regardless of whether or not that comes to pass, the decision to have these two face for the marquee match-up and a chance to show the world what the NHL has to offer was a no-brainer.
It was a brilliant experience and one I'd do over a thousand times if I could.
--
A few more random notes from the weekend:
1. I drove right by the Fairmont on the way to Market Square on Sunday morning, and the Caps just happened to be leaving their hotel and loading up the team bus. As we approached, I rolled my window down as Mike Knuble walked by about 2 feet from my driver's side. I tried my damndest to yell out "K-NOOOOOOOBLE!", but with all the cheering and jeering I'd done the night before, it barely came out. He looked at me, said "hey" and kept walking (probably fearing for his life).
2. I also saw a few guys waiting to load the bus and Boudreau waddling around in his sweet red throwback varsity-style jacket. Again, I love the guy... but he could clearly stand to lose a few pounds.
3. Downtown Pittsburgh is an absolute ghost town on Sunday mornings, which is actually kind of sad. Market Square, which was understandably pretty dead on New Years Day, was much worse on the 2nd. The only place open was Starbucks -- no Bruegger's, no Dunkin' Donuts, no Einstein Bagel. Do people not go out to eat on Sunday mornings in the Steel City?
4. About the whole "rivalry" thing...
While I've only read one Pittsburgh-based reaction to the game -- and it was a blog, so take it for what it's worth -- it's amazing how idiotically some people react to scenarios like this weekend's. There is no doubt that the Capitals and Penguins are the best rivalry in the NHL right now, and any Penguins fan making fun of the Caps for celebrating the way they did is bitter, plain and simple.
Obviously a win like Saturday's will never get "Ovechkin," "Green or "Laich" engraved on the Stanley Cup, but who cares? It was the biggest game of the regular season on the biggest stage, and the Capitals reacted as any of the Penguins would -- with unbridled joy and enthusiasm.
If the Pens had come back and emerged victorious, you better believe they would've gone on and on about how the Caps can't win under pressure, how much Ovechkin sucks, etc. It certainly wouldn't have been "just two points" to any of the Penguins faithful, that's for sure.
I may be naïve in saying this, but I think Caps fans that made the journey to Pittsburgh would've left the weekend feeling as though they were part of something great, regardless of the outcome (assuming it wasn't a blowout). I know that's the way I feel, and no Pens fan trying to rain on the Caps parade is going to change that.
Friday, September 24, 2010
A fresh start does not always equal a good opportunity
There has been a lot of talk this week about the short leash quarterbacks are now being given in the NFL, what with multiple "starters" being benched just one or two games into the new season. Many teams that missed out on the playoffs last year -- and even some that reached the postseason -- put a new set of hands under center to spark the franchise, create more offensive opportunities and, ultimately, increase their win totals from a year ago.
One such team, the Oakland Raiders, brought in veteran quarterback (and former Redskin) Jason Campbell, essentially promising fans that things were heading in a more consistent and stable direction (but let's be honest... after drafting JaMarcus Russell, more stability isn't exactly difficult to accomplish). Unfortunately, Campbell played poorly through the first 6 quarters of the 2010 season and has been benched in favor of the quarterback who finished the season last year, Bruce Gradkowski.
One such team, the Oakland Raiders, brought in veteran quarterback (and former Redskin) Jason Campbell, essentially promising fans that things were heading in a more consistent and stable direction (but let's be honest... after drafting JaMarcus Russell, more stability isn't exactly difficult to accomplish). Unfortunately, Campbell played poorly through the first 6 quarters of the 2010 season and has been benched in favor of the quarterback who finished the season last year, Bruce Gradkowski.
New scene, same result. (Jed Jacobsohn / Getty)I'm not sure why I've been a Campbell apologist for the past however-many years, but really, has any other quarterback in the NFL been treated more poorly than him? The former Auburn standout learned 8 different offensive schemes in a span of 8 years (dating back to college), sat patiently while the Redskins wined and dined Mark Sanchez in 2009 and Sam Bradford earlier this year, and was told this spring that he'd have a chance to remain the starter, only to learn that a blockbuster deal to bring in Donovan McNabb was in the works (all while playing in front of one of the worst offensive lines in football).
Campbell was hurried, hit, sacked and thrown around so often during his tenure in Washington that it's a minor miracle that he's even still playing. He was knocked out of a game against the Bears 3 seasons ago not once but twice, the second time for good (making way for Todd Collins to finish the season).
Does Campbell have the skill-set to be a good quarterback in the NFL, assuming he has a decent offensive line and more than a split-second to make decisions? Sure. He may not be a franchise-savior, as he still lacks that certain confidence and ability to adapt that all great quarterbacks have, but he's absolutely worthy of being given a shot.
Unfortunately, it looks like Al Davis disagrees, and it turns out that not only is Campbell relegated to back-up duty, but he's now being told that he can't speak to the media. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I think JC has been dealt a really bad hand since entering the NFL, and being such a nice guy, it's hard not to feel just a little bit sorry for him.
On the flip side, it's nice to know that for all the criticism the Redskins deal with, there's an owner in the league who is more impatient and about ten times more bat-shit crazy than Dan Snyder.
Campbell was hurried, hit, sacked and thrown around so often during his tenure in Washington that it's a minor miracle that he's even still playing. He was knocked out of a game against the Bears 3 seasons ago not once but twice, the second time for good (making way for Todd Collins to finish the season).
Does Campbell have the skill-set to be a good quarterback in the NFL, assuming he has a decent offensive line and more than a split-second to make decisions? Sure. He may not be a franchise-savior, as he still lacks that certain confidence and ability to adapt that all great quarterbacks have, but he's absolutely worthy of being given a shot.
Unfortunately, it looks like Al Davis disagrees, and it turns out that not only is Campbell relegated to back-up duty, but he's now being told that he can't speak to the media. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I think JC has been dealt a really bad hand since entering the NFL, and being such a nice guy, it's hard not to feel just a little bit sorry for him.
On the flip side, it's nice to know that for all the criticism the Redskins deal with, there's an owner in the league who is more impatient and about ten times more bat-shit crazy than Dan Snyder.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Catching Up: On beating one Texas team and losing to another
It's been a while since I've written anything Redskins-related, but with a new season and a number of new faces in Washington, it's time to offer some thoughts on the current state of the Burgundy and Gold.
First things first:
Beginning the season with a win, especially when it comes at the expense of the beloved Dallas Cowboys, is certainly a good thing. No NFL team wants to start digging itself out of a hole fresh out of the gate, so regardless of whether or not Week One's triumph was an attractive one is irrelevant.
Sitting atop the NFC East at any point during the season is a plus, so let's look beyond the questionable Wade Phillips decisions and the lack of offensive production of the Redskins and simply enjoy a division win, something that never occurred during the 2009-2010 campaign.
First things first:
Beginning the season with a win, especially when it comes at the expense of the beloved Dallas Cowboys, is certainly a good thing. No NFL team wants to start digging itself out of a hole fresh out of the gate, so regardless of whether or not Week One's triumph was an attractive one is irrelevant.
Sitting atop the NFC East at any point during the season is a plus, so let's look beyond the questionable Wade Phillips decisions and the lack of offensive production of the Redskins and simply enjoy a division win, something that never occurred during the 2009-2010 campaign.
Chances these guys have any ties to Dallas? I'd say 1-2%. (Larry French / Getty)Sure, the new regime could've made a better impression, but for all the so-called weapons Dallas has in its arsenal, I'd say Washington did a pretty good job considering the circumstances. Donovan McNabb, the newest in a long line of DC saviors, did little to prepare for the Week One challenge (what with his tweaked ankle in the preseason), so there was sure to be plenty of rust early on.
On the defensive side of the ball, Washington -- despite a new coordinator and even newer scheme -- did what it's done pretty consistently over the last few seasons, which is fly all over the field and wreak havoc on the opposition. A lot of emphasis has been put on creating more turnovers, and while the DeAngelo Hall strip-6 was perhaps more the fault of a bone-headed play by Tashard Choice, it nevertheless put much-needed points on the board.
Despite the win, two major concerns were brought to the forefront: 1) the lack of offensive production and 2) the propensity to leave gaping holes down the middle of the field, allowing speedy receivers space to make catches and keep drives alive. These things must be worked on, or the Redskins will continue to be in close games throughout the season (unfortunately, something they've been used to for years)...
...which brings us to Week Two:
After watching highlights of Arian Foster absolutely shredding the Colts defense, I will admit to being extremely nervous heading into the second game of the season, this one against the Houston Texans. We all knew that Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson made beautiful music together, so for Gary Kubiak's team to add a powerful running dimension could only mean big things for the former AFC South also-rans (pun intended).
Alas, Indy's run defense will never be mistaken for a serious asset, while Washington has always fared relatively well in terms of containing powerful downhill threats. Jim Haslett's boys did contain Foster, but once again, the liability of allowing receivers like Johnson and Kevin Walter space ended up being quite the sore subject.
Let's rewind a bit, though, shall we?
The Washington Redskins, for all the ups and downs they've had over the last decade-plus, have rarely put on a passing display like they did on Sunday against the Texans. Donovan McNabb was firing on all cylinders, hitting receiver after receiver for the first three quarters and scrambling to make plays when necessary. I like Jason Campbell and think he was dealt a really shitty hand, but the decisiveness of McNabb is a very, very comforting sight after years of watching JC throw the ball out of bounds at the slightest hint of pressure.
On the defensive side of the ball, Washington -- despite a new coordinator and even newer scheme -- did what it's done pretty consistently over the last few seasons, which is fly all over the field and wreak havoc on the opposition. A lot of emphasis has been put on creating more turnovers, and while the DeAngelo Hall strip-6 was perhaps more the fault of a bone-headed play by Tashard Choice, it nevertheless put much-needed points on the board.
Despite the win, two major concerns were brought to the forefront: 1) the lack of offensive production and 2) the propensity to leave gaping holes down the middle of the field, allowing speedy receivers space to make catches and keep drives alive. These things must be worked on, or the Redskins will continue to be in close games throughout the season (unfortunately, something they've been used to for years)...
...which brings us to Week Two:
After watching highlights of Arian Foster absolutely shredding the Colts defense, I will admit to being extremely nervous heading into the second game of the season, this one against the Houston Texans. We all knew that Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson made beautiful music together, so for Gary Kubiak's team to add a powerful running dimension could only mean big things for the former AFC South also-rans (pun intended).
Alas, Indy's run defense will never be mistaken for a serious asset, while Washington has always fared relatively well in terms of containing powerful downhill threats. Jim Haslett's boys did contain Foster, but once again, the liability of allowing receivers like Johnson and Kevin Walter space ended up being quite the sore subject.
Let's rewind a bit, though, shall we?
The Washington Redskins, for all the ups and downs they've had over the last decade-plus, have rarely put on a passing display like they did on Sunday against the Texans. Donovan McNabb was firing on all cylinders, hitting receiver after receiver for the first three quarters and scrambling to make plays when necessary. I like Jason Campbell and think he was dealt a really shitty hand, but the decisiveness of McNabb is a very, very comforting sight after years of watching JC throw the ball out of bounds at the slightest hint of pressure.
Original image borrowed from the Washington PostAfter building a 27-10 lead, it was impossible to not have visions of sugarplums dancing in my head, thoughts of a beautiful 2-0 start and a chorus of media types pronouncing the Redskins back from the dead. After all, a 2-0 start would've put the team halfway to its win total from last year, which is both incredibly awesome and seriously depressing.
