SB Nation - Jason Campbell

Cowboys @ Redskins Injury Update

Aaron Novinger — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:07:22 -0000

More photos » by Sharon Ellman - AP

Martellus Bennett has missed the last two games, but will be ready to roll into FedEx Field to battle the Redskins.

Fortunately, the Cowboys will have TE Martellus Bennett back because Deon Anderson has been out this week with strep throat. Bennett's presence allows the team to use John Phillips at fullback.

Tight end Martellus Bennett (concussion), safety Ken Hamlin (ankle), cornerback Terence Newman (knee), safety Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (wrist/neck) took part in a full practice.

Make the jump for the rest of the injury report.

RT Marc Colombo and SS Pat Watkins must be super fast healers. It's possible both could be available for the Week 17 game vs. Philly.

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips hasn't ruled out starting right tackle Marc Colombo (ankle/leg) or safety Pat Watkins (knee) for the Jan. 3 finale against the Eagles.

"It's going to be close," Phillips said.

Here's how the Redskins' injury report shapes up:

Devin Thomas, WR - No Practice (Ankle)

Andre Carter, DE - Limited Practice (Biceps)

Cornelius Griffin, DT - Limited Practice (Shoulder)

Anthony Montgomery, DT - Limited Practice (Hip)

Stephon Heyer, OT - Full Practice (Knee)

DeAngelo Hall, CB - Full Practice (Knee)

QB Jason Campbell has a left shoulder stinger but will start.

Enough of this injury stuff. Time to get down to serious business. The Cowboys and Redskins are bitter rivals; yet, the question remains: Which team has the hotter cheerleaders?

Pro Bowl voting has come to an end for the fans. DeMarcus Ware received the most votes for OLBs, which is great. The other Cowboys didn't fare too well, though. Here's how they finished.

Sam Hurd finished second at the special teams position with 132,137 votes.

Miles Austin finished third at wide receiver with 454,616 votes. Fullback Deon Anderson (91,472) also finished third at his spot.

Tight end Jason Witten (334,105), center Andre Gurode (206,802), left tackle Flozell Adams (180,818) and punter Mat McBriar (118,945) finished fourth in at their respective positions.

Strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh (91,268), free safety Ken Hamlin (64,476) and inside linebacker Keith Brooking (105,269) finished fifth at their respective positions.

The players and coaches finish their voting this week. Teams will be announced on Tuesday.

'Kudos & Wet Willies:' Total domination edition

Ed Valentine — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:16:55 -0000

There are a lot of reasons to feel good this morning if you are a New York Giants fan. Monday night's 45-12 thrashing of the Washington Redskins was the most complete game the Giants have played in more than two months -- since a 44-7 pounding of Oakland in Week 5.

Everything worked. The offense did what it wanted, marching up and down the field with relative ease. The defense dominated, looking like the group we expected to see all season. The special teams were good, showing improvements in both coverage and kick returns.

If only the Saints had beaten the Cowboys then this morning would be absolutely perfect. Let's just hope the Giants can carry the kind of performance they displayed Monday night through the final two weeks of the regular season.

By the way, ESPN flashed a stat during the game showing the 45 points was the most the Giants had scored in a road game in 55 years. Yes, 55 years. It was that kind of night.

Now, let's get on with the weekly 'Kudos & Wet Willies.'

Kudos to ...

I could just say 'Kudos to the entire team' and leave it at that. But, that would be too easy. So, here we go.

Eli Manning: All of the gushing over Manning by ESPN's Jon Gruden aside, Manning was fabulous Monday night. He went 19-for-26 for 268 yards and three touchdowns, and was in complete control of the game. Ten different receivers caught passes for the Giants, another indication that Eli did pretty much what he wanted.
The defensive line: The much-maligned defensive line. This group led the defensive charge, handing Redskin quarterback Jason Campbell a brutal beating. Campbell probably deserves a 'kudos' for just standing in there and taking the five sacks and I have no idea how many hard hits. Osi Umenyiora was as active as he has probably been all season. Justin Tuck had a sack and a forced fumble. Mathias Kiwanuka had five tackles and was constantly around Campbell. Defensive tackles Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield joined the sack party, and along with Chris Canty were solid against the run.
The offensive line: Probably the best indicator that Monday was a Giant-like performance is that 'kudos' go to both lines. The offensive line was terrific against the Redskins. Lots of pulling, some space for the running game and plenty of time most of the night for Manning to work his magic against the Washington secondary. Special 'kudos' to rookie Will Beatty and backup guard Kevin Boothe. Beatty did an outstanding job filling in for the injured Kareem McKenzie. I can't remember a play where he was beaten badly all night. Boothe stepped in when Rich Seubert went out with a knee sprain and also played well aside from being overpowered by Albert Haynesworth on one play. Absolutely loved his work on Ahmad Bradshaw's second touchdown, pulling left in front of the play and wiping out two Redskins defenders with one block to allow Bradshaw to walk untouched into the end zone.
Kevin Gilbride: The first Giants play of the night was a nicely executed screen pass to reserve tight end Bear Pascoe. From there, pretty much everything Gilbride dialed up -- with the exception of one reverse to Hakeem Nicks -- worked brilliantly. KG can have games where he makes you crazy, but he can also have games like Monday night where he seems to push the right button on every play call. Loved the screens, the fact that so many receivers caught passes, and the subtle changes in formations and run-blocking schemes that helped create some running lanes even against Washington's eight-man fronts.
Bill Sheridan: Not sure exactly what clicked for the beleaguered Giants' defensive coordinator, but when the defense applies that much pressure on the quarterback, plays with that much energy and ends up with a Pick Six you have to give him some credit. It seemed like the Giants simplified their schemes a little, and there wasn't any of the confusion we have so often seen this season.
Terrell Thomas: A Pick Six (an easy one), two passes defensed and four tackles for Thomas. He was excellent against the pass and in run support.
Jonathan Goff: A pair of tackles, his first career sack and a couple of other quarterback pressures, and a pass defensed for the young middle linebacker. The kid can play a little bit.
Ahmad Bradshaw: When Bradshaw is making plays like he did Monday night the Giants offense is much more explosive. Nine carries for 61 yards (6.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, along with three pass receptions for 29 more yards.
Lawrence Tynes and the kickoff coverage group: Some good, deep kickoffs by Tynes (including one into the end zone). Odds are that had a lot to do with the best kickoff coverage the Giants have displayed in quite a while, surrendering no returns longer than 21 yards.

'Wet Willies' to ...

Yes, I was able to find one 'Wet Willie' to hand out. And, honestly, it's given more for stupidity than for performance.

Brandon Jacobs: What the heck was Jacobs thinking, getting himself involved in a second-half melee that saw him trading punches with a couple of Washington players and -- eventually -- squared off with Haynesworth of all people? Amazingly, Jacobs escaped an ejection or a penalty, both of which he probably deserved. He won't escape a hefty fine from the league, and probably a tongue-lashing from coach Tom Coughlin for his lack of composure. On top of that, Jacobs did not have a great night carrying the ball. On a night where there were big plays all over the Giants offense, Jacobs carried 16 times for 52 yards, a pedestrian 3.3 yards per carry.

