He's a Maniac, Maniac!

Yes, start the disco music!

So much for the NFL anti-gambling policy. The NFL was anti-gambling because it could not profit from, or regulate it; until now...

Now, they can get a government endorsed promotion which has the "good for community" spin and of course fan involvement. Virginia historically says that approximately 95% of profits go towards the Public Schools. Though the skeptic in me doubts that applies to an NFL/Redskins endorsed promotion...

All the while getting more revenue from the fans, even the non-ticket holder fans!

How?

Well of course there is always the lure of easy money...

With THREE top prize tickets out there each worth a cool 1 Million Dollars!!!

This hook gets all the normal sports gamblers out of the closet and purchasing tickets.



But the real hook is for all those "I wish I could score some easy season tickets" fans out there!!!

Since you only stand about a 1 in 3 chance of winning anything at all, you can take any loosing ticket and enter it in a "Second Chance" drawing!




And what can you get with the Second Chance Drawing?
















What I find most interesting about this second chance prize list is the "value" attached to it. I think these "values" warrant some discussion and perhaps thought, especially regarding any "tax" implications...


Premium Club Season Tickets for 20 Years
Starting with the 2010 NFL pre-season and expiring at the conclusion of the 2029 NFL regular season. Two club seats (in the “Club A” seating area of the Club Level at FedExField) and one orange parking pass to all pre-season and regular-season home games at FedExField. The total prize value (including the taxes contributed on the winner’s behalf) is $273,900.00.

Luxury Suite for One Game
One catered luxury suite for up to 20 people, six purple parking passes and $1,000 in spending money. Good for one predetermined home game at FedExField during the 2009 season. The total prize value (including the taxes contributed on the winner’s behalf) is $29,000.00.

VIP Travel with the Team to Dallas
Round-trip travel on the team plane, local travel on the team bus, hotel accommodations in the team hotel and two tickets to the game. Each winner can bring one guest (at least 18 years old) and will receive $1,000 in spending money. The total prize value (including the taxes contributed on the winner’s behalf) is $15,200.00.

Premium Club Season Tickets
Two club seats (in the “Club A” seating area of the Club Level at FedExField) and one orange parking pass to all 2010 pre-season and regular-season home games at FedExField. The total prize value (including the taxes contributed on the winner’s behalf) is $13,700.00.

Redskins Player for a Day
Authentic one-day Redskins player contract includes: personalized Redskins jersey and player sideline hat, on-stage photo opportunity at Redskins Park behind Super Bowl trophies, Redskins “Chalk Talk” presented to the group by a Redskins coach or member of the Player Personnel Department, VIP tour of Redskins Park and $500 signing bonus. Each winner may bring one guest (18+). The prize value is $3,000.00.

VIP Practice Experience
VIP Practice Invite includes: opportunity to view practice from the sidelines (just as the coaches do), player sideline hat, white-panel Redskins football, opportunity to obtain autographs from players and coaches after practice, Redskins “Chalk Talk” presented to the group by a Redskins coach or member of the Player Personnel Department, VIP tour of Redskins Park and $500 signing bonus. Each winner may bring one guest (18+). The prize value is $3,000.00.

Premium Club Individual Game Tickets
Two club seats (in the “Club A” seating area of the Club Level at FedExField), one orange parking pass, and $500 in spending money. The total prize value is $1,500.00.

Game Worn Jerseys
One authentic game-used jersey signed by a Redskins player. The prize value is $1,000.00.

Authentic Redskins Helmet Signed by Player of Winner’s Choice
One authentic Redskins helmet signed by a current Redskins player, current coach, or available Hall of Fame alumni player or coach of the winner’s choice. The prize value is $500.00.

$500 Redskins Shopping Spree
One $500 Redskins Retail Store gift card. Expiration of the gift card will be no sooner than two years from mail date.

BUT IT GETS EVEN BETTER !!!!

There is not just one second chance drawing...but 9 total drawings!!!

First Drawing - Friday, August 28, 2009
Second Drawing - Friday, September 11, 2009
Third Drawing - Friday, September 25, 2009
Fourth Drawing - Friday, October 9, 2009
Fifth Drawing - Friday, October 23, 2009
Sixth Drawing - Friday, November 6, 2009
Seventh Drawing - Friday, November 20, 2009
Eighth Drawing - Friday, December 4, 2009
Ninth Drawing - Friday, March 26, 2010

And only loosing tickets received between each drawing are eligible for the next drawing.

For example... the first drawing is August 28th. To participate in this drawing,
entries must be received from Monday, August 3 to Thursday, August 27, 2009 11:59 pm.

To participate in the second drawing, you need to send in more loosing tickets between August 28th and September 10.

And so on and so on....

What a great hook!!!

What a great way to syphon even more money from your loyal fan base!!!

I can't wait to see what other "promotions" gambling schemes the NFL owners will come up with next!

Here is a copy of the official announcement.

Read more...

Redskin Mania

Virginia Lottery And Washington Redskins Reveal “Redskins Mania” Scratch Ticket


It seems the economic down turn has even made our Dear Mr. Snyder to resort to a "poor mans tax".








Redskins Mania tickets are $20.
- Cheaper than a ticket to the game!

The odds of winning $1 million are 1 in 1,305,600
- Thanks, I only need to buy $26.11 million worth.

Profits from Redskins Mania will go to K-12 public schools in the Commonwealth.
- And how much does Mr. Snyder get?

The chances of winning a prize through the Redskins Mania ticket are in no way related to the team’s performance on the field.
- Hmmm, seems both chances have a better than even probability of bombing...

