Rock on.

BONG WATER!

I wonder if this will translate into Bryant Johnson actually showing up for a "visit," too. [You can't use the Skins as leverage unless you show up!]

Derrick Frost ranked 28th in the league for yards per punt with 41.0

28th!!!!!!!!!!

This is probably Vinny's secret plan to get Bryant Johnson's asking price down. Vinny will have Hackett and Johnson bid down against each other, awarding a contract to the lowest bidder. The winning bid should be in the range of 5 years and $12 million.

With so much gnashing and wailing about Favre, the media in that part of the Midwest cannot report about anything else, including whether Brunell has "visited" (pull up a chair and visit, sonny).

I have something to report about Favre's replacement, Aaron Rodgers: he's having a bad hair career.

Wow, this is really exciting. I can hardly contain myself.

Who asked about drafting a punter earlier? Here were the guys who were up for the 2007 Ray Guy Award.

1. Durant Brooks, Sr., Georgia Tech: A Ray Guy Award finalist and second team All-American last season, Brooks ranked fourth in the nation with a 45.6-yard average and second with a 40.66 net average. He had 27 punts of 50 yards or longer and had 35 punts killed inside the 20-yard line.
2. Chris Miller, Sr., Ball State: Last season Miller averaged 46.3 yards on 57 kicks with a long of 78 yards. He killed 20 inside the 20-yard line, but had one blocked.
3. Britton Colquitt, Jr., Tennessee: The Colquitts are to punting what 'The Flying Wallendas" were to high-wire acts. Colquitts rank first, second and third on Tennessee's career punting list. Britton - the latest - is climbing the chart. Last season he averaged 44.9 yards per punt with 18 killed inside the 20.
4. Matt Fodge, Jr., Oklahoma State: Fodge averaged 44.9 yards on 50 punts, which included a 72-yard best. He also pinned opponents inside the 20 on 14 occasions.
5. Ryan Succop, Jr., South Carolina: Actually, a better case could be made for him to be on the Groza list. However, he's an exceptional punter as well. He didn't get enough punts last season to qualify among national leaders, but he averaged 43.7 yards on 29 attempts and had seven downed inside the 20. He also dodged the rush to avoid a blocked punt against Mississippi State and ran for a first down.

Player comparison

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6916
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6353

I guess Johnson has an edge over Hackett.

But if Johnson was a 1st round pick and Hackett was a 5th rounder, Seattle got more for the money.

I just peed a little.

How lucky are we as fans to have an owner so committed to winning that he'd go out and get Hackett. And the best coach, Zorn. And how smart was that to not get Lance Briggs who cost too much. Finally it's all come together.

tafka, of those five punters, only Brooks is in the draft. Presumably, the juniors will do what junior punters do ... get their degrees.

The punter to get was Nick Folk, who the Cowboys got as their kicker in the last draft. Folk, a kicker in college, assumed punting duties as a senior at Arizona State ... and broke all sorts of punting records there.

scamp,
Don't wait until the last minute to go. I know this gosh-darned blog is fascinating and just a whole lot of fun.

Do what I do, and go right before you hit the blog and buy a box of Depends to use as a backup.

well, I guess somebody's gotta post it:

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/sports/AP-FBN-Redskins-Taylor-Slain.html

Scratch most of that post above on punters - I pasted the wrong info. So who are the good ones in the draft? Durant Brooks (listed above) and this guy-

P Brett Kern (Toledo) was named one of the three finalists for the annual Ray Guy Award. Kern averaged 46.1 yards in 52 punts and nailed 17 inside the 20-yard line.

"He has best season in 2006, setting personal marks with 45 catches for 610 yards (a 13.6-yard average) and four touchdowns. In his career, Hackett has 105 receptions for 1,394 yards (a 13.3-yard average) and nine touchdowns.
"

His career equals Santana's productivity in his 1st Season with the Redskins.

If we sign him, it better be modest.......

Thanks for the post of the ongoing investigation. I hope peolpe won't forget what happened and what is happening.......

Rogers 'Making Progress' With Knee Rehab
http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1073

It has been four-and-a-half months since Carlos Rogers suffered knee ligament injuries that ended his 2007 season.

Rogers underwent surgery to repair the knee last November. The subsequent rehab could limit his availability for training camp and preseason.

Rogers said recently that he has targeted the Redskins' 2008 season opener for his return to action.

4th,
Esp. since there's not much interest by other teams.

If an unsigned free agent punter coming out of college is the better choice, this guy might be worth signing for his name alone. (Seems like he can also run the fake if necessary.)

P Ken DeBauche (Wisconsin): The four-year starter pulled off the first completion of his career when he hit backup P Paul Standring for a 31-yard gain on a fake punt.

I thought Bryant Johnson signed with Buffalo......

Lisa, that was the suggestion, but it hasn't happened yet ... which could mean it and won't happen ... or that Buffalo still uses typewriters instead of word processors.

I thought Bryant Johnson signed with Buffalo......

Posted by: Lisa_R | March 10, 2008 05:54 PM

They were false reports, seemingly originated by a Buffalo TV station.

Bryant Johnson was signed by Buffalo, it's just they're thinking about signing another Bryant Johnson.

He's baaaaaaack. Thought i'd drop in to check on you all, and kick some Wire knowledge after the end of the greatest series in television history last night.