And then it happened. The offense sputtered, the defense drifted off into an afternoon snooze and the Texans began utilizing the weapons that gave them the most potent passing attack from a season ago. Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter began catching the ball seemingly at will, while Larry Johnson used his breathtaking speed to run 10 yards in the opposite direction. Things were not looking good.
27-10 became 27-17. 27-17 became 27-20. The incredible buzz that was surging through the stands of FedEx Field was fading. Blown 4th quarter leads happened too often in the past, but this team was different, wasn't it? The Redskins are now led by Mike Shanahan, a man notorious in Denver for running the football. The clock was begging to be killed.
While the running game remained suspiciously absent, the Redskins did find their groove again, and it seemed to happen just when they needed it most. A late drive down the field led to what should've been a put-this-game-just-out-of-reach field goal. No way Houston makes up a 10-point deficit with 6 minutes to play.
And then it happened… again. Why do the Redskins always seem to be on the wrong end of these types of plays? A botched hold last week and a blocked field goal this week? Fred Davis, you magnificent bastard -- if you're put in that situation again, you hold Bernard Pollard and you hold him good. Whatever you do, don’t let him get by you.
But let him get by Davis did, and all of a sudden the Texans were right where they wanted to be. Down by 7 with just over 6 minutes to play, they essentially controlled their own destiny, at least in terms of being able to tie the game...
... and then they went 3-and-out and the Skins got the ball back. And then THEY went 3-and-out and gave the Texans the ball back. With 5 minutes to play and up by 7 points, Kyle Shanahan drew up 3 consecutive pass plays and killed just over 1 minute and 30 seconds. Unbelievable.
We all know what happened next, so there's really no need to talk about it. What I will talk about instead is what went wrong.
1. On 4th and 10 from the Washington 34, with just over 2 minutes to play, someone other than Reed Doughty needs to be on Andre Johnson like white on rice. Or someone in addition to Doughty. Whatever it takes for that guy not to catch the ball.
2. Why, why, a thousand times why are these guys getting so much space in the middle of the field? Joel Dreessen, who had approximately zero catches before the overtime play, wasn't given a ton of room, but enough for a 28-yard gain that set up the game-winning field goal. I love LaRon Landry's renewed position and the opportunities he's been given to go after quarterbacks, but in a situation like that, can't the Redskins maintain a stronger presence in the secondary?
3. Seriously, what happened to the running game? I realize Clinton Portis had a boo-boo, but why not give the ball to Mike Sellers and let him pound the ball to get some time off the clock late in the game? Sure, LJ had a whopping negative 7 yards on 2 carries, but he's still an option, after all (or the Skins shouldn't have kept him on the roster) -- part of me thinks he'd at least be able to get a few yards when they needed little more than to keep things moving.
4. Bless Joey Galloway's heart, but a 38 year-old receiver isn't going to be able to continue making plays like he did on Sunday. He would've been a superhero had he caught that bomb in the endzone, but I have a hard time believing he'll burn a ton of secondaries in this league. Devin Thomas, it's time for you to step up and be the receiver the Skins drafted you to be.
--
Time to move on and focus on St. Louis. Enough talk, DeAngelo -- just go out and beat people. Don't allow big plays on the other side of the ball, stop making excuses and just win games. This one is ripe for the picking, but if history is any indication, it's certainly no gimme.
The Redskins need to come out focused, fierce and ready to take names. I believe the offense is ready, and for the first time in a long time, it's the defense that may be the liability. It's time to put up or shut up, and fortunately, I think the 2010 Washington Redskins finally have what it takes to put up.
Hail.
And then it happened. The offense sputtered, the defense drifted off into an afternoon snooze and the Texans began utilizing the weapons that gave them the most potent passing attack from a season ago. Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter began catching the ball seemingly at will, while Larry Johnson used his breathtaking speed to run 10 yards in the opposite direction. Things were not looking good.
27-10 became 27-17. 27-17 became 27-20. The incredible buzz that was surging through the stands of FedEx Field was fading. Blown 4th quarter leads happened too often in the past, but this team was different, wasn't it? The Redskins are now led by Mike Shanahan, a man notorious in Denver for running the football. The clock was begging to be killed.
While the running game remained suspiciously absent, the Redskins did find their groove again, and it seemed to happen just when they needed it most. A late drive down the field led to what should've been a put-this-game-just-out-of-reach field goal. No way Houston makes up a 10-point deficit with 6 minutes to play.
And then it happened… again. Why do the Redskins always seem to be on the wrong end of these types of plays? A botched hold last week and a blocked field goal this week? Fred Davis, you magnificent bastard -- if you're put in that situation again, you hold Bernard Pollard and you hold him good. Whatever you do, don’t let him get by you.
But let him get by Davis did, and all of a sudden the Texans were right where they wanted to be. Down by 7 with just over 6 minutes to play, they essentially controlled their own destiny, at least in terms of being able to tie the game...
... and then they went 3-and-out and the Skins got the ball back. And then THEY went 3-and-out and gave the Texans the ball back. With 5 minutes to play and up by 7 points, Kyle Shanahan drew up 3 consecutive pass plays and killed just over 1 minute and 30 seconds. Unbelievable.
We all know what happened next, so there's really no need to talk about it. What I will talk about instead is what went wrong.
1. On 4th and 10 from the Washington 34, with just over 2 minutes to play, someone other than Reed Doughty needs to be on Andre Johnson like white on rice. Or someone in addition to Doughty. Whatever it takes for that guy not to catch the ball.
2. Why, why, a thousand times why are these guys getting so much space in the middle of the field? Joel Dreessen, who had approximately zero catches before the overtime play, wasn't given a ton of room, but enough for a 28-yard gain that set up the game-winning field goal. I love LaRon Landry's renewed position and the opportunities he's been given to go after quarterbacks, but in a situation like that, can't the Redskins maintain a stronger presence in the secondary?
3. Seriously, what happened to the running game? I realize Clinton Portis had a boo-boo, but why not give the ball to Mike Sellers and let him pound the ball to get some time off the clock late in the game? Sure, LJ had a whopping negative 7 yards on 2 carries, but he's still an option, after all (or the Skins shouldn't have kept him on the roster) -- part of me thinks he'd at least be able to get a few yards when they needed little more than to keep things moving.
4. Bless Joey Galloway's heart, but a 38 year-old receiver isn't going to be able to continue making plays like he did on Sunday. He would've been a superhero had he caught that bomb in the endzone, but I have a hard time believing he'll burn a ton of secondaries in this league. Devin Thomas, it's time for you to step up and be the receiver the Skins drafted you to be.
--
Time to move on and focus on St. Louis. Enough talk, DeAngelo -- just go out and beat people. Don't allow big plays on the other side of the ball, stop making excuses and just win games. This one is ripe for the picking, but if history is any indication, it's certainly no gimme.
The Redskins need to come out focused, fierce and ready to take names. I believe the offense is ready, and for the first time in a long time, it's the defense that may be the liability. It's time to put up or shut up, and fortunately, I think the 2010 Washington Redskins finally have what it takes to put up.
Hail.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Redskins 14, Lions 19
Let's see... where to begin?
Should I start with the horrendous play-calling? The inability to punch the ball in from the 1-yard line? The defense -- you know, the one that was ranked 4th in the league last year and that was "upgraded" in the offseason -- allowing the lowly Detroit Lions to drive the field at will?
No, forget all that. Let's start with the end result and work our way backwards, shall we?
Yesterday at about 4:15pm, the final whistle blew in the Motor City and the Washington Redskins -- after a week of intense scrutiny that you think would've offered some motivation to step it up -- became the ultimate punchline.
I can see the answer on Jeopardy! now:
On September 27, 2009, they became the first team to lose to the Detroit Lions in over 21 months.
Yes, the Detroit Lions. The only team in the history of the league to lose all 16 games in a regular season. The team led by a rookie quarterback who threw 5 interceptions in his first 2 starts. The team whose estimated attendance yesterday was barely over 40,000, which meant local TV wouldn't even be offering the game to its viewers.
For the majority of teams in the NFL, a trip to Michigan has meant, for the better part of the last decade, an all-but-guaranteed W. For Washington -- and the fans of the Burgundy & Gold -- yesterday's contest meant a chance to right the ship, to prove to everyone that last week's disastrous performance was an anomaly, that there's no way the team was that bad. Most importantly, perhaps, it meant a chance to quiet the media shit-storm that erupted after barely squeaking by an abysmal St. Louis team at home.
Should I start with the horrendous play-calling? The inability to punch the ball in from the 1-yard line? The defense -- you know, the one that was ranked 4th in the league last year and that was "upgraded" in the offseason -- allowing the lowly Detroit Lions to drive the field at will?
No, forget all that. Let's start with the end result and work our way backwards, shall we?
Yesterday at about 4:15pm, the final whistle blew in the Motor City and the Washington Redskins -- after a week of intense scrutiny that you think would've offered some motivation to step it up -- became the ultimate punchline.
I can see the answer on Jeopardy! now:
On September 27, 2009, they became the first team to lose to the Detroit Lions in over 21 months.
Yes, the Detroit Lions. The only team in the history of the league to lose all 16 games in a regular season. The team led by a rookie quarterback who threw 5 interceptions in his first 2 starts. The team whose estimated attendance yesterday was barely over 40,000, which meant local TV wouldn't even be offering the game to its viewers.
For the majority of teams in the NFL, a trip to Michigan has meant, for the better part of the last decade, an all-but-guaranteed W. For Washington -- and the fans of the Burgundy & Gold -- yesterday's contest meant a chance to right the ship, to prove to everyone that last week's disastrous performance was an anomaly, that there's no way the team was that bad. Most importantly, perhaps, it meant a chance to quiet the media shit-storm that erupted after barely squeaking by an abysmal St. Louis team at home.
Image courtesy The Washington Post
Unfortunately -- for Jim Zorn, Dan Snyder, Jason Campbell, Clinton Portis and the rest of those "on the hot seat" -- those chances are all gone now. The aforementioned media shit-storm has just been upgraded from a we-can-ride-this-thing-out Category 3 to a full-blown, board-up-the-windows-we're-getting-the-hell-outta-here Category 5.
Nobody is safe, or at least they shouldn't be.
Maybe there's a reason Jim Zorn hadn't reached the position of head coach -- or even offensive coordinator -- anywhere else in the league yet. Don't get me wrong -- heading into this season, I was willing to give Synder the benefit of the doubt, and I was also willing to give Zorn at least a second campaign to prove that Dan's decision was a wise one.
Three games into the second year of his headset-wearing career, however, and I'm afraid we've all seen what Jim Zorn is capable of. Never mind the fact that some guys are missing their blocks, that Campbell isn't getting enough time in certain situations, that veteran players are acting as though the pressure of the NFL is a new, tingly sensation.
No, this falls on Zorn. We've all heard the audio -- or read the transcript -- of Sonny calling out the head coach after last week's questionable option pass on 3rd and goal. We know that Zorn would've (apparently) taken his quarterback off the field had he defied orders, and we know that he stuck to his guns on whether or not he thought that was the right call for the situation.
And therein lies the problem.
Jim Zorn does not adapt. He thinks every play he calls is the right one, regardless of whether or not it works. He is confident -- hey, I'll give him that -- that if executed well, each time he dials something up, Shaun Suisham should be getting ready to trot onto the field for an extra point try.
Very rarely -- if at all -- does Zorn accept blame and say "you know what? I probably shouldn't have done that."