Players can enter non-winning tickets at valottery.com for the chance to win these amazing Redskins VIP experiences:
* Win pairs of Redskins Premium Club tickets for 20 years at FedEx Field
* VIP away game Travel with the team to Dallas, on the team plane and team bus, as the Redskins take on the Cowboys in Dallas, TX on November 22, 2009
* Win pairs of Redskins Premium Club tickets for the 2010 season at FedEx Field
* Watch a Redskins home game in a FedExField luxury suite with 19 of your favorite friends
* Watch and attend a private Redskins team practice from the sidelines, just as the coaches do
* Once-in-a-lifetime chance to join the Redskins team roster as a “Player for a Day”
* Other prizes include: Redskins Premium Club seats for 2009 games, autographed helmets by the player of your choice, $500 Redskins gift cards and official game-worn jerseys


Almost makes me want to not win the Redskin Mania Lottery scratch game.

Oh, and on a much more interesting "chance to win" topic. Here is my first test auto-draft attempt of the season.






















What I find amazing is that I was #10 in draft order.

As best as I can tell...

Drew Brees 1st
LT or Payton 2nd
Adrian 3rd...

As always, Please play responsibly....

Read more...

On the Schedule

ESPN is reporting that Big Al is going to take the test again on Saturday.

Saturday is also Fan Appreciation day at Redskin Park. Last year, we were there and had a great time, nearly 29,000 people attended.

This must be the Redskins and ESPN's version of The Decision.

I can see the schedule of events now... (taken from the redskins.com site)

At 10:15 a.m., the Redskins Marching Band and the Redskins Cheerleaders perform on the field for approximately 45 minutes.

After all, Big Al needs all the attention and encouragement that he can get.

Also, raffle drawings are announced during this time --

and the wagering table opens up to take bets - - Two lines - - "Pass" and "Fail"

Oh and watch our for low flying objects , as in the "I was there" T-shirt toss into the crowd!

Sometime between 11-11:30 a.m., Redskins general manager Bruce Allen is scheduled to address fans from the field.

And announce the start of the conditioning test.

After Shanahan’s address, Redskins players arrive on the field to begin warm-ups and compete in drills.

See, I told you!!! that last sentence is completely unaltered!

At 12 noon, practice begins. The team typically mixes in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills with special teams work, but there is no tackling.

My guess is Big Al will miraculously pass and be part of the drills...

The practice is scheduled to last about 90 minutes.

Afterwards, head coach Mike Shanahan will briefly address fans.

He will say how proud he is of Big Al and that he is now in football shape.

All fans in attendance are eligible for free raffles to win autographed Redskins merchandise. The raffles are available at the entrance to training camp.

They need a Big Al bobble head!

Raffles available at Fan Appreciation Day:

-- Panel Footballs

•Signed by Bruce Allen
•Signed by London Fletcher
•Signed by Santana Moss
•Signed by Redskins team

-- Authentic Football

•Signed by Brian Orakpo

-- Practice-Used Footballs

•Signed by Chris Cooley
•Signed by Donovan McNabb
•Signed by Mike Shanahan

-- Replica Jersey

•Signed by LaRon Landry
•Signed by Clinton Portis

-- Redskins Mini-Helmet

•Signed by Doug Williams

-- Empty Doughnut Box

•Signed by Big Al himself!

Fans may get their photo taken with the Super Bowl trophies in a special tent on the grounds of Redskins Park or with Big Al and a larger than life stop watch display of his times!

Of course he still could fail in front of everybody. Then ESPN could call the event something like...

"The Humiliation!"

or,

Judging by ESPN's recent track record regarding their "sources" and will he or won't he stories, maybe we all can expect another soon to be release headline that mentions when ready or healthy.

I just wish the Skins would put Al's Big Butt on IR and be done with it. To bad the MRI was negative. I bet some folks were hoping for a legitimate excuse.

UPDATE

According to ESPN, he passed. WoooHoo! I'm so excited ! No more useless Albert Haynesworth Day XX Watch posts by the media. It's even on the Redskins Site, so it must be true.

Now that is what I call Fan Appreciation!

Read more...

No, No, No and please No!

Rumor: Redskins to back up the truck for Albert Haynesworth

“This time around [the source] tells me that the Washington Redskins break the bank to sign Albert Haynesworth. The Titans could come over the top of the Redskins deal as well, but my guess is that the Redskins will let Haynesworth get the best offer possible from the Titans and then "better deal" it.
My source tells me to look for a contract that could break $100 million with an average of $15 million to $16 million per. “

That’s really nice, but HOW?

Washington has reworked the contracts of tackle Chris Samuels, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, defensive end Andre Carter and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, and also released linebacker Marcus Washington in an attempt to improve its cap situation, but it remains among the worst in the NFL. The salary cap for the 2009 season will increase to $127 million, roughly $4 million higher than many projections, which provides some relief, but the Redskins entered last week over the cap.

Tennessee, Atlanta, Detroit and Tampa Bay are other teams that have Haynesworth atop their wish lists, according to league sources, with most of those clubs having exponentially more cap space than the Redskins with which to complete deals.

Tampa Bay released five high-priced veterans yesterday, including 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks, and is $60 million under the projected cap. The Buccaneers potentially could make a massive offer to Haynesworth and still possess the resources to pursue other top-tier free agents.

There are alternatives….

The Redskins reportedly have significant interest in Dallas defensive end Chris Canty, according to league sources, who would be a far less expensive alternative to Haynesworth.

Canty, 26, who started all 16 games and had three sacks last season for the Cowboys, is regarded as a younger, more dynamic version of Redskins veteran Phillip Daniels, according to a team source. He could occupy multiple blockers and stuff the run on first and second downs, rush from the inside on third downs and would be much more cost-effective than Haynesworth. The role Canty could fill for the Redskins was Demetric Evans's job last season, which could explain why the team has not extended a contract offer to Evans with him eligible for free agency.

