SB Nation - Washington Redskins

Cowboys @ Saints: Resurrecting a Pass Rush?

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

by Dave Martin - AP

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?

Talkin' With Tyvon - #14

TheRaiderWay — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:47:51 -0000

Greetings my fellow members of the Silver and Black Pride community! I am pleased to bring to all of you the 14th installment in the series, Talkin' With Tyvon, from Raiders starting strong safety Tyvon Branch.

For the 4th time this year, the Raiders had an opportunity to take their momentum from a victory the previous week and go for back-to-back wins. They failed miserably this past Sunday against the Redskins and Tyvon is still here answering questions despite this very difficult season. In case you missed it, Tyvon answered your questions following the upset win over Pittsburgh in Talkin' With Tyvon #13 here.

The Community is invited to pose some questions for Tyvon in the comments section and he will do his best to get as many of them answered as quickly as possible:

Hey Raider Fans. Tough loss against the Redskins this week. We have Denver coming up, and look to tie up the season series. It will be a tough game and hopefully we will come out on top.

TB

SABP: The game against the Redskins was very competitive for the first half, then Bruce went down and things seemed to unravel quickly. Did the team feel the wind kind of go out of their sails when Bruce left the game?

TB: No, I don't feel that had much to do with it. We had a ton of penalties and a lot of mental mistakes. Those really take the wind out of the sails, and make it hard to win ball games.

SABP: It looked like in the first half that the defensive game plan was very good with the various blitz packages that were being thrown at the Redskins. Then in the 2nd half, it seemed that there were some opportunities to make some plays, but the big play and missed tackles problem that has plagued this team all year appeared again. Can you tell us what happened in the 2nd half?

TB: It is really hard to say what happened. We obviously game plan for things like that not to happen, but they also game plan against us. I am not sure exactly what happened, but those are things we have to fix.

SABP: It looked like when Nnamdi went out that you had go over and play some corner. How was that experience for you?

TB: It was a bit different, but I have played it in the past. I was able to settle in and go over and try to help us win.

SABP: You have the Broncos coming up in Denver this Sunday. The Raiders have played well in Denver and can deal the Broncos a huge blow to their playoff chances if you guys beat them. The first game against the Broncos this year in Oakland the Broncos won handily, so how do you feel about this game and do you think there will be an aggressive defensive game plan for them?

TB: We feel quite confident in our team. We are playing some decent football, and know we can compete. We need to have the utmost intensity and just go out and make plays.

Thanks Tyvon and good luck in Denver this Sunday.

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.

Browse more photos »

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.

Breaking news: Cerrato leaves Redskins

Ed Valentine — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:54:14 -0000

My guess is that most Washington Redskins fans will greet this news with joy.

The housecleaning in Washington has apparently begun, as Vinny Cerrato has reportedly resigned as the Redskins' executive vice president of football operations.

ESPN 980 in Washington reported the move Thursday morning.

-- (Much more on this over at Hogs Haven)

Vinny Cerrato Given the Pink Slip; Redskins Waiting List Back

KevinE — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:42:36 -0000

We all know the reality; Vinny Cerrato was fired. Cerrato has been getting publicly bashed by some of the most respected names in the industry, Charley Casserly, Steve Largent and Mike Holmgren included. It had gotten to the point where Snyder was unable to recruit coaches because of Cerrato's presence and that is exactly what it is.

The Redskins have found their new coach/GM and his condition is that Cerrato is gone. As PFT mentioned, Holmgren makes a lot of sense. He has an affinity for Zorn and the WCO pieces are in place...assuming of course is allowed to keep a role in D.C.

In addition, Mr. Snyder's popularity had reached lows lower than Tiger Woods. He knew this move would restore parts of his fan base and cash train popularity. All I can say is rejoice Redskins Nation. The Revolution has come full circle. The tailgating parties on Monday night are going to be at Super Bowl levels.

Update: [Official Redskins Press Release]

BBV chats with 'Hogs Haven'

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

via i.cdn.turner.com

View full size photo »

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)

Hogs Haven chats Giants/Redskins MNF with Big Blue View

KevinE — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:33:51 -0000

Ed Valentine, the SB Nation editor from the Giants' Big Blue View, and I had a brief gmail chat regarding the game Monday night. For those Redskins fans not up on the Giants, I should preface that the Giants defense is going through some major drama. Their defense has given up the 5^th worst points per game (25.4) while having the 9^th best pass and rush defense. Obviously, that leads to a lot of frustration since their playoff chances are in limbo. Kiwanuka stated there are "communication" problems that he described as players "getting calls and understanding what you're supposed to be doing." Tom Coughlin had to publicly state this week that defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan will remain the defensive coordinator the rest of the season amongst some calls to remove him.

KevinE: The Giants defense is 9th best in yards against, but 5th worst in points against...why is that? Bad offensive turnovers?