Take the final play of yesterday's loss, for example: after the Lions called timeout (essentially giving the Redskins the gift of being able to draw up a play for one last shot), Jason Campbell threw a short pass and left it up to the rest of the offense to try and lateral their way 40 yards down the field and into the endzone.
Why not throw the ball deeper down the field? Did Zorn really think, after not being able to move the ball all that well throughout the game, that they'd be able to miraculously weave in and out of a defense that was as desperate to stop them as they were to score?
It simply doesn't make sense, and, unfortunately, that's just the tip of the play-calling iceberg.
Going for it on 4th and goal from the 1-yard line on the team's opening possession? I'm fine with it. (No, really... I understand the need to get the proverbial monkey off your back, so for some reason I can accept that decision.)
Why not give the ball to Mike Sellers, though? Did everyone inside the organization forget that The Caveman is pretty good at running people over? If there's one thing that Joe Gibbs learned early in his second stint, it's that Sellers is pretty good in short-yardage situations.
Watching these first few games, it's as though Jim Zorn writes a script before each game and, despite the circumstances, never strays even a hair from that script. When you coach a good team and you're working with a clean slate -- i.e. the game scoreless or tied early -- you can afford to be proactive. When the opposing team successfully defends 3 downs deep in their own territory, however, the ability to react is much more valuable.
Zorn needs to take a deep breath, see what is and isn't working and plan accordingly. He can't simply sit there and say "this play was a beauty in practice, so it's certainly going to get us 6 now."
--
Ok, so now that we've established -- or rather, I've established -- that "Coach" Zorn's ability to adjust on the fly is suspect at best, let's discuss a couple of other things:
First, it's hard to fathom a Redskins defense allowing 381 yards to an offense that, leading up to yesterday's game, could've been labeled "work-in-progress" at best. Missed tackles, blown coverage, not nearly enough pressure on the quarterback; these things were supposed to be points of emphasis in the off-season for Greg Blache & Co. They were exposed early and often yesterday, however, and it appears as though gaping holes exist throughout what once was considered the team's biggest strength.
Second, it's hard to really argue against Jason Campbell's production so far this season, statistics-wise, but unfortunately, passing yards don't always equal success. While he's done a semi-decent job of marching down the field, that certain something is seriously lacking when it comes to finishing what he and his supporting cast start.
Very rarely does Campbell seem comfortable, and it's pretty clear that Zorn does not trust him enough to open up the passing game. Now, more than ever, I'd like to see deep balls thrown in the first few plays. Santana Moss proved yesterday that he still has a step on a lot of defensive backs, so why not try and take advantage of that? It's time for the training wheels to come off, I say.
It’s been hard enough to root for the Redskins over the past 15+ seasons, what with the revolving door of coaches, quarterbacks, high-priced free agents, etc. Now, after yet another big off-season in which Washington supposedly improved, it appears as though the team is headed for another lengthy, disappointing campaign.
Is firing Jim Zorn the answer? Probably not, but I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t lose an ounce of sleep if that’s what Dan Snyder chose to do. Something -- anything -- to light a spark in that locker room.
Sure, the season is still very young, but it’s not like those wearing the Burgundy & Gold are showing any indication that they’ll be competitive this year. Until they do, the benefit of the doubt is gone. Fans in Detroit used to regularly show their disgust by wearing paper bags over their heads during games. Sadly, I think it’s time for the FedEx faithful to consider doing the same.
Nobody is safe, or at least they shouldn't be.
Maybe there's a reason Jim Zorn hadn't reached the position of head coach -- or even offensive coordinator -- anywhere else in the league yet. Don't get me wrong -- heading into this season, I was willing to give Synder the benefit of the doubt, and I was also willing to give Zorn at least a second campaign to prove that Dan's decision was a wise one.
Three games into the second year of his headset-wearing career, however, and I'm afraid we've all seen what Jim Zorn is capable of. Never mind the fact that some guys are missing their blocks, that Campbell isn't getting enough time in certain situations, that veteran players are acting as though the pressure of the NFL is a new, tingly sensation.
No, this falls on Zorn. We've all heard the audio -- or read the transcript -- of Sonny calling out the head coach after last week's questionable option pass on 3rd and goal. We know that Zorn would've (apparently) taken his quarterback off the field had he defied orders, and we know that he stuck to his guns on whether or not he thought that was the right call for the situation.
And therein lies the problem.
Jim Zorn does not adapt. He thinks every play he calls is the right one, regardless of whether or not it works. He is confident -- hey, I'll give him that -- that if executed well, each time he dials something up, Shaun Suisham should be getting ready to trot onto the field for an extra point try.
Very rarely -- if at all -- does Zorn accept blame and say "you know what? I probably shouldn't have done that."
Take the final play of yesterday's loss, for example: after the Lions called timeout (essentially giving the Redskins the gift of being able to draw up a play for one last shot), Jason Campbell threw a short pass and left it up to the rest of the offense to try and lateral their way 40 yards down the field and into the endzone.
Why not throw the ball deeper down the field? Did Zorn really think, after not being able to move the ball all that well throughout the game, that they'd be able to miraculously weave in and out of a defense that was as desperate to stop them as they were to score?
It simply doesn't make sense, and, unfortunately, that's just the tip of the play-calling iceberg.
Going for it on 4th and goal from the 1-yard line on the team's opening possession? I'm fine with it. (No, really... I understand the need to get the proverbial monkey off your back, so for some reason I can accept that decision.)
Why not give the ball to Mike Sellers, though? Did everyone inside the organization forget that The Caveman is pretty good at running people over? If there's one thing that Joe Gibbs learned early in his second stint, it's that Sellers is pretty good in short-yardage situations.
Watching these first few games, it's as though Jim Zorn writes a script before each game and, despite the circumstances, never strays even a hair from that script. When you coach a good team and you're working with a clean slate -- i.e. the game scoreless or tied early -- you can afford to be proactive. When the opposing team successfully defends 3 downs deep in their own territory, however, the ability to react is much more valuable.
Zorn needs to take a deep breath, see what is and isn't working and plan accordingly. He can't simply sit there and say "this play was a beauty in practice, so it's certainly going to get us 6 now."
--
Ok, so now that we've established -- or rather, I've established -- that "Coach" Zorn's ability to adjust on the fly is suspect at best, let's discuss a couple of other things:
First, it's hard to fathom a Redskins defense allowing 381 yards to an offense that, leading up to yesterday's game, could've been labeled "work-in-progress" at best. Missed tackles, blown coverage, not nearly enough pressure on the quarterback; these things were supposed to be points of emphasis in the off-season for Greg Blache & Co. They were exposed early and often yesterday, however, and it appears as though gaping holes exist throughout what once was considered the team's biggest strength.
Second, it's hard to really argue against Jason Campbell's production so far this season, statistics-wise, but unfortunately, passing yards don't always equal success. While he's done a semi-decent job of marching down the field, that certain something is seriously lacking when it comes to finishing what he and his supporting cast start.
Very rarely does Campbell seem comfortable, and it's pretty clear that Zorn does not trust him enough to open up the passing game. Now, more than ever, I'd like to see deep balls thrown in the first few plays. Santana Moss proved yesterday that he still has a step on a lot of defensive backs, so why not try and take advantage of that? It's time for the training wheels to come off, I say.
It’s been hard enough to root for the Redskins over the past 15+ seasons, what with the revolving door of coaches, quarterbacks, high-priced free agents, etc. Now, after yet another big off-season in which Washington supposedly improved, it appears as though the team is headed for another lengthy, disappointing campaign.
Is firing Jim Zorn the answer? Probably not, but I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t lose an ounce of sleep if that’s what Dan Snyder chose to do. Something -- anything -- to light a spark in that locker room.
Sure, the season is still very young, but it’s not like those wearing the Burgundy & Gold are showing any indication that they’ll be competitive this year. Until they do, the benefit of the doubt is gone. Fans in Detroit used to regularly show their disgust by wearing paper bags over their heads during games. Sadly, I think it’s time for the FedEx faithful to consider doing the same.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A quick word on the man under center
Before I go any further, a disclaimer:
I pay very little attention to the NFL preseason. It's just what I do. Watching highlights to get updated on injuries and subsequent roster moves -- that's fine. Dissecting every play and analyzing performances post-game, however, is a waste of time.
With that out of the way, it's time to get ready for another NFL season in our nation's capital, one that will undoubtedly come with the freak-outs and head-hunting that has become standard during the Dan Snyder era. Unless you live outside the Beltway or don't pay any attention to professional football (or both), you've already witnessed public overreaction number one.
Jason Campbell, the incumbent starting quarterback for the burgundy and gold, went 1 for 7 on Saturday and there already exist writers calling for back-up Todd Collins to be the starter. Personally, I think that's bat-shit crazy.
First of all, like I mentioned in the disclaimer above, it's only preseason. I'm not a client of Elias Sports Bureau or rely heavily on any of these so-called historical trends, but how many teams have stunk up the joint in preseason and done well when the games actually matter? Quite a few, I'm sure.
During Joe Gibbs's second tenure in Washington, when the team went 0-4 in the preseason after winning a playoff game the year before, people kept saying "don't worry... the last time the Redskins won the Super Bowl, they went 1-3 in the preseason and looked awful."
You know what happened next? The Skins sucked. Went 5-11.
So yeah, I guess that's not a good example.
Point is, preseason games hardly matter. Starting units get very little playing time, players take chances they wouldn't normally take, and everyone walks away happy if they do so without the help of a team of trainers.
Jason Campbell will undoubtedly be the Redskins' starting quarterback this season, so he may try some different looks and techniques when he has the opportunity to do so at game-speed but without the pressure of a potential regular-season loss. I know that sentence is a bit confusing to read -- it was to write -- but the bottom line is that he'll be fine.
The good ol' boy from Mississippi -- the one with the support of an entire locker room -- still has some serious potential. I keep backing him and, frankly, will do so until further notice. Believe me, you'll know it when I jump the U.S.S. JC -- I'm going to do a jackknife from the lookout tower and make quite the splash.
Campbell may not be great this year -- only time will tell -- but he certainly won't stink like he did for a very brief spell against the Steelers. The former Auburn standout will be a slightly-above-average quarterback with a better supporting cast than he had last year, which will make the Redskins a better team than they were a year ago.
Like the always-eloquent Ron Burgundy says, "it's science."
I pay very little attention to the NFL preseason. It's just what I do. Watching highlights to get updated on injuries and subsequent roster moves -- that's fine. Dissecting every play and analyzing performances post-game, however, is a waste of time.
With that out of the way, it's time to get ready for another NFL season in our nation's capital, one that will undoubtedly come with the freak-outs and head-hunting that has become standard during the Dan Snyder era. Unless you live outside the Beltway or don't pay any attention to professional football (or both), you've already witnessed public overreaction number one.
Jason Campbell, the incumbent starting quarterback for the burgundy and gold, went 1 for 7 on Saturday and there already exist writers calling for back-up Todd Collins to be the starter. Personally, I think that's bat-shit crazy.
First of all, like I mentioned in the disclaimer above, it's only preseason. I'm not a client of Elias Sports Bureau or rely heavily on any of these so-called historical trends, but how many teams have stunk up the joint in preseason and done well when the games actually matter? Quite a few, I'm sure.
During Joe Gibbs's second tenure in Washington, when the team went 0-4 in the preseason after winning a playoff game the year before, people kept saying "don't worry... the last time the Redskins won the Super Bowl, they went 1-3 in the preseason and looked awful."
You know what happened next? The Skins sucked. Went 5-11.