(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)

Giants at Redskins: 'Kudos & Wet Willies' preview

Ed Valentine — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:28 -0000

Let me start by saying this. As a New York Giants fan, I do not have the best feeling in the world about tonight's matchup with the Washington Redskins.

The 4-9 Redskins have played much better than their record indicates in recent weeks, they have a stout defense, and they will be at home. The 7-6 Giants? Well, we should know by now that we just don't know with this team.

Will the defense show up, or will it just play the role of sieve as it has so many times this season?

What part of the special teams will cost the Giants points this week? C'mon, we know one of them will.

Can the offense, playing against a good Redskin defense, score enough points to make up for all the shortcomings around it?

Who knows. The Giants need to win, and they should win. But, things are different for each of these teams than they were in Week 1, when the Giants won, 23-17.

With all of that said, let's run through our usual 'Kudos & Wet Willies' style preview.

There will be lots of 'Kudos' Tuesday if ...

The Giants win in the Red Zone. This will not be easy. The Giants have the league's worst-ranked defense and 25th-ranked offense in that area of the field. So, bluntly, they have been terrible. Washington, on the other hand, has the league's best defense and ninth-ranked offense in the Red Zone. Ominous numbers the Giants must find a way to neutralize.
The defense shows up. Two weeks ago against Dallas Bill Sheridan's group played much more like the unit we expected to see this season. Last week against Philadelphia the defense reverted to the unit we have seen more often than not the last eight weeks. No pass rush, putrid coverage, blown assignments and no big plays. The Redskins offense is not great, and the Giants can't afford to make it look that way.
The Giants can run the ball, at least a little. The Redskins are 23rd in the league against the run. We all know, though, that they will stack the box and try to take Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw away from the Giants. Kevin Gilbride and the Giants have to run enough not to be one-dimensional against an excellent Redskins pass rush.
Eli Manning has a big day. Seems like this is always the case with this version of the Giants. Offensively, they will ride the right arm of Manning and the big-play ability of their exciting group of young wide receivers.

There will be lots of 'Wet Willies' Tuesday if ...

The Giants can't handle Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter. The bookend Redskin defensive ends have been what Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were supposed to be -- the most dominant duo of pass-rushing ends in the league. They both have 11 sacks, making Washington the only team in the league with two players in double-digits. Rookie Will Beatty will have to deal with Carter, and David Diehl will have to handle Orakpo. If those guys are in the backfield all day, Eli won't be able to create the big plays the Giants will need.
The special teams break down -- again. It seems like every week some area of the special teams falls flat on its face. Last week it was punt coverage, surrendering a touchdown to DeSean Jackson. I would hope for more, but I will settle for the Giants at least not making any huge special teams miscues.
The Giants can't get pressure. Ugh! Again, we need to talk about this. Redskins QB Jason Campbell has posted two straight weeks of 100+ quarterback ratings and has 17 touchdown passes. He might not have a future in Washington, but he isn't exactly JaMarcus Russell. If the Giants don't make him uncomfortable, I have no doubt he will torch the team's beleaguered secondary.

Cowboys @ Saints: Resurrecting a Pass Rush?

saints-nation — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:21 -0000

by Dave Martin - AP

View full size photo »

Eleven games into their season, the Saints showcased a formidable pass defense in part thanks to a very capable pass rush. The last two games have left most of us feeling concerned as the Saints have looked somewhat vulnerable. The main stat that jumps out is the pass yardage they are giving up and the lack of pressure they are getting on opposing QB's. Tony Romo is known for hanging onto the ball and making things happen with his ability to escape pressure while behind the line of scrimmage, so there will be opportunities to sack him. Romo has been sacked 28 times this season, good for 8th most in the NFL. Compare that to Brees, as a reference, who has only been sacked 15 times. The key to regaining confidence for the Saints will be to resurrect their pass rush.

Cowboys vs Saints coverage

Cowboys vs Saints preview

Check out these key average numbers the Saints were posting through eleven games:

Pass Yards Allowed Per Game: 217.5

Sacks Per Game: 2.3

Interceptions Per Game: 2.0

Then, facing mediocre quarterbacks in Jason Campbell and Chris Redman, these are the numbers they posted in comparison:

Pass Yards Allowed: 367 vs Redskins and 303 vs. Falcons

Sacks Per Game: 0 vs. Redskins and 1 vs. Falcons (if you can even call Sedrick Ellis' tackle at the line of scrimmage a "sack")

Interceptions Per Game: 1 vs. Redskins, 1 vs. Falcons

So all of the numbers aren't as good across the board and those are the main reasons why the Saints haven't played nearly as well in the last two games. Both Washington and Atlanta got the ball out quickly, trusting their receivers to make plays around the line of scrimmage. While injuries to starting corners Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter have a lot to do with the pass yardarge the past two opponents have amassed, let's consider the fact that Saints have gone from a 2.3 sack average per game over the first 11 games to a half sack per game average over the last 2. That one "sack" in two games, by the way, could have easily been ruled a tackle for no gain.

It's a small sample size, sure, but the Saints are getting a decreasing amount of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Part of that has been the gameplan for both Campbell and Redman to get the ball out of their hands quickly, and part of it has been the lack of production by Bobby McCray and Charles Grant specifically. They've both performed so poorly it's allowed offenses to double team, chip, and focus on the one real threat off the edge: Will Smith.

With the ball out more quickly, the Saints haven't been able to rely on their playmakers in Porter and Greer. Malcolm Jenkins, Mike McKenzie and to a lesser extent Randall Gay are missing tackles and assignments. Add to that the increasing demand for Roman Harper to help out in pass defense, where he's a liability, and the drop in the level of Darren Sharper's play; we've got ourselves a bit of a problem. Right now the performance of our corners and safeties is so subpar that I don't really think the Saints can afford to send the crazy blitzes that Gregg Williams is so in love with. We've seen how that's worked out the past two games.

So, I think it falls on the Will Smith, Anthony Hargrove, Sedrick Ellis, Charles Grant, Bobby McCray and Jeff Charleston to start getting more pressure as a front four. If they can do that, the Saints will get more sacks, more turnovers and yield less pass yardage. Right now I think their drop in performance of the front four is more to blame than the injuries to our starting corners.

Do you agree that the lack of pressure has been more of an issue than the starting cornerbacks being out with injuries? How many sacks do you expect us to get Saturday against Romo, a quarterback that's known for hanging on to the ball longer than most?

Keeping an Eye on the Other Beasts in the East

Aaron Novinger — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:47:59 -0000

More photos » by Seth Wenig - AP

A Giant collapse? Eli Manning will watch the Giants' playoff hopes slip away if they don't defeat the Redskins on MNF.

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With the Eagles atop the division, they've got a leg up on the rest of the Beasts in the current playoff picture.

Eagles clinch playoff berth with 1) PHI win + NYG loss, or 2) PHI win + DAL win.

Obviously, of the top three Beasts, the Giants need the most help. Having been swept by the Eagles, along with having a poor 5-4 conference record, New York's best chances are highly dependent upon Dallas losses.

The Cowboys sit in the middle. Being swept by the Giants keeps a fire lit under their behinds; yet, they still have a chance to sweep the division leading Eagles. Week 17 will be of utmost importance.