Here's my take on the finale (please excuse the re-post)

Great parts:

* Michael. Becomes. Omar. Wow, just wow. Introduced to us in his new role the same way Omar was introduced to us in season 1 (in his first robbery of the barksdales, he shoots the one who questions him in the leg)
* Slim as the new Prop Joe, making the connect with the Greeks along with fat face rick. Glad he finally capped Cheese. "That was for Joe."
* Marlo playing the role of Stringer, if only for a moment, was cool. Good to see that didn't last long. That just isn't Marlo.
* As sad as it was, I thought the way they casually showed Dukie getting high at the end was very apropos.
* Loved the scenes from around Bmore in the middle.
* Bubs...was glad to see him finally allowed out of the dungeon, and able to eat at the dinner table with his sis. Can't believe she used a dead bolt on him!
* Weebay and Chris in prison....who's gonna mess with that duo!
* Kenard getting locked up was necessary. Screw that little pip squeak.
* Loved the irish bar scene...thought that could be the ending. Some peace between Jay and Jimmy.
* Daniels as a lawyer...guess he can finally put that law degree from Towson to good use.
* We heard the girl at the middle school one last time, when Dukie was trying to get in the school...she's the real life Tyreeka from The Corner, D'Andre's girlfriend (know this bc they showed the main characters that were potrayed at the end of the corner, and then they showed her a couple times last season...once when she let Prezbo into the school and introduced him to the principal "I ain't even gonna try to pronounce his name"
* Lester with his ex-stripper gf Chardeen...D'Angelo's old girl. Awesome.
* Am 90% certain the kid with Michael in the rim shop scene was the boy who left Bodie's corner in season 2 after asking for severance package...then rolls back with a new crew and gets stomped by bodie and his posse. Must verify this.
* David Simon doing an Alfred Hitchcock and appearing for an instant in the corner of the newsroom, with a sticker on his computer that said "Save our Sun"...that was awesome.
* Always wondered why we end our press releases at my office with "-30-", now I know... it means "the end of the text." Fitting title to the last episode.

Not so great parts:

* Bubbles accidentally killing Sherrod now being publicized in the Bmore sun would land that poor sob in prison, even in Bmore (remember, Landsman took it upon himself to let Bubs off the hook for that bc he felt sorry for him). There's just been a citywide crisis about homeless people being killed, no way Bubs gets off scott free after his admitting to killing a homeless boy ends up in the front page of the paper. He was never even tried, so no double jeopardy defense.
* McNulty telling Templeton about everything he has done. He didn't have to fess up just to be able to tell Scott he knew he was lying. Liked seeing scott's reaction, but I think McNutty could've just as easily told him he knew he was lying without implicating himself.
* Herc undoing the great work he did in giving Carver marlo's number. It doesn't make sense that he would go through the trouble of helping put Marlo behind bars if he's gonna then tell Levy about the wiretap...unless of course herc is an f'ing moron. Which he is.
* Boooo no Avon, nor Zigg, nor Cutty, nor Randy. Damn it.

Remaining questions:

* What was in the book on Daniels? If he was so dirty years earlier, then he's got some nerve being as pissed as he was towards McNulty for the homeless murder scam.
* Who was that prisoner in the jail cell who walked towards the bars when Levy was leaving the meeting with Marlo?
* And who was on the wall next to Cole in the irish bar? Was it Wagner, the cop Prez accidentally shot (we never did get a good look at him)??
* We know that Lester can make a nice living off his miniature toy furniture...but what does Jimmy do now??
* Marlo street fight was sweet...really thought he was gonna get capped for a sec. But what happens to him now? Does he remain the king, and thus end up back in prison?
* Is Randy cheese's son? They made so many mentions of their common last name--Wagstaff--they clearly wanted us to wonder...

What a show.

and sween, they send their league paperwork via those old vacuum tubes, so that right there will add some time.

It was Spencer Johnson that was signed in Buffalo. There is only one Bryant Johnson in the NFL. And he hasn't signed yet...

er, pneumatic tubes.

vacuum tubes are what made old-fashioned teevees work, right?

eh.

not to be confused with Bryan Johnson, or Kelvin Bryant...

my bad...
hallucinating...
or maybe confused with Brain Johnson.

Living in Indiana the past 2 years I can say without hesitation that the Ball State punter is SICK. Would be an excellent UFA pick up at the end of the draft if Frostie gets cold feet.

I hope the team signs Hackett (especially since he torched the Skins for 100+ yrds receiving and a td in the playoffs last year). Both Don Banks (SI) and Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) were signing his praises. If Hackett can stay healthy (big if, he has always been hurt), he will be a TJ Houshmanzadah clone.

I think he might have a chance at staying healthy if he isn't always the go-to guy-- with Santana, ARE, and Cooley as receiving threats, he might be more durable.

I like this move since we don't lose any draft picks getting a WR, but I'd still opt for Larry Fitzgerald with a 1st this year and a 2nd next year.

I'm all for signing Hackett. And it makes sense since Vinny seems to believe there is only one WR worth a 1st round pick in this draft.

I think Hackett would overtake ARE as the starter. No doubt Fitz would be better, but it would be difficult to get him with the Skins salary cap issues. Hackett shouldn't be too expensive.

ARE would be better as the slot receiver. Personally, I like Bryant J. but would take either for the right price. IF Hackett can stay healthy, this could work.

"ARE would be better as the slot receiver...."
Posted by: kerzon417 | March 10, 2008 07:19 PM

When it comes to WR's I would rather see all three rotating spots depending on what routs and packages are being played. I think ARE would make a great slot from time to time but if you wanted a guy going over the middle the taller WR may be better for that. A slot deep threat- Moss.

Wow, this is really exciting. I can hardly contain myself.

Posted by: PDiddy | March 10, 2008 05:23 PM

Well, you can just go back to calming the heated waters of the Obama/Hillary fanbois; I read that crap once, even worse than what passes for discourse Up Here.
At least we have maps, such as....

Mr. Snyder is proving again why he is one of the great talent evaluators.

REDSKIN PARK ACTIVITY UPDATE # 3

2:45: Word comes down of impending visit by first FA candidate this year. Secretaries and assistant coaches asked to "spruce up area" by Vinny.

3:10: Memo from Vinny arrives saying three cases of ankle wrapping tape delivered earlier today will be a "lovely parting gift" for D.J. Hackett, and would someone "be a lamb" and order some more for the rest of the team.

3:15 Rock Cartwright visits, posts note on bulletin board asking if anyone would like to take over his "new two-year lease on Ferrari Testarossa, (never driven)."

