A Step in the Right Direction by Lake Lewis

As a sports journalist I have had to take on the -not said oath- of not showing bias towards or leading on whom my favorite teams are.  Well if you have followed my radio show you will know that I am a Nittany Lion and Hoya (My Alma Mater’s) and a huge Washington Redskin fan (my hometown is DC).  Today I awoke to the sobering news of the untimely and unfortunate passing of Cincinnati Bengal Chris Henry.  The story surrounding his death is yet again another bad situation turned public.  The young man should be remembered as a testament that you can not judge a book by its cover.  I have one question regarding his death?  WHY IS THE MEDIA becoming the Supreme Court in our country?  For all intensive purposes Chris Henry had turned his life around and was becoming a sound man.  The media never focused on that aspect of his life until he was gone.  This seems so eerily similar to the passing of the late Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins.  He was another victim of bad media scrutiny that would not uncover his better side until he was murdered.  Can we start to tell the stories of good faith and great deeds by athletes instead of tearing them down for any mistakes that are made?  Wake up my media brethren, its time to look at ourselves in the mirror.

The other news story that broke today in the DC area was that Vinnie Cerrato had resigned as the Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Washington Redskins.  In other words, the de facto General Manager without General Manager credentials would not hold my beloved Redskins hostage any longer.  Sure Cerrato had drafted such players as TE Chris Cooley, S Sean Taylor, QB Jason Campbell and last years seemingly talented TE Fred Davis, and WR Devon Thomas and this year’s rookie sensation and future all-pro LB/DE Brian Orakpo.  But, he also helped orchestrait the acquisitions of high priced free agent busts such as WR Brandon Lloyd, S Adam Archuleta, DE Jason Taylor (trade with the Dolphins), and here is a name from the past RB Trung Canidate (trade with Rams).  He also had a pension for losing valuable draft picks and Redskins players such as S Ryan Clark (Pittsburgh), and LB Antonio Pierce (Giants).  There is another player that tells the story of how dysfunctional Cerrato’s regime was for me.  Jeremy Bridges who right now is playing really good football for the Arizona Cardinals at left tackle was a player who the Redskins decided to cut as one of their final pre-season moves.  If you have watched the Redskins over the past few years it is well documented that their offensive line albeit individually talented, has been on the decline with season ending injuries happening yearly.  Pro Bowlers Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas have had their seasons cut short the past two seasons so releasing an adequate replacement made no sense to me when Cerrato kept former first round bust Mike Williams who had been out of football for 4 years.

Placing all of the blame on Cerratto would be irresponsible of me so the Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder needs to eat some crow as well.  He has resisted for whatever reasons the idea of running this once proud franchise the way it was built by having an owner who is lavish and will spend money (Jack Kent Cook), a competent GM (Bobby Betherd and Charlie Casserly), and a coach whom patience would be needed to implement their own system (Joe Gibbs).  The hiring of Bruce Allen today is a great move for the Redskins in that it signals change that is more the blue print for all of the NFL’s successful franchises. They all have a “real” GM who can take the pressure off of the head coach and can draft with a vision of the future.  Not a quick fix that was always the approach of Cerrato.

Already the questions being asked are;

Is Bruce Allen going to bring in current ESPN Monday Night Football Analyst and former Super Bowl winning coach John Gruden?

Is he going to possibly look at former Bronco mastermind Mike Shanahan?

Or, maybe bring in a young gem in the making?

What is he going to do with current lame duck coach Jim Zorn?

Will he keep fan-boy punching bag quarterback Jason Campbell?

Will he get rid of high priced running back Clinton Portis?

Can Sherman Lewis keep his job and continue to draft up the offensive playbook?

Can Allen himself prove that he can run an organization because he has some critics who are quick to admonish that he won with Tony Dungy’s players in Tampa?

To me he could bring in Santa Clause –  Uh Oh, I have not even started Christmas shopping – to coach and play and to me it would not matter at this point because for once WE are  having a reasonable conversation about the future moves of the Redskins with a view of the future in sight.

Speaking of the future, I know what will be must see TV! That would be Monday night when John Gruden and Monday Night Football come to town for the Redskins/Giants game. Actually they come in on Friday for pre-game production so can you believe what the air will feel like when Gruden has to interview Jim Zorn?  Wow can you say chilly.  Maybe my former ESPN Radio colleague Mike Tirico or Jaws Jaworski will at some point in the game ask Gruden “so what do you think of your team?”  I know what I think!

HALE TO MY THE REDSKINS.

Lake Lewis is the President and CEO of the Sports Journey Broadcast Network.  He was a host on ESPN Radio 1060 Orlando, ESPN Radio 1080 Melbourne and the Drive Time host ESPN Radio 1240 Maryland and WMET 1160 in Washington DC

Black Monday will be coming soon for NFL head coaches on the Hot Seat by Lloyd Vance

On the “Hot Seat” NFL head coaches like Carolina’s John Fox better not pick up the phone on “Black Monday”

Mark the date of Monday January 4^th down on your calendars.  That date happens to be “Black Monday” around the NFL as many teams will probably pull the plug on their embattled head coaches, front office types, and assistant coaches on the Monday after Week 17.     

I am not sure if the number of new coaches this offseason will reach the 11 new head coaches for the 2009 season, but I am estimating that there could be at least five head coaching changes on the way.  Of course one change will probably be for the Buffalo Bills who currently have “interim” head coach Perry Fewell running the team after firing Dick Jauron in November.

Head Coaches on the Hot Seat include: 

Jim Zorn, Washington Redskins – The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback has been stoic throughout the 2009 season even though he has been basically “Dead Man Walking” for the majority of it.  Zorn was stripped of his play-calling duties in October – given to veteran NFL assistant coach Sherman Lewis – and it was apparent from that point on that petulant owner Daniel Snyder would soon be looking in a new direction.  Though the Redskins (4-9 through 13 games this season) have played tougher in November and December, they still will be remembered for making winners out of formerly winless 2009 teams the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, and Detroit Lions.   Zorn’s overall head coaching record stands at 12-17 and the Redskins since starting 6-2 in 2008 have a record of 6-15 in their last 21 games.  Expect Snyder, who is known for spending money on his team — signed prize free agent DT Albert Haynesworth to 7 year, $100 Million Contract w/ $41 Million guarantee and CB DeAngelo Hall to a six year, $55 million deal ($23 million guaranteed) – to go after a big name former head coach (see Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, or someone else) to come in and run his team.  I wonder if Snyder does bring in a new “football man” to run things, what will happened with his loyal minion Vinny Cerato.

Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears — Now that the Bears have their franchise quarterback (Jay Cutler), everything was supposed to be perfect in 2009…wrong.  Another underachieving season (record of 5-8 through 13 games) and Super Bowl XLI seems like a distant memory.  The only thing that could keep Smith around is that he is due around $11M dollars next year.  If Smith is allowed to return by GM Jerry Angelo, then some big changes are coming to his coaching staff.

Eric Mangini, Cleveland Browns – Last week’s big win over the Steelers aside, “Man-genius” has been a disaster in his first season in Cleveland.  From players complaining about “Voluntarily” having to take a bus ride to his summer camp to some veterans overall disinterest, what could go wrong has gone wrong for two-win 2009 Browns.  To make matters worse, the Browns are looking for a new GM/football czar to replace Mangini’s former handpicked GM George Kokonis.

Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans – At a record of (6-7) with only 3 games left, it is looking more likely that the Texans are headed for their 3^rd straight (8-8) finish.  After 4 years in Houston, Kubiak was expected to deliver a playoff team to the former 2002 expansion franchise.  Unfortunately the Texans have been inconsistent once again and several players on their roster have missed long stretches of time with injuries.  With GM Rick Smith looking to be around for another year given the young talent that he has assembled, expect Kubiak to be the “Fall Guy” in Houston.

John Fox, Carolina Panthers – After a great year in 2008, you knew 2009 would be a tough one for the Panthers – Carolina in 15 years in the league has never posted back-to-back winning seasons.  The Panthers are (5-8) with 3 games to go and their roster looks like a MASH unit.  Fox will need to answer to owner Jerry Richardson about what has gone wrong with quarterback Jake Delhomme and a defense that is not producing big plays any longer.  After eight seasons in Charlotte and the team’s Super Bowl appearance long gone (2003), expect the Panthers to move along without Fox.  Did I also mention that former Steelers’ Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Cowher already has established roots in the Carolina area?

Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – It has only been one year for one of the NFL’s youngest head coaches (33), but some people around the league are already saying that Morris maybe in over his head.  Morris fired his former offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski before the 2009 season even started and recently he stripped defensive coordinator Jim Bates of his role, so there is no one else to blame for the Bucs problems.  The Bucs currently have a record of (1-12) and they could possibly not win a game in their remaining 3 games (@SEA, @NO, and ATL).  With the Glazer family looking to get back to the success of the Tony Dungy era, they could be looking in a new direction after the season.