And other more important needs…

Read my lips “OFFENSIVE LINE”. This is what you need to give Jason Campbell and Portis room and time to be effective. Last year this, not your defense, was your Achilles heel.

The offensive line is in need of am overhaul. However, Snyder and Cerrato are not expected to pursue the linemen expected to command big contracts, such as left tackle Marvel Smith and guard Chris Kemoeatu of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and versatile Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Jason Brown. Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Stacy Andrews, who underwent reconstructive knee surgery last month, could be in the Redskins' budget. Green Bay Packers tackle Mark Tauscher, also coming off injury, could be another option as a value player. Stalwart center Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts is willing to play guard, his agent said, and could be seen as a value pickup.

And please please do not forget what is coming up in April!

The NFL Draft. There are a decent number of candidates out there to address both the offensive and defensive line positions.

Read more...

The Skinny on the Roster...

Two preseason games down, two to go, 27 players to cut, still a few uncertainties to iron out.

When it comes to talent, the Redskins enjoy an embarrassment of riches. They have more No. 1 and No. 2 picks on their current roster than any other team in the NFC East. They count a dozen first-rounders and 11 more players chosen in the second round.

The Redskins will have to cut five players by Sept. 1. Then they’ll travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars on Sept. 3 before lopping another 22 off the roster to set the final 53.

It takes more than talent to win in the NFL. There’s a need for the three Cs--coaching, coherence, chemistry. A good staff can utilize its best players well and make the most of the ones with lesser skills.

{insert comments about ownership and having a good GM, or lack there-of, here} ;-)

“It is the most difficult task to find that chemistry of the 53,” coach Jim Zorn says.

Versatility helps the people who aren’t likely to start or whose chances to make the roster hinge on performances yet to be seen. The more roles a player on the bubble can fill, the better his chances.

Marko Mitchell, the seventh-round draft pick, fits the Redskins well as the fifth receiver but had limited experience as a special teams participant in college. He has worked hard to catch up on that in training camp and also caught a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran cornerbacks go out of their way to abuse him, which means they’re developing a certain respect for his skills. But has he done enough to elevate himself above a veteran like D.J. Hackett or other youngsters like Keith Eloi and Trent Shelton?

That fifth receiver spot is one of several the Redskins must ponder. They don’t really have too many issues in terms of starters and that means the moves they made and the players they acquired provided help.

Here’s a look at some of the areas once viewed as problems or vacancies and how they’ve been filled:


Left guard: The Redskins signed Derrick Dockery, who played the first four years of his career before joining the Buffalo Bills as a free agent. The Bills released him as part of their total overhaul of their line. His reinsertion next to left tackle Chris Samuels went seamlessly during the off-season. This is an upgrade over Pete Kendall.

Right tackle: The Redskins cut Jon Jansen and asked Stephon Heyer, a third-year player, to win this job. Heyer filled in for Samuels at the end of last season and played the left side at Maryland but had started on the right side for the Redskins. After a minor knee injury early in camp, Heyer stepped it up and nailed down this job. “He’s a legit tackle,” says offensive line coach Joe Bugel. “He deserves to be the starter.”

Wide receiver: Malcolm Kelly seems to have made greater strides than Devin Thomas and could be the No. 2 receiver behind Santana Moss. That would move Antwaan Randle El to the slot. At 6-4, Kelly presents a great target. Zorn says a decision about Kelly and Thomas might not crystallize “until a couple of games into the season. I think they really are even now.”

Quarterback: Jason Campbell remains the starter but faces pressure to get the first-team offense in the end zone against the Patriots. His numbers have not been good. Todd Collins did not get pushed for the No. 2 job by Colt Brennan, who in turn is getting pushed for the No. 3 job by rookie free agent Chase Daniel. That’s a duel that will continue in Jacksonville.

Strong-side linebacker: No. 1 pick Brian Orakpo takes over for Marcus Washington. He’ll line up at linebacker on first down for sure but figures to move to right end in passing situations. He continues to work on his drops and coverage responsibilities as a ‘backer. His ability to rush the passer with quickness shines through.

Defensive tackle: This was not a weakness but the Redskins signed Albert Haynesworth to a contract that could be worth well over $100 million. His impact on opponents will be gauged during the season but the two-time All Pro pick not only makes the guys around him better but the guys across from him as well. “He is getting Dockery ready to play,” Bugel says. “Dock has to go against him in pass protection every day and it’s full bore and Albert can move this building if he decides to do it. He’s made Dock a more aware pass protector.”

Punter: Signing free agent Hunter Smith solved multiple problems after the team burned through three punters last year. Smith can boot the ball but he also excels as a holder. Last year’s trio could not claim that as a strength and it impacted the kicker.

Kicker: Guessing that Shaun Suisham will fend off Dave Rayner and return for another season. Suisham missed an NFL-high 10 field goal tries last season though a number of them can be laid off on poor holds by the aforementioned punters.

Two games down, two to go. Time enough for some jobs to be won or lost and for confidence to build or erode.

All referenced material and pictures from the Washington Post
Talent Rich
Pre-Season Questions

Read more...

Game Plan

OK, I already know the Redskins 2009 game plan.

Stifle the opponents’ offensive unit, try to create some big plays on special teams, and give our offense a nice short field.

The Redskins 2009 draft supports this. It does not support the Offensive unit.

If our coach was George Allen or Vince Lombardi, then I’d say this fits perfectly, and we can look to lots of 3-0 victories.

