If there was a prototypical blue collar division in football, this would be it. It’s a bit funny, but if I were ranking this division just based on their cities and not their teams, I’d probably rank them the same.

Pittsburgh Steelers
If there is only one word to describe this team, it would be ‘Consistent.’ Steelers fans are renowned for supporting their team and how could they not? Almost every year they can be assured of seeing a team who will be competitive, mostly likely make the playoffs and have that chance at going all the way. As a fan in the NFL, that’s all you can ask from your team. This year is no different for the Steelers as they bring back the #1 defense from last year, which if they can stay healthy will continue to keep the Steelers in every game. And the only question about the offense seems to be the O-line which has 2 new starters. Other than that they have the firepower with Big Ben and his receivers Ward, Holmes and Miller and a solid running game with Parker and the addition of Mendenhall for a 1-2 punch.

Continue reading "AFC North Prediction" »

Posted by Q at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The AFC South is a top heavy division with everyone else looking up.

Indianapolis

The Colts are starting to show some age on offense and have always been undersized on defense. The Colts window of opportunity is beginning to close before they have to completely overhaul the team and find ways to sign free agents with some of the players taking so much of the salary cap. The Colts should still be able to pull away from Jacksonville.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville, the most heavily criticized city by announcers and writers to not host a Super Bowl or event will come up short to the Colts once more. Tony Kornheir made such a statement and was then blasted by the city. Having never visited the city I'll have to take co-worker and Tony K. and the Sports Guy's advice to heart. Overall Jacksonville will look to improve its passing game and gain more of a pass rush. IF they can accomplish both tasks, they'll give Indy a run for the money for the division.

Continue reading "AFC South Prediction" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The NFC South appears to be very competitive this year. There will be plenty of questions and surprises in the division. Below are predictions and analysis for the NFC South.

New Orleans

It's another year of hope and dreams for the Saints. They've re-tooled the offense to include more touches for Bush and have the return of McAllister to add a power rushing game. The Saints solidified their passing game by adding Shockey to the mix. Brees has plenty of weapons in his arsenal. Can the Saints defense clamp down on opposing offenses when it counts come playoff time or will it be a wait to next year ending that so many Cubs fans have ended so many season saying?

Continue reading "NFC South Prediction" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Apparently it was the 6th pre-season game last week we saw. The Redskins lost to the NY Football Giants 16-7. The Giants dominated the Redskins for most of the first half, but then both teams thought the game only last 30 minutes as neither decided scoring was important in the second half.

It was coach Jim Zorn's first game as head coach, so I will give them a pass. Time management, questionable play calling, and overall game management seemed to be lacking.

Continue reading "Bad, Bad Game" »

Posted by Big Money Tony at 01:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Seattle Seahawks
Let’s face it. This is the weakest division in football which means that Seattle automatically gets 6 wins to start the season. Now, Shaun Alexander is gone, but he hasn’t been much of a factor the past couple of years anyway. As long as this team stays mostly healthy, they’ll finish the season like they do every year, with a loss in the first round of the playoffs.

Continue reading "NFC West Prediction" »

Posted by Q at 07:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

OK, it's not a Monday Night Party. It's a Thursday Night Party. OK, it does not have the same swing. The Redskins and Giants open the season in the Meadowlands tonight. Although it's only the first regular season game for both, there's a lot of need to win this NFC East matchup. The Giants are trying to defend their championship despite virtually no-one predicting that they'll even win the division. The Redskins with new head coach Jim Zorn, hope not to lose a step from last season.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 07:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With so many magazines touting their picks and advice, why not glob onto one more piece of information and possibly help turn a mediocre draft into a good one? From a quick list of rankings to sleepers and deep sleepers, just read below:

Sleepers:

Michael Turner - for his size he displays tremendous speed. Being on a bad team will most likely let Turner slip back several rounds. As veteran running backs with injuries, age, and other concerns start coming off the board Turner could be the steal of the round. He's young, healthy, and full of potential. He has more upside then most of the other backs in the draft in the round that he'll most likely be drafted. Ryan has already won the starting job. Ryan and Turner should compliment each other nicely.

