Redskins vs. Cardinals

To start with, most of the dcsportsclowns will be going to the game this Sunday, which is going to be an amazing day of food, fun, football and beer. Gonna wake up early, get decked out, hit the metro and roll on over to cheer for our boys in burgundy and gold! So be prepared for a couple of kick ass reviews come next week.

The Cardinals are a dangerous team, especially if Kurt Warner comes back from his elbow injury and can play the majority of the game. The Skins O-line is the biggest question mark coming into this game and if they contribute to an overall offensive struggle, the Cardinals will be able to wear down the overworked Skins D with their solid running game. This is a very winnable game for the Redskins, but if all these minor annoyances add up it could be a very long day. Not to mention the Skins have dropped winnable games twice this year already.

This week’s game will be won and lost at the line of scrimmage. Now, normally that's the case for any winning team, but with injuries devastating our offensive line there have been drastic changes for a team that is still only averaging 3.7 yards per carry on the ground. For all the good Portis and Betts have done pounding the rock, eating up clock and giving Campbell space to throw, they have yet to break out with big plays or game changing performances. Some of this can be attributed to losing Randy Thomas and Jon Jansen so early on, taking the right side of the line to the felt, but it's not going to get any easier and those two guys need to find ways of creating big plays by themselves.

The starting line on Sunday will consist of Chris Samuels, Pete Kendell, Casey Rabach, Rick DeMulling and Jason Fabini. It's good to still have the veteran Samuels anchoring the line, as he will continue to play a vital role protecting Campbell against the Cardinals blitz (16 sacks) and being the lead man on the Skins’ left side rushing attack. Kendell is an 11-year veteran who knows how to play through injuries (hamstring) and should be a formidable LG. Rabach went down with a groin injury against Green Bay, but most coaches foresee minimal troubles as the center can dig himself in and drive vertically, which doesn't rely heavily on the groin. Demulling will split time with newly signed Kevin Sampson out of the Kansas City system and current defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander. All three are merely adequate RGs but the rotation should keep them fresh and if one of them steps up and shows he can get the job done, so much the better. Todd Wade is also a possibility at RG, but his groin injury seems worse than other's injuries and would see limited minutes if he suits up. Fabini (RT) was supposed to sit out of practice Wednesday to rest his injuries and stay sharp, but did practice and will start on Sunday.

So that's the rag tag army of Redskins' O-linemen. Only time will tell if they are able to get the job done, but if they start to open up holes we might get to see Campbell's explosive evasive ability, much like the plays he was forced to make against Detroit. He can and will have to scramble in order to buy time to find an open receiver. This puts increased pressure on Cooley, Sellers, Moss and Randle El to keep plays alive, come back to the football and get open for Campbell as he attempts to make something out of nothing. The Cardinals defensive backs can hit, but have given up big plays thus far and the Skins can go deep against CB Rod Hood with either Moss or Randle El. The offense will be able to look past the dropped passes of last week and despite injuries should come out on top of the less talented Cardinals defense.

On the other side of the ball the Skins’ defense is primed to continue their defensive dominance. This year, not only are we limiting opponents yardage (259.0 yds/g), but we are getting picks (6 INT) forcing fumbles (7) and getting after the quarterback (15 Sacks). These are all areas that suffered last year and this year's simplified defensive scheme is taking advantage of our playmakers’ athletic abilities. They will put on another show against either Warner (questionable) or Tim Rattay and while the Cards do see the return of big play threat Anquan Boldin, this carousel of quarterbacks won't be able to stand up against the Skins overwhelming defense.

Redskins 23, Cardinals 10

- The Hokie
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Torii Hunter Wants to Come to Washington

As reported on the Nationals Website, the man from Minnesota wants to join his friend Dmitri Young here in Washington. The 32-year-old Hunter would be a great fit for this team and our management has to aggressively pursue this free-agent. This team has struggled to find an adequate centerfielder since it was born and Hunter is a major improvement both defensively and offensively. He's such a stud, a veteran presence in the clubhouse, a winner and he would bring a marquee name and face to the team. Hunter has also said he wants to reach out to the community, be a leader in the area, which is the most important reason to bring him to the Nats. Finding and bringing a ballplayer to the team is one thing, but getting a charismatic individual who can reach out to those around him and make a difference in people's lives is what builds a franchise. GET TORII HUNTER!!!

- The Hokie
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Redskins: Here Are Some Stats for Your Ass

The Redskins have been utterly dominant on defense this year, and that's not an understatement, but their offensive woes in key areas have cost them dearly. Let's do a little stat breakdown of this year and past years to really see why they haven't been able to put everything together. Maybe, as a group, we can highlight what's really causing the skins to implode every other game.