We have Coach Zorn, not that he is bad, but his style is more west coast. And the Redskins have done absolutely nothing to help his offense during the draft. No offensive linemen to help protect the QB or enable the receivers to completely run their routes, or give Portis and the other RB’s more lanes, more options to gain some yardage.

First of all, I don’t think the skins totally blew it. They did get an outstanding DE with Orakpo. Unfortunately, both he and Michael Oher (OT) were on the board and both can and will make an immediate impact. I just wanted to see at least one OL prospect drafted.

So, let’s look at what they did and what they could have done.



















3rd round. Before their pick, Kevin Barnes (CB), 4 out of 5 picks were OL. And after him, 5 out of 7 were WR. No more OL were drafted in the 3rd round after the Redskins Pick. Maybe the only worthwhile OL to draft that high were already gone. If so, maybe they should have looked to move up a few spots? But they have so few picks that they cannot do this effectively.
Kevin Barnes seems to fit the mold of aggressive, hit them hard DB’s. So I am willing to give this pick a chance. I just wonder if he is big enough to hold up in the NFL at this position playing the way he does.

The 5th round is where I have some questions.
Redskins pick… Cody Glenn (LB) - Tagged as a good athletic special teams player who is aggressive and can make the tackles. OK, so I see the reasons why they picked him, even though he is small for a LB.

But there were a slew of other good developmental prospects for the OL at this point in the draft.

How much you want to bet that at least a few of these guys will be quality linemen that the Redskins will covet in a few years and trade away a couple high round picks to get.

Cody Glenn
Xavier Fulton
Garret Reynolds
Fenuki, Tupou
Jamon Meredith
Duke Robinson
Herman Johnson
George Bussey

6th Round – I admit, I really do not see anybody who would be able to positively help the redskins. Maybe they see something in this guy that I don’t.

7th Round – I understand that Eddie Williams fits the H-back role well. But the Skins have Sellers, so again, maybe the skins know something I don’t.

And for their last pick, Marko Mitchell… I actually think he was a good choice with lots of potential that they don’t have to pay a lot to find out.

So, like I said, I don’t think they totally blew it. But I just think they could have done better in the middle rounds; especially the 5th!

This 2009 Redskins draft strategy seems to bring two of my favorite quotes to mind…

“I hate it when I am right”…
And
“I hope they proof me wrong”!

Read more...

Pssst

Giants think Woodson spilling secrets

I have been a part of it," Coughlin said Monday when asked whether he has ever signed a player released by a team he was about to play. "I have seen it done. A guy doesn't get in the door two seconds, and he is in a classroom being grilled.

AKA LaVar Arrington

I told him the little bit that I know about the Washington Redskins," Arrington said, a reference to Lindsey's comment Wednesday that Arrington couldn't help the Giants prepare for the Redskins because he didn't know anything when he was with the Redskins. "It was like a two-minute conversation. But what I did know [is], I do have your playbook. So if I don't understand it, I'm sure Coach Coughlin can decipher it.

Coach Zorn interview:

Oh, yeah. Yeah," Zorn said. "And that's something that I would be frustrated with, too, and I do understand that, that it makes it look like we're jumping on that, but that wasn't the major issue with the find.

Zorn said the Redskins scouted Woodson coming out of college and decided to take a chance on him after New York let him go.

He might be able to help us a little bit," Zorn said. "He knows their stuff. He certainly knew their snap count and just the obvious things, but we're not trying to glean every little [detail], we're not going to put him under the microscope.

Woodson comment before entering Redskins Camp:

While disappointed and frustrated, Woodson said he had no hard feelings toward the Giants. He also said he knows the Giants' playbook and realizes who is paying him now.

I'm definitely a little bit familiar with it," he said. "Right now, anything to help the Redskins out, I'm willing to do.

On a Side Note: The Redskins announced today that Woodson's room and phone privileges will be ready 7 days after signing....

Read more...

Live by the Gore, Die by the Gore...

This week I won one fantasy league game and lost another due to Frank Gore having a monster day!

Oh well, 2 out of 3 for the second week in a row isn't all that bad.

I am actually more upset with the Redskins failing to score any touchdowns than I am happy they won. If Campbell had connected with both TD pass attempts (translation - if the receivers had just caught the #$@! ball) and Portis had managed to get the ball to Cooley, I would have had 3 TD's and gone 3 for 3!

Oh and for those of you who think it is going to be any better this week against the Lions, I hate to disappoint you. You see, a very psychic friend of mine had a premonition....

After taking a commanding 3-0 lead into the locker-room at the half, the skins will then proceed to “run-up” the score on the Lions and by the end of the 3rd quarter lead 6-0, on an off the left upright 29 yard field goal by the “Swissham”. Everything is going the Skins way, but then midway through the 4th quarter, Detroit mounts a furious rally after a Santana Moss fumble and unleashes an offensive attack that includes two 17 yard passes to Calvin Johnson, who makes DeAngelo Hall look Pac-Man Jones… then while on Washington’s 3 yard line, a trick play! A half-back option! No one saw that play coming (I know I didn’t)… The Lions come all the way back from what seemed to be an insurmountable 6-0 deficit to take the lead in this offensive barnburner. All seems loss for the Redskins, who after driving 43 yards to midfield have to punt. But the Lions returner fair catches the ball at the 3 yard line with 1:37 remaining. After being in victory formation and kneeling on 2 successive plays, the Redskins call their final timeout. There’s :32 ticks left and the Lions are destined to win their 1st game in 20 tries, all the Lions have to do is kneel down one last time, but wait?!? Stafford doesn’t kneel, he is so excited that he celebrates too early… what is he doing?!? With the ball high over his head, he takes a “Cal Ripken” like trot through the endzone and he gets crushed by Albert Haynesworth causing him to fumble the ball!!! There’s a mad scramble in the endzone, no one can grab the ball… and the OT Jon Jansen kicks it out of the back of the endzone, for a safety! The Redskins win, the Redskins win…8 to 7! A thrilling contest, one for the ages, to be sure. In his post game comments, Zorn says that he’s pleased with the progress of the offense and promises the fans to expect more of the same for as long as he is the head coach… He also says that there will not be any changes to the QB or to his play calling…..


