April 2009 Archives

Sergei Fedorov's 12th Playoff Game Winning Goal gave the Caps a 2-1 advantage over the New York Rangers with 4:52 left in the game. Most of what Fedorov has accomplished the past two season's can't be measured with statistics alone. He's mentored much of the young talent that McPhee has assembled. His leadership along with his calm demeanor and assertiveness on ice has kick started the top scoring line once more. Bruce Beadreau often relies on Sergei and has him center the top line to add stability. It's only fitting that Sergei Fedorov ripped the game winner past Lundqvuist to close the door on the series.

In case you've been living in a cave for the past 24 hours or so, you know Donald Brashear was suspended by the NHL for 6 games for two incidents. 5 of those games for his hit on NY Ranger Blair Betts. Let's put aside whether the hit warranted suspension (probably) or the number of games (too high?) and focus on the task the Washington Capitals have at hand tonight.

Game 7 brings the Caps the momentum after defeating the John Tortorella-less Rangers on Sunday. As many experts say, home ice is not really important, except in Game 7. The loss of Brashear tonight will impact the team to the effect that the Caps don't have that enforcer they signed from the Philadelphia Flyers a couple of years ago. It's kind of like losing that 10th man off the basketball bench who usually comes in at the end of a half or end of the game to commit or draw fouls.

The defensemen will need to step up to fill the void. Given the Game 7 scenario, there will likely be lots of hitting and crashing the boards. It's a matter of whether the officials will give leeway or clamp up, giving us either a blood bath or a drawn out game with lots of open ice. Still the Capitals have home ice and coming back from a 3-1 series deficit shows they can and should win this game.

The Washington Capitals are facing another elimination game today at Madison Square Garden in Game 6 of the series against the New York Rangers. After a resounding win Friday night, with scoring by Matt Bradley (2), Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin, not to also forget great goaltending by Simeon Varlamov, they still need to win 2. Today's game will have an interesting twist as the Rangers coach John Tortorella is suspended for this game for the following video. Note the first few seconds has no audio.

If anyone has video of the beer pouring, we'd love to see it!

The suspension may put the Rangers in disarray or prove to be a rally cry for the team to beat the Capitals. In any case, it's the last chance for Washington. Given the pre-season hopes, and how the team has played all season, no Stanley Cup would be a disappointment. The only bigger letdown might be losing in the opening round to the 7 seed.

The Redskins choice for the draft was not QB Mark Sanchez. Nor was it any one of the wide receivers. In an effort to improve the defensive line, they selected DE Brian Orakpo out of Texas. Orakpo fell to the Redskins after a series of moves and surprises before them. The New York Jets traded up to #5 to take Sanchez. And in Al Davis' brilliance, the Oakland-LA-Oakland Raiders took Terp WR Derrius Heyward-Bey.

Orakpo fills a void the Redskins have had since the days of Charles Mann and Dexter Manley. Sure, they've had players there, but while stars were targeted, then turned out less than stellar in their Redskin careers. Orakpo may finally fulfill that role.

Back to the moves that caused Orakpo to fall to #13, the Jets taking Sanchez left the Redskins with no reason to move up in the draft. Then the Raiders surprise pick of Heyward-Bey, who was projected at a mid-first rounder at best, made WR Michael Crabtree available to teams who figured he wouldn't be there for them. The Heyward-Bey pick was criticized by many including the one and only Mr. Draft Mel Kiper, who said that the Raiders should've traded down if they wanted Heyward-Bey that bad. Nobody was going to go after him that early. We're all happy for Heyward-Bey as now he can demand a Top 10 conract. His pick also caused some Redskins fans, including the Sports Freak and myself, to worry that Crabtree might interest the Redskins. There was little chance he would fall to 13, but if San Francisco had not picked him up at 10, who knows what would have happened?

While Orakpo was a lucky break for the Redskins, it's also a smart one. It also again puts pressure on Jason Campbell, since the defense has shored up some more. He needs to prove himself throughout the 2009 season to justify a new contract. Otherwise, he'll follow in the footsteps of Gus Frerotte, Patrick Ramsey, and other Redskins QB's of the past in journeymen roles. That's if he's lucky.