The Redskins, who have been playing well lately, are in danger of being swept by the division. Perhaps their 0-4 NFC East record will spurn them towards upsetting the Giants on Monday night at FedEx Field.

More Beasts in the East after the jump.

Washington Redskins (4-9)

Last game: 34-14 Win @ Oakland

Next up: Home vs. New York Giants

Big news in Washington. After VP/GM Vinny Cerrato's resignation, owner Daniel Snyder has hired Bruce Allen as his replacement.

Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins, has announced that proven long-time NFL executive Bruce Allen has been tapped to be the Executive Vice President/General Manager of the franchise. Daniel Snyder made the announcement just hours after accepting the resignation of Vinny Cerrato. Cerrato served in many capacities for the franchise over the last ten years, most recently as executive vice president of football operations.

"Bruce Allen is the personification of an NFL winner," Snyder said. "Our fans know his heritage; we know his abilities. He is the right person to lead our club."

Although the Redskins are not contending for a playoff position, they will still strive for a win against the rival Giants.

"I don’t want to look at it as a spoiler role for our football team. What I want to do is just win because we’ve earned it," Redskins coach Jim Zorn said on a conference call with New Jersey/New York media Wednesday.

"If we can earn the win, I want it to be more for us than winning it for somebody else. "What’s exciting about this game is it is a division opponent, it has a lot of meaning just because it is a division opponent, and it’s a Monday night game. We hope we can stay on track. That’s what we are looking forward to, anyway."

It does not sound as if Clinton Portis expects to be wearing the same jersey colors in 2010.

"I can't sit and tell you I want my career to be over here, but at the same time, you got to understand the business side of things," Portis said in a nearly 10-minute interview with a small group of reporters Tuesday at FedEx Field.

"I've been here for six years, and we went to the playoffs twice. I think Mr. [Daniel] Snyder [the team's owner], with the pressure that's on him with the organization, [is] probably going to have to make changes. For everything that [goes] on, I'm to blame, so why wouldn't I be the change?"

Rookie Brian Orakpo has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance (six tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble) against the Raiders.

New York Giants (7-6)

Last game: 45-38 Home Loss vs Philadelphia

Next up:@ Washington

The Giants are depending upon a Cowboys' collapse to get in the playoffs. Eli said so himself.

Eli Manning nearly snickered when asked about the Giants salvaging the season and not having a chance to control their own postseason destiny.

"We all know who Dallas plays and they've got a tough schedule," he said. "We are in the mind-set that if we win these three games, we think we will make the playoffs."

The Giants' troubles on defense have some pointing fingers at first-year coordinator, Bill Sheridan.

New York's defense, which was the NFL's best during the team's 5-0 start, has been uncharacteristically soft since, although coach Tom Coughlin gave first-year defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan a vote of confidence this week.

"I let him know my support for him and I also let him know it has to be better," Coughlin said. "We've got to do a better job. We're here for one reason. The inconsistency part of it is disturbing, let's face it. Six big play passes and three big play runs (against Philadelphia). You're not going to beat anybody like that."

The Redskins, on the other hand, have been a resurgent team of late.

"I'd love to be the Grinch on their Christmas," rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo said Monday. "That's what we're aiming for. Obviously we're not going to make the playoffs, but we would ruin some other people's seasons."

The Cowboys and Eagles each needed winning scores in the final three minutes to beat Washington, and the Saints only stayed unbeaten after a dramatic comeback in a 33-30 overtime victory two weeks ago.

The Redskins responded by blowing out lowly Oakland 34-13 on Sunday, as Jason Campbell threw two touchdown passes to emerging tight end Fred Davis while Quinton Ganther filled in for injured running backs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts by rushing for two scores.

Here is the NFL Game Center for MNF's Giants @ Redskins matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)

Last game: 45-38 Win @ New York Giants

Next up:Home vs San Francisco

Said simply, DeSean Jackson is a playmaker. Here's what he said about his electrifying punt return against the Giants.

What started as a return up the middle ended with his streaking up the left sideline.

"I caught the ball, went to the right a couple of steps and I didn't see nothing was going on that way, so I turned around and came left with it," he says of a decision that had to be made instantly. "They did a great job of sealing the sideline off for me."

His feel for open space, and his tremendous acceleration, served him well. He was left with only punter Jeff Feagles to beat.

"It's just a rule to me, I try not to get tackled by the kicker," he says.

Jackson was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Donovan McNabb compares and contrasts the T.O. days with this season's offense.

"With T.O. brought a lot of attention to our offense," McNabb said, when comparing the two offenses. "I think for rolling the coverages and being able to move (Owens) around because of his size, it still created mismatches which led now to (Brian) Westbrook having so many catches and so many yards; L.J. Smith, so many catches and so many yards; and then even Correll Buckhalter, I mean, coming in an spelling for Westbrook and picking up big yards ... Todd Pinkston I believe at that time led the league in catches over 20 yards."

"I think the difference for this year, obviously there's a different height situation with DeSean and T.O., but still the same explosiveness. We have Maclin, who is a bigger receiver, still being able to make plays on the other side. Brent Celek, who I think is having a Pro Bowl year. Leonard Weaver, having a Pro Bowl year. Our offensive line, the chemistry is where we need it to be. They seem to be getting that experience and they're playing well. So, there are some comparisons but there are also some differences."

I found this interesting tidbit of information when researching what losing Brian Westbrook has meant to the Eagles. To sum up the author's words, Westbrook was indeed important, but RBs are replaceable.

Aaron Schatz, president of Football Outsiders and the point man for this type of statistical analysis, calls it the "Mike Shanahan corollary," after the former Broncos head coach who produced five different 1,000-yard rushers in one eight-year stretch. The corollary isn't about just one coach, though; it's the whole league.

Over the last three seasons, eight featured running backs have gone down to injury, and in each case their understudies have actually outperformed them. If anything, you should be surprised Weaver and McCoy have been so unproductive.

In a lot of ways, this makes sense. Most carries are much more about the offensive line than they are the RBs. If your offensive line gets a 5-yard push, the back gets 5 yards. If the line gets you 2, he'll get 2. Lest you think I'm cherry-picking data, consider this: Adrian Peterson, the consensus best tailback in football, averages 4.5 yards per carry. The combined average of every other Viking to take a handoff? 4.4.

You see? Flozell Adams isn't the only Beast in the East who fights with the Giants. Eagles' DE Trent Cole got into a huge brawl Sunday night, but will not be suspended for his involvement.

Cole apologized for his actions and said that he will accept whatever repercussions are placed upon him by the league. After Darren Howard forced a fumble on a sack of Eli Manning with less than 30 seconds to go in the game, Trent Cole was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty and disqualified from the game for throwing two punches at Giants' offensive lineman Shaun O' Hara.

Cole was fined $15,000.

The team moved TE Martin Rucker up from its practice squad. The move may or may not have something to do with Brent Celek's back injury.

Rucker is an accomplished receiver, as evidenced by his 203 career receptions at the University of Missouri, most ever by a Big 12 tight end. But Reid said that because Rucker worked in the spread offense in college, his blocking needed work when he reached the NFL – and still does, the coach added.