Other head coaches potentially on the Hot Seat:  Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips (Not known for being the sternest coach with players. And owner Jerry Jones wants to not only make the playoffs, but he also wants to “win” a playoff game for the time since ’96); Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable (Off the field troubles and he works for Al Davis…enough said); and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio (It could be a playoff win or bust after 7 years in Jacksonville);

NFL Head Coaching Candidates

Mike Shanahan — former two-time Super Bowl winner with Denver Broncos

Bill Cowher — Current CBS Analyst and former Steelers’ Super Bowl XL winner

Brian Billick — Current FOX Analyst former Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl winner

Jon Gruden — Current ESPN analyst (signed an extension) and former Bucs’ Super Bowl winner

Marty Schottenheimer — Former head coach in Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego

Jim Haslett –former Saints head coach and UFL head coach

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams

Miami Dolphins DB’s Coach Todd Bowles

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier

Washington Redskins Secondary Coach Jerry Gray

Jets Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer

Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator Hue Jackson

St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur

Montreal Alouettes (CFL) head coach Marc Trestman

Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett

Panthers Asst. head coach and RB’s coach Jim Skipper (former head coach of the SF Demon – XFL)

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan

Mike Martz — Former Rams head coach and NFL Network Analyst

UFL Coaches:  Jim Fassel (won UFL’s 1^st championship), Dennis Green, and Ted Cotrell

Minnesota Vikings RB’s Coach Eric Bienemy

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey

New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Charmichael

Arizona Cardinals assistant head coach/offensive line coach Russ Grimm

Miami Dolphins WR’s Coach Karl Dorrell

San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera

San Diego Chargers Assistant head coach Rob Chudzinski

Mike Heimerdinger, Titans offensive coordinator

USC head coach Pete Carroll

New Mexico State head coach DeWayne Walker

Iowa head coach Kirk Firentz – former Belichick disciple

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award -winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

2009 NFL Season – Week 6 Review by Lloyd Vance

Oakland Raiders DL Richard Seymour was a Game Ball winner in Week 6 for his dominating play in an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles

After a couple weeks of too many games that lacked viewer interest, Week 6 of the 2009 NFL Season once again proved why the National Football League is the best sports league in the world.  There were two overtime thrillers (Bill over Jets and Jags over Rams), undefeated teams rolling on (Broncos, Saints and Vikings), upsets galore (Raiders over Eagles, Chiefs over Redskins, Texans over Bengals, and the aforementioned Bills’ win), potential playoff contender heavyweight match-ups that lived up to the hype (Vikings over Ravens, Falcons over Bears and Saints over Giants) and a historic blowout (Patriots dismantling the winless Titans by a score of 59-0). 

I will start by looking at Week 6’s marquee match-up.  In a game that a lot of people were touting as a potential 2009 NFC Championship preview, the New Orleans Saints (5-0) remained undefeated by dominating the previous undefeated NY Giants (5-1) with the final lopsided score 48-27.  The Saints hammered the NFL’s former top-ranked defense and No. 1 pass defense to the tune of 493 total yards, 28 first downs, and a season-high 48 points.  The Saints offense mixed in play-action and great protection (no sacks allowed) to keep a Giants defense, who had fattened up on the NFL’s underbelly, always on their heels.  Of course the Saints O-line, especially dominating OT Jermon Bushrod, did their yeoman work producing a power running game and a “clean” pocket, but we all know quarterback Drew Brees (see Game Balls) will get most of the glory.   After not throwing a touchdown for two straight week, Brees coming off a bye was on fire as he produced a 369-yard, four-touchdown performance.  The Saints fueled by a strong home crowd that truly believes this could finally be the year for their team, put up 34 points at the half — the Giants’ last three opponents before Sunday had scored a combined 23 points. 

The Saints and play-calling head coach Sean Payton also had balance in their offensive scheme as they rushed the ball 39 times producing 133 yards as RB’s Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell kept the Giants guessing.  On defense, the Saints were stifling as they held Giants starter Eli Manning to only 178 passing yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT.  Manning never had time in the pocket and clearly was off rhythm as rushers DE Charles Grant, DE Bobby McCray and DE Will Smith constantly were in his face.  The win was an eye-opener for those, including this so-called NFL expert that thought the Saints could not match-up with a tough East Coast team.  Former Patriot and New Orleans Saints FB Heath Evans said of the win, “These guys are getting a taste of (non-stop) winning. Dave (Thomas, a backup tight end and former Patriot) and I had it when we were on that ‘07 team, and you start racking them up.”  But to Saints fans already booking their hotel rooms in Miami for the Super Bowl, I must throw out a word of caution.  There are still 11 more games to be played and the Saints still must finish the job.  The Saints have started 5-0 two other times in their history and both times the season ended short of the NFL’s ultimate goal – 1991, finished 11-5 and lost in wildcard round and 1993, finished 8-8 and didn’t make the playoffs.  Evans added, “These games don’t count until November and December”.  And I totally agree Heath.

The other big story of this week had to be the New England Patriots 59-0 shellacking of the poor Tennessee Titans in snowy Foxborough, Massachusetts.  In a game that reminded me of hall of famer Warren Moon in his CFL prime with the Edmonton Eskimos, Patriots Tom Brady was loving the cold elements as he threw for six touchdowns including 5 TDs in the second quarter alone — the most TD passes in one quarter by a QB since 1950.  But the story of the game was not the Patriots’ NFL-record 45-0 lead at halftime.  Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in a manner that only he can do, kept his foot on the throttle the rest of the game and thoroughly embarrassed the winless Titans.  The Patriots sent Brady back on the field in the second half and the Pats added two more TDs including one thrown by Tom Terrific.  The move definitely was a slap in the face of the Titans and beleaguered head coach Jeff Fisher.   Though some say Fisher’s team “quit” trying after awhile and the Patriots were just executing better, there was no need to continue throwing the ball over and over against a secondary that has too many injuries – missing Pro Bowl CB Courtland Finnegan and others.  Titans LB Keith Bulluck jokingly said of the Patriots effort, “I guess they were trying to raise their ranking in the BCS”.   New England coach Bill Belichick said of the lopsided game, “We went into the game with a game plan and I know the score got out of hand, but we were just trying to run our offense”. 

NBC’s Football Night in America analyst and former Super Bowl winning head coach Tony Dungy said in support of Belichick, “I don’t think he was running up the score. If you’re Tennessee, you’ve got to stop them.”  But you have to wonder if the “karma” Gods were watching.  Remember back in ’07 the Patriots were running the score up on everyone including an embarrassing 52-7 win over the Redskins and Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs.  For sure around the NFL there were probably few tears for the big bad Patriots when the Giants shockingly beat them 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII.

Here are some Lloyd’s Leftovers for this week before we go to the awards.

NFL in no “Rush” to add Limbaugh — Rush Limbaugh won’t be buying a piece of the St. Louis Rams in the end.  With criticism mounting from the NFLPA, current players, NFL owners like the Colts’ Jim Irsay, and it seemed the entire NFL viewing populace.  Dave Checketts, the businessman leading a group vying for the National Football League franchise, dumped Limbaugh as a potential minority owner of the team.  “Rush was to be a limited partner–as such, he would have had no say in the direction of the club or in any decisions regarding personnel or operations,” Mr. Checketts said. “This was a role he enthusiastically embraced. However, it has become clear that his involvement in our group has become a complication and a distraction to our intentions…endangering our bid to keep the team in St. Louis. As such, we have decided to move forward without him and hope it will eventually lead us to a successful conclusion.”  I applaud Checketts, not only because I am not a Limbaugh fan, but the main reason being that the NFL is the ‘Golden Goose’ of sports and the league does not need a gigantic divisive force coming into their midst.  Especially with a myriad of important league issues surrounding the NFL’s upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations including the splitting of equity between the owners and players, an uncapped year in 2010, a potential lockout in 2011, a rookie salary cap, retired players, player discipline, and much more.

The J-E-T-S find out the NFL is hard work — Of all of the upsets this week, I thought the NY Jets loss to the Buffalo Bills was the most damning.  Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago after the NY Jets defeated the Patriots that everyone was touting the talkative Jets as the next bully on the AFC’s block.  Well you can put away all of the Jets, head coach Rex Ryan and rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez are so great talk.  The J-E-T-S went down to their third straight defeat at the hands of the Bills, losing 16-13 in overtime. Bills kicker Rian Lindell — had missed a 46 yarder at the end of regulation — nailed a 47-yard field goal in overtime to halt Buffalo’s three-game skid. The Bills’ overtime win also snapped an 8-game losing streak against their AFC East foes.  Throughout the game you could sense that the Jets did not respect the lowly Bills and they thought eventually their “mystique” would win the game.  But in the NFL victories are won on the field and not at the microphone. The Jets were flagged 14 times for 96 yards — including five times in overtime — and turned the ball over six times in the overtime loss.  The Bills, who seemed a loss away from firing head coach Dick Jauron, rose to the occasion by overcoming injuries (QB Trent Edwards – concussion and everywhere on defense) and an intimidating Jets running game (318 yards).  To the surprise of many, Bills WR Terrell “T.O” Owens wasn’t even really a factor in the game as he only produced 3 catches for 13 yards and 1 run for 9 yards while dropping a few more.  However as little as T.O contributed to the Bills’ win, Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez (See Lloyd’s Lackey) did more than his share.  All the sudden everyone’s automatic Rookie of Year is finding he hard it is to play week-in and week-out in the NFL.

