panties

Hey, Jason? Jason?!

How's HB doin' up north there mis-quote'n them rich folks?

1th!!!!

Thanks for coming correct, and meeting some comments head-on....for me that was one of the missing pieces....

Jasno: we appreciate the effort but dude - go home to your family and get some sleep!

5steenth!!!!!

FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK.?!

"ubber-negative"?

That's the jasno we know and love!

JLaC --

Thanks for the response to all the comments.

You're still a douche for not being a Bandwagon homer when we want you to be one, but we forgive you. We're all RI family here.

Atta boy Orangemen (or man)! Just blog what you know. I don't care if you are painfully blunt, just quit with the mean spirited junk. It's waaaay played out. After all I wouldn't disparage Bret or Jemaine.

Thanks for coming on and clarifying yourself so late. Does a little to rebuild your rep up here but you're still a Ravens lovin Redskins hater for now. Stay positive Jasno.

not sure if this was posted in a different thread, but Lamar is a Bengal

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2988239

gethanr13 - You're about as punctual with your news as Jasno is.

Last year, for the first time in NFL history, three teams -- the Baltimore Ravens, the New Orleans Saints, the Philadelphia Eagles -- went from worst to first in their divisions.

I think all of the NFC worst teams from last year have a chance make the leap this year (Washington, Detroit, Tampa, and Arizona). I think the 'skins and Tampa are the most likely possibilities as both were in the playoffs two seasons ago. Similar to the Eagles and Ravens jumps last year. Tampa also is similar to the Ravens and Saints by adding a veteran QB.

BTW, Ravens bandwagoners, do you remember that the Ravens were last in their division the year the 'skins made it to the playoffs? Must have been 'El Ninyo' ;)

Nice response Jasno, you don't have to sleep on my couch tonight. :-D

Will Wade start at LT this week or is Heyer still starting.

Since you've now moved on to another post.

I wanted to ask did you mean Kendall Redux as in "Revisited"? Big fingers make it hard for Jeb to type, no?

Unless of course Kendall is a lumberjack & I am simply unaware.

There, I'm through. Just stop hating.

Now I can put down "The Future is Now", turn off my Skins helmet lamp and climb under my Redskins blanket with visions of Lombardi trophies dancing in my head.

Jason, I think you and the Redskins front office have more in common. You both spin better than my old 45's.

I've been on a season ticket waiting list for 10 years and am not jumping off b/c you ripped the left sign of the O-Line in a preseason game. It's a huge reach to say they need to sell tickets and have to send a certain message. The Wizards YES! The Caps YES! United YES! Not the Redskins.

Wow. What a day to miss. I'm ripping through the comments.

thanks JLaC for understanding. you got a job to do . We know you have your sources and all, and we are educated enough to know they might be throwing out disinformation for all types of reasons. just like the politicians do reporters. Thanks for trying to comeback strong, though.

blah blah blah.

Thats again for reporting on what we already knew - you have a huge chip on your shoulder.

Wow. What a day to miss. I'm ripping through the comments.

Posted by: cload and daggar | August 24, 2007 12:14 AM

You don't know the half of it! Jimmy Bartel has just gone in for an emergency appendectomy and it's less than two weeks until finals!

kost,

and one of the flay rods has gone askew on treadle...

cload, what's that?

Thanks for the new blog entry Jason. I love the blog even if I don't always agree with your analysis. I think most people enjoy the blog, otherwise they wouldn't read it and comment on it. Even the "haters" seem to enjoy it enough to check it out.

I think your articles tend to be very balanced - expressing both criticism and praise of the Redskins front office, albeit through unnamed third parties. I think, however, your blog entries tend to be very negative and border on emotional venting. Don't get me wrong, I love the blog (as noted above), but the tone of your posts do sometimes seem a little strange.

I don't think the F.O. is the train-wreck your blog implies it is. First, our defense has been pretty damn good over the past 5 years. Granted, last season it was awful, but in 2002, 2004, and 2005 it was a top 10 unit or better. And it managed to be great despite the train-wreck of a front office. Second, our offense hasn't been good since 1999. Wanna know why? We haven't had a decent QB since 1999 (Brad Johnson). If Campbell performs as well as hoped/expected, I am confident that the front office foibles the media perceives will magically disappear and we will be a contender.

Pardon? I don't understand what you mean.

"What? I don't understand a word you're saying!"

Me either sween, I'm glad to hear that you don't know either, I was worried it was just me! haha

Um, should clarify that that's re the flay rod comment above. . . .

How long have you and Len Pasquerelli been best friends?

... I'll come in again.

sween, good analysis on jlac previous post..........

4th, the missus holding up OK?

I'm of the opinion that they did something to improve the team today, at a price that doesn't really phase me. A second-day draft pick for a legitimate starter -- at any position, not just a position of need -- is a reasonable trade. As was proven by the FA market for guards this past year, the decent ones have a lot of value -- a barely perceptible amount more than dinged up 37-year old QBs. If the skins had 'only' given up a 6th rounder, would that have made the deal fair?

Skins are still a team with holes, and they can't fix everything in one swell foop. They made a decision on Dockery, one that I really can't argue with -- and when he left, they started evaluating replacements. I don't recall them seriously chasing the 2-3 elite OGs (from SD and Clev. IIRC), but they pulled in Davis, Mulitalo, Pillar, Tucker, Whitacker, and probably a few others that I don't remember. I think they figured they could get a decent player -- not elite, but serviceable -- and have Buges coach him up. If Dockery goes on to have multiple pro bowl years, then that was a mistake -- but if they were worried that he only plays well in a contract year, then they made a smart move.
Then they re-signed Wade with a promise to look at him at guard. So, going into OTAs they had a young guy in Whitacker, an older guy in Tucker, and a project in Wade. 'All Pro' doesn't jump out at you from that list, but analytically they did a reasonable job of evaluating their situation and responding.
They lost Whitacker early, the Wade experiment didn't work, and I haven't seem boo from Tucker. Plan D would be to hover over the waiver wire for someone. But this Kendall deal falls into their lap seemingly overnight.
The skins are not reloading like the Pats, or Indy, or SD [the short list of elite teams] -- they're bumbling along like the bulk of middle-of-the-road NFL teams, trying to patch holes while making adjustments. Kendall could easily be a mistake -- get hurt, be a bad locker room guy, etc. -- but it's pretty easy to understand the analysis that led to the decision, and hard to argue that it's flat-out wrong.

Sorry, got caught monoblogging there for a bit.

This is where I need redcoat, although farstriker has nailed it too...

[Man enters room, out of breath]: One of the flay rods has gone askew on treadle!
[Voluptuous Woman]: What on earth does that mean?
[Man]: I don't know, they told me to come up and tell you that there was trouble at the mill. I didn't expect the bloody Spanish Inquisition!

Thanks for the post Jasno, another example of why I dig this blog even if it drives me to distraction at times.

I think I should return to my preseason brownout. I was using football as an example/analogy way too much in class today.

I'll be jerseyed, capped, and tuned in on the 9th o'September and ready to BMGO.

You had me at swell foop.

I agree cload, in the age of the salary cap, teams can't have superstars at every postion. They have to make decisions on who to pay, and who to let walk. Every team does it, and every team makes mistakes. Unfortunately, some more than others. If the Wade experiment had've worked, we would've looked like geniuses.

And I don't think it's entirely fair to blame Joe or Snyder man for not filling the hole earlier, Buges may have told them, that he was pretty certain he could make Wade fit.

I think I should return to my preseason brownout.
Posted by: sfskin | August 24, 2007 01:12 AM

Just makes me think of Etrod sneaking up on a punch bowl.

Forgetful me again!

My take on the Kendall guard situation...as if anyone cares!

At the beginning of pre-season I didn't think it needed to be addressed. Clarification: damned if you trade a pick, damned if you don't. Also, was hoping Wade could make the transition. Apparently he can't. Well, maybe he still can if you read the tea leaves between the lines of what Coach Joe says.

