FIRST!

FIRST!

Hey Scamp....you didn't just resign from Obama's campaign staff, did you?

Posted by: corkczar | March 7, 2008 05:16 PM

I'm probably (hopefully) missing some joke here because if I thought you were serious I would be inclined to take offense.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | March 7, 2008 07:32 PM

Glad you are back w/the Skins Rock!! Congrats!

I'm glad the rock is back.

scamp, just google "Stephanie Powers"

Sexy Rexy had better get used to the phrase "pick six", cause Brandon won't be helping with the tackles after interceptions.

Rock's a good save -- his return yards are nothing to complain about, and while he probably won't compete for carries, it's good to have him as an option in case of injuries.

Great to have you back Rock. You've always been a core guy for the Maroon and Black.

Inserting his foot in his mouth already... LMGO

Lloyd Signs 1-Year Deal With Bears
By ANDREW SELIGMAN - 1 hour ago
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i02jodCcokjyc9AII3XlfVDywQDwD8V8SH280

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears and inadvertently stirred a quarterback controversy Friday.

"Rex Grossman is the starter," Lloyd said during a conference call.

Well, not exactly.

The Bears have said that Grossman and Kyle Orton will compete for the starting job next season, and Lloyd apparently jumped to a premature conclusion. When asked who told him Grossman would start, the receiver backpedalled.

"That's what I'm assuming," said Lloyd, who was released after two disappointing seasons in Washington. "That's what ..."

His voice trailed off. Then, he said, "Orton and Grossman signed one-year deals. I figured Grossman was the starter. Open competition is what I'm being told right now."

Grossman, who got benched early last season and returned for five games before injuring his left knee, re-signed with the Bears for one year and $3 million with $1.5 million possible in incentives. Orton got a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2009 season.

And just to be clear, offensive coordinator Ron Turner said there will be a competition.

Speaking right after Lloyd, Turner started by saying, "Brandon said that he assumed it would be Rex. I just wanted to clarify that before we got going. You guys know the situation. It's an open competition. Both guys have been told that, and when I talked to Brandon about the quarterback situation, I talked about both guys -- about Rex Grossman and Kyle. We've got two guys who can get the ball to all of our receivers."

While the quarterback competition unfolds, the Bears will also sort out the rotation at wide receiver.

Bernard Berrian signed a six-year, $42 million contract with Minnesota after catching a career-high 71 passes for 951 yards and five touchdowns for Chicago, and the team released veteran Muhsin Muhammad. That leaves Lloyd and the recently signed Marty Booker competing with holdovers Mark Bradley, Devin Hester and, possibly, restricted free agent Rashied Davis.

Lloyd played for Turner at Illinois and said that was a big factor in his decision to sign with the Bears.

A fourth-round draft pick by San Francisco in 2003, he has 130 receptions for 1,889 yards and 13 touchdowns. Lloyd's colorful personality rubbed some 49ers veterans the wrong way, and the team dealt him to Washington before the 2006 season. The Redskins signed him to a long-term contract that included $10 million in guaranteed money, but he fell out of favor because of his work ethic and poor production.

Lloyd had just two catches for 14 yards last season, when he broke his collarbone in November, and he caught just 25 passes with no touchdowns in two years with Washington.

"The best thing I can do for myself is just come in and work," Lloyd said. "That's not anything I haven't done. I'm not going to sit here and say that it's all my fault, and I'm not going to say that it's all somebody else's fault. The circumstances just weren't right, and I'm just going to continue to try to find my fit, find my path in this league, because I feel I have the talent to play."

LMGO!
Between JustMe's post and reading Bears fans talk about Lloyd's tremendous upside and other fantastic abilities, I haven't smiled over the guy this much in a long time. No, ever. What a douchebag.

Brandon Lloyd was accidentally placed on the wrong planet.

'Cause, it's not working out on this one.

OTOH, he's made more money in two years than I will in my lifetime.

So...never mind.

I know this is for the east coasters but I forgot about "A Fist Full Of Dollars."

The Skins should let Rock return both kickoffs and punts this year...

I remember watching Randel-El -- when he actually caught the punt -- jitter from side-to-side and get hammered after a couple of yards. I counted far too many fair catches with room to run -- even in the playoffs.

In contrast -- Rock almost always catches the ball and quickly runs straight ahead -- resulting in better starting field position for the offense.

Randel-El's talent would be better utilized by allowing him to focus full-time on playing the (slot) receiver position and hopefully increase his prospects of staying healthy all year...

This couldn't have worked out any better. Glad rock is coming back for a reasonable price. The Lloyd, Brandon stuff cracks me up...

Thank God Rock's back!

PFT is hearing rumors that the Panthers are shopping Julius Peppers. For the love of God...Snyder don't stop spending now! Go get Peppers!

"The Skins should let Rock return both kickoffs and punts this year..."

Rock is NO punt returner. It's completely different than returning kick and Randle El is very good at it.

Rock is NO punt returner. It's completely different than returning kick and Randle El is very good at it.

Posted by: filmchis | March 7, 2008 08:56 PM

LMAO, you watched any games this year? El is no PR not in the NFC East game

Rock is NO punt returner. It's completely different than returning kick and Randle El is very good at it.

Posted by: filmchis | March 7, 2008 08:56 PM

I agree that the two are very different. But if Brian Mitchell could do both, so can Rock. There's something to be said for a guy who runs north/south and doesn't dance around for 2 minutes before getting leveled.

I agree that the two are very different. But if Brian Mitchell could do both, so can Rock. There's something to be said for a guy who runs north/south and doesn't dance around for 2 minutes before getting leveled.

Posted by: brownwood26 | March 7, 2008 08:59 PM

Right on. I would rather see us get three yards with one of there guys get run over. El's lets try and make 10 guys run past me before I go forward play is just silly looking.

"I agree that the two are very different. But if Brian Mitchell could do both, so can Rock. There's something to be said for a guy who runs north/south and doesn't dance around for 2 minutes before getting leveled."

Brian Mitchell will probably be in the Hall of Fame for his accomplishment.

Rock is a stud but he's no Brian Mitchell.

LMAO, you watched any games this year? El is no PR not in the NFC East game

Posted by: alex35332 | March 7, 2008 08:58 PM

Every minute of every game and Randle El is one of the best punt returners in football and to say otherwise is a little moronic. He's obviously not Devin Hester, but no one is.

I agree that the two are very different. But if Brian Mitchell could do both, so can Rock.

Posted by: brownwood26 | March 7, 2008 08:59 PM

brownwood

Are you serious? If Brian can do both, then so can every returner in the league. All returners are cut out of the same mold and the mold was Brian Mitchell. They're all clones. The Stepford Returners.

Lloyd played for Turner at Illinois and said that was a big factor in his decision to sign with the Bears.

As opposed to ???

As opposed to signing a recording contract.

El's style does not work against the types of teams we play in the NFC, he averaged 6.1 yards last season and 27 as his single long. Not that impressive.

Brian Mitchell will probably be in the Hall of Fame for his accomplishment.

Rock is a stud but he's no Brian Mitchell.

Posted by: filmchis | March 7, 2008 09:04 PM

The only difference between the two is Mitch got the chance. Rock surprised us on the KR team, he could do it on the PR unit too. B Mitch and Rock have pretty similar styles, so it could work. I'm not saying it WILL, but it might.

Great to have a fan favorite back in the fold! It wouldn't have been right to go forward without Rock.

The only difference between the two is Mitch got the chance. Rock surprised us on the KR team, he could do it on the PR unit too. B Mitch and Rock have pretty similar styles, so it could work. I'm not saying it WILL, but it might.

Posted by: brownwood26 | March 7, 2008 09:15 PM

brownwood,

What do you think they do in practice at Redskins Park? How do you think they decide whether to have ARE or Rock return punts? Do you think that they time them in the 40? Do you think they flip coins? Do you think they look at film of when they were in college? Or is it just possible that they have them both return punts in practice and decide that ARE is better than Rock?

A Fist Full of Dollars & For a Few Dollars More - Tonight Turner Classic Movies

Love those spaghetti westerns!

