Happy 2nd Birthday to Chloe that's awesome. My youngest turned 1 on February 8th so the family and parties were crazy at my place too.

Guarantee Clements for sure. I'd like to see Fletcher too.

Draft the biggest freak at the combine.

Branch would be fine with me and that's coming from a Buckeye fan. He's a beast.

"Breaking News" Charger fire Schottenheimer

Celeb - thanks so much. Trust me, Fletcher is way up on the prioritiy list, so it Nate. Take Branch or the kid from Clemson with the top pick, and they figure the D will be back. We'll see.
Marty got sacked? Wow. Gots to make some calls on that.

Caleb - hope you had an awesome party too. The difference between the kid's reaction from the first birthday to the second is exponential. Did you got with a theme of any sort?
Either way, always good times with the family around.
Cheers.

Does A.J. Smith have a prior relationship with Gregg Williams from Buffalo?

congrats on the birthday
everything skins in disarray
lavarr, alas, no more payday
who will be the lucky db to make way
for that clements guy who's just okay
and to the grim reaper i can only say
i love you man,
wish you'd done that on a november play

Congrats on Chloe's 2nd and wishes formany more!

Any thoughts on Arrington returning to skins?!

we went with the colors theme Purple/Yellow.

It was a good time. Abigail loved playing with the cake and throwing it all over the place.

Plus, my 3 year old loved playing with the new toys after the baby went to sleep before the party ended. Fun stuff.

Did you see the Milan game with no fans? That was crazy.

Why Seattle suck, #749:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003567795_hawk12.html

The fans started a petition for...a kicker.

Happy Birthday to the little little one, you've snuck your second in just in time -- a two year old is the world's most effective form of birth control.
My little one is three on Friday; Mom is out of town so the real party won't be until later. But Dad'll have to do something...

So the buzz is that we chase both Clements and Fletcher? Hmmm, that seems tough to pull off from a cap perspective.

cload - Go with ice cream cake, a movie and a toys r us run.

Caleb - sounds like a blast.
I missed Serie A this week, but saw a stunning performance from Barca Sunday morning. Wow. That second half was like Ajax, vintage 1974. Sick stuff. Ronaldinho was on.

They can get Fletcher and Nate for probably a combined 2007 hit of under 4. And after that, who cares, right? Just re-do a bunch of contracts and had out the $5 million signing bonus with the $5-million option bonus the following March.

Caveman - that poem rocks, bro. I may have to print that out and get it framed.

Yeah that Barca game was insane. Champions league coming up next week. Have some great matchups. Barca opens with Liverpool.

Restructure, restructure, restructure.

I just wonder who are cap casualties will be this year.

Wynn? Arch Deluxe? Holdman?

Jason, good call on the Reaper... didn't see the big hits when it mattered this year (Rams game)

Is Marty that hard to work with that you fire a guy that had his team at 14-2 and can only improve next year? This couldn't have been over the "can't win in the playoffs"-bingus??

Rumor Mill: won't Dallas have a 3-4 scheme next year? Could Lavar end up there? He and TO can be drama divas together. I don't think one city could handle that much "personality"

I bought a 6 pack to celebrate the impending snow day tomorrow. I'm debating whether to even set the alarm to "check" in the morning. Bottoms up.

Well, one difference between two and three is that Catherine knows that she's getting cupcakes. Pink cupcakes. With purple frosting.
The movie and ToyRUs run sounds like a plan, tho.

So Jason, agree/disagree that Fletcher is probably the only guy out there that can fix MLB, and that if you fix MLB, you can put Lemar in OLB rotating with Rocky and turn the LB corps from a weakness to .... well, at least a deeper weakness?
And any word on the all-new 'Cover G' defense, where we take advantage of the fact that we have about 11 guys on D between 215 and 235?

One more reason I love NFL Network: Mike Mayock. Brilliant draftnik. "Path to the Draft" rocks.

we have been fooled by one of our fellow bloggers for whatever reason maybe multiple personalitys,this will come as a shock but SMACK is really jm220!!!!!

Only reason Marty got fired is because he does not get along with the GM. Who ever heard of a 14-2 coach getting canned?

London Fletcher is aging and Buffalo got run all over this year. Thinking that may not be much of a signing.

Ticket prices are high enough. Read something today where some owners were giving Browns owner Randy Lerner a hard time for not raising prices in 3 years. Greedy owners.....

Happy b-day to your little one JLC.

Hmmmmm...i would say that is a false post...BUT if true that is a genius blog-hoax and i would take my hat off to smack/jm220

SACK GIBBS BRING BACK MARTY BALL

JLaC congrats on Chloe!!!! did she do the cake on the face thing???

Also thanks for dropping insider nuggets on us.....you keep us nourished!!!

C'mon JLC...

It's not like Taylor hasn't blown people up when it mattered.

That play on DeVery Henderson against the Saints probably won them that game this year.