You got to wonder how much a guy can pick up on a new offense (some say more than 700 pages) in 16 days. I figure he won't be starting against Miami unless the other guys can't raise their game from all out suckatude to somewhere around what's-that-odor-ish. I do think that he plays more than 80% of the snaps for the year; which for those keeping score at home, means the 'skins won't have another 4th round pick in 2009. (So what.) I gotta think they would rather have that scenario than no 4th and 5th next year. But who knows with the likely compensation pick (losing Dock, signing Fletch).

What to look for against Balmer
1) Where does Wade play first?
2) When and/or where do Kendall, Wade, Pucillo, and Heyer play?
3) How good does Collins look with the line?

Incidentally, the last 4th round pick to mean anything to the 'skins was Shawn Barber in 1998. Other names at the 4th round in the last 15 years: Manuel White, Sage Rosenfels, Mookie Moore, Nate Stimson, Albert Connell, Stephen Davis, Larry Jones, Kurt Haws, and Sterling Palmer.

I would trade the entire lot - as is - for Kendall.

Jasno, you're the man no matter what any of these clowns say. Keep doing what you do man.

jason, dude, it's not the fact that you're biased in your reporting. as you pointed out, you've praised the secondary and defended the running game somewhat. It just seems that your writing as the thrust of negativity this (pre)season.

Now, I can't formally define that; and I can't give you a number that would indicate your level of impartiality. It's just a feeling and as such, may be useless :)

It just seems that you have an axe to grind
when it comes to the Skins. We know the front office made some bad moves, but are they really to be held up to such scorn and
derision?

My name is Elena. To me of 20 years.
I would like to get acquainted with you if you not against.
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My name is Elena. To me of 20 years.
I would like to get acquainted with you if you not against.
I Look forward to hear you soon with impatience. Adult Dating[url=http://toplop.com/?idAff=59]Adult Dating[/url]

As a life long Skins fan, who started reading Skins reports back when the Washington Star was in print, I gotta tell you that let your disdain for the Skins staff taint your every expressed thought. You think they're morons and take glee in pointing that out. The tone of your writing when examining the Skins staff and their management of the team is always negative. And being in the position you're in, as the lead Skins writer on the top paper in the area, you bum thousands out daily. Sports is entertainment. A relief from real life. There is no purpose to report on the Skins like you're James Carville talking about the Bush Administration. I read your work because you're the only work to read. But in my mind, you fill the roll of that look alike in the Gieco commercial who makes goofy faces in front of his computer. Not entertaining and certainly self aware.

Um Bangcockben did you list Stephen Davis as one of your bad 4th rounders who you would trade in a lot for Kendall????????

Thats just very.....well idiotic

I stopped listening to his commentary months ago. I just look for players who were cut, benched, or added factual stuff he can't spin. This is pretty much the only paper in town, so its not like we have a choice. I take his comments with a grain of salt. In reality, are you going to believe a guy who majored in English or Journalism who probably hasn't put on a helmet since Pop Warner (or if ever) over Joe Gibbs? Please.

Everyone knows what Gibbs says is not going to be revealing. Its meant to be cryptic, posturing, and confusing. I've never seen or played for a coach who was open to speaking freely and openly to the press. Come on.

Its no different than Jason quoting these so called "Other NFL Execs" who unless their club are the Colts, got the same number of Trophies the Redskins got last year...0. So what makes their comments or judgements any better than the skins? For all we know, these "Other NFL Execs" could be with the Raiders.

4th, the missus holding up OK?

Posted by: dcsween | August 24, 2007 12:57 AM

We are just taking it day by day. She is doing better than I could ever expect. It's still early and we have no questions answered. So until then, It's just day by day. Thanks for asking.

As long as JLaC keeps posting inflammatory remarks, that'll help keep my mind off all of that for a good time....

Where is Stephen Davis? Did he end up retiring? He has been completely expurgated from nfl.com...

Oh, and Mike SpeedRumph wasn't able to seal the deal on that starting position in St. Louis... so I guess it's selling insurance for him.

Coupla points after a lot of reading.

Need Fife dog Nate to discipline Chris Larry for his part of the negativity revolt.

Loved the Haiku paragraph. He is right on target. The fans (myself included) are simply sick and tired of losing. Sick and tired of the national media bias. What nobody is saying is that we are subconsciously pissed that the Skins FO and others jacked up our hopes for a home playoff game last year then went 5-11, a miserable, miserable trick to play with unfulfilled hopes that have been doing push-ups in the corner for years and years. The Lloyd, Carter, Archuletta, ARE, Duckett stuff was mixed bag at best, free agent disaster at worst. Brunel disappoints, Portis whines and is out. The whole season was a total disaster. The last two drafts under Gibbs have produced almost nothing in the late rounds. One Golston to a horrible Molinaro, Wilson, Lefutu, Mccune, Ecker, Broughton, White, Newberry, just tons of disasters on anything last second rounder (Cooley does not count because we traded a pick to move up for him).

So rightfully so, the fans are on edge. We see moves that the FO and Coaching staff need to make but don't, & its aggravating. The beat reporter is skeptical, and the Skins FO and coaching staff keep mixing new colors of Kool-aid. All that has led us to the train wreck we are at now.

We need wins. We need play-offs (at Home). This town needs a bandwagon...

4th, you guys remain in my thoughts (almost daily), which is strange to me in its own way b/c how I know you is really just through the bits and bytes of a computer. Still, sending positive energy vibes your way. I check the perma-post that WaPo put in the corner every so often and remember to be thankful.

Mike Wise' article (column?) this morning about Sonny and Sam is awesome. I think he might have been channeling us yesterday morning ... or maybe he's launching a personal "NO! NOT THEISMAN" campaign.

Also, JLaC's print edition version of the Kendall story really reads very well. Some good balance near the end where he's gotten some actual quotes from Wade and Pucillo. [Hint: You have to read the content of quotes to figure out what he's balancing....]

DTC
Guess that meens Redskinette Fans are incapable of seeing how bad they are yr in yr out? FO is totally to blame?Thats where your wrong, Its the FO job to fill the seats!

JLC thanks man. This was done in a much better spirit. You know we are family and we have nothing but love for you.

F Chris Larry. lol

Thongs.

Just. can't. stop. posting.

DTC, agreed except about "Brunell disappoints, and Portis whines ...." Brunell did more than disappoint. He took us on a mind-SJKing, selfish ride. He was hurt -- bad, in his throwing shoulder -- and he refused to let himself be taken out, much less let on that it was an injury that deciminated his performance. Instead, he has a dead cat bounce in a game with an NFL record for consecutive completions so that we are thrown off the scent -- or more accurately, stench.

I know Portis and Saunders didn't quite understand each other last year, but Portis is an unselfish gamer who literally threw his body into the game, and consequently under the bus.

Sween, best comment in that story was

"Sonny who thinks Sam is a few fries short of a Happy Meal"

The skins made a good move to get Kendall, but the cost is mounting. They're paying their Visa bill with their Mastercard right now.

I'm rooting for a fire sale at some point, Florida Marlins style. It's the only way they'll ever become a perrenial contender. until that happens, we'll keep seeing one year wonders followed by 3 year headaches.

F cHrIs LarrY

cL, was that directed at mrs cL? littery mentioned a concern like that a few nights ago.

etrod, not just the Marlins ... Titans had to do something like that too, right? Would you trade for a SB if was followed by a clear cut and three years of re-load?

Do I need disciplining....seems like I wasn't the only RI bar fly singin the same tune! And I wasn't ranting....I thought I made sense...

Its tough being a redskins fan since about 1993 and sometimes tough love pisses us off.

Also we all love Gibbs and his return was like euphoric....I think a lot of us feel like heck if were gonna be a mess we might as well have the warm fuzziness of Gibbs 2 to help off set the chill.....so we defend the geezer like we would our Gramps.

Also Gibbs has provided the best memories of the last 15 years in 1. "The Return" and 2. the 2006 playoffs run which was the best 8 weeks since 1992 and I for one will always be grateful for that!

So occasionally we punch back....Janso can and showed he can take a punch....

I predict if Nathaniel in the great northwest had been here he would have had my back...we roll like that....

lmgo@dcsween...

cl, he got you pretty good.