Jonathan Stewart - He has the speed and power to rush past the first wave and even elude secondary. He's also strong enough to move a pile forward for a first down and touchdown in goal line situations.

DeAngelo Williams - a nice late round pick up who can provide a spark and fantasy stats similar to Jones-Drew. Although he'll be splitting time with Stewart, he should pick up some game breaking touchdowns outside the red zone from pass receptions and busted running plays that will spring him for long runs.

Ted Ginn, Jr. - With another year under his belt and a far better QB in Pennington, Ginn Jr. and his speed should see more passes his way this season.

Santonio Holmes - This could be his best year so far in his career. He's still not the #1 red zone read threat for the Steelers, but can deliver yardage and TD's. For leagues that give a bonus for big plays - Holmes should be moved up in the draft.

Continue reading "Fantasy Football Advice" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 08:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The NFC North is wide open this year with the departure of Favre from Green Bay. Below are predictions and analysis for the NFC North.

Detroit Lions

The Lions and Millen appeared to have stood pat this year and by default vaulted ahead of the rest of the division. Does this mean that they should be expected to win the division, NO. It's difficult to place anyone else ahead of them due to the lack of production at the quarterback position. The Bears and Vikings seem happy to play with only ten men on offense as they receive little help from their quarterbacks. This alone could help Detroit see the playoffs once more.

Continue reading "NFC North Prediction" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 02:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It appears that many fans were caught "off guard" as no one seemed to know there was a competition between Heyer and Jansen for the RT position. It didn't become known until the switch was made. Hopefully both players were aware of the possibilities heading into the pre-season Right Tackle.

Jansen's history of injuries over the past few years, age, and salary cap figure may have entered into the mix when considering such a move, but should any of this really mattered? Would Parcells or Gibbs have made such a move or was this a sign of a rookie head coach sending a message?

Continue reading "Redskin's Heyer Becomes Starter - Jansen to Reserve Role" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Redskins were forced to reduce the roster to the mandatory 53 Man league roster limit. Big Money Tony has already discussed the release of the punter Derrick Frost. The Redskins decided to keep ten defensive lineman and only five receivers.

Below are the roster cuts:

Matthias Askew
Ryan Boschetti
Nehemiah Broughton
Devin Clark
Andrew Crummey
Derek Devine
Derrick Frost
Horace Gant
Curtis Gatewood
Patrick Ghee
David Holloway
Cedrick Holt
Maurice Mann
Marcus Mason
Fred Matua
Billy McMullen
Anthony Mix
Matteral Richardson
Danny Verdun-Wheeler
Todd Wade
Tavares Washington
Byron Westbrook

Continue reading "Redskins Trim Roster - Analysis of Cuts" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I was content to just state that Durant Brooks beat Derrick Frost out for the punting job with the Redskins. However, after his comments, he has put some diehard Redskins fans, including myself, in the position of choosing the lesser of two evils...defending Vinny Cerrato.

Frost somehow managed to hold on to the job since 2005. He may not have been the worst out there, but you can't tell me that the Redskins couldn't have found someone better. I get the feeling that he had something on the Redskins, like Terry Matthews had on the Orioles.

Vinny, a man that couldn't find an NFL job during the season that Marty Schottenhemier fired him, did the right thing. Frost was not a great punter, but if Brooks is not that good, it was possible for him to come back. Until those comments. Goodbye Derrick! Hope you screw up another team's punting for a few seasons.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

No add drop needed in your fantasy football league. If you have Chad Johnson, you now have Chad Javon Ocho Cinco, as he legally changed his name this past week.

I gotta say, funny as it is, it's going to be a mess for him personally. I mean think about it. He'll need to order new checks from his bank. Social Security is going to be a pain. Ever stand in that line? I guess that's why he's got an agent.