Then his hit on Patrick Crayton in the Dallas MNF game in 2005 probably also helped them win the game.

There are obviously others.

It's just absurd to suggest he doesn't make plays in real games.

He throws his body around against everyone, including the likes of Brandon Jacobs.

Everybody's down on The Reaper because of what happened this year, but it's not his fault the defensive coaching staff was dysfunctional and the front office made awful personnel decisions with the players around him.

Adam Schefter says the following are potential replacements for Marty: Steve Mariucci, Norv Turner, James Lofton, Mike Martz, Mike Sherman, Mike Singletary, and a bunch of others.

I think Martz or Turner would be perfect. Given that I now have Chargers season tickets, too, I actually seem to care about this...

On Lavar -- he was, and maybe still is, an absolute physical specimen. You look at all the top LBs right now -- Urlacher, Lewis, A. Thomas -- they are over 250, 6-2 or taller, and still quick enough to get into coverage.
He never lived up to his potential, but you know that other teams had to account for him, even in 2005 when he was still not very healthy. That's one of the reasons our D fell off so precipitously last year -- remember how badly we were getting burned early in 2005, while Lavar was out?
Ultimately, he was so good that he should've been a natural leader -- the guy everyone looks to when it's time to dig deep. I recall that "the reporters" [which ones?] considered him a locker room leader, but did that translate to the field? Not that I could tell.

Why in the world would they announce that Marty is staying and then fire him a few weeks later? The Chargers have already lost 4 coaches. And everyone says the Skins organization is bad?????

How did Obama get on the list of potential Chargers coaches?

I heard he and AJ had another 'disagreement' and i guess that was the last one.

I guess Antonio Pierce ain't gettting that GM job, huh?

Re LaVar...

I doubt he goes to Pittsburgh because they're making the switch to the 4-3 Cover 2 defense under Tomlin. They're going to be making the transition to smaller, quicker LBs who can cover. Not exactly LaVar's forte.

They're also not a team who signs guys like LaVar, who at this point, is basically damaged goods and somewhat washed up. Sad, but true.

Dallas is also a no go because they do not negotiate with the Postons.

So I think he ends up in Cincy with Marvin Lewis.

Marvin was interested in him last year. But Arrington got a better contract from the Giants.

Marvin probably can get him this year though.

Dorf, you better set your alarm.....I don't think it will snow at all....there is absolutely no sight of it in my neighborhood (I live in NW DC).

Cliff, I'm with you....I love the Reaper...

With Lindsey gone I think both 3g and Lavar should put water under the bridge and admit they were better with each other than without. -If the price is right.

The greatest irony would be Marty losing his job again to Spurrier. Whoever is going to that job has to know that all they do is coach and A.J. is the boss - but what a team loaded with talent. Even Barry Switzer might be able to win a SB with that team.

Paging P. Diddy...

I am staying at the Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio in a few weeks for a conference...any thoughts/reviews?

I feel bad for Marty...does that make me a sap?

Reaper: I love him, agree his "down" year was coaching related BUT laying out punter in pro bowl...kinda weak...

I don't think Lavar would be welcome back, I remember Griffin and LAvar being interviewed together after the Skins beat Tampa in the playoffs during last season, Lavar and the media were all laughs, while Griffin was not enjoying Lavar's company. I remember he even disagreed with Lavar on a quesiton they asked which made Lavar a little uncomfortable, something Lavar never is on camera.

i can't bring myself to do it Lisa...

Dr. Huxtable... he's mades some big plays (youtube highlight reel?) but how many times have we seen him get burned. You can set him up too easily. He got mad psyched when he took out the kicker and then got beat on the next series... coincident? He was probably hunting for another head. He needs to be more disciplined. At least Magnum PI wasn't arresting him this weekend. He's stayed out of trouble so that's good.

[from the previous thread]
What was the tipping point for the skins decline?
How can you not consider hiring the ENEMY's offensive coordinator as our head coach to be the worst decision in the history of mankind? Particularly when the classy man said:
Turner made the case by looking ahead a year, to the potential first-ballot nomination of Washington's great cornerback Darrell Green. "Tell 'em if they don't vote for Michael to forget about voting for Darrell," said Turner, who coached them both, "because Darrell hasn't covered him yet."

F Norv.
Put that quote up on the bulletin board. I want everyone thinking about how to dismember that man's hopes and dreams, to eviscerate his legacy, to leave his reputation in shreds as the man who took three hall of famers and was able to eke out a living, but as head coach he was an abomination. I only wish he had gotten the cowpies job, so Gibbs could wipe the floor with him a couple of times.
And get the damn marbles out of your damn mouth.

Here Here Cload couldnt agree more....

Lavar will sign with....the Bucs.

London Fletcher - too old, too slow.

Why sign yet another guy who will soon be on the downside of his career?