I will always be fond of B Mitch, such a smart guy when it came to the game. I really think if Rock embraced that he is a Special Teams Stud he could be better then Mitch as a return man.

He has good speed and strong as all hell, thats what makes for a return man.

Can you smell what the Rock is cookin'???

A Fist Full of Dollars & For a Few Dollars More - Tonight Turner Classic Movies

Love those spaghetti westerns!

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 7, 2008 09:20 PM

Some of the best westerns ever, for my money For a Few Dollars More is even better then The Good The Bad and The Ugly.

A Fist Full of Dollars & For a Few Dollars More - Tonight Turner Classic Movies

Love those spaghetti westerns!

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 7, 2008 09:20 PM

Some of the best westerns ever, for my money For a Few Dollars More is even better then The Good The Bad and The Ugly.

So after all the front office bashing that was on here last month...seems many were wrong ...Because It appears they have a done a great job thus far this off season...Taking their time and really thinking about their choices....ALSO taking care of their own.....

leevi,

We tried praising them for a while but the blog was so dull that people stopped posting, so we had to go back to bashing.

I will always be fond of B Mitch, such a smart guy when it came to the game. I really think if Rock embraced that he is a Special Teams Stud he could be better then Mitch as a return man.

He has good speed and strong as all hell, thats what makes for a return man.

Posted by: alex35332 | March 7, 2008 09:20 PM

no it's not. Fielding punts is one of the most difficult things to do in the NFL and is much harder than returning kickoffs.

It requires much more than just strength and speed.

Randle El know when to fair catch and when not to and has excellent hands fielding punts even with a crowd of defenders bearing down on him.

Rock is a stud but if he could return punts he would have gotten more than $500,000 guaranteed.

Just read that Tim Hasselbeck is a UFA these days-- would anyone be opposed to bringing him back as the 3rd string QB? I personally back getting a 3rd string QB via free agency and save the later round draft pick for depth at safety, linebacker, or O-Line.

Thoughts?

TDawg--

I'm in favor of getting someone young out of the draft for third string.

If we get Hasselbeck he has no upside, not even the potential to be a second string QB. With a draftee, you can hope to develop him into Todd Collins replacement, or better.

The time to get Hasselbeck is at the end of preseason when your draftee doesn't work out, as in Little Brother Palmer.

Just read that Tim Hasselbeck is a UFA these days-- would anyone be opposed to bringing him back as the 3rd string QB? I personally back getting a 3rd string QB via free agency and save the later round draft pick for depth at safety, linebacker, or O-Line.

Thoughts?

Posted by: TDawg | March 7, 2008 09:37 PM

Ya know TDawg...that is an interesting idea. Tim, from what we saw of him with the skins, he seems a good fit for a west coast style offense... like his brother..anyway..I would not be oppose to a 3rd spot behind Collins....Damn the more I think about it...as 3rd on the chart may be a great idea .Thats not a bad QB core...Campbell...Collins and Tim..I thought he played ok when he was here the few time we saw him play. Get him cheap too.

Some of the best westerns ever, for my money For a Few Dollars More is even better then The Good The Bad and The Ugly.

Posted by: alex35332 | March 7, 2008 09:22 PM

Alex,

I have to disagree The Good The Bad and The Ugly kicks a$$, the only Eastwood western that is better then The G,B,U. is The Outlaw Josey Wales.

PFT is hearing rumors that the Panthers are shopping Julius Peppers. For the love of God...Snyder don't stop spending now! Go get Peppers!

Posted by: brownwood26 | March 7, 2008 08:39 PM

Brownwood,

No thanks on Peppers, especially since we would have to trade for him. He had 2.5 sacks last year.

KMDP4,
It's understandable that you would like GBU more, don't get me wrong I love the movie too. I was always a big fan of for a few dollars more because I think the whole thing twist at the end is greater plus the one bounty hunter with the whole ton of guns was great.

"Tell me isn't the sheriff supposed to be brave, loyal and above all honest"

Love the man with no name!!

I like the idea of drafting a young groom to backup QB more then TIMMAH'

Oh, can't forget Pail Rider. Let's face it that was a great genre of film.

km, once again we agree. No trades. We are not looking for starters for this year, but players that can come in in case of ijnury and for next year on the D side.

Almost forgot, IMO.

Two Mules for Sister Sara- Also one of my many favorites.

I liked Pail Rider, but the story was really incomplete -- they never explained how the rider got the pail. Was it just lying in the corner, or did he buy it? And how did they determine that it was a pail and not a bucket?

A Fist Full of Dollars & For a Few Dollars More - Tonight Turner Classic Movies

Love those spaghetti westerns!

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 7, 2008 09:20 PM

Watchin' it right now. and I'm with you kerzon. As I stated last night, Two Mules Rules!

Most have missed this on the lists above, but Hang Them High should be mentioned as well!

I would have to say of the new style westerns, nothing comes close to Tombstone. I love that movie Val kilmer is a great Doc Holliday.

Best sequence of lines in any movie.

Well.

I didn't think
ya had it in you.

I'm your huckleberry.

Why, Johnny Ringo,

you look like somebody
just walked over your grave.

Fight's not with you, Holliday.

I'll beg to differ, sir. We started
a game we never got to finish.

Play for blood, remember?

I was just foolin' about.

I wasn't.

And this time..
it's legal.

All right, lunger.
Let's do it.

Say when.

Oops, no th in that title.

km, also the scene where he twrils the cup as a gun. Great scene.

POSTED 8:29 p.m. EST, March 7, 2008

HELLO, JULIUS . . . GOODBYE, SHAUN?

Barely two years after Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander won the league MVP award, the team has agreed to terms with one of the players who was expected prior to the 2005 season to contend for that prize.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Seahawks have struck a deal with tailback Julius Jones.

The move immediately calls into question Alexander's status with the team. Two weeks ago, there were rumors at the Scouting Combine that Alexander could be released. Since then, the Seahawks have signed T.J. Duckett.

After rushing for 819 yards in only eight games during his rookie year of 2004, big things were expected of Jones in 2005. But he didn't even crack 1,000 yards in his second season.

Alexander is signed through 2013, and is due to earn a salary in excess of $5.5 million in 2008.

Also at risk is running back is Maurice Morris, who is due to earn a salary of $1 million in 2oo8, the final year of his current deal.

I do not think Julius Jones is that good of a back, if they think he will be an upgrade to Alexander, it will be a very small one.

scamp, how about the kid, making his money!

Not complaining, but how did the girls pass up Steven Jackson for jj?

Kerzon,

You must be Doc Holliday.

That's the rumor.

You retired too?

Not me.
I'm in my prime.

Yeah, you look it.

Uh, you must be Ringo.

Look, darlin',
Johnny Ringo,

the deadliest pistoleer
since Wild Bill, they say.

What do you think, darlin',
should I hate him?

You don't even know him.
No. That's true,

but... I don't know, there's
just somethin' about him.

Somethin' 'round the eyes.

I don't know.

Reminds me of...
me.

No. I'm sure of it,
I hate him.

He's drunk.

In vino veritas.

Age quod agis.

In pace requiescat.

Come on, boys, we don't want any
trouble in here, not in any language.

That's Latin, darlin'.

Evidently, Mr. Ringo's
an educated man.

Now I really hate him.

The strain was more than he could bare.

It appears my hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Scamp,

I think we could list everything Holliday says all his lines are awesome.

TE,

I like the idea of getting Tim Hasselbeck as the #3 QB for the vet minimum while we develop Hollenbach on the practice squad. I think a day 2 QB draftee is too risky when there are so many holes to fill this year (especially with a quiet FA period). I remember a few times where ol' Hasselbeck faired pretty well filling in for Patrick Ramsey and I always thought he was a classy guy. Wouldn't mind him for a little bit at all.

I stand corrected Wyatt, you're an oak.

I love his lines.

I think this week you will start seeing them sign some 2nd level FA for very cheap prices, maybe we will get lucky and fine a diamond in the ruff.

