SB Nation - Mike Williams

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.

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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.

Washington Redskins Defeat Oakland Raiders In Front of Hundreds Of Oakland Fans

Sugar — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:24:40 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

Jim Zorn laughs after hearing Sherman Lewis tell the one about a priest, a rabbi, and Vinny Cerrato walking into a bar over his headset.

Browse more photos »

Okay, so it may have been more than a few hundred, but at one point on the national feed I could hear individual people clapping. Before the game you knew it was two teams playing for nothing. By the end of the game it was clear one team was acting like a group playing for nothing and the other was playing the part of a group trying to keep the party going. This Redskins team has found something to be sure. When I watch these guys I think, "Wow...this looks like an actual NFL team...this looks like teams around the league that know what they're doing."

We can spend all day kicking each other in the nuts wondering where this level of play has been all year. It is an exercise in futility, though. Here are a few thoughts on that subject:

1) We were still employing this new offensive system with players Zorn inherited from an old regime with a different philosophy.Is there really anything to this? I spent some time yesterday at Comcast Studios and kicked the idea around with those folks and one thing we talked about specifically was the fact that we are getting it done now with guys who were brought in since Zorn arrived and not prior to his arrival. (FYI--this means Vinny gets some credit which kills me.) This is not to suggest that Clinton Portis, Mike Sellers, Chris Cooley, Chris Samuels, Randy Thomas, Ladell Betts, or even Jon Jansen are or were guys incapable of thriving in Zorn's offense. I think what it means is that all these guys coming on and contributing now have been brought up in this new system over the last two years--Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Malcolm Kelly....well, it would be hard/unfair to put guys like Mike Williams, Quinton Ganther, Levi Jones, and even Derrick Dockery in here, but the idea is that our lineup now is full of guys brought in to support the new ideology. Time for all of us to put on our cups, because Cerrato is most likely sticking around to work our nuts like a collective group of heavy bags.

2) Sherman Lewis is having a very positive impact.I am done with trying to read into what his level of involvement during the week means and whether or not he can be effective as a coach if he only speaks to Jason Campbell via candy-gram. The numbers tell us that since Sherman Lewis came on board, we have done better. Period. I still think you don't assume Zorn is useless in all of this. He is the quarterbacks guru and our quarterback is playing great, so he deserves credit. I don't believe for a second that he isn't partly responsible for this turn-around.

3) Hiring Zorn, implementing his offense and drafting players to fit it was sold to us as a 2-3 year investment. We are right in the meat of that investment and it appears we are getting some returns. I find it troubling to think that things are going according to (their) plan and they are considering starting over.

The game yesterday to me came down to two players. If you saw me on Comcast's Post Game Live (video to come), you would have seen me:

A) give it to Chick Hernandez a little about his earring; and

B) talk about Brian Orakpo and Jason Campbell.

Ganther, Davis, Carter, Landry...they all contributed, but I thought that it was fitting to highlight our best offensive player and our best defensive player and then underline the lunacy regarding the potential for JC to be somewhere else next season.

Orakpo was a beast. He personally accounted for somewhere in the neighborhood of 50-75 negative yards for the Raiders. Four sacks did not even tell the story of his day...how crazy is that?

Campbell was once again on fire. He threw the ball so accurately on the run yesterday (for the most part), I wondered aloud why they didn't purposely move him around more often (picture Mark Rypien rolling and throwing bombs.)

In the comments today, I thought we would try something a little different. I will start a few comment threads with some questions and everyone is encouraged to ask their own questions raising separate issues. Let's all pull together to gain some "public" opinion on these topics so we can determine the direction of the posts this week.

Team Stat Comparison

1st Downs	21	15
Passing 1st downs	11	11
Rushing 1st downs	7	3
1st downs from Penalties	3	1
3rd down efficiency	5-12	4-15
4th down efficiency	0-0	1-3
Total Plays	58	66
Total Yards	295	227
Passing	195	162
Comp-Att	16-28	20-34
Yards per pass	7.0	4.8
Rushing	100	65
Rushing Attempts	27	24
Yards per rush	3.7	2.7
Red Zone (Made-Att)	4-4	1-2
Penalties	7-45	14-118
Turnovers	1	1
Fumbles lost	1	0
Interceptions thrown	0	1
Defensive / Special Teams TDs	0	0
Possession	27:53	32:07

Game Day Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/13

MattRichWarren — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:58:15 -0000

Gameday Tipsheet - Week 14
Chris Brown's comprehensive list of matchups and advantages to watch today.