Some injury notes:

Maclin (foot) and Celek (sore back) were the only two players to miss Wednesday's practice. According to head coach Andy Reid, Celek is expected to play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers (6-7). Westbrook (concussion) ran with the scout team. He hasn't been ruled out of Sunday's game, but may not play.

You saw how hard the 49ers fought on Monday night. By beating the division leading Cardinals, they've got some hope for the playoffs. Hopefully, they'll play just as tough against Philly.

The 6-7 Niners don't even have to win out, nor do they need for the 8-5 Cardinals to lose out. They just need to win two of their last three if the Cardinals lose all three, or to win out and hope for the Cardinals to lose at least two of three. If the two finish with the same record, the 49ers win the division outright based on beating Arizona twice.

Yes, the Niners can still win the division with an 8-8 record. But they cannot win the division if the Cardinals win all three remaining games.

If you missed the Monday night game, this is what the 49ers did to the Cardinals' offense.

The 49ers forced the Cardinals into seven turnovers, sacked Kurt Warner four times and allowed only 245 yards in total offense. Along with that, free safety Dashon Goldson played the best game of his professional life and could be a star in the making while outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks, with three sacks, showed the kind of edge pass-rushing ability that all coaches crave. San Francisco is now tied for seventh in sacks with 34.

NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Frank Gore, gashed the Cards' defense. Do it again, Gore!

His 167 rushing yards helped propel the 49ers to a 24-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Gore totaled 104 yards on the ground in the first half on 13 carries and scored the team's last touchdown to seal the victory.

Here's the NFL Game Center for the 49ers @ Eagles matchup.

Pour Some Sugar On Me - Wrapping Up Raiders Recap, Kicking Off Giants Coverage

Sugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:29:59 -0000

This was written before the Vinny news. As this article takes me hours to write, and this particular one includes a lot of content provided by you guys throughout the week, I decided to keep it in its current form. Feel free to incorporate the new era we find ourselves in into your comments below.

*************

As most of you know, I was invited to participate in a live segment of Comcast Sportsnet's Post Game Live broadcast this past Sunday. Kevin will be doing the San Diego Chargers game on January 3rd. I think I have set the bar rather low so expect Kevin to look like a superstar in comparison. Here is the video from the show, provided by the good folks over at CSN (to see the good work they are doing covering our favorite teams, click here.)

Ten Yard Fight - 10 Chances To Make One Good Point

Even though we are winning games now in what amounts to a "lost cause" of a season, it is still encouraging to see the passion and loyalty from the Redskins faithful. To suggest we don't care or that we don't pay attention just because playoffs are not a possibility would be patently false, and the debate raging on the recap post this week is evidence of this. In that spirit, for today's "Ten Yard Fight", I thought I would pick some of the comments from that discussion. Unlike James Woods (pictured below), when we solicit your feedback, we appreciate it.

via thumbnails.hulu.com

1) "I think Jason Campbell is a winner for this franchise if the right rebuilding steps are taken in the next few offseasons. We don't need a Brees or a brady-type to win games. That's not Redskins football. Keep Campbell." - CarverM

There is an overwhelming sentiment within the Redskins fanbase to bring back Jason Campbell. At this point in time, it is even conceivable that the front office folks here are strongly considering such a move. I will offer you guys this though: As you saw in the video from Sunday's Post Game Live, Brian Mitchell grilled me a little when I suggested that JC would want to come back next year. His point of course is that Jason Campbell has been treated so poorly by Snyder and Cerrato, he would take pleasure in walking away from those two. Whether or not you agree with the point of view, or the possibility that JC would take this stance, it remains a VERY valid point.

2) "Zorn got a 3 year contract, he should be allowed to finish it out." SkinsOsTerps

3) "...all of my [comments] regarding Zorn and keeping him next year were based on Sherm [Lewis] being OC full-time." Scott E

Hmmmmm...this issue is getting cloudier by the second. I mean, the debate over who gets the credit for our current success and who gets the blame for our past failure is RAGING. Hell, I made the case to keep Zorn a few weeks ago and even I'm not convinced right now it is the best thing to do. On one hand, I so desperately desire a move by this front office that points to a commitment not even to Zorn, but to stability and continuity. It would be easy to pin a lot of our failures in the last two seasons on Jim Zorn. It might even be fair. But the decision to continue down the road they committed to just two seasons ago would take a lot of backbone, and part of me wants to see that backbone brought to bear on this issue. It is conceivable that we could build on what is happening this season with Zorn at the head of it all. On the other hand, some of the situations and positions Zorn has put this team in over the last two seasons are simply unacceptable. We have gone over them ad nauseam so I won't re-state them here. Suffice to say that Snyder could base a firing decision on some very real reasons. Ultimately, while the "on-the-job" training approach has been kind of a bust, I am of the mind that we see it out the 3 years we gave it at the outset. Men like Jim Zorn often make you look good and smart if given an opportunity (has he only been given 2/3's of an opportunity so far?) To those of you out there who continue to very passionately articulate opposing opinions (GTS), let me assure you--you are getting through to me. But I look at this team and organization right now and I see plenty of "major shake-up" opportunities that don't include Jim Zorn.

4) Clinton is done: He is no longer the star back, and he needs to retire. dr WNC

5) If you can get rid of: Montana, Namath, OJ (OK, he's a double murderer), Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, Ricky Jackson (Saints), Favre...the NFL is a hardass hustle folks." Mark Antney

6) Wonder if we could [get] Leon Washington for an affordable price." BayAreaBullet

This was of course in reference to our lengthy Clinton Portis question: is he done? I don't think it would be fair to characterize the general sentiment of the fanbase as either anti-CP or even as a "he's worn out his welcome" kind of feeling. Instead, it would seem that (like CP himself) we all kind of see the future of this team moving away from Clinton Portis--the player and the persona. Portis has been like the sun and our offense and team has--at least in some respects--orbited around him. I don't think that is the direction this franchise is going to continue in and I think with specific regard to the gravitational pull of his personality, the move in a different direction will be deliberate. I do believe he is capable of carrying the ball productively in this league still, but to keep him around here would seem a lot like breaking up with your girlfriend but continuing to live with her. We can't dedicate entire gameplans to him anymore (nor should we given our budding passing game success) and I worry that he would not appreciate that. Not to mention it would be kind of like when Rocky came back to work in the gym for Mick. Do we really want to see one of the more mercurial backs we have had in this town carrying spit buckets?

7) "It's a logical inference that unaccountable people in power at the front office & the coaching staff [level] would be thick as thieves." Grand Tanyon Sturtze

The initial topic was whether or not Greg Blache was the long-term answer for us at Defensive Coordinator. It was kind of a softball question, since many of us doubt that he even really wants to be here for the long-term (he was talked out of retirement to stay supposedly.) The commentary quickly split as fans of the same mind as GTS believe that there is something fishy with regard to the way Blache has handled himself here as of late. I don't necessarily agree, but I something about this statement reverberated in my head. To me, of all the douchebaggery that has transpired in recent years, Greg Blache has rarely if ever been at the epicenter, nor has he really ever been the target of my ire. Yet the "thick as thieves" part got me thinking...despite any short-term success we have enjoyed here in recent years (the current stretch included) it has felt at times that the front office is conspiring against any possible long-term success. Whether you believe that Zorn and/or Blache are complicit in this "conspiracy" (I do not believe this), the sheer fact we have this kind of thought is maddeningly depressing. To answer the original question, I don't think Blache is long for this franchise. The reason why is I think at some point the head coach is going to choose his own staff (correction, the head coach will be allowed to choose his own staff) and I question if Blache will be a new coach's first choice.