I saw a report that says Pacman wants to play for the Cowboys, thats just what the need another nucklehead, he will fit wright in.

Guys, gotta go. Spend time with the "boss". Loved the lines from one of the best versions of Shoot out at the OK Corral!!

cloadie, we know it wasn't a bucket cause he didn't kick it...

And that pail, he bought it. But he got it at "bucket list" price...

How bout some love for the front office. They are always getting ripped for letting our "core" players go when they are offered obscene amounts of money in free agency. Here we have a core Redskin in Cartright that got no activity whatsoever in free agency and would have received no more than the veteran minimum. Instead of doing that to him, they offered up a more than reasonable offer, even with guaranteed money, to thank him for the work he has done as a Redskin.

Good to have the rock back-

I must say I like FA so far.

Do you think Vinny decided he can draft - so is just going to build that way. He has had some good drafts.

We just need one or two key pickups via FA this year.

Congrats to all involved. Rock got some guaranteed $ and a decent deal and the 'skins got a locker room leader/kick returner/special teams tackler at a decent price. Who knows, he could also become the back-up fullback.

I watched Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid tonight... another great one.

Yeah, I'll give some love to the FO tonight (this morning?) With the exception of the coaching staff, this team looks pretty much the same so far. Not bad considering we were a playoff team this past season.

Go Maroon and Black!

Make no mistake, it's not revenge he's after. It's a reckoning.

As for the receiver in the first, don't do it. Not unless you expect don't expect 50+ catches until year 3. Even if that, the guy's career could follow Reggie Wayne or Rod Gardner. Most are considered busts until they produce in year 3 - some produce in year two, few in year 1. Then they either continue to produce or become Rod Gardner.

It's an absolute crapshoot; especially if you expect the receiver to help your team right away or be with your team long-term. Since 2000, there are less then ten guys that are still full-time starters for their particular team - most drafted in 2004, but give them another year or two and see where they are. There's also about ten that aren't even in the league. For every Roddy White there is your Sylvester Morris. Then there are Peter Warrick, Mike Williams and Charles Rogers. These are guys we didn't draft.

I'll take Michael Westbrook, Rod Gardner and Desmond Howard over Mike Williams, Charles Rogers and Roy Williams or Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and R. Jay Soward. Then again maybe Roy Williams is more like Reggie Wayne then Rod Gardner. Point is the Redskins are just like every other team judging first round talent when in comes to receiver.

Between 2000 and 2003 there are only two guys that are still full-time starters with the teams that drafted them (Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson.) That's out of 17 guys picked in the top round - 12%. There were other good receivers drafted in that span (Plaxico Burres, Santana Moss, Javon Walker, Donte Stallworth) but there not with their original team. Look at Walker and Stallworth still getting paid like kings for their potential.

Guys like Larry Fitzgerald and Rand Moss come by way too seldom. The only reason Moss fell to #21 was Mary Jane. There are no guys like that this year but there are likely a few like Gardner or Westbrook.

Hell yeah Rock is back. I'm glad he decided to return. And for what its worth, with this line I think he can produce carrying the rock 4real.

Lloyd is just pitiful!

Some Pro Days Follow-up:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/03/07/risers.sliders/index.html

The official voice of the Redskins says that Rock is back for another season; no mention of three years.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=34780

Redskins are still looking for "the right fit" in free agency.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1188

I'll buy a rock jersey if they put some on sale. i don't like my options now... welcome back rock!
- LaVar Walt Clark

LaVar Walt Clark! Long time, no read. Welcome back!

1. Real pleased up here that Rock is back. This is the first one that really "feels" like continuity ... he's been on the roster almost as long as Jansen. Seems like a mature "head in the right place" kind of guy. Three yips for the locker room. [Sorry poolman ...].

2. Also, I agree with filmchis (in what might be the first time) that the skill set for returning punts is way different that the needs to return kicks. For one, you got no wedge. For two, you need to be moving your first foot SOMEWHERE as soon as you have the ball in your hands. On kick returns, sometimes Rock plants a back foot behind him to make the catch and start powering out. That would be a luxury in the PR game.

3. PDiddy started this jibba jabba about westerns. I thought he was thinking about black-and-white movies. Lots of subsequent JBJBa about westerns in color. For me, on the black-and-white movie plate, I prefer the crime movies, esp. for the dialogue.

The Todd. Check. The Rock. Check. The next guy on my Skins FA re-sign wish list is Fabini. Is McCardell UFA or still under contract? I'd want him back, as well as Caldwell (but Fabini first).

Rock's contract looks like a two-year contract, not three. Here's how it was described in today's paper:

Cartwright will receive a $300,000 signing bonus with a base salary of $605,000 in 2008 -- the minimum for a player with six years in the league. He will receive a $200,000 roster bonus and a $745,000 salary in 2009 and a $1.5 million salary in 2010.

So, his salary would be $.9 mill in the first year, $.95 mill in the second year, and then $1.5 mill in the third year. I don't see the 'Skins paying a returner $1.5 mill unless he sets the world on fire the next two years. In fact, unless he has another good year this year, he may not even see the roster bonus next year.

sween, one of my favorite B/W all about dialogue is 12 Angry Men. Have this on my MP3 player. When they were making movies the right way!

So, his salary would be $.9 mill in the first year, $.95 mill in the second year, and then $1.5 mill in the third year. I don't see the 'Skins paying a returner $1.5 mill unless he sets the world on fire the next two years. In fact, unless he has another good year this year, he may not even see the roster bonus next year.

Posted by: talent_evaluator | March 8, 2008 08:11 AM

If he's cut after 2009 then the cap hit would be 1/3 of 500K. But I'm thinking that with 1.5M due in 2010 he'd be a candidate for restructuring.

Glad Rock is back. Always fun to have a FB player with a FB name.

There is no way the Skins don't draft a WR. Depending on who we pick, Rock may be pushed out of his job. This is a very team friendly contract.

If they take Jordy Nelson he is a fine kick returner. But I think it is good to have multiple guys who can return kicks.

One guy they haven't utilized enough is James Thrash. He is an excellent KR and PR.

Agree, always good to have back-ups. Like
Thrash, guy has guts and gives it his all. He just doesn't have the break away speed anymore. But a dependable KR/PR and Special team player.

kerzon,

You can use the brain today I will be very busy, make me look good.

One thing, if we get Nelson he is a excellent Punt returner, not sure about his KR skills but he should be able to do both if need be.

If he's cut after 2009 then the cap hit would be 1/3 of 500K. But I'm thinking that with 1.5M due in 2010 he'd be a candidate for restructuring.

Posted by: skinfanman | March 8, 2008 09:13 AM

You don't "restructure" someone with one year left on his contract. Restructuring shifts money from salary to bonus and from one year to another. With a one-year contract, there's nothing to restructure.

You may renegotiate -- changing the total amount in the contract -- but more likely you just cut him and offer him the vet minimum if you want him back.

But, yeah, the contract is very friendly to the 'Skins.

km, not a problem. Can't miss if I am using the brain!!

km, of the two PR is the harder, so if he can do that, KR should not be a problem. And like you, I like Nelson.

If he's cut after 2009 then the cap hit would be 1/3 of 500K. But I'm thinking that with 1.5M due in 2010 he'd be a candidate for restructuring.

Posted by: skinfanman | March 8, 2008 09:13 AM

You don't "restructure" someone with one year left on his contract. Restructuring shifts money from salary to bonus and from one year to another. With a one-year contract, there's nothing to restructure.

You may renegotiate -- changing the total amount in the contract -- but more likely you just cut him and offer him the vet minimum if you want him back.

But, yeah, the contract is very friendly to the 'Skins.

Posted by: talent_evaluator | March 8, 2008 11:24 AM

A lot of hair splitting for a Saturday. But yeah, you might extend him a couple of years, if he's still healthy, and change some of that 1.5M to guaranteed money so you can pro rate. Or not.

REASON FOR GOOD CHEER

Redskins FA signees...

NEW GUYS: Zip.

OLD GUYS: Collins, Albright, Rock.

I'm telling you the new Snyderatto GETS it!