Gameday Prep: Bills at Chiefs | The Goose's Roost
Ryan from TGR gives one of the best game previews out there.

Special Special Teams … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs | Chiefs Football at BobGretz.com
"There are certain coaches in the NFL that make for sleepless nights for other coaches. Buffalo Bills assistant head coach/special teams Bobby April is one of those coaches."

Game previews
1st qtr could determine a lot – Inside The Bills
The Bills, who have struggled to score points all season actually start games pretty well. They’ve outscored their opponents 57-30 in the first quarter this season. The Chiefs on the other hand struggle mightily in the first quarter. They’ve been outscored 76-19.

Something has got to give – Inside The Bills
"Kansas City’s pass defense has been torched for big plays all season. They’ve given up a league high 15 pass plays of 40 yards or more. With deep threats like Lee Evans and Terrell Owens on the field I’d like to think the Bills can add to that total."

Bills hope to reverse trend – Inside The Bills
"Since 2005, the Bills are combined 5-11 in the last quarter of the season. The good news is Buffalo is unbeaten in their last four games against AFC West opponents."

Parting of the Red Sea: Arrowhead will be friendlier to Bills : The Buffalo News
"Arrowhead Stadium and its fervent fans used to give Kansas City a major home-field advantage. Not any more. With the Chiefs stumbling and attendance slipping, the confines look a lot friendlier for the Bills."

Bills-Chiefs scouting report : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Rodney McKissic breaks down today's matchup.

Bills-Chiefs Game Preview - BuffaloBills.com
The Associated Press game preview for today's game.

Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs look to salvage pride | Democrat and Chronicle
"Right now it's just about playing for each other and trying to get some momentum to end this season on a good note," said Lee Evans, the disappointment undeniable in his voice. "I think that's how you've got to approach it and you just stay professional and work every day."

Experts Split on Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills Game - Arrowhead Pride
"The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills in Arrowhead Stadium. Unlike previous weeks, the experts are actually split on this one."

NFL Preview - Buffalo (4-8) at Kansas City (3-9)
The Sports Network preview of today's game.

NFL Game Center: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs - 2009 Week 14
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs NFL Game Center from NFL.com

Buffalo Bills Game Day (Two Bills Drive)
The Bills blog Two Bills Drive gives their game preview.

Chiefs-Bills scouting report - KansasCity.com
The Kansas City Star and their game preview breaking down team vs. team in several key areas.

Week 14 NFL game previews - USATODAY.com
"Buffalo is surrendering 172.1 rushing yards per game and its undersized front seven is an appealing target for Jamaal Charles. Only four teams in NFL history have finished a season allowing more than 170 rushing yards per game."

Other Bills News
Calls and Effect: AFC East penalty tracker - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Jairus Byrd leads the division with 3 penalties of 15 yards - two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and one offsetting unnecessary roughness. Two other Bills, cornerback Reggie Corner and linebacker Kawika Mitchell, have been zapped for two 15-yarders. On another note, the Patriots passed the Bills as the most-penalized team in the AFC East by yardage last week.

Bills need tackles, LBs in next draft : Larry Felser : The Buffalo News
"In its last eight drafts, Buffalo selected just one tackle above the fifth round. That was Mike Williams, one of the foremost flops in the team’s history. They must acquire at least two tackles able to protect a quarterback while he tries to locate an open receiver. The next priority is the drafting of linebackers."

Jerry Sullivan: Drafting high would serve Bills well : The Buffalo News
The only time the Bills have picked higher than 8th in the last 25 years they selected Mike Williams. "OK, so they had one top-seven pick in a quarter-century and blew it. Does that mean you run scared from picking high for the rest of eternity? If picking in the middle is so great, how come the Bills have been a joke for so long? "

Owens adopts 81 families - BuffaloBills.com
"Owens’ Catch A Dream Foundation, held its third Annual ‘December to Remember’ event at One Bills Drive for underprivileged families and children. The 81 Western New York families were nominated online at TerrellOwens.com and Owens chose the families he felt were most in need."

