Redskins Recon: Week 11, Dallas CowboysNovember 20, 2009, 12:36 am Friday, November 20, 2009 By Russ Thaler The argument has been made that the Washington Redskins are playing the best football of any team in the NFC East right now, and if the outcome of each team’s last game is your measure, well, you can go with that theory. Of course, if we go on the premise that you are only as good as your NEXT game then this is THE game for the Burgundy and Gold to prove they are better than the Dallas Cowboys. If we are to judge this Cowboys team by their last outing, then their season is indeed in peril. That 17-7 loss in Green Bay was worse than the score would suggest. The Cowboys running backs only carried the ball 11 times against the Packers, and if we go back one week more, just 19 times in the win over the Eagles. Yet this is a team that currently sits in first place in the NFC East with a 6-and-3 record. Dallas has two major concerns along its offensive line at the moment as both tackle positions appear vulnerable. Flozell Adams is playing like a man every bit his 34 years of age and showing the wear of 12 seasons in the NFL. On the right side, Dallas must find someone new to replace Marc Colombo, who is likely out for the rest of the season with a broken left leg and torn ligaments in his ankle. 2007 4th round pick Doug Free is likely to get his first start in place of Colombo, who had started 57 consecutive games. An interesting subplot to this game will unfold in the center of it all, literally. Center Andre Gurode and Albert Haynesworth of the Redskins will meet on the field for the first time since Haynesworth, then a Tennessee Titan, cleated Gurode three years ago. What the Cowboys do possess offensively, though, is the ability to make the big play, something that has been kryptonite to an otherwise solid Redskins defense this season. Fourth year receiver Miles Austin has been the breakout star of this team in 2009, leading the team with seven touchdown catches while averaging an impressive 20 yards per catch. Tight end Jason Witten leads the team in receptions once again with 49. Given time, quarterback Tony Romo has a wide array of options at receiver with Austin, Patrick Crayton, and Roy Williams plus Marion Barber and Tashard Choice coming out of the backfield. Defensively, the Cowboys rank 16th in the NFL, but that may be a bit misleading as Dallas actually gives up fewer points on-average than the Redskins, who rank 5th in the league. DeMarcus Ware’s seven sacks lead the Dallas defense, and he’ll have to be accounted for at all times. Cornerback Terence Newman did a fine job shadowing Santana Moss last season, but may be hindered by a bruised biceps this week. Considering the success Moss has had against Dallas in recent years, that matchup could determine the outcome of this game. Both the Cowboys and Redskins are best served by controlling the game on the ground. Washington proved a willingness to pound the ball in the latter stages of the loss in Atlanta, and throughout the win over the Broncos. Dallas was most effective during their four-game winning streak when they committed to the run as well.
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Thaler's Thoughts: Portis Must SitNovember 15, 2009, 8:44 pm Monday, November 16, 2009 Clinton Portis should not play again this season and not just because the Redskins are better off without him right now, which they are. Portis was on the sideline in sweats Sunday doing the only thing he can do at the moment to help his team. He waved his towel, and he cheered when things went well for the Burgundy and Gold. But you KNOW that it was killing him to have no input on the outcome of the game. His streak of 40 straight starts, the longest by an active NFL running back, is over. Concussions in the NFL have moved to the forefront recently with a Congressional hearing on the issue late last month. Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook suffered a concussion himself against the Redskins a few weeks back, sat out for two games before returning this week, only to get concussed again against the Chargers. Portis and Westbrook are two mainstay backs of the NFC East in recent years who could be, and should be done for the season. It’s just not worth the risk. Let’s be clear about Portis because it isn’t all about his head injury. Clinton is a guy who rushed for over 1,500 yards in three of his first four seasons and came within 13 yards of doing it again in 2008. Yet anyone who’s followed this team knows that he just hasn’t been “right” for some time now. We’re talking about a guy who’s only rushed for over 100 yards ONCE in nearly a year. More than that, it’s been YEARS since he has been able to practice fully with the team due to various ailments and injuries and even the novice viewer can see that he just isn’t the threat that most feature backs in the league are right now. Ladell Betts rushed for 114 yards against the Broncos Sunday behind an offensive line that would draw pity from opposing teams if that were possible. It’s not. But it’s impossible NOT to notice the difference with Betts in there as opposed to Clinton. You could make a good case that Rock Cartwright looked more confident with the ball during each of his nine carries than Portis has all season long. Both guys have taken-up the majority of practice snaps during the days leading up to the games. There must be a correlation between practice and performance, right? Especially with a make-shift line and a player who is clearly not what he once was. Betts has only started 12 games in the past six seasons, none since 2006 until Sunday, but he averages nearly 100 yards per start. No one will ever speak of his career in the same way as Portis’, but the Redskins should know that what’s been done doesn’t matter. All that matters is what’s next. Ladell Betts should start the team’s next game in Dallas and every one after that if he’s healthy. Clinton Portis should sit, and heal, and come back in 2010 with some motivation to practice and play. It’s best for the Redskins and more importantly, for health reasons, it’s best for Clinton.
