SB Nation User Blog: KevinE

Live Game Thread: Giants @ Redskins

KevinE — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:57:56 -0000

Are you ready for some fooootball? A Monday night paaarty!

The post Vinny Cerrato era has begun and it is nice to hear fans are eager again to get their hands on tickets to tonight's game. The Redskins have put up great efforts in all their games since the BYE, so I expect nothing less tonight, especially since everyone is playing for their jobs.

vs.

Changing of the guard.

Images via blog.silive.com and i.a.cnn.net

Giants @ Redskins Red Zone Preview

KevinE — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:13:17 -0000

The Redskins red zone preview is brought to you by Comcast and the new NFL Red Zone channel.

The Skins were a perfect 4-4 last week against the Raiders. I wouldn't have put much stock in this but after the Broncos just fell to them, I think it is worth note. Sherm² has the Redskins offense clicking and there's no reason to believe it won't continue against the Giants. Aaron said he will play today, but the Giants secondary is against the ropes.

Big Blue's offense ranks 7th with 26.2 points per game, but it is not enough to get the job done since their defense is 5th worst at 25.4 points per game. The key to this game is keeping Eli Manning off tilt, which is feasible with the Giants Oline battling some injuries. Haynesworth is back which means Orakpo and Andre Carter should be able to do their thing. The Redskins have only beaten the Giants 11 out of the last 14 matches, so any kind of win would be nice.

As for the Giants defense, it ranks last in red zone defense. Campbell has put up back-to-back 100+ QB rating games, so this is a big game for Jason Campbell's status on being a Redskins. Beating Oakland is one thing, but if he can play strong against the NFC East foes, it will be near impossible not to bring him back next year.

Redskins Red Zone Statistics 2009
	*Redskins Offense*	*Opponent's Offense*
*@Giants*	2-3	0-3
*Rams*	0-5	1-3
*@Lions*	1-2	1-3
*Buccaneers*	1-3	1-1
*@Panthers*	2-3	2-3
*Chiefs*	0-1	0-2
*Eagles*	2-3	0-0
BYE	-	-
@Falcons	2-2	1-2
Broncos	2-4	0-1
@Cowboys	0-1	1-2
@Eagles	3-4	1-4
Saints	3-7	0-4
Raiders	4-4	1-2
Total	19-34	9-27

Ken Harvey Talks About Redskins' Brian Orakpo at DE/LB

KevinE — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:02:57 -0000

Ken Harvey laying the thunder. Image via www.afxleague.com

View full size photo »

I am certainly ready for some non-Bruce Allen/Vinny Cerrato discussions. You? A big tailgating topic is why haven't the Redskins moved Orakpo to DE full-time? Ken Harvey and I spoke earlier about his personal experiences and thoughts yesterday:

Ken Harvey: In Arizona when I was drafted, all my career [at the University of California] I was a pass rusher . It's all I did. That's how I made my name, and I assumed that's why they drafted me. I get to the pros, and they say "Well, you don't look big enough to be a linebacker. We're going to make you a 3rd down cover guy." I've never covered in my life. Didn't know how to cover. I get to practice and people are juking me off my feet. Because I had a decent 40 time, they said "he's suppose to cover somebody." So all of a sudden, I made a purpose intentionally every day in practice to beat their offensive line so they knew I was a pass rusher. Because if I didn't, they would have made me a 3rd down cover guy saying "he can't cover anybody" and my career would have been over with. I would have been labeled a bust. Once you get a title with you, that title goes with you everywhere you go. That decision could have ruined my career had I not destroyed their offensive line in practice all the time.

Awesome that my recorder crapped out for this next part, but we next talked about Orakpo. I asked him about what all fans think: Why not have Orakpo play every down as DE?

Harvey mentioned that there is a beating the body endures consistently taking on 300 pound run blockers. Having him as LB reduces that punishment while also increases the number of blitz schemes and rushing lanes for Orakpo (since he is moved around). We saw this against Oakland since two of his sacks were from the LB position. Orakpo last week laughed in an interview when asked if he was too small to play DE full-time. It's clear Orakpo, like Ken Harvey, wants to go after the QB. With Ken's success at LB, no one will hear me complaining anymore about how the Redskins are using Orakpo.

Ken Harvey: That game against Oakland was every Linebacker's dream. Banged up line. Quarterback that doesn't know what he's doing.

Kevin: So you would have gotten four sacks?

Ken Harvey: (with a big smile) "I woulda had five!"