Better that they should draft a young fast ILB, put him in the starting line-up, and let him learn the hard way. At least he will still have his legs at the end of the game and season. Fletcher is liable to be on IR by the end of 2007.

Oh, I know - Fletcher knows Grilliams system from Buffalo, right? Good - let Grilliams and Fletcher go to some other city together.

Stupid Grilliams, Stupid FO, Stupid Vinny.

C'mon Danny - if you are so smart, then nix this Fletcher idea, fire Vinny, and hire a strong GM.

It's definitely weird in San Diego. Probably reminds Marty of D.C. After all, how many head coaches get blamed for losing his top coaches to promotions? That may not be the real reason that Marty got fired, but Spanos, Jr. is an idiot for saying it.

So, looking ahead to 2007, the Chargers will have a new H.C., a new O.C, a new D.C., two new position coaches and maybe also a new QB coach to work with Rivers? (Cameron wore both the O.C. and QB coach hats.)

(continued)
Considering that Rivers looked as shaky as Grossman at times this past season, it should be a barrel of laughs in San Diego from now to the season opener.

With potentially both a new offensive scheme and a new defensive scheme, training camp should be very interesting. I wonder how the "core Chargers" will react to all the changes.

My advice: don't put your money in Vegas on San Diego in 2007.

Maybe Marty can be a TV analyst again until the 2008 H.C. jobs become available. (Perhaps Marty can fix Detroit next. At least the playoff jinx wouldn't be in play for awhile.)

Attn: Donny Edwards - Give Dan Snyder a call - pronto!

P.S.

Note to Dan Snyder:

Tell Vinny to give A.J. Smith a call and ask him when his contract with San Diego expires.

re: the SMACK/jm220 "conspiracy -

For those of you who have forgotten, we have seen the pics of JM when he was in NOLA doing work with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.

Meanwhile, there was a re-telling here recently of the "meeting" between SMACK and 4-12 (or was it with 4th - sorry, I forget which one) at a Wizards game.

Remember?

In any case, the descriptions don't match. End of conspiracy.

Breaking news, my aspirin.

Glad to hear you are now well-rested, JLaC. It sounds like things are well at home. And congratulations to Chloe on the celebration of her 2nd birthday.

But it's a little disappointing to not hear about a new Chuck E. Cheese adventure. After all, every parent deserves the pleasure of experiencing a Saturday, 10:00 AM birthday party with the Rat and a roomful of 2-year olds. LMAO!

Ive thought that SMACK is jm22o they seem to post the same?its not like its that difficult.im sure all are doing it, which meens we got about 10 bloggers all together(how sad).

JLC good to have you back in the house my friend. Tell Chloe happy birthday. I disagree with you on the Reaper. He made some plays this year.

I can't believe some of you. Do you guys really think that I am Smack? For those that don't know I am not and that should be the end of it.

Happy B-day to the kid! Speaking of not raising ticket prices reminds me again of our stadium. Has Snyder made plans to do any improvements like the sound system or our antique Atari-like jumbo-tron. Nothing worse than the D-fense graphics we use.

Some people have been watching 24 a little too closely.

really.

So -- Ocho -- do we have to trade for Urlacher? The only elite guy at MLB in this year's draft is Willis, and I think he'll take longer to develop than any of the other top 5 MLB prospects. Right now LB is a weakness, mainly because we have a guy who was productive at OLB trying to be the MLB, and we got gashed all year long as a result. I don't see how we can afford the best player available at every position, and MLB in a 4-3 is a thin group.

How are you guys going to let some clown (cookes ghost) come in our host and call me someone that I am not? He hasn't even posted before. Smack to the back of the head of all you guys.

sorry that you have read "our house"

JM

I like to think of our house as a free speech zone...

Smack got stepped to, he handled his buisness. Plus he is a cowboys fan on a skins blog by definition he will take some abuse...

And JM u have to admit someone trying to suggest u live a double blog life is kinda funny......a face full of cream pie and a one pull my finger to you JM...

a face full of cream pie and a one pull my finger to you JM...

LMAO! CL you know you are stupid right? LMAO

Just clownin! Yeah I embrace stupidity like a hungry baby to a mothers bossom

Here is one for you.

If you have the chance of getting back one of these two players. ONLY ONE.
Who would it be?

Smoot?

Lavar?

In hindsight,aside from reputation,was LaVar ever more than he was last year,or did we just think he was the baddest man on the field because we were watching through burgundy and gold colored glasses?

Lavar was a byproduct of a lack of stability He had a different Defensive Coordinator and was playing a different position every year. I agree that he was overhyped and overrated, but he could have been a lot better in a stable organization. We'll never know

Does the Redskins FO only get game tapes from 1-2 teams every year. The more I think about the possibility of London Fletcher the more annoyed I am. Last year they fell in love with the 49ers and this year its the Bills. Both those teams stink, that should tell you something. Gregg Williams personnel suggestions should be disregarded.