The DC Sports Page Apologizes for the Entry Not Being Posted Sooner - Original Posting From April 21st!!!! Due to a system error the article below by Steph Bagley of ESPN The Magazine and www.HockeyBarn.com wasn't posted when it was originally written. We sincerely apologize and hope everyone enjoys the EXCELLENT Article by Steph!! - The Sports Freak.

Saturday afternoon, when Boudreau made the game-time decision to start Varlamov over Jose Theodore, many hockey fans-especially in New York- heard the name “Simeon Varlamov” for the very first time. He did a solid job, and earned some verbal shoulder-pats for only letting in one goal. By 10:00 PM last night, Varlamov not only earned his second start and first win; he became the steel-cast foundation of the vaunted Capitals Iron Curtain.

Well, here we are at the end of the first round and the end of the mock draft for 2009 here on TheDCSportsPage.com.

I’ve had the pleasure of being in the lovely town of Pittsburgh, but I can’t say I have any interesting stories about this town. Being a Capitals fan, I obviously hate the Penguins and that’s way before the most recent Ovechkin vs. Crosby rivalry. What true Caps fan can forget the various heartbreaking playoffs losses? But I digress (isn’t that what I’m supposed to do with these mock draft postings?). I can say I respect the Steelers for being the most consistent football team I know. For the most part they’ve always been competitive and now they are the NFL’s leading Super Bowl winners with six titles. It’s hard not to admire a blue collar team that’s successful.

Assuming your team didn’t trade into this position, this is obviously where you want to be drafting. You’re the champs and you get to flaunt it until at least February until the new ones are crowned… or if you’re lucky enough your team can extend their reign for yet another year.

So what do the Super Bowl XLIII Champions need?

32nd Pick: Alex Mack, C, California

Believe it or not, the Champions could stand to upgrade on the offensive line, so why not take the best Center in the draft? The added benefit is that Alex is versatile enough to also see action in the Guard position as well.

Thanks for joining us for this year’s mock draft. If you had a good time, please leave a comment letting us know. Heck, if you had a bad time, tell us that as well. We’d love to hear more from our readers.

Technically, I’ve been to Phoenix and when I say “technically” I do mean outside the airport and not just passing through on my way to Vegas. However, I have not spent a night in Phoenix as I flew into town in the morning and had to fly back out on the redeye that evening.

Unfortunately, during my time there, I did not get the chance to visit the Heart Attack Grill. How can you not love a place which has the motto, “Taste Worth Dying For!?” That and the lovely nurses there to help will make it a place I’ll put on my list to visit if I ever find myself with time on my hands in this town.

So onto the pick…

The Cardinals were much closer to victory than most thought possible in the Super Bowl fight with the Steelers. The defense really stepped it up and what a show in the air with Warner and his targets Boldin and Fitzgerald. However, the one element this team has lacked all season was running game and with James over the hill and Hightower and Arrington not really panning out, this team needs to go to the well again.

31st Pick: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

You may be asking, “Hey, why not Chris Wells?!?!” Well, looking to the long term it would seem Wells' running style would lead to questions of durability. So one has to ask do you need a pounder like Wells or someone who can be a bit more shifty like Brown? Use Hightower as your short yardage back and let Brown become your long term solution at running back.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock with the 32nd and last pick in the first round of the draft.

Here we go again, down 3-1 in the first round, same as last year. Against the Flyers , the Caps won the first and dropped three straight. This year is a bit different; losing the first two at home before splitting the next two in NY. Last year the caps rebounded with two wins and nearly a third before dropping a heartbreaker to Philly in overtime. Can the same basic team repeat history? I am not going to speculate on this one, however to a man , the Caps will say the series is not over yet, and they have the Rangers right where they want them. Hopefully our blue-clad visitors from Gotham will have the same smug attitude that this one is in the books, and open the door for another furious charge from the Red Warriors. Hopefully Ovechkin will bring his ramped-up game, and ramp it up some more. Hopefully Mike Green will ramp-up what has been an admittedly lackluster game. Hopefully Varly won't dwell on the freak goals of Wed nite's loss. And foremost , hopefully our heroes will feed off the energy of the red clad fans. "Unleash The Fury", "All Your Fault", and "Lets Go Caps" need to be shouted as loud as ever, and hopefully not for the last time this season.