Maybe Big Money Tony should be my new legal name. That might be tough to sell on the business card.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 05:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are head and shoulders above the rest of this division. They have solid playmakers on both sides of the ball, and running back LaDanian Tomlinson is still arguably the league's most dangerous offensive weapon. Phillip Rivers should continue to progress at quarterback. If they play to their potential they will be a serious contender for the Super Bowl. If I was a Chargers fan, I wouldn’t feel too good about Shawne Merriman’s decision to play the season with 2 torn knee ligaments, however—too risky.

Denver Broncos
After two straight unsuccessful seasons, Mike Shanahan has promised that the Broncos will return to the playoffs in 2008. But none of their offseason signings really excites me much. Judging by the preseason Jay Cutler seems to have stepped up his game a notch. The offense should be able to score some points. Defense could be a problem area again this year, and could cause them to miss the playoffs. If anyone can get them to play at a high level it’s Shanahan.

Oakland Raiders
The pieces are in place for this team to improve. JaMarcus Russel has a year of experience under his belt. Top draft pick Darren McFadden gives them the explosiveness they've been lacking on offense. If Javon Walker can stay on the field (and off of the pavement) they have a legitimate deep threat in the passing game. They’re not a playoff team yet, but they will beat some.

Kansas City Chiefs
Top draft pick Brendan Albert should help quickly revitalize an offensive line that looked like a shadow of its former self in 2007. That in turn should be good news for RB Larry Johnson who is healthy again and ready to prove that he can still be a productive back. Dwayne Bowe was one of the breakout players of 2007 and should continue to shine. But overall this is a mediocre team stuck firmly in rebuilding mode. I'm also not convinced that Brodie Croyle is the answer at QB, but we'll know after this year.

Posted by Stu Humboldt at 07:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Remember those awful commercial in the late 1980s and early 1990s that would say something like STOP it's the computer expo at such and such locations while showing the Govenator on a motorcycle from "T2"? Well everyone needs to stop and take notice that Chief Zee is without his prized prop tomahawk that he's had from the glory days of Redskins history in the 1980s Chief Zee Tomahawk

Who would actually take the prop of one of the most famous fans or dare say mascot's in the NFL? To those that may be in possession of Chief Zee's prop, please return it. Maybe a misguided Redskins fan may now have a piece of history. This is almost as bad as the time Chief Zee was attacked at a game around Christmas in old Veteran Stadium in Philly some years ago. Let Chief Zee have his tomahawk back and hopefully if returned it will bring back some Redskins magic, too.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 07:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL Players Assocation, passed away at the age of 63. He lead the union for a quarter of a century and negotiated some of the most important agreements between players and the NFL.

In recent years, he has contemplated retiring around the same time Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL Commissioner, retired. He also faced calls for a formal plan to replace him. He was also an offensive lineman for the Raiders back in the day and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite the salary cap, players prospered under the contract he negotiated. Some criticized him for allowing a salary cap and not doing enough to address healthcare for retired players.

Upshaw apparently died from pancreatic cancer that was not found until recently. He is survived by his wife and three sons.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

It was the 7th Annual Keeper League Draft for Stu, Q, Big Money Tony, Bob, and me this weekend. We rotate the draft locations every year. This year it was NYC and a Yankees Game. Yankee Stadium offers a proud tradition of history in baseball. It's everything that you remember about baseball when you were a kid going to a game with family. The dimensions, monuments, and fans make Yankee Stadium one of the best, EVER.

After returning from an extra inning game, we ventured back for a draft. As a former champion and co-commissioner, it was time to prepare for the draft. After being able to unload Alexander for a 1st Round Draft Pick near the beginning of the season last year, I had completely overhauled my team including trading Palmer for Addai plus picking up an additonal second round pick.

It was a re-building year after five playoff seasons. There seems to be some solid depth at running back this season with another season weak at QB & WR. It also boasts a season full of potential at the running back position with rookies. As someone that other's in the league and in the office have come to for strategy and advice, please feel free to ask The Sports Freak for advice or for that matter...Q, Big Money Tony, Stu, BJ or Bob.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Washington Redskins Cheerleaders had a party at a DC area nightclub Friday night to celebrate the premiere of the 2009 Swimsuit calendar. The Sports Freak and I attended as fans of both the team and the cheerleaders.

