Vikings Outplay Redskins 33-26

The Minnesota Vikings caught two bad breaks on Saturday losing both starting QB Christian Ponder and starting RB Adrian Peterson to a devastating knee injury, yet they still had enough in the gas tank to beat a, recently, surging Redskins at FedEx Field, 33-26. Washington was just flat out, outplayed by the lowly Vikings who got their 3rd victory to improve their record 3-12. The Vikings would more than likely have one of the top 3 NFL Draft Picks in the 1st Round of the 2012 NFL Draft. If you haven’t figured it out by now, if you have a high draft pick it usually means that you had a bad season. Don’t worry though, Washington will be right behind them hovering somewhere around the 5th-8th overall pick. At 5-10 right now, 6-10 or 5-11 really isn’t going to make much of a difference. But I will keep this posting very short seeing as though the season is winding down, and I am frustrated with Washington. I am only going to focus on Minnesota since, they did for all intents and purposes, win the game.

Joe Webb, the 3rd string QB for the Minnesota Vikings played his ass off last season. How was he thanked for his efforts? By having a QB drafted to be ahead of him on the depth chart and then watched the Vikings trade for a very non-existent Donovan McNabb. At one point, Webb was thought of as QB that should be converted to WR because of his athleticism. HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! Why is it that athleticism benefits you everywhere else on the football field but QB? And if you haven’t noticed, Webb is one of the few Black QBs in the NFL. I won’t go there again, but it is kind of obvious what’s going on here. Well Webb proved his doubters wrong, yet again, by completing 4 of his 5 passing attempts, for only 84 Passing Yards, but he had 2 TD passes, and rushed for a 3rd as he willed the Vikings to a win. No, he didn’t look like Peyton Manning. But, he does have a skill set that can, and will make him a star in the NFL. And that is my final say regardless of what team Webb ends up playing for. But if Minnesota is as smart as I hope they are, especially with Adrian Peterson being down for most of training camp as he recovers from his ACL injury, I’d keep Mr. Webb and keep him happy by giving him an opportunity to compete for the starting QB spot. He may not get Minnesota to the playoffs this year, but he is good enough to get them to the playoffs next year.

This week’s game ball goes to Joe Webb, QB, of the Minnesota Vikings. Good job Joe.

Jets Soar Past Redskins, 34-19

For about 55 minutes, this game was back and forth.  No one had established a position of dominance.  Then the Redskins got soft.  Mark Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes for a go-ahead TD and made the score 20-16. Then on the ensuing possession Rex Grossman was sacked and fumbled the ball.  The Jets would eventually score on a Wildcat Formation Run, to essentially put the game out of reach.  Washington actually came out with guns ablaze, but they ran out of bullets when they needed them the most, down the stretch.  The Jets have finally established themselves as a Playoff Contender and are poised to make a run in the Playoffs.  Washington hasn’t smelled the Playoffs since 2007 and that drought will continue.

Rex Grossman took control of the Washington offense the way that we’ve all wanted him to.  Grossman took the Redskins straight down the field and scored on the very first possession and led them to a FG on the 2^nd possession.  Unfortunately, they hit a wall later on in the game and could only muster up 2 more FGs before the Jets put the final nail in the coffin.  Washington had great drives, but could not get timely 3^rd down conversions when they needed them.  That is the things that Playoff teams do.  Grossman completed 19 of 46 passes for 221 Yards, and didn’t throw his weekly INT until the last possession of the game.  Good for you Rex.  Roy Helu was a bright spot running for 100 Yards on 23 Carries and 1 TD that came on the first possession of the game.  Fred Davis had 99 Receiving Yards on 6 catches, but, unfortunately, didn’t score a TD.  Washington falls to 4-8 bailing out the Philadelphia Eagles who laid an egg against the same team that Washington beat last Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks.  This is another loss for a team that showed so much promise early on.  But, the Jets have other plans going forward.

