So, this had to be the most painful loss of the whole season -- between the refs' unjustifiable overturn of Sellers' "fumble," Kareem Moore's one-in-a-million fumble after an amazing interception, Kevin Barnes being in the wrong place at the worst time on a punt (especially painful for Terps fans), Suisham missing a field goal that 99% of D-1 kickers can make in their sleep (after the Dallas fiasco), and Jason Campbell throwing a pick that will regrettably transcend an otherwise outstanding performance. Our offense outplayed the Saints', and our defense played admirably against the league's best offense. 

This is a game that flashed our team's true potential, the team we've been waiting to see since last year's early surge -- Devin Thomas played like a Pro Bowl wide receiver that he one day may be, Davis and Kelly had some very nice moments, our offensive line kept Campbell upright, LaRon Landry made a few great plays (between giving up two TD's), the defensive front dominated and Jason Campbell had the best game he's ever had in Washington.

But still, we're all hurting today. Let's try to focus on the positives, and know that this can't last forever. We aren't fans of the 2008 Lions, which had to be worse than this, but we have had some impossibly difficult losses to stomach this season, including the last three weeks. It is so hard to deal.

With an unbelievably injured team playing for nothing but pride, we gave the best team in the league all they could handle. We're heading in the right direction after the beginning of this season. I'm very impressed with guys like Byron Westbrook, Quinton Ganther, Rock Cartwright, Mike Williams, Fred Smoot, Reed Doughty and Levi Jones -- most of whom we never expected to play a major role this season in any game. Let's hope we can keep those hard-working guys on the roster next year, no matter who we bring in to coach this talented team. 

We have nothing to be ashamed of today, and let's keep this one in perspective. We'll get a call to go our way when we're pushing for the playoffs in the years to come -- it will come back around. 

Hang tough, DC. We don't deserve this and soon we will come out of it.

This was easily the most painful on-field loss I've ever experienced as a Redskins fan. We got absolutely torn apart on defense and our offense, once again, was maligned by dreadful play-calling. Look, the reality about the playcalling is obvious.  The entire game we called one running play to the right. We threw across the middle of the field during our entire 2-minute drill, called a HOOK AND LADDER down the MIDDLE on the last play that was lucky to get the first down (when we had no timeouts), and we choked it in the red zone AGAIN with more predictable run plays.

When we were 3-13 in Norv Turner's tenure, it was painful. When Steve Spurrier coached us to sub-mediocrity, we wondered about our management and felt bad. When Joe Gibbs, bless his heart, called back-to-back timeouts against the Bills the week after our dearly beloved #21 was taken from us, that broke our hearts.

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Mike Florio, the ProFootballTalk.com guru who has not traditionally been all that kind to the Redskins, made the bold prediction that the Redskins will face the defending champion Steelers in the Super Bowl. While this definitely doesn't count for anything, it does certainly make me feel nice. So much for being overlooked -- it seems as though a lot of people expect us to be a dangerous team that could go either way. Bill Simmons is probably the only ESPN employee to pick the Redskins to make the playoffs, but I'm getting the feeling that people are starting to respect the Redskins a bit more than they did just a few weeks ago. A nice beginning to the season, wouldn't you say?

The 'Skins just signed Hunter Smith, a punter who was great in Indianapolis for many years. He also is an accomplished holder, something that Shaun Suisham said was lacking last year.

Only in Washington can fans be this excited about signing a punter in late April.

Now all we need to do is trade our first round pick for Shane Lechler and alienate Smith the second he gets on the roster, right?

But in all seriousness, this could be one of the key moves of our offseason if he is still in top form (I didn't really see him last year... and if I did... who pays attention to punters anyway?). All I know is he had 10 of his 53 punts last season inside the 10 yard line, an average of over 44 yards a punt, and hasn't missed a game in all ten seasons.

After watching Mike Scifres take over a playoff game singlehandedly last year, the importance of a punter can no longer be overvalued. Let's hope this pans out.

