November 2008 Archives

As today's game between the Redskins and Giants begins, here are some keys to the game brought to you by Q, Big Money Tony, & The Sports Freak.

• Win the line of scrimmage despite injuries along the front line. Pounding the ball successfully and not giving upon on the running game in the rain soaked field conditions. Trap block and running up the middle as cut back lanes will become difficult will be important no matter which running back runs the ball i.e. Portis, Betts, or Cartwright.
• Do not allow the running game of the Giants to dictate the flow of the game. The defense needs to wrap up while tackling.
• Stop the big play. One big play could make the difference in game with such poor weather conditions which could lead to point differential too large to overcome.
• Special teams could play a large role in determining field position to create a shorter field on offense to pinning the Giants back in their own end.

The Top 5 Reasons the Wizards fired Eddie Jordan:

#5 To Receive the Caps Lucky Karma:

The Caps have bungled countless decisions only to be bailed out by the greatest luck in sports in the area. They fired a coach early in the season last year without any real plan and it’s seemed to work out well.

Let’s recap –
• The Caps replace Wilson with an unproven minor league coach who alienated players and confounded fans. The Caps let go of all talent and receive little back in return to go from division winners to bottom dwellers to purge payroll due to the impending salary cap. It sounds eerily familiar to Casserly’s panic stricken purge for the Skins. Both led to the decline of the franchise.

• The Caps hopes lay upon a ping pong ball. The odds are long and thin to win the first pick. Not coming up with a franchise player like Ovechkin could prolong the poor team assembled and long on talent to perennial losers. As the ball bounced, Ovechkin became a Capital. The Caps replaced one minor league coach with another and then fired Hanlon during the season with no real plan and turned to the third consecutive minor league coach. Who really knows if Bruce would have been the first choice at the end of the year, but appears to be the right choice now.

#4 To Keep Up With the Jones’:

• PJ Carlesimo was fired from the Oklahoma City Thunder after going 1-12. Wait! The NBA is in Oklahoma City? Are you sure it’s not an Arena Football League team? It’s stylish to fire a coach early this year. Look at NFL teams this season.

#3 Everyone Else in Town Has Changed Coaches:

• Every other professional sports team has had coaching changes the past couple of years. Of all the professional teams in the area, Jordan had the longest tenure as a head coach. Jordan can now pursue other endeavors such as his dancing career. No, that was Jason Taylor. Ok, maybe it was his music career. No, wait that was Lastings Milledge. Ok, it must be to pursue other winning opportunities.

#2 To send a Message to Players and Coaches:

• The Wizards want to start a trend in sports that bad auto dealership commercials will not be tolerated.

The Washington Wizards did what people have been asking for yearsdays. When will Ernie Grunfeld fire Eddie Jordan. That day has finally come. After a 1-10 start, the team had enough. The big question is, was it really Jordan's fault?

The Wizards have played this season so far without star Gilbert Arenas and has also missed the work of Brendan Haywood. The great coaches motivate their team to wins when injuries go down. Last season the Wizards were also without Arenas for large parts of the end of the season, yet still made the playoffs. I'm wondering how 11 games in on a 82-game season is really enough to decide. But Jordan was coach before Grunfeld took over the team. That along with not getting out of the first round in recent years didn't help.

It's interesting that the Wizards make this move about a year after the Capitals fired their coach and promoted Bruce Boudreau. The Wiz looking for some Captial Magic? I don't know if Ed Tapscott, interim Wizards coach, has the powers in him.

Last season, Jim Zorn probably didn't imagine he'd be coming out of the opposing locker room at Qwest Field leading a different team from a different Washington. But here he was. Zorn's Redskins defeated the Seattle Seahawks 20-17 in a less than stellar performance.

Actually except for the one drive, the defense played a pretty good game. They held Seattle in check even with Matt Hasslebeck back and nearly his full complement of receivers. The offense on the other hand, was the same old Washington offense. No power. They took it downfield a few times and from the results, it shows that more practice is needed. Malcolm Kelly came back into the mix with 2 catches for 12 yards. While Portis was back over 100 yards, it was still difficult for the Redskins to move down the field and score.