Oh! So you don’t think that this could happen? OK, then you guys tell me, how will it all go down?

Thanks to Tommy for supplying great material for my blog... Not so much for owning Gore and beating me this week... ;-)

Me, I say the Lions score at least 17 points and the Deadskins ... oh, about 12.

I hope they prove me wrong.

Read more...

Snyder introduces Allen

Here is the out take from the Washington Post and the Insider Blog.

Allen on Coach Jim Zorn: "I met today with Jim Zorn. Told him what we're going to try to do in the next few weeks. We're going to have some more meetings and discuss the future."

Good DC PC Answer! You'll fit in just fine and handle the press!!!

Allen's impressions about the Redskins: "From afar, I like their talent. They have a nice core of talent here. That's attractive. They have some young players whose futures are extremely bright."

Why do I immediately think of Timbuk 3?

I hope this is not like the JD Power award for "initial quality"? First impression is good but once you get right down to it your Porsche is just another VW...

But I like the shades and bright future reference...

And he is right, there is good talent... What we need is a plan. And some chemistry.

On having the title of general manager, something that hasn't happened with the Redskins under Snyder: "I really cant speak for what's occurred in the past. I'm very comfortable with it. The Redskins will have a common goal," which is bringing in good players and winning.

BINGO! A solid 10 for an answer... To bad Snyder is still living in the Past and plucked another Redskin Family Name to squander...

Snyder interjected that this is something he's been thinking about for a while.

Thinking and doing are not the same thing Danny Boy...

On the team's record: "I've seen the games, but I obviously haven't felt the pain that's been associated with 4-9. Starting today, I feel the pain."

Hmmm, starting today which I take it means from here on out. I definitely get the impression that he will not be trying to pass off what he inherited as an excuse.

On why he came in now, Allen said he wants to begin to build a plan and get ready for 2010. That's why coming in now, with three weeks left, was appealing to him, Allen said.

Yeah I know all the conspiracy theory people. These are the same people who said Lewis was only Shanahan's scout and now they are saying the same thing about Gruden...

Did he mention having a plan? Good.

Snyder: "Obviously this has been a very disappointing season. We disappointed everybody. Ourselves, fans." With everything that happened, it was time for change.

WE?

On Jon Gruden and replacing Jim Zorn: "We don't have an opening at that position...Jim Zorn is our coach...give us some time to see our relationship develop."

God I just love the press. They love to spin the namesake and the conspiracy!

Hey, there is that "chemistry" reference from Mr. Allen himself ... You know I think he gets it.

Snyder: Bruce has the authority. When Bruce makes the decision, it's a Redskins decision.

What? OK I'm glad I was sitting down for this one and on this side of the screen! (helps conceal the laughter and smirks)

Mr. Allen, I hope you are as good at deflecting Dan and his suggestions as you are at handling the press.

If so, then everyone's future will be bright! Now, where did I put those sunglasses...

Snyder on Vinny Cerrato and whether he was offered a lesser position in the organization: "The best way to put it is it was time for a change."

No argument there.

Snyder and Allen would not directly address reports about Mike Shanahan being the leading candidate for the head-coaching job; Snyder indicated that a decision about Zorn's future will be made by Allen. Snyder indicated that the Redskins interviewed several candidates for the GM job.

Two references in the same conference that Mr. Allen is in charge?
Wow, maybe change really has come.

But I reserve judgement until this time next year...

Read more...

Offensieve...

Yes, everything about the Redskins is OFFENSIVE.

But I chose sieve for a reason.

We need to separate the good from the bad.

To quote Thomas Boswell from the Washington Post

Snyder and Gibbs had dinner here in Charlotte on Saturday night, according to a Redskins source. Since this is Gibbs's home, is that irony, intrigue or just appropriate? The day he left Redskins Park, Gibbs said he'd always be available if the owner ever wanted to talk. Okay, don't all scream at once: "Sell the team to Joe for a dollar." What Snyder ought to consider is offering Gibbs a piece of the Redskins if he'd just come back, not as a 100-hour-a-week coach but as some form of team president. Here's the job description: Do whatever it is that Dan and Vinny do. But better.

But there are two problems with this.

1) Vinni and Dan are not going to pony up to this.

2) Which of the currently available multi millionare, egomaniac, hall of fame or future hall of fame coaches would want to inherit this mess?

And to top it all off, it looks like I am going to go 1 for 3 again with my fantasy leagues.

I just had too many injured players or bye week players (in one case BOTH) to adequately cover my team.

Kinda like the Redskins...

:-(

Read more...

Holy QB Pass Batman...

Wow, with opening day for MLB and the Nationals, the NCAA championship game tonight, even Tiger Woods playing at the Masters, and the Pope involved with one of the biggest conspiracies; one would have thought these would be the top stories.

But noooooo! The Redskins, ever the media making hounds, trumped all of them. Even Tiger and the Pope!

I just can’t figure out why?

My first thought ... No not Philly and McNabb! What were they thinking ...

My second thought ... If you can’t beat them, steal their starting QB… AKA Sonny Jurgensen ...

My third thought ... Is McNabb really value added? Could they have done better with a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the draft?

My fourth thought… It’s all about the system, personnel and coaching staff.