Raise your hand if you knew the Washington Wizards signed their new coach this week. Hello, is anyone out there? OK, can you name the interim coach from the 08-09 season? Did you know Washington has a NBA team?

The Wizards signed Flip Saunders to guide the team for the next four years. Saunders has previously coached the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons, leading both teams on playoff runs. Since the coaching days of Wes Unseld ending in 1994, the past 15 years has produced 11 head coaches of varying degrees of success. Bernie Bickerstaff, Gar Heard, and Leonard Hamilton all failed to lead the team to championships. The "best" of the herd might have been Doug Collins and Eddie Jordan. Jordan was fired after a dismal start of the 08-09 campaign where he didn't have 3 of his best players to start the season.

Saunders will be tasked to bring this team back to prominence. At best, the 3rd favorite team in the DC area behind the Redskins and the crowd pleasing Capitals, has in the past advertised games by featuring the opponents coming in to town. How about a winning coach and a winning team? Victories seem to cure all ills.

In this edition of Q’s Travel blog, it may surprise some to learn that I have actually been to Nashville, Tennesee. The trip was quite recent and while I was in town for business, I did get the chance to visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel & Convention Center which if I understand correctly isn’t too far away from the Grand Ole Opry House. The resort hotel is quite amazing and reminded me of a high end Vegas casino on the strip. The only thing this place was missing was the slot machines and gaming tables. As such it was a very nice place to visit and they even had the National Student Nurses Association convention in town… not that, that really meant anything for me.

I know this story is quite boring, but my other Nashville story involves me in the laying prone inside the trunk / hatchback area of a Corvette, and I’m not about to share that story.

So onto the real reason you’re reading this blog entry…

Let’s face it. Dallas may claim to be America’s team, but the Giants play on the biggest stage in America. Granted, they share it with the Jets, but there is no place like New York.

In their attempt to repeat last year, many point to the derailment caused by the loss of Plaxico Burress. By shooting himself, many feel he shot down the hopes for the Giants to claim another title. So remember, kids, guns and nightclubs don’t mix.

While wide receivers are pretty hit and miss, it’s probably a chance the Giants will have to take.

29th Pick: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

While he doesn’t have the blazing speed, this young man comes to the NFL with tons of knowledge courtesy of his dad (and one time Redskins staff member) Terry. Some scouts also say he has the best hands in the collegiate ranks.

The Tennessee Titans are on the clock with the 30th Pick in the draft.

Rumors along with Dan Snyder meeting the USC QB Mark Sanchez have many wondering if the Redskins will draft the QB if he's available at the current pick 13th overall in the 1st Round or if the Redskins will trade up to draft the QB. Not only would it signal the end of the Campbell era, but it would also mark the start of another rebuild around new leadership at the QB position. By the time the potential QB would be ready, Portis, the OL, and LB unit may be too old.

Could all of the draft speculation about Sanchez be unfounded? Could the Redskins be looking to play the game to encourage teams to trade up to the Redskins pick or move past the Redskins to draft Sanchez allowing a better OT or DL to slip to the Redskins? Could the Redskins deploy such a mysterious game of draft strategy that they're positioning themselves to move up for DT Raji to play along side Haynesworth or the highly touted DE Orakpo to generate more of a pass rush or even OT Monroe? This would involve a high degree of mastery of the interworking of the NFL Draft. The Skins have usually sold draft picks away for too little and under delivered on the additional picks they've garnered.

Is it possible that the Snyder could be learning from his neighbors up north in Baltimore as to how the draft is supposed to help a franchise? It's possible, but unlikely. Anytime Snyder's team is repeatedly mentioned with such fervor it's worth monitoring. Let's hope for Skins fans that owner Dan Snyder is working the phones and media to his advantage to gain the upper hand in the draft.

OF Elijah Dukes troubled past has been well documented. The Nationals informed him from the onset that there'd be a zero tolerance policy regarding personal and team issues. Dukes has his own personal entourage that works with him and sponsored by the Nationals to help mentor him. While donning the Nationals uniform, Dukes has avoided much of the causes for so many problems in his past.