Back briefly to the defense, two interceptions were great. Landry's was opportunistic and helped keep the Seattle offense off the field. It also set up the Redskins for the Randle-El touchdown. But the one Springs caught was a key moment. As a former Seahawk himself, it gave him another great moment in the town he used to play for as well as a close to the game. Regrettably, Alexander did not get a chance to carry in front of his old fans.

Redskins fans should be happy they won, but the Giants are up next week. We've asked for nearly a month now, but it's absolutely time for the offense to step up.

Maryland was pushed to OT by Vermont in an 89-74 Terps win at Comcast Center. Vasquez nailed a clutch three pointer to force overtime in a game that shouldn't have been this close on paper, by history, and power rankings, but the Terps can't take any team lightly on the schedule or they could face far worse than OT.

The starting lineup included Dupree, Milbourne, Tucker, Vasquez, and Hayes. By the end of the game and only a few games into the season the Terps discovered what lineup should be starting the game. Four minutes into the game the Terps looked as sharp as they had all season as they built a lead. Hayes exited the game and shortly after about mid way through the first half the game tightened up. This also occurred at the end of the first half. With a little over a minute to go Hayes was substituted out of the game with a nine point lead that was quickly trimmed down to a two point lead due to poor shot selection and decision making on offense.

It was a cold Sunday Night Football game and the Redskinettes were wrapped up for the winter. Vote for your favorite Redskins Cheerleader! This third week of voting pits Dawn versus Anabel. At the end of the season, we will match up the winners to choose the favorite of the year. Vote early. Each week we'll bring you a new matchup. Vote on the right sidebar.

Pictures by BMT. Left Dawn, Right Anabel

The results are in. A tie? Both move to the playoffs.

Eri Yoshida, 16, was drafted by Kobe 9 Cruise in the Japanese League Talking Baseball. Wakefield's knuckle ball pitch inspired Eri to give baseball a chance. This is proof of the power of tv and video as it can translate and inspire someone thousands of miles away. Interesting to see if she can hit as good as she pitches at the professional level.

The ESPN Zone seems like a great place to go to watch a sporting event or even kill some time waiting for an event. The later was what transpired this past Saturday night. Bruce Campbell was premiering his new movie at the Landmark Theater downtown Bruce Campbell.

Bruce was scheduled to talk before the movie and take Q&A afterwards for the 7 & 10 shows. The Landmark's website was down and their phone number wouldn't connect you to a live operator. After traveling via a weekend metro schedule, Big Money Tony and I arrived on the scene only to find the show sold out. We decided to bite the bullet and catch Bruce before the midnight show without the Q&A after the show because Bruce likes his sleep.

Maryland’s ride through the schedule took another interesting good turn as they dispatched UNC 17-15 at Byrd Stadium on Sat. Maryland knocked off yet another top 25 ranked team this season. The Terps now control their own destiny. If they win out, they'll appear in the ACC Championship game for the first time.

ESPN has already started to feature a weekly article with bowl projections Bowl Projections. After this past week's results, ESPN has Maryland making a return trip to the Orange Bowl or a nice trip to the Gator Bowl in a rematch from the regular season a few years ago with Notre Dame.

The Redskins have never won a game played on November 16th and the trend continued as the Cowboys defeated the Skins 14-10 at FedEx Field. The Redskins won the battle of the trenches and dominated much of the game through three quarters. Romo's finger splint forced some bad and errant throws resulting in an incomplete pass on third downs or interceptions.

Portis and Betts played with all their hearts and tremendous guts. The ground game worked well through most of the game. It was the best run blocking from Samuels in a very long time. Campbell was battered and knocked down from the Cowboys pressure, but the offensive line held together much better in three and four receiver set plays.

The driver’s seat belongs to the Giants. Thus far this season among many pretenders, the defending Super Bowl Champions have separated themselves from the rest of the NFC. After the Giants, the NFC can all be clumped together. They’re up one week and fall back the next.

While the NFC East has beaten up on each other, this year's darling has been the NFC South. The resurgent defense with a spark of offense has pushed the Bucs back into the playoff picture. The Panthers have their quarterback back and so is their defense but it's the running game that's helping both sides of the ball. On the other hand a poised Matt Ryan and tough running Turner have vaulted the Falcons into thinking playoffs too. It’s the Falcons that seem like the most fun team to watch. There’s too much hype regarding the Saints and their offense. When they don’t make a big play and score, it’s somewhat disappointing and the choppy play is a reflection of why the South is up for grabs.