So yeah, I guess that's not a good example.
Point is, preseason games hardly matter. Starting units get very little playing time, players take chances they wouldn't normally take, and everyone walks away happy if they do so without the help of a team of trainers.
Jason Campbell will undoubtedly be the Redskins' starting quarterback this season, so he may try some different looks and techniques when he has the opportunity to do so at game-speed but without the pressure of a potential regular-season loss. I know that sentence is a bit confusing to read -- it was to write -- but the bottom line is that he'll be fine.
The good ol' boy from Mississippi -- the one with the support of an entire locker room -- still has some serious potential. I keep backing him and, frankly, will do so until further notice. Believe me, you'll know it when I jump the U.S.S. JC -- I'm going to do a jackknife from the lookout tower and make quite the splash.
Campbell may not be great this year -- only time will tell -- but he certainly won't stink like he did for a very brief spell against the Steelers. The former Auburn standout will be a slightly-above-average quarterback with a better supporting cast than he had last year, which will make the Redskins a better team than they were a year ago.
Like the always-eloquent Ron Burgundy says, "it's science."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Redskins 10, Ravens 24
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and for that I apologize. November was a crazy busy month for me, and, well, the Redskins have been sucking it up lately. It’s easy to rant about what goes wrong, but it’s much more fun to write about a team when they’re doing well.
Anyway, there have been a lot of things floating through my head since Sunday night’s debacle near Dundalk, so I figured it was time to put those things on the interweb. Below are some of my thoughts on the current state of the Burgundy & Gold -- take them for what they’re worth (not much, I’m sure)...
01. At the risk of beating a dead horse, I think Mike Wilbon is exactly right in his assessment of the Redskins’ offensive production. To put it bluntly, the offensive line stinks. Watching the game against Baltimore, the difference between the time that Jason Campbell was getting and the time that Joe Flacco was getting was astounding. My doubt of Campbell’s ability to make smart decisions is growing stronger by the week, but part of me feels that a huge part of that has to do with the pressure he faces whenever the Skins are up against a semi-decent defense.
Sure, JC’s accuracy has been questionable and his targeting of receivers before the marker on big 3rd time plays is infuriating, but how confident and relaxed can you be when it’s almost as common to get sacked as it is to have good protection? Take one look at Campbell during the last 5 games and you will see someone completely flustered -- with no time to view his options and the inability to make a few completions and get into a rhythm, a quarterback is essentially useless.
Anyway, there have been a lot of things floating through my head since Sunday night’s debacle near Dundalk, so I figured it was time to put those things on the interweb. Below are some of my thoughts on the current state of the Burgundy & Gold -- take them for what they’re worth (not much, I’m sure)...
01. At the risk of beating a dead horse, I think Mike Wilbon is exactly right in his assessment of the Redskins’ offensive production. To put it bluntly, the offensive line stinks. Watching the game against Baltimore, the difference between the time that Jason Campbell was getting and the time that Joe Flacco was getting was astounding. My doubt of Campbell’s ability to make smart decisions is growing stronger by the week, but part of me feels that a huge part of that has to do with the pressure he faces whenever the Skins are up against a semi-decent defense.
Sure, JC’s accuracy has been questionable and his targeting of receivers before the marker on big 3rd time plays is infuriating, but how confident and relaxed can you be when it’s almost as common to get sacked as it is to have good protection? Take one look at Campbell during the last 5 games and you will see someone completely flustered -- with no time to view his options and the inability to make a few completions and get into a rhythm, a quarterback is essentially useless.
Original image borrowed from the Washington Post02. People keep praising the Redskins defense for keeping the team in games, but let’s be honest: they still haven’t quite held their own against even mediocre offenses. As much as Baltimore has improved their point production this season, they still have a rookie QB under center. If a defense can put any kind of pressure on a rookie QB, they should be able to force him into some poor decisions. Unfortunately, that rarely happened on Sunday. Flacco threw an interception, but it was more LaRon Landry jumping on the pass than poor execution.
On the ground, the Redskins run defense did a pretty good job putting the kaibosh on McGahee, McClain and Rice. On the biggest plays of the game, however -- the McClain TD, the bomb to Mason -- the flaws of Greg Blache’s troops were painfully exposed.
03. Speaking of that long touchdown pass from Flacco to Derrick Mason, am I the only one that thinks Carlos Rogers could’ve had a better shot at breaking up that play? It looked to me like, after he realized where the ball was, he went after Mason’s body instead of trying to break up the pass. If he focused on playing defense instead of putting a lick on Mason (more on that in a minute), I honestly believe he could’ve prevented the biggest play of the game.
Rogers has had a pretty decent season, all things considered, but he is still insanely far from being a reliable cornerback. A few great plays every other game do not a solid defender make -- sorry.
04. Back to the “putting a lick on Mason” comment...
I love LaRon Landry, I really do. I think he has the potential to be a great safety in the NFL, and the thought of him and Sean Taylor in the backfield nearly brings tears to my eyes.
I have an issue with the way Landry plays sometimes, however, and that issue is this: I think he goes after the hit far too often. I like a good bone-rattling tackle as much as the next guy, but fundamentals should absolutely always take precedence over a chance to make the highlight reels. Watch Baltimore’s defense (and Pittsburgh’s a few weeks ago) and you’ll see guys like Ed Reed and Ray Lewis break up beautiful passes by lunging hands-first, not helmet-first. I hate giving the Cowboys any credit if at all possible, but watching Terrance Newman make a great play on Sunday by doing exactly that was sweet (even if it did make me puke in my mouth). Focus on the ball first and foremost -- if you can’t break up the pass, go for the jugular.
05. I hated seeing Clinton Portis on the sidelines for almost the entire second half, especially after hearing that he thought he felt good enough to continue getting 20+ carries. If Jim Zorn is trying to make an example of CP, he needs to take a step back, put the coaching hat on the rack for a minute and think about what’s best for the team. You don’t bench one of the leading rushers in the league in a must-win situation, regardless of whether or not he’s able to practice.
There is a fine line between discipline and smarts, and if Portis was healthy enough to be out there, I think he deserved that shot (especially considering the beating he’s taken this year by putting his entire body into every play).
06. Speaking of Zorn, is it unfair to start questioning whether or not he’s the man for the job? Please note that I said “start questioning” and not “question” -- there’s a big difference. Before you go and get snippy, please allow me to explain...
First of all, Zorn is not a very good playcaller. The man who was lauded early in the season for taking chances and getting creative does neither of those things anymore, even though they could potentially cause a spark and get this reeling team back on track. When you’re on a 4-game shnide (let’s just include the Seattle win for the sake of argument), you need to start becoming more aggressive. Throwing downfield once or twice a game is absolutely pathetic, especially when there is all this talk about increasing point production being a huge priority. West Coast Shmest Coast -- you aren’t going to win many games by dinking and dunking the ball 4 yards at a time.
Secondly, the communication and game management of this team in the past 6 weeks has been nothing short of embarrassing. Calling a timeout after a delay of game penalty? Absurd. Punting on 4th and 2 or 3, in the opposition’s territory, with a little over a minute to go in the half (when you’re down by 14)? Un-fucking-believable. It’s time for Mr. Zorn to start shocking people, and I don’t mean by benching the star running back.
Lastly, one of the comments I made after Zorn’s debut against the Giants in Week One was that he looked completely terrified on the sideline. Unfortunately, it saddens me to say that he may’ve looked worse against the Ravens. Nearly every time the camera showed the coach, he was standing there silent, staring onto the field as though he had no idea what to do next. He wasn’t talking into his headset, wasn’t conversing with other coaches or with any of his players – he was simply standing there. With about 30 seconds on the clock before halftime, he couldn’t wait to get off the field and put on that nice, comfy wool hat.
Just before the Randle El touchdown, I’m pretty sure I saw Zorn say “what do we do now?” What do you do now? Your team is down by 14 points in the fourth quarter and you’re playing in a game that you absolutely must win. In other words, Einstein, you go for it.
Who knows -- maybe the pressure of being a head coach is getting to him, and he’s finding that he isn’t mentally tough enough to lead an organization. I have no doubt in my mind that Jim Zorn is a good motivator. Early in the season, when the Redskins were doing well, Zorn seemed to have all the right things to say in both good situations and bad. Now, though, it seems as though he’s keeping things “medium” just a bit too much. The last thing this team needs is another passive authority figure, one who deflects blame and doesn’t light a fire under his team’s collective ass.
07. If it’s 4th and 5, it’s cold as balls and the wind is howling, the ball is on your opponent’s 30 yard line and you have an unreliable kicker, do you go for the first down or attempt a 48-yarder?
08. Ryan Plackemeier is clearly nuggnuts. Looks like the guy is stashing a 20-piece in his cheeks, for crying out loud. Maybe if he laid off the barbecue sauce, he’d be able to get punts off quicker. Just a thought.
09. One of the few bright spots on Sunday, I think, was the play of Mike Sellers. Not only is Sellers looking like he could be a legitimate Number 2 back in this league, he also showed more passion than the rest of the offense combined. He fought his guts out -- excuse the Gibbsism -- and wanted everyone else to do the same, regardless of how low morale was. Sellers doesn’t have the physique or stamina to be a starting back in this league, but I’d love to see what he could do with more than 10 carries in a game.
10. The Redskins, after starting the season 6-2 and sitting very comfortably in second place in the toughest division in the league, are now 7-6 and staring at a brutally-long offseason. They’d have to run the table from here on out and get help from a slew of other teams to make the playoffs, and I just don’t think it’s going to happen. There are too many questions and too few answers on both sides of the ball.
So what do we do now? Do we watch the remaining few games in the off chance that our beloved team will provide a third holiday-season miracle in 4 years? Or do we reduce the stress in our lives by focusing our attention elsewhere? One of the first little tidbits I wrote about the Redskins last season was their amazing ability to toy with my emotions. Never has it been more evident than this year. It’s one thing to be a fan of a team like the Bengals or Lions, both perennial losers who very rarely show any signs of progress. It’s another to be sucked in year after year, only to have your hopes dashed midway through the season by a lack of effort and some serious underachieving.
If the Washington Redskins lose the last 3 games and end up 7-9, so be it. But if they do it without taking chances, without playing smart football and without displaying an outrageous amount of passion, it’ll leave a really bitter taste in my mouth, one that might be a little too hard to rinse out before the 2009 campaign.
On the ground, the Redskins run defense did a pretty good job putting the kaibosh on McGahee, McClain and Rice. On the biggest plays of the game, however -- the McClain TD, the bomb to Mason -- the flaws of Greg Blache’s troops were painfully exposed.
03. Speaking of that long touchdown pass from Flacco to Derrick Mason, am I the only one that thinks Carlos Rogers could’ve had a better shot at breaking up that play? It looked to me like, after he realized where the ball was, he went after Mason’s body instead of trying to break up the pass. If he focused on playing defense instead of putting a lick on Mason (more on that in a minute), I honestly believe he could’ve prevented the biggest play of the game.
Rogers has had a pretty decent season, all things considered, but he is still insanely far from being a reliable cornerback. A few great plays every other game do not a solid defender make -- sorry.
04. Back to the “putting a lick on Mason” comment...
I love LaRon Landry, I really do. I think he has the potential to be a great safety in the NFL, and the thought of him and Sean Taylor in the backfield nearly brings tears to my eyes.