A look into the music selection may provide some insight into Dukes' personality as he chose the song Its My Birthday. There's no doubt that he chose a fun loving song that everyone can enjoy but it's also a song that can reach a deep accord about one's own reflections about themselves. Had he chosen a more self deprecating song like "Breaking the Law" it would have also filled the same playful and humorous tone showing that he can make fun of himself rather than a song informing fans to look at him.

when i first saw the cartoon images the caps put on the jumbo video boards after the Caps score, i was sure the players would get a healthy ribbing from their teammates. Especially Nicklas Backstrom done up to look like a new age Mighty Thor complete with a hammer and viking helmet, and red cape. Looks like the creative geniouses in the Caps production staff got that one dead on. Backstrom's game has jumped by leaps and bounds the last few months after another slow start to the season. Last nite's assist on Tom Poti's goal was just plain freaky. Watching instant replay, you can see him look up for a millisecond before turning his back, and flicking a stong pass across the faceoff circle to a streaking Poti. Bruce B said it was one of the best passing plays he has seen all season. Most impressive were his 4 registered hits, and several rushes where bigger players just bounced off him. Has our quiet ,young Nicklas indeed gained super powers? will arch-enemy Chris Drury summon up the strength to stop our hero? can the evil Torts draw up a diabolical plan to slow down The Russian Machine? Stay Tuned...........

when, i'm wrong; i am the first to admit it except when someone beats me to the punch. And i was wrong about sending Theodore back to the crease for the Caps. All hail our new conquering hero; Simeon Varlamov, who stole the show tonight for the Caps, pasting the Rangers 4-0. With his aggressive play in front of the crease, Varly spoke clear volume about who should tend the cage for the rest of the series, and hopefully beyond. Now, however; what do we do with our overpriced backup? And i'm not talking about Brent Johnson either. A 4.5 million dollar albatross against the cap for next year. too bad the Caps can't sell Jose's contract to the Helsinki Formulas of the Finnish Elite League. Looks like they'll have 2 untradeable contracts next year if you include Nylander. With the cap seemingly to be lower next year, GMGM will have his work cut out, especially if he is going to give both Semin and Backstrom long term deals.I see the Preds gave David Poile a years extension; perhaps GMGM could fleece him for a few draft picks in exchange for our dead weights ala the Brendan Witt deal of 2006.. Should make for an interesting summer. Until then Varly is the Man!

It can't be left unsaid that two members of the baseball team that plays in Washington had the word "Natinals" written across their chest on their jerseys. This leaves the door open for so many easy comments at the Nats that I'll just let this one speak for itself.

It happens every spring isn't just a baseball movie, it also can be a title to the history of the Capitals. Dating back to the spring of 1983, the Caps number one problem has been the lack of a hot goaltender for the playoffs. Whether it be Bob Mason, or Al Jensen, or Pete Peeters, Clint malarchuk, Byron Dafoe, Rick Tabbaracci, Jim Carey or even Ollie Kolzig; our hometown heroes always seem to fall short of their expected goals. This year is no exception. Jose Theodore (also known as threeormore) just hasn't caught fire as hoped. His removal for game 2 , while not a huge suprise to most fans, did in fact catch me by suprise. Bruce runs the risk of the plunging of Jose's confidence, at the same time as betting the farm on an untested playoff rookie in Simeon Varlamov. The Caps did have moderate success at times in the 90's by shuffling goalies in the post season, but it is by no means a sure bet. Despite Simeon's sparkling play in game 2, it would probably be a good idea to run Jose back out for game 3; otherwise GMGM may have a 4.5 million albatross around his neck next year. That is if GMGM survives a HOT summer.

The Balitmore Orioles set a league record for going 0-21 to start a season, but don't let the fact that the Nationals have only won one game so far this season fool you. The hitting is dramatically better than last year and should end more losing streaks then had occured last season. Unfortunately for Manny the starting pitching has been relatively poor. The relief pitching on paper is even worse than last year.

Similar to the Wizards, look for the Nationals to monitor Acta closely through the first 20 games especially before a series on the road as the 20 game mark approaches. Eddie Jordan's team was beset by injuries. The Wizards started poorly and shortly there after he was let go. Jordan helped take Washington to consectuive playoff runs which Acta doesn't have on his resume.

