Shanahanamania!

My beloved Washington D.C. area NFL franchise hired Mike Shanahan as expected this week. I feel bad for Jim Zorn, honestly. He was hired to run the offense, a natural career move for him. Then he was thrust into the role of whipping boy for this dysfunctional franchise. Not to mention his public emasculation when play calling duties were taken from him. I think he was just ill-equipped do deal with the issues at hand and placed in a position where failure was immanent. I hope he gets a second chance somewhere else.

At least Shanahan won't be overwhelmed by the situation, that we know. He also will not be afraid to tell Dan Snyder to where to stick it if the owner starts meddling. There shouldn't be much of that hopefully since Shanahan was given full power over all football and personnel decisions.

That being said, I think Washington has at least a couple of more years of dreadful football ahead of them. They're starting over at QB, and they are still lacking offensive playmakers. Jason Campbell is probably out, and although he has been decent in spots and could still develop, he needs a new contract. He hasn't done enough for the 'Skins brass to invest anymore time or money in him. With my luck he'll probably end up a Pro Bowler in San Francisco or something. Excuse me while I wistfully peruse the SI issue from Washington's 1992 Super Bowl triumph. (Yes, I still have it.)

NFL Hyperbolic Statements-Week 14

An overlooked Rookie of Year candidate. Manning had better stay upright. And I can feel the bile rising in my throat on this ...

File This One Under WTF: I usually save this one for last, but I've got to get this off my chest. Brandon Marshall, I can't think of a less deserving ball of dung than you to break an NFL record. By catching 21 passes on Sunday, you surpassed Terrell Owens' single game record by one catch. Yes, T.O. is a jerk, and you not only possess equal jerkiness, but you are also a domestic abusing coward. In this blog, I have largely remained apolitical. This is a sports blog, and I try to keep my posts lighthearted. But I will not hesitate to call out "men" who abuse the women in their lives. I've discussed this issue in regard to Julio Lugo and Larry Johnson. This is a serious problem in professional sports and one that is largely overlooked.

Thank You Jamarcus Russell: It was a decent game between Washington and Oakland. That is until Bruce Gradkowski got hurt. Then Brian Orakpo went off and registered four sacks, stifling the Raiders offense. Orakpo continues to make a quiet but convincing case for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has 11.0 sacks on the year and has been one bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for my 'Skins.

What the what?: Jim Sorgi of the Colts is on IR. How is this even possible? He never plays! Now the Colts are left with Curtis Painter as their back up. Gone are the days when good teams could rely on good second string QB's. Jim Kelly had Frank Reich. Joe Montana had Steve Young (an extreme example of having two HOF QB's on one team). Basically, if the Colts loose Manning they're toast. But we knew that already. Who knows how good Sorgi really is anyway? At least he knows the offense.

WTF Part II: I have got to buy one of these before the Super Bowl.

Court Rules 'Skins Can Keep Moniker

As It was reported earlier this week, the Supreme Court ruled that the Washington Redskins can keep their nickname after a 20 year long battle with a Native American group who deemed the nickname offensive. More precisely, the Justices won't review a lower court ruling allowing the same.

When I decided that Washington was my favorite team, I was probably 9 or 10. These issues never entered my thinking. As an adult, I can understand why some Native Americans are offended by the name. My attitude about these types of things is; if a person is offended then it's offensive. The intent is important, but not as important as how it makes the offended party feel. The Redskins' assertion that the name is honorific and pays tribute to their coach in 1933 William "Loan Star" Dietz, a Native American, doesn't seem to hold water to me. They were already called the Braves at the time.

If there's a right way to do it, the Florida State Seminoles are the example to follow. The university has a close relationship with the Seminole people. It also requires students to take coursework educating them on the tribe. That is paying tribute and being respectful.

Quite frankly, the nickname has given me pause to even wearing my Redskins garb in public. As an adult, I find it a little embarrassing. (To be honest, I'm not a big sports paraphernalia guy anyway.) I've even been considering changing team loyalty. I know that's a mortal sin among sports fans, especially at 31 years old, but am giving it serious thought. The main reason they won't change the name is pure and simple, money. It would cost too much to change everything now. But we live in a new age. Just because something has been one way for a long time doesn't make it right.