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Redskins Recon: Week 10, Denver BroncosNovember 13, 2009, 11:00 am Friday, November 13, 2009 By Russ Thaler
Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels was teammates with Redskins linebacker London Fletcher at John Carroll University. This Sunday, McDaniels will lead his team in to FedExField looking to put an end to a two-game losing streak. Champ Bailey will return for the first time since the 2004 trade that sent him westward (along with a second round draft pick) and brought Clinton Portis to DC. Mike Nolan, the Redskins defensive coordinator from 1997-1999, marks his return to the state of his birthplace, Baltimore. Former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan is rumored to be a Redskins target this coming offseason if (when?) they go in search of a new head coach and/or General Manager. All of these things are fun to talk about. But the young Broncos head coach perhaps said it best earlier this year, when controversy swirled about the organization over the loss of quarterback Jay Cutler and McDaniels' strained relationship with receiver Brandon Marshall: “Nobody will care if we win.” For the first couple of months of the regular season, all the Broncos DID was win games. Yet after a 6-and-0 start that helped them become the surprise team of the first half, Denver has been outscored by a count of 58-17. The team’s offense has reached the red zone just once in the last two games. Despite being on pace to tie or set personal bests for a season in every major offensive category, quarterback Kyle Orton hasn’t exactly enhanced his reputation these past couple of weeks. In fact, his last outing against the Steelers was, by far, his worst of the 2009 campaign. Yet even though he threw three interceptions Monday night against Pittsburgh, it is important to note that he only tossed one pick in the previous seven games this season. Part of the issue with Denver’s offense of late has been the noticeable drop-off of rookie running back Knowshon Moreno. Moreno, who inherited the starting job when veteran Correll Buckhalter suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Cowboys in Week 4, has yet to prove that he can carry his team. So far this season, the former Georgia Bulldog is averaging less than four yards per carry. Yet he has shown the ability to break off a big run, like his 91-yarder against Dallas, and the Redskins defense is susceptible to the big play as we know. For a team that seemed unable to get out of its own way in the offseason, just about everything fell into place once the games began to count. In Week One the Broncos needed a miracle to beat the Bengals (top two surprise teams of the first half?). Marshall, after openly feuding with his new head coach, asking for a ticket out of town and generally acting the fool during training camp, has caught 44 passes including four touchdowns so far in 2009. His 11 catch performance Monday was his highest total since December of 2008, and he’s been nothing but a positive force for this team and a disruptive one for opposing defenses. Under Nolan, the Broncos defense ranks third in the NFL in yards-per-play allowed, yards-per-game allowed, and points-per-game allowed. OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil is tied for the NFL lead with 10.5 sacks. And with the signing of five-time Pro Bowl CB Ty Law this week, the Denver defensive backfield now boasts three players (Law, Bailey, and Brian Dawkins) with a combined 20 Pro Bowl appearances. This would appear to be an important game for the Denver Broncos. They still lead the AFC West, but San Diego is making a charge. The shine of that 6-and-0 start is beginning to fade after back-to-back losses. A win over the Redskins won’t win them anything in Week 10, but a loss could do major damage to their collective psyche going forward.
