FIRST D BAGS

Eleventy-Teenth!

Its been fun today guys. Good talkin football with all of you. Now I must go and get jammed on the 495 beltway. See ya tomorrow morning!

No chuckling allowed Coach!! I want to hear about fire in his eyes and speaking angrily about reporters, pats, o line not blocking, dropped balls, neckcar, anything!! Get fired up Coach!!

PLAYOFFS!!!! PLAYOFFS??????

Our QB didn't throw for over 100 yards against the Cardinals and you wanna talk about PLAYOFFS?

Sounds like the reciever corps is healthy... let's use 'em!

Come friday it would be nice to see good ol' joe fired up again, jason needs to bring it up again on friday to make it happen.
HAIL

I am gay

I like Angry Joe...but I wish he was angrier. Like if he wasn't happy w/a question instead of just giving an answer, actually doing a forearm clearance of the podium and staring down that reporter...like, is he going to lunge or not, we don't know, he's just staring at the them...oh dear god what is he going to do...that kind of look instills fear. Maybe ST can teach him how, he eats raw meat for every meal...with his hands...while grunting tunes from the 60's and 70's.

4th, it would be even more symbolic if you just dropped Randy Moss entirely.

Posted by: SMACK | October 24, 2007 03:47 PM

You just had to try it, didn't you? BTW, you were lucky last week, because my other stallworth Gates was on his bye week.....

Posted by: 4th | October 24, 2007 04:15 PM

So now we know they haven't beaten us in 35 years. but how many actual games is that, maybe 7 or 8? Not as impressive as the Lions, but still enough to go Joe N. and guarantee a V.

Reaper + stickum = 2 picks and a Brady QB rating below 70.

NFL Live just had a nice segment on our secondary. Catch the repeat later, if you can.

OK, but let's make sure we don't get Gibbs TOO worked up. We don't want him having heart trouble and giving Brunell the opening he needs to get the starting QB slot, again....

Come on, Joe! Be that swinging soul we all need you to be to motivate the team towards a big upset on Sunday.

You know things are getting bad when this item shows up in The Onion's fake news ticker:

"Joe Gibbs Calls Time Out To Decide How To Use Remaining Time Outs"

http://www.theonion.com/content/sports

4th, you were supposed to draft Steven Jackson, remember? So the way I figure it, you owe me Randy Moss for saddling me with that deadweight.

Bringing this up from the previous post re: RBs. Is it me, or is CP running RIGHT INTO his blockers-like he's not even trying to cut inside or break outside - he slams right into his blockers???

-One play last week stood out to me:

M.Sellers had a lead block and was taking on a DL, and CP rather than cutting around, tries to run right through Sellers, and the DL, with his arms flailing, reaches round right, then left and finally finds CP as he's trying to run through Sellers...I'm like..."Dude, wait for the block to be set up and push through the holes!" ...CP then gets dropped for a yard loss. WTF...

I dunno..just frustrated...CP should be running better...it just seems like he's running scared...

JLC,
Thanks for letting us in on the Plan.
Can't wait until Friday.

Fabini and Demulling will be taking care of the right side on Sunday.

fyi jeff, that redskins.com website had the oline listed the same way last weekend, and it was wrong then too. starting 5 remains as it was...

Actually, I do remember that one. And I was being questioned on picking up Moss (and CP) so early. But sadly the bye weeks and Cedric Benson (Thanks Sween) have killed me over the last 2 games.......

couldn't find gibbs story in the onion, but this one was funny...
http://www.theonion.com/content/from_print/monday_night_football

Hey Unknown blogger! Don't you think Fabini and DeMulling make sense. That would make three lineman that have playing experience against the Pats. Fabini and Kendall with the Jets and DeMulling with the Colts. Did u see how Wade is getting blown off the line?

If you were a running back with little or no blocking help in front of you, you'd be running scared also.

no question about it jeff, i just remember the website had that as the starting line last week too, and it was wrong then.

"Also, brought up the 0-35 run the Pats have going against the Redskins with Coach Joe - couched it like I said I would - and he chuckled a little bit: ..." -JLaC

Jasno, not sure whether you intended to type "chuckle" or "cackle", but whatever it was, I'm sure it was guts out.

*** fantasy post ***

4th, sorry about that. Cedric Benson used to be awesome ... when Thomas Jones was on the same team. I just cut Berrian, but he goes against the Lions' secondary this weekend, so if you need some receiving yardage, Berrian gets about 5-6 balls thrown his way (usually deep) and he catches 2-3 (sometimes for TDs).

*** end fantasy post ***

If Cody Body got signed to the practice squad, who did they cut to make room for HIM?

** Fantasy Post **

dcsween- Have you recovered from our exciting tie?

*** End fantasy Post ***

sween- I think they had an opening for Cordy Body since Ralph Sampson was signed to the active roster Sunday.

"Can we have a moratorium this week on reporting who is practicing and who isn't?
Just one time? Just this week?"

Posted by: 4th | October 24, 2007 02:53 PM

I would gladly accept reporting about who is/isn't practicing if, in exchange, I could avoid getting a report about who is injured to the level where they can't play the next week, for example, because NO ONE GOT HURT.

4-12, who did they cut to make room for Kevin Sampson?

*** f post ***

Exhausted. Since when are there TIES in football?? It was almost as tiring as being the fantasy agent for all the guys you signed and cut today.

*** end f post ***

sween- It's like a vicious circle...Body cut from 53-man roster to make room for Sampson, which made room for Body on practice squad. Flip-floppery, if you will.

The epitome of sloppy seconds (from pft) ...

"Dolphins have ... added two practice squad players, quarterback Casey Bramlet and tight end Buck Ortega."