Tough Injury Loss for the Bengals — Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom (28) ruptured his right Achilles’ tendon in the Bengals’ loss to the Houston Texans.   Odom, the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in September, was having a breakout season (8 sacks), but unfortunately he will miss the remainder of the season. Other key injuries around the NFL were Seahawks MLB Lofa Tatupu (torn pectoral muscle – season), Bills QB Trent Edwards (concussion), Giants OL Kareem McKenzie (groin), Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha (eye), Ravens WR Kelley Washington (concussion), Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle), Eagles OT Jason Peters (left knee), Vikings WR Percy Harvin (shoulder), Rams WR Donnie Avery (hip), Jets NT Kris Jenkins (ACL – season), Falcons CB Brian Williams (ACL – season) and Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (high ankle)

Bittersweet win — Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith was not too happy after his team’s 28-21 win over the winless Tampa Bay Bucs.  The four-time Pro Bowler only had 1 catch for 4 yards and 0 TDs in the game and he clearly was frustrated afterwards.  Smith told reporters that Sunday’s win over Tampa was “bittersweet”.  Smith said, “We get the win, but I have a limited role.  So, obviously, I see this game as showing I’m no longer an asset to this team.”  Asked later about his comments, Smith declined to answer then added, “That’s all I got, My name’s Steve Smith and I stand by that.”  You know it has to be tough on Smith as his team has looked to pound the rock more than passing – threw one pass and ran the ball 14 times in a 15-play, 8 minute game sealing drive against the Bucs.  But Panthers won their second consecutive game to reach 2-3 for the season and RB’s DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are starting to look like there 2008 form .  Smith has only caught 21 passes thus far including three games of  fewer than five catches, but I am sure more passes are coming his way.

Take a seat Adalius – Former big-ticket free agent linebacker Adalius Thomas was inactive in the Patriots blowout win over the Titans.  Thomas, 32, has not live-up to his 2007 contract and even though some say he has an elbow injury, you have to expect more. The Patriots started Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Pierre Woods and Derrick Burgess with newly-signed 40-year old veteran Junior Seau as the first person off the bench. Thomas only has 15 tackles and one sack this season.

Game Balls

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady – He’s BACK!!! The storied career of NFL superstar quarterback Tom Brady added another chapter this week.  Playing in snowy Gillette Stadium, Brady was the driving force as the New England Patriots (wore their old Boston Patriots uniforms) destroyed the Tennessee Titans (wore their old AFL Houston Oilers gear) by a score of 59-0.  Brady threw a career high and franchise record six touchdown passes including 5 TDs in the second quarter alone (most in NFL history since 1950).  Brady answered a ton of criticism after he looked tentative and missed throws the week before in a loss to the Denver Broncos.  Tom Terrific finished his “quick”, but impressive day (left in 3^rd quarter) by throwing for numbers 29-of-34 for 380 yards and 6 TDs.

Honorable Mention

Denver Broncos WR/KR Eddie Royal — Eddie Royal didn’t have any receptions, but he became the first player in Broncos history to return a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in the same game.  The former Virginia Tech star was the key player as the undefeated Broncos (6-0) seized control of the AFC West division in to a thrilling 34-23 win over the San Diego Chargers on Monday night. Royal looked like he was shot out of a cannon on both his 93-yard kickoff return in the first quarter and 71-yard punt return in the second quarter. 

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees – I still believe Brady’s effort, even though against a depleted Titans secondary, was just a little bit better and historic.  Brees however looked like a Pro Bowl quarterback and possible MVP candidate while leading the Saints over the formerly undefeated Giants.  The former Purdue star completed 23-of-30 for 369 yards, 4 TDs and O INTs while not being sacked against a defense that came into the game ranked #1.

Oakland Raiders rookie WR Louis Murphy – The former Florida star did not catch a pass in the Raiders surprising win over the Eagles, but stats didn’t tell the whole story.  Murphy was the key player in the Raiders’ only touchdown of the game as he two downfield blocks in springing TE Zach Miller on an 86-yard touchdown catch-and-run.  Teammates all along the Raiders’ sideline congratulated Murphy after the big score.  Murphy said after the game, “I didn’t have a catch today, but we won, and that’s all that matters.”

Oakland Raiders DE Richard Seymour –Now this is the guy the Raiders traded for at the beginning of the season.  Seymour spearheaded an inspired Raiders defense in their 13-9 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles.  The former Patriots Super Bowl winner produced a pair of sacks and a forced fumble and was at times unblockable.

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew – As MJD goes, so go the Jaguars.  A week after complaining about his touches in an embarrassing loss to the Seahawks, Jones-Drew responded in the Jag’s overtime win over the Rams.  MJD ran for 133 yards on 33 carries and scored all three of the Jags’ touchdowns.  Overall you have to think “Pocket Hercules” was happy with his 38 touches in the Jag’s win.

Baltimore Ravens rookie OT Michael Oher – The solid rookie O-lineman slid over from right tackle to left tackle in subbing for starter Jared Gaither.  Oher, despite two false start penalties, was up to the challenge of facing Vikings Pro Bowl DE Jared Allen.  The big rookie from the University of Mississippi held Allen to only one sack and felt pretty good about it.  Oher said after the game, “I think he found out I’m an OK player, that guy (Allen) makes like $100 million. I think I did all right.”

Other Honorees: Jets RB Thomas Jones (rushed for a franchise record 210 yards and 1 TD in the Jets overtime loss to the Bills); Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (passed for 417 yards –the third-most in franchise history – in the Steelers dominating win over the Browns); Raiders punter Shane Lechler (averaged 51.1 yards on seven punts and pinned the Eagles in deep over and over); Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (Ran for 143 yards and 1 TD against the usually tough Ravens defense); Cleveland Browns WR/KR/QB Josh Cribbs (Seem like the only Browns player that looked interested as he returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and looked good running the Wildcat).

Lloyd’s Lackey

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn — On a day where the Philadelphia Eagles surprisingly left their heads in Philadelphia before an embarrassing loss to the Oakland Raiders and the Tennessee Titans “quit” in a 59-0 bludgeoning at the hands of the New Patriots, the NFL got a real view of what “Rock Bottom” is in Washington DC.  The Redskins (2-4) continued to be the laughingstock of the NFL, despite the presence of winless teams like the Rams, Titans, and Buccaneers, in a putrid 14-6 home loss to the formerly winless Kansas City Chiefs (1-5).  The Redskins or “The Deadskins”, if you prefer, managed just 265 yards of total offense and gained only 7 first downs while turning the ball over 2 times, committing 7 penalties resulting in 63 yards, and going only 2 for 14 on third-down conversions.   Zorn in his infinite wisdom decided to pin the Redskins woes on his starting quarterback, Jason Campbell, who he replaced at halftime.  Zorn in explaining why he benched Campbell said, “He was a little late in hitting some things and inaccurate.”   Hey Zorn…I wonder if you have a mirror?  The Redskins’ offense now is averaging only 13.2 points per game this season and hasn’t scored more than 17 in any game despite playing facing six consecutive winless opponents (first team in NFL history).  They have are now 4-10 in their last 14 games and the team told Zorn after the game that he had too many responsibilities, so someone else (insert name: “Sherman Lewis”) should run the offense during games.   “It’s going to be a very hard week,” Zorn said. “Last week, I thought that was as hard as it can get. It just got harder.”  Stay tuned as something stinky needs to be cleaned up in the Nation’s Capital and it has nothing to do with politics.

Dishonorable Mention

The Philadelphia Eagles – All I can say is thank goodness that the Philadelphia Phillies are doing so well in the baseball playoffs.  My hometown Eagles annoyed every fan in the Delaware Valley by forgetting they had to play a game in Oakland against the “supposed” hapless Raiders.  The Eagles never could put touchdown drive together in a game – settled for 3 FGs — where they clearly were overconfident and a little arrogant in their approach to the Raiders.  Eagles head coach Andy Reid threw balance out the wind as his team ran the ball just 14 times and passed 46 times against a Raiders team that came into the game routinely giving up 200 yards rushing.  The Eagles offensive line – don’t give me Jason Peters was hurt —allowed the Raiders to produce 6 sacks and gave little time for quarterback Donovan McNabb.  Speaking of McNabb, the Birds passer was inaccurate and missed on a ton of throws finishing with numbers 22-46 for 269 yards, 0TDs, and an almost interception that would have been a touchdown if not for a bogus penalty against the Raiders.  Did I also mention kicker David Akers was 3 for 5 on field goal attempts, the Eagles failed to capitalize on JaMarcus Russell’s 2 INTs and that they were just 2 of 16 on 3^rd down conversions. Alright enough already about the Eagles, at least the Phillies outscored the Birds 11 to 9 on their way to winning their game 11-0 against the LA Dodgers on Sunday.

NY Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez – Some may try to pin the reason for this week’s Lackey award on the tricky Meadowlands’ winds (arm strength), but “Sanchize” won this one all on his own.  Sanchez probably played worse than his stat line (10/29, 119 yards, 0 TDs, and 5 INTs plus a fumble that his team recovered) in the Jets overtime loss, if that is possible.  It still puzzles me how Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer kept throwing the ball when the Jets produced over 300 yards rushing.  The 2009 NFL Draft’s 5^th overall pick made bad decisions, locked-in on receivers, forced passes into new favorite receiver Braylon Edwards, and overall was too tentative in the pocket.  Sanchez now leads the NFL in interceptions (10) and hasn’t topped 172 yards in a game since Week 1.