I really encourage you to read today's article in the post by Jason La Canfora, but to sum it up; In the last four years under Gibbs, the Skins have been a miserable team at winning after halftime and winning back to back games. The Redskins have recorded 12 losses since 2004 despite leading at halftime. If you add these decisions to their 24-29 record it immediately becomes 36-17, and even if you cut that number in half, their record sits at 30 - 23.
What Canfora also gives as a telling statistic is "Since 2004, the Redskins have just two stretches of three wins or more - a three-game run to open the 2005 season and a five-game streak to close out 2005." Outside of those streaks, in the other 45 games, the Skins have won back to back games just twice. Basically,we fold. We just can't capture the consistency that good teams have, and while we can get up and play at a high level one week, the next week we get snake bit. Until we can master these swings, the Skins will be a middle of the pack team.

This year it certainly isn't the defense's fault. In the NFC the Redskins rank first in Points per Game (13.8), Yard per Game (259.4), Yards per Play (4.2), Third Down Efficiency (31%), Passing Yards per Game (179.4) and they rank third in Rushing Yards per Game (80.0). That's a show right there.
And our offense has been serviceable. They respectively rank 7th in Points per Game (20.2), 7th in Yards per Game (333.4), 6th in First Downs per Game (18.6), 3rd in average Time of Possession (32:15) and they are dead even in Turn Over ratio.

So it begs the question, where are we going wrong? Why aren't we able to put teams away? Why aren't we able to take it to that next level and become a reliable force not only in the NFC but in the NFL?
I looked at three different stats that I thought were particularly telling of our inability to move the ball and finish off opposing teams: Third Down Percentage, First Downs per Game, and Ratio of Field Goals to Touchdowns.

In 2004, the Skin's 3rd Pct was 32% (70/221) good for 28th in the league. In 2005, 42% (97/230), 7th in the league *that was our playoff year.* In 2006, 37% (79/211), 18th. 2007, 39% (28/71), 19th.

In 2004, the Skins average First Downs per Game was 16.8 (27th in the league). 2005, 18.8 (15). 2006, 18.4 (15). 2007, 18.6 (16).

In 2004, the Redskins kicked 27 field goals and scored 25 touchdowns. 2005 they kicked 21 FGs and scored 42 TDs. 2006, 30 FGs, 31 TDs. 2007, 9 FGs, 10 TDs.

Now, I'm not sure if these are stats indicative of their mediocrity, or if these stats dictate their failures, but an inability to covert on 3rd downs, a failure to consistently get first downs and a propensity to settle for three points instead of getting six highlights the root of their sporadic frustrating play. As individual players, they make plays in close games and put up some solid numbers, but it's just not enough. I hate to say this, but with year after year of these kinds of performances my blame is starting to fall on the three-headed coaching monster. Are too many Redskin cooks spoiling the broth? It's time to mix up the coaching staff.

- The Hokie
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Emotional Profile

This has very little to do with DC area sports, but I thought I'd pass on a fantastic story written by ESPN senior writer Wayne Drehs about former UNC student and mascot Jason Ray. Jason was struck by an SUV before the Tar Heels' second round match up with USC in the East Rutherford regional last March. He died three days later, but as you'll read, his spirit is very much still alive in several people to whom he gave the greatest gift of all. The story, which is one of the most compelling and moving pieces that I think I've ever read - it really pulls at your heart when you've met the man, seen him in action at sporting events, on stage as the front man of his band and on the screen in acting roles - is well worth your time, no matter your sports allegiance. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=rayofhope&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1Y

You can also watch the piece that ran on the premiere of E:60 on Tuesday night. Truly an amazing story.

- The Tar Heel
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Oh Lloydy

There's been a Brandon Lloyd citing! And no, I don't mean that long bomb thrown just too deep that slipped through his fingers on Sunday. It looks like B-Lloyd just couldn't stand not being talked about - I guess he doesn't read the Washington Post - so he had to say something...stupid. Apparently, the second-year Skins bust insinuated that former Cowboys QB and current FOX analyst Troy Aikman is gay. http://deadspin.com/sports/troy-aikman-is-all-man/brandon-lloyd-thinks-troy-aikman-listens-to-coldplay-311302.php (Note the photo of him from his college days at Illinois, scoring one more TD than he has in two seasons with the Skins.)

In a radio interview with the Sports Junkies, Llyod said the following:

B-Lloyd: "If you're listening to a guy like Troy Aikman, and you're a fan and you don't really know much about football, then I'd see why you're confused. ... There's no such thing as an easy catch in football. Theres no such thing. ... I don't believe Tory Aikman anyway. He wasn't man enough to admit his personal life situation as a player."

Junkies: "Do you know that that's true?"

B-Lloyd: "I'm speculating, just like he speculates."

Junkies: "I knew he was queer!"

Ummmm, yeah...So I've been sticking up for this guy for a while now in the heat of all hate spewed his way for his lack of productivity here in DC. Yeah he's got issues and he has yet to show anything more than the slightest hint of the big-play ability he displayed with the Niners. I maintain that if the Skins are going to keep paying him, they might as well put him to use. Throw him the ball a few times (he's been targeted, what, thrice all year?) and see what happens. Worst case scenario he drops it or tips it up for an int. - something none of Washington's other star receivers have ever done, right?