++++ f troop

Just hoping the Aussie dude I'm playing this weekend doesn't check in during his weekend bender and notice that a third of his team is on a bye.

~~~ f stop

Yeah, I had a bit of an itchy trigger finger up there today.

Rabach is back. The final piece is in place. Victory is imminent.

I like the cut of your jib, Mike H. That's my kind of crazy.

It would be awesome to get Rabach back for this game (even if he needs to sit again for a couple of games after than ... assuming he can play the whole game this week).

I don't know if anyone has even mockingly suggested the possibility that the Patriots aren't guaranteed a victory. If not, then I'll say it ... its POSSIBLE that the Skins could win (and even more possible than monkeys flying out of Madonna's butt).

Even IF Brady does not go down midgame with a horrible injury, the Skins still COULD theoretically play like they did against the Lions (or like against the Packers, only with Santana and Sean Taylor hanging onto the balls that hit their hands).

Questions lurk among the Pats' LB corps. Attack them. Keep Brady off the field. All Skins have career days and no penalties. It is a theoretical possibility. Patriots need to lose to someone. Might as well be the Skins.

How's that for spirit?

Nate- I'm also playing one of Kost's mates who has 3 players on a bye. SHHHH... don't tell him.

Bringing this up from the previous post re: RBs. Is it me, or is CP running RIGHT INTO his blockers-like he's not even trying to cut inside or break outside - he slams right into his blockers???

-One play last week stood out to me:

M.Sellers had a lead block and was taking on a DL, and CP rather than cutting around, tries to run right through Sellers, and the DL, with his arms flailing, reaches round right, then left and finally finds CP as he's trying to run through Sellers...I'm like..."Dude, wait for the block to be set up and push through the holes!" ...CP then gets dropped for a yard loss. WTF...

I dunno..just frustrated...CP should be running better...it just seems like he's running scared...

Posted by: Don Quixote | October 24, 2007 04:26 PM

Yeah, i noticed it too. Its like when a young inexperienced QB locks onto his target before the snap. CP had his mind made up where he was going, cuz hes not the back he once was...i dont think he has the speed anymore, or the agility. So, he has to overcompensate by flying towards the line-o-scrimmage as quickly as he can, cuz he knows hes not as explosive. Someone said it a couple of days ago about him getting run down by LBs trying to get outside.

They need to put Betts in for good. He's more healthy. Just dont expect him to run twice every two quarters and be productive.

And another thing. I thought i was real shytty of the coaching staff a) not reviewing the almost Betts TD last week and b) taking Betts out of the game and letting CP get the TD. After the TD did you see CP give Betts any thanx?....no...instead he started celebrating like it was his last TD....hes washed up man

I like just about everything in your 5:07 team spirit post, sween.

One thing I'd like to note: near the top of my "to-don't" list is giving up a touchdown to that chooch Mike Vrabel, 80's haircut holdout Junior Seau, or any other defensive player they put in on offense when they're in the red zone. I hate that. Hate it.

4-12, mentioning it up here absolves us of any potential postgame guilt from beating a short-handed team. Since Australia is in the future, they have no excuse for not knowing what's going to happen, fantasy football or otherwise.

Not to jinx us or nothin', but are you getting a little bit excited about being so close to rendering your moniker obsolete?? Fearless prediction: we'll have six wins after the Philly game.

I meant to say "six or seven wins after the Philly game."

We can do it, yes we can. If we can't do it, noone from Tampa can.

How 'bout them Cowgirls?

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9043718&source=NLT_PM&nlid=8

"Fearless prediction: we'll have six wins after the Philly game."

Nate, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry

Adam

dc

Gotta believe....It will take all of what you said....the best we have and some help from them....thats why you play the games to see what happens....as far as CP is concerned....my feeling overall is he lacks good running back instincts...he just doesn't see it quick enough and he has to stop his feet to cut, i have said that from the moment he came here...much different player than i thought he was... he is much tuffer, a real warrior he lays it all out there, but a natural runner he is not, certainly not elusive, he rarely makes a tackler miss and he often is tripped by fingernails, grass ? simply put he needs holes where the play is supposed to go or close, because if he trys stop /cut back he is usually late...but in many ways he is the heart of the team and has a nose for the endzone and is a tremendous pass protector.....what he needs is a better healthy oline

Nate- I felt bad a few weeks ago when jm220 was in the middle of Ramadan, and he couldn't make roster changes. Then he beat me with just 7 guys anyway. F jm220!

But yes, since the boys down under will know the outcome ahead of time, and they've been forewarned, we're guilt free.

Nate, what good is a prediction if it isn't filled with fear? The football gods hate fearless predictions. They say "lemme think about it" if its a fearful prediction.

That said, I'm almost on the same page as Mike H. Victory is M&Ms.

I dunno about CP. He still seems just old-fashioned "depressed" to me. Doesn't have anywhere NEAR the swagger, spunk, vim, gusto, not even the same smile, as previous years.

On an unrelated note, given that Mike Vick doesn't have to show up for sentencing for nearly another month, and while he's waiting, he has agreed "to assist in the ongoing investigation," does anybody want to guess about (1) who he might sing about and/or (2) who bought his house on the QT? I thought I remember reading in some rumor rag somewhere that Trotter might be in dog trouble.

Obsolescence this Monday will be a beautiful thing.

skinny, if you watch those bad run plays, Portis usually has nowhere to go.

The D front sevens have been getting a push because our line is so out of synch. There have been plays like the one you cite, where the lead blocker can't even get past the line because the D push is so huge. Portis is expecting Sellers to be running forward and engaging a blocker beyond the line, not getting held up at the line.

Clinton's alleged lack of patience -- remember how he was dogged by this pernicious allegation his first season here, how he was such a poor fit for Gibbs' style of O? -- may be partially to blame, but I submit that if he weren't so quick to the line on those busted run plays, he'd be getting tackled in the backfield.

With all that said, there is a chicken-egg problem with the notion of giving Betts more carries. We have to have some success sustaining drives to create more carries to distribute between our running backs. And each of our backs has to be more successful carrying the ball when they get a chance, to give us a chance to sustain the drives and create more carries for them... oh, look, Captain Obvious is here.

I continue to have faith that our other old Joe, Joseph Aloysius Bugel, will keep coaching up these O line dudes and the running game will start looking more better.

Old School, I gotta ask, you've seen a lot of RBs come through this organization over the years...

In light of what you said above, what we saw of Betts last season and what we've seen so far from Clinton this year, would you give Betts the ball more, right now? Say, give it to him on the first ten carries of the second half?

I'm asking because I still believe Clinton is a better back than Betts, as rough as he's looked this season, and I think the coaches agree because Betts has had so few touches except as a change of pace, spelling Clinton or in a blowout like DET. They keep giving the ball to Clinton not to feed some kind of primadonna syndrome on Clinton's part, but because they think he gives them the best chance on just about every play. I think.

Also, F fumbling. Seeing Clinton put the ball on the carpet just breaks my heart. I hope the whole team has gotten that troubling habit out of their system.

Since I'm rambling... I'll take a turn expressing my consternation at the malice shown towards some of our own guys up here. It boggles the mind to see Portis maligned so consistently by so many folks who are fans of this team.

Yeah, I want key guys like Portis to look like an all-pro every snap of every game, but the reality is nobody is that good, and right now (as has been the case most of his time in DC) the team around him isn't good enough to make that happen on every play. But the criticism he takes up here, for a guy who goes about his job the way he does, going 100% on every single play, flying around like a lunatic... damn. I'm glad I'm not held to that high a standard at my job!