8) "I kinda see Clausen as having the attitude of Eli Manning with the talent of JaMarcus Russell." DbacksSkins

Wow...that is a pretty rough criticism of Clausen. That would be a horrible combination for a franchise quarterback. I seriously doubt that Snyder and Cerrato share this opinion, but I will say that I have serious reservations about Clausen and they are shared by people much smarter than me (isn't there a debate among the talking heads out there over whether or not Clausen is a good "locker room guy"?)

9) Mike Williams = "Comeback Player of the Year": Did anyone see Big Mike and his run blocking...he did a great job yesterday. I think he will become a solid right guard for us. We just need to steal a couple of Offensive lineman that can pass block and find one more running back and our offense will be a winner." LETJASONPASS

Hahaha...my boy might have gotten a tad carried away here on the Comeback Player of the Year nod, but yes, Williams did play a good game in Oakland. If he can stay healthy and maintain his desire, he should be able to contribute to our offense for a while. He definitely factors in our future. However, it was still inexcusable to base our backup plan for an NFL offensive line on a guy who had been out of the league for two seasons and had to lose 100 lbs just to try out for the team. Expecting credit for that move panning out at all is like you trying to convince everyone that it was your good looks and mad game that landed you a hot girl and not her obscene level of intoxication.

10) "My earring: What's the big deal?? I've worn it on the air for 16 years! R U just now noticing?" Chick@CSN

Haha...At the top of my segment on Post Game Live, Chick ragged me a little on my beard and I had spent literally all day thinking what I would say if he did (when you have a ratty beard like mine, you are just asking for it.) Needless to say, I arrived at an earring comment quickly. It is not that Chick can't rock the earring. He absolutely can. I commented back to him that I couldn't picture him without the earring. Chick has dominated the sports news scene here for a long time. We do semi-regular sports personality anchor ratings (usually over many beers and usually because someone has just done something on TV to kickstart the conversation...like when Michael Jenkins does something goofy or when Kelli Johnson wears an exceptionally bright pink or green shirt.) I will make a point to include that as a topic in our next video. Chick is almost up there in Jim Vance territory...and not just because of the earring. I love Jim Vance and his style. He is a staple on the D.C. television news scene. Chick is pretty much there now for sports news in this town. In the absence of dominant personalities like George Michael and Glenn Brenner (R.I.P.), Chick Hernandez has filled the void. Welcome to Hogs Haven Chick.

It's Time To Get Ready for the Giants

I have said it before and it bears repeating: I don't care about a higher draft pick at the cost of wins. I always want to see wins. I don't understand how anyone could actively root for losses just to get a higher draft pick. Where is the fun in that? Not to mention we get to play teams like the Giants and Cowgirls down the stretch who are counting on wins against us to make the playoffs. Regardless of what the win would mean to our postseason or offseason situation, beating the Giants and Cowgirls are each their own reward. We want to beat the Giants because they are the Giants and we want to beat the Cowgirls because they are the no-good, rotten, dirty Dallas Cowgirls.

We did not spend too much time talking about the Raiders last week but I could live with that. I can't live with not preparing ourselves mentally for the game on Monday Night Football. If you are going to be there, be loud. Get there early and tailgate your hearts out. Make sure the Giants know they are on the road and in a hostile environment. And for God's sake, keep them on the ropes. We are playing better than them right now. A win over the Raiders means little heading into next season. But NFC East wins are carryover wins for sure. They matter to the fans and they matter to the organizations. The teams in our division are the ones we measure ourselves against. No matter our records, these games are the true tests for our franchise. If our team is indeed worthy of getting excited about...if they truly are worthy of an opportunity to keep it rolling next year...if they truly have become something they weren't in September, then we will see it on Monday Night Football.

BBV chats with 'Hogs Haven'

Ed Valentine — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:12:52 -0000

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The NFC East rival Washington Redskins are up first in what is now a three-week season of must victories for our New York Giants. With that in mind, I chatted Wednesday with Kevin from our Redskins blog, 'Hogs Haven.'

Kevin: First, I've read all your previous chats about Osi, Tuck, the problems w/ the secondary..so I'll link those...the injuries to the secondary have been tough w/ moving players around...my question is... the Giants defense is 9th best in yards against, but 5th worst in points against...why is that? Bad offensive turnovers?

Ed: Has nothing to do with the offense. The offense has been terrific. It has to do with not being able to make a play when they need one. Blowing assignments that lead to big plays, not being able to get a run stop when they have to. Oh, and the fact that the kicking game/coverage teams have been awful. So, it always seems like a short field.

Kevin: Did you agree with Coughlin's decision to keep Sheridan? I read that Kiwanuka said there were "communication" problems which he described as "getting calls and understanding what you’re supposed to be doing."

Ed: Yes, I did. Switching coordinators right now is pointless, really. Can't change the whole system or staff right now. Sheridan is not without fault, and if the season goes up in flames he won't be back. But, a lot of this is on the players. A lot of guys have not lived up to their names and blown assignments, linemen getting ridden off the ball and poor tackling are on the players. Not the coordinator. So, plenty of blame to go around.

Kevin: Not to mention his secondary is depleted...Corey Webster and Aaron Ross both got banged up...you heard if they're going to play?

Ed: Webster is day to day. Ross is fine, and he has been playing at safety, and playing pretty well for being new to it, for several weeks now.

Kevin: Right tackle Kareem McKenzie is out and William Beatty the rookie is in. Is there a big drop-off there and should the Skins overload that side? Robert Gallery was out last week for OAK and the Skins made the Raiders pay dearly.

Ed: I'm sure the Redskins will try to work Beatty over. But, Giants fans are actually happy about this. Beatty, a second-round pick, is a player. McKenzie is a fading veteran and the job should belong to Beatty next season, anyway. The kid is going to be good, and we want to see him on the field.

Kevin: Hard to believe the Giants are ranked 23rd in +/- turnovers at -4...what's your prediction for Monday?

Ed: Well, I'd like to say we'll kick your butt all over the field and make you wish ... well, you get the point. But, I have no idea. Will the Giants team that played its guts out the last two weeks show up? Will the team that gave zero effort against Denver show up? Will they continue to make stupid mistakes on defense and special teams? I don't know. This team should be much better than it is. But it isn't getting the job done. I just know we need to win.

Kevin: OK, last question, back in May when we chatted, I asked you if you had any concerns w/ the new WR core...

you thought you'd be OK if Mario stepped up and Ramses Barden came on...Nicks is a stud like we thought...how would you rate the WRs now? What happened to Ramses?