Mark Sanchez has taken a lot of heat this year.  Almost as much heat as Tim Tebow.  Most people don’t think that either QB can lead a team to the Playoffs or a championship.  I’d beg to differ.  Mark Sanchez, although shaky at times, looked like a 10 year vet in the past few games that I’ve watched of his.  Sanchez is able to put together timely drives when the Jets need them and, time and time again, pulled out victories.  This week Sanchez completed 19 of 32 passes for 165 Yards, and 1 TD pass that was ultimately the game-winner.  He got some help in the run game from Shonn Greene who had 22 carries for 88 Yards and 3 Rushing TDs.  Nothing that the Jets did was pretty.  But they got the job done.  Now at 7-5 they can actually start to talk about the Playoffs as a possible Wild Card Team.  And if you have had a chance to watch them before, the Jets can do some damage as a Wild Card team.  The last 2 times that the Jets have made the Playoffs, they’ve ended up in AFC Championship Games.  Although they didn’t win them, no one expected them to even be there.  Now I am going out on a limb and saying that if they make the Playoffs this year, they will be in the Super Bowl.  They have the team and they have the fight.  I’d love to see it. 

This weeks game ball goes to Mark Sanchez.  Good job Mark.

'Skins Edge 'Hawks, 23-17

Washington finally made enough plays to win a close ballgame.  This snaps a 6-game losing streak, the longest of Coach Shanahan’s career.  But it sure was an adventure.  I was sure Washington was determined to give this game away.  Untimely INTs, blocked/missed FGs and penalty’s kept the game close enough for me to gnaw my fingernails down to the knuckle.  It’s a good thing that they won.  The natives were restless and their prayers have been answered with a 23-17 win by the Redskins.

Seattle is a tough place to play with the noise level reaching decibels that equal a 747 during takeoff.  The weather is usually miserable as it usually rains like it did Sunday.  And for a team from the East Coast, the long 6 hour flight usually drains them physically.  The Seahawks are a tough team.  Even when they’ve had their struggles, no one looks forward to playing them.  Tavaris Jackson earned the praises of the commentators Sunday playing injured with that torn pectoral muscle on his throwing arms (right) side.  Jackson was in a lot of pain, but if you were at the game just watching and didn’t hear the commentators, but, you would have never known.  Jackson completed 14 of 30 passes for 144 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT that came at the end of the game when he was forced to throw the ball.  Jackson’s had his struggles in Minnesota and was never really given a fair shake to be the man.  Although he was the starting QB, Coach Brad Childress had him handcuffed.  Namely give giving Jackson a safe and conservative gameplan.  Pete Carroll has turned him loose.  Jackson looks very comfortable in the Seahawks’ Offense and he has talent around him.  Zach Miller at TE, Mike Williams at WR and “Beast Mode” Marshawn Lynch at RB (who had 111 Rushing Yards on 24 carries) are all Jackson needs along with the support of his head coach.  But the Seahawks have a lot of talent on Defense starting with those big CBs who both go 6’3”.  But the guy that stole the show was DT Red Bryant who blocked a FG attempt and a PAT attempt.  If you ask me, had the Seahawks pulled out a win, he would have been Player of the Game.  But, alas, the Seahawks lose falling to 4-7 on the year.  The funny thing is, with Washington’s win, they improve to 4-7.

Rex was Rex.  He can make a great play and then turn around and make a dumb one right behind it.  You get what you get with him.  But he’s still going to sling it.  He is never gunshy.  Thank goodness he isn’t, because that 50-Yd. TD pass that he threw to Anthony Armstrong came on a 3^rd and 19 call that could have easily been a checkdown pass followed by a punt.  Grossman completed 26 of 35 pass attempts, for 314 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs.  If Grossman could ever get out of his own way, he’d be considered one of the best in the league.  He can make every throw.  He’s fearless in the pocket.  He can complete a high percentage of his passes and he can lead a comeback.  He has all of the tools, but his mistakes are killing him.  Grossman had extra help as Santana Moss returned from his injury but wasn’t out on the field for a lot of snaps.  Anthony Armstrong only had one catch, but it was a 50 yard catch for the go-ahead TD.  Jabar Gaffney led the way with 5 catches for 72 yards, but he didn’t find the endzone this week.  DeAngelo Hall had a good game considering all of the stir that he caused by saying Washington should cut him following his performance against the Cowboys last Sunday.  And it was fitting that Hall got the INT to end the game and seal the Redskins win.   I just hope he can continue to play as well has he has this season and stop worrying about his numbers.  And finally Kyle Shanahan gets the nod of approval this week for following up the Cowboys game with another solid gameplan.  I will admit I was his biggest critic, but he showed that he is worthy of being on this level as an Offensive Coordinator.  Now all he needs is his new André Johnson and he will have the potent Offense that he had in Houston.  Maybe we need to get Matt Schaub too.  No offense to Rex.