I may or may not have just accidentally sent an incredibly inspirational "pull your finger out" type speech to a couple of Aussie NFL fans, which may or may not have included quotes from Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday.

Just saying...

Nate,

I agree that the O line is a big part of the problem. But, CP just looks waify out there....like his legs arent strong. Even if he wasnt expecting Sellers having to block so deep in the backfield, couldnt he have moved around them?...im sorry, the old Portis woulda Bounced outside and wouldnt have let an arm tackle stop him.

Someone earlier said that JG is gonna stick with Portis like he did with Brunell and sadly enough, i agree. Let Betts start the game and let CP spell him with his "explosiveness" and i think we'd see more ypc.

HAIL!!

Clearly I need to head home and start drinking.

We're getting paid by the word, right?

"The inches we need are everywhere around us"

Not sure how well that will work, considering we use the Metric system.

Wait a sec Nate- You're sober right now? :)

So is now when it's safe to come on RI?

The days have been brutal - I've had my troll stompin' boots on for a while now.

Here's some Respect from SI:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0710/nfl.cheerleaders.redskins/content.1.html

Mornin' Kost.

"The centimetres we need..."
Just doesn't have the same effect.

I agree that Buges is the man on the O line. If anyone can get us thru these injuries, its him. It's too bad Russ Grimm didnt want to come back to us. Maybe he wasnt even given the chance...oh well.

And ur right. CP is a warrior...throwing his body around to prove that hes a team player. Picking up the blitz. But at the end of the day, this is a business. He takes so much heat because we gave up CHAMP BAILEY and a pic just to get him. We then had to incorporate running plays that fit HIM!! He's not that great of a pure RB and was just a product of one of the best rushing systems in the last decade.

That said, Betts may be a product of his system as well...not being a great pure runner. The thing is, that HE is in HIS system and hes healthy.

Jason, your question to Coach Joe made Sportsnet tonight.

Another thing reported on Sportsnet...the defense was being uncharacteristically quiet today...not saying anything about the game...EVEN Smoot.

Nate

This maybe the begining of the debate started last year by the success that betts had when he replaced portis...I think my early blog comments about portis still stand "he is different then i thought"....all i saw was highlights pretty much when he was a bronco, him running for 50, scoring and creating big plays.... compared to what he is now with us and really has been all along a straight ahead runner who is small and very physical and has good top end speed...thats both the upside and the downside he is a good small physical back running in an offense better suited to a big or bigger physical back. all that said betts given a chance could be better suited in some ways he is 20 pounds heaver and runs downhill, also has better vision and feel for the holes but he needs carries, so unless clinton gets hurt not gonna happen..... look everyone here is the bottom line ....running backs in the league are a dime a dozen....unless you have the rare elite player LT, the new kid peterson, LJ the other 28 or so staters are good or serviceable or ok or bad just like the other players in the league....we have 2 good ones, not great but good...our backup maybe better for our style.... but if we can open some holes clinton will be fine

OK, I know Joe likes to be the underdog, but DAMN! A little confidence would make me feel a little better at least.

Also, sween, I think you save Rabach for more winnable games. Think how awful it would be to lose him for the year aina blowout with no conference or divisional implications.

Larry Bud,

Don't let Gibbs "woe is us" remarks to the media fool you. I'm willing to bet he is not saying the same thing to the team. Mark Schlerth was asked this very question yesterday on NFL Live. Schlerth said that Gibbs says things like that to the media - then develops the game plan and tells the players exactly how they are going to win.

Also Gibbs said yesterday that he stayed up until 3:30 am Monday night working on the game plan - that he could not sleep until he had a good sense of what they will be doing.

Hmmm... Looks like I may be mono-blogging during drive time again. That's alright fellas, I'll re-resent!

I got this, up here!

Maybe I should start quoting Irish drinking songs again.

Well, I've been the wild rover for manys the year
And I spent all me money on whiskey and beer

And now that it's over my lesson I've learnt
And I never will play the wild rover no more

And it's no, nay, never (clap, clap, clap clap)
No, nay, never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No, never no more!

I'm watching CNN's coverage of the evacuees at Qualcomm in San Diego and they just interviewed a guy in a Redskins cap! Hope all of our California bloggers and blog-readers are safe.

Thanks for talking me off the ledge, Lisa.

Still think they should wait and see an Rabach, though.

Cindy,

That could have been my cousin. Did he have red hair? Glasses and freckles?

We had the right size and style of runner for Redskins football last year, but didn't use him and let him walk away in free agency (TJD). Now he is with Detroit.

That must be some offensive line he is running behind up there in the Motor City. He had 30+ yards in 4 carries, running up the middle last Sunday against the defense-strong Bucs.

Sorry, but both Gibbs and Saunders appear to be clueless about how to properly use their offensive weapons to the best of each player's abilities. Isn't Williams having more success this year by allowing the defensive players to do what they do best, rather than trying to fit THEM to HIS scheme?

Maybe Gibbs/Saunders should try the same approach. It can't be any worse than what they've been doing the past few weeks.

His first name is Sean. He was there this morning, but last we heard he had gone to Tijuana with his sister, my other cousin.

Lisa,
That sounds like the Gibbs of Gibbs 1.0.
He never rested. He was obsessed.

JLC should ask Gibbs on Friday how bad he wants to win this one.

It's a privilege to go up against a team that's as talented as the Patriots.

This is the super bowl.

Morning 4-12! Bit bored this morning were you? Must have been a difficult decision to drop Jordan Palmer from your fantasy team......less than a minute after you signed him!

Sorry, but this is not the Super Bowl. If we meet Dallas with a decent record then that would be a bigger game than this.

We have our work cut out for us and a win would be great, but this game has no real rivalry element, no implications outside being a huge upset if we win.

BTW, would we have seen Angry Joe if JLC had turned the question around and asked, "Would you bet on your guys if it were legal, Coach?"

For us fans playing against an unbeaten team like the Patriots can be a little worrisome, but for the coaching staff and players, it's the type of challenge they'll love, they'll be looking forward to it. They have the opportunity to be the first ones to beat the Pats, to knock them off their high horse. A game like this can be a coming of age game for a team struggling to find themselves.

I'm looking forward to it, and the good news is, that I get to watch it! WOOHOO!!!

we have 2 good ones, not great but good...our backup maybe better for our style.... but if we can open some holes clinton will be fine

Posted by: Old School | October 24, 2007 06:13 PM

Very well put man. Ur post says it perfectly.

HAIL!!

4-12 - Here's one for you mate!

http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=430370

Larry Bud,
I'll grant you that our last game this season may be more important to Redskins fans.

In the NFL every game is a super bowl (metaphorically), because you can't afford to lose one until you clinch a playoff berth, at which point...everything changes.

So to divert the discussion, what happens to the undefeated team that has clinched a playoff spot that faces a regular season opponent that desperately needs a win?

How important is that undefeated season versus keeping your best players healthy for the playoffs?

I can't thinking if we see an undefeated team, it'll kind of be an accident, then again, you can almost count on that kind of hubris from Belicheat. And their so, deep they might just pull it off, with injuries.

Sorry, but this is not the Super Bowl. If we meet Dallas with a decent record then that would be a bigger game than this.

Posted by: Larry Bud | October 24, 2007 06:46 PM

You're right......we'll be playing the Colts in the Super Bowl!

Skins will win on Sunday for the following reasons:

1)This is a perfect trap game for the Patriots. Huge win last week combined with even bigger game next week at Colts.

2)Patriots don't have a running game. There are several explanations for this, including that they haven't had to even try to run. However, even if Maroney is back at full-speed, Morris is out and Faulk is not an every down back.