I have an issue with the way Landry plays sometimes, however, and that issue is this: I think he goes after the hit far too often. I like a good bone-rattling tackle as much as the next guy, but fundamentals should absolutely always take precedence over a chance to make the highlight reels. Watch Baltimore’s defense (and Pittsburgh’s a few weeks ago) and you’ll see guys like Ed Reed and Ray Lewis break up beautiful passes by lunging hands-first, not helmet-first. I hate giving the Cowboys any credit if at all possible, but watching Terrance Newman make a great play on Sunday by doing exactly that was sweet (even if it did make me puke in my mouth). Focus on the ball first and foremost -- if you can’t break up the pass, go for the jugular.
05. I hated seeing Clinton Portis on the sidelines for almost the entire second half, especially after hearing that he thought he felt good enough to continue getting 20+ carries. If Jim Zorn is trying to make an example of CP, he needs to take a step back, put the coaching hat on the rack for a minute and think about what’s best for the team. You don’t bench one of the leading rushers in the league in a must-win situation, regardless of whether or not he’s able to practice.
There is a fine line between discipline and smarts, and if Portis was healthy enough to be out there, I think he deserved that shot (especially considering the beating he’s taken this year by putting his entire body into every play).
06. Speaking of Zorn, is it unfair to start questioning whether or not he’s the man for the job? Please note that I said “start questioning” and not “question” -- there’s a big difference. Before you go and get snippy, please allow me to explain...
First of all, Zorn is not a very good playcaller. The man who was lauded early in the season for taking chances and getting creative does neither of those things anymore, even though they could potentially cause a spark and get this reeling team back on track. When you’re on a 4-game shnide (let’s just include the Seattle win for the sake of argument), you need to start becoming more aggressive. Throwing downfield once or twice a game is absolutely pathetic, especially when there is all this talk about increasing point production being a huge priority. West Coast Shmest Coast -- you aren’t going to win many games by dinking and dunking the ball 4 yards at a time.
Secondly, the communication and game management of this team in the past 6 weeks has been nothing short of embarrassing. Calling a timeout after a delay of game penalty? Absurd. Punting on 4th and 2 or 3, in the opposition’s territory, with a little over a minute to go in the half (when you’re down by 14)? Un-fucking-believable. It’s time for Mr. Zorn to start shocking people, and I don’t mean by benching the star running back.
Lastly, one of the comments I made after Zorn’s debut against the Giants in Week One was that he looked completely terrified on the sideline. Unfortunately, it saddens me to say that he may’ve looked worse against the Ravens. Nearly every time the camera showed the coach, he was standing there silent, staring onto the field as though he had no idea what to do next. He wasn’t talking into his headset, wasn’t conversing with other coaches or with any of his players – he was simply standing there. With about 30 seconds on the clock before halftime, he couldn’t wait to get off the field and put on that nice, comfy wool hat.
Just before the Randle El touchdown, I’m pretty sure I saw Zorn say “what do we do now?” What do you do now? Your team is down by 14 points in the fourth quarter and you’re playing in a game that you absolutely must win. In other words, Einstein, you go for it.
Who knows -- maybe the pressure of being a head coach is getting to him, and he’s finding that he isn’t mentally tough enough to lead an organization. I have no doubt in my mind that Jim Zorn is a good motivator. Early in the season, when the Redskins were doing well, Zorn seemed to have all the right things to say in both good situations and bad. Now, though, it seems as though he’s keeping things “medium” just a bit too much. The last thing this team needs is another passive authority figure, one who deflects blame and doesn’t light a fire under his team’s collective ass.
07. If it’s 4th and 5, it’s cold as balls and the wind is howling, the ball is on your opponent’s 30 yard line and you have an unreliable kicker, do you go for the first down or attempt a 48-yarder?
08. Ryan Plackemeier is clearly nuggnuts. Looks like the guy is stashing a 20-piece in his cheeks, for crying out loud. Maybe if he laid off the barbecue sauce, he’d be able to get punts off quicker. Just a thought.
09. One of the few bright spots on Sunday, I think, was the play of Mike Sellers. Not only is Sellers looking like he could be a legitimate Number 2 back in this league, he also showed more passion than the rest of the offense combined. He fought his guts out -- excuse the Gibbsism -- and wanted everyone else to do the same, regardless of how low morale was. Sellers doesn’t have the physique or stamina to be a starting back in this league, but I’d love to see what he could do with more than 10 carries in a game.
10. The Redskins, after starting the season 6-2 and sitting very comfortably in second place in the toughest division in the league, are now 7-6 and staring at a brutally-long offseason. They’d have to run the table from here on out and get help from a slew of other teams to make the playoffs, and I just don’t think it’s going to happen. There are too many questions and too few answers on both sides of the ball.
So what do we do now? Do we watch the remaining few games in the off chance that our beloved team will provide a third holiday-season miracle in 4 years? Or do we reduce the stress in our lives by focusing our attention elsewhere? One of the first little tidbits I wrote about the Redskins last season was their amazing ability to toy with my emotions. Never has it been more evident than this year. It’s one thing to be a fan of a team like the Bengals or Lions, both perennial losers who very rarely show any signs of progress. It’s another to be sucked in year after year, only to have your hopes dashed midway through the season by a lack of effort and some serious underachieving.
If the Washington Redskins lose the last 3 games and end up 7-9, so be it. But if they do it without taking chances, without playing smart football and without displaying an outrageous amount of passion, it’ll leave a really bitter taste in my mouth, one that might be a little too hard to rinse out before the 2009 campaign.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Redskins 6, Steelers 23
INT DOCTOR'S OFFICE IN ASHBURN, VIRGINIA -- MORNING
Jim Zorn enters after sitting in the waiting room for two hours.
JIM: Hi, doctor.
DR. JULIUS HIBBERT: Hello, Mr. Zorn. What seems to be the problem?
JIM: Please, call me Jim. Makes me feel better. Better yet, call me Zorn. Actually, call me Zorny. Yeah.
DR. HIBBERT: Umm, OK... Zorny. How can I help you?
ZORNY: Well, doc, it’s like this -- I’ve felt pretty good for the past couple of months. Real good, actually. There’ve been a few ups and downs, but for the most part, I’ve felt better than I have in years.
DR. HIBBERT: Good to hear. So why are you here?
ZORNY: Well, something happened last night. I can’t really explain it, but all of a sudden I feel like I could pass out. It’s like someone snuck into my room while I was sleeping and sucker-punched me.
DR. HIBBERT (scribbling furiously on his notepad): Interesting. Go on...
ZORNY: ...has anything like that ever happened to you?
DR. HIBBERT: Yeah, once... in 1967. I’m pretty sure it was some bad acid, though. Have you done any drugs lately?
ZORNY: No, sir. I’m a straight-shooter. Nothing extracurricular for me, unless reading a few pages of a mystery novel between drills counts.
DR. HIBBERT (laughing): No, that wouldn’t do it... although it could be somewhat distracting.
ZORNY: Yeah, it could be. Can we get back to the subject at hand?
DR. HIBBERT: Certainly.
ZORNY: So like I was saying, I feel like something happened last night. My stomach is upset today, my head hurts -- come to think of it, my whole body hurts. It’s like someone came along and just took the wind out of my sails. Do you know what I mean?
DR. HIBBERT: Sure do. What did you do last night that may have caused these feelings?
ZORNY: I coached a football game. It was kind of a big deal.
DR. HIBBERT: Now we’re getting somewhere! Tell me more about this football game.
ZORNY: Well I coach a local team, and we’ve been pretty good this year. Exceeded expectations, actually. But last night’s game didn’t go so well. We played this other team from a few hours away and they pretty much destroyed us.
DR. HIBBERT: I’m sorry to hear that.
ZORNY: Thanks. So anyway, there was a lot of hype heading into this contest. I kept telling my team to keep it medium, though, and to focus on the task at hand and not get caught up in all the hoopla.
DR. HIBBERT: I take it they didn’t listen?
ZORNY: I told them to keep doing what they’ve been doing for the past couple months. Stay strong on pass coverage, protect the quarterback, run it up the gut. You know, the usual.
DR. HIBBERT: And I take it they didn’t listen?
ZORNY: Did I not answer your question?! Are you OK?!
DR. HIBBERT: Take it easy, Mr. Zorn. I’m just trying to help.
ZORNY: I’m sorry... I get a little excited sometimes. My apologies.
DR. HIBBERT: It’s quite alright. Keep going.
ZORNY: No, they didn’t listen. I’m afraid I didn’t listen, either. I didn’t take my own advice, which may be why I feel the way I do.
DR. HIBBERT: How do you mean, you didn’t take your own advice?
ZORNY: Well I strayed from what’s been working, I’m afraid. I got caught up in the hoopla. I even busted out some old jerseys that I thought would work to our advantage and get the crowd pumped up.
DR. HIBBERT: Oh, you had a crowd gathered for this match, did you?
ZORNY: Yeah, there were a few people there. The other team’s supporters came out with a vengeance, though. Kind of felt like an away game.
DR. HIBBERT: That’s never good.
ZORNY: Tell me about it. I guess those visiting fans didn’t pay attention to our “Quiet! Offense at work” signs.
DR. HIBBERT: Ok, we’re getting distracted. More about the game, please.
ZORNY: Well a few guys in particular just didn’t get it done, which is really frustrating.
DR. HIBBERT: I can imagine. You never want to see anyone underperform.
ZORNY: Exactly. One guy named Carlos -- wait, this is all confidential, right?
DR. HIBBERT: Always is. Patient-doctor something-or-other. I think I signed a waiver back in medical school.
ZORNY: So Carlos -- he pretty much shit the bed. Pardon my language... I’m not a swearing man, I promise.
DR. HIBBERT: It’s OK.
ZORNY: Carlos didn’t get the job done. He’s been playing really well this season, but last night was a disaster. He dropped an interception that could’ve been a potential pick-six.
DR. HIBBERT: A pick-what-now?
ZORNY: Pick-six. It’s when a guy returns an interception for a touchdown. Pretty stupid expression, I know, but it’s what the kids are saying these days. Anyway, he dropped an interception that was right in his frigging hands! And he committed a really stupid 43-yard penalty that gave the other team possession in our end of the field for the first time all night. And then he practically escorted some marijuana-smoking receiver into the endzone late in the game. His effort was weak at best, doc.
DR. HIBBERT: That doesn’t sound good.
ZORNY (getting noticeably aggravated): Oh, it’s not. And another guy -- a veteran named Chris -- last night he committed a bunch of stupid penalties, didn’t block worth a damn and let our bread-and-butter quarterback get pummeled. I’m so mad I could spit!
DR. HIBBERT (interrupting): Don’t do that.
ZORNY: I’m sorry. It’s just—
DR. HIBBERT: ...frustrating, I’m sure. Whenever someone is under a lot of pressure, a negative result can do a lot of damage to the psyche. Was there a lot of pressure last night?
ZORNY: Is that a serious question? First of all, yes. You know today’s election day, right?
DR. HIBBERT: I’m not stupid, Mr. Zorn.
ZORNY: So today’s election day, and the two major candidates were interviewed at halftime and apparently the results of the game would directly affect the outcome of the election and -- oh gosh, nothing like this ever happened while I was coaching quarterbacks in Seattle...
DR. HIBBERT: Oh, you’re a transplant, are you?
ZORNY: Of course. Who in this frikking town isn’t? I mean, there are a ton of people from here, but you wouldn’t have known that last night. It seemed like half the crowd was waving these little yellow towels above their heads.
DR. HIBBERT: That’s cute.
ZORNY: No, it’s not cute! Our team colors aren’t yellow! They’re maroon and black!