Ed: The wide receivers, believe it or not, are actually a strong suit on this team. Our Steve Smith is the best Steve Smith in the league. He has already broken the team's single-season reception record, and might get to 100+. He is uncoverable (think Wes Welker) on short to intermediate stuff. Nicks, like you said, is total stud. Love the kid. Mario Manningham is frustratingly inconsistent. He is a game-breaker with the ball in his hands, but his route-running needs work and he drops too many balls. Barden is a mystery. In camp I thought he would be a star, but he has only been active for a couple of games. The Giants say they would like to activate him, but he is a liability on special teams and the 4th or 5th WR has to be on the coverage teams. I think Ramses will get his full opportunity next season to surpass Domenik Hixon and maybe even Manningham. I can't wait to see what he does with it.

Ed: The Redskins have played much better in recent weeks. They looked like a train-wreck early on. What has changed?

Kevin: You got a couple hours? Well, the offense has played better with the Shermans (Lewis and Smith) calling the plays. Cerrato stripped Jim Zorn of the duties before the BYE. The offensive line has been swiss cheese to say the least, and then during half-time of the ATL game, Off line coach Joe Bugel ripped the team a new one and they have played better. The addition of LT Levi Jones is a big key as well. He's gone against the best the last several weeks and kept Jason's back clear accept for a handful of times at most. Devin Thomas & Fred Davis have finally come on as well.

Ed: You guys have to play both the Giants and Cowboys in the last three weeks. Obviously, you can have a big impact on the playoff race. You find that position kind of enjoyable?

Kevin: I'm just happy they're competitive at all. It's pathetic that we have to root for someone else's playoffs run...but keeping Dallas out will surely rise a smile out of me.

Ed: I'd like it if you did that, too. OK. Who will be the coach next season?

Kevin: Shanahan is my guess. VInny Cerrato and him are already buddies, so it makes sense (in Snyder's and Cerrato's delusional minds). It's frustrating...just as the Skins are showing continuity, they blow it up again and bring in a new coach.

Ed: Speaking [of] continuity, is Jason Campbell the long-term answer at QB? Or, is he playing out the string just like Jim Zorn?

Kevin: Well, the long term plan SHOULD be draft Oline in the first 2 rounds next year...let Campbell run that offense next year .. then draft a QB to groom behind a top line....BUT...Campbell is as good as gone. Snyder and Cerrato have already flown to watch Colt and Clausen practice. It's maddening. JC has taken some BRUTAL hits this year. Like Stafford, whoever they draft will get hurt.

Ed: OK. So, who is making the playoffs? Giants or Cowboys?

Kevin: I didn't like the Cowboys at the beginning of the year. I'm still amazed their record is as good as it is. Giants.

Ed: Last question. It's my signature one, and I have to ask because my guys at BBV always kill me when I don't. At this point, which Giants player would you most like to put in a Redskins' uniform?

Kevin: its a great question .. I want Mara as my owner. I might even consider Plax as owner.

(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)

Saints @ Redskins: Prediction Results and Voting

Saintsational — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:00:19 -0000

Before we get to the prediction results from the most recent Saints game against the Falcons this Sunday, we need to vote for last weeks winner from the Washington game. So here they are.

Nobody got all three of their predictions right and we didn't have anyone correctly guess the score so it looks like it might come down to score predictions.

Begin voting now. Prediction results and voting for Sunday's game will be later today.