3:30 Rock test drives Ford Focus belonging to Vinny's secretary, says he'll "get back to her."

4:15 Joe Gibbs drops by to polish SB Trophies.

5:00 Lights out.

5:15 Phone message left by D.J. Hackett asking why no one was at the Greyhound terminal to pick him up and should he just "grab a cab?"

I'm not a big fan of trading picks for guys with big contracts, but you have to admit that Larry Fitzgerald would be a proven WR as opposed to whatever guess we made with the #21 pick.
But I don't see any way to make that happen.

"Big WR James Hardy did not do many of the drills and refused to run a 60-yard shuttle, opting to rely on his performance at the Combine. He did have a vertical jump of 36 inches, and he turned in a decent workout. He was smooth and athletic running routes but double-caught most of the passes. He did not impress enough to climb into first-round territory."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Av9OBmAsjyTEPswXXEEhy19DubYF?slug=draftdishgholstongetsmix&prov=tsn&type=lgns

I'd like to see Mix compete with ARE for that slot receiver spot. You've have Moss, Hackett at 6'2" and Mix at 6'5". Those look like weapons to me.Let's hope they can catch the ball.

They need to address the wr position. We need to get Hackett or B. Johnson in free agency at fair market value. If they do that they are set at the position for '08.

If they do this, they can focus on drafting an impact player or two for the Dline. After that, let's add some good young depth to the Oline, CB, LB etc.

We need to get younger!!! I must admit, I like the way free agency has gone thus far. Let's see how everything ends up.

They need to address the wr position. We need to get Hackett or B. Johnson in free agency at fair market value. If they do that they are set at the position for '08.

If they do this, they can focus on drafting an impact player or two for the Dline. After that, let's add some good young depth to the Oline, CB, LB etc.

We need to get younger!!! I must admit, I like the way free agency has gone thus far. Let's see how everything ends up.

It was reported by the NFL Network tonight (this report came from Philly.com) that Fitzgerald IS NOT leaving the Cards. They will not trade him. Please everyone stop dreaming.

TherOne lesser-known player who had a strong on-campus workout this week was Defiance College WR Luke Dillon, who worked out at the Ohio State pro day. A highly productive small-school receiver, he caught more than 90 passes in 2007 and grabbed some NFL scouts' attention. He definitely looked the part during his workout, when he clocked a 4.50 and 4.46 in the 40 on the fast track. Dillon was smooth and fluid throughout the workout, especially running routes and catching the ball. He has positioned himself to be a late-round consideration. ...

Kent State CB Jack Williams has a lot of supporters among NFL scouts, but coaches are going to have to be won over because of Williams' lack of height (5-9). He helped himself with a good workout, though, showing his speed with a 4.33 in the 40 and his athleticism with a vertical jump of 40 inches. Throughout his workout, he showed quick feet and an explosive burst after changing directions, qualities NFL teams covet. ...
e are other options at WR---

Many sleepers in this draft

I like the idea of one of these relatively cheapo FA WRs to start opposite SMoss, with ARE in the slot, and Cooley of course catching plenty of balls, and Mix and Espy also in the mix. I like that fine. Breaking the bank for a WR does not appeal to me.

That would give us one less thing to have on our wish list come draft day. So we can focus on, you know, the lines, and the secondary, and whatever else needs to be focused on.

I was just doing some research on Mix, to see if there is a specific reason why he hasn't contributed much at the NFL level, and found the report on him from the draft he was in.

Here's what it said-

Strengths: Possesses great speed for size, shows good body control and flashes the ability to make the big play downfield. Has good athletic ability, flashes the ability to run crisp short-to-intermediate routes and catches the ball fairly well. Shows adequate recognition skills and generally settles into a soft spot working against zone coverage. Uses wide frame to shield defenders from the ball, he flashes the ability to make the tough catch in traffic and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target. Gets downfield fairly quickly and has the potential to develop into a quality special teams' player. Has experience lining up at tight end, is capable of limning up at H-Back and can obviously line up at receiver so has good versatility.

Weaknesses: Does not play as fast as 40-time indicates and his speed is too straight-line. Lacks ideal burst for a receiver and will have some problems creating separation working against man coverage at the next level. Doesn't use hands well, doesn't play with a mean streak and needs to improve ability to get a clean release working against press coverage. Lacks ideal size for an in-line blocker and doesn't sustain blocks well. Has to keep weight down to stay at receiver and conditioning will always be critical to success. Work ethic has been questioned at times and character may be somewhat of a concern. Broke left wrist in 2001 and missed two games with a sprained ankle in 2003 so durability is somewhat of a concern.

Overall: Mix played in all 13 games of his true freshman season in 2002 and he lined up at tight end at that time. He moved from tight end to receiver midway through the 2003 season and he started 11 games that year. Mix started four of the 13 games he played in during the 2004 season catching 19 passes for a total of 294 yards and three touchdowns. As a senior in 2005, Mix finished with 288 yards and two touchdowns on 23 receptions. Mix is a classic 'tweener. He isn't quite big or strong enough to develop into a traditional tight end in the NFL and he lacks the initial quickness, suddenness and fluidity of a fulltime wide receiver. In our opinion, Mix's best chance to contributge in the NFL is at the H-Back position for a team that likes to get their tight ends extra involved in the passing game (see: Chiefs and Redskins). Mix's speed will cause matchup problems for linebackers and his size will cause matchup problems for defensive backs, so he is capable of becoming a quality situational receiver at the next level. Because of that upside, we think he is worth selecting late in the 2006 draft.

corkczar,

Who answered the phone? Is he still at the bus station waiting for a call back?

Other than that, thanks for the update.

It was reported by the NFL Network tonight (this report came from Philly.com) that Fitzgerald IS NOT leaving the Cards. They will not trade him. Please everyone stop dreaming.