Ken Harvey: 6'2" 237 lbs.
Brian Orakpo: 6'3" 260 lbs.

Note: The SoberRide® program, which Ken Harvey is promoting, will be offered from 10:00pm to 6:00am nightly, now through January 1, 2010. To receive a free cab ride home (up to a $50.00 fare), patrons may call 800-200-8294 (TAXI)

Poll

How should the coaches use Brian Orakpo?

2 Concrete Reasons Jon Gruden Should Not Be the Redskins Next Head Coach

KevinE — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:25:32 -0000

I know Shanahan is the front-runner, but anyone (Junkies I'm talking to you) who is lobbying for Jon Gruden as the next Redskins head coach needs to SERIOUSLY re-think it for the following two reasons.

Mr. Snyder, PLEASE ask Gruden to have answers for these issues (if you are interviewing him). Five straight years of porous draft selection is Matt Millen-esque.

1.) Gruden's draft history. From 2004-2008, Gruden and Bruce Allen combined for only ONE pro-bowler over 44 draft picks (see full grid of picks after the jump). The Gaines Adams pick is still a very touchy subject in Tampa. McKay built that Super Bowl team and Gruden ran him out. The Super Bowl team Gruden "built" in Oakland was mainly in free agency (Gannon, Woodson, Romanowksi,etc).

McKay, the architect of the Bucs' Super Bowl championship team, left because of philosophical differences with Gruden, who clashed with the former GM over numerous personnel decisions.

2.) Gruden's relationship with players is VERY suspect. He divides locker rooms and that is a bad fit for a GM who establishes a relationship with players. From my interview with my relative who has contacts with the Tampa Bay organization:

Gruden used to say he couldn't put Galloway and Bryant on the same field at the same time, which is baloney. If you're the offensive genius that has a playbook that looks like the New York phone books, you can do anything you want to do. Galloway got in his dog house. He ran off Keyshawn. He ran off Joe Jurevicius. He's run off a lot of players here.

He put Michael Clayton in the dog house. He caught 80 balls his rookie year, then he wouldn't even throw to him in practice. He basically humiliated Chris Sims.

Horrible draft history of Gruden after the jump...

Tampa Bay draft history with Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden:

Note: It was known that Gruden was the one making all the picks. Bruce's philosophy is to support the coach.

Round	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004
1	Aqib Talib	Gaines Adams	Davin Joseph	Carnell Williams	Michael Clayton
2	Dexter Jackson	Arron Sears Sabby Piscitelli	Jeremy Trueblood	Barrett Ruud	-
3	Jeremy Zuttah	Quincy Black	Maurice Stovall	Alex Smith (TE) Chris Colmer	Marquis Cooper
4	Dre Moore	Tanard Jackson	Alan Zemaitis	Dan Buenning	Will Allen
5	Josh Johnson	Greg Peterson	Julian Jenkins	Donte Nicholson Larry Brackins	Jeb Terry
6	Geno Hayes	Adam Hayward	Bruce Gradkowski T.J. Williams	Anthony Bryant	Nate Lawrie
7	Cory Boyd	Chris Denman Marcus Hamilton	Justin Phinisee Charles Bennett Tim Massaquoi	Rick Razzano Paris Warren Hamza Abdullah J.R. Russell	Mark Jones

Bolded names are pro-bowlers.

Poll

Are you OK with Jon Gruden as the next Redskins Head Coach?

Understanding Redskins' new GM Bruce Allen's Role; It's Not a Draft Expert

KevinE — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:45:53 -0000

More photos » by Manuel Balce Ceneta - AP

4 days ago: Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, right, adjusts his microphone at a news conference to introduce the new Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen, left, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Ashburn, Va. The Washington Redskins overhauled their front office Thursday morning, hiring Bruce Allen as general manager after the resignation of Vinny Cerrato. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Browse more photos »

I don't know about you, but the party is not stopping for me until Tuesday morning. In a moment of clarity, I decided to dive deep into Bruce Allen's past to see exactly what the Redskins are getting. First off, it's nice having someone that is personable that doesn't make me want to gauge my eyes out when he talks. When there is a plan in place, Bruce is someone who will communicate it to the fans. Second, I was under the impression the Bucs horrible run in Tampa was his fault. That would be inaccurate. Bruce is not a talent evaluator...he relies on his coach and scouts to make draft picks. Instead, he is a free agent and salary cap guy.