another embarassing game this looks like another one of those bad games similar to watching the skins Posted by bringbackdHogs at 3:52 pm Nov 13, 2009 Broncos 2009 Denver Broncos Posted by Randy at 3:06 pm Nov 13, 2009 |
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Thaler's Thoughts: Conspiracy TheoriesNovember 8, 2009, 8:54 pm Monday, November 9, 2009 I normally don’t espouse to conspiracy theories, but I just can’t resist the chance to start one and perhaps advance another (or perhaps debunk one, depending on the outcome of my stream of consciousness style rambling). Keep in mind that I am not a football expert, nor am I a doctor. Here we go. The Washington Redskins gained 69 total yards of offense in the first half of their 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, yet they opened the second half with back to back drives of 80 and 81 yards that both resulted in touchdowns. In the first half, the Falcons set a new franchise record with five sacks. Atlanta had none in the second half. Conspiracy Theory #1: Jim Zorn regained control of the Redskins play-calling in the second half. I don’t know enough about football to be able to break down game video but I’ve watched enough games, enough of his team, to recognize when they are out of synch. In the first half, there was tangible disconnecting between the plays called and the protection schemes along the offensive line. Coach Zorn explained after the team’s game two weeks ago how the system works. It went from Sherm Lewis in the coach’s booth high above the field to offensive coordinator Sherman Smith on the sideline to quarterback Jason Campbell on the field. Lewis called most of the passing plays while Smith handled the running game and offered insight in to the protection schemes against the Philadelphia Eagles. It has to be more complex than any of us novices can imagine! Without any particular or specific knowledge, I contend that Zorn acquiesced to the wishes of his superiors during the first game and a half of the new play-calling system, but sensing the chaos unfolding at the Georgia Dome made a brazen power-play and retook control of the play-calling duties. Oh yeah, and the fact that Clinton Portis had to leave the game in the first half with a concussion, thus leaving the ball-carrying duties to Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright, made the team more explosive in the running game from that point on. One last thought on the Redskins for now: The defense isn’t as good, nor has it been as strong, as they want to make themselves and all of us believe. A few weeks ago, I participated in a discussion at the National Press Club that centered upon the use of statistics in sports that more reliably represent a player or a team’s “actual” performance than the ones we commonly use right now. It’s all explained in a book called “Mathletics”, written by Indiana University Kelley School of Business professor Wayne L. Winston. At the time, the Redskins had one of the top-rated defenses in the NFL. In fact, that unit was ranked 4th in the league entering Week 9. But Professor Winston’s findings showed that the Washington defense would be more accurately categorized as a “middle of the pack” unit. This was all based upon the strength of their opponents to date and also the “real” value of the plays they made or did not make throughout the course of each game. Every play was analyzed. Conspiracy Theory #2: Alexander Ovechkin was speaking his own truth when he said he would have to miss four to five weeks because of the injury he suffered against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 1st. For the record, "The Washington Capitals dispute the validity of this report." In actuality, the “report” the team is disputing isn’t a report at all! It’s an interview Ovechkin gave Dmitry Chesnokov after Saturday night’s win over the Florida Panthers. It was an interview witnessed by others. It was conducted in Russian, the native tongue of both men, and it was recorded so that it could be transcribed and printed on yahoo.com. Have a look at the interview with Alexander Ovechkin. In the interest of full disclosure, I know Dmitry Chesnokov personally, and he has facilitated interviews for me with Semyon Varlamov and Alexander Semin. Dmitry was the translator for both interviews since I know about four words in Russian. Never once have either of the players disputed any of the translation on those interviews, not one word. In fact, Dmitry is an important link for any English-speaking media member or fan because he has relationships with, and access to, Russian players that none of the rest of us could have because of the language barrier alone. I called Dmitry after I read the transcribed interview to ask if Ovechkin was joking at any time when he said