They should trade Antawn Jamison for Jonathan Vilma.

Once again the D sucked last year due to double G wanting to pick his own players. I hope they learned and won't go after guys he wants. Smack to the back of his damn head.

AEE Smoot gets my vote over Levar. (sorry Lisa)

Bring back LaVar. Dude's awesome.

Well if Smoot ever gets released, I think him and Lavar should eat some humble pie along with 3G and come back. In addition, go for Clements and Fletcher. Granted that would put McIntosh as the top backup coming from the bench, but I just have that feeling. I don't know what to take of how McIntosh played when he got time towards the end of the season, I still feel he has a lot of development ahead of him.

My bet on who coaches the Chargers:

Jimmy Johnson.

He has a relationship with Smith. He likes warm weather. He has a team with a real shot at a superbowl.

Chargers know they have the talent, they just need a coach who can put this team on the right track mentally.

If McIntosh isn't ready to play then he shouldn't. But that would just be another glaring example of a horrendous decision. Waste of a 2nd round pick plus whatever we gave to move up to get him. Wonder if there is circus music playing in the background when those clowns get together to discuss FA/draft.

Also,

I agree with Ocho. Fletch is old and on the slow side. Draft Branch and get a fast middle linebacker who should not have to shed all that many blocks.

Griffin/Branch clog up the middle. Fast lb's get to the corners to stop the off tackle stuff.

Now that Dale Lindsey has been (rightfully) fired, I would love to get a "rebuilding," incentive laden contract for Lavar to come back. If nothing else, just let him run wild out there. Smoot would be welcome back with the same thing (if he gets released)... INCENTIVE-LADEN being the key. I'd love to scream "SMMMOOOOOOOTTTTTTT" next year.

I think that a good veteran MLB, PLUS a young drafted MLB is a good move. Sign someone like London Fletcher to a reasonable contract. We could then have Marcus, Fletcher and Rocky, with Lemar capable of backing up all three spots.

The guys in the draft spots 12, 13 and 14 could all be looking for D-line or WR help. If Branch, Gaines Adams/Jamaal Anderson or Calvin Johnson make it to 6, trade for a 1st and a 2nd or 3rd with one of them, as cload and daggar suggested, and get Okoye or a 2nd tier DE (Charles Johnson or Jarvis Moss) and then a MLB like David Harris in the 2nd round. Then draft a later round S or CB.

Finally, sign some backup talent from the lower echelons of free agency and the UFAs, and YAHTZEE!

As much as I hate the fact that Carlos blamed the D-line for his lack of production, there is a little bit of truth to it. A better front seven always helps the secondary. I don't think we need Clements. I think we need a nickel back more...

SMMMMOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTT!!

I am all for the blue collar mode this offseason.

Outside of being open to ex-Skins coming back at low low prices. I don't want any sexy signings.

Forget Clements and Samuels at CB. Look at the Buchanon's and Lenny Walls' of the league. Next tier down is what we need. No pressers with Joe smiling and handing the guy a jersey. None of that. Quite, low key, blue collar.

Yeah I'd take Smoot in a second. We watched him play for 3 years. The guy can play. It may be Trotter situation where he thrives in the right environment.

I don't think Smoot is getting the boot though. I haven't read anything near credible to make me think that is the case.

I'm with you AEE. This team isn't going to the Super Bowl next year and signing Clements, Samuel or Fletcher isn't going to get them there. Our QB still only has a half-season's worth of experience. The plan should be about improving the cap situation (no big $ signings unless you can get a versatile difference maker like Adalius Thomas), developing the talent we have, building through the draft (trade #6 for two picks) and letting youngsters like McIntosh, Gholston and Dockery play. I can accept short term failure if its designed to produce long term success.

you guys do realize that we're talking about the Washington Redskins, right?

Could be worse. We could be Dallas, hitching a team that hasn't won a playoff game in a decade, to a HC who's never won a playoff game.

Hey there, thanks for all of the b-day wishes.
Snow finally coming down now.
I am not saying I think London Fletcher is a stud, in fact, I'm not making a comment oin himn in any way. All I'm saying is he in generating a lot of traction in the building and is a name to watch. They want Rocky to play and Lemar could be a situational guy. Also, with Marcus's hip something to watch closely, I imagine Lemar will get a ton of work on strong side in OTAs and mini camp.
Go back to Mike Barrow - there is apremium placed on experiernced Wills who know the system and are fundamentally sound. London is someone I would shpcked if they did not make a serious run at, Nate, too.

Smoot loves everything about football except the tackling. He made Deion look like an aggressive tackler.
Lavar will be trying to come back from an Achilles tear -- not productive until midseason at the least, and may never be again. Mean Joe Green was interviewed for America's Game and described how, by 1978, he knew he had lost a step, wasn't as strong, couldn't be as physical. But, he said, "I knew how to get to the QB". Lavar never impressed me as a student of the game; if his physical talent is gone, there's not much left in the bag.
So, I'm not sure you even talk to either of 'em.

etrod, why you gotta bring me back to Earth!?! hahahha

I realized that as I was typing the words "reasonable contract." I was so far into my thought that I couldn't bear to erase it.