Jasno, congrats on your new mate. hopefuly he/she works out for you.

Mrs. Cl's 700 page playbook in full effect...

I just like gettin on the F chris larry bangwagon...keeps me honest....if a man can't F himself, who can he F....I always say....

Off topic (is there any other way?), I had a thought about how the NFL could increase their revenues (which we know they REALLY need, right?) and do something that I would love. It would be modeled after the Home Run Derby that they do before the All-Star game in baseball.

The "anchor store" for this event would be the Pro-Bowl, the popularity contest that lets players take their families to Hawaii for some fun in the sun and the husband avoids getting injured (punters excluded).

The run-up event is an AFC-NFC "Battle of the Teams", specifically, special teams. Like the Home Run Derby, this is a skills showcase that can be scored, not an actual game. Because special teams is about hitting and being hit, this would be WAY more action than the Pro Bowl itself. Plus, its the "core" team players who get to travel. I haven't exactly figured out all the details, but I'm thinking the top five kickers per conference start it off with a best of five FG kicks from the 45. The next two events are battles for field position. Top five teams from each conference -- based on relative +/- yards difference per game over the season on the return game -- battle it out, in sequence (top AFC team v. top NFC team, then #2s, etc.). Not sure whether to have kickoff teams or punting teams go first. Not sure whether to vary the rules of kickoffs and punts. Essentially, this is the league sending up to 220 guys (it will be less than that) for a Special Teams Derby for some actual hard hitting action. Maybe also throw in some other beach-related competitions that week to pump the network revenues. Net proceeds go to retired, disabled players.

Alright I am out for the day.....no computer access...I am sure the blog could you a break from my antics anyway....BYGO today RI Nation!

I'm with the masses here. We dig your stuff, JLC. But that last blog did have some bitterness in it.

We know you're not a "Larry Michael" here. So, you get a free pass.

Your got to read Wise article today.

Sam appears charmingly fuzzy sometimes, like the family uncle who forgot whose birthday it was and why he was eating cake

Huff also calls the transmitter in a quarterback's helmet a hearing aid, which causes Sonny to add, "Now I understand why they switched you to defense, because [Sam] wasn't smart enough to play offense.

The other guy shoves a big jug of beer in my face and this guy starts climbing in the booth," Sam said. Huff responded the way he always has: he threw a roundhouse right. "I just missed him," he says. "If I had hit him straight on, I would have killed him."

YOU STILL SUCK YOU CRYING LITTLE BABY.

Jasno,first you say"Good move by the Skins and one, frankly, they had to do because of the position they were in",but then,only a few hours later you say,"As for Kendall: In a nutshell, the Redskins overpaid for a 34-year old guard - same ol story there".So why the switch-up?Did you order the Code Red?If you gave the order that Santiago wasn't to be touched and your orders are always followed,then why did he have to be moved off the base?I,m sorry,I slipped into Daniel McCaffrey mode.I love that movie.

First wrinkle. After the kickoff and return, the teams punt back and forth to each other three times or until one returns it for a touchdown, whichever comes first.

When are first cuts again? Aug 28th? Down to 75 players?

Thanks.

CC, yep.

dawglbs LMGO! That was great

Jason, I appreciate the response.

Your reporting was mostly accurate. You pointed out the weakness of the left side of the line. Congrats.

But you also tore into a player (Heyer) that didn't deserve to be torn into. A lot of people who watched the game, coaches and non-coaches alike, saw that Pucillo was the screw-up and that Heyer played well. I don't expect you to take back your criticism of Heyer. But people will call you out on it.

Second, I think you're starting to see that the constant bashing of the front office is getting old. The Dockery thing is classic Redskins-bashing hindsight at its finest. As someone pointed out, he was the weakest link until the second half of last season, and according to Buffalo reports he is already proving that he wasn't worth 49 million.

Question: do you know for a fact that Dockery ever WANTED to re-sign with the 'Skins? Because some cats (Gilbert Arenas being an example) know they want to test the market more than a year before their contracts expire. Dockery could have been the next Dana Stubblefield, for all we know. So let's not rip on the FO for *everything* the do or don't do.

Pete Kendall is older, yes. But also cheaper and a better player, by most accounts. So why the continued hate? Why the "well, they shouldn't have been in this situation in the first place" snide remarks?

Why -- because they drafted guards that didn't work out, and didn't draft a guard last year (in a draft they believed was weak for the o-line)? They had at least 4 backup plans in place to fill Dockery's spot (Wade, Fabini, Whittacker, Mulitalo, Pucillo, Molinaro). Those didn't work out, so they went to Plan E. Most free agents and draft picks are hit-or-miss. Most teams would have stood pat for pride's sake. What do you want from them?

Okay -- maybe their offensive lineman evaluations and coaching is deficient. Maybe they should have been able to draft better linemen, or turn Wade into a guard. It would be nice if you focused your comments specifically on draft evaluation and coaching, instead of the general front-office woulda-coulda-shoulda nastiness we already get from Pasquarelli and a bunch of others.

I have so much to get off my chest that I'm actually going to put the rest in another post...

The "Battle of the Teams" All Star thing may just be the stupidest thing I've ever seen. I now feel much dumber for having read that.

J,

My 2 cents... Keep doing what you're doing. The blog is great. You not only have every right to criticize the front office, your critique is on the money. Good teams, good front offices don't leave themselves playing roster catch-up every year. If we kept our draft picks and managed our cap better we'd have more depth on the line (and elsewhere). Even the Yankees figured out eventually that loading a team with aging stars doesn't work.

Part 2: Enough already.

I'm no Redskins suck-up, though I am a fan. It's easy to point out the obvious screw-ups: Archuleta, Lloyd, not re-signing Ryan Clark, and those dudes Norv Turner and Danny signed 7 years ago. And they've traded away too many draft picks.

No, I don't count Champ Bailey, or Dockery, or Stephen Davis, or Antonio Pierce, or Fred Smoot.

The saddest thing is that a lot of football fans and media types continue to comment on everything the Redskins do based on one really stupid free agent binge that happened SEVEN YEARS AGO. Everything they've done since then has been analyzed under that same microscope. It's not fair. Actually, it's total B.S.

Every time the 'Skins sign or trade for an old player or someone who doesn't fit, everyone says "There they go again." Every time a prominent player gets cut, agents and reporters spread rumors that the Redskins are interested...even when they SAY they aren't. T.O available? Oh, I heard the Redskins are interested. Ty Law? Call the Redskins!

Meanwhile, other teams make similar failed moves, and nobody tags them the same way. The Eagles sign T.O. -- and before him struggle with Pinkston and Thrash as their 1 and 2 WRs for about 4 years. The Jets *and* Chiefs sign Ty Law. The Panthers don't sign or draft o-line or d-line depth. The Falcons trade 1st or 2nd-rounders for Peerless Price and Ashley Lelie, while their drafted WRs are busts.

Between that one fantasy football free agency period the team had 7 years ago and today, the Redskins have been an average NFL front office: a decent number of hits mixed in with many more misses. I'd like them to be the Ravens, Colts, Eagles or Patriots, but not every team can be. This doesn't make them total idiots -- it just makes them mediocre.

But from the way you've blogged lately, it sounds like the Redskins are the worst-managed team in the history of sports. It's not just your last couple of blogs, either: this tone has been mounting ever since the off-season started. This hasn't happened "all of a sudden." I think that's why people wish you would spew a bit less venom.

Sorry about the long rant, but I'm tired of the hypocrisy. No, the Redskins front office is not as good as the Ravens, Eagles, Patriots, Colts or Seahawks front office. On the bright side, they also aren't the Raiders, Lions, Cardinals, Bengals or Texans. Can we just accept that and move on?