Bruce has held a similar role the last 20 years from his time with the Raiders and Buccaneers. Bruce Allen commented on his style when he was in Oakland:

Bruce Allen: "We have always believed the players really manage it. When we wanted to sign extra players last year, we went to our current players and told them what we needed to do, and they worked with us to free up room. We have a constant dialogue with our veterans about what we want to accomplish."

Mike Lombardi added his expertise on Allen's style:

Mike Lombardi: "Obviously the coach has a lot of say in what [Allen] runs. Y'know, Bruce doesn't bring the offense or the defense to the team. It just becomes a situation where the coach -- say, with Jon [Gruden], it was a West Coast Offense -- and Bruce has great respect for coaches, and he values their opinions and he values their input."

So, the Redskins draft picks will be HEAVILY influenced by Dan Snyder the Redskins' next head coach. I had a family member who worked in the Tampa Bay organization, and it was well known that Gruden was making all the draft decisions throughout the decade. After the jump, I highlight Bruce Allen's 3 best/worst moves as GM for the Bucs, and his free agent moves that led to the Oakland Super Bowl run.

Rod Woodson, who was signed by Bruce in Oakland, talked about Bruce's fearlessness:

Rod Woodson: He knows football. He's not scared to cut players who need to be cut.

Looks like the over-priced free-agent train is about to hit it's final stop. 2009.

Bruce's resume in Oakland:

Allen, whose official title is senior assistant, was recognized for his deft ability to manage the salary cap last offseason, when the Raiders brought in a number of over-30 veteran stars to upgrade their roster. With the addition of players such as Rod Woodson, Bill Romanowski, Sam Adams and John Parrella, the Raiders won the AFC title before losing to the Bucs in Super Bowl 37.

"Bruce has done a magnificent job managing the cap," says Charley Casserly, the Texans' general manager. "He is continually maneuvering the cap to keep the Raiders in contention."

Upon Allen and Gruden's firing, TampaBay.com listed Bruce Allen's 5 Best and Worst moves:

	5 Best	5 Worst
1	Traded Keyshawn Johnson for Joey Galloway	Signed big contracts to veterans past their prime: RB Charlie Garner, OL Todd Steussie, OL Derrick Deese
2	Signed Antonio Bryant who was out of the NFL	Giving QB Chris Simms a two-year contract with $5 million guaranteed after he suffered a ruptured spleen in 2006
3	Signed Jeff Garcia who played for 2 seasons	Entire draft from 2004-2009. (a separate post coming shortly on this)
4	Left the salary cap in a good position cutting ties with past their prime veterans
5	Signed Greg White from the Arena Legaue

Chat with Redskins Great, Ken Harvey, About Cerrato, Norv, and the 90's

KevinE — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:14:48 -0000

SoberRide® program will be offered from 10:00pm to 6:00am nightly, December 11th, 2009 to January 1, 2010. To receive a free cab ride home (up to a $50.00 fare), patrons may call 800-200-8294 (TAXI) Pictured: Me, Ken, Elizabeth Balduino (Taylor PR)

View full size photo »

I had the pleasure of eating lunch with Ken Harvey yesterday chatting about Cerrato, Larry Centers, his bad hands, Norv, Orakpo, and Tiger. He's a busy man with all his community work; his latest endeavor promoting SoberRide, which is a free cab service running now through January 1st 6AM in the DC/MD/VA area. You can't beat a cab free ride. Seriously, just add this number (1-800-200-TAXI) in your phone now and you're ready to go for the holidays.

Ken Harvey: It's an opportunity where you may not see a result, but it could save your life. It could save someone else's life. It makes a difference. The worst thing would be to hear about somebody who's been in an accident for something that could have been prevented ... and it's free.

What I've learned about football is to take the opportunities that are in front of you. It's not judgmental that you can't drink. It's about being responsible and that goes for everything in life. You might as well take advantage of it.

Kevin: You should get the Fun Bunch to promote this! OK...so what's your thought on Vinny's firing?

Ken Harvey: I knew it was going to happen. I didn't have inside sight, but by the way things were going, they were going to make changes. Even if things this season ended well, they may have kept him, but he wouldn't have stayed in that position.

Kevin: And Bruce Allen?

Ken Harvey: I don't know him, but I know his brother. It's a strategic move on Snyder's part. We'll see how it plays out. The talent is here on the team. It's obvious what they need for the future. It's just are you going to get the right people in the future? If we keep Jason, it's about how can we get young guys that are hungry and want to play offensive line? That's up to the scouts to find the gems.