Carolina Panthers safety Dante Wesley – The high-energy Panthers hitter was rightfully ejected after he launched himself into the head of Buccaneers punt returner Clifton Smith.  Smith had clearly signaled for a fair catch and Wesley’s actions caused a spirited pushing and shoving match after the play.  Wesley was also notified by the NFL that he was suspended for 1 game and I am sure a heavy fine is coming too.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Steven Hauschka – Somehow, you knew it was going to happen…especially after former Ravens veteran kicker Matt Stover signed with the Indianapolis Colts this week.  Hauschka, a strong-legged young kicker, missed a potential game-winning last-minute 44-yard field goal in the Ravens’ 33-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.  The 2nd year kicker from NC State finished will have other opportunities, but like I always say “Just a kicker being a kicker”. Ironically Hauschka had been cut by the Vikings earlier in his career.

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte – The Bears Pro Bowl running back was held to just 23 yards on 15 carries in his team’s 21-14 Sunday Night Football loss to the Atlanta Falcons.  Forte also had two fumbles in the redzone with the second one being recovered by the Falcons inside the 5-yard line.

The St. Louis Rams – Their 23-20 overtime loss to the Jaguars marked the one year anniversary of the last regular season game that they won.  The Rams or is it the “Lambs” extended the NFL’s longest current losing streak to 16 games.

NFL Week 6

SUN, OCT 18 

Houston Texans (3-3), Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) 28-17

Green Bay Packers (3-2), Detroit Lions (1-5) 26-0

Minnesota Vikings (6-0), Baltimore Ravens (3-3) 33-31

New Orleans Saints (5-0), NY Giants (5-1) 48-27

Carolina Panthers (2-3), Tampa Bay Bucs (0-6) 28-21

Kansas City Chiefs (1-5), Washington Redskins (2-4) 14-9

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3), St. Louis Rams (0-6) 23-20 in OT

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2), Cleveland Browns (1-5) 27-14

Arizona Cardinals (3-2), Seattle Seahawks (2-4) 27-3

Oakland Raiders (2-4), Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) 13-9

Buffalo Bills (2-4), NY Jets (3-3) 16-13 in OT

New England Patriots (4-2), Tennessee Titans (0-6) 59-0

Atlanta Falcons (4-1), Chicago Bears (3-2) 21-14

MON, OCT 19 

Denver Broncos (6-0), San Diego Chargers (2-3) 34-23

Bye: Dallas, Indianapolis, Miami, San Francisco 

 

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award -winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

The Redskins have hit Rock Bottom by Lloyd Vance

Redskins offensive “consultant” Sherman Lewis will soon be a very busy man as he tries to clean-up Jim Zorn’s sputtering offense

On a day where the Philadelphia Eagles surprisingly left their heads in Philadelphia before an embarrassing loss to the Oakland Raiders and the Tennessee Titans “quit” in a 59-0 bludgeoning at the hands of the New Patriots, the NFL got a real view of what “Rock Bottom” is in Washington DC.  The Washington Redskins (2-4) continued to be the laughingstock of the NFL, despite the presence of winless teams like the Rams, Titans, and Buccaneers, in a putrid 14-6 home loss to the formerly winless Kansas City Chiefs (1-5).

The Chiefs improbable win marked the third time that Redskins had allowed a formerly winless team to beat them.  Entering Sunday, the Chiefs — had lost 28 of its previous 30 games  – were ranked pretty much last in the NFL in almost every defensive category while allowing 27.6 points and 402.8 yards per game.  So how did the Redskins and their West Coast offensive guru head coach Jim Zorn treat the Chiefs.  Well the Redskins — or as my colleague Lake Lewis of Sport Journey radio calls them “The Deadskins” — managed just 265 yards of total offense and gained only 7 first downs.  While turning the ball over 2 times, committing 7 penalties resulting in 63 yards, and going only 2 for 14 on third-down conversions.

What a mess, to say the least.  FedEx field that easily holds over 90,000 fans was half-full or half-empty, depending on your outlook for the ‘Skins.  In all the madness, Zorn in his infinite wisdom decided to pin the Redskins woes on his starting quarterback, Jason Campbell, who he replaced at halftime.  Granted Campbell was not at his greatest Sunday – finished with numbers 9/16, 89 yards, 0 TDs, and 1 INT – but his replacement veteran backup Todd Collins was probably worse.  Collins (6/14, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs and 2 Fumbles both recovered by the Skins) did connected with WR Santana Moss on a 42-yard strike on his first pass (led to a field goal), but from there it was “Check-down City”.  Overall, Collins was tentative in the pocket and took too many sacks including a safety (sacked in the endzone by Chiefs DE Tamba Ali) in the game’s desperate closing minutes.

Zorn in explaining why he benched Campbell said, “He was a little late in hitting some things and inaccurate.”   Hey Zorn…I wonder if you have a mirror?  To me it was ridiculous that the Redskins headman would look at anyone other than himself for his team’s ineptness.  The Redskins defense didn’t allow a touchdown (four Ryan Succop field goals and a safety), sacked Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassell 5 times and allowed only 268 net yards, despite playing with bad field position over and over (Chiefs started their final four drives in Redskins territory).

The Redskins’ offense now is averaging only 13.2 points per game this season and hasn’t scored more than 17 in any game despite playing facing six consecutive winless opponents (first team in NFL history).  Zorn began his postgame news conference with a huge sigh then rightfully stepped forward to face the awful music – with the loss to the Chiefs, the Redskins are now 4-10 in their last 14 games.  Of his team’s offensive effort Zorn said, “This offense is better than six points, 100 percent. And that’s on me”.  You are right Zorn!!

However the Redskins organization did send a loud and clear message to their beleaguered head coach immediately after the game .   According to Redskins spokesman Zack Bolno, VP of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato told Zorn that he had too many responsibilities and someone else (insert name: “Sherman Lewis”) should run the offense during games. In case you didn’t know, Lewis (West Coast coach from the ‘90s Green Bay Packers) had been added to Zorn’s staff in early October without the coach’s knowledge.

As if the addition of Lewis as an “offensive consultant” wasn’t a big enough slap in the face of Zorn, now a guy that has been out of the NFL for over five years and someone he didn’t even want will be calling his team’s offensive plays from here on out.  Quite frankly, I have to admit that I find it hilarious how Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and his staff have continued sawing off Zorn piece-by-piece without actually firing him.  With the angry Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off an embarrassing loss to the Raiders, coming to town in Week 7, the Redskins should expect another humiliating home loss.

So rest assured, the inevitable firing of Zorn will soon be upon us, probably during the Redskins’ bye week in Week 8.  “It’s going to be a very hard week,” Zorn said. “Last week, I thought that was as hard as it can get. It just got harder.”

Stay tuned as something stinky needs to be cleaned up in the Nation’s Capital and it has nothing to do with politics.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Quarterback or Bust by Lake Lewis

Written by Lake Lewis

As this years NFL football season rapidly approaches there are several storylines that will undoubtedly be front and center.  The position that will be scrutinized the most as always will be that of the Quarterback.  Being a quarterback in the NFL used to mean fame, fortune, and the comforts of job security.  With the pending Mike Vick re-instatement back into the league and rookie Detroit QB Mathew Stafford receiving 50 million plus without ever throwing a pass, scrutiny will be at an all time high.  Security at this position is at an all time low and that needs to change.  The quarterbacks I grew up watching in the 80’s and 90’s were normally at the position and on the same team for at least it seams, 10 years.  Names such as John Elway, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, and Troy Aikmen were staples in their respective cities.  I know you’re thinking well all of these guys are Hall of Fame QB’s?

Well look at this list of the “other” QB’s who graced this period playing for at least 10 seasons with the same team.  Some of these players one could argue had more success in the form of winning championships.

Dan Fouts – San Diego Charger (1973 – 1987)

Boomer Esiason – Cincinnati Bengal (1984 – 1993, 1997)

Joe Theisman – Washington Redskin (1974 – 1985)

Phil Simms – New York Giants (1979 – 1993)

Warren Moon – Houston Oilers (1984 – 1993)

Dave Krieg – Seattle Seahawks (1980 – 1991)

In order to win consistently in the NFL the QB position must be solidified and not changed.  Even in the 60’s and 70’s teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and the New Orleans Saints never won a championship but they had quarterbacks who played behind center for 10+ seasons.  Jim Hart played for the Cardinals from 1966 to 1983.  Steve Bartkowski played with the Falcons from 1975 to 1985 and Archie manning played for the Saints from 1971 to 1982.

Free agency could be the culprit that has all but destroyed longevity at the QB position but I like to think that it also has to do with meddlesome ownership.  The days of waiting patiently for a QB to developed are all but gone.  Teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and to a lesser degree New England Patriots have been widely successful because their most important position has not undergone major changes every two to three seasons.  Yes I said Green Bay because Brett Favre was there for 16 years, playing in two Super Bowls (won SB XXXI).  The owners and General Managers of these teams understood that longevity makes for a more complete product.  Today’s owners such as Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder are expecting big results from a young QB (Jason Campbell) even though the playing field in which a lot of these Quarterbacks have to work with are not even.  In Washington Jason Campbell had his most productive season as an NFL Quarterback ( NFL low 6 interceptions from a starting QB of 10 games or more) and he has seen everything from being traded to being publicly humiliated by an overzealous owner who needs to let him mature.  The spiral effect of not getting it done quickly does nothing but raise the red flags of which other players do these young QB’s have to work with.