Ed Valentine: It 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.

KevinE: Did you agree with Coughlin's decision to keep Sheridan?

Ed Valentine: 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.

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

Ed Valentine: 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.

KevinE: 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?

Ed Valentine: 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.

KevinE: 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 Valentine: 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.

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

Ed Valentine: 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.

New York Giants News & Notes: Playoff odds, offense

cjmulrain — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:00:52 -0000

As bleak as things might look, the Giants still have a pretty good chance of making the playoffs this year, according to NFL-forecast.com. They have a 48.7% chance of finishing 2nd in the East, which would all but guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. Nothing's a gimme in the NFL, but the Giants schedule the next three weeks is a lot easier than the Cowboys. It should also be noted that as bad as the Giants have looked for most of the past 8 weeks, they haven't lost to a team with a record worse than 8-5 all season. The 2009 Giants aren't a great team, but they've taken care of business against the teams they are supposed to take care of business against. Hopefully that won't let up against the Redskins and the Panthers.
Apparently Eli Manning still sees Super Bowl potential in this team. The Giants haven't done much of anything since shellacking the Raiders to suggest that there's a Super Bowl run in them, but then neither had the Cardinals last year, the Giants two years ago, or the Steelers back in 2006. The NFL is a funny league, and a truly dominant regular season team hasn't won the Super Bowl since the 2004 Patriots won their second in a row. I'm not ready to write this team off until the nail is officially in the coffin.
There's been a lot of talk about how bad the defense has been, but the Giants offense has actually been very good lately. Take away the Denver game and they're averaging just about 28 points a game. Even with the Broncos game they're on pace for their third highest scoring season ever. Whoever you choose to blame for this mess, don't put it on Eli Manning - at the end of this season he will have led 3 of the 4 highest scoring offenses in franchise history. With the talented group of young receivers he has around him, this offense should be very good for a long time. Now it's up to Jerry Reese to sort out the defense.
Steve Serby takes the Giants defense to task for the "brainlock" they exhibited on the near interception/fumble that was blown dead. I argued after the game that it was a tough play for Boley to make (a near shoe-string INT on a ball that was knocked out of McNabb's hands), and I stand by that. You can't get on a guy too much for not making what would have been a fantastic play. That said, I agree with Serby that there's no excuse for nobody on the Giants defense (or the Eagles offense, for that matter) to not at least try to jump on the ball.
The NY Times Fifth Down blog remembers happier days, as it continues its countdown of the top 10 Giants moments at Giants Stadium with Jim Burt's crushing blow on Joe Montana and the Giants blowout victory over the 49ers in the 1986 playoffs.
Finally, this isn't Giants related but it is about our upcoming opponent and is hilarious, so I felt I had to share. Apparently Antwaan Randle El hasn't been doing a very good job returning punts, so some Redskins legends have been calling him out, including Joe Theismann with one of the best jabs I've heard in a long time: "He averages 3.9 yards a punt return. I will say this in all humility: I could do that. OK? As a matter of fact, I have done it. And I've done it better. I catch the football." Remember, this is a 60-year-old former quarterback who hasn't played football since LT snapped his knee in half 25 years ago. Gotta love the Redskins.

High strangeness abounds with Vinny Cerrato in town

Mocking Dan — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:01:15 -0000

More photos » by Susan Walsh - AP

Washington Redskins football owner Dan Snyder, left, talks to Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinnie Cerrato in June. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Browse more photos »

The following is from last Thursday's Washington Post:

According to people within the Redskins organization, owner Daniel Snyder and Vinny Cerrato, the team's executive vice president of football operations, recently attended a University of Texas game to scout quarterback Colt McCoy. Cerrato traveled to conduct an in-person evaluation of Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, a junior who declared for the draft this week.

It is widely known that Cerrato has been to Notre Dame on more than one occasion this season to check out Clausen. Cerrato, a former Notre Dame recruiting coordinator, even interviewed Clausen on his radio show last week.

That's right Redskins newcomer, the vice president of football operations of the team hosts his own radio show. Unreal. The highlights include the weather in South Bend, Clausen's finals and Cerrato asking Clausen to give him a Golden Tate scouting report.

Then there was this doozy:

"Now, evaluate yourself as a quarterback," he told Clausen. "What do you need to improve upon for the next level?"

Let me reiterate that the rumor is that Cerrato makes real personnel decisions for a real NFL team. Supposedly. Probably not.

Oh, and don't forget about Cerrato and Snyder checking out McCoy. How does McCoy respond with the NFL's dynamic duo in the house? By blowing his Heisman Trophy chances in a three-interception performance that almost cost Texas a national championship appearance.

Sure, most could blame McCoy's poor performance on Ndamukong Suh. But people know the truth here. McCoy became so frightened by the thought of becoming the latest Redskins quarterback to be scrutinized by management, he committed NFL Draft suicide. Smart move.