I KNOW it's painful to see all these guys singing elsewhere, but...

After YEARS of stupidity and overspending, the same Rocket Surgeons who ran the dump into the ground before are determined to follow a plan that can actually pay off.

BUILD through the draft, SUPPLEMENT with a few FAs, but don't overpay, cut free teh deadwood, keep your own good players for continuity and coach 'em up real good.

The potential fly in the ointment is, er, Vinny is running the draft selection process.

But I LOVE this plan, and...

I LOVE that they are shaking up the scouting department

and I LOVE they realize too damn many players have suffered muscle pulls and a stretching coach was needed.

They will probably STINK next year, but in a couple of years...this should be a contender.

THOUGHTS?

ABOUT THOSE WESTERN MOVIES

Regarding comments about western movies here... I'm not that crazy about the genre but my baby sure is. Why, to save my soul I can't get a date, baby's got it tuned on channel eight. Now Wyatt Earp and the Big Cheyenne they're comin' thru the T.V. shootin up the land. ah...um...my baby loves the Western movies. My baby loves the Western movies. Bam, bam, shoot 'em up Pow. Ah..um..my baby loves the Western movies.

Yeah, I KNOW it's by the Olympics. It's homage, not plagarism....

corkczar,

I'll be interested to see how they use the cap space they've made. If Jasno is right (which is never a certainty), they're preparing for a trade. ESPN Sports Center last night had us trading for D'angelo Hall. And Clayton said that Arizona is going to end up trading Fitzgerald, unable to agree on a restructured contract.

But they have more cap space than they need to sign their draftees and I don't see this team ever passing cap space from one year to the next, so they must have something in mind.

Oh, can't forget Pail Rider. Let's face it that was a great genre of film.

Posted by: alex35332 | March 7, 2008 10:11 PM

Was that the flick where Clint stopped at a Mexican restaurant, got a bad taco and spent the rest of the movie riding a pail?

corkczar, agree with your post on Snyderatto. Somewhere along the line the learned something. With this type of plan, and an owner willing to spend $$, but spending the $$ intelligently (last few years I would never have said that about our FO) we are moving in the right direction.

Only disagreement is that we will be competitive next year, baring injury.

km's brain.

corkczar,

You should have started:

REASON TO HAVE GOOD BEER.

Would have had more comments.

Snyder must agree with me that we are in a rebuilding mode. I think this is why he is not spending anything in free agency this year. It was a near miracle that we made the playoffs last year and the team is substantially worse this year due to the loss of Rocky, Carlos, and Sean Taylor as well as the continued aging of the already old defense and the OL. I think Gibbs could see the writing on the wall as well-that's why he left.

http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/08/teams-taking-a-shine-to-pacman/

According to the Tennesseean, the Cowboys, the Dolphins, the Lions, the Raiders, the Chiefs, the Texans, the Saints, and the Patriots have expressed "at least some level of interest."

Wouldn't touch this guy unless he was cut. The money he gets (assuming he is allowed to play) is too much for someone who is probably never going to learn. At veteran minimum I would think of him if we have strong leardership in the locker room.

RC, are you out there? Any truth to the Fins interested in him?

kochendj,

We barely made the playoffs because we had to overcome several injuries to the OL and DB (RIP 21) and Rocky. But mostly because of poor play calling on the part of our long gone offensive coaches. We gave away several games, then had to have our OL learn continuity because of said injuries.

I think we are going to be at least 9/7 if not better. Of course I may be wearing Maroon colored glasses.

Doubtful even a great draft would have much of an appreciable effect on next year's performance. So standing pat during free agency and pursuing no trades to upgrade key positions will seal our fate next year.
You can count on the EAgles being better next year, Giants continuing to rise, as well as the Cowboys.
Curbing the excesses of past years is one thing, but at least go out and get another legitimate threat at WR -- trade for Fitzgerald or 85, upgrade the D line, and get another CB.

I'm going to be pissed if the Eagles land Fitzgerald in a trade while we sit around on our hands sticking to our disciplines (sic).

kochendj, you must be joking if you think Snyder thinks this is a "rebuilding" year....that thought would never cross his mind.....even if we had not made the playoffs last season.

I'd love the Skins to get Larry Fitrgerald!!!

Fitzgerald is set to make 14M this year and 17M next. Word is the Cards and Larry are trying to work out a deal for 4 years with 25 to 30M guaranteed. The agent wants to allow for LF to get a third big contract before he's 30.

But he's already got a contract worth 31M for two years. So even if they limit his earnings to 10M each in years 3 and 4, the contract still has to be worth 51M minimum over 4 years, which averages out to over 12M per year.

The Cards might be better off honoring the contract for this year, pay the 14M, and try and renegotiat next year before the 17M comes due. At any rate, neither side might feel a whole lot of pressure to get a deal done right now.

According to John Clayton (ESPN) unless the Cardinals restructure Fitzgerald's contract (or release him) they will not have enough $$$$ to fill a 53 man roster....

Well I was expecting these but surprised it took less than a week. The ESPN crew is taking potshots at Favre's career-overrated etc.

I understand the statisical argument but that's not all that the HOF is about.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3276536

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3276536

The Cards. end up releasing Fitgerald, so do not trade for him. Also for those that are whining that we are doing nothing in FA, that does not mean we are rebuilding it means we have a good team and we do not want to add any expensive players to mess up the chemistry. I also think that draft picks can contribute plenty in there first year, the Giants got alot out of theres.

I think Gibbs could see the writing on the wall as well-that's why he left.

Posted by: kochendj | March 8, 2008 02:17 PM

kochendj,

Gibbs is the one that put the writing on the wall, he is the one that when given that chance went crazy in FA, and made alot of bad choices. He also made some good choices, but do not act like he did not create alot of the mess we are in, and then he bailed on the team, to return to Nascar.

kmdp4,

I agree that Gibbs put the writing on the wall. I also agree in generally building through the draft. I believe both the Cowboys and Giants are more talented than the Redskins right now. We might get a little better via the draft, but how many rookies can contribute in the first year? I don't see how we can avoid loosing some ground in overall talent level compared to other NFC east teams due to the loss of 3 good young defensive players (Carlos, Rocky, ST) and the aging of our old OL and defense. In addition we have a rookie head coach who will need to learn on the job this year. Our only hope is that Jason Campbell is A LOT better this year. To aid Campbells development in this critical year for him I favor getting Fitzgerald from the Cardinals if possible. He would be an exeption to my general preference for building via the draft because he is very good and very young (24). Also, Jason Campbell needs help now. He can't wait for a rookie WR to develop and Campbell's career is severely hampered by the lack of a true #1 WR on the Redskins (Moss is has not been a solid #1 receiver except for one year in 2005).

http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/08/teams-taking-a-shine-to-pacman/

According to the Tennesseean, the Cowboys, the Dolphins, the Lions, the Raiders, the Chiefs, the Texans, the Saints, and the Patriots have expressed "at least some level of interest."

Wouldn't touch this guy unless he was cut. The money he gets (assuming he is allowed to play) is too much for someone who is probably never going to learn. At veteran minimum I would think of him if we have strong leardership in the locker room.

RC, are you out there? Any truth to the Fins interested in him?

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 8, 2008 02:17 PM

I could not picture this guy being on some of these teams. Him and TO they would kill one another during a practice. This just goes to show how thin the market is.

I wouldn't mind the redskins trading for any of these playes, Fitzgerald, Chad Johnson, Roy Williams, DeAngelo Hall.

kochendj,

Who would have thought that the giants would win the superbowl going into the season? After all, Eli was their QB. Then after week two, they were written off.

Tell me how many rookies contributed to their SB win?

There is no way that the other 31 teams will be able to sign all of the free agents. We may not get the FAs that we want because of who they are, but we will get some FAs that will be able to help our team. And we will get them at a better price than we would if we were buying now. So we get the FAs that can help what I think is a good team with a chance to make the playoffs. The only down side with our team this year is a rookie coach. Even then, I like our chances.