Stability will bring results.  Plain and simple!  The best pro franchises have used this model for the past half century.  I go back to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the blue print on how to draft, build with a QB and watch the results.  Can we say Ben Roethlisberger!  He has been steady as the QB in Pittsburgh and the organization has drafted wisely in order to surround him with equally effective, young, hungry, talent.  The result is 2 Super Bowls in 3 years.

To me this story could easily be called ownership or bust!

Top 10 Training Camp Position Battles – Offense by Lloyd Vance

After months of speculation surrounding NFL teams from the NFL Draft in April to OTAs, our real barometer regarding roster battles, training camp, is finally here.

Some of the NFL Training Camp Offensive Battles to keep an eye on are:

Detroit Lions QB’s – Daunte Culpepper, rookie Matthew Stafford (1^st overall pick in 2009 NFL Draft – Georgia), and Matthew Stanton.

LV’s Take: As soon as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the Lions had selected Stafford with the first overall pick, this competition heated up.  Conventional wisdom says that sitting a quarterback early in his career and easing him into a team’s system are the best way to go (See Steve McNair, Steve Young with the Niners, Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning and others).  But recently with the success of 2008 first year starters and playoff quarterbacks Matt Ryan (Falcons) and Joe Flacco (Ravens) more people are believing that it is “sink or swim” time for rookie quarterbacks.  Stafford definitely has all the measurable (arm, footwork, and big school pedigree) that made him the first overall selection.  But all indications are that former three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Culpepper is ready to fight for his role as the Lions starter.  Culpepper is healthier than he has been since his devastating 2005 knee injury and in throwing session you can see his arm strength, pocket awareness, and mobility coming back.

However as much as new Lions head coach Jim Schwartz has proclaimed that this is an open competition, there are the mitigating factors of money – Stafford signed a huge deal of 6 years for $78 Million with 41 Million guaranteed – and a 0-16 team (an NFL-low) looking to make a splash.  Look for this battle to continue through training camp and it will be the Lions’ four pre-season games that will determine this one.  I see Culpepper winning the starter’s job for Week 1 in New Orleans, but you know eventually Stafford will get his shot.  Watch for the Lions’ Week 7 bye as a possible stake in the ground for the start of the Stafford Era in Motown.

New York Jets QB’s – Rookie Mark Sanchez, (1^st Rd – USC), Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge, and UDFA rookie Chris Pizzotti (Harvard).

LV’s Take: This is supposed to be an open competition for new Jets head coach Rex Ryan’s starting job.  But the moment that the Jets traded up with the Browns to select Sanchez in the first-round of the 2009 NFL Draft you knew who would be under center in September.  I am sure Clemens will continue to fight, but the Jets didn’t pay USC pretty boy Sanchez all that money — five-year contract worth $50 million, with $28 million in guarantees – for nothing.  I believe Sanchez has a good chance of being this year’s version of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco — strong rookie season in 2008 by “managing” the offense.

Tampa Bay Bucs QB’s – Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, Josh Johnson and rookie Josh Freeman (1^st Rd – Kansas State)

LV’s Take:  The Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris continued former head coach Jon Gruden’s trend of collecting quarterbacks by signing McCown and Leftwich plus drafting Freeman this offseason.  Leftwich was perceived to be the automatic starter when he signed, but his long delivery and lack of mobility have opened the door for McCown and surprising Freeman to step in the mix.  In the end I believe the veteran leadership of Leftwich – won a Super Bowl ring in 2008 as the Steelers back-up – will shine through.  However by midseason it maybe time for Freeman to remove his redshirt.

Tampa Bay Bucs RB’s – Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, Clifton Smith, and Josh Vaughan

LV’s Take:  The Buccaneers under new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski will be a running team first so you know this battle is important.  I think this one was over before it even started as Ward got a huge contract – 4 years, $17 Million — to be the starter.  The former Giants change-up back produced a career-high 1,025 rushing yards last year and he will be looking to be this year’s Michael Turner.  Unfortunately roster leftovers from the Gruden era Graham (attitude) and Williams (knee) may have to prove their worth to the new Bucs regime.

New York Giants RB’s – Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny Ware, and rookie Andre Brown

LV’s Take:  This one isn’t really a battle, but it will be fun in training camp to see who is going to step-up to be Jacobs other half in the backfield.  Derrick Ward is now a Buccaneer, so Bradshaw will have to hold-off Ware (strong special teams player) and Brown (hard running rookie from NC State).  You know G-Men head coach Tom Coughlin would love to have a running game with two 1,000-yard backs again, but reproducing that effort will be tough in the NFC East.  I believe that the Giants’ new Thunder and Lightning combination will be Jacobs and Brown as Bradshaw is better as a homerun threat than an every down runner.

New England Patriots RBs – Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Omar Cuff

LV’s Take:  Other than the couple years where Corey Dillon was the featured runner for the Pats, head coach Bill Belichick likes to spread the carries around.  Recovering quarterback Tom Brady is going to need some time to get back in shape, so the running game will be essential.  Look for often-injured running back Laurence Maroney to get the lion’s share of carries (200+) if he can shed his “soft” player title.  Taylor will be fill the short-yardage and goal-line role vacated by LaMont Jordan (Broncos) while Faulk will again be the pass-catcher and 3^rd down back for New England.  After those Top 3, it will a training camp fight between Morris (veteran, but how much does he have left), Green-Ellis (Was the “Law Firm” a fluke after a strong ’08 season) and Cuff (good young runner from Delaware).  Look for Maroney as the starter in week one, but eventually injuries will push Taylor into the starting line-up.

Denver Broncos RBs – Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, Ryan Torrain, Darius Walker, and rookie Knowshon Moreno (1^st Rd – Georgia)

LV’s Take:  Another crowded backfield situation as new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels collected running backs this off-season.  Though Buckhalter was promised the job after he signed in free agency, all indications are that if Moreno can be signed by training camp that the former University of Georgia star will be the Broncos featured back.  The first-rounder is quicker to the hole and his young legs will help new starting quarterback Kyle Orton.

New York Giants WR’s – Domenick Hixon, Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham, David Tyree (2007 Super Bowl hero); rookies Hakeem Nicks (1^st Rd – North Carolina) and Ramses Barden (3rd Rd – Cal Poly)

LV’s Take:  During the 2008 NFL Season there was no greater impact to a team’s fortunes than the shooting injury and suspension of former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress.  The Giants won 11 of their first 12 games but lost 3 of their last 4 after Burress’ shooting injury in November.  Giants running back Brandon Jacobs said of losing Burress, “With him, we had an identity from Week 1 to Week 11 when he went out. It is hard to bounce back, to find a new identity in the National Football League.”  The G-men tried to pump-up receivers Dommanick Hixon (career highs 43 receptions and 596 yards, but we all remember the dropped potential 80-yard bomb in Week 14 against the Birds), Steve Smith (57 catches) and 13-year veteran Amani Toomer but most secondaries didn’t respect the trio.  The Giants decided, after being bounced from the 2008 playoffs by the Eagles, that in the 2009 draft the receiver position needed to be addressed brining in Nicks and Barden.  But you have to wonder if the G-Men have done enough to get quarterback Eli Manning back in his comfort zone or if they should have pursued potential trades for Browns WR Braylon Edwards or Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin harder this offseason.  Watch for Smith, Hicks, and Hixon to be the leaders for the Giants Top 3 spots in the receiver unit.  It will also be interesting to see if Tyree can return to his pre-injury form and if Moss can stay healthy enough to live-up to comparisons to his older brother Santana (Redskins WR).

Philadelphia Eagles WR’s – DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, rookie Jeremy Maclin (1^st Rd- Missouri), Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, rookie Brandon Gibson (6^th Rd – Washington State), Shaheer McBride, and Danny Amendola

LV’s Take:  Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb wanted weapons and now he may have too many pass catchers.  Obviously 2008 All-Rookie performer Jackson is the No. 1 in this unit then the fun begins after him.  Curtis is coming off his second groin surgery within a year, Maclin is speedy but comes from a spread option system in college, Brown is a former starter that showed potential earlier in his 5-year career then faded, and the others are in the mix too.  Look for the Jackson at the “X”, strong over the middle receiver Avant at the “Y”, and Curtis at the “Z’.   Brown, Baskett (hopefully still has his legs after marrying playmate Kendra Wilkinson), Maclin, and Gibson (Practice Squad) should also make the team.