Posted by: Lisa_R | March 10, 2008 08:30 PM

Well, that's definitive. The Cards said it, according to Philly.com, so it must be true.

Now, if you wanted to get the most for a player, what would you say: "We're desperate to trade him." or "We're not going to trade him."

The way I see it, they aren't going to trade him. They couldn't get a fifth round pick for him because they're going to cut him. They can't pay his price, and he has no incentive to negotiate a friendlier contract with Arizona. He's better off as a free agent, with six teams bidding on him. And under those conditions, the Redskins won't be able to afford him.

Nate,

I'm with you all the way on the cheapo WR, although I'm concerned about what Mix can contribute. They never even put him on the field as a WR after snagging him from the Giants. But, that was Gibbs/Saunders, so maybe Zorn can turn him into an NFL wide receiver.

Had a conversation tonight with Kerry Justin (CB Seahawks 78-83 & 86-87) and his brother Sydney. Both very high on Zorn as a coach and "great offensive mind". Also high on Sherm Smith's understanding of the game and ability to coach. Perhaps perplexing process pays.

"BONG WATER!

Posted by: ptoro | March 10, 2008 05:10 PM "

F'n hilarious!

Rumor has it that if you drink the 'BONG WATER' you shall get really stoned.

BONG!

So AZ is gonna cut one of the best 5 WR's in the league and get nothing in return. Come on now, you can't believe that. If they didn't cut him at the start of FA why would they do so now after most guys are signed. The money situation can't be that bad, they just signed Travis LaBoy to a 5 year 22M with 7.5 signing bonus last week.

cdubb, I just checked out some Cardinal sites and apparently the money situation is that bad. they only have about $1.4 mil (or so it seems) in cap space. that's not even enough to sign draft picks.

I guess that was about 4 months ago, I guess they have around $11 mil now.

Skinz should sign Hackettz and make Zorn happy. Put El in the slot and Mix into the Mix! Draft D.J. Hall out of Alabama in the 3rd round. BONG - WR taken care of. Now draft DE/CB or vice versa in 1st/2nd, sign the best OL available with compensatory 3rd. Draft for depth on both sides of the line in remaining draft slots. A punter would be nice, but Frosty will resign. Look out for Owen Schmidt from West Virginia...Full Back that can blow people up. Great Special Teamer...He would be a great addition in the Mike Sellers type of mold. Thoughts..Jibba, OUT...

I'm sort of sick of going for almost number two quality WR's. Let's go all the way for some big time talent. A TRUE number one WR. If we can't get somebody in Free agency, let's draft him.

Let's admit something along the way, Santana is too small to be a true number one. Not durable enough, not tall enough for Campbell. Not vertical enough to be a Red-zone factor. We need a Plaxico Burress or Larry Fitzgerald type. The Giants drafted Jimmy Smith high and picked up Plex. They have a big time TE too. Multiple weapons. All top shelf. They did the same thing at Defensive end. The recognize impact positions and spend big bucks at those.

We are always nibbling around the edges of what we want. Grasping for Lloyd, grasping for Randle El. We need a T.O. quality WR to go with our speed burner Moss.

Hackett, Zorn, Collins, Rock, the whole thing feels like an "also ran" strategy. Maybe good enough to go 8-8 have a few meanignful games down the stretch. Nothing like winning the division. How about that as an organizational goal.

How about building a team that could WIN THE DIVISION. Get a home play-off game. These are keys to winning the Superbowl and creating a real stepping stone for success. How about some building blocks that could get us somewhere like that. Not also ran, keep butts in the seats building blocks, like Hackett. An afforable dude off the scrap heap, no other visits lined up...feels way too much like Lloyd.

HIT

I read on another site that Plaxico was ticked off about the huge contract $$$ Javon Walker received....

"Draft D.J. Hall out of Alabama in the 3rd round."

This seems like a tremendous waste of a pretty valuable draft pick. Let's not.

03/05/08 - Draft Scout Fallers: D.J. Hall, WR Alabama: Hall needed an impressive showing at the Combine to provide an incentive to NFL scouts to look past his on-field inconsistency and off-field decision-making. Estimated in the mid-4.4s by scouts throughout the season, Hall's speed did not translate well onto the Indianapolis track. He was timed in the high 4.5s to low 4.6s by scouts, raising concerns about his ability to get deep at the next level. Hall's big-play potential was previously viewed as one of his strengths.

Old Draft Axiom #31 - Just because a player seemed to play well for your favorite college, it doesn't make him a first-rate talent.

Old Draft Axiom #31 - Just because a player seemed to play well for your favorite college, it doesn't make him a first-rate talent.

Movealreadydamnit Type is at it again.

So AZ is gonna cut one of the best 5 WR's in the league and get nothing in return. Come on now, you can't believe that. If they didn't cut him at the start of FA why would they do so now after most guys are signed. The money situation can't be that bad, they just signed Travis LaBoy to a 5 year 22M with 7.5 signing bonus last week.

Posted by: cdubb | March 10, 2008 10:54 PM

They didn't cut him at the start of FA because they are trying to negotiate a pay cut with the guy. They won't cut him until they have to cut him, but unless they renegotiate they will have to pay him $14 million this year and $17 million next year. Any team who trades for him will have to pay him $14 million this year and $17 million next year, unless he renegotiates with the new team. And there's no reason for him to renegotiate with the Cards, or a new team. He's better off getting cut and becoming a free agent with four or five teams bidding for him. So, yeah, the Cards aren't going to get anything for the guy and, no, he Redskins won't be able to afford him. He will end up on some team with about three miles of cap space -- Titans? Eagles?

Under the assumption that Arizona knows SOMETHING about running a franchise, they would have never let Bryant Johnson go if they were going to make a move with Fitzgerald. I think LF stays in AZ at least one more year and then heads to Minnesota. The only way he's a Redskin is if Denny Green is here as the coach (which I would prefer over Zorn anyway).