*CSC Member*	*Predictions*	*Analysis*
GobBluth	Brees throws 2+ TDs Colston and Meachem 1+ TDs each Saints D has a TD	Yes Yes No *Score Prediction: Saints 45-17*
nanvinnie	1) Shockey 1+ TD 2) Defense 2+ TOs 3) Payton No Challenges	No Yes Yes *Score Prediction:* Saints 41-13
whodatone	1. Brees with at least two TD passes. 2. Shockey gets at least one TD. 3. Sharper has no Int.	Yes No Yes *Score Prediction:* Saints 31-27
arcuate	Saints outgain Redskins in rushing yards. Meachem scores at least one TD. Saints D makes 2+ turnovers.	No Yes Yes *Score Prediction:* Saints 35-6
Cajun in CA	1. Skins score 1st. 2. Saints have only 1 turnover. 3. Brees gets to watch the end of the game from the bench.	Yes Yes No *Score Prediction:* Saints 31-9
Nate W	1) Redskins rush for under 100 yards 2) Saints 2 or more sacks 3) Devin Thomas 5 or more catches	Yes No Yes *Score Prediction:* Saints 31-6
cck781	1. Brees 2+ td passes but under 300 yds. passing 2. PT and Bell both score a TD 3. Defense 3+ turnovers	No No No
saints-nation	1. Saints score first 2. Saints up by double digits at halftime 3. Pierre Thomas with at least 100yds rushing and at least 1 TD	No No No
Alex Saints	Colston gets in the endzone David Thomas gets his 2nd TD Brees QB rating 30+ pts higher than Campbells	Yes No No
xen-cuts	1. Brees has 3x+ TDs 2. Meach has 1x TD 3. Shockey has 1x TD	No Yes No
MtnExile	1. The Saints have no problem running on the Redskins, getting over 100 yards. 2. Drew has an off day, throwing for only 2 TDs and an interception. 3. Darren Sharper returns an INT for a TD.	No Yes No
andyp111	Drew Brees has 3TDs Reggie Bush has a rushing and recieving TD Saints are +3 in the turnover battle	No No Yes
sernycrusher	1. pt bruiser goes over 100 yards 2. shockey get a td 3. harper leads team in tackles	No No No
Ponysaints	1. Brees has at least 2 TD’s. 2. PT gets at least 2 TD’s. 3. Brunell gets to play in the 4th Qtr.	Yes No No
CoastRebel	1. Brees 2 TDs+ 2. Saints D 2 INTs+ 3. Kickoff/punt return for a TD	Yes No No
lonBlitz	1. Brees with 1 TD 2. Bell with two rushing TDs 3. Sharper with 1 INT	No No No
viper4dx	1.Brees 2 TD,1 INT 200+ yards 2. Saints total 150+ yards rushing,2 TD 3. Saints D wins TO battle,also scores on Pick 6.	Yes No No
Steve the fan	1. Roby has a kick return TD. 2. Dave Thomas gets a TD. 3. Jenkins has an INT.	No No No
TigerPaw	1. Brees gets picked twice 2. Campbell gets sacked at least 3 times 3. Saints rushing game held below 100 yards	No No Yes
satchmo26	1. Carney misses a FG attempt, which causes Who Dat Nation to lose all confidence in him and demand Hartley. 2. Brees throws for less than 300 yards and less than 2 TDs, mostly because he won’t have to. 3. Saints D scores on a turnover.	No No No
mississippisaintsfan	1.We have our first shut out of the year 2.Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell both score on runs 3.No missed field goals by our kicker this week (which ever one gets the nod)	No No No
FLDune Patrol	1. Washington sacks Brees 3+ 2. Shockey has TD 3. Sharper gets interception and yardage record	No No No
Ace Venom	1) We shut out the Redskins 2) Carney misses a field goal attempt. 3) Brees completes two TD passes	No No Yes
bondcrash	1) Hartley is the only active kicker for the game 2) We punt 4+ times 3) Pierre Thomas has 100+ alll purpose yards	Yes No No
saint-sly	Brees gets 3+ TD passes Colston gets 2 TD’s Smith gets 2 sacks	No No No
bowlbound09	Brees 2+td’s, 1 INT Campbell 1+td’s, 2 INT Pierre Thomas will have big game	Yes No No
Grok Rocker	1. Brees has 3+ TD’s 2. Pierre Thomas has 75+yards and 1+ TD 3. 20th player gets a TD to get closer to NFL record	No No No
themarsist	1. Sharper gets a pick 6 2. Mike Bell has 100+ yards and TD 3. Brees throws two TDs	No No Yes
saintfever09	1. Jason Campbell throws 2+ picks. 2. Brees has 300+ yards and 3+ touchdowns. 3. Will Smith will have at least 1 sack	No No No
Baggs5	1. Brees doesn’t play all 4 quarters 2. Both teams have a special teams return of over 30 yards 3. Saints defense records at least 3 sacks	No Yes No
Ron the fan	1- Drew at least 3 TD.s 2-Pierre gets in on the act this week with 2 TD performance. 3-Shockey gets back in pay dirt with a TD.	No No No
FuSoYa	Brees is sacked at least twice New Orleans wins the TO battle, but has offensive TO’s of their own(at least one) A Washington TD results from a starting field position on NO side.	No Yes No
saintsbrasil	Jason Campbell has 2 + ints Will smith has 2+ sacks Colston scores 2 tds	No No No
GSO Saints Fan	1) Brees: 4 TD, 0 INT 2) PT: 2 TD, 100+ yards rushing 3) Saints D scores another TD	No No No
saintsfan77	brees throws 2 tds thomas scores 2 rushing tds smith and hargrove each have at least one sack	Yes No No
SaintBevo	Saints D has at least 4 take-aways Brian Orakpo has at least on sack of Brees Pierre Thomas has at least 90 total yards and at least 1 TD	No No No
carolinasaintsfan	1. Colston has at least one TD. 2. S. Ellis get a fumble recovery, but holds on to this one. 3. Saints D. Ends have at least two sacks collectively.	Yes No No
sainteric	1. Saints hold Redskins under 100 yards rushing 2. Saints get 3 sacks 3. Saints rush for over 150 yards	Yes No No
darshiva420	180 or more yards rushing Shockey gets threes tds 2 defensive tds	No No No
daisy117	1. Brees throws 2+ TDs 2. Pierre Thomas has 100+ YFS 3. Brees has 0 INTs	Yes No No
benm316	1. Drew throws for at least 250 yards 2. Saints D gets 4 turnovers 3. Redskins convert on less than 50% of their third downs	Yes No No
bmi601	1. Saints defense gets a pick 6 2. Jason Campell gets sacked and fumbles 3. Redskins offense held to under 300 yards total	No No No
Philinwood	- Close game ( within 10 points) until mid- late 3rd qtr - Jason Campbell has 60 + rushing yds - Our special teams clearly outplay their special teams	No No No
BlackandGold4ever	1) Brees throws for 300+ yards, 3+ TD’s 2) Defense scores 1+ TD’s 3) Campbell is sacked at least 4 times	No No No
skinnykinney	1. Brees 3+ TDs and 250+ yards 2. Saints D gets 2+ turnovers 3. Our running game gets 120+ yards total and at least 1 TD.	No Yes No
Boo.	1. Brees 2 TDs of 40+ yards 2. Skins win T.O.P battle 3. Orakpo sack+forced fumble	Yes No No
PilneyPark	1. Saints 150+ yards total rushing 2. Saints force 2+ fumbles 3. Brees pulled before end of game	No Yes No
jray2000	1. Bush, Bell, and Thomas each get over 50 yards from scrimage 2. Saints DEF: 5 or more sacks 3. A Saints TE will score a TD	No No No
SaintsFanInIraq	1 – Sharper gets a Pick 6 2 – Jenkins and/or McKenzie gets a pick 6 3 – at least 4 offensive TD’s	No No No
jimfrotch	1. Saints win T.O. ratio 2. 20th player will score a TD for Saints this year (19 through week 11) 3. Brees throws under 300 yards	Yes No No
hakimdropstheball	1. Saints rush for at least 175 yards. 2. Saints win by at least 15 points. 3. Saints D get at least two turnovers against the Skins.	No No Yes
SaintsFanMD	1. Saints rush for more than 150 total yards. 2. Brees passes for more than 200 yards. 3. Saints D gets at least 2 turnovers and 1 pick 6.	No Yes No
coldpizza	1. Drew Brees will pass for less than 300 yards. 2. At least one tight end from each team will score a TD. 3. The Saints will fly home Sunday evening as 2009 NFC South champs.	No No Yes
RumDunnitt	1. Sean Payton gives game-ball to Greg Williams. Greg Williams wants a shut-out 2. Darren Sharper sets NFL record for INT. return yardage. 3. The Ellis Pressley D-Line makes Jason Campbell "All Shook Up" when they beat him like a "Hound Dawg" on their "JailHouse Rock". I suggest he not step on their "Gold Suede Shoes", because they will not "Love Him Tender"!	No No No
Deckape 69	Saints rush for over 150 yards Saints return a punt for a TD Brees throws 3 TD	No No No
HansDat	1) Bush 1 punt ret TD 2) Bush 1 short yardage rush TD 3) Bush 1 rec TD	No No No
saint boss hog	1.pierre thomas will rush for 75+ yards and a td. 2.saints defense gets a td 3.meachem gets atleast 1 td	No No Yes
Tigernut	1. 4 or more TD’s for Brees 2. 2 or more INT’s 3. Saints wear gold pants.	No No Yes
OldFartFan	water boy fills can’s with hot chocolate. Sharper + McKenzie wrestle INT into end zone each player receives half touch down. Sedrick Ellis recover’s fumble entire Saint’s defence dog pile’s Big E .	No No No
metryman	1. Brees 250+ yds.and 2 Td’s 2. Saints D 3 sacks and +2 TO’s 3. Lucky Pierre 100 total yds. and +1 Td	Yes No No
Scott2417	Saints defense scores 2 times Shockey 100+ yds. TD Brees 350+ yds. 2 TD passing, 1 TD rushing	No No No
jeremysherwin	Brees 3 TD Thomas 2 TD Defense gets 2+ turovers	No No Yes
Joseph William Stern	Saints score greater than 9 points in the first quarter. Redskins commit greater than three turnovers. There are exactly three video challenges in the game	No Yes No
simone219	1.Saints rush for ove 200 yards 2.Meachum catches 1+tochdowns 3.Our defense has 3+ turnovers	No Yes No
jgshocker22	1) brees will throw for 250+ yards, at least one TD and the redskins will no longer have the #1 pass D 2) Saints will get at least 1 INT and at least 2 sacks 3) Saints rush for 100+ yards	Yes No No
janepriceestrada	1. Brunell plays at least one snap. 2. Bell leads team in rushing, +80 yards. 3. Carney misses something prompting Payton to take him out back and toss him in the Potomac.	No No No
Malsby	1. Colston catches at least 1 TD 2. Brees throws for less than 300 yards 3. Redskins rush for at least 100 yards	Yes No No
DrWhoDat	1. Saints D scores a TD 2. Redskins will not score in 4th quarter 3. Saints rush for 150yds	No No No
Monkey Poop Battle	Saints defense records 6+ sacks Saints defense recovers at least two fumbles Pierre Thomas scored at least one TD.	No No No
Just 'Nother Day	1. Shockey scores two touchdowns. 2. Brees scores one rushing touchdown. 3. Bush scores two touchdowns.	No No No
redneckfan	Sharper has pick and sets NFL int. return record Brees throws for 3+ TD’s Saints combined rushing 150+ yards	No No No
WhoDat_OH	1) D/ST force 3+ Skins fumbles 2) At least 3 different Saints score TD 3) Skins do not score in second half	No No No
gavin31785	1. Saints get 3+ sacks 2. Saints have more rushing attempts than pass attempts 3. Saints get 1+ interceptions	No No Yes
Nez	PT has 100 yd day Colston 2 tds Drew throws for 200yds 3 tds	No No No

Poll

Who has last weeks most accurate predictions?