9:13, so it probably was a good idea not to try and guest blog that, right? [just doing my best to keep a steady supply of gasoline on the fire of feistiness that is the RI blog]

Not a good guest blog sween but good quality gasoline. Keep up the good work.

first

I applaud the move. DDockery was okay, benefitting from his familiarity with the rest of the line and especially playing next to Samuels. No where near an all pro caliber gaurd though. He is worth no where near what the Bills gave him. Sounds like contract wise, we got a steal in Kendall who seems to be regarded as the best lineman the Jets had. So we lose a 4th or 5th pick....we got a sure fire starter for 2 years and maybe longer (see Ray Brown) and solve our biggest pre season issue. They got a good deal.....

jcabana;

tell us what you really think!

that was a well thought out 2 part post. props

playing devil's advocate about Battle of the Teams ... The reason its a stupid idea is b/c of the absurdly high risk of injury in a non-game situation. [Counter is that the teamers not really the Pro-Bowl caliber guys ... and they DO get exposure to highlight what is their pride, special teams performance.] Nice try sween, but stupid is as stupid does. The idea to dedicate revenue for retired, disabled player was a nice thought though. Now get back focused on the point of this thread, which is a funk-free zone!

what's wrong with funk? I love funk. Even the word has a nice sound to it.

Please tell me if I am missing something here. I have been asking for this type of reporting on the Wizards front for awhile now. As a fan, I do not want a "homer" giving me my news about my team (Redskins and Wizards).

I want the truth. Jason hit everything on point. Seems to me, Brian Mitchell and Czaben "caught" the same flack last year when they stated the obvious. I have been a Redskin fan for over 30 years, and as a fan I want my reporting on the team to be right on point.

Who wants to read a post where they have nothing to say wrong about the coach or the team "every time"???? If all you folks want all of that "homer treatment", you need to go over to the Wizard Blog.

This is nothing against Ivan and Mike, but you can clearly see they will go but so far on reporting on something us as fans suspect, but the team is hiding. It looks to me like Jason is not afraid to risk his relationship with the front office to report the "TRUTH" about our team. Dang, if any of you were fans you should appreciate that in your beat reporter.

It sounds to me like Dan Synder paid a bunch of interns to come in and post a bunch of negative stuff about Jason and his story to take the light off of their screw ups by not having a "GENERAL MANAGER"!!!!!

Redskins fans, you are focusing on the wrong person (Jason). I am not even going to call out my man Joe Gibbs, because I respect the man too much. However, much of this mess is his doing because he refuses to make Danny Boy hire a GM, or vice versa (Danny Boy make Joe "accept" a GM).

So again, cut Jason some slack. I think that was great reporting. As for the "youngsta" from Maryland. Jason was not bashing the young dude. He clearly wrote through his NFL sources the "youngsta" was "not ready yet" to man the "island position". Jason did not say he could not play the position, he was just saying many of the NFL sources just thought he was not "ready yet".

Please tell me how is that putting the young boy down?? He was a undrafted FA for goodness sake, not a 1st round draft pick that you just invested 30 million into? I'm done. I have spoke my peace.

Does "no funk" mean that I actually need to take a shower before taking part?

Sween, I don't think people get excited from watching FG's.

Here's an option, have a dummy wear a Cowboys uni, and let defensive players take a flying tackle at it, and it can be graded on impact and degree of difficulty. At least we'll all get enjoyment from seeing a cowboy get smashed!

Good post Jasno. Never had any doubts.

One relevant fact to know, if anyone cares to research it, would be how many rookie left guards are starting this year that were available for the Skins "mid-round" picks, which I assume means 3rd-5th rounds. I realize they didn't have some of these picks, but lets just say they had the 6th overall in each round. Were any guards taken between the 6th pick in the 3rd round and 6th pick in the 5th round that will be starting for an NFL team this year? If not, it's hard to criticize the Skins for not drafting for this need.

More editorial comments from the beat reporter today:

"...addressing what several NFL sources believed was a major deficiency."

"After that game, three NFL executives who watched the contest suggested the Redskins had major problems on the left side of their line. Kendall provides a significant upgrade."

"The compensation is steep -- on par with what teams have given up for veteran former Pro Bowl quarterbacks in recent years such as Steve McNair and Trent Green -- and it bucked Gibbs's recent trend of trying to retain as many draft picks as possible."

I may be naive and myopic, but I have never seen a beat writer use "unnamed NFL sources" to bash a team. I have never seen a beat reporter opine that a player is struggling, or that a traded draft pick is a "steep" price.

A beat reporter simply reports the trade, reports the change in personnel, and lets the reader form his or her own opinion.

JLC, you are a hack.

Hey, look at this -

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2986602

Weeeyoooweeeyooo -

Looks like my golf cart has been pulled over!

[Sorry about the long rant, but I'm tired of the hypocrisy. No, the Redskins front office is not as good as the Ravens, Eagles, Patriots, Colts or Seahawks front office. On the bright side, they also aren't the Raiders, Lions, Cardinals, Bengals or Texans. Can we just accept that and move on?]

Actually, no we will not acept it and move on! This stuff may have started seven years ago but it continued into last year - mortgaging the future for today! It is not just that we sign busts to major contracts; it is the fact that those contracts disable us from being aggresive in other areas. That is the responsibility of the FO!

The reason Redskin fans HATE danny so much is not that he is inept; it is that he took a fantastic FO and team into the dregs of the league! You feel solace in comparing us to the Cardinals or Raiders? Most of us don't! I never find solace in being compared to losers; but therein lies the difference between those that know how to spot a good football team and those that want to play pollyana.

How can you take out the Oklahoma drill. That was the best part of doing 2 days.

kost52 I just got the Skins golf balls. The are really cool. Let's hope I don't hit all of them in the woods.

Thanks for keeping it real Jason and don't ever change for anyone - especially Redskin managment.

Been a diehard Redskin fan since the early 50's and have been disappointed big time by Joe saying one thing and then doing something else. He's changed! The biggest kiss of death to hear for a Redskin player is to be called a "Core Redskin."

Keep on keeping-on. You're the best!
Jim

new to the blog,

that is about the best post I've seen in weeks. I couldn't agree more... with everything you wrote.

Jason,

I actually think that you are helping the Redskins. You pointed out the problem on the left side. Even though coach Joe Gibb did not give you the credit, but under the table he fixed it..At the end, the Redskins is a better team.
If the coaching staff saw this problem long time ago, the would pat the extra money to keep lineman Dockery..

So we all need to thank you for a great job.

jcabana, I agree with you wholeheartedly!

"new to the blog", your post clearly shows that you are "New To The Blog." Most of the posters who are so angry with Jason are regulars - we have no association with Dan Snyder whatsoever. We are just sick and tired of Jason's CONSTANT criticsm of the team - especially when it is not warranted. In the comments he made yesterday about Kendall (and last week) he totally contradicted himself.

We can accept criticsm and the truth when it is necessary but this was not. And it seems to happen more and more often.

By the way, Mark Maske (former Skins beat reporter) has written a book about the NFC East - I think most of you are aware of this. Maske said this morning on 980 that the Skins FO management is not as bad as everyone reports - far from it.

Mike H.,

First round - Ben Grubbs/Ravens
Second round - Arron Sears/Buccaneers
Third round - Marshall Yanda/Ravens, Andy Alleman/Saints
Fourth round - Manuel Ramirez/Lions, Allen Barbre/Packers, Mansfield Wrotto/Seahawks, Josh Beekman/Bears
Fifth round - Uche Nwaneri/Jaguars, Cameron Stephenson/Steelers
Sixth round - Kasey Studdard/Texans
Seventh round - Dan Santucci/Bengals, Mike Elgin/Patriots

jm220 - are they for use? or just for a keep sake?

The correct way for a beat reporter to report the Kendall trade:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070824/SPORTS/108240102/1023/SPORTS01

Lisa - Well said

guards in 2007 draft - That's a lot of work my friend, I started but....well you know. Although you forgot ATL - Justin Blalock in the 2nd round. Not that I'm having a go, you showed more committment to do work than I did!

Re Kendall article in the WashPost, this is a very odd sentence on many levels:

"The compensation is steep -- on par with what teams have given up for veteran former Pro Bowl quarterbacks in recent years such as Steve McNair and Trent Green -- and it bucked Gibbs's recent trend of trying to retain as many draft picks as possible."

First, who cares that they were once pro bowlers. LaVar was once a pro bowler but would now command no more than the league minimum if anyone cared to sign him and no one would trade anything for him. It matters what there free market value was at the time they were traded.