As far as this little ill-conceived outburst goes, the kid wants to be an R&B artist (ala Ron Artest?), plus he's a receiver, which automatically makes him diva eligible. Dumb comment. Sure, maybe Troy is gay, I wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility, but calling someone out because you're frustrated with your own situation on the field (Aikman is an analyst, he's trained and paid to spew nonsensical opinion, much like me...minus the pay...and much of the training is just a waste of airtime).

You can listen to the full radio interview here and decide for yourself just how big of a knucklehead this character is. http://podcast.wjfk.com/wjfk2/716583.mp3\

- The Tar Heel
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I Cannot Tell a Lie: George Washington Basketball Deserves Respect

In light of the Midnight Madness festivities held this past Friday, the ceremonial start to the college basketball season, I would like to draw attention to DC's most underappreciated college basketball program, the George Washington Colonials.

Maryland and Georgetown annually dominate the coverage of the local college basketball season, and the build up to this season has been no different. Georgetown returns arguably the best center in the country, and will challenge for a national title; in that regard that I concede the Hoyas warrant the hype. Maryland grabbed national headlines this past week when the NCAA released graduation statistics for Division I basketball programs, in which Maryland ranked last, not graduating a single player who enrolled between 1997-2000 (not the kind of coverage I am really seeking for GW, but coverage none the less).

But what about GW? The colonials return a solid squad, headlined by Maurice Rice, who I predict will emerge as one of the best guards in the country this year. Rice is a true competitor, is tough, and can score (he broke Wilt Chamberlain's Philadelphia high school scoring record).

GW is poised to return to its 4th straight NCAA tournament. Neither Maryland nor Georgetown have experienced that kind of consistent success in recent years. And I can't help but point out, that in head to head action against Maryland, GW is 2-0 in recent years.

I challenge all college basketball fans to not only take note of the Colonials this season, but to get out to a game. The Charles E. Smith Center epitomizes what a college basketball venue is all about. The place is loud, crowded, and puts the students on the floor (which I can hardly say about the other Smith Center that I frequented games in... sorry Dean).

- The Colonial
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You're killing me Smalls

Jesus Mary and Joseph. This NLCS is so frustrating. It's as if both teams have forgotten how to hit, and don't tell me they’ve had stellar pitching, because they haven’t. There have been a myriad of opportunities for both teams to take advantage of and they haven’t answered the call.

Both squads look indecisive at the plate. I don't care if you strikeout, but striking out looking is inappropriate, especially with runners in scoring position; I’m looking at you Chris Young and Mark Reynolds. The Rockies, who are supposedly winning this series are hitting .231 as a team and the Dbacks aren't much better at .248. Don't regurgitate that small ball propaganda to me about "all you need is timely hitting.” If you get runs in the first place, then you don’t need clutch hitting when the game is in dire straits. In the next round, the Rockies will need to strike early and strike often to win and even then I don’t guarantee it. I don’t think they can do it.

Seriously, these games are offensive futility at it's best. Every single hitter is fooled on every pitch. Even the pitch that Holliday hit out of the park was a bat flick that he barely managed to reach on the outside corner. The at-bat from Torrealba that won Game 3 was hideous. During the AB he flailed at a pair of 60-mph curveballs before he guessed correctly to hit the fastball. The only reason he hit the homerun was because he had decided to swing before Livan had come set; he guessed correctly, but that won't work again.

On the other side of the diamond, the Dbacks are getting worse and worse. Where they looked rusty and timid in the first two games, they now look unprepared and baffled. They have no approach at the plate, or any general idea of what the opposing pitcher is trying to do to them. What makes their floundering worse is the inability to change or adapt to their previous at-bats. Their mindset stays stagnant making the same mistakes and taking the same swings over and over again. You can't win this way. You have to change your approach as the situation dictates. A batter has to get smarter every single time they come to the plate.

Let me make this clear before the bandwagon gets out of control; If the Rockies play like this against the Indians or the Red Sox they will lose. The NLCS has exposed their offensive weaknesses. Mediocre pitching has, in essence, shut down both teams. What do you think will happen when they go up against guys that actually have a dominant pitch? Doug Davis, Livan Hernandez, Brandon Webb, Josh Fogg, Jeff Francis - these guys use trickery in the form of sinkers and cutters to induce contact and keep batters off-balance, and while they are good at it, it's nothing compared to truly overpowering pitches. If they have the same approach and the same at-bats against Carmona's splitter or Beckett's gas, they will look utterly lost and fail. And don’t think the Indians' or Red Sox's batters are going to take pitches, miss opportunities and let them hang around. The Rockies have to find some offense.

I'm bitter. The Rocks will sweep my boys tonight. I don't care what the score will be because neither team has played like they deserve it. All I have to say is the Rockies better start watching some film or start popping steroids because it's gonna be a show if they walk into Cleveland playing the same hodgepodge clown ball they’ve been throwing together thus far. I don’t see a confident strong ball club, I see a scared weak façade of a real champion. Welcome to Varsity Rockies, you better find an A-game.

- The Hokie
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