Pro/Con List to Help the Redskins Front Office Decide on Jason Campbell

KevinE — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:05:52 -0000

More photos » by Susan Walsh - AP

Charlie Weis and Jimmy Clausen quietly put up a lot of numbers. Rumors are already heating up both will land in D.C.

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Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato have a real problem right now: Jason Campbell is playing too good.

That final interception in the Saints game still stings, but it's clear Campbell provides the best chance for the Redskins to make the playoffs next year. Since Campbell is the most coveted free agent QB next year, doesn't that mean the spend-freely Redskins should automatically resign him? They always sign the best!!! Sigh.

Well, whoever is the QB next year has two glaring problems: there is no RT or LT. Chris Samuels is likely retiring and Stephon Heyer is not even close to holding up that right side. That means the Skins need to get TWO tackles in FA or the draft. Obviously, we'd all love to see a Tackle drafted with the first pick, but if they didn't, who is going to protect this QB? If the Redskins thought Rinehart, Heyer, and Mike Williams were good enough to play, then Levi Jones must be the second coming of Walter Jones. I do like Levi Jones and think he could hold down that left-side next year, but his play so far this year will attract a lot of teams. Tackles aside, I really question if Snyder has already decided to let JC walk. So, in the means of allowing Snyder to accurately assess the situation, I've decided to help the front office in their decision to cut/keep Campbell with this Pro/Con list. If there's any I have missed, please comment below and I'll add to the matrix.

Pros	Cons
- He can take a hit	- Can't slide
- Person of character (Joe Gibbs always talked about)	- Doesn't sell the # of jerseys a Clausen/McCoy would
- Passer rating this year: 90.0	- Misses open reads at times
- Has the players' full support	- Ranked 5^th with 33 most sacks (certainly the OLine takes some blame here)
- Tied for 8^th in Compl% at 65.3 (with Tom Brady)	- Has trouble winning games late in the 4th when the Skins are tied or down 1 score.
- Tied for 14^th in passing TDs (17) with Carson Palmer
- Has never complained about playing behind the 2^nd worst offensive line in the NFL...for 21 straight games
- Dates a beauty pageant queen
- Well established in the community
- Continued to play well despite losing his best pass blocker (Samuels) and favorite pass target (Cooley)
- Has never called out another player or coach despite the many bad losses
- Chooses to spend his off-season in Ashburn working with teammates
- Draftable QB valuations may be higher now that Locker has decided to stay in Washington for his last year

Of course there is also this likelihood: Jason's outstanding play will only increase the draft pick the Redskins would get from a team if he's a restricted free agent in an uncapped year. It's hard, if not impossible, to find quality tackles in the mid-late rounds. Please address the Oline for whatever QB comes in. Extend Jason now before he hits free agency.

Quarterback decisions, future and present, for the Rams

VanRam — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:39:33 -0000

More photos » by Matt Rourke - AP

Is this the next Rams QB?

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Here's the least insightful statement you'll read today: The St. Louis Rams need a starting QB for the 2010 season. Discussion around that subject has begun in earnest in the wake of rookie Keith Null's debut against the Titans yesterday. GM Billy Devaney has several routes for finding the team's next signal caller with a very high pick in the draft or more financial flexibility thanks to lots of junk contracts going off the books after this season.

First, let's talk about the rest of the season. Devaney's reluctance to put Marc Bulger on IR and reports this weekend that he will miss at least two more games make me wonder if they aren't hoping that Bulger might be able to start the season's final game, a showdown with the 49ers at the Dome. Bulger's status with the Rams and in general is up in the air after this season. There are reports that Bulger might just retire after this season. Retire or not, it seems likely that the Rams would part ways with Bulger, since he clearly doesn't have much left in his abused body and may be unwilling to renegotiate his contract. So for the next two games it comes down to a choice between Keith Null and Kyle Boller, a push in my opinion.

There are some bona fide first round talents at the quarterback position this year, and the Rams will certainly go through their due diligence on those players. They have to. Of course, if history is any indication, the Rams might not be taking a QB in the first round, especially with what will most likely be the first or second overall pick. The last time a franchise that included Billy Devaney as a member of the front office staff drafted a QB was the San Diego Chargers in 1998 who drafted Ryan Leaf.

That leaves the free agent (or trade) market which is really, really tough to predict at this point given the labor dispute. Some of the names being mentioned include, surprisingly and unsurprisingly, two current members of the Eagles. From Peter King:

Interesting tidbit from respected St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz: "I would not be surprised, at all, to see the Rams make a play for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick after the season.'' I agree.

Miklasz has a penchant for dramatics and overstating whispers. However, Vick might just be a decent fit for an offense that seems steadfastly determined to not throw a ball more than 7 yards down the field, no matter how much they might need to. And then there's this slightly more surprising tidbit:

Also would not be surprised to see the Rams make a very quiet inquiry about Donovan McNabb after the season either. Not saying the Eagles would make such a deal (two second-rounders and a four for McNabb?), but Kevin Kolb will be a fourth-year player, and Philly's not going to be able to keep him until McNabb retires.

Obviously, that's a little more of a stretch, but given the connections between this coaching staff and the Eagles, it's not surprising, since proximity does a lot to start rumors in the NFL. McNabb turns 34 next season, so it would be a short-term solution, like say if you were drafting a QB. I don't know that the Rams can really afford to be surrendering second round picks for 34-year-olds. Strangely enough Kevin Kolb has been mentioned as a possibility too.

Then, there's always Jason Campbell who has a 65 percent completion rate and has been playing at a high level this season despite the team around him.

Whoever the Rams start at quarterback next season, let's hope they get some receiving talent for that person to throw to, but that's another discussion for another time.

Finally, let's go back to the season at hand. Personally, I'd probably just start Null. The difference between him or Boller under center is neglible and doesn't increase the chances of the team winning either way. If Bulger is cleared to play in week 17, do you start him? Only three more games to think about the current crop of Rams quarterbacks, and that's good news in and of itself.

Poll

SB Nation - Jason Campbell

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Who has last weeks most accurate predictions?

Pro/Con List to Help the Redskins Front Office Decide on Jason Campbell

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Who should be the Rams starting QB for the last three games of the season?