... That is all.

What about Derrick Brooks? He hasn't really been sniffed in Free Agency, and he'll be able to come cheap in all likelihood. Could anyone really come in and be better for this year and next year for cheap than him?

So there is a mixed reaction, especially here in D.C., about the signing of the premier defensive lineman on the planet, and his admittedly outrageous deal in this economy.

First of all, no one should be surprised about the deal that Haynesworth got. Someone, Tennessee or elsewhere, was going to pay out the ass for him. I predicted we'd go for Haynesworth when we realized that the best player in the league at our biggest positional need was going to be a 27-year-old free agent. And it's a great signing.

If this were any team but the Redskins, the media would be salivating. The media would be saying: "What a get for this team. They get the most dominant DL we've seen in years to add to a line that already has Carter and Jason Taylor. They will be tough to stop." Especially considering we see Romo, McNabb, and Eli 6 times a season -- what an asset to be able to get pressure on those guys.

But because of the failures of Adam Archuleta, Deion Sanders, (signings from years ago -- Deion and Bruce Smith and Jeff George were almost ten years ago already!), Haynesworth is getting damned before he starts.

Albert Haynesworth is, flat out, the best defensive lineman in football. Every talking head said it last season. No one is more dominant on the line of scrimmage, maybe on either side of the ball. Even if he gets NO sacks this season, his presence will mean that Carter, certainly Jason Taylor and Griffin/Golston/etc are getting more sacks and pressure. So he doesn't play every snap -- what DT does? We'll take him out and be able to play Golston and Montgomery on certain downs or even certain series -- but Haynesworth is an unstoppable presence when he's in. He's a 320 pound guy -- he's here to play defensive tackle, not play all 11 spots.

Yes, the signing is risky. Any signing is risky. Sure, people think we should build our team through the draft. But the reality is that with four draft picks this year, and only one in the first two rounds, that is not going to get you anywhere in one season. Signing Albert Haynesworth -- and getting DeAngelo Hall for a relative steal considering he's 25, knows the defense, and has been to two Pro Bowls and an NFC Championship already -- injects the team with a sense of urgency. We want to win every single year. Jim Zorn has no excuses now. No one has excuses. We're going to be a better team this year because of Haynesworth. He's young, he's a beast, and he's getting paid to dominate. We don't need a leader on the defense -- we have Fletch -- he is getting paid to help us win games. And if anyone thinks we're better off with Kedric Golston or drafting a DT in the 5th round than with the best DL in the NFL, they're crazy.

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Now, what is our next move? Obviously, our DL is pretty much set. I would expect the Redskins to sign Dockery in FA, then aim for a RT or an OLB in the draft. OLB is still a huge position of need with only Blades and McIntosh on the roster.

The other question is -- would we draft another WR?

Would it be wise to grab someone like Heyward-Bey (I'm a Terps homer -- they'd have to trade down) to give the offense an instant boost?

This team IS just one or two players away from being at the top of the NFL. All eyes are on the offense -- and Jim Zorn -- now, as we just made the #4 defense in the league even better. I say we add OL in the draft, hopefully a stud RT (maybe Andre Smith will slide after his Combine debacle?) -- and a backup/ultimately replacement center. With our other two picks, an OLB and either a home-run style RB or WR. What do you guys think? What other positions do we have a need for?

One more question -- Mike Nugent is available in FA -- do we trust in Suisham? I think it could be an interesting move to sign Nugent.

Thoughts?

We here in Washington know that Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato are not afraid to take some chances in the offseason.

Seeing as we have four draft picks -- and only one on the first day in the first round -- who would be surprised to see the Redskins make some free agent moves?

This article from Yahoo! Sports profiles a few top-tier free agents that are going to be available this offseason. Among the interesting names to the Redskins: Terrell Suggs, Darren Sproles, Derrick Ward, Julius Peppers, Jordan Gross, Vernon Carey, and most tantalizingly, Albert Haynesworth.