Under the assumption that Arizona knows SOMETHING about running a franchise

Posted by: brownwood26 | March 11, 2008 06:09 AM

Big assumption. We're talking about the Bidwells. Exactly what astute move have those owners made? Hiring Denny Green or firing Denny Green?

Brownwood,

How do you figure LF will end up in Minnesota next year he will not be a FA. He has a 17mil cap hit next season were ever he is.

You want a recycled coach who was not that great in Minnesota, and stunk up the place in Arizona, no thanks, at least Zorn is a fresh new coach with new ideas. If you want to go recycled coach there are better ones out there then Green.

Denny Green ain't exactly chopped liver. 113 wins and 8 playoff appearances in 13 seasons.

Just because he failed in Arizona... um, everybody fails in Arizona. Too bad for him that that was his second HC job, because a third chance seems unlikely but not impossible (see also: George Seifert).

But anyway, we're going with Zorn! He's our man! For this season, anyway! Hooray, Zorn!

Nate,

I am just done with these 60 plus recycled coaches. I am not just talking about the Skins, most NFL teams have a problem with giving young cordinators a shot. The way I see it the only way to become a good HC is to actually do it, being a cordinator is the stepping stone, but I do not think you have to be a cordinator for 20 years to be a HC. This my opinion of course and is subject to argument by people on the blog who are alot smarter then me.

Rumor has it that if you drink the 'BONG WATER' you shall get really stoned.

Posted by: bigmurf08 | March 10, 2008 10:15 PM

That rumor skipped right over the part about vomiting ... tricky that rumor mill.

Instead of signing the next Housh-like UFA, how about trading for Housh(mazilli)?

Daylight savings time already?! When will you learn? You can't save daylight; you can only spend it even if it is spent an hour later. Okay, you can save it in solar cells and that's handy but why wait until March?

Seriously, EDT is longer than EST so isn't EDT really EST. Shouldn't you come up with another term for standard time? Maybe, holiday time as it covers Halloween, Turkey day, the winter holidays, MLK day, and presidents day.

I'm sure holiday time will never work as all Europeans living in the U.S. will think the Yanks finally got it and will therefore not show up to work for the months of November through February.

It is Therefore, I propose that daylight savings time begin the day after presidents day and end the day before Halloween. You could always use another two weeks of daylight.

I hear ya, kmpd. I would not have been very excited about Denny Green or any other retread. Just wanted to give him some meager props.

I can't even remember who I was excited about during the search, to be honest, aside from Grilliams. I got so riled up about Mora and then Fassell (in the "nay" category) that I can't remember much else. And then of course we wind up hiring Zorn. So there.

It's gonna be a fun season, with the lowered expectations of a first-time HC following the middling second stint of the greatest coach in franchise history. And by fun I mean who the heck knows...

bangkokben, may I suggest 'daylight wasting time,' which seems so appropriate for this forum.

Not that the sun is up here, as I write this up here. But it will be peeking up over Mount Hood in a few hours. Which is nice.

kmdp4,

LF is a free agent the year after next. But I'm not putting anything past Minnesota pulling another Herschel Walker to get LF since he's a local guy and they haven't had a WR worth a damn since they traded Randy Moss. We're talking about Minnesota, not exactly the greatest FO out there...

As for Denny Green, I don't mean to prop him up as the black Joe Gibbs. But just like Mooch got a free pass from many on this blog for his Detroit stint, Denny should get one for AZ. I know he didn't finish the task, but the man DID go 15-1 in a tough division in '98. And in response to his age: people think Zorn is a youngster because his resume is short. The guy's 55. I won't harp on it because what's done is done, but if you're going to hire young and let him grow into the job, it helps that he's actually young.

Own Your Very Own RCA Dome Urinal
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/03/10/own-your-very-own-rca-dome-urinal/

Get rid of DST! (Or keep it permanently.) We have lights now.

The Larry Fitzgerald Problem.

As Arizona has discovered, there is a big problem with signing rookies to incentive-laden contracts. As has been previously noted, his guaranteed salaries for 2008 and 2009 are approximately $14.0 million and $17 million, respectively. The problem now is to write a new contract that incorporates those figures, adds future value, and is cap-friendly (relatively speaking). So let's give it a try here:

New Contract
6 years
Face Value - $72.0 million
Signing Bonus - $30.0 million
Guaranteed Amount - $42.0 million
Maximum Value - $102 million

Pay Out Schedule

YR SIBO OBO SAL TOTAL
1 30.000 1.000 4.000 35.000
2 00.000 1.000 4.000 5.000 +4.000 Possible Incentives
3 00.000 2.000 5.000 7.000 +5.000 Incentives
4 00.000 2.000 5.000 7.000 +6.000 Incentives
5 00.000 3.000 6.000 9.000 +7.000 Incentives
6 00.000 3.000 6.000 9.000 +8.000 Incentives

30.000 12.000 30.000 72.000 + 30.000 Possible Incentives

-All amounts in years #1 & 2, plus Roster Bonus in Yr. #3 are guaranteed. ($42.0 million)
-No incentives in Year #1 due to present/future value of signing bonus payment

Cap Hit Schedule

YR SIBO OBO SAL TOTAL
1 5.000 0.167 4.000 9.167
2 5.000 0.367 4.000 9.367
3 5.000 0.867 5.000 10.867
4 5.000 1.535 5.000 11.535
5 5.000 3.035 6.000 14.035
6 5.000 6.035 6.000 17.035

(Plus applicable incentives earned annually)

The total value of the contract gives the player the opportunity to earn (on average) the maximum value of the 2009 contract for a total of six years. The contract could also be renegotiated beginning in Yr. #4 to add value or guarantee additional amounts.

The cap relief amounts for 2008 and 2009 are significant ($5.0 and $4.0 minimum, respectively), while the contract and annual cap hits reflect the increasing value of the player over time. In addition, the contract could be terminated by the team after Yr. #3 with a dead cap amount of less than $20.0 million. With the salary cap increasing annually, the increasing amounts in later years are more easily manageable.