It's about that time again... I call it "Happy Fun Fantasy Time." It's the time of the year where I (1) strategically plan the Skins future, (2) hope and pray to the Gods of every religion I can think of, (3) watch them do something totally off the wall and then (4) convince myself that it's going to work out for the better.

I call the actual NFL season, "reality." It's a horrifying jolt to the system from "Happy Fun Fantasy Time."

JLa,

How can they go after Clement? I understand the connection to Grilliams but come on. Are they really delusional enough to think that they are 1 cb from a serious Super Bowl run.

What do you hear about the cap at the park? Do they think they are in trouble? Any anxiety or do they feel that it's all managed?

Have they specified what Washington's hip injury/surgery was for -- ligament/tendon/cartilage?

nice call AEE. Wade is a stop-gap coach until Dallas can make a play for Cowher.

I'm just saying that's not the way this team does things. They will pursue Clements and Fletcher and outbid everyone so that they are rediculously overpaid.

Clements will get hurt in the pre-season and Fletcher will make Warrick Holdman look like Lawrence Taylor.

They will low-ball Derrick Dockery and he'll end up in Cleveland where he will suck and be release 2 years from now and everyone on this blog will be talking about how we should bring him back.

Right now The Danny has a rep of overpaying for everything. That can't be changed overnight. We need at least one offseason of being cheap. Use that money you'd use to overpay guys, so extend the Cooley's and Taylor's on the team.

Good luck with that.

They will low-ball Derrick Dockery and he'll end up in Cleveland where he will suck and be release 2 years from now and everyone on this blog will be talking about how we should bring him back.

Posted by: etrod | February 13, 2007 10:37 AM

Too right!

I know.

Better chance of Roy Williams getting called for a horsecollar tackle.

But, that's just what needs to happen.

say- any of you fruitcakes know where i can get a good chinese buffet at a reasonable price?

Sorry Bucktown. I think I'll join you in Happy Fun Fantasy Time.

I heard that the 1978 Pittsburgh Defensive line travled throug a time warp along with Mike Singletary, Otis Wilson and Wilber Marshall from 1985 and Vinny signed them for the Veteran minimum.

Gee, this is nice!

I hereby reiterate my nominal support for Nate Clements.

AEE -- [is that the sound of someone screaming?] -- we have the schedule next year of a 5-11 team, and the rest of the NFC East is in as much disarray as you can possibly hope for. While I'm not advocating an all-out mortgage-the-future FA spree, I think you can build for 2007 with a stud DL at #6, banking on Springs health and DoubleMove's adequacy (with a better nickle back out there somewhere for not too much cash). But you have to do something at MLB -- and the pickings are pretty slim. No help in the draft, and not much out there in FA.
If you could pull of a sign-and-trade of Holdman to the Bears for Urlacher straight up, well, I'm all for it. Otherwise, I need a name; and I don't think he has to be a top name. Somebody to help stop the run, but as important, call the defense.

cload, we need that nickel back you're talking about to be starter quality. Springs will be hurt at some point, unfortunately, and Double Move ain't ready to be out there on an island. If not the purported top tier (Clements, Samuel), FA-CB-TBA needs to be a proven starter in the league.

Draft D line, sign a good if not great FA CB, add depth everywhere else you can (LB, S). We can't fix everything with player acquisition in one offseason! We have too many needs, too little cap space, and a desperate need for continuity.

I should amend that -- if the Lancers FO is seriously looking at Fletcher then they're thinking about a good, starter-quality Mike backer. WHich is fine with me as long as we don't, ahem, overpay.

Lookie here, Fletcher goes by Fletcher-Baker now.

And his wikipedia page (under the "NFL career" section) includes a mention of his testing free agency and specifically mentions... drum roll... the Washington Red Lancers. (Um, is that tampering?)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Fletcher

Well, it'll be interesting to see if Samuels gets resigned by the Pats. If he is, then Clements value will get into the stratosphere, and the only way we can spread out the cap hit will be to sign him to a 20-year deal. You're exactly correct that we can't fix everything, and I'd be willing to gamble that between Springs and Rogers we'll get some production at CB. In a cap-free world, I'd get Clements/Samuels too, but there are only two of them, and the draft doesn't have a single shutdown corner.

Some really good stuff on here today.

Sean Taylor needs to start playing the ball this year. The real diference makers in the league take the ball away consistently. his head hunting rep is well deserved and he does intimidate but the complete package comes with turnovers and playing his assisignment with more discipline and Controled aggestion (Oxymoron).