There seemed to be confusion from the get go. Earlier in the week, I checked the website of the establishment to get some details. They were scarce, except for a $20 entry fee. I thought this was odd and contemplated not going. Then our friend Q forwarded an e-mail that said entry was free from 5-7 PM.

So off we went. I arrived 20 minutes before the Sports Freak. There seemed to be some holdup as a number of fans were held outside the party. I finally figured it out as they were not allowing anyone with an SLR camera in. Later on, they did, only on the caveat that they remove their cameras by 7 PM, when only the official photographer was allowed. Luckily, all I had on me was your standard pocket digital. Unlucky for some, like one of the fans who was wearing shorts. That was another no-no. His brother went through the pat down before realizing he couldn't get in. After some discussion about where to get a pair of pants, the older brother, who was wearing slacks, asked younger if he needed to go with him. When the younger answered, "Yes", the older was fuming. Off they walked for about half a block before I heard a very loud expletive yelled at the top of the older's voice. Good times, at least for me. A minute later, the Sports Freak arrived.

Continue reading "Redskins Cheerleader Swimsuit Party" »

Posted by Big Money Tony at 12:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Details of the Green Bay Packers $20M-10 year retirement deal with Favre have been revealed. Apparently there was more to it than just "Go Away".

What I find interesting is that supposedly this was in the works since right after Favre retired. Seems pretty interesting. So many other great players never had this opportunity.

Where is Joe Montana these days? Running a diner.

Joe Namath? Strug-a-ling for a kiss.

Jim McMahon? Wearing a headband and fur.

I guess Favre was the everyday man who will become every man and Packer for Life, like Mayor for Life

Posted by Big Money Tony at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New England Patriots
After their Super Bowl upset defeat at the hands of the Giants, the Patriots are looking to repeat as division champs and advance deep into the playoffs. Their offense is returning largely intact, which is good news for a unit that set all sorts of records last year, including total points and most TD passes. Their defense still looks a little old and slow, despite the addition of LB Jerod Mayo, a potential opening day starter, in the first round of the draft. But the coaching staff is excellent at putting together schemes and gameplans to make this defense better than just the sum of its parts. Though they will obviously not go undefeated this year, the Pats should have little trouble wrapping up the division for the sixth straight year, for the simple fact that very few teams will be able to outscore them.

New York Jets
Before the Jets signed Brett Favre I would have ranked them third in this division, but Favre brings an instant legitimacy to the QB position that New York has not had in several years. Having a future Hall of Fame QB to lead the offense will increase the production of the Jets skill position players, and should translate into a couple more victories than they otherwise would have had. Upgrades at G (Faneca) and FB (Richardson) in the offseason should also allow the Jets to run the ball more effectively this year. The Jets loom as a wildcard contender but my gut tells me they will come up a little short.

Buffalo Bills
The Bills have been gradually improving the last couple years and that trend should continue, but ultimately this team needs better production from its offense. Will rookie WR James Hardy develop into the receiving threat they've been looking for to take some of the pressure off of Lee Evans? Will QB Trent Edwards perform better as a full-year starter (assuming J.P Losman doesn't reclaim the job at some point this season)? I have my doubts. However, the running game and defense remain decent to above average and will give the Bills a shot at making the playoffs, albeit a slim one.

Miami Dolphins
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the Dolphins will win more games than they did last year. Seriously though, this is a team with a lot of question marks heading into the 2008 season. They traded away their best player, defensive end Jason Taylor. Ronnie Brown is only 10 months recovered from a torn ACL. Their defense was downright terrible last year, and at least on paper doesn't look to be much beter in '08. And the guy expected to start at QB, Chad Pennington, was literally just signed a few days ago after the Jets dumped him. On the positive side, the offensive line will be better this year (though that's admittedly not saying very much) with the drafting of blue chip tackle Jake Long at #1. If the Dolphins win more than five games the season should be considered a massive success.