3)Piggybacking on #2, the Double G has shown what he can do against arguably the 2nd best pass-first defense (Detroit), and the results were astounding. Not saying this will be like Detroit, but I am saying that it will not be business as usual for Brady, Moss & Co.

4)Grandma Gibbs knows that the only way to beat the Pats is with heavy, successful doses of Portis, Betts, and Sellers. His conservativeness will actually help in this matchup.

5)Campbell has proven that he will not lose a game for us. This is a big step, but this week, I'm predicting that he will prove that he can WIN a game for us. To do it, he will undoubtedly need major help from the running game, but I predict that he will make several big plays with his feet, and 1-2 big plays with his arm.

6)The Skins are as healthy as they've been since Jansen and Thomas went down. I'm assuming that Marcus and Wade and Rabach will all play, as reports have indictated that they will.

7)Lastly, this team, despite being 4-2 has much to prove. This is a statement game in the truest sense of the word. If there is ever a good time to play the Pats, other than when Brady and Moss are injured, it is now.

PREDICTION: Redskins win in a squeaker, with the defense making a last second stand.

Portis and Betts need to be used as receivers, Neither is going to get much done running and they both are good in the open field.

"You've got to be careful against these guys," said quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, who host the Redskins on Sunday. "I mean, every time the ball gets thrown in the air, Sean Taylor makes an interception."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-10-24-26061668_x.htm

I came very close to pulling out the hammer. I odered my L2 75th jersey Sept 16th. The Skins web site states 3-4 for delivery. The rep just told me it will not be here until the end of Nov. WTF!!!! She was so nice I couldn't pull the hammer out on her. But damn this really sucks!

Williams and Gray also credited an improved cast around Taylor, who had to work alongside miscast safety Adam Archuleta most of last year.

LMGO! Cold but true.

This is the funniest official review on NFLN I have ever seen!

The last line on that article on the Reaper.
Mark your calendars peeps

"The Nov. 18 game at Dallas has been moved from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. to accommodate television."

Brought this up in an earlier thread. Atlanta released DT/NT Grady Jackson in an apparent youth movement. Jackson, 35, led team in tackles and was a stalwart on d-line. Cornerback D'Angelo Hall, very upset and in last year of contract, called out his rookie coach.

Jackson could be a good insurance pick up if one of ours goes down...just sayin.

Perhaps Hall would be a nice addition in the off season, being a VT grad and all(not so sure about his character, though).

"POSTED 6:01 p.m. EDT, October 24, 2007

LEWIS-THOMAS FEUD ESCALATES

Okay, so now Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas and Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis are trading verbal barbs. And they don't even play each other this week.

Thomas used to play next to Lewis in Baltimore. Recently, Thomas has this to say to Sports Illustrated about his new team, and his old one: "You've got to remember, I'm coming in from Baltimore. People there wanted the limelight, people sought out the limelight, starting with the head coach. It was a star-studded system. Here it's about as different as you can get. Everybody here shies away from being the star guy. Nobody on this team beats his chest. They just all go about their business. And win."

........................

Thomas responded on Wednesday: "As far as calling me a coward I think that goes to something personal. I don't like it. I will address that with him personally myself. To attack my integrity and say you had to make a scheme up for me. . . . I didn't know they made up outside linebacker for me. I know he was crying about a big guy in the middle so you can keep blockers off of you. I mean, I don't know if that's a scheme made for you or not."

Rrrowwwwww.
"

So, that is atleast one player not thinking about the Redskins. Next!

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8038ed6d&template=with-video&confirm=true&campaign=ec0005

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, whose team plays at New England on Sunday, said Seymour's possible return would make the 7-0 Patriots even more dangerous.

"They have (talent) all the way across the board," Gibbs said. "You hate to see them get somebody back that's a high-quality guy, too, to add to it. Not a pretty picture."

Earlier this week, Gibbs predicted that the Redskins would "probably be the biggest underdog in the history of sports" against the Patriots, whom he called a "juggernaut."

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who has thrown 27 touchdown passes already, said Gibbs was "blowing smoke."

"I promise you that he's not telling his team that," Brady said. "That sounds like something that coach Belichick would say, so he's trying to butter us up. You know, it doesn't work for us. We know what we're getting ourselves into."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-patriots-seymour&prov=ap&type=lgns

JC on Rome is Burning today:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZO8JGzSHphA

I forgot to add in the last mesage, since when was Ashburn located in WA? LOL Idiots.

JC is interviewing from Asburn, Washington (state that is)?

Redcoat,

Please send a request to Dolphins management to request that Channing Crowder not be allowed to speak with the media. Yikes!

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2007/10/24/crowder_discovers_he_wont_need.html

One of few positive articles containing the words "Redskins" and "draft:"

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7370044

Pats up against a formidable defense

http://www.projo.com/patriots/content/sp_fbn_patside25_10-25-07_B57K0MT_v11.2cfe5f2.html

"TMQ has noted before that defenses run by the tastefully named Gregg Williams perform better when Williams resists the urge to call lots of blitzes. Now, as pointed out by Ben Domenech of Leesburg, Va.,, Washington Times sportswriter Ryan O'Halloran has the chapter and verse. In his first season as the Redskins' defensive coordinator in 2004, O'Halloran notes, Williams called blitzes on 51 percent of the opposition's snaps. This season, Washington blitzed just once in a two-week span of games against Detroit and Green Bay, while often Williams has called three-man rushes, with a defensive lineman dropping into the slant zones to confuse the opposing quarterback. This year, as the Redskins have rarely blitzed, the team's sack total is up while its points-allowed number is down."

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/10/injury_update_6.html

"Patriots' wide receiver Randy Moss vs. Redskins' secondary

It's not so much that the Washington Redskins' secondary is weak, it's just that Randy Moss is that good. Twice against the Dolphins last week he made virtually impossible catches, one from a 35-yard pass, the other from a 50-yard throw.

On both occasions Moss had two safeties covering him. He rose above them to make the catches look easy. The receiver leads the league in touchdowns and receiving yards for the season mainly because he is the go-to guy for the league's most accurate quarterback, Tom Brady.

The Redskins, meanwhile, could be without corner back Fred Smoot after he pulled his hamstring in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. Backup Shawn Springs looks set to face the league's leading receiver.

New England is a 16-point home favorite. "

http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=152844&t=0

Stat worth yakking about
Yards after catch have helped cause

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/10/24/stat_worth_yakking_about/

Sorry, but this is not the Super Bowl. If we meet Dallas with a decent record then that would be a bigger game than this.

We have our work cut out for us and a win would be great, but this game has no real rivalry element, no implications outside being a huge upset if we win.

Posted by: Larry Bud | October 24, 2007 06:46 PM

I hear you, but think about this. All of us in the NFC East have to play NE once this year. Dallas has already lost to them, and I just don't feel Eli beating them. We win Sunday and we get a game up on our main rivals this year. Could come in handy at wildcard time if we don't take the division outright. So I like how this game works into the NFC East schedule for us.

But I won't even speculate what horror waits for PHI at Belicheat's hands this year. One could almost feel pity. Nah!

JustMe, that 10:09 ProJo article, notice the damning by faint praise (i.e., not even a mention) of the corners. Look for them sending all three (Moss/Welker/Stallworth) repeatedly right at Rogers.