Chicago Bears WR’s – Rashied Davis, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Devin Aromashodu, and rookies Juaquin Iglesias (3rd Rd – Oklahoma), Johnny Knox (5th Rd – Abilene Christian), and Derek Kinder (7th Rd – Pittsburgh)

LV’s Take:  We all know that the Bears may have mortgaged that future to bring-in Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler from the Broncos.  The 4,000-yard passer in 2008 definitely knows how to wing-it, but other than All-Rookie running back Matthew Forte and emerging TE Greg Olsen there are question marks everywhere within the Bears receiving unit.  There have been inklings that the Bears may take a look at free agents Plaxico Burress, Marvin Harrison, or Matt Jones but for now head coach Lovie Smith seems to be okay with his current group.  Unfortunately no receiver on the Bears’ current roster has over 50 catches in their career.  The Bears want Hester, an All-World returnman who is coming off a career high of 47 catches in 2008, to be their main pass catcher.  But the former Hurricane has a lot to learn in terms of running routes and not being a bodycatcher.  The wildcard in the mix could be Bennett, who played with Cutler at Vanderbilt, but the second-year player has zero career catches.  Look for Hester, Bennett, and Iglesias at the Top 3 spots with Davis, Knox, and Kinder rounding out the roster.

Other Battles to Watch

SF 49ers WR’s – Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle, rookie Michael Crabtree (1^st Rd – Texas Tech), free agent pick-up Brandon Jones, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill, Michael Spurlock, and Dominique Zeigler

Seahawks WR’s – Nate Burelson, Deion Branch, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Jordan Kent, Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu, and rookie Deon Butler (2^nd Rd – Penn State)

Cleveland Browns WR’s – Braylon Edwards, Mike Furrey, Joshua Cribbs, David Patten, Syndric Steptoe, Paul Hubbard, and rookies Brian Robiskie (2^nd rd – Ohio State) and Mohamed Massaquoi (2^nd rd – Georgia)

Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Line – OT Tra Thomas, veteran OG Chris Naole, Vince Manuwai, Maurice Williams, Tony Pashos, rookies Eugene Monroe (1^st Rd – Virginia) and Eben Britton (2^nd Rd – Arizona).  **Hopefully this group will be healthier in ’09 as three O-linemen went down in week one in 2008.

Detroit Lions OL – Jeff Backus, Daniel Loper, Gosder Cherilus, Ephraim Salaam, Damion Cook, Stephen Peterman and rookie Lyndon Murtha (7th Rd – Nebraska)

New Orleans Saints TE’s – Jeremy Shockey, Dan Campbell, Darnell Dinkins, Billy Miller, and Buck Ortega

Tennessee Titans TE’s – Bo Scaife, Alge Crumpler, rookie Jared Cook (2^nd Rd – South Carolina), Craig Stevens, and Matthew Mulligan

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

NFL Power Rankings – Pre Training Camp 2009 by Lloyd Vance

(Philadelphia, Pa) – We are almost to my least favorite time of the year when there is virtually no football.  Though the NFL Calendar is now packed it seems every month, most teams take a nice break after May and early June’s OTA’s to recharge for late July’s training camps.

The fun part of this time on the NFL Calendar is that hope has sprung eternal around the NFL, as every team is 0-0 heading into next season.  Yes even the 0-16 Detroit Lions believe they have positively tweaked their roster and drafted well enough that training camp can’t get here soon enough.

With rosters pretty much set for next season, I thought now was a good time to rank all 32 NFL Teams.

1. Steelers – The 2008 Super Bowl Champions still remain in my top spot until someone knocks them off their perch.  In order to be the man, you have to beat the man…wooo!!  The Steelers lost players that they believe already have replacements on their current roster.  Plus the Steelers’ weakest area, the offenisve line, will have another year together and the draft yielded Wisconsin OG Kraig Urbik and Penn State C A.Q Shipley. Theif defense is getting a little older along their front four, but Defensive MVP James Harrison shoulld be productive after signing a lucartive extension. It will be interesting see if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to throw 25 to 30 times a game with RB’s Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) returning.  Will compete with the Raven for the AFC North title, but there are issues of complacency and a history of falling back after winning it all (record of 8-8 in ’06 after winning in Super Bowl XL).

2. Giants – The G-Men stumbled down the stretch after WR Plaxico Burress shot himself and the team’s playoff hopes.  But look for the Giants to return to contention at the top of the NFC.  In the NFC East, the Giants’ main competition will be the Eagles who knocked them out of the playoffs in 2008.  Quarterback Eli Manning who is looking for a Matthew Stafford type contract and guaranteed money this year will need to lean on his running game led by RB’s Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Danny Ware.  Rookie pass catchers WR Hakim Nicks (North Carolina), TE Travis Beckum (Wisconsin), and WR Ramses Barden (Cal Poly) will try to replace Burress along with returning Super Bowl hero David Tyree (knee).  The Giants’ defensive pressure should also get a boost from the additions of Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora (knee), DT Rocky Bernard (F\A – Seattle), LB Michael Boley (F\A – Falcons), DT Chris Canty (F\A – Cowboys) and rookie LB Clint Sintim (UVa) to last season’s menacing DE’s Mathias Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck.

3.  Patriots – After becoming only the second 11-5 team to not make the playoffs (Denver – 1985), head coach Bill Belichick is on a mission.  The Pats return QB Tom Brady from a devastating knee injury and they also made an emphasis of getting younger on defense this offseason.  Look for NT Vince Wilfork (playing for a contract), LB Adalius Thomas (finally comfortable in the system), and rookies CB Darius Butler (UConn) and S Patrick Chung (Oregon) to have a huge impact on defense.  Offensively the Patriots running game should be better with the addition of veteran RB Fred Taylor (playing the Corey Dillon role) and the return of RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder).  Also watch for deep throws from Brady to speedsters Randy Moss, Joey Galloway (F\A – Bucs), and Greg Lewis (Draft Day Trade – Eagles).

4.  Eagles – After a rollercoast type season where things went a little haywire in Weeks 10-12, the Birds rebounded to make some noise in the playoffs.  Any momentum gained from their playoff run was totally enhanced by arguably the NFL’s best offseason.  The Eagles obtained veterans CB Ellis Hobbs (Draft Day Trade – Patriots), Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters (Pre-Draft Trade – Bills), and OL Stacy Andrews (F\A – Bengals) plus drafted potential offensive differencemakers WR Jermey Maclin (Missouri),RB LeSean McCoy (PITT), and TE Cornelius Ingram (Florida).  QB Donovan McNabb (make or break contract season) has to like his team’s chances after the Birds’ front office made over a roster that was getting a little old at key positions. Areas to watch in training camp will be the health of RB Brian Westbrook (Ankle Surgery), the right tackle position where Shawn Andrews (back) is moving from his Pro Bowl right guard spot to battle his brother Stacy and free saftey where Quintin Demps and newcomer Sean Jones (F\A – Cleveland) will be competing to try and replace future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins (Broncos).

5. Titans – Jeff Fisher’s team was the talk of the NFL after they went undefeated for the first 11 weeks of the 2008 season, but in the playoffs it was a totally different story as the Ravens shutdown the AFC’s No. 1 seed.  However with the Titans strong running game (LenDale White and Chris Johnson) and tough defense led by LB Keith Bullock and a  talented secondary (S Michael Griffin and CB Cortland Finnegan) expect them back near the top of the AFC South with the Colts and Texans.  However there are big question marks around QB Kerry Collins (age), C Kevin Mawae (age/retirement?), their receivers (still looking for a #1 guy) and a defense that lost number #1NFL free agent DT Albert Haynesworth (Redskins).

6.  Cardinals – The 2008 NFC Champs will not be sneaking up on anyone this season after a playoff run that included an impressive road stomping of the NFC top seeded Panthers.  The NFC West is definitely improving with the Niners (playing harder under Singletary) and Seahawks (getting healthier) expected to step-up, so the Cardinals will need to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl loser hangover syndrome — 7 of the last 8 Super Bowl losers failed to qualify for the post-season the following year.  The Cardinals will again lean on their offense led by a rejuvenated QB Kurt Warner (new contract), rookie RB Chris “Beanie” Wells (Ohio St), and All-World WR Larry Fitzgerald.  It will be interesting to see if the four 2009 defensive draft picks coming in can help a unit that allowed 26.6 points per game.  Also what are the Cards going to do to keep DT Darnell Dockett and WR Anquan Boldin happy over their contracts.

7.  Panthers – Everything seemed to be falling the Panthers way in ’08 as their “Double Trouble” running back combo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and an opportunistic defense led the way into the playoffs.  After securing the NFC’s number one seed, the NFC South Champion Panthers imploded at home losing badly to the Cardinals.  Panthers Head Coach John Fox (hotseat) will need to get another stellar season from his running backs, but newly re-signed QB Jake Delhomme (arm and 6 turnovers in playoffs loss) is the big key to this team’s success.  The Panthers have a stellar offensive line, so look for a continued run heavy offense with about 8 to 10 passes a game going to gamebreaker WR Steve Smith.  The Carolina defense will need LB Jon Beason (labrum),  DT Damione Lewis (rotator cuff) and rookie DE Everett Brown (FSU) to stay on top of their games in case “franchised” defensive end Julius Peppers (career-high 14.5 sacks) holds out or becomes a distraction.  Look for a three-way race between the Panthers, Saints, and Falcons in the NFC South.