Posted by Stu Humboldt at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Redskins are in the enviable position of too many players to consider for the final 53-man roster. With just over 2 weeks before final cut, there could be 4 running backs, 6 wide receivers, 3 tight ends, and at least one fullback.

For running backs, we have the fairly obvious keepers, Portis and Betts. Rock Cartwright, to the Sports Freak's dismay, will probably be the number 3. Marcus Mason is the potential fourth back. As a practice squad player last season, he grew his NFL skills. This season, especially after his showing in the two pre-season games, his time on the practice squad would not be long, as likely any of the other 31 teams would take him in the chance he becomes the next Ryan Grant.

Continue reading "Large Redskins Roster to Whittle Down" »

Posted by Big Money Tony at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Pennington was released as part of today's events as the Favre traded unfolded. There's another side to consider with this trade. Who could benefit from the release of Pennington? Pennington could vault the Vikings into a serious contender in the NFC by just getting some production out of the position which would in turn free Peterson up even more.

The lack of production at the quarterback position in Minnesota can turn your stomach sour. Vince Young may not throw the ball as much as Jackson but he gets more production and any bit of production would help the offense and Peterson. Leinert may have problems in Arizona fighting off Warner, but in Minnesota he'd have no problems holding off Jackson. Is there a quarterback situation worse than in Minnesota? Most likely no, due to the ability of the team to become a true contender with any production from the position.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 09:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The drama of the Green Bay Brett Favre saga finally ended this morning as Favre was traded to the Jets. Rumors quickly circulated that Pennington would be released by the end of the day. Two quarterbacks may soon find themselves wanted by a franchise, but will Brett ultimately get what he wants and be happy?

The Packers found themselves so close to going back to the Super Bowl. As much as the organization had geared itself to a season without Brett, it's difficult to imagine a team so close to glory willing to wait for a young quarterback to take them there then give a legend one more shot at bringing his beloved franchise another title. Is it fair to keep Rodgers waiting? Yes, as long as the player ahead of him gives them the best chance to win a title.

Continue reading "Favre Gets Wish: What Will The Headlines Say About His Legacy Now?" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At least this story is over. Until he "retires" again. Brett Favre was traded to the New York Jets for an undisclosed draft pick. It is said to be conditional but at least a fourth round.

Favre has immediately improved the Jets. The muddled AFC East, after the juggernaut New England Patriots now appears to be a two team race, with Brady and the Pats still significantly over Favre and the Jets. Only time will tell to see if Brett can continue the magic he had with Green Bay last year and lead the Jets to the playoffs.

The the Jets other quarterbacks, it looks like the Chad Pennington era is officially over. Whether he will remain a Jet this season will be the next question. Kellen Clemens takes the role of Aaron Rodgers as heir apparent, except surprisingly, he has more NFL experience in games than Rodgers did.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

With the NFL Pre-Season underway, it's time for predictions much like The DC Sports Page - NFL Mock Draft and Baseball division (a la Bob) the NFL Divisional predictions will be provided by some of the usual bloggers:

NFC East:

The Dallas Cowboys:

Dallas seems to hold the keys to the NFC Championship game due to the upheaval in Green Bay. The Cowboys upgraded several key positions of weakness with the additions of Pac Man Jones and Zach Thomas. The only real questions regarding the Cowboys are do they spontaneously combust and implode from within and what will happen should TO become injured? Dallas seems to have the least amount of concerns heading into the season in a weak NFC.

The New York Giants:

Defending the Lombardi Trophy can prove a daunting task with an abbreviated off season and higher expectations. The Giants have to answer one more question at the start of this season than they had prior to last season. The defensive line lost a future hall of famer and a leader in Strahan. It was the ability to pressure the opposing quarterback from the ferocious front four that helped bring back a title to NYC. Continuing the unrelenting pressure from the defensive line will be critical to a second trophy in consecutive years. Eli Manning must prove his critics wrong and show that the steady player down the home stretch for a Super Bowl run can manage the game through the rigorous sixteen game schedule and the playoffs. In a town with quick and harsh criticism by the fans and media, the Giants know how to band together better than any team in the league and will defend their title deep into the playoffs. Without a Favre in GB a possible NFC Championship between Dallas & NY could be in the works.