We then build through the draft to be able to be a playoff team every year, using younger players that we groom and hopefully pay and keep them instead of paying be money to someone elses FAs that want out of their situations.

We should not trade for players. I have confidence in our receivers (which include our RBs). Teams will be forced to release some players (and the Cardinals may be forced to let Fitz. go because of his salary. If I were him, I would make them pay me. Not his fault they gave him that contract, and since FB contracts are not gauranteed, he needs to hold firm. If he gets released, he will make money from who ever picks him up, but they would give him a new contract that is more cap friendly to that team this year) so if we continue to be patient we will be able to land some FAs at a good price.

km, glad to see your not so busy and are back on the blog. Couldn't do much blogging myself, but I hope I did not let you down.

I wouldn't mind the redskins trading for any of these playes, Fitzgerald, Chad Johnson, Roy Williams, DeAngelo Hall.

Posted by: mdvj | March 8, 2008 08:29 PM

yeah, but they've all got attitude issues, other than fitzgerald (whom we should snag!)

alex, agree, the FA market is thin, but we need stop gap FAs more than home run hitters IMO.

mdvj, the problem with trading for those players is that we lose draft choices and keep the cap situation the same. Tampa Bay has big $$ to spend on FAs and are choosing to pay their own players instead. I would love to see the Skins get to that point. Then we would be able to get the Fitzgeralds of the NFL without selling our future. Again IMO.

IMO I think this team needs a player or two with attitudes. They need more players who when a play is needed they expect to make it. As long as they are good teamates, and law abiding I'm fine with that.

A la Gary Clark, B-Mitch, D Manley, Wilbur Marshall..

mdvj, I agree with you. I am thinking that Gibbs was trying to make them into good christians, when this sport is about violence. Just keep it on the field where it belongs.

We may have those types of players here.

alex35332, you are wrong about PacMan and TO. Pac Man admires TO...asked him for his shoes and TO gave them to him (strange but true).

km, kerzon, sams:

Do you think that Redskins can win the division this year? While we just added the Giants to the list of fluke wild-card to SB winners, realistically of the teams in the superbowl since 1970 I believe about 5% of the wildcard teams have even made it to the SB. 3/5 have won from that spot - but still about 3% of wild card winners. Don't like those odds - we can all dream of cinderella but most of the time it is division winners.

So what are the odds on the division:

pluses: no Saunders / Gibbs unusual offense choices. New Zorn coach. Campbell with 1 more year.

minuses: New Zorn coach. No GG (Blache will be good but hard to imagine this as upgrade). Slightly older D and O line. Campbell with new system. Missing secondary players - ST plus a recovering / ginger Rogers etc. (I like that Ginger Rogers reference).

I don't think that the draft is a plus or minus - at least it is not a minus because we have the picks but of course the rest of the NFC East does as well. Can't plan on the rest of the NFC east drafting poorly I don't think..

I see Redskins as not division winners next year...but others have a view on this?

Maybe Redcoat can weigh in with an outside perspective. Seems like we will not be more successful inconference than others. Schedule is probably about average (Giants and Dallas have slightly tougher NFC schedule than us, Eagles less)

Zornskins,

No, I do not think that the Skins can win the division this year. If we add Pacman or Hall and Fitzgerald, I still do not think we can win the division.

We need to learn to walk before we can run. Making the playoffs this year would make me happy. Not backing in, but going to the playoffs because we won and deserve to be there.

As proven over the last few years, it does not matter how many free agents we bring in, we need to build a team that believes in themselves.

We need to get younger. This game is a young man's game. There are some players that are good for more years than most, but this game is for the young. Not only the young, but the young who are hungry. Get the veteran FAs that need to prove something and you almost get their younger version.

Injuries are what derailed us last year. This year we will start the season with some of the injuries from last season.

I brought up the Giants because they had rookies that contributed. I agree that most wild card teams are not going to win the SB. But that is true for 7 division winners as well.

The reality is we will not win the division. We need to work our way to being a perennial winner.

I am a realist. I like the way the FO has changed their philosophy. Spending big $$ on a few players is not the way to go. Build for continued success and then the odds change in your favor.

JLaC, where is the updates. Can't you see that the blog has died??

Give us something! The blog is dead.

Ok I guess we have to wait for the draft.

It is a strange feeling causing a feeling of unease among the crazed fan base.

Happy Daylight Savings Time!

Is the blog's clock adjusted yet, or will it be the regular time shift shabingus around here?

Okay, that entry confirms that the normal shabingus is in effect. Excellent job as usual, Loseable Type!

Bryant Johnson must want way too much money as a free agent. Buffalo hasn't signed him, and there hasn't been any word of any other team interviewing him. Or maybe he thinks Fitzgerald is leaving Arizona and that will leave a spot open for him.

Johnson and Hackett must be the most frustrated WRs in the NFL currently.

It's interesting that Vinny has said on several occasions that they won't sign free agents of whom they don't have any direct knowledge. (For example, a current Redskins' coach who has worked with a specific player previously with another team.) Perhaps that is another reason why they haven't talked to Bryant Johnson (or others who have already signed elsewhere).

You really can't blame Snyderrato for the change in direction, considering the BLloyd and Archuleta debacles. So much wasted money and cap space with those two - ouch. With Gibbs gone, it's all on Vinny's head now if he screws up with free agents.

Attention: AMTTS!

If you happen to be bored enough to actually read this, who do you like in the draft in 2008 who might be within the Redskins' reach? You and The Governor have been super quiet this year (as opposed to your Landry campaign last year).

Thanks!

Is this thing working?

Did the blog get resurrected?

Is it alive?

Testing, 1, 2, 3.

With Gibbs gone, it's all on Vinny's head now if he screws up with free agents.

Posted by: TheCrickets007 | March 9, 2008 06:37 AM

In free agency, there are two types of errors. The one we're familiar with is signing free agents that you shouldn't have signed. This year, they're risking the other type of error -- not signing free agents that you should have signed. Oh well, at least they're minimizing the wear and tear on Redskins 1, and that has to count for something. That baby will be gassed up and ready to fly in D'angelo Hall or PacMan Jones when the time is right.

If the Skins are going to trade, hopefully they avoid the plashy, attitudinal names like D'Angelo Hall or Pac-Man Jones ... and go for some "big, possession" receiver who no one has paid any attention to, but with solid numbers from some loser team ... someone like Kevin Walter (Houston) or Ron Curry (Oakland) ... somebody who does their job, but suffers in obscurity due to loser QB/OL combo ... like Randy Moss/Jerry Porter in Oakland, only without the diva attitude.

sween, I like your thought, but I would like to see a trade for a DB, but certainly not Jones and Hall. I like our receivers for this year, but w/Rogers' questionable hands and knee injury, Reeds continued development, this is where I see our biggest need. LB would be another area that maybe we should look at for a trade.

Just use lower draft picks. If in fact we get a extra third and two seventh rd. picks, trades would be a good use of these picks.

Ctrl C is my friend and keeps me from getting angry.

Found this article this morning. What do you bloggers think??

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/03/on-the-east-redskins.html

On the East: Redskins
9:00 AM Sun, Mar 09, 2008

Third in a three-part series assessing the early moves in free agency by the Cowboys' NFC East rivals (Giants, Eagles) ...

COACH: Jim Zorn (1st year)

2007 RECORD: 9-7 (Third in NFC East; lost in Wild Card round)

ADDITIONS: None

LOSSES: WR Brandon Lloyd (Bears)

REMAINING FREE AGENTS: DT Ryan Boschetti (UFA), RB Nehemiah Broughton (EFA), QB Mark Brunell (UFA), WR Reche Caldwell (UFA), P Derrick Frost (UFA), G Rick DeMulling (UFA), OT Jason Fabini (UFA), LB Randall Godfrey (UFA), TE Brian Kozlowski (UFA), CB David Macklin (UFA), C Mike Pucillo (UFA), S Pierson Prioleau (UFA), S Omar Stoutmire (UFA), C Ross Tucker (UFA)

RE-SIGNED FREE AGENTS: LS Ethan Albright, RB Rock Cartwright, QB Todd Collins

FALLOUT: Maybe they didn't have a lot of choices. Still, the Redskins have put Zorn in a position where most people will see his team as the odds-on "favorite" to inhabit the NFC East cellar.