NFL Hyperbolic Statements-Week 7

Bad Brett makes an appearance. The league's best team pulls one out of you-know-where. And some of my formerly prized sports garb may end up at the Good Will.

Worst Turnovers Ever: Twice on Sunday with the Vikes driving for a critical score, Favre handed it back over to the Steelers on Williams Sanoma serving platter. The Steelers take both the fumble and int. for six. Of course the grizzled one has done this too many times to count. It's part of his nature and a trade off that the Packers were willing to live with for years. No problem when Brett is throwing for 30+ touchdowns a season. But what make these the worst of his career are his pathetic attempts at a tackle each time. Granted, he don't get paid to tackle, and an injury to the old man would be cataclysmic, but this looked down right wimpy. He would've had a better chance spitting at Lamar Woodley. And by the way, 51 pass attempts and only 18 rushes for Adrian Peterson against a defense known for tearing QB's limb from limb? The Vikings better not fall too in love with their new toy, Favre. The road to the championship should be traversed on the back of number 28.

Most Awesome Comeback Ever: The Saints were down to the Dolphins 24-3 in the first half of Sunday's game. Drew Brees had three interceptions. It looked like New Orleans was going down for the first time. But any team that makes a Super Bowl run wins two or three games during the season that they have no business winning. This was one of those games for the Saints. They outscored the Dolphins 36-10 in the second half, 22-0 in the fourth quarter. Of course, teams that barely miss the playoffs always have a few games when they snatched

defeat from the jaws of victory. Miami let Indianapolis win on a last minute drive in week two and now this. Instead of 4-2, the Dolphins are 2-4. That doesn't leave any room for error the rest of the year.

Childhood Dreams Crushed: My team, the Washington Redskins, just plain sucks (that's a revelation). A pretty good defense gets the shaft every week from an offense that can't stay on the field for more than ten seconds. I honestly feel bad for Jim Zorn. He was placed in a position where failure was immanent. He was not prepared for head coaching in general, never mind this dysfunctional family of losers that makes the Bundys look like the Waltons. I'm tired. Just tired. It makes me want to jump ship, which of course, to most of fan-dom is punishable by flogging. But in addition when I picked Washington as my favorite team, I was ten. I did not consider the racist nickname I would have to wear on my team garb. So wearing a Redskins shirt is embarrassing in two ways. I don't know if I can do it anymore. My allegiance is now up for sale. Any suggestions? I leave you now with a picture of my favorite Washington player of the good old days, Darrell Green.

Trivia: We all know that no team has ever won three straight Super Bowls. Two, the Dolphins in the '70's and the Bills in the '90's, have appeared in at least three straight. But there is one player who has played for the Super Bowl winner in three consecutive seasons. Who is it? Answer on Friday, 10-30-09.

Restoring My Faith in Humanity: Sesame Street will celebrate its 40th anniversary next month. In a world of frenetic, high fructose corn syrup-fueled kid shows. It's good to know that a smart program like Sesame Street still has its place. It's got a seriously dedicated cast as well. Bob McGrath, who plays Bob naturally, has been there since the premiere. Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria, has been there since 1971. She's won 15 Emmys for her writing on the show. Happy Anniversary guys! You were an important part of my formative years.

Another Blow To The Redskins

From the pouring salt in the wound department, The Washington Post reports that Redskins offensive tackle Chris Samuels plans to retire. Although there will be no official announcement until the end of the year, doctors have told Samuels that he could risk paralysis if he continues to play. He suffered a severe neck injury two weeks ago. This is complicated by the fact that Samuels already suffers from a spinal condition.

This is terrible news for a Redskins offense that couldn't move the ball against the New Britain PAL Raiders right now. Of course, Samuels' long term health is the greatest concern. The consequences of continuing to play despite injury have been made frighteningly tangible by recent articles in GQ and other publications regarding post- concussion syndrome. This is not a concussion situation, but clearly the risks must outweigh the rewards were Samuels to continue his football career.