Sorry, the link for the 10:16pm post should have been http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/071024

Sween,

I think Rogers will hold up fine as long as he doesn't have to deal w/ Moss by himself. He seems to do okay as long as the receivers aren't significantly bigger than he is and there are no jumpballs involved, as he seems to mistime those. Ugh.

Good thinking, Lurky boy -- anybody running scenarios which result from a Skins win Sunday is fine by me.

Pats sched after Sunday's loss...
at Indy, BYE, at Buffalo, vs. Philly, at Baltimore
home to Steelers, Jets, Dolphins,
then the season finale at Giants

As you said, Philly is going to get crushed in that game, no question. But the season finale... since they won't be playing to go undefeated, they'll be resting starters. The Giants will be playing at home and most likely fighting for a playoff berth, playoff seeding and maybe even the division title. So for what it's worth, says here the Jints will take that season finale...

the spread for the whole game is 17 pts...and considering the Redskins second half woes, it might not be a bad bet on the Pats to cover.

however, i just realized that the halftime spreads for sunday's game is 10.5 pts. I think that's an automatic bet on the Skins. I can see the skins doing what they did against the Colts last year. They had the lead 17-14 going into the second half, and then were dismantled.
here's to $100 on Skins to cover at halftime!

108th!!!

I realize most folks are asleep, but here goes anyway.

It may sound like bad sportsmanship, but why not blitz with safeties and lbs until Brady goes down? I mean seriously, how long would it take? Two quarters, maybe three? The pats are mediocre at best without him. We all know great WRs are meaningless with a bad qb. Why aren't more teams following Pit's model when they erased C. Palmer to quickly kill the bengals playoff hopes? The Pats are done if someone bends Brady.

You all may find this shocking coming from me but my tiny hope that we can pull this game off is now dashed. I just watched the Skins/Cardinals game again on NFL Replay and in the second half Warner (with one arm) was making pass after pass for long yardage to his TALL receivers. I did not notice this so much on Sunday because I was experiencing cardiac arrest towards the end of the game. If Warner with one arm can do this, Brady the amazing man with Moss will be far more formidable.

Another downer: Bram Weinstein said he had a conference call with Belichick today and that Belichick has studied and knows all our players and their capabilities (and deficiencies) in depth.

Lisa, I agree with you to an extent. The most disturbing part of the Cardinals game was how the Defense regressed to the same that played the Giants in the second half. I know they may have been gassed for being on the field so long but they didn't help themselves out with those two penalties on the third quarter drive.

I know the corners being banged up may have also been a factor but in the 'Jasno's four game stretch', the defense had proved for two and half games that they didn't need to blitz to contain the passing game. Now Belicheat can see what putting our defense on the field for more than 15 minutes a half can do. (See Giants and Cardinals - both passing offenses.)

The Cardinals use of the hurry up to give them more plays in the first half helped them later on as it wore down the defense. Obviously you can run downhill on a defense and wear them out, but you can also simply complete the short pass time after time to wear it out as well.

Obviously, the offensive coaches wanted to control the clock with the run/dink-and-dunk passing but it ultimately back-fired. Hopefully they will look at the 3-4 and find a way to control the line of scrimage and ultimately the game.

One thing the Cardinals and Giants have that the Lions, Packers, and Patriots don't is a running game.

Yep west coast without Brady, Moss is pantomooning Bills fans.

Lisa, it wasn't the Cards' receivers' height as much as it was the time our D spent on the field in the second half. So long as the secondary keeps Welker and Stallworth in check the Skins should be fine.

10-6 baby!!

Nate,

I also agree with your assessment on the Patriots not playing their starters against the Giants. Even if their 15-0, why would they risk Brady to that pass rush for a full game?

bangkok ben the Pats "didn't" have a running game after Maroney and then Morris got hurt. Lost in all the hype about Brady to anyone with two hands is the fact that the Pats ran the ball more than 30 times a game up until the Dallas game. With Maroney's return I am sure the Skins are going to see more of the running game.

LH,

I was under the impression that he wouldn't be back at full strength.

He avg'd 5 ypc on 6 carries. I think they were easing him back plus the game was a blow out in the 2d qtr. I think he runs more this week if only b/c the Pats appear to respect the Skins pass D.

Plus he wasn't mentioned in the Pats injury report Wednesday.

More on the Lions analogy.

Who are the Pats wide outs.

Stallworth, Welker, R. Moss.

They have no TE threat.

Running backs are hurt.

Who presents a match up problem.

Only R. Moss.

In the lions game only Roy Williams was the real problem. But everyone was afraid of CJ, furry ect.

The key is time for Brady much like the 91 skins. If Brady has time he will kill you. If he does not he will not kill anyone. He is smart and accurate but has an average arm and little mobility.

The skins can rush 5 or 6 people without sure doom because their secondary can cover two of the Pats wide outs one on one.

The Pats are better than the Skins but the Skins do not have to play the perfect game to win. (this is only true if we have are O line back this week)

NOV 18th game at Texas Stadium has been moved from 1 pm to 4:15

M&M
pressure Brady and we can Win?
You are such a football genius and saying the O-line has to be there is just another great football point,Im surprised you didnt add the WRs who have O TDs? Pats no matter how many #1s are on a Defense will score Minimum 21pts,Skins offense will be lucky to score 10 and this might be a SHUTOUT!

jm220
I have to agree with you. I'd love to see the Skins win this one, but in my heart I know it just ain't going to happen.

Is it me or JLC keep saying the same thing week after week? Damn we all know you don't like the Dan and the front office.

I for one am ready for lust for mayhem come Sunday. Once the Reaper and L2 lay some wood. We will see how great the WR group is.

I don't think the issue will be our defense. We match up with anyone out there. I just don't see us scoring. I will be the same old 3 and outs that we have been seeing for the last couple of weeks.

Redcoat,

Please send a request to Dolphins management to request that Channing Crowder not be allowed to speak with the media. Yikes!

Posted by: JustMe | October 24, 2007 09:51 PM

Hey JustMe, thanks for posting that, I need cheering up right now!

Channing is known for having a pretty warped sense of humour. I know he got about a 30 on the Wonderlic (is that good?) and he graduated early from college with a really good GPA.

He's also completely nuts. :-)

Obviously, Jason didn't vet his column with Lisa before it was printed in the Post. According to Lisa, our offense is getting better each week. I'm sure Jason must have his stats confused.

I know that 95-yard passing performance last week has the Pats quaking in their cleats.

Seriously, when you assemble all that talent and do nothing with it, isn't that a coaching problem? Especially when you're four years into your head coaching job?

I know all of us were hard on double-G last year. But he clearly made adjustments and smart off-season moves, and also was just snakebit last year. The stats were so bad last year that it really seems to be an aberration. But offensively, we just seem to be stuck in the doldrums. I think what aggravates so many of us is that this is a championship-level defense, and we're sick about seeing it potentially go to waste.

I could take a lack of scoring if we could at least chew up the clock in the 2nd half and not hand other teams the ball on our side of the 50.

Any chance the Falcons cut Hall before our game against the Pats? I'm not sayin, I'm just sayin....

Was just surfin the internets whenI cam across this article about a guy running for mayor in Portland named Sam Adams. Apparently, the brewery is causing this guy some legal trouble for using his own name.

I love his web address. It's samforpdx.org. I wonder if he's got nate advising him. Anywho, here's a link to the article. Makes me want to boycott the brewery.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071025/ap_on_re_us/odd_candidate_vs__beer

M&M,

Ref Pats TE's:

Ben Watson has more catches, yards and TD's than Cooley this year and that's not even including what Kyle Brady has done. If we sit in Cover 2 this weekend you'll hear plenty about their TE's running down the seems.

Sorry he has 2 fewer catches than Cooley just looked it up but more yards and TD's.