This weeks gameball goes to the man that I have given the blues all season Rex Grossman.  Good job Rex.  Now keep it up next week against the Jets.

‘Boys Edge ‘Skins In OT, Sweep Season Series

You can take Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys two ways.  One way would be to say Washington played a great game, but came up short.  Or the other way would be to say Dallas made just enough plays to win.  Either way, Dallas won 27-24 in OT.  Tony Romo made plays at critical times during the game to secure the win.  Never mind the fact that their best WR, Miles Austin, didn’t even play.  If Romo can continue to play the way that he played Sunday, Dallas can make a run deep into the Playoffs.  As for Rex Grossman, he played well, but he just came up short.  Washington falls to 3-7 and all but eliminated from Playoff contention, if it weren’t already obvious.

Washington could barely muster up 60 Rushing yards through 6 different ball carriers.  Roy Helu led the way with 35 Rushing Yards.  Graham Gano, who 2 weeks ago booted a 59 yard-FG, missed two FG of 50+ yards.  One FG could have won the game in Regulation and the other could have won it in OT.  Washington had their chances to win this game, but just could get it done when the opportunities presented themselves.  Dallas was 8 of 17 (47%) on 3^rd down.  That is too high of a percentage if you want to be considered one of the best Defenses in football.  You have to get the other team off of the field on 3^rd down.  You also have to win the Turnover battle.  Dallas won that 1-0.  Sure Washington would have had to play perfect, but with one turnover, 2 missed FGs and a 3^rd down efficiency of 53% on Defense (Dallas converted 43% of their 3^rd down opportunities), they had to a chance.  That’s all I am saying.

Dallas started off looking like a dominant team, then they hit a wall.  But, time and time again, when they needed a timely 3^rd down conversion, they got it.  Tony Romo extended a few plays to buy himself time and hit open WRs.  The one play that sticks out he long TD catch and run by Jason Witten.  That was the signature play for the Cowboys.  They just found a way to break the Redskins Defense’s back.  You’d think 3^rd and Long means drop back don’t give up anything long, try to tackle them short of the 1^st Down marker and force them to punt.  Unless, of course, Dallas opts to go for it and run it right down their throats like the Cowboys did on one 4^th Down conversion.  Dallas is playing the way everyone expected at the start of the season.  The sad thing is…  so is Washington.

Mike Shanahan, no matter how well he prepared the Redskins for Sunday’s game, should be on the hot seat.  The problem is, Washington still owes him $21M of guaranteed money.  Dan Snyder has already had his fill of paying retired players and coaches.  So in the best interest of his pockets and the organization, they will give Shanny at least another year, maybe two.  So Redskins fans, we may have to live through another abysmal (a Brotha had to break out the big word for this one) season. 

This weeks game ball goes to Tony Romo for this clutch performance completing 23 of 37 passes for 292 yards and 3 TDs.  Good job Tony.

Dolphins Overpower Redskins, 20-9

I remember in 2007 the Dolphins were 1-15.  Most people remember their record.  I remember thinking that they dropped six games by 3 points.  They could have easily been 7-9.  But people only see the record and not the games.  Fast forward to this past Sunday.  Miami came into the game against the Redskins at 1-7 coming off of their first win against the Chiefs the week before.  The Dolphins had lost three of their eight games by 3 points.  Again, people only look at their record and not their games.  With guys like Yeremiah Bell, Carlos Dansby (one of my favorite players from the Cardinals), Jason Taylor, Anthony Fasano, Reggie Bush, Davone Bess and Brandon Marshall, I couldn’t figure out for the life of me, how they were 1-7.  Well I don’t have to worry about that now, because the Dolphins improve to 2-7 and look like they are a Playoff team.  Washington, on the other hand, looks like the same ol’ Redskins of the past six weeks.  And that, my friends, is not good.