Bills Tweets
Nic Harris
Off to KC, possible 2nd start of the season....wish me luck!! Time to Ball out....

Aaron Maybin
GAMEDAY...Time to go to work!!!!!

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 12/9

MattRichWarren — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:27:05 -0000

Simmons still playing catch-up with Bills : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Rodney McKissic profiles the season of guard Kendall Simmons, the newest member of Buffalo's injury-depleted offensive line.

Bills still want to finish strong - BuffaloBills.com
"Coming off the field after practice early this week, the players made it clear that finishing strong is top priority with four games to play."

2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot | Pro-Football-Reference.com
PFR has put together a 2010 Hall of Fame Ballot with stats. Go check out and compare.

Chiefs enter the blackout derby | ProFootballTalk.com
"The Chiefs have announced that 3,500 tickets need to be sold before Thursday at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Chiefs have not suffered a local blackout since December 16, 1990, giving the franchise a 155-game streak of sellouts."

Chiefs Blackout Alert: 3,500 Tickets Remaining for Bills - Arrowhead Pride
Arrowhead Pride is doing their best to get the game sold out.

Terrell Owens wants to play 2-3 more years | ProFootballTalk.com
Terrell Owens told Jay Glazer he wants to play for two or three more years.

Buffalo Bills' problem is "our own stupidity" | ProFootballTalk.com
"Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams says he and his teammates are good enough that they could be right in the thick of the AFC East race. Williams says he's figured out what the problem is: He and his teammates are stoopid."

Bills players support KED | BuffaloBills.com
Buffalo Bills players Aaron Maybin, Fred Jackson, Chris Kelsay, and Bryan Scott sent a strong anti-drug message to kids in their support of the Kids Escaping Drugs (KED) Campaign Monday night at an autograph session at McKinley Mall.

Spielman enters Hall weeks after wife's death : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News
Former Buffalo Bills Chris Spielman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame a few weeks after his wife, Chris, Succumbed to a long battle with cancer.

Buffalo Bills the Early Favorites Over the Kansas City Chiefs - Arrowhead Pride
The Bills are favored by a mere point in Arrowhead.

AFC East Roundup - The Sports Network
"The Bills won a wild 54-31 win affair at Kansas City last Nov. 23rd. The team has averaged 15.4 points in their 17 subsequent contests."

How I See It: AFC East Stock Watch - AFC East Blog - ESPN
Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's stock is falling in Tim Graham's (and everyone else's) eyes after his 34.3 passer rating Thursday night.

Week 14 power rankings: AFC East - AFC East Blog - ESPN
The Bills fall to 26 and as a result, the Raiders moved past Buffalo. Goes to show you how much a QB means.

Video: Bills hung 54 on Chiefs last year - AFC East Blog - ESPN
"ESPN's KC Joyner previews Sunday's matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. Joyner believes the key for Kansas City will be forgetting last year's 54-31 loss."

Patriots scored in decade with trades for Randy Moss, Wes Welker - 2000s: The Decade in Sports - SI.com
Nate Clements signing with the San Francisco 49ers is the second-worst free agent signing of the decade mainly because of the contract. Mike Williams is the third-biggest draft bust.

Tom Brady, Patriots are tops in NFL decade; Lions at bottom - 2000s: The Decade in Sports - SI.com
Terrell Owens was named the Villain of the Decade.

Titans 22, Bills 16 - AFC wild card; Jan. 8, 2000 - 2000s: Top 10 NFL Games - Photos - SI.com
Music City Mirage is number 7 on the list of top ten games of the decade.

2010 NFL Draft
Evaluating Notre Dame’s early entries | National Football Post
NFP looks at Jimmy Clausen.

Jake Locker seeking NFL info; Ryan Mallett dodges draft question - Mocking The Draft
Top quarterbacks have yet to make a decision on their NFL futures.

Cowboys Injury Update

Aaron Novinger — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:53:05 -0000

Here is the report on who practiced and who didn't yesterday for the Cowboys.