skinz
we have enough #1s in the secondary its time to get #1 at DE?

Montana'Skins Fan maybe if we didn't have so many injuries on the line the O would produce. Look at who played last week on the O line.

Who are the Pats wide outs.

Stallworth, Welker, R. Moss.

They have no TE threat.

Posted by: M&M | October 25, 2007 06:30 AM

Ben Watson is a big threat this weekend. We have agressive linebackers that play close to the line. A play action fake will sucker our LBs while Watson can slip behind them. That is what happened to Rocky on the long pass play to Donald Lee. Of course, if Double Move makes the tackle, that play is not as bad.

My point is that I fear Watson picking up 10-15 yards a shot and allowing the Patriots to keep moving the ball. He is good after the catch, so he may be able to turn a couple passes into long gainers.

Do not discount Watson.

http://www.nfl.com/players/benjaminwatson/profile?id=WAT311042

Is Watson definitely playing this week?

I thought he was hurt.

Incidentally, another reason to boycott Sam Adams, at least this week, is that they're out of Boston.

Larry Bud,

I don't know if Watson's playing this week or not, but I read last night that he hasn't been practicing.

This from cbs sportsline.com

"Patriots TE Ben Watson (chest) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 8 vs. Washington. Watson missed his first game of the season Week 7 against the Dolphins. In the previous six games, he has 18 catches for 222 yards and five touchdowns.
(Updated 10/24/2007). "

injuries are NEVER an excuse jm220! All teams go through injuries and its bad LUCK on some and POOR conditioning on others.Redskins have MULTIPLE injuries every year and SHI*Y backups.I lean toward age and poor conditioning with them on most!

I have to agree with you on that one nyskinfan.

Why do you guys keep responding to the fake Jm220? If you have been reading the real jm's posts in the past it is evident the fake cat is not him. Don't know why the jerk persists in trying to con us.

Username: Larry Bud
Password: F FAKERS!

Larry B, whats up with the Boston hate?

That wouldn't actually be my password...

nyskinsfan when you are playing your 3rd string O lineman no team is going to pruduce great numbers.

Greg,

Nothing personal, just that the Boston Brewing Co. (Sam Adams) is trying to scew a guy who's running for mayor in the pdx by not allowing him to use his own name, which is actually Sam Adams.

And, of course, we're playing the Patriots this week.

Re: Bram Interview with Cheatin Bill, I hope Bellechick has a crystal ball, cuz we have not blitzed anyone all year, so he may not know how to prepare or what formation its comin out of when it hits pretty boy Brady, like an Anvil on his forhead.

I remember last year we got to Peyton Manning and soft of twisted his head back and slammed him into the pavement and went into halftime with the lead.

This year we have Landry and Reaper, Rocky and Fletcher out sharkin in the flats, plus Springs is healthy. It's time for a statement game.

I just get the feeling that if the Offense rises to the occaision, we could see something competitive. I almost wish Grilliams and Reaper would go individually and meet two on one with Saunders, Portis, and Santana and sort of call them all out, "It's guy check time". "Let loose on offense". We'll play loose on defense. The pressure is on the Pats to go in against Indy undefeated.

10-4.

On a Redskins note, I watched the game on NFL Network last night, and Pucillo, was getting BLOWN UP, pushed back, destroyed all game long. Portis was having to make cuts 2-3 yards deep just to avoid Pucillo falling backwards. Proving how valuble Rabach is, and if he can play, how much we'll need him against Vince Wilfolk.

*** Troll Stomping Post ***

Yo turdbreath! are we at it again? Let's recap:

1) Your moms still 'does things' for money
2) You still haven't addressed why you're such a d-bag.

*** End Troll Stomping ***

Greg(Boston),

Clearly you're a Portis apologist. The patchwork line actually played fairly well. PORTIS IS NOT IN SHAPE. Get that through your head son. PORTIS IS NOT IN SHAPE. He is a career slacker who got by on raw talent early in his career and now he's 25 and D-O-N-E. Deal with it.

Lisa - it about broke my heart when you posted that about watching the 'Zona game on Replay.

Remember, we were letting them move the ball, but not giving up the TD (until we did... doh!) expecting the offense to at least get a first down in there somewhere...

I'm anxious to see the gameplan this week - but something tells me it won't be 'business as usual'

Lisa ROOOOLZ
Faker DROOOLZ

Portis doesn't need apologies. He f'n rocks. You put any back ('cept mebbe B. Sanders) behind that line and they'll have major problems.

All heart.

I hadn't seen that Sam Adams vs. Sam Adams story, LB, thanks for the link.

F the hyper-litigious culture we live in. Send a cease-and-desist letter first, ask questions later.

The real Sam Adams seems like a pretty good guy, and he lives in my part of town (North Portland represent!), and he will probably get my vote.

The dude announced his mayoral candidacy at an organic brewery, for goodness' sake!

(I am a homer)

Watson may or may not be hurt on Sunday. But he is not a 'weapon'. Any pro can hurt you if you leave him alone in space. We do not have to play run so bringing the LB up on play action is not be such a problem. Any LB we have can cover Watson. We can't give Brady too much time (we all know this) and we can't let people slip out. I think we can blitz without being killed every play.

Yes skins have to play smart but the D has for the most part.

So Pats are going to score but not more than 25 in my estimation (I am an expert). We can win. Moss and O line are looking better for this week.

Also stats can be miss leading. Watson vs Cooley is not even a contest.

Greg, you got Wayned bro!!!

Wayne,

I'm not appologist but look at last weeks game, ANY run up the middle and Portis made a cut in the backfield.

O-lineman are trained to hold there blocks for a second or two then go to the second level (LB's, safeties) if you RB has to cut in the backfield he doesn't hit the whole quick enough.

Portis' lack of explosiveness usually shows up on those pitches but Greg is right about last weeks game and it wasn't just Puch.

Riggins said Poochie looked like he had on roller skates the entire game. LMGO

Hopefully, that's the last we'll see of him starting.

JLC, Way to setup a Friday Swinging Soul Gibbs Storm... Encourage Gary Coleman to ask Gibbs about again on Friday... That would be nice!

Am I the only one anxiously awaiting Grilliams' presser today?

As Lisa mentioned yesterday, the defensive players they showed on Comcast were unnaturally subdued. They couldn't get a good quote out of Smootie???

Before the Detroit game, Grilliams talked about smacking down their receivers. I imagine his tone will be quite different today. It'll be interesting to see if his performance today mirrors that of his players yesterday.

You guys with the Clinton Portis knee pads on? I respect your loyalty but dude, wake up and smell the ben-gay. He's partly hurt and mostly just out of shape. Please, PLEASE don't give me that "the line let him down" B-S becuase he hasn't done jack squat ALL F-ING YEAR! So Clinton? Go dress in drag some more, make your lame Eastern's ads, buy some more expensive fish, continue to trivialize dogfighting (Hun-tin is le-gal) and hope to be traded to Miami (who will desperatly need a RB for next season anyway) and stop acting like you're not getting opportunities. God, I think I just threw up in my mouth.

Wayne, couple things:

First, don't call me son. I've got a name, I CLEARLY state what my name is, hopefully you can figure that out.

Go watch the game, and tell me how well Pucillo played. Then we can talk.

God, I think I just threw up in my mouth.

Posted by: Wayne P. | October 25, 2007 09:54 AM

-----------------------------------

Now you know how the rest of us feel when we read that caca you write.

So Wayne, I gotta ask, do you think we would have gotten significantly more production out of the run game if Betts had been our starter so far this season? Behind this O line?

Really?

Wayne P WTF! Do you need a hug or something? If you don't like the way he is playing attack that not the person. Reaching under the desk and pulling out the hammer. Double smack to the back of you damn head. Now take a deep breath and relax. Damn!

OK... I'm not ready to throw CP under the bus as some of you are now... To me, it's simply the O-Line. I am a bit of a Homer as most here... but this quote from JLC's article today definitely has me thinking CP is delusional... Sorry, but I don't buy it... Definitely not at this time. Stop talking and start walking... I'm sick to death of hearing about the potential of the Offense, its all BS until they start doing something...

-------------