Moreover, re whether a 5th round pick is "steep," consider what Jason once wrote on this very blog about trading Rod Gardner for a 6th round pick (quoting from March 2007):

"It's also the third time in recent years they trade someone picked in the first round for a sixth round pick (Patrick Ramsey and Gardner, Rod, anyone?). As one member of the organization put it last night, 'When are we ever going to win one of these trades?'

So successfully obtaining a 6th round pick for a malcontent 50/50 receiver named Rod Gardner (who frankly I would have been impressed had we merely gotten a ham sandwich and subway token for) was a "loss" but giving up a 5th round pick for a starting left guard at a position of need is a "steep price."

I would like to see Jason explain that.

It seems like Jason's opinion of the Redskins is becoming more and more like other noted Redskin "haters"-- pick your columnist at SI, ESPN, CBS Sportsline, and elsewhere.
Now, as Jason always points out, he doesn't "hate" them, he's just reporting what he's seeing.
I think the "ugly truth" is that after working with the 'Skins day after day, Jason has discovered that the 'Skins FO and management and coaches really are, in fact, deceptive, lying, image-driven, cynical, interested in "selling tickets" as much as "winning", and plain incompetent.
Of course, Jason has never said any of these things, and has made it plainly clear he's "cool" with the way they operate.
I'm using purposely harsh words because I can't capture the nuance that a writer probably could-- essentially, that there is more black in the clouds than white, but it's not all black.
But, as a life-long 'Skins fan, who grew up on East Capitol street, and used to love watching the cars roll-down the street after a win from RFK, and loved Riggo's 4th and 1 run, and loved the usually buttoned up Tom Landry screaming on the sidelines "NO, Danny NO!!!!" as Danny white changed the play and got stuffed by the 'SKins for no gain on a critical 4th down play at Texas Stadium, and all the rest, it SURE IS DEPRESSING.

For those who think that the Eagles are that much better than us at drafting, here are their some of their most recent #1 draft choices:

Jerome McDougall
Mike Patterson
Broderick Bunkley

They're not exactly lighting the world on fire with those three. McDougall will miss this year, and already has missed another full season. Bunkley couldn't crack a weak starting lineup last year. Patterson is nothing special.

kost52 they are for use. Man I can't wait until the season starts.

Now off topic. Since we are family. Please tell me why I shouldn't turn to the dark side and beat the hell out of my co worker. He's been asking for it for about 2 months now. Taking deep breaths.

Ozzie Newsome is the man! Thanks for trading up in the first round for me! What a great pickup I was for the Ravens...

Jasno - thanks for taking criticism head on and setting things straight. In the end, your tone or funk or whatever really got this blog's juices going and that's a good thing. Seems to me, everyone just wants Sept 9 to come - much like the players, we just want to get going and all will be good (as long as we get a W of course). And, I for one prefer your objectivity over spoon fed homer writing anyday.

Hail!

High comedy that ExtremeSkins would be considered by anybody to be a beacon of reason and objectivity when it comes to the Skins. That place is absurd and overridingly agenda-driven on the whole.

Oh, and when a beat reporter cites NFL sources and *their* opinions, that's not editorializing by the beat reporter, numnuts.

I'm not sure if everyone is upset at Jasno for the same reason I was, but the reason I was, has nothing to do with the articles, when I read the articles, I don't care who writes them, and I don't care if there are negative tones/points made in them. They're articles, they aren't meant to be one sided.

They reason I got upset, is that I was rapt to hear about the Kendall trade, and hopped onto the RI blog expecting to get a glowing report on Kendall and what he will bring to the table. Having a negative slant on the post, where I expected positivity, really hit me. I'm not saying that his posts have to be all smiles and rosey cheeks, I'm just saying that when we get a ray of sunshine, don't point out the shadow it creates.

"Jason's a little bitter because he called this one completely wrong."

Jason is doing fine so leave him alone.

The Skins management is a joke, be honest with yourselves. Saying this, this trade was a good trade and needed to happen.

Ok, I just said the same thing Jason said except I was more blunt about it.

Been a Skins fan all of my life and I REALLY appreciate what Jason gives here. His job is to be critical and I hope he keeps doing it because maybe someone on the Skins will finally listen.

I think the Kendall trade was a good one, otherwise you could pretty much forget the Skins making the playoffs. They had a HORRIBLE o-line the last couple weeks and nearly killed their starting QB.

Skins management just doesn't get it yet and it kills me watching them play. O-line and d-linemen win the game for you....everytime.

- Ray

Wes,

Beat writers don't quote "unnamed NFL execs." That is a columnist's job.

BREAKING NEWS

American Gladiators is back!

Greatest... news... ever!

http://www.thecelebritycafe.com/features/11509.html

Jason lets face it you're a Ravens fan reporting on the Redskins, so you, like all Ravens fans and many in the Baltimore media, like to take shots at the 'Skins. To you Joe Gibbs represents a time when the Redskins were winning Super Bowls and Baltimore had no team at all, which, to this day, makes Baltimore fans and media very bitter towards the 'Skins. Get over it and try to be a little more professional. Your reporting is hardly balanced. You take a shot at the 'Skins in every post you put up.

jm220 - regarding the co-worker, man, you're better than that! F the dark side!

10:06 AM,

Thanks, I honestly didn't know the answer to the question. I dont think anyone thinks they should have draft a guard instead of Landry, so the first rounder (Grubbs) is out. Are any (or maybe all) of the remaining guards starting for their respective teams? If not, they may be no better that Wade/Pucillo.

I must say the article was pretty good.

All you have to say is 2 years, $5 Million. Not bad. (JLaC said it too, but summing the total value puts it in better perspective)

Beat reporters quote sources, named and unnamed, all the time!

A columnist's job is to express his or her own opinions. A beat reporter quoting the opinion of a source is a reporting of fact by the beat reporter. Big difference.

Q&A With: Pete Kendall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Site Staff
WarpathInsiders.com Aug 23, 2007

He grew up watching Joe Gibbs and Joe Bugel coach. Now he gets to play for them.

Q: Is this a fresh start for you?

A: "I suppose that it is. I'm coming here to a new team with a new contract."

Q: When did you sense there was a trade in the works?

A: "It was probably around noon yesterday that I first caught wind of it. About 10-12 hours later everything was about wrapped up."

Q: Did you talk to Joe Gibbs or Joe Bugel about the situation here?

A: "I had a chance to visit both of them before I went on to do my physical. I grew up watching the Redskins win Super Bowls, and seeing those guys on the sidelines. When you talk about Coach Gibbs and Coach Bugel, you're talking about two of the legends of the game at their respective positions. It is neat for me that at the end of my career I can play for guys that I watched roam the sidelines when I was 10 years old at Super Bowl parties."

Q: What do you add to the Redskins?

A: "At this point, I hope to just fit in. I'm not looking to add or make any promises. I hope to be there every week. I hope to be somebody that my teammates can rely on. If there is an opportunity or role for me to step into as time progresses, then so be it. This is a good football team. I don't think that they need me, but I am flattered that they want me here, so that is the approach that I am going to take."

Q: What does it feel like to be wanted?

A: "It's nice. Everybody likes to be wanted. I sensed genuine enthusiasm from everybody I've talked to here about having me. It's part of the business, but it's a difficult time as well with the transition. It's nice to come here and know that the people on the other side are anxious and excited to have you here."

Q: How hard has camp been for you?

A: "It was a difficult camp with all the uncertainty, but I'm sure I'm coming to a locker room with a great bunch of guys. My teammates in New York were great to me, so they made it as bearable as it could be."

Q: Were you resigned that you'd be moved?

A: "I didn't know what was going to happen. I knew we were sort of entering into a critical time between the second and third games. Whether that be injury or people decided that they needed help somewhere. I hadn't closed the door on something changing, whether that be something changing within the Jets or something externally like this. I still thought there was a possibility."

Q: How familiar are you with this offense?