It's a sad day for 'Skins fans as it must be for Samuels. He spent 10 years in Washington and is by far the best player on a sieve-like offensive line. I hope he finds peace with his decision and wish him health and happiness in retirement.

Redskins Make Big Free Agent Signings

My 'Skins made a huge signing that could help them get over the hump in the NFC East by inking Albert Haynesworth. I like the move very much. My only concern is that he has never played a full season. Sometimes guys of his girth have a tendency to breakdown, especially with offensive guys trying to cut at the knees constantly. But I do like the idea of a building-sized clogger on the defensive line. This move has made a solid D even better. Now if they could only learn to score some points on O.

Another defensive signing that I'm not so psyched about is the 6 year $54 million contract that Washington gave DeAngelo Hall. They already have Carlos Rodgers, Fred Smoot, and Shawn Springs at corner. I don't think Hall is any better than them. Hall has always managed to manufacture a reputation by talking about himself as opposed to with his play on the field. There's a reason Atlanta (and Oakland for god's sake) had no problem letting him go. I suppose there's nothing wrong with having the depth, a rare advantage in the NFL.

2008 NFL Regular Season: Final Thoughts

• The Redskins completed the season losing a close one to my friend Dennis' 49ers who have been playing well. Washington finishes the season scoring 265 points. The Lions scored more points.
• Speaking of the Lions, they did not deserve to finish 0-16. At least they played hard every week. There are some other teams who in my mind are much more pathetic. I'm looking at you, Chiefs, Browns, and Bengals.
• Did the Bucaneers (poop) the bed the final month of the season or what? I don't know why I kept trying to convince myself to keep them on my power rankings.
• My MVP is Peyton Manning. When the Colts were playing like crap, he pulled a couple of wins out of his (behind) to keep them from falling off the face of the Earth. Their win vs. the Vikings in Week 2 should be one for the ages. Plus, he did it Tiger Woods-style on a bum knee. Rounding out my top 4 MVP choices are Adrian Peterson, Drew Brees, and Michael Turner (who has contributed a great deal to helping Matt Ryan eventually win Offensive Rookie of the Year).
• I am very interested to see how Ryan and Joe Flacco handle their first playoff games. I was impressed with Ryan the one time I saw him play. I was less so with Joe Flacco. Both teams aren't stupid though and will run the ball 40 times if they can. The Ravens and Falcons ranked one and two respectively in rushing attempts this season. That's how you break in a rookie QB.
• My two pre-season Superbowl picks will miss the playoffs. Dallas is out and deservingly so since they wilted like bad lettuce yesterday. New England deserves to be in (insert tirade regarding the playoff system here), but it will be refreshing to have a Patriot-less playoffs, just like a Yankee-less playoffs was for baseball. Heh, heh.
• I would be a little concerned if I were the Titans. I know the season finale was meaningless, but to get shut out by the Colts, a team Tennessee could very well meet in the playoffs, is no confidence booster. The Colts didn't need the game either, but they showed a little pride. The Titans couldn't even muster a field goal.
• Next weekend features three wildcard games where the road teams should be favored. My predictions for the entire playoffs will come before the end of the week.

So Long to Slingin' Sammy

A Washington Redskins and NFL great, Sammy Baugh passed away at the age of 94. He was a revolutionary in the passing game and a great all around player in the days when players went both ways. I'll be wearing my number 33 jersey on Sunday.

Redskins Reach Nadir

Washington's offense is even more pathetic than I thought. Only 13 points against the Bengals? Though their playoff chances were slim going into this week, I figured they would at least give it the old college try. Instead they spot Cincinnati a 17-0 lead.

I really hope that this doesn't prompt Dan Snyder to try to coax Bill Cowher out of retirement. I have a lot of respect for the guy and I think he's a good coach, but his brand of football drives me crazy. I've had my fill of three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust from the Redskins over the years, thank you. I've said it before. Washington desperately needs someone explosive on offense.

'Skins Swoon

After starting 6-2, my beloved Redskins sit at 7-6, on the outside of the playoff bubble. Sunday's thrashing at the hands of their next door neighbor Baltimore Ravens served notice that they are done. I warned all of you 'Skins fans not to get too excited after the first half of the season.