Last night, the Maryland Terrapins dominated the Bucknell Bison 81-52. As the Sports Freak noted as we were walking into Comcast Center, this is a team that has made it to Big Dance as many times as the Terps in the last 4 years, so the win is impressive. The start was not. Neither team scored until nearly 4 minutes into the game when Bucknell finally dropped one in. It didn't get much better in the first half. The Terps had no inside game. Not just shooting, but nobody went into the paint when jumpers were taken. Offensive rebounds were few and far between. The only thing saving the Terps was that the Bison apparently copied the playbook and did not rebound their own shots.

In the last two minutes of the half, lone senior Dave Neal took the floor in his customary time to pressure the opponent. While the half ended 33-17, the Terps looked sluggish the entire half. Besides Neal, the other spark came from Jin Soo Kim, this season's home crowd favorite, as he drew a foul and shot both free throws.

At Cole Field House last night, the Phillip Merrill College of Journalism and the Colonnade Society of the University of Maryland hosted a 3rd Annual Shirley Povich Symposium. This year's topic was Race and Sports Journalism. I was lucky to be in attendance. The panel was moderated by Maury Povich of tabloid show fame and Kevin Blackistone, Povich Chair at the Merrill College. Michael Wilbon, Gary Williams, Sage Steele, Scott Van Pelt, and Len Elmore rounded out the panel. George Solomon, former Washington Post writer, ESPN Ombudsman, and current professor at Maryland, was in attendance as well. The discussion started with a mention of President-Elect Barack Obama. While historic, it does not mean the end of the race discussion in America.

Those who don't know who Shirley Povich was should know that he was a great sports columnist for the Washington Post for over 60 years. He died one day after writing his last column in 1998. He was the father of Maury, the night's moderator and David, an attorney.

The Nationals acquired outfielder Josh Willingham and starting pitcher Scott Olsen from the Marlins in exchange for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and minor leaguers Jake Smolinski (SS) and P.J. Dean (P) Nats Trade. Willingham (29) has battled injuries throughout his career and has topped the 20 homerun mark. Unlike more recent Nats starting pitchers, Olsen has made it through an entire season. He’s an innings work hog that should provide relief for an overworked bullpen.

NFL Week 11 brings great matchups on the field. We bring you a great matchup from the sidelines. Vote for your favorite Redskins Cheerleader! This second week of voting pits Melanie versus Noriko. At the end of the season, we will match up the winners to choose the favorite of the year. Vote early. Each week we'll bring you a new matchup. Vote on the right sidebar.

Pictures by BMT. Left Melanie, Right Noriko

Update: The results are in

The Redskins officially signed DeAngelo Hall yesterday prompting the team to make a roster move. Leigh Torrence a stalwart nickel corner back, special teams standout, and spot duty starter was cut to make room for the arrival of Hall. At 26 and with two seasons under his belt in the burgundy and gold, Torrence's future seemed bright with the team. He was both a great team player in the locker room and also cap friendly.

In the first time in a long time, a roster spot decision to determine the makeup of the team and this close to the playoffs fell on Vinny. It can only be assumed that Kelly will not be put on IR or the move to cut Torrence wouldn't have been made. Why wasn't Tryon moved to the practice squad if he cleared waivers especially if he isn’t ready to fill a nickel back role? With so many teams looking for quality depth in the secondary it seemed odd that Torrence was waived.

The Terps dispatched Northwood University 104-60 at Comcast Center. The undersized Terrapins were without Greivis Vasquez who sat out the game for violating team rules. The game also marked the debut of Jin Soo Kim. He was declared academically eligible earlier in the week. He appeared to have a little Mario Lucas from yester years in his hands. During one stretch of playing time in the first half the ball hit his hands and a shot was soon fired up. His second half results were much better as he finished the game with 20 points and he immediately became a fan favorite.

The Washington Redskins signed free agent cornerback DeAngelo Hall for the remainder of the season. Hall was released earlier in the week by the Oakland Raiders even though they acquired him in the offseason and signed him to a 7 year contract.