Marc Colombo, OT - No Practice (Ankle)
Ken Hamlin, S - No Practice (Ankle)
Allen Rossum, CB - No Practice (Hamstring)

David Buehler, K - Limited Practice (Toe)

Marion Barber, RB - Full Practice (Thumb)
Mike Jenkins, CB - Full Practice (Elbow)
Gerald Sensabaugh, S - Full Practice (Thumb)
DeMarcus Ware, LB - Full Practice (Foot)

Make the jump for the Redskins' injury report.

Chris Cooley, TE - No Practice (Ankle) - OUT
Clinton Portis, RB - No Practice (Concussion)
Albert Haynesworth, DT - No Practice (Ankle)
Mike Williams, OT - No Practice (Ankle)

Stephon Heyer, OT - Limited Practice (Knee)

Ladell Betts, RB - Full Practice (Ankle)

Denver Broncos @ Washington Redskins; Friday Injury Report

Tim Lynch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:49:13 -0000

DENVER BRONCOS
Player	Injury	Wed. Participation	Thur. Participation	Fri. Participation	Friday Status
Josh Barrett (S)	Hamstring	Did Not Participate	Did Not Participate	Did Not Participate	Doubtful
Ryan Harris (RT)	Toe	Did Not Participate	Did Not Participate	Did Not Participate	OUT
Brandon Marshall (WR)	Back	Did Not Participate	Full Participation	Full Participation	Probable
Ryan McBean (DL)	Knee	Limited Participation	Limited Participation	Limited Participation	Questionable
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Player	Injury	Wed. Participation	Thur. Participation	Fri. Participation	Friday Status
Chris Cooley (TE)	Ankle	Out	Out	Out	OUT
Ladell Betts (RB)	Ankle	Did Not Participate	Did Not Participate	Limited Participation	Questionable
Clinton Portis (RB)	Concussion	Did Not Participate	Out	Out	OUT
Mike Williams (T)	Ankle	Did Not Participate	Out	Out	OUT
Jason Campbell (QB)	Ankle	Limited Participation	Full Participation	Full Participation	Probable
Hunter Smith (P)	Right Groin	Limited Participation	Did Not Participate	Limited Participation	Questionable
Byron Westbrook (CB)	Knee	Limited Participation	Limited Participation	Limited Participation	Questionable
Stephon Heyer (T)	Knee	Not Listed	Limited Participation	Limited Participation	Questionable

Horse Tracks 11/10/09 - Steelers thump Broncos, who lead Chargers by 1 game in AFC West

Douglas A. Lee — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:59:39 -0000

Good Morning, MHR Friends. Seems like deja vu all over again, huh? Keep your heads up! The Broncos are 6-2 and alone in first place this morning. Yes, it's only by a game, but you're reading it here first that they'll be up by 3 games again in two weeks' time. There is no shame in losing to the Ravens and Steelers in consecutive weeks; these two teams were the AFC finalists last year, and both get after the QB like most other teams cannot. Take a deep breath, look at the Broncos' schedule and then at that of the Dolts. Feeling better? Okay, now about last night - while there were some rough moments for them, the Broncos' D once again showed they can hang with anyone. The offense (especially the running game) and punting left a lot to be desired; but I think we'll see a dominant performance Sunday against a banged-up Redskins squad. It is NOT time to panic, Friends!

NFL - Pittsburgh Steelers 28 at Denver Broncos 10 - Box Score

NFL - Steelers 28, Broncos 10 - Video with radio calls

DB - Steelers Postgame: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Turnovers Lead to Loss No. 2 - Gray Caldwell
"If you told us at the beginning of the season we'd be 6-2 at the halfway point, I think most of us would have been happy with it," Andre Goodman said. "The way the last two weeks have gone, losing to the same division, the same type of team -- playoff teams -- having a poor second half on the defensive side of the ball, it's a little disheartening, but we're not going to panic. We're just going to go back to work and do what we're used to doing."

DB - Losing the Game of Keep Away - Chris Gentilviso

DPP - Broncos lose second straight game - Mike Klis

DPP - Paige: Whose stadium is this, anyway?
"Sick effort, Denver. If you don't want your tickets, at least scalp them to people who bleed orange, blue, mustard and brown."