There are only two problems with this proposal: 1) the player might think the amounts are inadequate; and 2) the owner may not be willing to write a signing bonus check of $30.0 million, followed closely by a $1.0 million roster bonus and a $4.0 salary. Good luck, Mr. Bidwell - you have quite a mess on your hands.

Jibba this:

Season 4 of "The Deadliest Catch" begins on 4/15/08. Discovery Channel, of course.

kmdp4,

Agree as usual. Keep the Brain working.

Crickets,

Did you send that post to AZ? They could use you over there.

Cricks, thats like math and stuff...makes me head hurt..

Of the two, BJ, and DJ, I'd rather BJ, as he seems to have more upside. That being said, I'd STILL want to use a pick on a wideout. DE/DT/G/WR, and not necessarily in that order, I believe should be our first 4 picks. You could flip/flop either g/dt, or g/g, depending on what is available.

I get most of my news from philly.com.

The homepage reads, "Philly, home of champions*"

* Home of champions is just an expression see as we havn't won anything in about a thousand years. Our most successful athlete is Rocky Balboa a fictional moive character. He was world champion you know... When you go to an Eagles game we will teach you all about him since he is the closest thing to a champion we have ever had.

Jibba this:

Season 4 of "The Deadliest Catch" begins on 4/15/08. Discovery Channel, of course.

Posted by: TheCrickets007 | March 11, 2008 08:17 AM

TheCrick,

Now you are talking, "The Deadliest Catch" is a great show, my boys from the Northwestern are going to take the title this year.

Lets keep up the Jibba-Jabba

kmdp4,

Agree as usual. Keep the Brain working.

Crickets,

Did you send that post to AZ? They could use you over there.

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 11, 2008 08:22 AM

Kerzon,

I have emailed the Bidwells waiting for response.

Greg,

I will take either Hacket or Johnson, Hackett has the advantage of knowing the offense, but I agree Johnson has more future upside and no injury history. I like the idea of a WO in the draft I would still say Nelson with the 2nd pick if available, he can be used as a punt returner this year, as he learns how to play reciever in the pros.

From scout.com's mock draft, where they speculate that the Skins will draft WR Limas Sweed:

"Texas' Limas Sweed is a big target who will compliment Santana Moss perfectly."

. . .

farstriker imagines Skins' locker room:

"Wow, Mr. Moss, that is an incredible shirt. And is that a bespoke suit? It's fantastic!"

. . . . .

complement/compliment

affect/effect

all intents and purposes/all intensive purposes

infamous ≠ famous

It could be a full-time job . . .

I like 'daylight wasting time,' Nate.

Speaking of wasting time, I just checked out Vic Carucci's latest mock draft. He still has the 'skins taking Calais Campbell. What a joke! If the dude is still there in the 2nd round, I can see it but after the bum's performance at the combine and pro day he lost his 1st round status.

km/Cricks, either of you two cats catch the show on the history channel the other night, "Axemen"? Show about the logging industry..I didn't catch it, but the commercial for it looked good...guy is talking about his job, shows his hand/knub, which he lopped off all his fingers with a chain saw.

Any of you guys catch the show, "Axemen" the other night on the history channel? Its about the logging industry. I caught the commercial, they're talking to one guy who just so happens to have lopped off all his fingers with his chain saw. I didn't catch it myself...

I like 'daylight wasting time,' Nate.

Speaking of wasting time, I just checked out Vic Carucci's latest mock draft. He still has the 'skins taking Calais Campbell. What a joke! If the dude is still there in the 2nd round, I can see it but after the bum's performance at the combine and pro day he lost his 1st round status.

Posted by: bangkokben | March 11, 2008 08:44 AM

I understand where you are going with this but for it to be true 32 teams (31 this year) have to agree with you.

A bad performance on some drills doesn't take away from years of topline college ball. It's like saying someone did great on the drills they must be a good player even if they did nothing in college. The man comes out and balls, a lot of people with no ability can out bench him, fortunatly offensive linemen don't lay down on top of you and you have to push them off with only your arms at the snap of ball.

Look at me, wont you just look at me with the double post.

I'm Greg Marino. People seem to like me because I am polite and I am rarely late. I enjoy ice cream and a nice pair of slacks. Years later, a doctor will tell me I have an I.Q. of 48 and that I am considered mentally retarded.

Here is a mock draft from walterfootball.com this is 5rnds I like the picks they have for the Skins.

21 Washington Redskins: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
First of all, I'd be remiss if I didn't give my condolences to the Taylor family. May Sean rest in peace.

Washington failed to register a single sack the Sunday following Sean's death. Keep in mind that the team was playing a rookie quarterback. Against the Seahawks, the Redskins barely touched Matt Hasselbeck, managing only one sack. They have nothing at defensive end, and they'll be lacking depth at defensive tackle if they lose Ryan Boschetti (free agency) and Cornelius Griffin (potential cap casualty) this offseason. The Redskins will be thrilled if they can land Derrick Harvey without trading up.

51 Washington Redskins: Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
Washington needs to go after a massive wide out. Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El were both in and out of the lineup last season, and the Redskins need a large receiver in the mix. At 6-2, 217, Jordy Nelson is much more physically imposing than both Moss and Randle El (both 5-10).

84 Washington Redskins: Chilo Rachal, G, USC
Starting guards Pete Kendall and Randy Thomas will be 35 and 32, respectively, at the beginning of the 2008 season. The Redskins need to get younger there in a hurry.

146 Washington Redskins: Jonathan Zenon, CB, LSU
The Redskins are pretty thin at defensive back. Luckily, there are tons of solid cornerbacks still available, thanks to this class being extremely deep at that position.

Greg,

Did not see that one, but I will check it out sounds cool, the History channel is awesome.