Years of over-spending has meant that Washington has spent the balance of the first nine days of free agency largely in silence, with re-upping a backup quarterback (Collins) and two special teamers (Albright, Cartwright) representing its only activity. Will Demps, who re-signed with the Texans, is the only free agent the 'Skins have shown serious interest in.

What in the name of Dan Snyder is going on? Well, the cap issues are the first thing. But it hasn't stopped Snyder from writing checks, through creative bookkeeping, in the past. And at the end of the day, it might not this year, either. The Redskins could still make a splashy trade for a receiver (Chad Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald) or corner (Lito Sheppard, DeAngelo Hall), if they can make the numbers work.

The smart money says things aren't over here. But with the massive number of their own free agents that are still out there, and the money problems they have to sort through, those moves are probably a ways off.

For now, it looks like Washington will lean on the core in place and look to the draft to fill holes, while waiting on some sort of blockbuster trade down the road. And that's enough to think that, in the grand scheme of things, they've fallen behind their East brethren.

Comments
Posted by Bill in DC @ 9:47 AM Sun, Mar 09, 2008

'Lean on the core'?

That's a funny comment. If the Deadskins comeuppance isn't this year it will surely come next. Based on restructuring the deals of their over 30 starters yet again this season just to get under the cap, the Deadskins have 120 million devoted to 27 players in 09. Great cap management. It would be one thing if they had put together at team that won some championships, but to spend like that and end up average is pathetic.

They will occupy the bottom of the NFC East in 08, I have no doubt.

If you're looking for an idiot owner, look no further than 'The Danny'. Playing 'fantasy football'(Brandon Lloyd?), overspending, strange trades (trading the best cover corner in the league for an above average RB - Baily/Portis), firing the defensive coordinator that built him a very good defense, building the oldest team in the NFL with inflated salaries (9 mil this year to Clinton Portis? 7 mil for Shawn Springs?)

Deaadskins Salary cap figures from this page http://www.skinsfans.com/pcinoz/Salaries%20Pages%20Summary.html
read it for fun.

That notion that the Skins don't want to sign any free agents they don't have first hand knowledge of is consistant with last year's signings: Smoot and Fletcher, both very successful signings. But the notion that the Skins aren't signing FAs due to cap issues is not the case, I think. It has more to do with the Blloyd and Arch debacles and not wanting to get burned again. And it also may be due to the success they've had recently with their scouts coming up with good picks, especially in the later rounds (where most of their picks have been)and beyond: Blades, Monty, Golston (sic), Heyer, Wilson, Alexander, Torrence, who'm I forgetting?

REDSKIN PARK UPDATE

+++++Give us something! The blog is dead.

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 8, 2008 11:03 PM++++

JLaC is busy with HOUSING issues. I've been assigned to update you today about goings on at Redskin Park.

8:45 AM A bulb guy comes by with new bulbs for the projectors.

8:50 Bulb guy drops off bulbs, leaves.

9:15 Balm and Ungiuent salesman arrives fr sales call with Vinny. Learns Vinny isn't in, leaves.

9:45: Antonio Pierce drops by to say "Hi."

9:46: Seeing no one one there, Pierce leaves.

10:01: Coach Smith drops by to pick up new parking pass.

10:15: Sprinklers on.

10:40: Larry FitzGerald and agent visit to "see if we can work something out."

10:45: Sprinklers off.

10:50: After ten minutes fruitlessly searching for Vinny, FitzGerald and agent discover Limo has been drencheded by sprinklers, leave angrilly to fly to Dallas.

10:55: B. Lloyd drops off gross of New Rap/Polka/Recipe CD, "The Wurst Ever, Yo."

END OF REPORT

If there's more, I'll let you all know. But as of now, JLaC feels there's no need to start a new thread

corkczar,

I was dying here. Thanks for the update. Should be able to make it through the day now, but will keep checking for more updates.

Pissed that Fitzgerald and agent left with out finding anyone, but we can't get them all.

You are a trooper for filling for JLa.

corkczar,

Nice update! You can use it again in a few days when there are actually people up here to appreciate it. Right now ... pearls before swine.

Kerzon,

What's with the venom in your Snyder hate? Did you get up on the wrong side of daylight savings time today? Brandon Lloyd = Fantasy Football? Is that your idea of a "fantasy"? And, please, a guy of your intelligence ought to be able to come up with a more original rant than "idiot."

The skins are in trouble cap wise. That is why they are being conservative. Which is a good thing. I think they will have a good season this year. Last year they had bad play calling bad decisions by the head coach and still made the playoffs. JC is going to be improved and with a good draft class and the team being healthy. I don't see shy they shouldn't be better this season.

Daniels contract expires after this season. So he's gone.
Springs, griffen, Washingon, kendall will all be gone after this season. AFter this season the skins will young and cap friendly.

jhess,

Other thing that hampered us last year was injuries. Surely this year will be better.

And let's hope Kendall's not gone. He's the biggest bargain on the team.

Kerzon,

What's with the venom in your Snyder hate? Did you get up on the wrong side of daylight savings time today? Brandon Lloyd = Fantasy Football? Is that your idea of a "fantasy"? And, please, a guy of your intelligence ought to be able to come up with a more original rant than "idiot."

Posted by: talent_evaluator | March 9, 2008 11:22 AM

TE, not sure which post you are talking about. There is no hate from me on Snyder. If you are referring to the post on the article from the dallas blog, the comment was from a dallas fan in dc -

Comments
Posted by Bill in DC @ 9:47 AM Sun, Mar 09, 2008

That was not me, just wanted to give this space something to talk about. If you are not referring to this post, please let me know which you are referencing.

kerzon,

Thanks for clearing that up, Yes, that was the post I was referring to -- I thought that "Bill" had posted the stuff above his name and that you had written what was below it.

Been a while since I'd seen anyone up here write "Deadskins." That was a favorite of "Vaherder" who hasn't been around since they instituted registration. I guess "Deadskins" and "idiot" are still clever on a Dallas blog.

TE,

No problem. I like to use "girls" when referring to that team, so you will not find the "D" words in my post and certainly not "deadskins". I have bled B&G since "79.

jhess,

I do not think we are in cap trouble. This FO knows how to handle the cap. IMO they are trying to fix our future cap room by not repeating what they have been doing up through last year. Agree with the rest of your post, but like TE, the big culprit last year were injuries and offensive play calling (read Gibbs).

I have bled B&G since "79.

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 9, 2008 11:55 AM

Dude, that's a lot of bleeding you've been doing. Have you talked to a doctor about it? Do you have good health insurance? Maybe us RI regulars should each donate a pint to the American Red Cross blood bank in your name. With St. Patrick's day coming up, count me in for a pint. A pint of Guinness.

TE,

I am a walking bandage. Foam on all the walls, no sharp objects, everything is round at my house. Almost live in a plastic bubble. LOL!

Corky, I'm interested to know what the bulb guy was driving.

I started bleeding Burgundy and gold, but have recently switched to maroon and yellow. And black.

I could live with this pick:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/03/rock_stays.html

New Faces in New Places: NFL Mock Draft

21. Washington Redskins: Phillip Merling, The Redskins have one good defensive end in Andre Carter, but Phillip Daniels is aging quickly and may get his AARP card by week 6 next year. Merling can not only fill in for Daniels at end, he also has experience playing DT in a 4-3 defense and the Redskins need a DT as well. Merling may not have the explosiveness of a Derrick Harvey or Quentin Groves or the size of Calais Campbell, but he gets the job done day in and day out and has drawn some comparisons to Trevor Pryce.

kerzon, that link is to some sort of pron site!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/12304-NFL-New_Faces_in_New_Places_my_take_on_the_NFL_draft-090308

My apologies, not sure where that came from. When I click on that link it takes me to this blog page. The abbove should be correct.

It did work this time. Again my apologies to anyone offended!!