A: "Right now I'm not at all. I haven't seen the playbook. I've been through just about every type of offense you can talk about, whether it be the "West Coast" system, the vertical passing game. I've been through power blocking, zone blocking, or man-blocking. I've been exposed a lot of it, so I'm anxious to see how they go about skinning the cat here."

Q: Were the Redskins appealing because of their willingness to redo your deal?

A: "Yeah, I didn't have much control of the situation because it was a trade. There had to be some sort of arrangement between the Jets and the Redskins. Once they came to an agreement, we were able to reach an agreement pretty quickly on that contract. That's good. It's the ugly side of the game. It's not something I like to talk about or focus on, but as players, the sun only shines on us for so long. You better make hay while the sun's shining."

Q: How quickly can you mesh with your new team?

A: "That may be a bigger challenge for those guys to feel comfortable with me and me with them than learning the assignments and the Xs and the Os. One thing about football- it's not rocket science. The schemes and the assignments are essentially the same from system to system and team to team. It's a matter of how to communicate with the guys around you so that they know that you know. That only comes with repetitions. You can take repetitions on the practice field. You can take repetitions on that game field. But you can also take repetitions in the film room. Those don't hurt as much as the first two."

Q: How quickly can you get comfortable here?

A: "My goal is to be effective as soon as possible. The hope is that's by week one. I wouldn't say that I'm concerned. I would say my larger concern would be about developing a chemistry with the guys on the line. I think that between spending time with Coach Bugel and time on my own, I think I'll pick up the assignments fairly quickly. It's just a matter of understanding the nuances of it the way the guys around me do."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Story URL: http://redskins.scout.com/2/671524.html

Look, I'm drunk, I'll admit it. But something is wrong.

On ESPN, there is a boxing match.

Bill Walton is commentating.

The commentators are talking about Joe Montana.

Surely I'm not that drunk??

New to the blog said: "So again, cut Jason some slack. I think that was great reporting. As for the "youngsta" from Maryland. Jason was not bashing the young dude. He clearly wrote through his NFL sources the "youngsta" was "not ready yet" to man the "island position". Jason did not say he could not play the position, he was just saying many of the NFL sources just thought he was not "ready yet"."

Where were the facts to support this position? The youngsta has held his position admirably under the circumstances. He has not be credited with giving up one sack this preseason and he hasn't been a turnstile either. I agree that JLaC is a good beat writer but on this issue he staked out a position and sought people to support it. I'm sure those sources didn't call JLaC and volunteer this information. JLaC said that he goes where the reporting takes him when in fact it is the questions and the answers they elicit that guide the story. Also, we don't know whether other sources praised the kid's play. We only know what was reported.

I know from my own personal experience with this newspaper and other local media that the reporter and editors control what angle of the story gets out.

I know for me, between the negativity and posturing of sports talk radio, these blogs and newspapers, it's a bit too much. JLC's comments, those that may not be too supportive, get exacerbated by the environment created by the total media spectrum. This plus the inanely strong desire we have for a winning season breeds more of the whining.

Anyway.....GO SKINS.....do what you have to do! Ignore us and kick some butt this year. We're with you all the way!

I actually find the description of the money as "overpaying" as kind of odd given I don't see any mention of a signing bonus. Kendall will earn the $5 million over 2 years salary if and when he earns it. Otherwise, he'll be cut before then and won't see the money. It is not guaranteed. This is not a Lloyd , Archuleta big signing bonus situation at least as has been reported.

This is a very good move as far as I can see.

4th - That was a good interview, I liked it!

Fair enough, Wes. So if I report that an "unnamed winged unicorn" stated that Heyer was not cutting it, then I guess I am stating a fact.

Even if we were to give a signing bonus, who cares? We have the money and contract savy people to keep the salary cap situation above water. Weren't we supossed to be in salary cap hell a few years ago??? Yeah...

Sure it's fact, but then you're likely looking for a new job since you just quoted an unnamed winged unicorn for a story in a world-class newspaper. *shrugs*

Jasno --

Love the backpeddling with this post.

"Bottom line is all of these moves are a work in progress at this point and we can't fully judge them until we see how the players involved turn out."

Umm...you're the one that said, IN THE PAPER nonetheless, that the "compensation is steep." Sorry, can't have your cake and eat it too.

Want to know why you are "all of a sudden [] ubber-negative"? Smarmy comments like:

"In a nutshell, the Redskins overpaid for a 34-year old guard - same ol story there"

"Also, just so everyone knows, Gibbs refused to concede the painfully obvious - that Pete Kendall instantly becomes the best left guard they have and was acquired to start."

"Says Wade won't necessarily switch to guard (although Todd is expecting/hoping that's the case) and that the move was not necessarily related to their inability to find a starting caliber left guard."

We can all watch the Gibbs interviews at redskins.com and he never said that -- don't put words in our Coach's mouth to further your smarmyness.

"Alrighty then. Whatever."

Are you friggin kidding me? How long have you been covering the NFL? How often does a Head Coach publicly say everything that goes into a player decision? That's right, folks, never. But the smarmyness doesn't end there...

"And surely it doesn't make any sense to take a guy who spent most of his 12 year career at left guard and start him ahead of Jansen, Samuels, Rabach or Thomas ... so draw you're own conclusions."

Smarmy. Smarmy. Smarmy. And Smarmy. Jason...Redskins fans are not idiots. Do we turn a blind eye to keep our faith? Sure. But we're not idiots. Everyone KNOWS why Kendall was brought here. Do you honestly think that we believe Gibbs when he says Kendall is here just because? Come on. Don't offend our intelligence like that and then wonder why everyone is upset with you.

I also agree wholeheartedly with the post concluding that the Skins front office is paying the price for the Jeff George, Bruce Smith, Deion Sander trifecta. Give it up already.

We have no problem hearing cold, hard facts as to how the Skins have made mistakes. Letting Clark go for a pricey Archibungas. Horrible decision. But for every Archibungas there's a Moss and a Thomas and a Washington and a Springs and a Griffin and a Rabach.

Hail.

SCSkinsFan & Wes Mantooth - This is something I've always wondered about being a reporter. If you have an 'un-named' source. Do you have to have some sort of proof that there actually is a source? Or is it possible to actually 'make up' a source?

"Wade was told after practice that he's moving back to tackle but that he won't play Saturday against Baltimore to rest the shoulder he partially dislocated Aug. 11 at Tennessee. Jon Jansen is a fixture at right tackle, Wade's usual spot, and four-time Pro Bowl pick Chris Samuels will reassume the left tackle job once his sprained knee heals, probably in time for the Sept. 9 opener with Miami.

So Wade, a starter during his first six seasons with Miami and Houston, will be a backup for the second straight year in Washington.

"I'm not surprised by any means," said Wade, who re-signed during the winter for the chance to start at left guard. "It's important to get good cohesion on the offensive line, playing together every day. I've done very little [since getting hurt], probably a series every day. When you're not out there, it doesn't help. I was getting better, but I wasn't consistent, so I can't blame this on getting hurt. I obviously would love to be out there starting, but this is the hand I've been dealt, so I'll go back to tackle and try and keep improving out there."

Pucillo was even more sanguine about the news.

"Pete's a good player," said Pucillo, who started just 18 games in his first four seasons. "I'm glad to have him. My job is to help the team any way possible. However, the coaches see fit to do that, that's what I'll do.""

I would think that the number 1 rule for being an "insider" is to not name your sources. If you put your sources out there as giving you undisclosed info then they may not want to do it for you again.

To me, Wes, these unnamed NFL execs are a symptom of JLC's diminishing credibility.

Don't you think it would be pretty easy for JLC to cherry pick one of his NFL exec buddies in Baltimore to talk shti about the 'Skins under conditions of anonymity?

BB - Agreed. Also, the Ravens have their own failed trifecta (courtesy of Tenn) brewing. D. Mason? S. Rolle? McNair? Yes, McNair took them into the playoffs last year...oh wait, or was it the defense that carried them (as always)???

Those 3 gents haven't been anywhere near lights out in B-more but I don't see any hate on those guys?