"Talent-wise, I think we [are] the most talented team in the NFL. It's discipline. It's coming together and playing as a team," Portis said. "When it comes to talent, I think we've got more talent than anybody, including the Patriots. You look at the receiving corps they put together, I think our receiving corps is just as talented."
---------

Excuses, excuses, excuses... Shutup and f'in play like your the most talented!

It's a figure of speach there skippy. Un-bunch your panties and understand that you calling out a fill-in center as the reason why the run game didn't go is totally bas-ackwards. How many sacks did this skeleton crew give up? One? Dude, you're barking up the wrong tree. You make it seem like I am imagining Potris SUCKING ROYAL ELEPHANT PENIS. You think he's a premier back? You think he's a leader? He takes off every other play and misses about 1 practice a week and has decided he's too valuable for training camp? These are facts, man. I think you need to snap oout of it and understand that Clinton Portis is done here.

Greg(Boston) how are you son. LMGO! I just could help myself.

JM, I'm good DAD, thanks. Tell mom I said I'll be home for dinner.

ITA on wayne.

*** Troll Stomp ***

Are you arguing w/ yourself again?

There ain't enough Thorazine in the world, pally.

*** End Troll Stomp ***

Greg good to see that you took it in the spirit it was meant. I am with you on Wayne. Life is way too short.

The only reason I am down on Clinton Tortise is that he gives no effort. I want to see players like Rock and Caveman and even Betts (who did have a 10-yard burst up the middle coming off the bench cold and then Clinton Tortise cherry-picked the short TD). I want gamers. I want guys that feel fortunate to be playing a game of pro football on Sunday. I want a guy that participates in OTA's, training camp AND practice. I want all those things from Portis and he does what he's best at - not delivering.

I can not feel my legs. NE isn't making me too nervous...I don't get it...AZ made me more nervous...
It's as simple as this...we're expected to lose so who cares if we do, it's what is "supposed" to happen. I have a feeling we walk out of NE with a win, oh and I will punch Tom Brady in his goider.

HAIL!

Portis gives no effort? You lost any and all credibility with that one statement.

Don't Wayne me BRO!!!!

JustMe?

Nice effort in training camp? Nice effort in OTA's? Nice effort in practice? Nice effort after ripping off an 8-yard gain then making a MAJOR effort to leave the game for a breather.

N I C E E F F O R T!

Look for "Don't Wayne Me 'Bro" bumper-stickers and t-shirts/sweatshirts (yes, "hoodies" too) coming to a store near you!

I am faster than Clinton Portis.

I like Clinton Portis' effort.

****You know who****- I'm proud of you for ignoring the troll who doesn't even have the balls to call you out by name. Keep it up and he'll go away for good.

Kind of a fantasy post, I guess, but last week I picked up TE Kyle Brady (the OTHER Brady) and he got me a ton of yards and a TD (maybe two ... he and Welker each got one ... one of them got a second). I don't know what the deal is about Watson, but I do know that K. Brady has fire.

p.s. Kyle Brady (Jax last year) is one of the TEs that Jasno thought we'd be picking up before the Skins re-signed Yoder.

*** Troll Stompin ***

Braggin' about Waynin' is like
doing an oilpainting of a doodie.

*** End Troll Stompin ***

Dik? A self portrait to be sure.

The dude announced his mayoral candidacy at an organic brewery, for goodness' sake!

Posted by: Nate in the PDX | October 25, 2007 09:35 AM

Hmmm... That might have been a mistake, given his name and all.

Seriously, the Boston Brewing Co. sent the letter to two pdx DJs that were supporting his candidacy. They didn't even know if the guy was actually real or not. Now their lawyer is saying that they'll let him use his name till the election is over. Can you believe that SJK!

Sam Adams the candidate is also tre hunky, gals.

There I go all Dumbledore again.

Wayne P- I'm with you- Portis is a chump and a lazy bum. What we have here is anothe case of Gibbs sticking with a player too long. Betts needs to start and get twice as many carries as Portis.

Maybe we can turn this offense around next year or the year after or the year after. Enough is enough with the excuses.

Dude - it doesn't matter how many names you post under, you're still an annoying jerk w/ no life.

How much does it cost to power all those laptops - oh, I'm sure your mom's tips cover it....

Any LB we have can cover Watson.
-M&M

We've had real issues with this guy in the past. He lit Arch Deluxe up a couple of times.

Also, Wayne, dude, you give those of us with any real inclination to agree with your ideas serious pause with all the personal garbage. I've already said I think CP has lost something and may trying to be too much of a superhero as have many others up here. All this self-righteous blathering you do taints the rest of us with irrationality.

So please, chill. Before I get my lawyer to send you a cease and desist.

*** More Troll Bashing ***

Uh, yeah Wayne - you were doing it...

1) You admit people give ur mom $$ for rides and

2) You admit you're a cagation

*** Troll Bashes Himself ***

RC, agreed. Clinton Tortise is counting the days 'til retirement. he's set for life and doesn't want to play anymore as evidenced by not participating with his teammates in camp/prectice/ota's etc. Gibbs? Sticking with a player too long? When has that ever happened? I wish RB's got paid by the yard. CP would never leave the game.

Blog - feel free to ITA trolls.. I'll keep stompin' & bashin'.

All I ask is that I get a little decent RI blog response when I post something serious, k?

Thanks!!

Larry, I went to a better law school. But try as you must.

You dudes want to get together and watch the game? Or maybe just get together ;-)

Wayne,

I am sore afeared for your clients if you use that kind of personal argumentation on their behalf.

See, as a juror in the "Wayne v. CP" as to whether or not CP is over the hill, I might be inclined to find in your favor based on the merits, but because your litigation style is hackneyed I find that your are an A$$ Clown and are hereby sentenced to complete and total Ingored Status.

So who here will be surprised if Betts gets the start this Sunday. Oh yeah, not me! I could see it happening. Gibbs will use words like, "change it up", "need a spark", "Betts fights his guts out" and when Gibby can't think of anything to say he just drops in, "..well that there is just a football deal..." I could see it happening and I honestly believe it gives the 'Skins a better chance and gaining yards on the ground - which will be wet if the weather reports are accurate.

Dik,

I, for one, am not ignoring you. Sorry if you feel that way.

Larry, you'd have never made it past voire dire. Can you say, preemtive strike? i knew you could.

Ok. I'm back. Only to remind you that a lot of people who used their heads instead of their hearts stated that the Skins would belucky to go 10-6... We are probably an 8-8 team. If your O cannot score, you will not win. Although we have a great D, it is not enough to overcome an O that is "3 and out" more often than not. Prediction: Cowher is new head coach by June.

Morning everyone. I open up RI, and what do I see? More disrespect to people who opinion is different from yours. I was going to see if I could call a cease fire, but when I seen what everyone was pissed about, I must say ITA. (Original)

Wayne,
How could you call Clinton Portis soft? How could you say he doesn't work hard? Are you noticing how Clinton picks up LB's?
Are you aware the the O-line has lost 3/5? (4/5 were lost for the last game)

Usually I like when people give their perspective on a topic. In this case I'm siding with most of the blog. I won't dis or rip you, but dude you need a hard dose of reality.

I find it ironic how people, not many, just a few, here make innane comments when I lay out the facts about Clinton "hun-tin is le-gal" Portis then get their panties in a bunch when I fire back. there aren't rules here, at least none I see enforced. Please you lifeless little cube-dwellers, get off my sack and stick to the Redskins. I may be abrasive, but I am all about this team. Many of the so-called 'regs' here are just mad that there are people who don't genuflect upon reading their spew. Sack up men, are you so sensitive that you feel your coffee has been pissed in if someone jabs you now and then. I actually enjoy it. It demonstrates enthusiasm. I bet you haters also beat your kids, cheat on your taxes, and hold a disdainful look at anyone who utilizes their right to speak here in a manner in which you disagree. Thank you for focusing half of the posts here on me. I do so love the attention.

Smile people. It's Thursday. One day till the weekend. We really get to see our D test their mettle against a grade A offense. Looks like Rabach will be back (hooray) and Randy Thomas is a healing machine. 10-6 isn't unreasonable at all and St. Joe loves you. There's no need for koolaid, just keep your head up.

Portis is a fag.