Yes, I included Running Backs in our wishlist based on this article by JLC over at the Washington Post. He agrees with me when he argues we need a home run back to add another dimension to our offense -- the big play department. Clinton looks so tired by the time he hits the second level that he never breaks runs over 20 yards, it seems like. Look what Chris Johnson did for LenDale White, what Jonathon Stewart did for DeAngelo Williams, what Darren Sproles did for LT. We have another great RB in Betts, but his value is as a pass-catcher and as a possession-type RB.

But for my main point.

The Redskins could solve a few of their problems instantly with another (sigh) marquee free agent crop. Seeing that the Redskins are geared to cut at least two or three big salaries off of their payroll, it makes complete sense to me that they become the Yankees of this offseaso (again). 

This chart is my reference for what I'm about to do here. Shawn Springs will cost 8.4 million against the cap, and played less than half a season last year (albeit at a high level). Jason Taylor will be making 8 million, and he will probably either need to restructure or be released. Jon Jansen will cost 3.4 million, Marcus Washington 6.5, Cornelius Griffin and Antwaan Randle-El in the 6.2 million range.

Each player is relatively expendable, although I certainly don't see Randle-El or Griffin leaving (although one would hope they would consider restructuring). Say we cut off just Springs and Taylor and Washington -- that is 24 million dollars in house money to play with.

I'm saying right now that there's a 100% chance the Redskins make a play at Albert Haynesworth. That article from Yahoo! says that he cannot be franchised this offseason. Putting him on the same DL as Carter, Griffin, Evans/Daniels (I'm assuming Taylor is gone) makes them a stout unit immediately. Haynesworth will draw double teams, which will free up Griffin (who was surprisingly doubled by many teams this year) and Carter.

Nate Clements signed an 8 year, 80 million dollar deal in '07 which was the most for a defensive player in league history. Doubtless, the Redskins would pay more for that for Haynesworth. And he will probably be less expensive (and more effective?) than Juilius Peppers would be, as a DT and not a DE. 

Of course, this is all speculation and a 21-year-old in his basement on winter break writing this, but it doesn't take much more than that level of intelligence to assume that Snyder/Cerrato/Blache/Zorn will salivate over Haynesworth.

I imagine the Redskins will express interest in Terrell Suggs as well. The Ravens have all three of their franchise LB's going to the market this season: Ray Lewis, Suggs, and Bart Scott. I imagine a boatload of money would be needed for any of the three to leave given how sweet that defense is, and I definitely presume Ray Lewis isn't leaving. So at least one of Scott and Suggs will hit the free-agent market. Will it be Suggs? I think Scott is more likely, but if Suggs is on the market, expect us to make a play for him. Right?

I hope the Redskins try to get a running back that is there simply to be dynamic. We don't need a franchise guy, but we could use a guy who can get the ball less than 10 times a game but be a factor. Sproles will be overpaid by someone, and because we have Portis and pricey Ladell Betts, I'm sure it's not us -- although he'd be perfect. But Derrick Ward could be an interesting option for us. He is a quick, strong guy that can make plays out of the backfield. I also could see the Redskins maybe taking a RB with that pick in the 3rd round.

The Redskins need youth and game-changing players for the next few seasons. I fully hope that the Redskins invest in at least 1 OL and 1 DL in the draft. If Heyer or Reinhart is ready to go, that would be ideal -- but expect an upgrade. 

But the Skins have way more of a need than the one possible starter (1st rounder) and 3 likely role-players/projects (3rd, 4th or 5th, I cant remember, and 6th) that they could get in the draft. They must fill these holes with free agents, and with a few pieces of the puzzle, we could be looking at another big crop of game-changers coming to Washington.

Hopefully, this potential group will be somewhere near as good on the field as they are on paper.

This is one of our most embarrassing days as a team in many years.

As the FOX announcers relentlessly reminded us, the Redskins were playing for their season today. And, in a display of how much they valued their season, they gave a half-hearted and embarrassing effort.