8.  Vikings –  A litany of things finally came together for the Vikes in ’08 as they won the NFC North for the first time since 2004.  Right now the Vikings with All-World RB Adrain Peterson and the NFL’s #1 Rush Defense are a sexy pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season.  However there are still too many lingering questions for my taste to move this team higher.  Who is the quarterback going to be? (Tarvaris Jackson – inconsitent in the playoffs against the Eagles, Sage Rosenfels – New to their system, or dare I say it…Brett Favre, who brings age and lockerroom chemistry issues, if he is signed).  Brad Childress’ team must also deal with DT’s Kevin and Pat Williams’ facing 4-game suspensions for Water Pills-gate.  In the 2009 draft, the Vikings looked to add more offensive firepower to Peterson and emerging WR Bernard Berrian by bringing in WR/KR/RB Percy Harvin (Florida).  So whomever the quarterback is in training camp there will be expectations to get the ball in the team’s many playmakers hands.  Expect the Vikings and Bears to fight it out for NFC North supremacy again.

9.  Colts – Another season, another 12-wins for Indy (NFL Record Six Consecutive).  The Colts are a regular season buzzsaw, but once again the playoffs were a different story.  QB Peyton Manning’s team lost in OT to the Chargers, but the game seemed little bit more organizational changing.  Super Bowl winning head coach Tony Dungy decided that ’08 would be his last season and now first time NFL head coach Jim Caldwell takes over.  Caldwell will also have to go into battle without franchise receiver Marvin Harrison (F\A), former offensive coordinatorTom Moore (Retirement), and former O-line coach Howard Mudd (Retirement).  With so much leadership lost on the coaching staff there is going to be even more pressure on veteran thrower Manning.  Expect the Colts to lean more on their running game as RB Joseph Adda is healthy and Indy picked RB Donald Brown in the first round.  On defense the Colts are still small and fast, but it will be interesting to see how they fare against larger offenses.  Expect the AFC South to be one of the NFL’s best with the Colts, Titans, Jags, and Texans all fighting it out for the top spot.

10.  Ravens – Led by Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed and upstart head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens were the surprise of the AFC in ’08 going all the way to the AFC Championship Game.  Despite the loss of several Ravens (Def Coor. Rex Ryan, LB Bart Scott, S Jim Leonhard, and others) to Baltimore North (New York Jets) expect QB Joe Flacco and his defensive minded team to still be in the mix.  The Ravens defense kept their leader in LB Ray Lewis plus they added CB Domonique Foxworth (Falcons).  There should be much more firepower this year on offense as Flacco and RB Ray Rice return for their second seasons fully knowing the playbook and the team also added TE LJ Smith (F\A – Eagles), C Matt Birk (F\A – Vikings), and OT Michael Oher (Ole Miss – 1^st Rd).  Expect another black and blue season for the Ravens as they battle their hated rival, the Steelers, for the AFC North title.

11.  Bears –  Lovie Smith wanted a quarterback to compliment running back Matt Forte and management brought-in QB Jay Cutler in a blockbuster trade.  Now Smith needs a playoff run by Cutler as he is on a very hotseat in the Windy City.  All I want to know is where are the WR’s that Cutler is throwing to.

12.  Saints – Sean Payton’s team was too inconsistent in ’08 (only won two games in a row once), so they will need to equate their talent laden roster into wins this season.  Look for an improved running game led by NFL Surprise Player RB Pierre Thomas to help MVP candidate QB Drew Brees and an emphasis on defense of eliminating big plays.

13.  Chargers – The Bolts had a nice run in the playoffs to put an inconsistent regular season behind them.  But head coach Norv Turner needs a better effort by his running game (LT and Darren Sproles) to assist Pro Bowl QB Philip Rivers.  The Chargers are hoping a healthly return by LB Shawn Merriman (knee) will pick-up a defense that was sporadic without him.

14.  49ers – Under new head coach “Iron” Mike Singletary, the Niners proved to be one of the NFL’s best teams down the stretch going 5-2 in their last seven games under their former interim head coach.  In order to compete with the NFC Champion Cardinals, the Niners must find a passing game to go with Singletary’s new run emphasized offense and attacking defense.

15.  Texans –  After their second 8-8 season in a row, it is hotseat time for GM Rick Smith, head coach Gary Kubiak, and quarterback Matt Schaub.  The Texans must find ways to avoid injuries on offense and add consistency on defense to compete with the Colts, Titans, and Jaguars in the tough AFC South.

16.  Dolphins – Last season’s greatest turnaround from 1-15 to 11-5 AFC East Champs will be hard to duplicate for head coach Tony Sparano and GM Bill Parcells.  The ‘Phins will be marked team as the Patriots, Jets, and upstart Bills will try to bring them back to Earth.

17.  Broncos – Former head coach Mike Shanahan, QB Jay Cutler, and GM Ted Sunquist are all no longer with Denver.  A new regime led by young head coach Josh McDaniels and over 17 new players will try to improve a team that lost 3 straight games to finish the season.  An improved defense (drafted 4 defensive players) and a hard running game led by rookie Knowshon Moreno should help in the Broncos chase the Chargers for the AFC West crown.

18.  Falcons – Besides the Dolphins there was no great turnaround story in the NFL in ’08 than Falcons.  Head Coach Mike Smith and Rookie of the Year QB Matt Ryan returned this once downtrodden franchise back into the playoffs.  Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, and new TE Tony Gonzalez will need to jell quickly and the Falcons defense will need bigger plays to catch the Panthers..

19. Cowboys – During the ’08 season, one of the NFL’s most talent laden rosters was pulled down again from drama in Big D.  The Cowboys will be moving on to their new billion dollar stadium hopefully without the problems created by former distractions (Pacman, T.O, Tank Johnson, and others).  But there are some lingering question marks regarding whether head coach Wade Wilson and/or QB Tony Romo can lead the ‘Boys passed the Eagles and Giants in the tough NFC East.

20.  Redskins – The ‘Skins in ’08 under first year head coach Jim Zorn were a non-cohesive and inconsistent team due to injuries and internal fighting.   But expectations will be a lot higher in 2009 as owner Dan Snyder opened his checkbook for a haul that included DT Albert Hayneswoth and other big ticket items.  Zorn and Snyder will need QB Jason Campbell make them forget why the Redskins tried to bring in Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez this passed offseason.

21.  Jaguars – After a front office shakeup, all the pressure in ’09 will be squarely on head coach Jack Del Rio.  The Jags have some weapons in players like RB Maurice Jones-Drew and CB Rashaun Mathis, but they need more consistency from QB David Garrard and a defense that allowed 367 points in ’08.

22.  Jets –  With the AFC East title in their sights, the Jets underestimated the Dophins and were left home for the playoffs.  With new head coach Rex Ryan coming over from the Ravens along with several former players and staff, look for a new attitude by the J-E-T-S.  The keys will be settling a quarterback controversy (Kellen Clemens or Mark Sanchez) and getting their defense acclimated to Ryan’s attacking scheme.

23.  Raiders – After playing the “spoiler” role rather well in Tampa Bay during Week 17 in ’08, the Raiders and their new head coach Tom Cable will be looking for respect in ’09.  Cable will need to get more points from offensive weapons QB JaMarcus Russell, RB Darren McFadden, TE Zach Miller and rookie Darius Heyward-Bey (only 27 touchowns in ’08).  Plus in order to catch the Broncos and Chargers at the top of the AFC West, Al Davis’ team will need to get better on defense (allowed 388 pts).

24.  Buccaneers – Offseason changes were everywhere for the Bucs after an end of season meltdown where they were knocked from the playoffs in WK 17 by the Raiders.  New head coach Raheem Morris and a roster full of youngsters will attempt to get right in the NFC South mix, but the division is stacked with the Panthers, Saints, and Falcons near the top.

25.  Bills – Get your popcorn ready, because T.O was brought to town this offseason by soon to be Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson.  The new look Bills and their new weapon will attempt to climb out of the tough AFC East’s basement.  However the Bills may need more than Owens as they finished 0-6 in the stacked division in ’08.

26. Packers –  The Pack probably were one of the NFL’s Most Disappointing Teams in ’08, despite some solid play from new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  With an emphasis of getting better on defense via the draft (NT BJ Raji),  the Packers will need to get pressure to cut down on opponent’s scoring (allowed 380 pts).

27.  Seahawks –  Even after an injury plagued season and head coach Mike Holgrem leaving the franchise, the Hawks still have a chance in the AFC West.  However it may take more than drafting LB Aaron Curry, QB Matt Hasselbeck returning (back) and signing WR T.J Houshmanzadeh to bring the Seahawks back to the top of the NFC West.  Hopefully Curry will help lift up a defense that allowed 392 points in ’08.

28.  Browns – The Dawgs didn’t have much bite in ’08, so after an organizational shake-up it is Eric Mangini time by the lake.  However the coach once dubbed “Man-genius” in NY has his work cutout for him as the Browns have a bad quarterback controversey, a malcontent receiver that wants out in Braylon Edwards, over 15 new players on their roster, a new system, a new GM, and an owner that wants to him now.   I guess it will be an Ohio affair at the bottom of the AFC North division.

29.  Chiefs – Herman Edwards and Carl Peterson are no longer with this team, but they left behind a mess in KC.  New head coach Todd Haley and GM Scott Pioli have their work cutout for them as the Chiefs have been a rudderless ship the last couple of years.  Any hope will need to start with a healthy and focused Larry Johnson at running back and new signalcaller Matt Cassel hitting the ground running in training camp.

30. Rams – After a season where things were bad under former head coaches Scott Linehan and Jim Haslett, the Rams have turned to former NY Giants defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo.  Spags will bring the G-Men way of doing things (running the ball and attacking on defense) to the Midwest. But it may take awhile to find the right players to execute at his former team’s level.