Bruce Beadreau made the right call inserting rookie goaltender Varlamov into the starting line up over Theodore yesterday and it wasn’t much of a gamble. Beadreau has been known to bench and scratch players over the course of the season. Theo’s performance and post game comments most likely sealed the deal for his benching.

Theo wasn’t the reason why the Capitals won the Southeast division nor was he the reason why they became the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. He was merely along for the ride. He also wasn’t the hired mercenary brought in as the final piece of the puzzle to win the cup. Theo wasn’t a franchise leader like an Olie either. Bruce wouldn’t have inserted Varlamov into the lineup if he wasn’t confident that he’d perform well. Varlamov hasn’t had a track record anywhere in his career for giving up soft goals unlike Theo.

After a dismal performance in game one allowing arguably two soft goals, the Caps have to ask themselves which Theo will show up in net today and should they make a move in net? May be it's an overreaction, but the Caps will find it hard to win a shoot out during the game against a hot goaltender if their goaltender continues to cough up rebounds and soft goals.

It would put the Caps in a difficult position if they start their young rookie and he doesn't come through. They'd have two shaken and upset goaltenders with a decision as to who to start in game three. Ultimately some of the comments post game by Theo may have some impact on who will start in goal. Theo acknowledged his poor performance with two goals he considered preventable, but was completely indifferent as to the commotion about a goaltending decision only being down 1-0 and not like its 3-1 in a series.

When teammates are trying to provide support during and after the game to hear such comments is somewhat disturbing to hear. Rather than an I'll be there and you can count on me to make it up the next game attitude a much more laizzes faire attitude arose. In a competition you want someone along side of you that going to fight with you and defend you. Maybe there's more behind the scenes, but where's the fight coming from Theo even to hold onto to his starting position. If it was Thunderdome where "two men enter and one man leaves" would Theo make it out in a duel with the young hungry rookie? Logic along with long term thinking says to play the percentages and allow Theo another start, but if the Caps go with their gut fans may see the rookie in net because they know that he'll fight for everything down to the last second and beyond!

So here we go again on our own. Sorry, I couldn't think of an appropriate message from Bon Jovi, so Whitesnake will need to do. The Eagles get a second shot in the first round and after OT Eben Britton, they need to look elsewhere. While they have running backs, one could argue all they've got is Brian Westbrook. He's 30 and has never played all 16 games in a season. While we've seen in the past his injuries do not hamper Philly greatly, they are pressing their luck going yet another season without solid backup.

28th pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia

Cheesesteak-ville could use Moreno in Andy Reid's version of the West Coast. A good receiver and tack in back to back 1,000 plus rushing yard seasons for the Bulldogs, he should give the boost the Eagles need in the running game, as well as adequately fill in for Westbrook when the inevitable injury comes along. Besides, what team doesn't want two quality backs? His drawback might be his rough version of play, making him vulnerable to injury as well.

The New York Football Giants are on the clock for the 29th pick.

John Madden announced his retirement yesterday after nearly 30 years in broadcasting (as he started in 1979). He was a head coach in the NFL for ten seasons, won Super Bowl XI, and was inducted into the NFL Hall of fame. It almost sounds like a headline for someone departed, but to so many football fans it’s just like losing a good friend. Madden will still be around, but no longer beamed into your television set every week.

His keen insight and analysis was striking. It didn't take long for fans to take notice of Madden. His robust personality will be missed. From his Taste Great/Less Filling Miller Lite commercials ripping through the paper wall to his trademark video game, fans from across generations appreciated everything Madden had to offer. Madden had become so popular that even his video game spawned a TV show on ESPN.

Fans will always remember his artistry and mastery of the telestrator, as well as his joyous commentary like "Doink!" As his star power and personality grew the last few seasons, he never seemed to allow the fans to turn on him like so many broadcasters face when on the air so long. Over time the shared knowledge can turn to perceived arrogance as many fans who once enjoyed listening to Billy Packer turned on him years later. Such an episode never occurred with John Madden and that's also what made him so adored and why so many fans will miss hearing him on Sundays.