Forget Lavar. Unfullfilled potential, in the end, given the expectation disappointing career. He is now damaged goods let someone else try the reclaimation project.

Smoot if he is willing to play nickel for incentives maybe.

I think Marty may find it hard to get another Gig. (Maybe its just me) but I find his coach speak to be the most contrived unlistenable nonsense. If I were a player I would immediatly tune that out. I think the league is turning to younger guys now and if you are a retread you need to be a young retread, Marty is north of 60?

If Marty wants to be a GM so bad, he should just forget about coaching and look for a GM job.

Marty will get like 3-4 mil from the Chargers this year. He should take the time off, wait for someone like Nolan to be exposed as a fraud of a coach, and grab another team.

meanwhile, I'd love to see the Tuna in San Diego.

I think the time is right for Rich Kotite to make a comeback.

Imagine Barack Obama saying, I'm going to raise your taxes, the war is going to go on eight more years, gas will be $5 per gallon, your house will become virtually worthless, and traffic will only worsen.

That would be the equivalent of an owner/gm/coach coming out and saying we're not trying to win the SB this year. Remember when five-year plans switched to three-year plans? Well now they are no-year plans. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is the current thing.

jm220 is a friendly, charismatic, altruistic, athletic guy who lives in NJ, and I am me. End of.

Sorry, never been to San Antonio (don't think I'm missing anything).

Chinese buffet: Gold Mountain in SF. Maybe not "the best" Dim Sum, but certainly my favorite. :-)

Meanwhile, there was a re-telling here recently of the "meeting" between SMACK and 4-12 (or was it with 4th - sorry, I forget which one) at a Wizards game.

Posted by: Ocho-Ocho | February 13, 2007 03:12 AM

Ocho Squared- must have been 4th floor at the Wiz game. The NBA isn't my thing.

Props to you for the overnight soliloquy...RI never sleeps!

Sorry, never been to San Antonio (don't think I'm missing anything).

Posted by: P Diddy | February 13, 2007 11:12 AM

*****************************

You would be correct. The River Walk and the Alamo are about it. And, it doesn't take long to see either.

I would say "poor Marty," but it's hard to feel bad for the guy even after the monster regular season the Chargers had. He could not win the big game (the Peyton of coaches), the GM has hated him for years, and his coaching staff was decimated this past month.

I just question the timing. If you're the owner and GM, how do you watch both coordinators and all those assistants walk and THEN decide to can the head guy, when nobody is left to hire from within? You've just kissed goodbye any continuity, which is something I think you'd want for a team that went 14-2 and has a bunch of young stars.

Good luck to them out at Charger Park.

Re: the Alamo, it's nothing special. And it's a little unsettling to visit and come away with the undeniable feeling that some people down there think the Texans WON that battle. That they think 'Remember the Alamo!' has to do with celebrating a momentous victory. Weird.

But that history stuff, that's overrated.

Dang, we got a new J-La post and then Ocho-Ocho absolutely crushed it last night, post after post after post. Love it. The blog is going strong.

Totally different topic: I don't know if I passed along a recommendation for the documentary "New York Doll" yet, but it's brilliant, brilliant. Anybody interested in the Dolls or in life after being a rock star should check this out.

Follows Dolls bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane in his life in LA, long after the music career waned, and then as a Dolls reunion is planned. NO spoiler here! but the ending is really powerful. Highly recommend this beautiful, interesting film.

Maybe the Chargers will go after double G. That would make my off season. You know after a year all the players would want him the hell out of there.

I got beat up in middle school for wearing a New York Dolls t-shirt...by a dude wearing a jean jacket with a Motley Crue iron on patch. Where's the justice???

Still love 'em though. I'll be sure to check out the documentary.

jm220, maybe the idea of GGG going to San D isn't so strange. If the Bolts' FO reads the WaPo as they should, they would know that GGG keeps folders of every assistant coach in the NFL, so he theoretically he could fill out the coaching staff pretty quickly.

Hypothetically that happens. Who becomes the Skins D coordinator? Internal (and who?) External (and who?).

cload, in response to your inquiry about cheaper FA LBs who are younger and have more upside than London F-B, check out Vonnie Holliday of the Dolphins. Fins are having trouble re-signing him.

etrod, that sucks. Motley Crue and their ilk would not have existed if not for the Dolls! Ugh. But I know I'm preaching to the choir up here.

Again, that history stuff, that's overrated.

If GGG goes to San Diego, does he take Clements' interest along with him? Seriously, does Grilliams have school age kids enrolled locally? Any other reason to stay (other than the fact that, in a team without a GM and with an owner who opens his wallet, Grilliams can hire whoever he wants)?

dcsween- My bet would be Greg Blache gets promoted. He's been a D Coordintor in the league before. I think Vonnie Holliday is a DL.

Sorry, jm220, Grilliams is staying. Get used to it, buddy.