DPP - Krieger: Bullying tactics bother Broncos
"The team that outscored opponents 76-10 in the second half has been outscored 45-14 in the past two second halves."

SI - Steelers hard to beat when firing on all cylinders - Ross Tucker
"The Broncos may have lost the game, but they went toe-to-toe with the defending Super Bowl champs for 53 minutes before caving in the final minutes. The Broncos will be a factor for the rest of this season and likely in the playoffs, as well."

DB - Steelers Postgame: Orton - Broncos TV

NFLTA - Steelers vs. Broncos highlights - Video

DPP - Steelers in a rush to harass QB - Jeff Legwold

DPP - Armstrong: Broncos' offense stuck in neutral

DPP - Steelers' Carter shines at safety with Clark out

DPP - A few hurdles to jump - Lindsay Jones

DPP - Steelers 28, Broncos 10: Bests, worsts and breakdown - Lindsay Jones

DPP - Steelers offense enjoys second-half feast - Mike Chambers

DPP - NFL commissioner Goodell lauds Broncos' moves - Mike Klis

CSG - Steelers top Broncos 28-10 - Frank Schwab

CSG - Ramsey: Surprisingly, Broncos QB Orton doesn't hear a boo

CSG - Broncos notes: Orton pick proves costly - Frank Schwab

NFLPA - E. Royal Remains a Playmaker in Denver Despite Changes - Jim Flynn

CBS4 - Elway Remembers Monday Night Shootouts In Denver - Matthew Buettner

AP - Broncos Lose Second Straight, Fall To 6-2 - Arnie Stapleton

FH - Big Ben, Steelers Strike in Second Half - Nancy Gay

FH - No Ryan Clark, but Same Steel Curtain - Nancy Gay

USAT - Steelers pick on Orton, run away with 28-10 'MNF' win - Jarrett Bell

ESPN - Orton, Broncos allowing San Diego back in race - Bill Williamson

DB - Ask Matt Prater...

Steelers News

PPG - Steelers dominate Broncos, 28-10 - Ed Bouchette

PPG - Steelers' Roethlisberger changes game - Ron Cook

PPG - Gerry Dulac's Two-Minute Drill

PPG - Steelers notebook: Tomlin decides to sit Clark - Ed Bouchette

PPG - Steelers' defense leads way - Gene Collier

PTR - Big second half lifts Steelers to MNF victory - Scott Brown

PTR - Harris: In football vs. life decision, life wins

SN - Steelers aren't perfect, but they're getting closer - Dennis Dillon

SN - What We Learned: The Steelers Are Hitting Championship Form - Dennis Dillon

FOX - Steelers are regaining their Super Bowl swagger - Alex Marvez

NYT - Steelers’ Ward Helps Biracial South Korean Youths on Journey Toward Acceptance - John Branch

Redskins News

WP - Injuries compound Redskins' troubles - Rick Maese
"Running back Clinton Portis suffered a concussion in the first quarter, and Zorn said he's doubtful for this weekend's game against the Broncos. In addition, second-year safety Chris Horton is out for at least a month, and tackle Mike Williams will miss the next couple of games. "

WP - Redskins once again have trouble on the offensive line - Rick Maese

FH - Larry Johnson Released, Redskins Already Expressing Interest - Will Brinson

AFC West News

KCS - Chiefs decide to release Larry Johnson - Adam Teicher

KCS - Chiefs turn their back on LJ, who didn't carry team's respect - Joe Posnanski

KCS - Johnson’s legacy with Chiefs not the one he wanted - Kent Babb

KCS - Johnson’s release will cost Chiefs some money - Adam Teicher

KCS - Chiefs will probably use running-back committee to replace Johnson - Adam Teicher

KCS - Holmes left with mixed emotions after Johnson’s exit - Randy Covitz

KCS - Next stop for Johnson could be NFC East - Randy Covitz

PFW - Most likely landing spots for Larry Johnson

KCS - Here’s why one former Chief fears CTE - Pete Grathoff

SDUT - Bolts in better focus - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Phillips shrugs at piling up of sacks - Kevin Acee