As the Redskins prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft next weekend, they should look at their roster over the next few years to formulate a plan to better position themselves not just this coming season, but in future seasons too. The lack of looking past the current season has been a sticking point for Redskins fans for years now. It's blatantly obvious how poor the pass rush has been for the past two decades, as well as how much criticism the offensive line has received. These are two most immediate areas of need for the team, but neglecting other positions could prove just as disastrous in the long term future of the team.

The team's most productive unit the past couple of seasons has been its linebackers. They've been worn down due to the lack of pressure and production by the front four. The Skins already released Marcus Washington. London Fletcher played most of the season despite various injures and will turn 34 in May. Rocky McIntosh battled through aching knees down the home stretch of the season and may face these problems the rest of his career. What once was the strength of the team could quickly become the weakest if adequate steps aren't taken. Re-signing Washington would be a good start.

Portis has carried quite the load since coming to Washington. Gone are the gashing long runs that Portis had in Denver and in comes the power running game that's shouldered most of the load for Redskins victories all on Clinton Portis' back. He's nearing 30 and with the pounding Portis takes the team should look to find the next running back for the team.

Here are a few possible options to help acquire some draft picks and talent:

A few comments on some recent news regarding the Mets and the Yankees:

I still can't figure out why the sale of Bernie Madoff's Mets tickets on ebay was such a big news story. Big sporting events sell for top dollar on ebay all the time, yet for some reason because Madoff was forced to sell his tickets, it's big news.

The Colts hold a special place in my heart if only for the fact Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne helped to lead my fantasy football team to victory this past season. And who doesn’t like a team who steals away under the cover of darkness for another city??!?!

So, onto the pick…

Not so long ago the Indianapolis version of the Colts finally clawed their way to the top of the heap, but an aging team and a defense which has always been somewhat suspect has made the Colts a one hit wonder.

With the release of Harrison, one also has to have questions about the offensive side of the ball and whether Manning will have enough weapons to keep the Indy machine going.

Well, it will have to be enough as the Colts can’t continue to expect to compete with an undersized defense.

27th Pick: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

And how can you afford to pass on guy who was a member of the National Honor Society?

The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock again with the 28th Pick in the draft.

Monday brought some sad news for all sports fans with the passing of Harry Kalas. His booming baritone, instantly recognizable, served as the voice of the Phillies for 38 years. Football fans will also be familiar with Kalas's more than three decades of voiceover work for NFL Films. Kalas's enthusiasm and love of baseball, best captured in his signature "Outta here!" home run call, will be sorely missed from Phillies broadcasts. Spring and summer will never sound the same in Philadelphia. The fact that he had become so closely identified with one city and one team, a rarity for sportscasters in this day and age, makes his passing all the more difficult for fans. Thankfully Harry did live to see the Phillies finally win another World Series title last fall, and was there to make the call in a thrilling moment for the city and its longsuffering fans. Fans and friends should take comfort in the fact that he died in the pressbox doing what he loved.

The Baltimore Ravens are now on the clock with the 26th Pick in the Draft.

Baltimore would draft a top receiver in this position if there was one worthy of taking at this point. The Ravens would have loved to have taken Darrius Heyward-Bey from the University of Maryland. The brain trust in Baltimore knows when to take the best player available and have always found a way to retool the DL & LB groups.

26th Pick: James Laurinaitis, ILB Ohio State

Who better to groom the next Ravens Linebacker than Ray Lewis. Laurinaitis athletic ability resembles Brian Urlacher. He should fit in well with a team known for its strong linebacker play and defense.

The Indianapolis Colts are now on the clock with the 27th Pick in the draft.

The Miami Dolphins are on the clock with the 25th Pick in the draft.

Miami's most obvious need is to increase the level of production coming out of the receiver position and begin to stretch the field more. Being able to pass more efficiently will back off the safeties and create more running lanes for Brown & Williams.

The 25th Pick: Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers

The Dolphins will look to Britt to demonstrate the same production he displayed in the Big East. His 6'3" frame should help with patterns over the middle and if he can duplicate racking up the yards after the catch that he had at Rutgers, Miami's offense should become much more balanced and potent.