DR. HIBBERT: Please, Mr. Zorn, take a deep breath.
ZORNY: I’m sorry. Can you at least begin to understand why I’m so upset, doc? Nothing seemed to go right last night. I mean, the defense played pretty well for the most part, I guess, but our offense couldn’t move the ball for squat. We went into the game with the league’s best running back and he was pretty much a non-factor. Our best receiver was hobbled with a thigh injury and -- and I don’t really want to talk about it anymore, to be honest. I knew this job wasn’t going to be easy, but man, I feel like the entire region is standing on my shoulders and the weight is becoming unbearable.
DR. HIBBERT: I understand, I really do. I coached my son’s little league team a few years ago and—
ZORNY (interrupting): Seriously? You’re trying to equate a professional football team to little league?
DR. HIBBERT: You’re right, that was the beginning of a terrible analogy. I don’t know what you’re going through, and to be honest, I don’t know if I can really help you. Are there any positives that came out of last night’s game?
ZORNY: Well we have a pretty good punter.
DR. HIBBERT: HA! Hey, I like to be as optimistic as the next guy, but having a good punter is like having a good waterboy.
ZORNY: Doc, we must've punted 38 times last night.
DR. HIBBERT: Oh.
ZORNY: Yeah. Anyway, besides the decent punting, I guess our special teams played pretty well. Our kicker is pretty good, too. And our kickoff return guy has a lot of heart. But we didn’t capitalize when we had the chance, you know? It’s like... it’s like borrowing your dad’s car to take this real special girl on a date, and then when you pick her up and she looks all nice and you scratched the car and all you can think about is getting yelled at instead of trying to kiss the girl that you’ve been ogling for months...
DR. HIBBERT: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
ZORNY: The bottom line is this, doc -- we need to do something. We play our biggest rival in two weeks. They have some major issues right now, but they are going to be fired up. We need to be fired up, too, or else we’re going to blow it and be right back where we started. If that happens... well, I don’t even want to think about it. The division that we play in is super tough, and we need to keep up the momentum or our hot start is going to be all for naught. Help me, doc. Please.
DR. HIBBERT: OK, I think I know what to do. Can you take a week off?
ZORNY: Hold on, let me check my calendar. Yeah, we can, actually. My luck is staring to turn!
DR. HIBBERT: Take a week off. Let your players rest. Don’t dwell too much on this devastating loss, because it’s not going to do you or anyone else any good. I’m sure the guys in that locker room are just as fired up as you are, so just take a few days to relax and before you start to think about the game in two weeks. Do you like bike rides?
ZORNY: Indeed.
DR. HIBBERT: Good. Take a bike ride. Be one with your thoughts. If you’re exceeding expectations, don’t let this one loss get you down too much. It sounds like you’ve got a good group of guys, so just be patient.
ZORNY: You know what, doc? You’re right. Our team is 6-3 and in second place. Everyone thought we’d be at the bottom of the standings, so what we’re doing is pretty good, I guess. Heck, this is my first time calling plays full-time. I’m bound to have a few ups and downs here and there, right?
DR. HIBBERT: Well, I think you need to st—
ZORNY: I mean, seriously... I was promoted to head coach of one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, I was basically an unknown before I came here, but now we’re sitting pretty comfortably heading into our bye week. Life is pretty good, I must admit.
DR. HIBBERT: But what about feeling like someone sucker-punched you? What happened to that?
ZORNY: Are you trying to bring me down, doc? Because if you are, I’ll take you down faster than O’Halloran.
DR. HIBBERT: No, I’m just trying to bring you back to rea—
ZORNY (running out the door): Enough with the small talk, doc! I'm cured! Zorny for president! Hip hip...
END SCENE
Jim Zorn enters after sitting in the waiting room for two hours.
JIM: Hi, doctor.
DR. JULIUS HIBBERT: Hello, Mr. Zorn. What seems to be the problem?
JIM: Please, call me Jim. Makes me feel better. Better yet, call me Zorn. Actually, call me Zorny. Yeah.
DR. HIBBERT: Umm, OK... Zorny. How can I help you?
ZORNY: Well, doc, it’s like this -- I’ve felt pretty good for the past couple of months. Real good, actually. There’ve been a few ups and downs, but for the most part, I’ve felt better than I have in years.
DR. HIBBERT: Good to hear. So why are you here?
ZORNY: Well, something happened last night. I can’t really explain it, but all of a sudden I feel like I could pass out. It’s like someone snuck into my room while I was sleeping and sucker-punched me.
DR. HIBBERT (scribbling furiously on his notepad): Interesting. Go on...
ZORNY: ...has anything like that ever happened to you?
DR. HIBBERT: Yeah, once... in 1967. I’m pretty sure it was some bad acid, though. Have you done any drugs lately?
ZORNY: No, sir. I’m a straight-shooter. Nothing extracurricular for me, unless reading a few pages of a mystery novel between drills counts.
DR. HIBBERT (laughing): No, that wouldn’t do it... although it could be somewhat distracting.
ZORNY: Yeah, it could be. Can we get back to the subject at hand?
DR. HIBBERT: Certainly.
ZORNY: So like I was saying, I feel like something happened last night. My stomach is upset today, my head hurts -- come to think of it, my whole body hurts. It’s like someone came along and just took the wind out of my sails. Do you know what I mean?
DR. HIBBERT: Sure do. What did you do last night that may have caused these feelings?
ZORNY: I coached a football game. It was kind of a big deal.
DR. HIBBERT: Now we’re getting somewhere! Tell me more about this football game.
ZORNY: Well I coach a local team, and we’ve been pretty good this year. Exceeded expectations, actually. But last night’s game didn’t go so well. We played this other team from a few hours away and they pretty much destroyed us.
DR. HIBBERT: I’m sorry to hear that.
ZORNY: Thanks. So anyway, there was a lot of hype heading into this contest. I kept telling my team to keep it medium, though, and to focus on the task at hand and not get caught up in all the hoopla.
DR. HIBBERT: I take it they didn’t listen?
ZORNY: I told them to keep doing what they’ve been doing for the past couple months. Stay strong on pass coverage, protect the quarterback, run it up the gut. You know, the usual.
DR. HIBBERT: And I take it they didn’t listen?
ZORNY: Did I not answer your question?! Are you OK?!
DR. HIBBERT: Take it easy, Mr. Zorn. I’m just trying to help.
ZORNY: I’m sorry... I get a little excited sometimes. My apologies.
DR. HIBBERT: It’s quite alright. Keep going.
ZORNY: No, they didn’t listen. I’m afraid I didn’t listen, either. I didn’t take my own advice, which may be why I feel the way I do.
DR. HIBBERT: How do you mean, you didn’t take your own advice?
ZORNY: Well I strayed from what’s been working, I’m afraid. I got caught up in the hoopla. I even busted out some old jerseys that I thought would work to our advantage and get the crowd pumped up.
DR. HIBBERT: Oh, you had a crowd gathered for this match, did you?
ZORNY: Yeah, there were a few people there. The other team’s supporters came out with a vengeance, though. Kind of felt like an away game.
DR. HIBBERT: That’s never good.
ZORNY: Tell me about it. I guess those visiting fans didn’t pay attention to our “Quiet! Offense at work” signs.
DR. HIBBERT: Ok, we’re getting distracted. More about the game, please.
ZORNY: Well a few guys in particular just didn’t get it done, which is really frustrating.
DR. HIBBERT: I can imagine. You never want to see anyone underperform.
ZORNY: Exactly. One guy named Carlos -- wait, this is all confidential, right?
DR. HIBBERT: Always is. Patient-doctor something-or-other. I think I signed a waiver back in medical school.
ZORNY: So Carlos -- he pretty much shit the bed. Pardon my language... I’m not a swearing man, I promise.
DR. HIBBERT: It’s OK.
ZORNY: Carlos didn’t get the job done. He’s been playing really well this season, but last night was a disaster. He dropped an interception that could’ve been a potential pick-six.
DR. HIBBERT: A pick-what-now?
ZORNY: Pick-six. It’s when a guy returns an interception for a touchdown. Pretty stupid expression, I know, but it’s what the kids are saying these days. Anyway, he dropped an interception that was right in his frigging hands! And he committed a really stupid 43-yard penalty that gave the other team possession in our end of the field for the first time all night. And then he practically escorted some marijuana-smoking receiver into the endzone late in the game. His effort was weak at best, doc.
DR. HIBBERT: That doesn’t sound good.
ZORNY (getting noticeably aggravated): Oh, it’s not. And another guy -- a veteran named Chris -- last night he committed a bunch of stupid penalties, didn’t block worth a damn and let our bread-and-butter quarterback get pummeled. I’m so mad I could spit!
DR. HIBBERT (interrupting): Don’t do that.
ZORNY: I’m sorry. It’s just—
DR. HIBBERT: ...frustrating, I’m sure. Whenever someone is under a lot of pressure, a negative result can do a lot of damage to the psyche. Was there a lot of pressure last night?
ZORNY: Is that a serious question? First of all, yes. You know today’s election day, right?
DR. HIBBERT: I’m not stupid, Mr. Zorn.
ZORNY: So today’s election day, and the two major candidates were interviewed at halftime and apparently the results of the game would directly affect the outcome of the election and -- oh gosh, nothing like this ever happened while I was coaching quarterbacks in Seattle...
DR. HIBBERT: Oh, you’re a transplant, are you?
ZORNY: Of course. Who in this frikking town isn’t? I mean, there are a ton of people from here, but you wouldn’t have known that last night. It seemed like half the crowd was waving these little yellow towels above their heads.
DR. HIBBERT: That’s cute.
ZORNY: No, it’s not cute! Our team colors aren’t yellow! They’re maroon and black!
DR. HIBBERT: Please, Mr. Zorn, take a deep breath.
ZORNY: I’m sorry. Can you at least begin to understand why I’m so upset, doc? Nothing seemed to go right last night. I mean, the defense played pretty well for the most part, I guess, but our offense couldn’t move the ball for squat. We went into the game with the league’s best running back and he was pretty much a non-factor. Our best receiver was hobbled with a thigh injury and -- and I don’t really want to talk about it anymore, to be honest. I knew this job wasn’t going to be easy, but man, I feel like the entire region is standing on my shoulders and the weight is becoming unbearable.
DR. HIBBERT: I understand, I really do. I coached my son’s little league team a few years ago and—
ZORNY (interrupting): Seriously? You’re trying to equate a professional football team to little league?
DR. HIBBERT: You’re right, that was the beginning of a terrible analogy. I don’t know what you’re going through, and to be honest, I don’t know if I can really help you. Are there any positives that came out of last night’s game?
ZORNY: Well we have a pretty good punter.
DR. HIBBERT: HA! Hey, I like to be as optimistic as the next guy, but having a good punter is like having a good waterboy.
ZORNY: Doc, we must've punted 38 times last night.
DR. HIBBERT: Oh.
ZORNY: Yeah. Anyway, besides the decent punting, I guess our special teams played pretty well. Our kicker is pretty good, too. And our kickoff return guy has a lot of heart. But we didn’t capitalize when we had the chance, you know? It’s like... it’s like borrowing your dad’s car to take this real special girl on a date, and then when you pick her up and she looks all nice and you scratched the car and all you can think about is getting yelled at instead of trying to kiss the girl that you’ve been ogling for months...
DR. HIBBERT: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
ZORNY: The bottom line is this, doc -- we need to do something. We play our biggest rival in two weeks. They have some major issues right now, but they are going to be fired up. We need to be fired up, too, or else we’re going to blow it and be right back where we started. If that happens... well, I don’t even want to think about it. The division that we play in is super tough, and we need to keep up the momentum or our hot start is going to be all for naught. Help me, doc. Please.