And, it was probably worth a shot. But only time will tell.

First the stats.

Campbell:
Career: 61.2% completion rate, 6.63 yards per attempt, 82.3 QB Rating, pass attempt/TD ratio 18/1.

McNabb:
Career: 59.0% completion rate, 6.93 yards per attempt, 86.5% QB rating, pass attempt/TD ratio 12/1.

Don’t get me wrong, I think McNabb is a proven winner and leader.
Though he does appear to be a bit rusty with some of the NFL rules… ;-)

So what is the difference?

McNabb has had the benefit of a stable system and coach and in recent years good supporting players around him.

Campbell has not.

Shanahan likes the proven veterans . Yes there have been countless blogs and articles about him and Elway and that Elway was an established veteran, etc, etc.

And we all know that the old guys can still play… AKA Favre, Warner, etc, etc ...

But they need good and young personnel around them to help out.
And now the Redskins have two less opportunities to add good young talent.
This is one of the biggest and toughest decisions for any and every NFL organization.
Build around veterans or build with draft picks.

The old guys also need a good system.

Jurgensen was quoted as saying “some people never learn”. I think he was talking about Philly trading their QB.

I’m not so sure it couldn’t be applied to the Redskins organization. The only difference now is that I honestly, truly, believe Snyder is not calling the shots.

So, where does this leave the Redskins, Fans and the rest of us following the team?
Trust in leadership and “their plan”.

Shanahan took a .500 team (Denver) with a veteran QB and turned the organization around to be a .734 Superbowl winner!

During that time, Denver added 4 – 5 wins per year and Elway added 5 – 6 TD’s per season under Shanahan. Shanahan was also pretty good with the running backs too.

The big question is, would these turn around numbers be more likely with Campbell or McNabb?

The world will never know.

I think, as most seem to especially now, that Campbell is going to be traded for draft picks and or needed positions. Hopefully we can pick up a couple extra picks or move up to grab somebody good in a much needed position.

In order for any organization to be successful, you need good leadership, a plan, and personnel to execute the plan.

Over the past few years the Redskins have not had any of this. And they still have a ton of holes to fill. Especially along the front line.

But now, for the moment, they seem to have found a franchise QB.

Perhaps Mcnabb is the better leader and mentor and better at handling controversy and would be an excellent roll model.

I just hope he survives that long.

Only time will tell.

Read more...

Financial Training Camp

There was a great article in the Washington Post which talked about a financial education program Joe Gibbs is starting up initially with the Redskins but hopes to expand league wide.

The article mentioned a story about how Joe Gibbs made financial mistakes, how he recovered from that and the financial lessons he has learned. That reminded me of a book Joe endorsed, hence the picture for this post, which talks about some of the challenges we all face.

And yes, it is well worth reading and I highly recommend it.






Here is my edited version of the Washington Post Article by Mike Wise.

Joe Gibbs helping Washington Redskins players to gain the financial savvy he lacked when he was younger

Joe Gibbs spent most of two days at Redskins Park on June 1-2 meeting with many of the team's key veterans, two of their wives and about 20 players in all.

"I wanted to give back," Gibbs said in a telephone interview. "I just thought this was something I could do for the players."

Joe Gibbs talked money with the Redskins early last month. For help, he enlisted two university professors with Harvard MBAs.

He humbly spoke of how, during the early 1980s in Washington, Gibbs lost his personal fortune because of financial ignorance. How he felt helpless when several of his former players -- some in contract disputes -- confessed to him about making bad business decisions that negatively affected their careers. And how every team in the NFL needs the kind of OTA that recently transpired in Ashburn: a free-of-charge financial seminar Gibbs partnered with Strayer University to put on.

Is it needed?

According to a 2009 Sports Illustrated story, 78 percent of all NFL players go bankrupt or are in financial duress just two years into retirement.

As Gibbs learned a long time ago, banks don't discriminate at collection time.

About the time he won his first of three Super Bowls and started to become the most revered sports figure in Washington's history, Gibbs got involved in an Oklahoma real estate deal that went belly up. He lost everything because he didn't understand his liability if another person signed on his behalf.

"It probably took [his wife] Pat and me four and a half years to pay off our debts," Gibbs said. "I just didn't know anything, like the difference between a simple partnership and a LLC."

Hence, Gibbs's brainstorm a couple of months ago: Instead of one NFL-sponsored seminar players could sign up for at a certain time of year, why not bring the class to the training facility?

The next step was getting the owner and the coach to go along, which they willingly did.

"Joe asked us to support this program, and we're happy to oblige," Redskins owner Daniel Snyder said through a team spokesman. "Anything that helps players we're in full support of."

What were some of the topics covered?

"Something as simple as creating a budget, how to put away money properly, looking at our window of earning opportunity, or what kind of questions to ask financial advisers, how to set up a business to reduce your liability in case things go wrong."

"Gibbs said: 'I'm not going to charge you anything. We're not recommending any investments. We don't want to ask you for anything. This is a gift.' "

The gift of having something to fall back on once the cheering stops, the gift of not making the same mistakes a young, impressionable man made in his first steps on the way to Canton because he didn't know how to protect his assets.

"I'd really like to talk to the league and the union about doing something like this leaguewide," he said. "Just makes sense."

As usual it's hard to argue with Coach Joe Jackson Gibbs.

Read more...

Red on the Redskins...

OK, so we all know the Redskins spotted the Bucs 10 points and a whole first half of a football game and still came back to win! Congratulations!

You all get to keep your jobs for one more week...

What I find most interesting about the game is not necessarily how the Redskins discovered some fire and came back to actually play some football; but rather all the Fan Activity.

There were those who showed their true opinions and practiced freedom of speech...



