Yeah, it's to this site, and this page, but c'mon, the title is "Rock Stays", clearly some kind of pron advertisement.

I keed, I keed. Where's Bangbros when you need him... he could probably pull the bio of Rock Stays...

Kerzon-

Not sure how that happened but made me laugh. But thanks for posting the real reference.

I think that the Dallas post overly harsh, but not really that surprising given the source. I think that the 2009 salary cap woes are overstated, just like the 2008 ones were when we were gnashing our teeth last year.

I think there is some truth to the cap squeeze in the sense that it keeps postponing things but it is not as horrible as this guy makes it out to be.

espn is reporting that the bills have signed bryant johnson to a 5-year contract.

clearycommerce,

The funny part was daggar.

daggar, took me a while to figure out about your first post. I am a little slow. Thank YOU for the laugh!!

daggar,

Hook, line and sinker!

Nice comedy timing daggar

Long Duk Dong

chirp

Test
Test

This thing on?

Awfully quiet up here! I can even hear the crickets chirping. :)

Crickets, up above you illuminated the bat signal to hail ArtMonkToTheSticks and/or The Governor, imploring them to bust out their can't-miss, blue-chip draft pick for this year.

My theory on why we haven't heard from those dudes is that the beast of this draft, the absolute best player in the mix, the one true monster available (which as I recall was AMTTS/TheGov's criterion), will be gone long before we pick at #21.

They were up here repping LaRon LaNdry so adamantly because there was such a good chance he would fall to us at #6 last year, as of course he did.

I think their finely tuned beast evaluation methodology has probably selected its man for this draft, but that dude will be going to one of the bottom-feeders, not to us... so maybe we should be looking for AMTTS/The Gov on, say, a Chiefs blog.

"According to Jay Glazer a HUGE Trade is in the works"

Anyone care to speculate (since that seems to be the best we're gonna get around here)

I speculate that Jay is throwing whatever he can against the wall to see if it sticks. If by chance he is correct, he's a genius, if he's wrong he can merely state his sources had it wrong.

Members of the media wouldn't do that would they Greg?

"According to Jay Glazer a HUGE Trade is in the works"

Anyone care to speculate (since that seems to be the best we're gonna get around here)

Posted by: scampbell1975 | March 10, 2008 07:38 AM

Scamp,

A trade involving the Skins?

Nate, there isn't much to say is there? I feel almost as if the jibba-jabba as even been exhausted.

How about Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett to the Seahawks. Whose going to coach up those guys? Who the hell cares? The cowboys continue to get serviced from the media as if all those pro-bowlers would still be pro-bowlers if they were playing in Arizona or Carolina. There is honestly not one guy I would want from that team. Okay, I'd take Demarcus Ware if you're giving hime to me but I'm not asking.

Scamp,

A trade involving the Skins?

Posted by: kmdp4 | March 10, 2008 07:50 AM

Doesn't mention anyone by name. Just trying to stir up trouble I think.

Ah, I dunno, ben, the Cowboys were a pretty good team last year. Good for them. I would like to have the season they had, minus that deal where they had the ignominious home defeat in their playoff opener as the conference's #1 seed.

What I'm saying is, you're right, there just is not much to say.

When's minicamp? I guess once some quotes start trickling out about how Soup and the gang are picking up Zorn's offense, we'll have something slightly more substantive to chew on than, ah, lukewarm trade rumours and projecting who will be there at #21 and such as...

Why is the RI time still behind an hour?

I'd like to go on record by stating a emphatic NO, to trading for either Hall, or CJ. CJ, too old, and too much drama, and Hall is just too much drama.

Fitz, would be a different story, but ONLY if it involved JUST ONE draft pick. Way too many needs to be sending them multiple draft picks for ONE player.

Greg,

I would go for Fitz for one draft pick, if his current contract is redone before he gets traded. We do not want to take on his current contract.

km, I don't think that the Cardinals are foolish enough to take only a first for Fitzy, but one can alway's hope. He's got a couple things going for him, in my book, first he's young, and second, there is a lack of drama.

Greg,

They may have to cut him, if they can not re-work his contract.

kmdp4, Loseable Type (the software which ostensibly supports these comments) is also adept at losing time. There will be a loud scrunching noise from your browser when it catches up to the time change.

Scamp,

A trade involving the Skins?

Posted by: kmdp4 | March 10, 2008 07:50 AM

Doesn't mention anyone by name. Just trying to stir up trouble I think.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | March 10, 2008 07:59 AM

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

Jay Glazer is almost certainly referring to the Fitzgerald to the Eagles deal that the Eagles have been trying to get done for the past few weeks.

The eagles have the cap room to do the trade and are in desperate need of a good WR. The eagles were at the bottom of the NFC-East last year, but with asante samuel and larry fitzgerald, they are instantly the best team in the NFC-East i think.

Okay, so far I like how the FO is hitting the free agent market. Here's my take on a few more things:
1. If we are going to get a WR in free agency, keep letting the prices drop. I really don't want to see a high draft pick used on WR. It has been stated on the blog several times that you really don't see much from a WR until year 3. Plus, we have potential in Mix and Espy, and should re-sign Caldwell or McCardell. Also keep in mind that June cuts could free up some more good players. Also don't really want to see a blockbuster trade fro one of the big names....I like our core of WR's.
2. IMO our biggest need right now is a pass rusher, whether it's end or tackle, or even linebacker. If the Panthers are shopping Peppers, this would be a worthwhile trade, as long as we only give away, say one 1st round pick at the most.
3. Next need is cornerback depth, to fill in for Rogers for now, and Springs next year (or when he gets hurt this year, he's due). Maybe get another safety with potential in the draft or via free agency.
4. Fill in offensive line depth with picks 3 and up. You might still be able to get a stud in rd 3.
5. I would love to see Hasselback as our 3rd string QB. We know he is a gamer, and all of the late round QB's that we've drated in the past 10 years are gone, or on another teams bench or practice squad.
6. I don't have any names of potential June cuts, but we can probably get some quality depth there, especially at linebacker, OL and WR if needed.

The only thing that I am really worried about is that Vinny keeps talking about WR being one of our foremost needs. Other than that, I am giving him an A grade for the offseason thus far.
As far as division and playoffs, it all comes down to how well Jason Campbell plays, and if we can stay overall healthy. I will also say that the "change" to the WCO does not have me worried at all. Still, it's all up to JC.

Hail!

Greg,

News of the day,
PFT.com
POSTED 9:29 a.m. EST, March 10, 2008

OMINOUS DEVELOPMENT IN LOOMING CBA BATTLE

With all signs pointing to trouble between the NFL and its players union regarding a Collective Bargaining Agreement that is poised to expire after the 2010 season, the league has made a move that might further set the stage for a work stoppage.

According to Liz Mullen and Daniel Kaplan of SportsBusiness Journal, the league has hired Bob Batterman to participate in the negotiations with the NFL Players Association. Batterman represented hockey owners in connection with talks that resulted in a work stoppage that killed an entire season and, for many mainstream sports fans, removed the NHL from the ranks of the major sports leagues.

The problem apparently is that the same-old, same-old approach isn't yielding results. Per SBJ, initial talks between the league and the union have gone nowhere.

"All they can agree on is the players are getting paid too much," NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw said. "They can never tell you what they want."

Actually, Batterman was quietly hired last March, roughly a year after the league agreed to the current CBA. He has not yet been introduced to the discussions, but he sounds curiously optimistic about the prospects. He told SBJ that a new deal could be worked out "in a matter of weeks if the parties are on a common wavelength."

So, apparently, the NHL and its union had to scrap a full year of competitive hockey before they landed on a "common wavelength."

Sorry, NFL, but we think that anyone connected with the NHL fiasco should be regarded as radioactive for purposes of avoiding pro football's first work stoppage since 1987. And with football now the clearly dominant professional sport in America, the distractions created by labor unrest could be disastrous to its position.

Our take on this situation is that the league thinks that using Batterman will help to create the impression that the owners are going to play hardball. And it's precisely that kind of posturing that backs folks into corners and fuels unnecessary fighting. Though many believe that the relationship between the league and the union was too cozy in the past, battling for the sake of battling isn't going to create a long-term deal with which both sides can live, and from which everyone can continue to prosper.