31.  Bengals –  HBO’s Hard Knocks will be fully entertained from a team that has some talent, but loads of questions marks and dysfunction.  Head Coach Marvin Lewis will be counting on recoverd quarterback Carson Palmer (elbow), new name receiver Chad Ochocinco (formerly Johnson), huge first rounder OT Andre Johnson (Alabama) and a host of other “characters” to get him off the hotseat.

32.  Lions – Just like the Super Bowl Champion Steelers, the lowly Lions have to start in the same spot they ended the ’08 season in.  After an NFL low 0-16 season, there is no place but up for the Lions.  New head coach Jim Schwartz and GM Martin Mayhew will be counting on over 20 new faces including first overall pick QB Matthew Stafford to turnaround the fortunes of one of the NFL’s worst teams ever.

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Off the Field with Marcus Washington

 

Marcus Washington

The past few years have been trying years for Marcus Washington of the Redskins. Washington, who is clearly one of the most energetic players on the team, had to deal with his fair share of adversity and injuries in the past two seasons. The Defensive leader continues to bounce back. Whatever the challenge is, he is always able to respond. In 2007, Washington was awarded the Ed Block Award for maintaining a high level of sportsmanship & professionalism on and off the field. And as we look ahead toward the 2008 season, this powerhouse on defense is looking forward to a new year full of endless possibilities. Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with the Redskins linebacker and we discussed what he’s been up too during the off-season.

So what is a typical day like for you during the off season?

I usually watch a lot of TV (mainly Sports Center) and play PlayStation. Depending on what’s going on thru out my day; I may go fishing. I like to fish, so I do that toward the evening. I hang out with my family and friends a lot. If something good is playing at the movies, I may go check out a movie. I love to watch movies; if I’m not going to the movies, I’ll rent a couple of DVD’s and just kick it at the house. I don’t do anything too extravagant; I’m just a pretty laid back, chill guy.

During the off season, what is your typical work-out and diet regimen?                               

I’ve been training down in Pensacola, FL at the Andrews Institute. When I’m training, I normally get up early & go to Starbucks. I love Starbucks (laughing)…then I’ll go to the facility where they’ll have breakfast (an omelet & nuts) ready for me. Then I’ll go out on the field and do speed & agility work. After that, we’ll do conditioning, and Pre-Hab which is just stretching and taking care of my problem areas. I had surgery on my hip, so I’m doing a lot of hip flexibility, movements, and things like that. Finally, I’ll do about two hours of weight training. I normally finish up around 5pm. The next day, I’ll start that whole process all over again.

When do you start preparing for the Upcoming season? And how do you prepare your mind for Training Camp?

I don’t think you can ever prepare for training camp (laughing)…but with me, I usually try to watch all the games from the past year and try to keep a list of my problem areas as well as keep track of the good things I did in the past year. I focus on getting my weight down to the weight that I’m most comfortable playing at. Getting your mind right for training camp is pretty tough because it’s hard getting back into football shape.

Where do you spend most of your time during the off-season; In the DC area or Alabama?

During the off-season I spend a lot of my time in Alabama. This year, I got to spend a lot of time at home because I didn’t have any serious injuries that required surgery or rehab.  I try to go home during the off-season as much as I can because a lot of times you don’t really get to see your family quite as much during the season.

Aside from football, what does Marcus Washington do for fun?

I love music. I’m always downloading the latest songs and burning CDs. I can spend a couple hours doing that. I love to play PlayStation. I always have the latest version that’s out. I like to fish. My Pops and I go fishing a lot…and I like to do a little bit of traveling here and there. I try to get to the beach as much as I can. Even if I don’t get in the water, just being around the water is very relaxing to me. I also like to play pool in my spare time.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done during your break? (trips, charity work, etc.)

I went to Puerto Rico during the off-season and that was pretty neat. The water was so clear and blue; it was beautiful. I got to visit a few casinos even though I am not really a big gambler. It was just fun to watch everyone else. As for charity work, I donate to the Boys and Girls Club in the Lee County area of Alabama.  Every year I host a basketball game and have a few of my friends from different teams come out. It has a big impact on the kids. Most of the time, they use the money for field trips to get the kids out of the neighborhood. They do things like take them to the Aquarium & the Zoo.

Speaking of charity work, do you have a foundation?

No, I don’t have a foundation. I just like giving back by donating to a good cause. Anytime you can donate, I think it is a good thing.

You’ve been playing professional football now for 8 years; at what point in an athlete’s career should they start thinking about life after their respective sport?

Well in football the average career really isn’t that long. So you really need to start thinking about it as soon as you start playing. You want to definitely start putting money away so that you won’t have to work as hard when you’re done playing. In this profession, you have to start thinking ahead as soon as you enter the league. The average career is so short; you definitely want to be prepared.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I don’t know. I just try to take it one year at a time. I know that when I finish playing, I don’t want to do a whole lot; I’m really interested in History. I don’t know if I’ll ever teach it but I think it would be fun to join a History Club or something like that and expand my knowledge a little more. Maybe I’ll coach on the high school level, but not on the collegiate or pro level.

Do you hang out with any of your teammates during the off-season? And if so, who?

Yeah…I hang out with Ladell Betts, Fred Smoot, Demetric Evans and some of those guys. I normally hang out with the guys that crack jokes all the time because I like to laugh a lot. So most of the time, I hang out with the silly guys and spend time with them.

What type of things do you all do?  

We go out to clubs, go out to eat, or we’ll just go to someone’s house and just kick it. A lot of times it’s about building that camaraderie and just being able to spend time with each other off the field because as we saw in this past year with loosing Sean, you just never know when it’s going to be your last time seeing someone. So you definitely want to take advantage of the time you guys have and create good memories.

Speaking of the late Sean Taylor, how is the team coping with his lost and moving forward from this point on?

The guys are coping with it pretty well. Of course we’ll always remember him, whether it’s passing his locker or watching film from last year’s games. We’re constantly reminded of him, but that’s a good thing. We definitely hold on to those good memories. I think everybody can take something away from that, you really want to take advantage of the time you have with your friends, family, and teammates because you just never know when it’s going to be your last time.

Do you keep in touch with his family?

I haven’t really kept in touch with his family but I know some of the guys speak with his dad a lot. Clinton and Santana know his father really well because they all went to Miami together. They tend to keep in touch with him more than the rest of the guys.

Last year was a very disappointing year for the Redskins. What can we expect from the Redskins in 2008, and what do you think you guys can do this year to make the team better?

Last year was last year, and everything we get this year we’re going to have to earn as we start over. It will be nice to start off winning games early this year. We need to play on the same type of level we played last year during the last four games of the season. We’re going to have to really work for it this year. We have to learn from the mistakes that we made and improve on those things. We have to give it everything we got this year.

What are your thoughts of Coach Zorn thus far?

I like Coach a lot. He’s not really a screamer; he’s very calm and mellow. He has sort of a quiet confidence about himself, and I like that. It kind of makes us more confident. He does things in such a way where he doesn’t have to curse or scream, you can just look in his eyes when he’s talking about the game and see how excited he is about football. As a football player, I can tell that he really loves the game and he knows what he’s talking about.

Do any of the rookies stand out in your opinion?

As a matter of fact Curtiss Gatewood, who’s a rookie in the linebacker position, stands out to me. He’s a kid that kind of reminds me of myself when I first came into the NFL. He’s a guy who went from a Defensive End to a Linebacker and he goes full speed in everything. You definitely don’t have to slow him down and that’s a really good thing for a rookie. Justin Tyron is also doing very well; he has a little swagger about himself. We definitely need that at Defensive Back. I can tell he’s a competitor; he’ll compete. Not a real big kid, but very feisty.

Have you taken any of the rookies under your wing? And what advice have you given to the younger guys?

I talked to Gatewood a little bit. I try not to talk to them too much because I don’t want to over coach a guy. You kind of just want them to use what God gave them. To be a success in the NFL you only get out of it what you put into it. When you first get into the league, as a young guy you want to party and do all the things that don’t pertain to football off the field, but that time you spend in the film room watching tape, the time you spend asking your coaches questions, the time you spend conditioning, and eating right; that’s what’s going to show up on the field. And that’s exactly what I tell them.

People have so many nice things to say about your character; with so many players being caught up in the hype & getting into trouble these days, how do you stay grounded?

I don’t take myself too seriously. I think that is one of the main things…I try to lead by example. It’s easy to talk about stuff, but it’s hard to be a Doer. I try to go hard when I play, work hard in the weight room etc. Don’t just talk about it; be about it. That’s my motto and that’s how I try to live my life. The younger guys tend to listen more when they can see your actions. They’re not going to listen to the guy who’s just talking but not going hard in the weight room or working hard in practice giving it everything he got. It’s all about setting an example thru your actions.

And Finally, How do you plan on spending the remainder of your time off?

I’m going to continue to work out; training camp is right around the corner. I may try to take one more vacation before we start up. We’re one of the teams reporting to training camp early this year; so I’ll just continue to get ready, continue to train, and continue to work out hard and get my body in the best possible shape I can. I’ll probably do something with my family right before camp starts so that I can be ready to hit it full speed.  And that’s about it.