Continue reading "NFC East Prediction" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 10:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Wow. What a great day Saturday was. The only thing that would have been better is to see it in person. How I regret that. I don't think there will be another day where two of the greatest Redskins ever get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In addition to Washington's own Darrell Green and Art Monk, Emitt Thomas, Andre Tippett, Gary Zimmerman, and Fred Dean were enshrined.

Continue reading "Green and Monk in Canton" »

Posted by Big Money Tony at 06:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Those of you the DC area may or may not have heard about "Redskins Nation", a show that started a couple of weeks ago on Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic. I'm a Redskins fan that owns lousy premium seats. I'm at the top of the waitlist for real season tickets. So it comes with sadness that I report "Redskins Nation", the show, sucks.

Continue reading "Redskins Nation" »

Posted by Big Money Tony at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated July 21, 9:30 AM

Jason Taylor now plays for the Washington Redskins. Taylor was traded for the 2009 second round pick and the 2010 sixth round pick. This appears to be a great deal especially since he told the Redskins that he did not need to renegotiate his contract and would play it out with the two years remaining on it.

The bad news is that this was necessary to replace Phillip Daniels who was injured on the first day of training camp. Although I was there, yours truly did not see this happen.

Still the trade appears to help both teams. Bill Parcells and Taylor never saw eye to eye. Reports were that he ignored Taylor when the Dolphin tried to introduce himself to the Tuna back in the spring. Later Parcells said he didn't know Taylor was there. Kind of hard to miss a big defensive end, don't you think?

Update: Would have provided this sooner, but my lovely cable ISP decided to shut down for the past 12 hours. The Redskins also lost DE Alex Buzbee for the season. Makes more sense why they got Taylor. After all, last year Jon Jansen was lost for the season and no big trade/free agent signing came in to fill the void.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 07:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's here. The 2008 season and the Zorn-Era has begun. The Redskins opened training camp this morning in muggy Ashburn, Virginia, home of Redskins Park. It still seems odd tha the team called the Washington Redskins has offices and practices in Virginia and plays it's games at Fedex Field in Maryland. Anyways, this the first training camp I have attended in person. They started all those years in Pennsylvania and I didn't think about going in recent years. Why, I'm not so sure. Probably should have done it while Gibbs was still coach.

Although I arrived just after 8 AM, the team was already on the field practicing well before the 8:30 announced time. And hundreds of people beat me there. It was interesting, but less organized for fans as I imagined. Refreshments were not quite as expensive as I thought they were to be. There was the heckler in the front row who yelled at every player. BTW - The Sports Freak would be happy as he was wearing a Rock Cartwright jersey. It also appears that some Giants fans took a wrong turn. "Leave the Holland Tunnel, head south on I-95 until you see Burgundy & Gold?"

All this can be viewed in the pictures here. I did not edit them, so heads and caps can be seen in some pictures. Hey, when the Redskins set a separate bloggers section, I'll be able to get better shots.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Months ago, we were pleased to hear of the departure of Bryant Gumbel from NFL Network broadcasts. Now we find out about his replacement. Bob Papa will be the new play by play man in the booth next to Chris Collingsworth.

Being a life-long Washingtonian, I don't know Papa. Maybe our friend Bob can give us more insight on him. I do have to say it would be tough for Papa to be worse than Bryant Gumbel. Gumbel was just not tolerable. while Papa is a Giants broadcaster, at least he's not a Cowboy or Eagles puppet. Sorry, that's all I can say about the man. We'll see on November 6, which is his first NFL Network game.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Every NFL fan, except maybe Minnesota Vikings fans, has rooted for Brett Favre. Until maybe now. Except for my unconditional support for the Redskins, despite coaching debacles, or should I say coach recruiting debacles, Favre is one of the players I root for. He's been on fantasy teams of mine. When the Skins play at 1 and Green Bay plays at 4, I'm probably watching Green Bay on DirecTV.