Washington made the switch back to Rex Grossman, who, for all intents and purposes, was going to sling all around the field, unfortunately two key passes went to the other team.  But hey, what else is new?  One wasn’t his fault, but the other was.  John Beck either doesn’t have the arm strength or the “testicular fortitude” to throw the ball down field, and Rex has the “testicular fortitude” but he throws the ball to the other team so much I am starting to think poor Rexy is color blind.  I will give Grossman one thing, he made some throws in that game that made me think I was watching Tom Brady.  Rex has the physical tools to be a good NFL QB, but his dreams of being Brett Favre are killing Redskins Nation right now.  So where do you go from here?

Mike Shanahan flip flops almost as much as he changes QBs and RBs.  Now at 3-6 Washington is in the running for Andrew Luck.  If I am Luck I am hoping that the Redskins will win a few more games so he doesn’t come to DC.  Poor thing!!  His career would be over as fast as the commissioner could call his name.  Shanny doesn’t know how to handle QBs nor pick the talent.  Luck is talented, but would get lost here.  Please fire Shanahan.  I usually don’t call for firing the head coach.  I wanted Zorn for one more year and I wished that Coach Gibbs could have stayed longer.  But in this situation, Shanahan (both Mike and Kyle) needs to go.  If it sets us back a few more years, so be it.  This man said he picked the best players, character guys if you will, to be on this team.  I wonder if some talent went out the door too.

I was pissed off about how the Redskins lost, but I got a kick out of watching Beltsville, MD native and DeMatha High School graduate, Cameron Wake doing the “Dougie” dance on the Miami Dolphins' sidelines.  Miami is going to party a little bit tonight.  Washington is going to hang their heads for a bit, but will quickly turn their attention to the Rivalry Game coming up next week against Dallas.  That should be fun.

Had the Redskins won this game, I would have given the game ball to Leonard Hankerson for his performance in his return home to Miami.  Hankerson had 106 yds on 8 catches.  But since Miami won I am actually going to give the game ball to Matt Moore.  Moore completed 20 of 29 passes for 209 Yards.  But Moore did a good job of sticking throws when the Dolphins needed it, and doing a great job of managing the game against a stiff Redskins Defense.

Redskins Chop Giants Down To Size

Who was that team in Burgundy and Gold on Sunday?  I haven’t seen a team like that in about 20 years.  The Redskins still couldn’t move the ball on the ground, but they sure as hell could move it through the air.  The Giants had some injuries, but hey, who hasn’t??!!  The Redskins got a big day from Rex Grossman, Fred Davis and Santana Moss as they hand the Giants an Opening Day loss, 28-14.  I am guardedly optimistic, but truth be told, the Redskins looked really good against a fierce division opponent.

No matter how you slice it, the Redskins looked good against the Giants.  For most people, the shocker would be how well the Redskins’ Offense played.  But for me, the shocker was on Defense.  There was a stat that came out a few years back that 76% of the teams that have an INT returned for a TD in a game, has won that game.  That caught my eye as I am a huge fan of good Defenses, not matter who the team is.  And I did predict that the Redskins will finish in the top half (top 16 or better) this season.  But, if they continue to play like they did Sunday, they will finish in the top 10.  The Redskins only gave up 75 yards on the ground and had an INT returned for a TD.  I was happy that the 76% Rule held true Sunday as the Rookie Ryan Kerrigan, not only tipped, but picked of an errant Eli Manning pass and returned 9 yards for a TD.  I don’t know if was winded from the long 9 yard run or from celebrating.  (Just messing with you Ryan, great play.)   Manning threw for 268 yards, but didn’t throw for a TD and was sacked 4 times.  And on top of it all, the Redskins blocked a FG attempt.  Now I know that the FG didn’t have a chance in hell, but hey, that’s not going to show up in the stats.  Overall it was a great Defensive performance and I hope that it only gets better from here.  And I hope that the same thing holds true on Offense.