Greg,

News of the morning,
PFT.com
POSTED 9:01 a.m. EDT, March 11, 2008

GIANTS TAKING A LOOK AT CARR

With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft fulfilling his potential by winning the Super Bowl for New York Giants, the team could soon be giving the No. 1 overall selection from two years earlier a chance to make something out of his train wreck of an NFL career.

According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, former Texans and Panthers quarterback David Carr will visit the Giants, and could be signed to be the primary backup to Eli Manning.

It would be bad news for Jared Lorenzen, who would then have to try to fend off Carr during offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason.

In New York, Carr would be reunited with Giants quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer, who was the offensive coordinator in Houston for the first four years of Carr's career.

Lost in the sudden decline of Carr's career is that the Texans decided in 2006 to pick up an option on his rookie contract, taking them out of the running to select Houston native Vince Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft that year. Only the continued development of defensive end Mario Williams into a modern-day Reggie White will save the Texans from a revolt, especially if Vince Young becomes one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

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

POSTED 8:42 a.m. EDT, March 11, 2008

COMPETITION COMMITTEE BRACES FOR WALSH FALLOUT

With the NFL and former Patriots employee Matt Walsh closing in on a deal that will allow Walsh to talk comfortably about what he knows (or what he thinks he knows) about cheating allegations involving the Patriots, a source tells us that one or more members of the NFL's Competition Committee are bracing for the potential consequences of Walsh's evidence.

Although there's a growing belief/suspicion in some circles that Walsh doesn't have a videotape of the final walk-through practice of the St. Louis Rams prior to Super Bowl XXXVI, the concern is that if Walsh has any credible evidence of activities to which Patriots coach Bill Belichick hasn't previously confessed, Commissioner Roger Goodell will take swift and decisive action against him.

The problem at that point would become bigger than cheating. Belichick would separately be in trouble for not coming fully clean when the Commissioner demanded in September 2007 that he do so.

Per the source, the thinking is that it would be a one-year suspension. Whether Patriots owner Robert Kraft would welcome Belichick back after a year out of the game remains to be seen.

As we understand it, mere evidence that Walsh taped defensive coaching signals of opposing teams would not constitute evidence of activities to which Belichick hasn't already admitted. For Belichick to be in jeopardy, Walsh would need to have something more.

As to the team's apparent intention to claim that Walsh was acting on his own as to anything he did beyond taping defensive coaching signals, the term making the rounds at the upper reaches of the league is "institutional control." Put simply, it might not be enough for the Patriots to contend that Walsh was a rogue agent who cheated on his own while the powers-that-be maintained plausible deniability.

In the end, everything hinges on what Walsh can show and/or tell the Commissioner, and whether Walsh is credible.

Greg,

History channel is one of my fav. Only caught part of the program. Some real men working with those saws. Crazy. Promised myself to watch the rerun.

Sams3,

Campbell's drills were alarmingly low for a guy his size. His 40 times, I think will hurt him the most. Not even under five seconds. You're right some team may look at him and say he's the next Too tall Jones and take him in the first round but most teams will take a chance that he's still there in round 2 or 3.

bangkokben well said. I just feel someone will pull the trigger, but i really hope he is there in round 2. I think that pick 21 isn't that bad to go for him. It's not like they have pick 5. 21 may be a little early but it's not unrealistic.

This also from the Walterfootbsll.com draft, which lends it some credibility with me.

4th round
100 Oakland Raiders: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Wow - could Calais Campbell really fall this far? I think so. He showed up overweight and sluggish at his Pro Day. If he can't get motivated to stay in shape before even making it to the NFL, what's going to happen once he receives his first paycheck? I think teams shy away from Campbell until the Raiders are on the clock. Because Al Davis doesn't really know what's going on, he'll assume he's getting a steal.

Take away Derrick Burgess' eight sacks, and the Raiders had just 19. Pathetic. Oakland must acquire a pass rusher across from Burgess

"Of the two, BJ, and DJ, I'd rather get BJ, ..."

Posted by: gregmarino88 | March 11, 2008 08:29 AM

Completely agreed on that choice. On Hackett versus Johnson, however, I'm less certain.

Also, I read (I think it was on the website for The U) that Calais Campbell's first name is pronounced with every syllable ... ca-LAY-is.

Interesting bit about the Giants' interest in Carr ... interesting in the possibilities for Lorenzen. This amateur O-coordinator would move him to fullback ... a running, blocking, receiving, and PASSING fullback.

I forgot which college team did it this year (Arkansas State? Arkansas? Virginia Tech?), but one of them has a base offense that features two QBs, including sometimes having two QBs in the backfield at the same time. There are some interesting possibilities there taking the idea to the pro-level.

kmdp - i think that mock draft you posted before would probably be the skins dream draft, if they were to stand pat with all their picks. DE, WR, G, CB with the first 4 picks, not including the potential 3rd round compensation pick, would be a perfectly executed draft (prospectively) for this team. finally looks like someone did their homework with respect to the skins' draft needs.

Morning all. Did DJ arrive yet? Did he grow up to look just like Roseanne?

One for Diddy...

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/03/newsweek-report.html?nup=1&mbid=yhp

Imagine an offense of complete hybrids. Seneca Wallace at QB, Mike Vick at RB, Jared Lorenzen at FB, Reggie Bush at WR, ARE at WR, Matt Jones at TE. You'd never know who's going to run/throw/catch at any point. It would be pandemonium on the field.

psps, the possibilities make it like a rugby game ... everyone pitching back to everybody else ... like touch football, but tackling actually required. Then throw in some pandas as offensive linemen ...

km, that mock from walterfootball, seems pretty legit. I'm not sure that Campbell falls to the 4th round, but you have to give them credit for actually ACKNOWLEDING that he's sliding. Unlike, Kiper, and all the other talking heads who have him being taken within the first 20 picks.

How big is this Rachel? How did he perform at the combine?

Did I break this thing again......