For the last couple weeks, we've seen the same problems.

The defense holds for most of the game and then is beaten in the last ten minutes of the game (probably because they're worn down). Missed tackles and a lack of hustle seep in, despite the good performance of a few individuals.

Key players fumble, drop passes, miss blocks, or get penalized on offense.

And, last but certainly most importantly, the Redskins cannot score touchdowns. There were two times we left touchdowns on the field and came off with zero points. The Mike Sellers fumble and the end of the game where we inexplicably run, throw away and then throw a SCREEN PASS?

Out of three red zone offense situations, we score 10 points. Inexcusable.

The problem on this team, more than anything, is the fact that our play-calling is absolutely horrendous. Due to the defense's overall performance (despite a lack of turnovers and sacks), you have to cut them some slack. We haven't put up more than 20 points since the Lions game... in OCTOBER.

In our last 4 losses before this we scored no more than 10 points, and today we got a whopping 13 against the 24th-ranked defense in the NFL.

I think what really bothers me, though, is the fact that this team did not see the perspective of this game. We came into this game playoff-eligible, and we could turn our season around and be 10-6. Our team was not interested.

What's dangerous is that our team does not appear to believe in Jim Zorn. They quit on him today. Portis ran hard only when he had to, because I believe that he doesn't trust Zorn. He has a point -- we have an MVP contender (at least he was) at running back, and you give Mike Sellars the ball twice at the goal line... and then he fumbles and arguably causes us the game.

The defense folded late in the game AGAIN -- and I believe it's the psychological response of defeat. They did not believe the offense could deliver on some mental level, right? You can't blame them.

Jim Zorn wrote the red-zone offense in Seattle, so there's no excuses why we can't put it in. He seriously needs to review his play-calling this offseason... and I'm now back to completely unsure of whether or not he is the right man for this job. He has not shown the ability to change course and to adjust, which is exactly what all good teams are capable of. It looks like the team has bailed out on him, which worries me.

The announcers kept saying that a team assumes the personality of its head coach. Our team folded in the fourth quarter (and slept in the first quarter) and did not put forth the complete effort you need to beat any team in the NFL. We were out-played today, but the main problem is we were out-coached.

I'm not saying fire Zorn -- unfortunately, we're stuck with him for a couple of years, for no other reason than that Jason Campbell cannot possibly be asked to adjust again -- but if our great players -- Portis in particular -- are disenfranchised, than we might as well just give up on a championship for the Zorn era.

A note on Portis: Portis has given everything possible to this team this year -- and carried them through the Taylor tragedy last year, and the rest of the Gibbs years -- so there is no doubt that I'm on his side throughout this situation. He's proven himself to me much more than Zorn has.

Anyone have any thoughts? Where do we go from here? Do you think this is a Zorn problem or a personnel problem?

We watched our team yesterday lose to a team much better than ours. The Giants are every bit as good as advertised.

They're the best running team in the NFL, so we stopped the run with our ever-beastly defense. So, they beat us without their best WR through the air against our secondary, our team's best strength.

They took our running game completely out of the picture and made Jason Campbell beat them with his arm. Per usual, sadly, he was not able to do it.

But it is time to address a few key issues that are worrying me, as well as to to understand what this season has taught us in the grand scheme of things.

First of all, we continue to lack any depth at WR beyond Santana Moss. For the Redskins to win, we need a big game from the three following players in this order: Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Chris Cooley. All need to preoccupy the defense so that they adjust to one and then we give the ball to the other. Campbell, Randle-El, Betts, etc fall into place in those situations.

But like the last five seasons or so since Moss and Portis have been around, this works at times during the year when both of them are healthy and largely unaccounted for by defense, or when they overwhelm weaker personnel. 

We have no backup plan. The Giants doubled Moss in every passing situation, it seemed like. Antwaan Randle-El, I love him, but he is not a #2 receiver. He has no one fooled. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly need more time, but seem to have some raw tools that could help us in the long run.