DR. HIBBERT: OK, I think I know what to do. Can you take a week off?
ZORNY: Hold on, let me check my calendar. Yeah, we can, actually. My luck is staring to turn!
DR. HIBBERT: Take a week off. Let your players rest. Don’t dwell too much on this devastating loss, because it’s not going to do you or anyone else any good. I’m sure the guys in that locker room are just as fired up as you are, so just take a few days to relax and before you start to think about the game in two weeks. Do you like bike rides?
ZORNY: Indeed.
DR. HIBBERT: Good. Take a bike ride. Be one with your thoughts. If you’re exceeding expectations, don’t let this one loss get you down too much. It sounds like you’ve got a good group of guys, so just be patient.
ZORNY: You know what, doc? You’re right. Our team is 6-3 and in second place. Everyone thought we’d be at the bottom of the standings, so what we’re doing is pretty good, I guess. Heck, this is my first time calling plays full-time. I’m bound to have a few ups and downs here and there, right?
DR. HIBBERT: Well, I think you need to st—
ZORNY: I mean, seriously... I was promoted to head coach of one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, I was basically an unknown before I came here, but now we’re sitting pretty comfortably heading into our bye week. Life is pretty good, I must admit.
DR. HIBBERT: But what about feeling like someone sucker-punched you? What happened to that?
ZORNY: Are you trying to bring me down, doc? Because if you are, I’ll take you down faster than O’Halloran.
DR. HIBBERT: No, I’m just trying to bring you back to rea—
ZORNY (running out the door): Enough with the small talk, doc! I'm cured! Zorny for president! Hip hip...
END SCENE
Monday, October 27, 2008
An open letter to Peter King
Dear Peter,
I’ve known your body of work, in some capacity, for about 15 years. A former subscriber to Sports Illustrated, I actually enjoyed your commentary on various subjects while watching SI’s “Year In Sports” in both 1993 and 1994. Watching “Inside The NFL” off and on for a few years, it was clear that you have a rather extensive knowledge of the game of football, which is one of the reasons I read your Monday Morning Quarterback column each week.
For the past year or so, however, I’ve found your opinion rather predictable. You flock to certain teams -- Cowboys, Patriots, Steelers -- and certain players -- Romo, Favre, both Mannings -- with such consistency that it’s more surprising not to read about them than it is to read about someone else. As a professional writer for a national publication, your views should be, for the most part, unbiased.
With that having been said, I’d like to mention two things that have bothered me recently.
First, with regards to your “Fine Fifteen,” it’s beginning to seem as though your rankings have little to do with the outcome of games but rather how you feel about teams in general (which, admittedly, should factor into it).
For example, after the Redskins beat the Cowboys in Week 3, you immediately ranked them higher, which is completely understandable. The following week, however, the Redskins beat the Eagles (on the road) and Dallas barely beat Cincinnati (at home), yet you somehow decided that the Cowboys were once again the better team. You explained your position after receiving a ton of e-mails (which, let’s be honest, you had to expect), but only by saying something along the lines of -- and I’m paraphrasing here -- “I am more comfortable with Dallas in general than I am with Washington.”
Now fast forward four weeks. Dallas is out of the picture in terms of comparisons, having dropped 3 of their last 4. However, you have teams like Buffalo (who just lost, at home, to Miami) catapulting a few spots to number 5, while the Redskins (who just won in Detroit) drop once again despite winning for the sixth time in 7 weeks. Cleveland has some issues, but they beat the Giants and the Jaguars on either side of losing to the Skins, so it took some work for Washington to get the W at home last week.
Carolina got completely embarrassed two weeks ago by Tampa, bounced back against New Orleans and Arizona (both teams the Redskins beat), but somehow sit at Number 4 overall, despite having the same record as Washington. Pittsburgh is resting comfortably in the third spot, despite losing to the Giants and despite being led by a shaky quarterback who just threw 4 interceptions and has been sacked a billion times so far this season.
It just doesn’t make sense.
Second, I’d like to address a point you made in today’s column. In your “Ten Things I Think I Think” -- which is the dumbest header in history, by the way -- you said the following:
Plaxico Burress has been fined “40 or 50 times” by the Giants organization since being traded from Pittsburgh in 2005, mostly for skipping team meetings and essentially ignoring some of the higher-up personnel in New York. Police in New Jersey have reportedly been called to his house on more than one occasion in response to domestic abuse charges. He came out after being suspended by the team a couple of weeks ago and basically told the media that he didn’t care what the team thought and that, basically, he moved on and so should they.
Burress, though an incredible receiver, is a serious locker room issue. He has been for years and continues to be. When teammates were asked about his suspension earlier this year, a few came right out and said that they didn’t really care when he came back.
Clinton Portis, on the other hand, has only been fined by the NFL for not wearing league-issued socks. He has been vocal in the past, but I think most would agree that his speech has often been out of frustration with himself and with injuries than out of disrespect to the Redskins organization. He likes to have fun and is very emotional, but to equate those two traits to being “high-maintenance” makes me think that you aren’t quite sure what that phrase means exactly.
Sure, Portis has publicly acknowledged in the past that he does not like to practice. Given his production this year, however, I think his case is a pretty valid one. When healthy, he is one of the premiere backs in the NFL, an irreplaceable component in any offense and one of the biggest -- if not the biggest -- reasons the Redskins are 6-2.
Comparing an emotional player after one outburst to someone who has had “me first” written on his sleeve for years is not only absurd, it’s also unfair to Number 26.
After yesterday’s game, it was revealed that the “tete-a-tete” between Portis and Zorn was little more than miscommunication. That’s a far cry from admitting that his team comes second, wouldn’t you say?
Please, Mr. King, know all the facts before you write something so scathing, and please, start to factor in more than your loyalties when giving the public your opinion.
Sincerely,
MWP
I’ve known your body of work, in some capacity, for about 15 years. A former subscriber to Sports Illustrated, I actually enjoyed your commentary on various subjects while watching SI’s “Year In Sports” in both 1993 and 1994. Watching “Inside The NFL” off and on for a few years, it was clear that you have a rather extensive knowledge of the game of football, which is one of the reasons I read your Monday Morning Quarterback column each week.
For the past year or so, however, I’ve found your opinion rather predictable. You flock to certain teams -- Cowboys, Patriots, Steelers -- and certain players -- Romo, Favre, both Mannings -- with such consistency that it’s more surprising not to read about them than it is to read about someone else. As a professional writer for a national publication, your views should be, for the most part, unbiased.
With that having been said, I’d like to mention two things that have bothered me recently.
First, with regards to your “Fine Fifteen,” it’s beginning to seem as though your rankings have little to do with the outcome of games but rather how you feel about teams in general (which, admittedly, should factor into it).
For example, after the Redskins beat the Cowboys in Week 3, you immediately ranked them higher, which is completely understandable. The following week, however, the Redskins beat the Eagles (on the road) and Dallas barely beat Cincinnati (at home), yet you somehow decided that the Cowboys were once again the better team. You explained your position after receiving a ton of e-mails (which, let’s be honest, you had to expect), but only by saying something along the lines of -- and I’m paraphrasing here -- “I am more comfortable with Dallas in general than I am with Washington.”
Now fast forward four weeks. Dallas is out of the picture in terms of comparisons, having dropped 3 of their last 4. However, you have teams like Buffalo (who just lost, at home, to Miami) catapulting a few spots to number 5, while the Redskins (who just won in Detroit) drop once again despite winning for the sixth time in 7 weeks. Cleveland has some issues, but they beat the Giants and the Jaguars on either side of losing to the Skins, so it took some work for Washington to get the W at home last week.
Carolina got completely embarrassed two weeks ago by Tampa, bounced back against New Orleans and Arizona (both teams the Redskins beat), but somehow sit at Number 4 overall, despite having the same record as Washington. Pittsburgh is resting comfortably in the third spot, despite losing to the Giants and despite being led by a shaky quarterback who just threw 4 interceptions and has been sacked a billion times so far this season.
It just doesn’t make sense.
Second, I’d like to address a point you made in today’s column. In your “Ten Things I Think I Think” -- which is the dumbest header in history, by the way -- you said the following:
I know you love Clinton Portis, Jim Zorn. And you should. But that little tete-a-tete on the sidelines in Detroit with Mr. Portis should tell you that you're dealing with what Tom Coughlin has dealt with over the last three years with Plaxico Burress. High-maintenance guys. But great players. You've got to make peace and move on.Wait... back up a minute. Did you seriously just compare Clinton Portis to Plaxico Burress? Let’s look at these two players from a “high-maintenance” perspective:
Plaxico Burress has been fined “40 or 50 times” by the Giants organization since being traded from Pittsburgh in 2005, mostly for skipping team meetings and essentially ignoring some of the higher-up personnel in New York. Police in New Jersey have reportedly been called to his house on more than one occasion in response to domestic abuse charges. He came out after being suspended by the team a couple of weeks ago and basically told the media that he didn’t care what the team thought and that, basically, he moved on and so should they.
Burress, though an incredible receiver, is a serious locker room issue. He has been for years and continues to be. When teammates were asked about his suspension earlier this year, a few came right out and said that they didn’t really care when he came back.
Clinton Portis, on the other hand, has only been fined by the NFL for not wearing league-issued socks. He has been vocal in the past, but I think most would agree that his speech has often been out of frustration with himself and with injuries than out of disrespect to the Redskins organization. He likes to have fun and is very emotional, but to equate those two traits to being “high-maintenance” makes me think that you aren’t quite sure what that phrase means exactly.
Sure, Portis has publicly acknowledged in the past that he does not like to practice. Given his production this year, however, I think his case is a pretty valid one. When healthy, he is one of the premiere backs in the NFL, an irreplaceable component in any offense and one of the biggest -- if not the biggest -- reasons the Redskins are 6-2.
Comparing an emotional player after one outburst to someone who has had “me first” written on his sleeve for years is not only absurd, it’s also unfair to Number 26.
After yesterday’s game, it was revealed that the “tete-a-tete” between Portis and Zorn was little more than miscommunication. That’s a far cry from admitting that his team comes second, wouldn’t you say?
Please, Mr. King, know all the facts before you write something so scathing, and please, start to factor in more than your loyalties when giving the public your opinion.
Sincerely,
MWP
Monday, October 13, 2008
Redskins 17, Rams 19
This wasn’t supposed to happen. The Washington Redskins were not supposed to lose to a previously-winless team from an inferior division, especially not in front of 90,000 burgundy-and-gold-clad fans.
The St. Louis Rams -- not only cellar-dwellers this year, but since the beginning of last season -- were not supposed to come to FedEx Field and beat up on arguably the hottest team in the league. Despite having a Pro Bowl running back, a potential Hall of Fame receiver and a quarterback who signed a gigantic contract in the offseason, the Rams simply haven’t been able to assemble their weapons effectively enough to generate victories.
Until yesterday, of course.
For those placing the blame on Pete Kendall -- including himself -- I say shame on you. Sure, that was a costly turnover, but there were plenty of other things that went wrong yesterday. Examples and more -- in what I will cleverly call my “Likes and Dislikes” -- from yesterday’s disappointing debacle in Landover...