Somebody corrct me if I'm wrong, but Ibeliebe this is where the editors come into play. Of course, there has to be an inherent base of journalistic credibility and integrity here. Otherwise, everybody would be Jayson Blair and making up whatever they wanted to make up. I believe there is a check and balance provided by the editor that ultimately allows (or disallows) the citing of unnamed sources, and I'm sure Jason has to convince his editor of the integrity of the source on some level.

kost52 this kid is really asking for it. He has no damn heart and want to calling me out at work. Thinking he won't get rush due to work. He doesn't know I will follow his ass to the stop light and pull him out of the car. I got to go take a walk.

jm220 - Come to the dark side. I am your father.

Wes, thank bud, that was a well explained, explanation, which makes sense. Thanks.

Just watching Sportcentre, is it just me, or does D.Beckham have a target on his back?? Seems like he has a hit out on him!

kost...I am not a journalist, but it is my understanding that reporters have latitude in keeping their sources anonymous. Editors have to trust their reporters to a degree. There are fact checkers to keep stories straight, but there are always problems.

You get cases of Jayson Blair writing NY Times articles from the comfort of his apartment and making up witnesses. You get cases like Stephen Glass who totally fabricates stories for The New Republic.

I am not saying that JLC is making stuff up. I am saying that he knows exactly who to call when he wants to add a bit of dirt for one of his articles.

jm, come on man, YOU KNOW, you're better than that. Karma dude, this guy will get what he deserves in due time. If you react to it, you will be the one who pays.

Don't FAKE the FUNK on a nasty DUNK!

Hey, I have missed you guys on the blog...

So, Coach Joe and the FO were made at Jason, huh?
Well, we have all been upset with the Skins for every year but two since from 93-2006 [99 and 05].

And what did Jason do that was so bad?
Directed attention to the L side of the OL and what did the FO do promptly sign a LG.

So, like it or not Jason was dead on...

Some on here posted yesterday
The Skins are paying their Master Card bill with their Visa.

That might be the line of the day on this thread.

Hail the the Redskins!

SC, I'd point to the editors again. They're in this, too. Somebody mentioned earlier that they are responsible for the tenor and tone that ultimately goes out, and this is true. This is how we get left- and right-leaning papers. But we have freedom of choice. It's up to us to decide who we want to read.

If you want the straight facts with no frills, go get the AP write-up. Me, I'll take the facts AND the additional reporting that provokes thought and discussions like this. And if I don't like that one day, I'll read something else.

"new to the blog", your post clearly shows that you are "New To The Blog." Most of the posters who are so angry with Jason are regulars - we have no association with Dan Snyder whatsoever. Lisa

Lisa - When I say I am "new to the blog" I mean submitting posts. I have been reading you and the "regulars" comments for about 6 months now and I finally decided to post. So I already have you and the regulars "history" with Jason. That is why I felt compelled to finally say something because all of you sounded like you all worked for the Redskins.

I also know you are a regular on the Wizards blog, so you should know what I was trying to say here when I was giving the difference in reporting styles between Jason and Ivan/Mike. Again, this is my personal opinion. I believe if you are a true fan, you should be able to take some criticism about your team sometimes when it is fairly warranted. Having our QB of the future "butt naked" out there with two guys who are not ready is what I call "Warranted".

By everyone's reaction to Jason's article, it seemed like all of you just want him to report on "peace and love" stuff, like our friends do over on the Wizard's blog. Jason "shook the house" up a little and guess what?

The Redskins made a move didn't they? Is this move a benefit or not to "our team"? Yes sirrrr, it is? So how is it Jason takes "flak" for that??? Someone please connect the dots for me, please, because I am lost....??

Seems like a "win-win" scenero to me. If the Skins would have done their due diligence in resigning Dockary in 2006 (again homegrown talent) we would not have been in this position where we have to start a 34 year old "outsider". The Redskins did not calculate someone was going to give him a crazy contract like they did.

Guess what, if we had a "REAL GM" here he would have seen that and Dockery would have been signed back in 2006 to something more reasonable. Another point Jason is trying to make. He is not out to "trash" our beloved Joe Gibbs, he is just trying to enlighten him some.

I agree with everything Jason has and is saying about the Skins. Does that not make me a "real Redskins fan" because I agree with something that is punching holes at the team. I don't think so.....????

Again, the name of the game is "keeping your draft picks" and doing good drafting and then "bringing them up through the ranks" like a good baseball farm system (i.e. Baltimore Ravens).

My biggest disgust with the Redskins is their lack of insight, on the importance of keeping your draft picks and having a GM. I believe that is what Jason is upset about too. So yea, he probably gets on them a lot because he is just trying to point out they need to change their ways of doing business.

Need I not give you two prime examples of not keeping your draft picks, not keeping and resigning your own "homegrown talent", not having a GM, and paying "outsiders" crazy amounts of money to non-produce? Two names come to mind, Champ Baily and Antonio Pierce. There are plenty more but my post is too long already.

Instead we have Clinton Portis and a lost draft pick and a thirtysomething MLB to show for it. Guess what Dockery falls under this same scenero. To me this type of "front office" work ticks me off as a fan. That is why I agree with Jason on his report and also with his "past feelings" and posts on our team the Redskins. Sometimes the truth hurts, to a fault......

SCSkinsFan - Thanks mate! I thought I was set! Haha

I guess it's something which needs to be regulated in a way isn't it. I know that a reporter CANNOT divulge his sources. But maybe as a rule, he MUST divulge them to his editor, as confirmation, and the editor then CANNOT divulge them either. After all the editor wants the story just as much as the reporter, they have just as much reason to keep the source safe.

I want to make sure I understand this, JLC. The Redskins were "courting disaster" because of the "glaring hole" at LG. But, they "overpaid substantially" (according to your previous blog) by forking over a second day draft pick and a under $3 mil to solve the issue?

New to the blog - As someone pointed out earlier, what's to say Dockery wanted to stay in DC? He was having a good year and he knew that...why wouldn't he have tested the free agent market?

"Having our QB of the future "butt naked" out there with two guys who are not ready is what I call "Warranted"."

Butt naked QB with 2 guys. That's not warranted. That's gayer than the Cooley shorts. (not that there's anything wrong with that)

Wes,

Well said.

Woodward and Bernstein should have never used their unnamed source! What were THEY thinking??

kost, sadly, you are probably not that drunk and the boxing commenters probably are talking football. That said, NICE!, its good to know that its happy hour somewhere on the planet.

jm220, mention this troubling guy in the office to Officer Creepy at the gym. Maybe tell her where he lives ... but sneak into his house first and remove the tags from his mattresses. He'll be off the big house in no time. Problem solved.

SCSkinsFan & Wes Mantooth -

I just want to give the two of you a thumbs up. You obviously have differing opinions, and you're getting into fisticuffs. But neither of you has resorted to childish, personal remarks. And that's the way it should be.

THUMBS UP!

dcsween - If I'm not that drunk, then I have some work to do!

Raises the question, What is a good name for a Winged Unicorn? Sigmund?

And...as I have seen reported many times...Dockery looked so good because he was next to Samuels....

If this has already been mentioned, then I apologise, but have you people heard the latest Vick news??

Apparently he's added conditions to his guilty plea, he says he never killed a dog, and he never bet on a fight, but he knew what was going on. Which is contrary to the other defendants pleas. ESPN says that this can potentially have a positive or negative effect.
Positive - If he's not invloved in the killing and betting the NFL may look upon him more leniently (Is that a word?) and give him a lighter than expected ban.

Negative - The Judge may not belive him, and think he's just covering his donkey (SJK), and therefore may not accept his plea.

Well, Ned Flanders named his Unicorn Garry, but it wasn't winged. So maybe Walter?

So kost, Wes's "numnuts" reference to me was neither childish nor personal?

;-]

I'm a big boy, I can take it (paraphrasing JLC)

To me, Walter the Winged Unicorn has a nice ring to it.

But maybe that's just me.

My name is 4-12, and I'm an RI-aholic. Who am I kidding thinking I can stay away from here?
All the negativity yesterday from dozens of "new" posters...seems like the extremeskins folks came up here to play again. The day had the feel of, say, being Sonny Corleone at a toll booth.

kost,

If I am the prosecution NO WAY do I accept Vick's "conditions". It's like he's trying to slip one by them here.