The Baltimore Ravens are now on the clock with the 26th Pick in the draft.

The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock with the 24th Pick in the draft.

Matt Ryan and Michael Turner could definitely use some help on offense besides the break out year from receiver Roddy White. The top rated TE Pettigrew may garner some attention with the mindset that he could be the safety valve and intermediate target for Ryan.

Just like any receivers taken in the draft, historically it usually takes two to three years to develop a receiver at the NFL level. Looking back the draft has yielded few tight ends worthy of taking in the 1st Round and none of them has carried a team to the Lombardi trophy. The Falcons need help on offense now. They may look to help Ryan with a veteran like an aging Harrison while they can develop one in a later round or trade for a receiver.

The Falcons have gone two for two with Ryan & Turner and will look to continue this by taking the best player available.

24th Pick: Robert Ayers, DE Tenn.

The Falcons may not be able to draft an immediate impact player on offense, but can find a pass rushing end that can help get Ryan and the offense the ball in better field position and hopefully more opportunities.

The Miami Dolphins are now on the clock with the 25th Pick in the draft.
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The New England Patriots are on the clock with the 23rd Pick in the draft.

23rd Pick: Clay Matthews, OLB USC

The loss of Vrabel to Kansas City as part of the Cassel trade and the exposure of the aging Patriots defense makes Matthews the perfect fit. His quickness and athleticism should help the aging linebacker group immediately and infuse the speed that's been lacking the past few seasons near the end of the season and in the playoffs.

The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock with the 24th Pick in the draft.

Now that one week of the 2009 Major League Baseball season is under wraps, let's play a little fact or fiction:

The Tampa Bay Rays will make the playoffs in 2009: Fiction.
One piece of fiction about the 2008 Rays was that none of their players had career years. Are you kidding me? Just look at their pitching staff: Grant Balfour, J.P. Howell, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine, and James Shields all had career years last year, so if even a couple of them fall back to earth in 2009 it will mean that the Rays won't make the playoffs. Add to the fact that the competition in the AL East is better in 2009 than it was in 2008, and you've got the Rays being left out when October comes around.

The Nationals left Spring Training amid a myriad of hope. This season started with the hope that the relatively young pitching staff can come together and sustain itself over the long course of the season. There’s also the hope that the starting pitching won’t rely heavily upon the questionable bullpen which was overworked much of last year due to starting pitching rarely working deep into games and the hope that the depth in the outfield would yield to more production in scoring. Even after three straight losses it's too early to judge this team and the season. There's still lots to be learned and lots of games yet to be played.

The Minnesota Vikings are on the clock with the 22nd Pick in the draft.

22nd Pick: William Beatty, OT Connecticut

I'm surprised the Pats haven't rushed in their pick already. Oh wait, that was the previous head coach. Ah oh well, that clip of the Ravens running up the pick before the Vikings should be played on ESPN Classics.

The top receivers are already gone and by taking one that would be more of a stretch than Beatty. Beatty may be a reach and taken a little early, but should be able to contribute and play a significant role this season. QB Freeman may be available, but how many projects do the Vikings need at QB. They passed on Cassel and Cutler. The Vikings recent draft history in the first round other than Peterson has been mediocre at best. Another QB project can be taken in a subsequent round.

The Vikings could also consider upgrading at DT or finding another pass rushing DE to have book ends on the edge. Ayers at DE could be someone Minnesota takes a look at for the 22nd pick, but ultimately adding depth and looking towards the future of the OL with such a gifted runner as Peterson makes the OT seem logical especially with plenty of receivers available in later rounds.

The New England Patriots are now on the clock with the 23rd Pick in the draft.

OK, this is one of those rare DC United articles.

The Prince George's County Council rejected a study of the construction of the new soccer stadium. In effect, it negates the possibly of the United moving into PG County.

The United will be back to the drawing board trying to figure out where they can build their stadium. In these troubled economic times, it is a wonder how they expect to get any government support. This affects the Washington Redskins indirectly, as the rumored dome that might be built on the RFK Stadium site hinges on RFK being empty of a home team. The United have few options. The Anacostia site has been on hold for years. One suggestion to play at the Germantown Soccer Complex in MD is a rather long stretch given that it is situated in an essentially far suburb for some fans and is still a few miles from the nearest Metro stop.