Fred Davis, former Mackey Award Winner at USC, had the kind of day that I expected him to have when I used to watch him in college.  I just didn’t think he’d ever have that day wearing a Redskins uniform while Chris Cooley was still on the roster.  Davis had 105 receiving yards on 5 catches.  No, he didn’t get into the endzone, but that will come.  Santana Moss has 76 yards on 6 catches.  He too didn’t get into the endzone, but he’ll have his day too.  But the man of the hour was Rex Grossman.  Grossman completed 21 of 34 passing attempts, passed for 305 yards and 2 TDs.  I’ve been a fan of his since he was at Florida playing for the Ol’ Ball Coach (Steve Spurrier) and throwing to Jacquez Green and Jabar Gafney.  Needless to say, I was disappointed in him when he decided to be the second coming of Brett Favre in Chicago.  I knew that he could play better.  Sunday was just a glimpse of what I thought Grossman was.  No I am not saying that he is Super Bowl bound this year, but it is not out of the realm of possibilities.  Right now the Redskins are 1-0 and I will enjoy it until Tuesday and so should Rex.

This weeks game ball goes to Ryan Kerrigan for that huge game-changing play.

‘Skins Win In OT vs. Jags, 20-17

Rex Grossman came though again this Sunday to lift Redskins past the Jaguars, sorta. Grossman did just enough to not hurt the Redskins this past Sunday against the Jaguars. In an efficient, yet, effective manner, Grossman systematically moved the Redskins up and down the field and provided just enough Offense to beat the depleted Jaguars. Now lets not forget that the Redskins themselves are depleted. A bit more than the Jaguars. But, the injuries never really seemed to affect the Redskins, but just a few injuries affected the Jaguars and made them look like an average team Sunday against the Redskins. Now with the Redskins improving to 6-9, what’s next?

 

This coming Sunday is the season finale for the Washington Redskins as they play host to the N.Y. Giants. The Giants (9-6) really need to win this game to keep their slim Playoff hopes alive. In their last meeting, that New Jersey wind and the N.Y. Giants whipped up on the Redskins something kind of fierce. It was an embarrassment of sorts. The Giants were playing with their #3 and #4 WR’s and the knew that their only chance of winning was running the ball against the Redskins. And wouldn’t you know it, the Giants ran early and often. In the end the Giants won 31-7. But if you ask me, the Giants have been nothing but mediocre since then. The Giants are a 1-2 over the last 3 games, which includes a 45-17 drubbing at the hands of the Packers this past Sunday. The Giants seemed poised for a Playoff run, but now we are not so sure. In the meantime Washington has a lot their plate as the NFL Scouting Combine, Free Agency and the NFL Draft are all right around the corner.

Well it really looks like Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth will not be returning to the Redskins next season. At this junction, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Shanahan’s are right out the door behind them. McNabb, whom the Redskins gave up a 2010 2nd Round Draft Pick and a 2011 4th Round Draft Pick for, looks like he will be getting away for nothing in return. It seems to the common theme in the past 10 years. Jason Campbell and Jason Taylor come to mind immediately, as it relates to guys the Redskins brought in, did not groom, and let get away and are doing well for the Raiders and Jets respectively. So where do you think McNabb and Haynesworth will land? I think McNabb will be in Arizona or Minnesota, and I think Haynesworth will land in Tennessee, Oakland or Kansas City. What about Clinton Portis? Is Portis coming back? If am the Redskins, I would Franchise tag him and pray that I either get trade offers before Week 6 of next season, or he doesn’t get hurt.  Otherwise, with Draft Picks in the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th and 7th Rounds, with multiple picks in the later Rounds.  Can you see the Redskins drafting a QB and RB this April?

As the season winds down, there are a ton of question that need to be answered.  There are holes in the Defense, specifically the fron 7 in the 3-4 Defense at Defensive Line and at one Outside Linebacker spot.  There is going to be a huge void at QB and may set the Redskins back another few years.  If Malcolm Kelly can't go next year, the Redskins will be back in the draft for a big bodied WR.  The Redskins may need another Center, and there may be a hole at Running Back.  It seems like with all of the Offseason moves that the Redskins have made over the past years, they just haven't quite got it right yet.  We have nothing to build on again this Offseason.  I have said it numerous times, anyone can sign big name Free Agents and look like a genius in the 1st, 2nd and even the 3rd Round of the NFL Draft.  But, if you want to impress me, go find another guy like Anthony Armstrong in the Free Agent pool.  Find another stud late in the Draft like Marko Mitchell, whom the Redskins never gave a real shot.  Implement and Offense and Defense that is around for 8-10 years.  We can't keep pissing in the wind and hoping things will go well.  Because again, if we don't get it right, our fans may start sporting the brown paper bag to our games with the words "Fire Dan Snyder" enscribed on it.