SDUT - LT: ‘We finally came together’ - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Rivers scores seminal victory - Nick Canepa

OT - Oakland Raiders' Chaz Schilens eyes his 2009 debut vs. Kansas City Chiefs - Steve Corkran

NFL News

PFW - Week 10 matchup tidbits

NFL Opinion

NFP - Lovie, McCarthy are at a crossroads - Matt Bowen

NFP - The Monday tavern - Mike Lombardi

NFL - Separation among top contenders starts to crystallize - Mike Lombardi

FOX - The Day After: Biggest questions at midseason - John Czarnecki

SI - Heated rivals Patriots and Colts battle in Indianapolis Sunday - Dan Shaughnessy

NFP - Will teams copy the Yankees in 2010? - Andrew Brandt
"While most teams are looking to shed players who reach the wrong side of 30, especially at positions that require explosion and speed, the Broncos have been adding them."

CBS - Prisco Grades: Week 9

SN - NFL Power Poll: Jets move up by standing still - Clifton Brown

Poll

How many regular-season wins do you expect out of the 2009 Broncos? (Please check the schedule before you answer!)

9 or fewer

56 votes

10 or 11

330 votes

12 or more

92 votes

478 votes | Poll has closed

Ail Will the Redskins, Ail My Sprained Knee

KevinE — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:43:34 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

Injury Report for the Redskins vs Broncos will likely need 2-3 sheets of paper.

Browse more photos »

Injury Report is a doozy this week.

Redskins will be continuing their patch work as they face the Denver Broncos this weekend. Zorn stated the Redskins will be looking to sign a RB with Portis "doubtful." Any guesses on this one?

Larry Johnson, who was recently released by the Chiefs, is the likely option. Be the first to get your LJ Redskins jersey!! Or, will Anthony Alridge get the hat trick with his 3rd signing this year with the burgundy and gold? Never a dull moment folks! Cerrato must be loving all the fun work he has to bring in another offensive weapon. Hopefully the Redskins don't lose a draft pick out of all this.

In other news, with the Mike Williams injury (ligament damage in ankle 2-4 weeks), Stephon Heyer will move back to right tackle, and Levi Jones will start at left tackle.

Other Injuries: Chris Horton is out 4-6 weeks (toe). Reed Doughty and Jason Campbell will be OK.

It's maddening how many injuries the Redskins have. Brian Mitchell, as expected, went off in the post-game show stating all this, especially the bad tackling, is a result of the easy training camp the players had. BMitch went on to add that the Redskins did not do any tackling drills in camp, which is clearly evident in the games and lack of effort. Again, one can blame Zorn, but Blache to me seems to be the one that doesn't care. His players are continually committing inexcusable, dumb penalties. I can't possibly see him wanting to stay here another year.

The media outlets that went to multiple training camps said the Redskins camp was very light compared to the others. A lot of the retired players on the major networks have also vocalized their distaste for the music over the loud speakers at practice. They said it absolutely sends the wrong message. Since I haven't been to any other NFL camps but the Redskins, it's hard for me to say one way or the other. The week I was there, there definitely were not any tackling drills that I saw, but they did tackle during their scrimmage drills.

Either way, each week just gets more laughable. Anyone want to guess how many of our week 1 starters will be out week 17 due to injury? 50%?

Cerrato Continues Defending Himself Regarding the Redskins OL

KevinE — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:28:22 -0000

More photos » by Susan Walsh - AP

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Vinny Cerrato addressed reporters today, and his responses continue to baffle me. There is no doubt the Redskins made multiple mistakes not drafting linemen over the last several years. It was obvious to everyone when Samuels and Randy Thomas had season ending injuries last year. What is maddening is when someone refuses to admit their mistakes. It doesn't matter what field you work in, that's how you lose your job.

Question: Many players today have said that you didn't address the line. You knew it was a problem and you didn't address it. People around the league are saying it's one of the worst lines in the league. All that.
Vinny Cerrato: Who is people around the league?
Question: People on other teams. Commentators on TV. They say you haven't addressed the line.

Vinny Cerrato: We tried to address the line. We added [Derrick] Dockery. We added Mike Williams. We attempted to, and when we were in the draft, there was nobody at No. 13 worthy of it.