Yeah, kost, I am still digesting the Vick plea deal rumors.

I can't believe the feds would let Vick off so easily after all the work they put in to build the case.

Yeah, I was kinda ducking on the "numnuts" comment...that was, uhhh, directed at the general populace. :)

All good in the hood. One love!

kost52 --

Vick is trying to avoid State charges against him for animal brutality. He knows that the local Prosecutor is lazy and wants to use the plea statement of facts to convict Vick.

In the end, I think it'd a mistake. Keep in mind that the NFL is doing its own investigation and will not constrain itself to facts pled to in open court.

If Vick wants NFL mercy, he needs to come completely clean, show remorse for his actions, be outspoken against all animal cruelty and take his medicine. If he does that, I firmly believe that the NFL will give him another chance.

SCSkinsFan - I must have skimmed that bit, sorry! Hahaha I'll once again blame it on the drunkeness!

Yeah, this makes me even less of a Michael Vick fan (not that I was one before, but you catch my drift).

The other day at least everyone could say that the guy was going to stand up like a man and admit his mistakes, but now you can't even say that.

This guy is complete scum. NOW I hope they withdrawl ANY plea deal at all and lock him away for the maximum term.

The nerve of this SJK head

http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spjnotes0824,0,678153.story

Wyatt said:

"Actually, no we will not acept it and move on! This stuff may have started seven years ago but it continued into last year - mortgaging the future for today! It is not just that we sign busts to major contracts; it is the fact that those contracts disable us from being aggresive in other areas. That is the responsibility of the FO!

The reason Redskin fans HATE danny so much is not that he is inept; it is that he took a fantastic FO and team into the dregs of the league! You feel solace in comparing us to the Cardinals or Raiders? Most of us don't! I never find solace in being compared to losers; but therein lies the difference between those that know how to spot a good football team and those that want to play pollyana."

Which "Fantastic FO and team" did Danny take into "the dregs of the league?" You must have much fonder memories of the Richie Petibon and Norv Turner-led 'jugggernauts' that Jack and John Kent Cooke assembled in their final days as owners. Those 'good old days' really weren't very good, so please spare us the "back in the day" nostalgia. It rings false.

As I said before, I'd like the front office to be better, but it isn't. I'd like to defend everything the 'Skins have done since BEFORE Danny bought the team, but I can't.

That said, I refuse to look at EVERY SINGLE MOVE THE TEAM MAKES as fitting into a "pattern" supposedly established almost a decade ago -- and try to make it fit the convenient, mainstream-media-driven story that 85% of the sports media loves to chuckle about.

I expect better from my favorite team's front office, but I also expect more from Jason.

How long before this 34 year old LG is faltering ready to retire and Dockery will still be going strong in Buffalo?

I think a more interesting issue is the FO and Coach Joe being upset feeling the need to make a statement about Jason's comments.

Hey before yesterdays move what did we have on the left side that was solid to count on this season?

What we did have on the left side is hope.
Hope our young, undrafted OT will some day become a player. That's it.

So, though I am not excited about signing a 34-year old it plugs a hole.

Plugging holes helps avoid disasterous seasons but it never builds a winning franchise. The "future is now" some 35 years ago by George Allen has returned to DC.

O-Line 2007/08 will out perform O-Line 2006/07...No Doubt...Kendall is a solid addition regardless of how he was acquired.

we love the hype... but the truth can hurt some times... it takes a little getting used to :-)

Everyone who's posted that malicious crap about Kendall ought to read the article that 4th linked above. The title is: "Former mates have nothing but praise for Kendall." The article further discredits Jason's flimsy thesis that the 'Skins were robbed by the Jets, "overpaying for a 34 year-old guard."

And, it makes the point that the Jets are trying to fill Kendall's slot with a sixth round rookie -- who played tackle in college. Does this experiment sound familiar?

I don't understand why everyone gets so upset. It's all cyclical, is the reign that the Eagles/Patriots/Colts/Steelers are having right now, any different to the reign the Redskins/49ers/Cowboys/Bills had.

Watch The Lion King -

It's the circle of life! *Dancing provided to Australian listeners*

The other day at least everyone could say that the guy was going to stand up like a man and admit his mistakes, but now you can't even say that.

_________________________________________
Mistakes?
I am sorry, but we must park here for awhile.
Folks we have known this is not about racism as many have attempted to make it.
But secondly, this now is not about mistakes either.
Vick was making free choices, knowing all along he could say no, he could get out, but no, Michael Vick continued to freely choose to be brutal to dogs, and he chose to repeatedly lie to the media on many occasions.
Vick also chose to lie to the NFL office knowing full well, he was absolutely guilty when he declared his innocence.

Choices:
Choices to gamble, kill, torture, drown, lie, lie, and yes, tell more lies. One who repeatedly tells lies, is plain and simple, a liar, folks. And a liar cannot be trusted.

Vick was going to lie all the way through this, until his associates rolled over and confessed their own wrongful choices, and declared Vick's activity as well.

Redskin Ray and JonTPK126 - I agree with your points. I do not understand what the big fuss is either over signing Kendel.

Again, this is the price you pay when you trade away all of your draft picks and don't resign your own before they hit the free agent market.

We can not blame Jason for making this point. How about looking at Pepper, Danny, Joe and Vinnie???????? How's that for a four-headed GM???? And you are wondering why Jason is writing the stuff he is writing. Go figure...........?????

Thanks for the link 4th.

If the re-signed Dock at the $12M-15M number they were discussing in Oct/Nov 06, would they have been able to go out and London? Probably not. Looking at it this way, I MUCH prefer a London/Kendall pairing versus a Lemar/Dock pairing.

Did anyone see KelliE Johnson last night on Training Camp Daily? Laughing at our beloved Coach and calling them a "dysfunctional family." If I were a girl, I'd smack her. She better not be in the locker-room celebrating with the team when we win the division this year. Go bleach your eyebrows to match your hair and stop pretending that you're hot. You are so not hot. You're in the Britney Spears class - I'd do you just to be able to tell my friends that I did, but I wouldn't like it.

Jasno wrote:

"I can't control where my reporting takes me and ultimately that informs what I do."

That is the attitude of a true journalist. I don't care if Jasno's articles/entries are "positive" or "negative" so long that they are based in that true spirit of professional jouranlism.

Kudo's to WaPo for having the guy on staff and I hope the new beat reporter is equally dedicated to the profession.

I agree with Gnome...basically get off the beat Jason...you basically don't have the credentials to "differ" with Joe Gibbs, Gregg Williams or Joe Bugel...you really don't know who your audiance is and I am sick of your smugness.... so...I am done with the Post thanks to you!

Watch The Lion King -

It's the circle of life! *Dancing provided to Australian listeners*

Posted by: kost52 | August 24, 2007 11:30 AM

LMGO! What's the beer(s) of choice tonight?

new to the blog - Not having a crack, just trying to attempt a drunken version of a sober point.

-Dockery needs a contract, he eventually gets big bucks for another team, money the Redskins weren't willing to spend on him. We eventually fill the gap he vacated, with a old veteran which cost us a 4th-5th round pick.

-Deion Branch needs a contract, he eventually gets big bucks from another team, money the Patriots weren't willing to spend on him. They fill that gap a full season later (a season too late?) with a trade for Randy Moss which cost them a 4th round pick.

Are those situations THAT different??

4-12 -

Tonight for an entree I had a Matilda Bay Brew called Redback Cristal, then for mains I moved on to a Bright Brew called Hellfire Amber Ale, and now for dessert I'm onto a Red Duck Pale Ale.

Jason, I've been a little critical of you in the past but I must say that I've agreed with almost everything you've written lately.

I have been so frustrated with the Redskins apparent stubborness recently to admit to and then act upon problems that, to most of us (or those who can be objective about this team anyway), were blatantly obvious. I'm extremely concerned about this teams apparent incompetence with talent evaluation.

The thing that worries me most is that if Gibbs leaves after this season and a new coaching staff comes in, with the exception of a handful of players, a major rebuilding job could be on the