This is a personnel issue that has hurt us for a long time. It is now to the point that we have everything else on offense except a legitimate #2 receiver. Clinton Portis is at a level higher than every other RB in the NFL, save maybe Adrian Peterson. Our offensive line is playing better -- only a few sacks for the Giants when the game still mattered yesterday -- and Campbell is making big strides but never has quality throwing options.

Santana Moss is not Randy Moss. He needs to be open, or at least single-covered, to make plays because of his size. With the addition of a LEGITIMATE #2 receiver, we have the most dangerous offense the Redskins have seen since the Fun Bunch. Any armchair defensive co-ordinator can come up with a gameplan for the Redskins. Ready? 7 in the box at all times to at least slow Portis. Safety coverage shifts to Moss's side. Put the other safety on Cooley's side and have a LB match up with him. Single-cover everyone else.

Game over!

Wes Welker helps Randy Moss, Amani Toomer/Hixon/etc help Burress (unless Burress goes to jail), Gary Clark helps Art Monk, etc. The model goes on forever. It is up to the coaches to decide whether or not Thomas and Kelly can actually perform to the level they *need* to in order to make this team a great team. If not, we have to make a move. Draft Darrius Heyward-Bey in this draft if need be! (Disclaimer: I am a Maryland student, went to high school with DHB, and am a blatant homer.) But seriously, a legit #2 would change things around here fast. Campbell's development would jump by bounds.

So that's the first thing. That would cure our main problem -- scoring points. Our defense is awesome, guys. As much as we could use Julius Peppers or Dwight Freeney or Justin Tuck on the DL, they get the job done for the most part. Jon Jansen is ready to be replaced by Stephon Heyer on the offensive line, but I think that will be remedied by the start of next season.

But let's take a look at the situation here.

The Redskins sit at 7-5, 3rd in the division. This time last year, we were thinking the playoffs were out of reach. Sean Taylor had died, our team was reeling, and we had little reason to believe. We finished the season in the playoffs at 9-7.

Joe Gibbs retires, we have to replace Sean Taylor with a rookie, our WR rookies have given us nothing, we have a rookie HC who gives every impression he has no clue what he's doing after the first game... and we're 7-5. We will beat Cincinnati and San Francisco, most likely, and it is not at all a stretch to think we can beat Baltimore and Philadelphia. 9-7 worst-case scenario here?

For any rookie head coach, that is quite a start. Especially considering we get the Giants and Cowboys twice a year, not to mention getting Pittsburgh and Arizona and New Orleans this year.

Clinton Portis is having the season of his career and Moss and Cooley are entrenched at the top of their positions. Our defense is getting better every year. We gained DeAngelo Hall and are not old enough as a group to be alarmed about slowing down. This is a team a few years away from legitimate greatness.

Imagine if we grab a legitimate #2 or Thomas/Kelly provide the skills that we need to advance as an offense. We've got it all. Another few years in the same system on both sides of the ball and the Redskins are a top team in the NFL, as we were earlier this season.

So for all of the haters saying that we're underacheiving or are hopeless, I remind you of the tumultuous offseason and midseason last year. I also remind you to never sleep on the Redskins in December. Last year, we were 6-7. We went 9-7. In 2005, we were 5-6 and then went 10-6. Every time, Clinton Portis took his game to another level.

If we go 10-6 and miss the playoffs, you can't ask much more from a rookie coach. Hell, guys, we could go 11-5. Our record is better than everyone else's that we're playing except the Ravens', who have beaten no one with a .500 record except the Eagles. There's no chance this team goes 7-9 or 8-8. I guarantee a winning record.

And if you think about it, we haven't had this good of a record by this point in the season in nearly a decade, have we? Never under Gibbs...

So don't despair. Believe me, it could get way worse. Don't sleep on the Redskins, not this year, not ever. We lost to 3 of the best teams in the NFL, who we all happened to play nearly consecutively. Let's hope we take our strongest game into Baltimore and turn this thing around!