Jeff Garcia finally gets signed by a team. ESPN report that Garcia has signed with the Oakland Raiders for one year. He is slated to be the backup to JaMarcus Russell.

This move seems to put the Raiders in a good position for QB. While Russell is the starter, if they see potential for a good run they could replace him with Garcia to improve the offense, should Russell struggle. Obviously not a long term fix at QB, Garcia gives them a good veteran to help develop Russell, even if he is on the sidelines.

The Eagles are on the clock with the 21st Pick in the Draft.

Philadelphia could look to get younger along the offensive line. They've drafted busts at the OT position before in drafts, but with Eben Britton being the last of the projected 1st Round OT left on the board they'll hope that "Beanie" Wells is still available with the 28th Pick in the draft.

Wells would provide a good one two punch with Westbrook. He'd also be able to run late in the games between the tackles, which the Eagles have had problems with under Head Coach Reid. Wells would provide a little more thunder to Westbrook and hopefully extend his career.

21st Pick: Eben Britton, OT Arizona

As Tra Thomas left and signed with the Jacksonville, Britton should be able to challenge for a starting position on the roster. He's a brawler that should help open up gaping holes in the running game while protecting McNabb's blind side.

The Minnesota Vikings are on the clock with the 22nd Pick in the draft.

Filling in for Q - the Lions are on the clock with the 20th Pick in the Draft.

The Lions have so many needs. They obviously could use some additional help on the offensive line. Drafting Eben Britton to push Backus at OT may be where the Lions go to ensure adequate protection for their new QB.

20th Pick: Peria Jerry, DT Mississippi

Detroit finished last in rushing defense and near the bottom in passing, too. Although the Lions allowed 52 sacks last season, some of that can be attributed to QB's holding onto the ball too long. If the Lions are going to keep the games competitive and their QB upright they'll also need to stop the run to prevent the offense from passing so frequently putting their QB at risk. Jerry should help slow down the oppositions running game and keep the game more in check as he becomes the future anchor of the DL.

The Philadelphia Eagles are now on the clock with the 21st Pick in the Draft.

The aftermath of the Cutler trade from Denver to Chicago left the Redskins reassuring their starting QB that he's still their guy. Michael Wilbon often expressed the opinion that someone needed to grow up on George Michael's "Full Court Press." Jay Cutler's reaction to his name being offered in trade talks may have spurred some in the media or fan base to rally around the Redskins QB a little too much. Wilbon's remark from the old show could be used here and about Cutler.

We're talking about players being paid millions of dollars to play a game. Quite often players hold out in training camp during contract negotiations and their teammate's reactions are it's just the business so why shouldn't any organization try to make a trade if they believe it's in the best interests of their team? Doesn't every fan base want to improve the team and see it win?

In MLB near the trade deadline many names often appear in trade rumors, but ultimately may never be traded. It's a business and all the players mentioned go back out and play. Why is the NFL trying to be so different?

As part of the Jay Cutler and Josh McDaniels' fall out in Denver, the Bears acquired Cutler by surrendering a 1st Round Pick in 2009, a 1st Round Pick in 2010, a 3rd Round Pick in 2009, plus Orton QB and receive a 5th Round Pick in 2009.

Below are the Winners & Losers from this trade:

Losers:

Detroit Lions - How could the Lions not make an attempt at acquiring Cutler? It's one thing if your QB is as good or better to not be interested in Cutler, but to totally stay on the sidelines and rebuff the notion of improving the team makes no sense. Most insiders would take a proven veteran with a locked in contract vs. an unproven rookie (potentially if Detroit takes a QB with the 1st Pick in the draft) more times than not. It also allows the Lions to avoid the risk of drafting a player as the #1 overall pick in the draft and all the evaluations afterwards.

There certainly have been a lot of changes this offseason for the Buccaneers. Not only have they made a change at Head Coach and GM, they have two new coordinators (one which is changing a system that has been in place for over a decade and has its own name), a couple new playmakers, and must replace a number of people on the defensive side of the ball, including a first ballot Hall of Famer in Derrick Brooks.