I like that Clinton Portis is doing everything on the field and nothing off of it. Aside from calling out the offensive line at the beginning of the season, Dolemite Jenkins has been a consummate professional in street clothes and an absolute menace on the gridiron. If there is anyone on this team that has shown more signs of maturity both in his game and in his demeanor, I’d like to know who that person is. CP, for all intents and purposes, is having an MVP-like season so far.
I DON’T like the fact that the Skins defense dropped two easy interceptions. LaRon Landry and London Fletcher were both given incredible opportunities, with Marc Bulger throwing the ball directly into their hands, but neither of them capitalized. If Carlos Rogers got heat for missing a few interception chances against the Giants, I think Landry and Fletcher should spend Tuesday morning on a bed of hot coals.
I like Shaun Suisham’s ability to kick 35-plus yard field goals on a regular basis. He was a stud last week against the Eagles and did what he had to do yesterday. The Skins haven’t had a more consistent field goal kicker since the great Chip Lohmiller.
I DON’T like that Shazaam booted the ensuing kickoff out of bounds. The Skins repeatedly gave the Rams great field position yesterday, as if to say “hey, you guys are winless and we’re on a hot streak... we might as well make this interesting.” Cutting the field short, no matter who you’re facing, is never going to end well.
I like Chris Cooley’s hands. Despite turning the ball over in the first quarter, the catch he made in double-coverage in the 2nd quarter was borderline incredible. The fact that he held onto the ball after being clobbered was even more impressive.
The St. Louis Rams -- not only cellar-dwellers this year, but since the beginning of last season -- were not supposed to come to FedEx Field and beat up on arguably the hottest team in the league. Despite having a Pro Bowl running back, a potential Hall of Fame receiver and a quarterback who signed a gigantic contract in the offseason, the Rams simply haven’t been able to assemble their weapons effectively enough to generate victories.
Until yesterday, of course.
For those placing the blame on Pete Kendall -- including himself -- I say shame on you. Sure, that was a costly turnover, but there were plenty of other things that went wrong yesterday. Examples and more -- in what I will cleverly call my “Likes and Dislikes” -- from yesterday’s disappointing debacle in Landover...
I like that Clinton Portis is doing everything on the field and nothing off of it. Aside from calling out the offensive line at the beginning of the season, Dolemite Jenkins has been a consummate professional in street clothes and an absolute menace on the gridiron. If there is anyone on this team that has shown more signs of maturity both in his game and in his demeanor, I’d like to know who that person is. CP, for all intents and purposes, is having an MVP-like season so far.
I DON’T like the fact that the Skins defense dropped two easy interceptions. LaRon Landry and London Fletcher were both given incredible opportunities, with Marc Bulger throwing the ball directly into their hands, but neither of them capitalized. If Carlos Rogers got heat for missing a few interception chances against the Giants, I think Landry and Fletcher should spend Tuesday morning on a bed of hot coals.
I like Shaun Suisham’s ability to kick 35-plus yard field goals on a regular basis. He was a stud last week against the Eagles and did what he had to do yesterday. The Skins haven’t had a more consistent field goal kicker since the great Chip Lohmiller.
I DON’T like that Shazaam booted the ensuing kickoff out of bounds. The Skins repeatedly gave the Rams great field position yesterday, as if to say “hey, you guys are winless and we’re on a hot streak... we might as well make this interesting.” Cutting the field short, no matter who you’re facing, is never going to end well.
I like Chris Cooley’s hands. Despite turning the ball over in the first quarter, the catch he made in double-coverage in the 2nd quarter was borderline incredible. The fact that he held onto the ball after being clobbered was even more impressive.
Original image borrowed from the Washington PostI DON’T like Durant Brooks. I hate to be so blunt about it, because I know he’s going to receive a ton of criticism this week, but he’s just not a very good punter. Again -- field position is huge in a game like yesterday’s, and giving St. Louis the ball on the 32 (or whatever it was) is unbelievably unacceptable. Derrick Frost seems like a damn Hall of Famer compared to this kid.
I like Randle El’s ability to step up when Santana is being double-covered. Antwaan is having a pretty solid season so far, and despite dropping a few passes here and there, he’s really showing that when a play needs to be made in crunch time, he can be counted on to get it done.
I DON’T like Santana being double-covered. Coach Zorn said after the game that Moss’s number was called numerous times and the plays just weren’t there. Somehow I just don’t believe it. It’s no secret that the Redskins are now in a West Coast scheme and prefer short routes rather than long bombs, but everybody knows what 89 can do. He’s still faster than most secondaries, so unless he’s getting up-ended at the line of scrimmage, I want to see one or two shots downfield. First and 10 from midfield, early in the game... take a chance. For me.
I like that the Redskins are 4-2.
I DON’T like Brian Mitchell calling yesterday’s opponent, in all seriousness, the Los Angeles Rams. The team left Tinseltown 14 years ago, B. Mitch.
I like Jim Zorn’s post-game press conferences. Equating the team’s fortunes heading into halftime to a teenager coming home after scratching his dad’s car, while a rather random anecdote, does make a bit of sense. There’s a time to light a fire under your team’s collective ass, but there’s also a time to let them dwell on their mistakes. I’m pretty sure the men in that locker room knew how poorly they were playing, so kicking them when they were down could’ve potentially done more harm than good.
I DON’T like the New York Giants in tonight’s game. When’s the last time Cleveland hosted a Monday nighter? 15 years ago? There are few fan bases that have stuck with their team through thick and thin better than the Browns’, and I’d imagine tonight’s atmosphere will be electric. Does that mean the 1-3 team will prevail over the 4-0 team? Certainly not. If the Rams can beat the Skins and the Cardinals can beat the Cowboys, however, who’s to say the Browns can’t beat the Giants?
I like the fact that the Redskins continue to pound the football and dominate the stats. 22 first downs, close to 400 total yards, better time of possession. This isn’t something they did very often last year, so it’s a sign of things moving in the right direction.
I DON’T like the fact that the Burgundy and Gold turned the ball over 3 times. Against the 31st rank defense in the league, the Redskins’ offense put the ball on the ground at the most inopportune times. Fortunately, all three responsible -- Cooley, Rabach, Kendall -- know what they did wrong, and all three have been in the league long enough to be able to put it past them. Expecting an offense to hold onto the ball for more than 5 games is unrealistic, so it was only a matter of time before someone slipped up. We can only hope that yesterday’s performance didn’t start a trend in the opposite direction.
I like that the Redskins continue to fight late into games. In previous seasons under He Who Shall Not Be Named, this team was notorious for blowing halftime leads, for allowing teams to get back into games and for folding when they were down heading into the final quarter. If there’s a positive in all of this, it’s that the Skins are certainly not without heart.
I DON’T like to see Carlos Rogers laughing it up on the sidelines mere seconds after committing a special teams holding penalty. Rogers has been playing pretty well this season, so it’s hard to get too down on him, but Trevor Matich was right in his postgame assessment -- aside from a few players, this team didn’t seem to have the focus yesterday that they’ve had for the past few weeks.
I like the fact that the Redskins play at home again next Sunday. It’s rather cliché to consider a loss like yesterday’s a “wake-up call,” but at the end of the day, it really should be. Everyone in the league knows what this team is capable of, but with a 4-game winning streak came a premature ride on cloud nine for the Burgundy and Gold. They started to take their good fortune for granted, excusing a team like the Rams as a second-rate opponent, and it came back to bite them in the ass.
The good thing, if there is one, is that the Washington Redskins are back to reality. They should practice hard this week, approach the Browns game as though they are the underdog and focus on the task at hand, not at the prospect of being a 6-3 or 7-2 team heading into the Week 10 bye. This team thrives on being “disrespected,” and after a shocking loss to the previously 0-4 Rams, they should be right back to where they want to be.
It’s time to stop acting like a playoff-ready team and get back to playing like one.
I like Randle El’s ability to step up when Santana is being double-covered. Antwaan is having a pretty solid season so far, and despite dropping a few passes here and there, he’s really showing that when a play needs to be made in crunch time, he can be counted on to get it done.
I DON’T like Santana being double-covered. Coach Zorn said after the game that Moss’s number was called numerous times and the plays just weren’t there. Somehow I just don’t believe it. It’s no secret that the Redskins are now in a West Coast scheme and prefer short routes rather than long bombs, but everybody knows what 89 can do. He’s still faster than most secondaries, so unless he’s getting up-ended at the line of scrimmage, I want to see one or two shots downfield. First and 10 from midfield, early in the game... take a chance. For me.
I like that the Redskins are 4-2.
I DON’T like Brian Mitchell calling yesterday’s opponent, in all seriousness, the Los Angeles Rams. The team left Tinseltown 14 years ago, B. Mitch.
I like Jim Zorn’s post-game press conferences. Equating the team’s fortunes heading into halftime to a teenager coming home after scratching his dad’s car, while a rather random anecdote, does make a bit of sense. There’s a time to light a fire under your team’s collective ass, but there’s also a time to let them dwell on their mistakes. I’m pretty sure the men in that locker room knew how poorly they were playing, so kicking them when they were down could’ve potentially done more harm than good.
I DON’T like the New York Giants in tonight’s game. When’s the last time Cleveland hosted a Monday nighter? 15 years ago? There are few fan bases that have stuck with their team through thick and thin better than the Browns’, and I’d imagine tonight’s atmosphere will be electric. Does that mean the 1-3 team will prevail over the 4-0 team? Certainly not. If the Rams can beat the Skins and the Cardinals can beat the Cowboys, however, who’s to say the Browns can’t beat the Giants?
I like the fact that the Redskins continue to pound the football and dominate the stats. 22 first downs, close to 400 total yards, better time of possession. This isn’t something they did very often last year, so it’s a sign of things moving in the right direction.
I DON’T like the fact that the Burgundy and Gold turned the ball over 3 times. Against the 31st rank defense in the league, the Redskins’ offense put the ball on the ground at the most inopportune times. Fortunately, all three responsible -- Cooley, Rabach, Kendall -- know what they did wrong, and all three have been in the league long enough to be able to put it past them. Expecting an offense to hold onto the ball for more than 5 games is unrealistic, so it was only a matter of time before someone slipped up. We can only hope that yesterday’s performance didn’t start a trend in the opposite direction.
I like that the Redskins continue to fight late into games. In previous seasons under He Who Shall Not Be Named, this team was notorious for blowing halftime leads, for allowing teams to get back into games and for folding when they were down heading into the final quarter. If there’s a positive in all of this, it’s that the Skins are certainly not without heart.
I DON’T like to see Carlos Rogers laughing it up on the sidelines mere seconds after committing a special teams holding penalty. Rogers has been playing pretty well this season, so it’s hard to get too down on him, but Trevor Matich was right in his postgame assessment -- aside from a few players, this team didn’t seem to have the focus yesterday that they’ve had for the past few weeks.
I like the fact that the Redskins play at home again next Sunday. It’s rather cliché to consider a loss like yesterday’s a “wake-up call,” but at the end of the day, it really should be. Everyone in the league knows what this team is capable of, but with a 4-game winning streak came a premature ride on cloud nine for the Burgundy and Gold. They started to take their good fortune for granted, excusing a team like the Rams as a second-rate opponent, and it came back to bite them in the ass.
The good thing, if there is one, is that the Washington Redskins are back to reality. They should practice hard this week, approach the Browns game as though they are the underdog and focus on the task at hand, not at the prospect of being a 6-3 or 7-2 team heading into the Week 10 bye. This team thrives on being “disrespected,” and after a shocking loss to the previously 0-4 Rams, they should be right back to where they want to be.
It’s time to stop acting like a playoff-ready team and get back to playing like one.
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