Kevin: It's hard to believe with your 4 Pro-Bowls you only had 1 career INT. Can you walk me through it!?

Ken Harvey: Well, one during the regular season. My biggest one was during the Pro Bowl and I ran it back for a touch-down. I had hands of stone...couldn't catch.

Kevin: Carlos Rogers!

Ken Harvey: (laughs) Something like that. It goes back to when I was kid playing softball in 5th grade. Someone hits a high fly ball I go to catch it...miss it...it hits me dead in my nose. Tears coming down my eyes. I was fine. Next play...someone hits a high fly again. Same thing. Because I'm freaking out from the first time, I moved my head out of the way then I moved back into it. Ever since then, whenever a ball's coming at me, you know. Football is about confidence. I never really developed confidence on catching the ball, In retrospect, I should have gone back and practiced on catching the ball, but instead I focused on rushing the passer. And that was my true love...getting to the Quarterback.

Kevin: What was it like playing with Larry Centers?

Ken Harvey: He's one of the best, most under-rated backs. Even when I played against him. I was with the Redskins and he was with Arizona he destroyed me. I almost broke a rib at the time. He was great at sneaking from behind the tackle. Pow. He'd light you up. Chip block. Really good. Lot of the games we lost even to the Cardinals, he gave that second effort on second and third downs.

Kevin: What was the Heath Shuler versus Gus Frerotte controvery like?

Ken Harvey: When you play on bad teams, you try to be nice, but you get pissed at your players. I'm busting my butt...then here we go again, three and out. I was always an optimist, but you can see it in the players. Everyone is going to play 100%, but you see it subconsciously....Brian Orakpo said it best, "Now that we have the chance to be spoiler, we can go out there and have some fun." And teams play better when they know they're not going to be in the playoffs because the pressure is off. Good teams find a way to overcome pressure. The Redskins just need to overcome the pressure.

Kevin: What do you think of Norv's chances with San Diego?

Yea, they have leaders on that team. For one, Norv came here when it was his first time being head coach. Sometimes you get head coaches that are head strong and head coaches that are so behoven to the owner to give them the opportunity, that it affects their calls. "Man, I got the lead...I don't want to mess it up."

Kevin: Like Zorn now.

Ken Harvey: I think Norv was a good coach he just wasn't experienced as a head coach. Now he has enough leaders and the talent to know how to win. He's a smart enough coach.

Kevin: Being a motivational speaker, what advice would you have for Tiger?

Ken Harvey: He's doing what's he's supposed to be doing. Wait it out a little bit. Unfortunately in this world there's always a greater story than yours. When he comes back, he'll have to endure it. The worst thing sometimes is being a loner. Your mind will start playing tricks on you. Hopefully he's talking to someone. Anything you read about me don't believe! (laughing)

My chat with Ken about Orakpo as a Linebacker is Part II....

Hot off the presses: "I survived the Vinny Cerrato era" t-shirts. Click here to buy >>

KevinE — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:08:54 -0000

Hot off the presses: "I survived the Vinny Cerrato era" t-shirts.

Click here to buy >>

Vinny Cerrato Given the Pink Slip; Redskins Waiting List Back

KevinE — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:28:16 -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]

Hogs Haven chats Giants/Redskins MNF with Big Blue View

KevinE — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:17:39 -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.

Daily Slop: Redskins Off the Hook for Haynesworth Tampering

KevinE — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:29:24 -0000

Redskins vs Cowboys game won't shift [WaTimes]

Portis talked about Tiger Woods [Bog]

D'Anthony Batiste cut [fanball]

NFL rules no tampering for Haynesworth [NFL.com]

Redskins playing time vs OAK [WaTimes]
(ARE's plays are down, I didn't notice Marko out there 4 times)

Portis confident he's playing next year [espn]

"I don't think for one second this could be career-ending."

Giants have some key injuries this week from Eagles game [nj.com]
(More to come on this later today with my chat with Big Blue View)

Devin Thomas to get a lot more work on MNF [Insider]
(Kickoff, punting)

Zorn answers our lingering Randle El touchdown [Insider]

"As a coach, you've just got to have the comfort level. That's why I had Antwaan in there. You know, I had a comfort level, and it proved to be a little of a backfire, but that doesn't' mean he's not gonna catch the next 10 in a row. It's just at that particular moment, it was a bad deal."

Roy Williams thinks the Cowboys will beat the Saints [espn]

J.P. Losman signs with Raiders [espn]