There were those who also showed their support for other quality Washington Teams...


















And there were members of the CAPS on hand to ... Well, maybe they were there to help with emotions, and maybe share some INTENSITY with those who need it most....or even kick some field goals...



















And then there were those who just did not think a plan through, like these guys...

Local Radio Station Holds a FAN BAG Give-away to wear at the GAME!

The great Paper Bag giveaway was a total flop!

Turns out, bags are prohibited inside the stadium, and there were multiple reports of the bags being confiscated by security.

And it seems we still have a few stragglers in the lost and confused category...























I'm almost hoping that the Redskins continue to spawn controversy, because I am beginning to really love all the local fans and their reactions! It's actually more fun and entertaining than some of their games...

ALMOST

Read more...

Examples...

First.
If the NFL had a penalty for missed tackles, the Redskins would be in the Hudson River.

But the NFL does not, simply because, if you don't tackle - you don't win.
Sadly the Redskins didn't do this well.










Second.
Trickery doesn't win games. Execution and controlling the ball does.
Sadly, the Redskins seemed to do this (trickery) more than number 1.

I applaud the Redskins for leading by example, I just wish it were winning examples.

But on the bright side, Cooley had a great game and scored a TD for my Fantasy League and I stand a decent chance of winning not only my match up but top score as well.

After all, when is it comes to football, that is what matters most. Your fantasy football league team.

Right? !!!

In fact, I've had several folks ask me that already!!!

"How are you doing?" they ask.

And I smile and say just fine, thank you.

:-)

Read more...

HS Coaches and the NFL

I love this idea and hope every NFL team would do something similar. Not just for the sake of injuries but as an overall good learning experience and terrific PR.

From: Redskins invite high school coaches to attend minicamp practice.
By The Redskin Insider and Jason Reid.

Bruce Allen, the executive vice president and general manager of the Washington Redskins, announced Wednesday that the Redskins invited 500 area high school coaches to attend the team's first minicamp practice, both to observe how the team runs its camp and to take part in a symposium on concussions.

Allen revealed the plans while speaking as a featured guest on Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. Allen said during a panel presentation about concussion in sports and among youngsters that the team sent a letter to high school coaches this week extending an invitation to attend Coach Mike Shanahan's first minicamp with the team.

According to a statement from the Redskins, high school coaches are invited to "attend a minicamp practice and have discussions on concussion awareness and education" on the morning of April 17.

"They're going to be a part of minicamp," Allen said after the forum. "They are going to get to watch practice, they're going to get to learn Coach Shanahan and his staff's coaching routine, they're going to be able to learn a lot. But we are putting a concussion forum as part of the plan coupled with USA Football."

Allen and former NFL player John Booty were members of a panel that included presentations from several leaders on concussion research regarding the effects of traumatic brain injury at all levels of athletics and including the impact of brain trauma on children.

Allen said during his presentation that under Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL has introduced player safety as "this century's first issue" and that the league has focused on injury prevention, equipment safety, rule changes and enforcement and player care -- including mandated baseline testing and a "return to play" policy that requires a second opinion from independent neurological consultants.

As part of the panel, Robert Stern, co-director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at the Boston University School of Medicine, spoke of the impact of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that can present itself years or decades after repeated head trauma.

During his presentation, Stern said studies of brain samples of 12 deceased former football players showed that all had CTE -- a figure that emphasized the importance of continued advances in player safety in the NFL.

"I think [concussion education and safety] is important but it's not new," Allen said after the event. "This has been a long-standing policy of the league. The commissioner has, as you've heard, his focal point has been player safety for a number of years. When a concussion affects a player it affects not only the team but [also] his family, and anything we can do to help the players that's what we're going to do. And these forums are great for everybody to learn about it."

Read more...

Evolution - According to Plan

Sort of . . .

The other day I was listening to the Joe Theismann Show on the radio and a listener asked a question regarding Albert Haynesworth and the defensive scheme.
Joe said that the Skins are not going to ask Albert to change is plays or style too much, rather the coaching staff is going to change the style of the defense to complement him. His presence will make everyone better.

Meaning you build your scheme around your key personnel.

He will demand attention and lots of double teams. This will free up the other linemen and LB into more 1 on 1 coverage or force someone else, such as a RB or TE, to check down on them before releasing out to the flat.
This is a great plan and the skins have the defensive coaching staff to do this quite well.

But this got me to thinking about the rest of the team.


First, the other side of the ball.
The Offense.
Then about - The management.

First the offense.
Who is the marquee player the offensive coaching staff is going to build the offensive plays around?

Clinton Portis?
Jason Campbell?
One of the receivers such as Santana Moss, Malcolm Kelly?

Other teams have done this.
San Diego with LT. Minnesota with AP.
New England, Colts, Giants with their QB’s.
Arizona with Larry Fitzgerald

Now for the Management . . .

Everybody knows Snyder loves the big splash. The next big thing.
Now here is why . . .

IT SELLS!
IT GETS PEOPLES ATTENTION !
IT MAKES MONEY !

It’s what everybody in business, marketing and sales wants. The WOW, The next big thing.

This is how he got rich and it is what he does best.

So, this was his plan with owning and running a football franchise.
To Make Money.

Trouble was, he did this every chance he got at every level he could.

This is not a plan for building a team.

So this is what has happened over the past several years.
An Evolution of sorts. . .