Late FG Just Lifts Cowboys Past Redskins 33-30

So I was really pissed off about the Redskins benching Donovan McNabb. That was the ultimate disrespect for a guy who has been nothing but a class act in the NFL for the past 11 years. Manning, Brady nor Favre would have been done like that. At least the Packers told Brett ahead of time that he was being phased out by Aaron Rodgers. Favre was still offered a starting job in two other places after Green Bay. But McNabb is at the point of his career where he needs to put his foot down and tell someone to kiss his ass. And after all that, the Redskins had a game to play. Not just any game though. It was a game against Dallas. You know the D.C. natives get up for the Cowboys every time we play them. This particular week was very weird. The Cowboys were an afterthought. More was being made of the McNabb benching. And it showed in the first half of the game as Dallas mounted a 20-7 lead.

Santana Moss' 8 catches, 72 yards and 2 TD catches were not enough to help the Redskins Sunday.

I am just as shocked as anyone that team with so much talent is only 5-9. Everyone had Dallas slated to go to the Super Bowl and play the game at home. That sounded great but someone forgot to tell the Cowboys that they have to play at least 18 games to get a shot at playing for an NFL Championship. A team that boasts talents such as Bradie James, Michael Jenkins, DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Felix Jones, Dez Bryant and Mr. Hollywood himself, Tony Romo should be 12-2 at this point of the season. But when you have coaching problems and injuries you will find yourself in a similar situation. And Jon Kitna is the perfect backup QB. There is no surprise that Kitna played the way he did Sunday. The Cowboys narrowly escaped with a win, 33-30. But considering that Marion Barber, Roy Williams and Tony Romo were all out Sunday, Dallas played well enough to come away with a win. But as much as the Cowboys were happy to come away with a win, Washington was just happy to be competitive.

Rex Grossman has developed into a viable backup QB. Grossman is the ultimate pro and is a good locker room guy for any NFL squad. The problem is, Grossman is starting for Washington. That alone should explain the trouble that Washington is in, and the trouble ahead for GM Bruce Allen. Now where do you go next year? Does McNabb come back? Do you draft a QB in the 2011 NFL Draft? Do you bring Grossman back as a starter? Does Albert Haynesworth come back? Do you trade Haynesworth? Do you bring back Kyle Shanahan? Hell, do you bring back Mike Shanahan? With all of this going on in D.C., it is amazing that Washington was able to play a game and be competitive Sunday. To be honest with you, I really didn’t care if we won the game or not. I was more interested in how Grossman would play. And in the first half, it was gross man!!! There were blown assignments, bad reads by both Grossman and a couple of Wide Receivers, and INT’s. But in the second half Grossman did a great job of moving the ball and putting up points. So much so that Washington had a chance actually win the game, but as usual, Washington couldn’t come up with the big stop when they needed it and Dallas marched right down the field and kicked what would prove to be the game-winning FG. Now at 5-9, the Redskins have to gear up to play the Jaguars next week.

In case you haven’t noticed, David Garard has the Jaguars playing well this year. And with young talents like Marcedes Lewis and Mike Sims-Walker on the same team with guys like Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashean Mathis, the Jags are a very tough outing. Now how do you concentrate on the Jaguars when you have so much turmoil going on in your backyard. McNabb gets moved to the #3 QB on the depth chart. Haynesworth is suspended, Safeties LaRon Landry and Chris Horton are on the IR list. And the fans in D.C. are turned off by the latest happenings. If I am a Redskins player, I am already planning my vacation. I want to get as far away from Ashburn, VA as I can. I don’t want to talk to a reporter until training camp opens next year. As a matter of fact, I may not even do an interview until training camp next year. What do I have to talk about? If I have to answer on more Albert Haynesworth, Kyle Shanahan or Donovan McNabb questions, I just may punch someone in the head. And after the way this season has gone for the Redskins, could you blame me? Next stop Jacksonville.

The Old Man’s Still Got It…..

Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings came in to FedEx Field and stole a victory from the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Never mind the fact that the Redskins have had a ton of injuries. And never mind the fact that Adrian Peterson went out of Sunday’s game with an injury. Washington had plenty of opportunities to put this game away and just couldn’t quite do it. And the old man, Brett Favre, being the veteran player that he is, knew how to take advantage of the Redskins’ mistake and come away with a 17-13. Now what?

The Redskins are now 5-6. The last time that Washington was in this position, it was in 2007 where they won four straight games to sneak into the playoffs. At that particular time Washington was a dismal 5-7 and people were ready to bury Jason Campbell. Enter Todd Collins after a Campbell injury, and he gets the Redskins to the Playoffs. But Seattle quickly sent Washington home with a 35-14 loss. Well guess what people. Todd Collins is not in Washington anymore. Neither is Jason Campbell for that matter. So who’s to blame this time?

Let’s take a look at Sunday’s game. Minnesota wasn’t losing for lack of talent. It was a lot of stuff going on behind closed doors. I mean Vishante Shiancoe has been around for years and has always been a talented Tight End, but Brett Favre loves throwing to his Tight Ends and Shiancoe benefited from that last year. Now everyone knows who he is and trust me, the Redskins Linebackers were well aware of his whereabouts Sunday. Sidney Rice has always been a talented Wide Receiver but just never had a chance to show it on the big stage. He got his opportunity last year. Percy Harvin is just a stud. And trust me, if you think you’ve seen everything from that young man… you haven’t seen anything yet. Harvin is going to be a Top 10 Wide Receiver in the NFL in the future. And do I even need to say anything about Adrian Peterson? Minnesota also boasts one of the best Defensive Lines in the NFL. Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, Ray Edwards and Jared Allen provide a solid Pass Rush for the Vikings and allow them to do a lot on the back end of that Defense. Antoine Winfield is probably one of the best Cornerbacks in the NFL, but you don't hear anything about him.  Nothing Minnesota did Sunday surprised me. A lot of what Washington did, did surprise me. And I see parallels between the Vikings and the Redskins.

Washington has just as much talent as Minnesota.  But just like Minnesota, Washington is not playing up to their potential right now. Washington has the talent on Offense to be able to score points on anyone in the NFL. I have seen McNabb do more with less talent on Offense. There were years in Philadelphia where McNabb only had Brian Westbrook and he was still able to win 10 games a few times. Anthony Armstrong is a welcomed surprise this season. Santana Moss is still a talented Wide Receiver. Chris Cooley and Fred Davis are probably the best Tight End tandem in football. But, the injuries have killed the momentum. The Offensive Line is banged up yet again. And if that is not enough, the Redskins are not turning the ball over. Takeaways were the name of the game in the beginning of the season. But, Washington had five dropped passes Sunday, one of which resulted in an Interception within their own 20 Yard Line. Minnesota didn’t make those mistakes Sunday so that is why they were victorious. That is why they were a Playoff team a year ago. Is Washington a Playoff team? Right now, I’d have to say no. The are staring down the barrel of an 8-8 season yet again, but after finishing 4-12 last season, it would be an improvement.

Sunday shed light on a few things that have not really been addressed from last year. At this point of the season everyone has at least one or two key injuries. It is how you weather the storm that separates the Playoff teams from everyone else. Right now, it seems as though an ego or two is holding back the Redskins. So what we have Offensive Linemen out. So what we have Defensive Backs out. So what we have a couple of Linebackers out. So what we have two Running Backs out. Do what you have to do to win games. Even if it means scrapping some of the usual plays in your Offensive and Defensive Playbooks and calling plays to benefit your personnel. Otherwise, load the team with talent during the Offseason. But looking back at the Redskins’ track record, has stacking talent worked? Has it worked for any team? I think the Shanahan’s need to go back to the drawing board. Otherwise, if you think the fans at FedEx were ruthless last Sunday, you haven’t heard anything yet. We have some of the most passionate fans in the NFL and they will tell you about yourself. So Mike and Kyle, get it together. This is not the place where you’d want the fans turning against you. It ain’t Philly, but it ain't the Ice Capades either.