Let's all hope the D has a fantastic year, his coaching stock rises once again, and he leaves next offseason to coach, hmm, let's say the Seahawks after Holmgren retires.

There's someone not too far from San Diego who might be available to coach the Chargers and their blossoming young QB and wouldn't mind not having control of personnel: Norv Turner.

1988 was not a good year for me. wedgies...purple nurples...Debbie Gibson!aaarrggghhhhh!!!!

Superbowl XXII...and serenity returns.

uh... dcsween... Vonnie Holliday is a 31 year old DT.

Chill Bucktown, he's in Happy Fun Fantasy Time.

hahaha

etrod, entrance to Happy Fun Fantasy Time has a stipulation that all fantasies must benefit the Skins. Signing an old, 280+ pounder to play LB does not pass...

ACCEPTANCE DENIED!!

Just playin, dcsween...

Fletcher's #'s

2006 Buffalo Bills
Tackles: 104
Assists: 42
Sacks: 2
Picks: 4
TD: 1
Pass dfnd: 7

Not bad, but this dude is old and we know they'll overpay. I think Old School raised the issue a few threads back about not going after young talent.

I'm willing to concede to the FA over draft philosophy (not much choice) but why can't we throw our money at some young dudes that have long-term potential?

Samuel is going to be too expensive but we could go after him if we didn't have so many bums eating up cap space.

Can we talk about "24" yet?

To say that this show is insanely stupid would be an understatement. There are plot holes the size of William Perry and Manute Bol combined. I love it!

Tell me...how can there be a room in the White House sit-room basement that is unsecured? HUH??? Why is there always a bloody God damn mole? ("Moley, moley, moley, moley, moley!")

Meanwhile, "Heroes" continues to chug along and get interestinger and interestinger.

"I WANT TO CHOP IT UP AND MAKE SOME GUACA-MOLEY!!"

Uh-oh, "24" talk time. I'm outta here. Can't watch it until the weekend...

There is always a mole.

Off topic. Hell with the smack to the back of the head. He needs a straight up beat down.

http://media.www.dailycampus.com/media/storage/paper340/news/2007/02/09/News/Ccsu-Op.Editor.Calls.Rape.magical-2709737.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailycampus.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com&refsource=collegeheadlines

24 is great. What a performance Sunday. But the evil Sasha Pavlovic foiled his plan for domination. Thursday's episode from LA is going to be must see TV.

dcsween

Not sure if a 30 something d-lineman who is going to cost some $ is the way to go seems like we already have a few of those.

The only thing I am going to say about this offseason both with draft and free agency is whatever the skins do with respect to both needs to right. I am only wise in hindsight. My gut tells me its younger faster stronger on D, find em anywhere you can.just be right.

Etrod- I wonder if that bully knew the Crue wore more make up collectively than the Dolls...ridiculous.

If any of you are Bill Hicks fans, he does a fantastic bit w/ Debbie Gibson vs Jimi Hendrix...pure genuis that guy was.

Watched a doc called 'Metal' last week which was loads of fun even if you aren't a diehard metalhead.

Best moment came during an interview w/ a singer from a Norwegian Death Metal band:

Interviewer:
"What is the message or ideals expressed in your music?"

Singer:
...(long pause)....(slow sip of wine)...(puts glass down)..."Satan".

Not bad, but this dude is old and we know they'll overpay.

Posted by: Jeff Hayes | February 13, 2007 12:05 PM

I could care less how much money he extorts from Danny Boy as long as we can continue to sign players in the future. Facts are facts -- if the 'product' is middle linebacker, there is a limited supply and a fixed demand. It'd be nice to find out exactly what everyone else thinks he's worth, then pay one dollar more, but that's not how it works. Again, I'm open to names; just find me a guy that's 6-2 240 and can call a defense.

I don't know when this was last updated, but it seems pretty accurate. From footballsfuture.com:

Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Briggs benefits from having Brian Urlacher as a teammate, but that's no reason to doubt that Briggs is a really good linebacker in his own right. He may be the most sought after linebacker in this free agent class, and the Bears will have difficulty in retaining all of the defensive talent they have in the next few seasons if they wish to spend more money on offensive help and re-sign other current players. The Bears could slap the franchise tag on Briggs to keep him around, but if they don't, expect him to be leaving the Windy City and taking up residence for a new team that will try and feature him on defense. Teams needing a tough linebacker to plug holes and make tackles will put Briggs high on their list. His 134 total tackles and four sacks during the 2006 season suggest large offers coming his way. Given the Bears history in this type of matter, it's likely that Briggs will find a new place to punish offenses--but it will be very hard to let him go, so don't be surprised to see him hang around in Chicago.