Hall immediately improves the Redskins secondary. With Shawn Springs continuing to recover from injury, as well as Fred Smoot hobbled on and off, Hall will shore up the cornerback position. Maybe he'll rub off and Carlos Rogers will learn how to keep hold of an interception instead of dropping them.

Hall will have an extra week to get ready as the Redskins are on bye this week. So are the Dallas Cowboys who come to town November 16 for Sunday Night Football.

Sean Taylor will be inducted to the Ring of Fame at Fedex Field. This picture, taken last season, has been mentioned erroneously as being in the Ring of Fame. It is actually taking a spot normally sold for sponsorship.

The Ring of Fame has names of the greatest Redskins of all time. Normally induction is based on a long career with the Redskins or the player had an integral role in a Superbowl Championship. While #21 had none, this feels totally right.

Taylor's induction will occur on November 30 prior to the game against the Giants. Art Monk and Darrell Green will be inducted into the Ring of Fame prior to the Cowboys game on November 16. Three new names to represent the greatest players.

On this very important day in American History, the DC Sports Page wants to bring you an election that everyone can agree on. Vote for your favorite Redskins Cheerleader! This first week of voting pits Buffy versus Toccara. At the end of the season, we will match up the winners to choose the favorite of the year. Vote early. Each Tuesday we'll bring you a new matchup. Vote on the right sidebar.

Update: Polls have closed and we have a winner

Pictures by BMT. Left Buffy, Right Tocarra

In a game that could have had fans asking at 7-2 is the bandwagon fuel efficient, we'll have to wait until much later in the season if at all to ask Mr. Kornheiser. The Skins fell to a better team Monday night that expoited their weaknesses similar to the season opener against the Giants.

Entering the game and the half way point with a 6-2 record had fans wondering what kind of season this could be. As the playoff picture danced through Skins fan's minds, it was easy to reminiss about the recent glory days. The record may have the area of fans thinking about the bandwagon with good reason, but in season's past something special always comes to mind when referring to the great season's in more recent history.

In 1982 the Redskins built off of the end of the previous season and pounded the opposition with Riggins and the Hogs. In 1983 setting the record at the time for the best plus/minus ratio for turnovers, the team was able to run up a 14-2 record with an explosive offense and tough defense. In 1987, the team had a solid offense and defense that led to another Super Bowl win, a trip to the White House, and President Reagan yelling where's Ricky Sanders and the ball was thrown to him on the lawn. In 1991, the team went 11-0 to start the season and blew away the compitition on the way to another Lombardi Trophy victory.

In all of the Super Bowl seasons, the was a genuine feeling that's missing so far this season. It's the way the Skins were able to put teams away. The way in which each team found its path to the Super Bowl was different and yet the same. They had a dominating offense and strong defense. Yet, when watching the games it feels like something is missing or waiting to be clicked on for something special to occur. It's this missing component that could be the difference between a deep run into the playoffs and an early start for the golf season for the team.

After a strange Sunday of games (Bengals over Jaguars, really??), the Redskins face the Steelers at Fedex Field this evening.

Last weeks performance will not be enough to beat Pittsburgh. Detroit is a sorrier team than the Steelers. However, some keys to the game from last week still remain.

On offense, Portis needs to run, run, run. Another 100+ yard game would help Washington toward a win. Alexander or Cartwright might get into the mix as well, to give a different look. They really have to open up the passing game. While it's nice that Campbell has not thrown an interception, the short passes that barely garner enough for first downs will not work as well against the Pittsburgh defense. Dare I say even take some risky plays that will threaten to be intercepted? Putting up 20 points might not be enough, so I think exercising Campbell's arm might be needed.

On defense, they need to continue to play well. It seems simple enough, but this team has been maligned with injuries since Week 1. Taylor and Springs are practically regulars on the questionable list. With Willie Parker potentially sidelined, Mewelde Moore can and needs to be contained. That would leave the offense to Ben Rothelisberger and the receiving corp of Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward. Despite being a Top 10 defense, the Redskins are low on the sack count. Putting Rothelisberger in the ground a couple of times should throw the team off balance.

The Sports Freak and I will be attending the game. Game recap sometime on Election Day, if we're not in line all day to vote.