A)The Redskins have had way too many changes at the helm and within the offensive system in recent years to be anything other than consistently mediocre. (6 coaches and numerous Offensive coordinators in the past 9 years)
B)After floundering around a bit (circa 2000) the Redskins hired Schottenheimer who had a wonderful personality and reputation and got along sooo well with both the management and players that, despite a really good turn-around during the season, was fired after only one year.
C)Then the skins acquired a bold hot coach from Florida (Spurrier) and they got him his version of a coveted QB (Ramsey).
But, Ramsey got absolutely pummeled and had the $#@! sacked out of him.
D)Then they got Clinton Portis to be the marquee running back.
But his strengths , running style, did not fit in with the Riggo blocking schemes and he did not do well his first year here.
However, Gibbs (notice Spurrier gone) was smart enough to change and Clinton had one of his best years ever the second year.
E) Then they got Jason Campbell
Everybody wanted/wants Jason to be “the man”.
But Gibbs got old . . .
And at first Jason was in a system which was super complicated and worked off of timing, route running, and trusting that the receiver is going to be where you throw it.
F)But that is not Jason’s strength . . . more on this later . . .
G)So now they have Zorn
The first year his staff knew the offense was not good enough to overcome mistakes, so the biggest thing they asked of Jason was do not turn it over.
He responded with a franchise record of consecutive passes without an interception.
H)Then the Redskins did something unique to them. They started drafting targets for Jason to throw to instead of going for another one of “the marquee player” receivers.
They started to try and build something around Jason by adding personnel to complement what a QB does.
This year, I have seen something else happen. Zorn and his staff are finally crafting plays that play to Jason’s strengths.
I)Jason is what I call a Line of Sight QB.
They have been stretching the field with a regularly thrown deep ball
Calling more ‘slant’ type patterns
He has as strong an arm as anybody.
He can be quite mobile.
J)So now the Skins seem to finally have an offensive plan.
A good QB
A good complement of RB’s and WR’s.
Lots of offensive targets (Moss, Kelly, Thomas, Mitchell) (Note: I would not cry for Hackett, Randle-El, or Shelton leaving)
Good RB’s (Clinton, Betts, and even a couple good “rookies” in Mason, Alridge, Dorsey) (Though I would probably keep Cartwright over Dorsey)
K) Trouble is,they still have Snyder who for some god awful reason decided to try for the next big thing tactic this off season and risked jeopardizing the whole process and plan that seemed to be evolving.

Fortunately he failed this time around.

So, here is a toast to the new season, the final Pre-Season game, hoping my favorite rookies make the roster spots and to hopefully a successful season for Jason, and the entire offensive package that is still evolving and seemingly “plan” for the Redskins future.

Read more...

The Fish Stinks at the Head.

And no it is not just Vinni.


Cerrato resigns from Redskins

I'm actually surprised by this announcement. And, as always, there is more to the story and I am sure that more details, announcements and decisions will be made public in the days and weeks to come.

I was actually going to post something quite different regarding the redskins today which involved this quote from Jason Campbell.

It's not just me improving, I feel like the guys around me have found a way where they're playing with a lot of confidence," he said. "We're all playing together, as a unit. There's no selfish players on this team right now, offensively or defensively.

And, I was actually going to give Vinni some credit for being bold enough to try something, anything, even bringing in a Bingo Caller, to help run the team. Because, for one reason or another, the Redskins are playing better than they ever have this entire season. Playing better since Jason was benched, Playing better since Mr. Lewis came to town and started calling plays, Playing better ever since the Selfish Premadonas have gotten injured. And we now have a bunch of players who want their shot, want to play, want to win, and do not care about money or contracts or anything else except going out there each weekend and winning.

Heck, who knows, maybe Vinni was really getting knocked around on all sides, including from his buddy Dan, and finally had had enough.

Maybe Vinni wanted to keep the system in place, trade Portis, keep Campbell, heck maybe even trade Cooley for draft picks and build through the draft. And of course, Mr. Dan would not hear of such a thing and finally forced him out.

Now we just wait for Shanahan or some other big Snyder Buddy to arrive and shake things up a bit more.

Of course, the only time Shanahan is and has and ever will be good is when he has a good QB and RB and if Mr. Dan goes shopping this off season, he will have neither.

But who knows. I at least am surprised by the timing and can't wait for the other shoes to drop....

Read more...

News Flash !

BREAKING NEWS:
Washington -The Washington Redskins football practice was delayed nearly two hours today after a player reported finding an unknown white, powdery substance on the practice field. Head coach Jim Zorn immediately suspended practice and ...called the police and federal investigators. After a complete analysis, FBI forensic experts determined that the white substance unknown to the players was the GOAL LINE.

And this just in...

Sherman Smith has been hired by the Washington Redskins to scout for Mike Holmgren.










Says Mike: "This will help everyone involved with the Redskins organization. Sherman will provide an extra set of eyes, be able to determine where the breakdowns are and give valuable advice to those who both want and need it. I have known Sherman for years and definitely would trust him to make the right decisions."

Read more...

Email Alert!

This is a real email (with names and other sensitive information removed)










From: Woody
To: Doug
Subject: Oh Lord!!!!!!!

JaMarcus Russell works out
Following the Redskins' final practice before players scatter for the bye week, several players took the field for tryouts, including the former Oakland QB.

What the hell is going on with the Redskins?

Woody

> From: Doug
> Subject: RE: Oh Lord!!!!!!!
>
> I don't know, maybe he can block?
>


Though I have to admit, Jamarcus and Redskins are two words I never thought I'd hear in the same sentence.

I think we just stole the media headline award back from the Vikings!

Read more...

Try out for the Redskins!

Each year the Redskins organization holds tryouts for a select talented few.
A select group of talented individuals who have gone through months of training, conditioning, and learning the formations and special counts required to make the team.

Alas, I would try out, but I do not think I have what it takes to get a roster spot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACJ4X6lvXxY


http://www.redskins.com/media/videoGallery.jsp?video=76357

Read more...