For some reason, although they have played well by and large, Washington's defense feels the need to spot their opponents with a 7-0 lead at the outset of every game. Clinton Portis, their only offensive weapon of any note, has way too much wear on his tires to be effective. The passing game continues to lack any kind of identity or go-to player (no disrespect to Chris Cooley but he's not going to stretch any defense with his speed).

In the offseason, they need to get some kind of threat a wide receiver and find a legit pass rusher. Jason Campbell will continue to develop if you give him more targets. They are just a couple of pieces from being a real playoff contender.

NFL Top 10: Week 14

It pains me to do so, but my Redskins have dropped out of the Top 10. The offense looked putrid against the Giants on Sunday. There is still no one on that side of that ball that strikes fear into the hearts of opposing defenses. The 'Skins D is solid and kept Washington in the game for a while. However, it's hard to continue to do that when the offense is punting every five minutes. Anyway, on to the Top 10.

1. Giants (11-1): Last week #1. Plaxico who? Domenik Hixon is a receiving star on the rise. Very dangerous.

2. Titans (11-1): Last week #2. What is a better way to rebound from a loss than to bury the toothless Lions on Thanksgiving day? Are they destined for 0-16 or what?

3. Steelers (9-3): Last week #3. They showed the Patriots who's boss. After falling behind 10-3, they scored the game's next 30 points. Think they were motivated by some past playoff failures against the Pats?

4. Cowboys (8-4): Last week unranked. I know, I know. How can I bring them from unranked to number four on the list. Because it's my list, damn it! Clearly, the return of Tony Romo has the 'Boys clicking again. It's amazing how teams can overcome just about any injury except to the QB.

5. Colts (8-4): Last week #5. That was an ugly, ugly win against the Browns. C'mon, only 3 offensive points! But sometimes you have to find a way to win in the mud and gunk. The Colts stepped out of their comfort zone and did just that.

6. Jets (8-4): Last week #4. I give the Jets somewhat of a pass for the loss on Sunday to Denver. They were working off a couple of big wins where they expended a lot of physical and mental energy. They have three winnable games in a row on the upcoming schedule. Don't screw it up!

7. Patriots (7-5): Last week #6. They just got manhandled by Pittsburgh on Sunday. You can never count out BB though. A playoff rematch might yield different results.

8. Panthers (9-3): Last week #8. When they run the ball, all is well. Will they be able to avenge their October 12th loss to the Bucs on Sunday?

9. Buccaneers (9-3): Last week #9. The winner of Bucs vs. Panthers could very well end up the 2nd seed in the NFC (and a coveted top 5 ranking in Dan's list).

10. Falcons (8-4): Last week #10. Everyone is sleeping on the NFC South. The winner could cause trouble in the playoffs for the favorites. Meanwhile, Matt Ryan is having one of the best rookie seasons ever for a QB. He has thrown just 6 interceptions and has only been sacked 13 times to go along with his 61% completion rate.

What the hell is up with...? Plaxico Burress. Certainly you don't need me to analyze the events of a few days ago. All the sports media will be doing that ad nauseum. But what baffles me the most is how Plax was such a good soldier last season. He played hurt all year. He made big catch after big catch. He kept is nose clean. So now that he has his ring he has no desire to work hard anymore or keep himself out of career risking situations? He should be trying especially hard to keep out of trouble considering that it's quite clear that the Giants don't need him.

Redskins vs. Steelers

We might have an idea of how good Washington really is after this game. They will also get a chance to make a statement in front of a national audience on Monday night. The Steelers are a solid team with a fine defense. The Washington offense, especially Jason Campbell, will have to be patient and pick the right moments to take shots down the field. The 'Skins must also take advantage of the fact that the Steelers are unwilling or unable to protect Ben Roethlisberger. He also has "Kurt Warner Syndrome." In other words, he holds onto the ball too long to the detriment of the team. If Washington can force him into mistakes, they will win the game.

Prediction: Redskins 17, Steelers 13