that he would be out four to five weeks (the team has him listed as “week to week”) because Ovie is known to play around from time to time in interviews. I was told that Alex said those words with a straight face, and when Dmitry first responded with “are you serious?” Ovechkin’s demeanor did not change. A few questions later, Alex said, “I think that it shouldn't be rushed. November has just begun. I need to heal up 100 percent and then play. There is no need to risk right now.” Here are some facts. This is the first injury that Alex has suffered in his professional career that could be considered “serious” in nature. The Capitals, while certainly not a better team in his absence, still hold a comfortable lead in the southeast division and after that win over the Panthers and had just scored seven goals that night without him on the ice. Furthermore, the Olympics are only three months away and Ovechkin has been effusive about the opportunity to play for his country. Again, I am not a doctor and I also do not know the exact nature of his injury. But while Alex, like me, isn’t an M.D., he does know what’s wrong. He feels the pain. He’s tried, unsuccessfully, to get back on the ice to practice with his teammates. He also knows that there are long term ramifications to whatever decision is made as to when, exactly, he’s ready to return. If the team is listing Alex as “week to week”, then maybe in his mind “four to five weeks” seems about when he’ll be back to feeling like he did before the injury. Why risk further injury so early in the season, when the team is doing well enough, before the intensity and immediacy picks up, when the Olympics could be jeopardized by a premature return? I believe in Dmitry’s interview, I believe Alex believes what he said, and I believe that while it may sound alarming in print that it will not prove to be a big deal. After all, if you are a Caps fan, wouldn’t you sacrifice an extra week or two without Ovie to have The Great Eight back at full strength whenever he does return? I’m just saying’.
Snyder Dan Snyder planned 9/11! Posted by Paul R. at 12:59 pm Nov 09, 2009 |
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Navratilova Sounds OffNovember 6, 2009, 3:41 pm Friday, November 6, 2009
Navratilova is the 2009 recipient of the Sarah Danzing International Tennis Achievement Trophy for lifetime contributions to the game. Pauline received that same honor in 1990. Navratilova called Addie a “pioneer” for the way she infused athleticism in to the women’s tennis game before World War II, and credited her for persevering during a time when women were not supposed to be playing sports in that way. Navratilova, a 59-time Major Champion, was equally forthright when discussing several topical issues regarding the sport today, including the recent suspensions of Xavier Malisse and Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium, and the controversy surrounding the length of the ATP and WTA Tour seasons. My interview with Martina Navratilova appears below.
23 Hall and 30 Landry These two players are poor tacklers. Time and again they fail to make fundamental defensive plays. Call The Commissioner! Posted by Indiana KJ at 7:26 pm Nov 08, 2009 |
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Sharing| Who will win on Sunday? |
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The latest comments from the CSN articles and blogs.
Hungrier Players Max Effort
Cartwright, Betts and Lineman Jones were so hungry to play and prove themselves. They lit a fire under the whole squad on Sunday. These were not the lethargic, go through the motion skins. They showed some passion and they deserve the playing time.
Posted by Indiana KJ at 8:04 pm Nov 16, 2009
these guys with ego problems
portis, rodgers, randel el ,smoot, hall. I am glad the skins won but a high school football team has a better chance of winning the remaining 9 games than the skins do. the secondary sucks they have to many ego problems. they need to trade portis, rodgers, randel el, and smoot. those guys want a check instead of playing football. we should trade them for draft picks. but vinny cerrato could not draft his own mother. fire vinny cerrato. skins wont see a superbowl until we get a gm and the right football personnel and dan synder has got to keep his nose out of it and let the coaches coach.
Posted by tom t skins fan for life at 7:21 pm Nov 16, 2009
NO MO CP
Agree wholeheartedly Russ! CP just doesn't have it and O-line can't be cohesive with RB's NOT PRACTICING! What's up with Z-man? Why is he not replacing those players who aren't playing their all (CP, CR, DH, ARE,LL) and put in those young players WHO WANT TO PLAY??? What's he got to lose -- season is over anyway. Why not see what we've got and what we NEED to get in off-season??