Finally, are we the only ones troubled by the fact that Batterman's firm, as stated in the SBJ article, "has been representing the other three major American sports leagues in labor relations for years"? Though the conflict of interest isn't blatant, the idea that Batterman's firm is beholden to the NBA, MLB, and NHL raises a red flag in our minds, given that those three leagues are surely hoping that the NFL find a way to shoot itself in the foot.

dl, regarding the wideouts, Espy and Mix have a combined total of 3 catches, between them for their career. I'm of the belief that you are what you are, and I'm not sure that either of these guys has it in them to be a starting calibre wide-out in the NFL.

On the other hand, take a look at Anthony Gonzales from the Colts, last pick in the draft last year, had a bunch of catches his rookie year. The thing that is different from a Mike Williams/Charles Rogers, is that the Redskins are picking at #21, which is further back in the draft, and they don't need this guy to come in and be a starter. They need him to come in and be the third wideout, so the pressure is lessened...

If the Eagles get Fitz I may have to be done with football.

This is rediculous, everyone clamours for the Redskins to "be responcible," letting everyone else get better while you do NOTHING is not responcible. I wish they woudl go back the the big signings, atleast it made you feel like the team was trying.

sams3,

Your kidding wright.

Greg,
I won't complain if they get a really good wideout, but I just think we have a greater need on defense right now. A team's #1 and #2 picks should be impact players out of the gate.....imo

Will that be a time warp or a time crunch?

Just for the record, I'm in favor of the NFL having a strike-shortened season, because the last two times that happened, the Skins won the Super Bowl.

kmdp4,

It's rediculous to do nothing at all while every other team in your division tries to get better.

dl, so lets say we get an impact DE, and an impact WR with the first and second, and then go G, DT, with the thirds, would you be happy with that??

I just want to clarify that anthony gonzalez was the last pick in the FIRST ROUND of the draft last year... not the last pick in the draft.

dl, so lets say we get an impact DE, and an impact WR with the first and second, and then go G, DT, with the thirds, would you be happy with that??

Posted by: gregmarino88 | March 10, 2008 09:31 AM

Sure......

Sams, what has Dallas and the Giants done to get better? The Giants lost a starting linebacker, and a starting safety. Dallas lost a starting/backup running back. Philly signed an over-rated corner. I mean, unless I'm missing something, seems like everyone in the division has pretty much stayed the same, or lost players?

sams3,

I agree with you that doing nothing might hurt the team, but trading for Fits, would kill this team interms of draft picks lost and salary cap. I think you will see them start signing some FA soon. I do not think Fits makes philly that much better, you still have a very inacurate passer in McNabb. I also think you will see Samuel get burned his fair share of times this year. I still like our roster better then Philly's. The Cowgirls did not do anything to make themselves any better, so I still think we can compete with them. I did not see the Giants do anything either, and if you think about it we should have beaten them twice last year. They had a great run to the superbowl but that does not always translate into a good season the next year. We have as much of a shot as any other team to win the division, not saying we will but we can if JC plays his a$$ off.

Anyone know why the Eagles cut Takeo Spikes? I know he finished the season with a torn something or other, but to just cut the guy? I thought he was a stud....

Anyone know why the Eagles cut Takeo Spikes? I know he finished the season with a torn something or other, but to just cut the guy? I thought he was a stud....

Posted by: dlhaze1 | March 10, 2008 09:47 AM

dlhaze,

This is a quate from Andy Reid on why they got rid of Spikes.

"Takeo did a really good job for us last year," Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "But we are excited about the young linebackers that have developed over the last year. We wish Takeo all the best. He's a true team player on and off the field."

No one thinks Samuel is more overratted than I do. I'm just saying The Skins could have been a little more active for my taste.

CORK'S MONDAY REDSKINS PARK UPDATE

8:45 Three cartons of ankle tape delivered.

9:15 Vinny calls to see if racketball game with Danny is still on for noon.

9:20 Ethan Albright drops by to practice snaps. Starts with "Yo Momma..." classics get warm up.

10:00 Coach Smith practies parking in his new parking spot.

10:45 Coach Zorn visits film room to watch film. Decides on "Michael Clayton" as he's already seen "There Will Be Blood."

Redskins | Team expected to meet with B. Johnson
Sun, 9 Mar 2008 17:18:57 -0700

Chrissy Mauck, of SF49ers.com, reports the Washington Redskins are expected to meet with unrestricted free-agent WR Bryant Johnson (Cardinals).

Sams, Free Agency isn't over yet.

Upgrading at wide-out, your two top choices were DJ Hackett, and Bryant Johnson. Zorn was on the sidelines, with Hackett last year, and the Redskins didn't even bring him in so that definetly doesn't pass the sniff test. There is something about DJ that Zorn doesn't want on his team. Johnson hasn't signed anywhere yet, to my knowledge. I think that if they bring back Caldwell, they're good, along with a high draft pick at WR.

Look at some of the deals that got made, teams were getting 10 cents on the dollar for the quality of player they signed.

Rams | Team inquires about Sheppard
Sun, 9 Mar 2008 16:34:16 -0700

Jim Thomas, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reports the St. Louis Rams have inquired about Philadelphia Eagles CB Lito Sheppard.

Does Samuel get cooked for TD's on the reg?

How many INT's has he had, and took back to the house?

Isn't he an all-pro?

How is the man overrated?

I mean c'mon... I know if it ain't about the Redskins, then it ain't about sh_t, but you gotta give the man credit. He's is better than Nate Clements and he makes less than he does. When I think of corners, he's consistently in my fav five.

everybody here is making fitzgerald out to be god. yes, he's very good, and yes he's very productive, but he's not going to create a 5-game swing for any team that he goes to. the only true difference making wide receiver in the game is randy moss. nobody else even comes close. fitzgerald isn't even the #1 receiver on his team. don't get me wrong, i would love to have him here, he would certainly be an upgrade, but anybody that's willing to throw multiple picks at the cards for this guy would just be throwing away their future (unless it's one of two pretty-much set teams, colts or patriots...the redskins are not at that point). no receiver can carry a team to the super bowl. i'd rather pick up a free agent who can be half as productive (hackett?), and use two picks to upgrade the o-line MUCH MORE SO than wasting the cap space and picks on a single receiver.

Red, I think he's overrated because he only came up big when money was on the table. His first 3 years he had 6 int's total. When he was coming into a contract year he puts up 10, gets franchised, then puts up 6. Lets see how he does now that he's getting coin? Also, as I've stated before, he's a smaller corner, who is going to be going up against the likes of Burress, TO, who will be able to outmuscle him. Lets see how he does playing outside of NE's scheme.

PSPS23,
I agree that the Skins sholdn't give away the farm for Fitz....but the idea of the Eagles picking him up is very scary.

RedDMV,

Samuel's stats,

He has 22Int. 3td, but what the stats do not tell you is he gets burned alot, and he can not tackle very well.

Being an All Pro means nothing in the NFL today.

Roy Williams is an all pro, and he could not cover my 9yr old.

YEAR TEAM G TOT SOLO AST PD SACK FF REC INT YDS TD
2003 NWE 16 34 31 3 9 0.0 0 0 2 55 1
2004 NWE 13 39 38 1 12 0.0 3 0 1 34 1
2005 NWE 15 54 44 10 16 0.0 0 0 3 15 0
2006 NWE 15 64 59 5 24 0.0 1 0 10 120 0
2007 NWE 16 46 43 3 18 0.0 0 0 6 89 1
Career 75 237 215 22 79 0.0 4 0 22 313 3

"but he's not going to create a 5-game swing for any team that he goes to. the only true difference making wide receiver in the game is randy moss."

I tend to believe that NE was the difference maker for Moss as opposed to Moss being labeled as "the only true difference maker in the game". How much of a difference did Moss make with the Raiders? I think Moss, Owens, Fitz, Harrison (when healthy), C Johnson, a