This ongoing saga of his "unretirement" is bugging me to say the least. Now there is word he is asking to be released by the Packers.

Continue reading "Favre's Return?" »

Posted by Big Money Tony at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There's never really a time when sports can't permeate its way into your viewing pleasure. Never was this more apparent than when Big Money Tony and I caught up and watched Vacancy. It's more of a scary suspense rather then a true horror movie. Now for those that don't wish to know how the movie plays out this is your opportunity to wait like the Olympic Results during the news and for all other please feel free to click below.

Continue reading "There's Never a Vacancy in Sports Viewing" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last Thursday McDonalds gave away their new McChicken sandwich for free with purchase of a drink. I stopped by for lunch near where I work. I couldn't help but think how professional athletes have had run ins with the law and even brandished a weapon in the back of McDonalds. I'm happy to report that I didn't bump into Marcus Vick or Maurice Clarett.

Continue reading "Meals for the Pros" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

In the dog days of summer, baseball is the go to sport. But we can only take so much Nationals losing. So we'll need to expand our geographical boundaries a bit and see other things going on in sports.

Apparently the Bears don't need a running back. Interesting, I can't pull their quarterback roster off the top of my head, so I thought running backs are important to them. Apparently Cedric Benson is not, as he was cut by the Bears. BTW - after a quick look at the roster, it's Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton as the dynamic duo of QB's on the Bears.

I was never a Cedric Benson fan and was even less of a fan of his predecessor, Thomas Jones, as my fellow fantasy football team owners can attest to. But without waiting for the long arm of the law to come down, Chicago gave up on him. So running is now up to Matt Forte, one of Chicago's draft picks, and the other Adrian Peterson.

I'll admit, my Redskins haven't gelled together ever under the Dan Snyder dictatorship, but let's just say the Bears don't exactly scare me.

Posted by Big Money Tony at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

The Redskins weren't able to acquire a pass rushing defensive end in the draft so the next option was to go shopping at Costco. Not much is lost in the signing of Erasmus James. Skins new DEGiving up only a conditional 7th Round Pick next year seems like quite the low price.

Have the Skins finally figured out the system of paying league veterans at the appropriate value and level? For those fans that are also Nationals fans, GM Bowden has often found gems from other teams scraps. The first couple of years without ownership and tied to a low payroll the only players Bowden could sign to a contract were players that were coming off of injuries or bad years. That was why they could be signed to such a low contract and were available. Hopefully this will be in the past as new ownership will spend money in offseason acquisitions and will be bolstered by an improved farm system.

The Redskins appear to have taken a page from Bowden and have gone bargain shopping. The signing of James is all upside. If he recovers from health concerns, passes a physical, makes the team, stays healthy, and performs anywhere near to the level that NFL scouts thought as he was a former first round pick then the Skins will have found a short term solution to their pass rush woes. It's alot to ask and nothing to lose.

Posted by The Sports Freak at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Redskins drafted three receivers on day one of the draft. Devin Thomas WR Michigan St, Fred Davis TE USC, and Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma were all drafted in the 2nd Round after the Skins traded down a round to obtain more picks.

The Redskins then addressed some other areas of concern by drafting Chad Rinehart OG Northern Iowa (3rd Rd), Justin Tryon CB Arizona St (4th Rd), Durant Brooks P Ga Tech (6th Rd), Kareem Moore S Nicholls St (6th Rd), Colt Brennan QB Hawaii (6th Rd), Rob Jackson DE Kansas St (7th Rd), & Christopher Horton S UCLA (7th Rd) were all day two draft choices some of which via trades with Atlanta and St. Louis to improve the quantity of picks or the position.

Continue reading "Redskins Draft Recap" »

Posted by The Sports Freak at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)