I still don't get the Cowher love. Yes, he won one Super Bowl (off the knee of Carson Palmer), but he was a long-time nad scratcher like every other over-the-hill Tom, Dick, and Shanahan head coach.

Keep your Cowher. Gimme Tomlin. [Also willing to accept either of Buddy Ryan's sons, Ron Rivera, whoever the offensive line coach is on the team with the most rushing yards, and ... wait for it ... Grilliams ... at least he knows the locker room ... and that he will need someone else to coach the offense.]

"Smile people. It's Thursday. One day till the weekend. We really get to see our D test their mettle against a grade A offense. Looks like Rabach will be back (hooray) and Randy Thomas is a healing machine. 10-6 isn't unreasonable at all and St. Joe loves you. There's no need for koolaid, just keep your head up."

Posted by: Junior | October 25, 2007 10:50 AM

This is a trick post ... from a blogger with the last name Seau.

... Grilliams

NOOOOOOOOO! I gave his respect for turning the D around. But no way in God's green earth I want him as Head Coach

Wyatt. Amen sir. I have heard rumors about Cowher. Would that just be Danny being Danny or do you believe there is a real shot at him? I don't know of any ties he might have to this area or team. He does command the respect of his players and now that he wears a ring, even more so. I am on board with your take that this may be an 8-8 team. I would counter that with my prediction of 10-6 and I do remember at the beginning of pre-season (with the London/Smoot signings) that we might look a lot like the 2000 Ravens.

Not so sure about Cowher- but this team does need a head coach in that mold. The type of coach who doesn't put up with crap and can get the most out of the talent he has.

Sweeny I'm hurt. I come from a long line of Skins fans. I was here for '91 and here for Gus "Head Bangers Ball" Ferrotte. I was here when Michael Westbrook was too dumb to keep his helmet on straight. I was here for the Ballcoach's golf-course wuss-out call. I was here for Sean Taylor turning TO's into TD's when we made our playoff push.

Plus, I've posted here before. ;)

More drama this morning...sigh. I think Portis has lost a step but in no way is it all his fault and to suggest he just doesn't try is BS plain and simple.

I don't think he wanted to do anything in the offseason but he's not lazy game day, no way. He hustles after plays to make blocks and blows up pass rushers.

The denial here is thicker than Tony Siragusa. DaTruef??? You just said in your own words you think Clinton Soreness didn't want to do anything during the off season. On game day, it's not a question of being lazy THEN. he's ineffective on game day because he was lazy in the off season. Doesn't that make sense?

5 smacks to the back of my balls to Da Truef.

"I don't think he wanted to do anything in the offseason but he's not lazy game day, no way. He hustles after plays to make blocks and blows up pass rushers."

Maybe he should use some of that effort when running the ball?

We got an A???????? Weird, but I aint complanin'

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7370044

While I don't agree that Betts is better than Portis, I do think that it wouldn't be a bad idea to start Betts, and as the game continues on they could sub in Portis more and more, and eventually leave him out there after he gets his legs under him. (I'm guessing 7 to 5 min left in the 2nd quarter) I don't know what can jump start this offense everything seems problematic right now it maybe could be traced to the O-line. I know they're trying and Joe Bugel is pouring syrup on chitt and calling it pancakes, but its difficult to watch.

No it doesn't make any sense, because were that the case he'd be getting better as the season progressed not worse which is the case. Surely you can use that famed logic of yours to figure that out no Matlock?

I challenge anyone here to explain why Denver was willing to let go of a RB who in his first 2 years ran for 3000 yards. yes Bailey is a very good CB but at the time, I don't remember anyone crying NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. By the way, is it me or did Champ Bailey not become the world-beater he is until he got to Denver anyway? I am waiting to hear why the Broncs let him go. I don't think I have ever really gotten a straight scoop on that issue.

Cowher is a bit over-rated. But the main reason I don't want him here is that he's already been to the promised land. He has the same motivation issue that Ginns 2.0 has, IMO.

"I am waiting to hear why the Broncs let him go."

Wayne, am I missing something? I believe he's still on the Bronco's roster.

To the all of the Negative Nellies...

We are 4-2. We'll probably be 4-3 after this weekend but we then play the J-E-T-S YUCKS YUCKS YUCKs, that's probably 5-3. If someone told me we'd be 5-3 at this point in preseason that would make me happy.

Foxboro, MA (thanks, weather.com)

Oct 28 Sunday
Sunny. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the upper 30s.

SkinsRealist, you are the voice of reason. You sound like King Midas in your wisdom. I agree with every sentence you wrote. Even the one about Portis being "better" than Betts. It's not that I think Portis has no talent, rather, he has no desire and that is painfully obvious. Joe Bugs'O-line is a patchwork of barely-healthy bodies, yes, we all see that. But Jesus, IF YOU RIP OFF AN 8-YARD RUN, STAY IN THE GAME AND DO IT AGAIN RATHER THAN TROTTING OFF THE FIELD FOR A BLOW!!! That's all I am saying. I think the tandem of Betts and Sellers would really make a difference and even inspire the defense above their already stellar play.

Junior, just having some midmorning fun. I read through that thinking "this sounds good," then when I got to the bit about Rabach being back, it occurred to me that an overrated LB might be pleased about the return of a recovering center. Go Skins!

The o-line is the problem, not the backs! Ladell Betts avg ypc is 2.9 this year compared with 4.7 last year. Is he lazy too? He must be. What else could cause a drop of almost 2 yards per carry?? Oh wait, maybe a completely different O-LINE!! Wake up!!

Junior? That whole post was about why the Broncs let Portis go.

*** Troll Bash ***

So I step away from my desk you post as me?! Chicken SJK.

How on earth is being gay means for derision?!

Just proving your complete inanity.

*** End Troll Bash ***

Wayne, you can look at just about all the archives for the answer to your question.

a. I think Gibbs stays another year and fulfills his contract.

3. I'm not interested in Cowher.

f. I'm only slightly interested in Grilliams. I saw this movie one time, where the defensive assistant coach took over after serving honorably under the more offensively minded head coach. It was a horror movie, and it was called the Redskins' 1993 season.

Some of you can't see the forrest for the trees here. Betts ypc being down? Dude, you're comparing apples to oranges. When Betts was a starter and getting more than a series here and a series there and a 3rd down here and a 1st down carry there and setting up CP for a cheap TD - he was brilliant. You think that his ypc equates to laziness? What are you on? I'd like to buy some for my trip to the beach this weekend.

5-3 is great, but a typical kool-aid response.

The main problem is how we got our 2 loses. It's a painful trend for the last 4 years.

Larry Bud! thx 4 havin' my back.

Bring on da Cheatnicks!

"Cowher is a bit over-rated. But the main reason I don't want him here is that he's already been to the promised land. He has the same motivation issue that Gibbs 2.0 has, IMO."

Posted by: Larry Bud | October 25, 2007 11:11 AM

OK re: the ring, but I still maintain that the Bengals were a better team that year and but for Kimo von CheapHit, the Bengals would have met the Shehawks in that SB. Also, would appreciate some insight into what Gibbs' motivation for 2.0 actually was. [Bust in HoF, oodles of money from NASCAR, grandkids, his health considerations and advancing years ... the guy had the Life of Reilly! Why ruin it?]

If Gibbs must go, why Saunders? His offense was it in KC. Really, isn't your point, that the Gibbs has his greedy little mitts in the mix and that's why the cake doesn't taste like chocolate?

IF YOU RIP OFF AN 8-YARD RUN, STAY IN THE GAME AND DO IT AGAIN RATHER THAN TROTTING OFF THE FIELD FOR A BLOW!!! That's all I am saying.
-WayneP.

Then just say it and quit hatin' those who disagree with all the personal SJK.

Whether the rules are follwed or not, they're there.

See, my problem is that I agree with you, Wayne. But the fact that you seem to get pleasure out some infantile need to call names makes me weary of you.

I hate to say it but i agree with Realist.

Nate-we need rain, I want a downpoor with a sloppy field. Someone seed the clouds.

I think now that Clinton Portis recieved a major contract with a double-digit signing bonus, he will set out to prove that he is deserving of such an investment.

Wayne, mensa, watch the replay of the game and tell me where these guys are supposed to run to.
By the way, it's called sarcasm.