Question: Are you having the results you wanted to?

Vinny Cerrato: No, we don't want to have sacks. So if it was Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas in there, would it be better? Absolutely. If you lose a Pro Bowler, it's definitely going to drop off. I guess where we're standing right now, to have more depth would be great.
Question: Is it too early to say that the line is going to be the team's main target in the offseason?
Vinny Cerrato: It's too early to tell.

Question: You had to think there was no way you were going to get 16 games out of Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas considering they had double surgeries in the offseason?

Vinny Cerrato: With Randy we anticipated, you know, not going 16 games. So we anticipated that part.

You anticipated Randy Thomas being out and you assume a 404 pound lineman who has been out of the league for two years is a safe bet?

Again, someone that refuses to admit their mistakes is not someone that can be trusted. Who is he trying to fool? It's OK to admit your mistakes Vinny, we all want to succeed, but if you don't prove to us that you're learning from your mistakes, then the hatred and "Fire Vinny!" signs will only get worse.

Opponent History: Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers

sireric — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:30:16 -0000

Buffalo Bills (2-4) at Carolina Panthers (2-3)
Sunday, October 25, 2009, 4:15 PM ET
Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte, NC

Normally in this weekly feature, I go back and review the last five meetings between the Buffalo Bills and their current opponent for the week. The problem this week, however, is that this is the fifth ever meeting between the Bills and the Carolina Panthers, so there are only four games to review. The Bills hold a 3-1 series edge, losing the last meeting (way back in 2005) after winning the first three. The Bills have outscored Carolina 95-60 all time and will look to add to their previous success this week, in yet another four o'clock game for the Bills this year. The last ~~five~~ four meetings after the jump.

September 10, 1995: Bills 31, Panthers 9
Can't kill the Panthers for this one, as this game took place in their first year of existence. After John Kasay hit his third field goal of the game in the third quarter, the Panthers had a 9-0 lead and had shut out the Bills for the first half. The Bills then came roaring back. A 77-yard Jim Kelly-to-Russell Copeland touchdown hook up was quickly followed by rushing touchdowns from Thurman Thomas and Darick Holmes. The Bills then added a fourth score in the third quarter when Kurt Schulz picked off former Bill - and MRW favorite - Frank Reich and brought it back 32 yards for a touchdown. Steve Christie capped the scoring with a fourth-quarter field goal.

October 25, 1998: Bills 30, Panthers 14
Eric Moulds hooked up with Doug Flutie for a 20-yard TD and Steve Christie kicked a 42-yard field goal to give the Bills a 10-0 lead. William Floyd's one-yard TD plunge brought Carolina to within 3 points, but Moulds and Flutie hooked up again, this time for 82 yards. That was all the Bills would need, but they added a Thurman Thomas TD run and two more Steve Christie field goals. Phil Hansen and Shawn Price had a sack apiece, while Ray Jackson and Henry Jones picked off one Steve Beuerlein pass each.

December 9, 2001: Bills 25, Panthers 24
In a game that featured two of the more pathetic teams of 2001, Chris Weinke led the Panthers to a early 24-6 lead just before halftime. The Panthers (who finished 1-15 that year) were poised to record their second win of the season. But the Bills (who finished 3-13 that year) came from behind. Current Bills offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt hit Peerless Price for a 7-yard touchdown pass that was followed up by a Brandon Spoon 44-yard pick-six, and a Travis Henry one-yard TD plunge to give the Bills the win. In hindsight, it might have been better to lose this game. In the upcoming draft the Panthers would select Julius Peppers, while the Bills would select Mike Williams...

November 27, 2005: Panthers 13, Bills 9

There is an old saying; In a game of field goals, the team that scores a touchdown is the winner. Or something like that. John Kasay (still kicking for the Panthers) hit two 25-yard field goals, and Rian Lindell hit three field goals (31, 45, 33) to give the Bills the lead 9-6 late in the fourth quarter. But Jake Delhomme hit future Bill Micheal Gaines with a 4-yard touchdown pass to give the Panthers the win. J.P. Losman had a great day, getting sacked five times and throwing an interception.