Posted by RDSKN646 at 5:43 pm Nov 16, 2009
Take out Portis
No Portis
Posted by skinsfan at 4:26 pm Nov 16, 2009
LARON LANDRY
Put in Laron Landry at RB...did anyone see his run after the lateral he muffed? WHAT A BEAST. Get this guy in there!
Posted by CB at 12:27 pm Nov 16, 2009
MORE BETTS PLS!
I said it back in 06', resign Betts and let him be the starter and then we can draft OLine. Portis is just overrated, Rogers looks like a 6th rd pick than a 1st rd. time to bench or trade these players and stock up on draft picks.
Posted by JJred at 12:26 pm Nov 16, 2009
Practice????Portis???
PORTIS is D-O-N-E ROGERS is T-O-A-S-T RANDLE EL is wel.... he just SUCKS Okay, now please sit their butts down. I hope I don't see Portis and his antics in DC anymore as well as the other buffons that are overpaid
Posted by vatechguy at 12:21 pm Nov 16, 2009
The unspoken word
CP team mates want say it, but it is hard to go to battle with somone who did not put in the same amount of work that you have and everything be 100%. See CP never really practice with the team during the week or preseason. So when his fellow players are out there sweating and working hes on the sideline joking it up with the owner and others. How would that make you feel busting your butt in practice and your supposed to be superstar sit on the sideline with some sort of injury but come game day he can go. What happen to no practice time no playing time?
Posted by BigH at 12:04 pm Nov 16, 2009
sit Portis' A$$
have Zorn for once be a man and sit Portis, bench Rogers and take Randle El out of punt returns, and show them whos that this team still has some dignity left. DO IT ZORN! what's the worst Cerrato and Danny gonna do, tell them you can't do the Zorn show anymore on espn 980.
Posted by jessicaVA at 11:48 am Nov 16, 2009
It's not about health
You're a nice guy for thinking about Portis' health.... but he shouldn't play the rest of the year because Betts is better.
Posted by STDaddy at 10:36 am Nov 16, 2009
move of the game
parking rogers on the bench, If he was gravy he couldn't cover a biscuit.
Posted by jlloyd/woodbridge at 10:33 am Nov 16, 2009
I disagree!
Sorry Russ, I disagree, I think... THEY SHOULD TRADE PORTIS and also Carlos "butter fingers, I get beat" Rogers. Portis shouldn't come back to this team anymore. Betts and Cartwright can carry the load. and pleassssseeee tell the coaches Randle El must absolved of his punt return duties.
Posted by rickyC at 9:59 am Nov 16, 2009
Exhume Jack Kent Cook
I think we should exhume Jack Kent Cook and reinstate him as owner of the Redskins! And for God's sake replace Vinny Cerrato with maybe the ghost of Vince Lombardi!
Posted by Jim H at 9:15 am Nov 16, 2009
Thanks Ivan
Just a type-o... I promise! I remember Michael Westbrook well.... he's no Brian Westbrook, that's for sure. I think Michael is an MMA fighter now... seriously.
Posted by Russ at 8:53 am Nov 16, 2009
I agree 100%
I love Clinton Portis but you're absolutely right! For most of the past two seasons he has not looked like the Clinton Portis we have all grown to love and respect! He should be placed on IR for the remainder of the year so they can bring up another offensive lineman from the practice squad to fill his position and then rely on Ladell and Rocky to carry the ball.
Posted by JimH at 8:51 am Nov 16, 2009
portis
I agree! I love portis and will continue to support him, but it's time to heal and he should be the big man and turn over his thrown to Ladell.
Posted by andrea at 10:40 pm Nov 15, 2009
no subject
Hey Russ, it's *Brian Westbrook*. Careful, you're bringing up some bad Skins' memories there. Michael Westbrook was a debacle of a draft choice at WR, a first rounder out of Colorado who was a complete headcase.
Posted by Ivan1980 at 10:30 pm Nov 15, 2009