Na'il Diggs, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Diggs has been a steady linebacker for the Green Bay Packers since his second season in the league. Injuries forced him to miss seven games last season and he now has just a single season to prove to the Panthers that he deserves a larger contract. Diggs, while steady, isn't necessity for Carolina, so expect to see him hit the market in the hopes that someone appreciates what he does on the field, maybe even over-appreciates what he does on the field. When Carolina lost Dan Morgan for the season, and perhaps longer, Diggs had a real chance to step up; he tallied just 61 total tackles and failed to register a sack or interception in fifteen games. A handful of teams should still be interested in bringing Diggs into the fold. Anyone looking for a veteran linebacker to make some tackles and hold his own will show an interest.

Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl for the 2005 season. He's relatively young and a tackling machine--his 142 total tackles were good for fifth best in the NFL--so it's likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There's good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; if the Colts are unable to reach the Super Bowl, it may also factor into a decision to leave. June's not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player.

Adalius Thomas, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
It could be difficult to keep Thomas around because of his emerging status as one of the better linebackers in the NFL. In 2005--with Ray Lewis lost to an injury for ten games--Thomas shined for the Ravens defensive unit and was credited with 86 total tackles, nine sacks, and two interceptions. This season--even with Lewis back from injury--Thomas continued upon his success with 83 total tackles, eleven sacks, and an interception. His free agent potential is enormous, and he could be one of the top two or three pursued players. Someone will throw big dollars his way, which means he could be lured away from Baltimore.

London Fletcher-Baker, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Fletcher is good, plain and simple. He'll be 32 heading into next season, but he's still producing as one of the top linebackers, with 146 total tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions credited to him during the 2006 season. Fletcher hasn't missed a game in his career, and he's also tallied 119 total tackles or more in every season since 2000. If the Bills don't get him to sign an extension, expect Fletcher to garner attention from several teams looking for a veteran presence that can make things happen on the field. Wherever Fletcher ends up, he'll be brought in to act as a defensive leader and to make big plays. Ultimately, he could be the cream of the crop in terms of available linebackers.

Other Free Agent Linebackers
Chase Blackburn, ERFA, New York Giants
Chad Brown, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
James Darling, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Randall Godfrey, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Kawika Mitchell, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Rob Morris, UFA, Indianapolis Colts

The other quality in any aquisition draft or FA is leadership. We need a leader on Defense especially if that player is or will be a star.(read Lavar and so far Sean Taylor) both of these guys enormously gifted, but on field personalities want to be lead not lead.If you want to elevate the play of your D then your big talents also have to be big time leaders, "get on my back guys i'm making the play you with me" See urlacher, lewis, reed. you probbally name others to this list. Even if you have one of these guys it lifts the confidence of those around him and the whole defense plays together and therefore plays better.Now get a couple of these guys or more then you really have something, but it starts with one.Can our braintrust pick someone like that???

jm220 aka SMACK,your not fooling us anymore fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me! it was good while it lasted but no cowgirl fan or any other fan would go to another teams website and step on our own team.if a redskin fan was doing that hed been hung!(putting it nicely)

Is Fletcher the only INSIDE LB on the list of FA LBs? I think Briggs, June, Diggs and Thomas are all OLBs... if that's the case, Werewolves of London Fletcher is our only option for MLB in the free agency pool.

riggo, smack to the back of the head for continuing to bring that silliness. Just pipe down, okay. That non-issue is dead. Talk about something else, please.

Can we end this jm220=SMACK talk? That's like saying Jesus and Dick Chenney are the same person.

LMAO!Diesel you know that is so wrong. Can you guys tell I am doing no work today? It's leg day and I am going heavy tonight. All my focus and energy is on that.(looking over my shoulder for my boss lol)

You mean I'm not?

Random:

the next time you see Barack Obama speaking on TV, close your eyes and you'll swear you're listening to the Rock.

It's uncanny.

The Rock Obama? I'd vote for him.

Can you smell what Obama is cooking?

New thread...

1600 Jabroni Ave.

sorry diesal & nate but your wrong. jm220 use to be a bigger trash talker(borderline nasty) to other teams fans. then SMACK shows up about the same time jm220 decides hes going to be the nice guy and ignore.dont buy it neither should you unless you want to be his PUPPETS!

Would love to see that Dolls doc. Johnny Thunders is my hero., That guy ruled. Another genius gone far too soon. Do they touch on him much in the movie? Someone should do a Thunders doc.

I think Adalias Thomas would be a great pickup (even though he plays outside can we convert?)
Olde E 800 wouldn't be bad since he knows the def. but we need someone for the long term. Rob Morris would be a nice pickup for a reasonable price.
A strange but interesting idea of mine is throw 20- 25 pounds on arch deluxe put him in the middle (ala urlacher). We know he can play the run, he should be able to cover TE's and he's getting paid like a star MLB anyway. Draft a young MLB and let the Def. staff get him ready to start two years from now when we cut Arch.
If Arch pans out no harm no foul.
As far as the CB postion, Samuels would be the best pick. Even though the Def. staff has a history w/ him. Or bring back Smoot for cheap.