London In The Middle

Most people wonder why I like football players who are virtual unknowns. The main reason why is because I have this theory that people like to take the safe road and draft “can’t miss” players. I am more of a person who will gamble on player if I see something that I like. It wouldn't matter to me what "they" say about him. By the way, who the hell is "THEY"? Take for instance Bill Walsh’s gamble in 1985 drafting on Jerry Rice out of Mississippi Valley State with his pick in the First Round (16th Overall). Most people thought that he had lost his mind. I mean this kid was going to a Historically Black College that was considered small for a Division I-AA (now the FCS [Football Championship Series]), and reportedly only ran a 4.71 40-Yard Dash. But Bill Walsh being the genius he was, said that he liked what he saw on film and wanted this kid no matter what. Well I think Bill Walsh’s gamble paid off just a little bit. Fast forward to 1998. Why didn’t anyone see the same thing in London Fletcher? Not only was he disrespected by not being drafted in 1998, but the disrespect continues to this day.

London Levi Fletcher-Baker was born in May 19, 1975 in Cleveland, Ohio. Standing at about 5’10” and 245 lbs., this guy, at least to me, is built like a football players, but the “experts” didn’t think so. Some said that he was too small. London played both basketball and football, lettering in both sports, in High School. This should have been clue #1 people. There are skills that carry over from basketball to football, and vice versa. London initially started at St. Francis University playing basketball, but then later transferred to John Carroll where he not only played basketball, but football. Now I understand that John Carroll is supposedly a Division III college. For those of you who don’t know, Division III is the lowest level of college sports. But, how was a player who is this productive, overlooked? How did the “experts” miss London Fletcher? I get testy because these people will criticize these young men to no end, but will never admit when they have made a mistake. One such player who immediately comes to mind is Dallas’ standout Wide Receiver, Miles Austin. This, to me, is pathetic. Austin is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL. And he actually attended the NFL Scouting Combine and he still didn’t get drafted. And guess what, London Fletcher didn’t get drafted either. But, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that the “experts” missed Fletcher. He doesn’t “look the part” to them. What in the world were they looking at?

Right now, eventhough the Redskins are 2-5, Fletcher is on pace to have 162 tackles this year. This is ridiculous, but not a surprise. Since 2000 London Fletcher has not missed a game. That’s right, a Middle Linebacker in this day and age who has played in every game since 2000. And if you watch any game in which he plays, he always seems to be in on almost every play. He averages about 10 tackles a game. Still not impressed? This guy has finished in the top 10 for tackles almost every year. Right now, the only player that I can see doing that is Patrick Willis for the San Francisco 49ers. What is amazing to me is that Fletcher has NEVER been voted to a Pro Bowl. Now I know that the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest, but come on now people. We want the best players in the NFL represented at the NFL’s All Star game. Jon Beason, Patrick Willis and Brian Urlacher are VERY good players, but so is London Fletcher. We have to get together to help this future Hall Of Famer take a trip to Honolulu, HI (or Miami this year) to put the icing on the cake for a player who is not supposed to be in the NFL according the experts.

The fact of the matter is this guys position is very brutal. He has to ram his body into another players body on almost every play. As one trainer put it, his position requires him to use his body like a battering ram. And we all know that football is a collision sport, so when I hear the team “Injury Prone” it makes the hair on the back of neck stand up. Injuries are a part of the game and are pretty much the luck of the draw. Yes, you can train your body to minimize injuries or the impact of injuries, but you can’t completely avoid them. And well all know that just about everyone plays hurt. Fletcher is no exception. I am pretty sure he has little aches and pains all season long. But, the amazing thing is, here we have a player who has not missed a day of work in almost 10 years. How many people can say that. His job is one that is thankless, but if you are good people will take notice. There is no surprise that when Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams, left St. Louis to go to Buffalo and then Washington, that he made sure to bring London Fletcher with him. If you ask me, in a season of disappointments, Fletcher has been one of the bright spots. But then again it doesn’t surprise me. I have been watching/paying attention to the draft for about 4 years now, and I have seen players like Terrell Owens and Brandon Marshall get drafted in later rounds, but players like Tim Couch go #1 overall. No knock on Couch, you are worth what teams are willing to pay for you. But Tim Couch isn't even in the NFL anymore. So did the experts get that one right? By the wa, how much is London Fletcher worth? To me, he is worth a 1st Round draft pick, but if nothing else, at least one trip to the Pro Bowl. Get on it people.