Greg,

Chilo Rachal #66
Offensive Guard

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 310 pounds
Class Year: Jr
Experience: 2V
Hometown: Compton, CA
High School: Dominguez HS

Combine results

40yrd 5.23
20yrd 3.01
10yrd 1.80

Bench 28

Verticle 25.5

Broad Jump 9'

20 uard shuttle 5.14

3 cone drill 8.01

km, thanks man. Seems like he's got room to grow, so giddy up. I can't wait to find out if the Redskins get an extra 3rd.

Jonathan Zenon, DS #27 CB, LSU

Name: Jonathan Zenon
College: LSU Number: 19
Height: 6-0 Weight: 191
Position: CB Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: rSr/2008
40 Time: 4.48 40 Low: 4.43 40 High: 4.64
Projected Round: 7 Stock:
Rated number 27 out of 239 CB's

Combine Results Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 5116
Weight: 191
40 Yrd Dash: 4.48
20 Yrd Dash: 2.55
10 Yrd Dash: 1.48 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 33
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill:
No bench/choice

Dates: 03/26/08

Before Combine: Hgt: 5117, Wgt: 180, 40YD: 4.49-4.58-4.68

Draft Scout Snapshot: 13 GP; 13 GS; 27 TT, 5 TFL, 4 INT, 12 PBU in '06. 11 GP; 3 GS; 17 TT, 2 INT, 4 PBU in '05. 3 GP; 0 GS; 2 TT in '04. Redshirted as a true freshman for the Tigers in '03.

Draft Scout Jonathan Zenon News
01/07/08 - 2007: A tremendous cover corner, he has started 26 straight games for the Tigers at left cornerback ... Has made 41 tackles, picked off three passes, broken up seven others, forced a fumble and recovered another ... Returned an interception 18 yards for the game-winning score in the SEC title game ... Also had six tackles and a PBU in that contest ... Made a career-high seven stops in the win over South Carolina ... Had four stops and an interception against Mississippi State ... Other INT came against La. Tech, where he was also responsible for a fumble recovery. - LSU Football

11/26/07 - CB Jonathan Zenon is capable of giving defensive coordinator Bo Pelini a chance to get creative and take chances with the other nine defenders because he can leave his corners in man-to-man coverage, but he has struggled in man-to-man coverage late in the season and opponents haven't been afraid to attack him. Zenon has 35 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and six pass breakups.

11/23/07 - CB Jonathan Zenon gives defensive coordinator Bo Pelini a chance to get creative and take chances with the other nine defenders because he can leave his corners in man-to-man coverage. Zenon has 31 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and four pass breakups.

Greg,

News of the day,
PFT.com
POSTED 10:42 a.m. EDT, March 11, 2008

DWAYNE JARRETT ARRESTED FOR DWI

As a rookie, Panthers receiver Dwayne Jarrett was a bust. And now he's been busted.

According to the web site of the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office, Jarrett was arrested on Tuesday for driving while impaired.

Widely expected to be a first-rounder out of USC, Jarrett was a second-round pick of the Panthers in 2007. His arrival made Keyshawn Johnson expendable.

TUESDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones says the team has focused on keeping its own players because "[w]e feel like our resources are better spent keeping those young players than going out and overpaying for what at best is a good player on the market."

If Titans CB Pacman Jones is reinstated and traded to another team, the new team would be on the hook for base salaries of $1.29 million in 2008, $1.74 million in 2009, and $2.19 million in 2010.

The Jets are taking a look at free agent TE Ben Utecht, who is unlikely to re-sign with the Colts.

Ravens CB Samari Rolle says his epilepsy is under control and "[t]his is the best I've felt in a long time."

Free agent WR D.J. Hackett is scheduled to meet with the Redskins on Thursday.

The Bengals apparently are not interested in re-signing free agent LB Caleb Miller or LB Lemar Marshall.

Lions owner William Clay Ford is 82, and the Detroit News is examining the team's succession plans.

A 27-year-old man pleaded no contest to five counts of forgery Monday for selling counterfeit Packers tickets.

The special issue of Sports Illustrated on Brett Favre's retirement is flying off the shelves in Green Bay. [Editor's note: And John Madden is buying 28 percent of them.]

The Texans re-signed TE Mark Bruener and S Glenn Earl to one-year contracts.

Vikings WR Bernard Berrian will receive a $5 million signing bonus, an $8 million roster bonus, and a $605,000 base salary in 2008.

The Colts have to account for $6 million in dead money for DT Corey Simon on their 2008 salary cap. [Editor's note: The good news is that the team will save $6 million in food costs buy not having to feed him.]

The Falcons have re-signed DT Tim Anderson and C Alex Stepanovich.

Most of the big-name free agents have already signed, but the Panthers still have their eyes on several potential signings.

New Titans running backs coach Earnest Byner has talked to RB LenDale White but hasn't been able to reach RB Chris Henry.

Free agent QB Mark Brunell is scheduled for a visit with the Saints today.

If any team signs Broncos restricted free agents Chris Myers or Hamza Abdullah to offer sheets, the Broncos are likely to match the offer.

Buccaneers RB Warrick Dunn said coach Jon Gruden "told me to just go out and play my game and have fun. That's what he wants me to do."

Despite concerns that stalled contract negotiations would keep him away, DE Jared Allen showed up to a ceremony to receive the team's most valuable player award. [Editor's note: In the end, free beer always trumps principle.]

The Seahawks seem likely to designate RB Shaun Alexander a post-June 1 cut, which would make his cap hit $2.3 million this year and $4.6 million next year.

That would be 13.6 Million dollars for Berrian in 08. And people said the Redskins were foolish in free agency.

Interesting Skins bits from those Tuesday morning one-liners (that have links to local papers at the pft site) ... Earnest Byner will be only the second RB coach under Jeff Fisher (currently the longest tenured coach in the NFL) ... and to those keeping score, Brunell also visited in Green Bay. Myself I think Brunell would be a solid choice for the #2 spot in either Green Bay or New Orleans.

sween, I realize it's not seasonally appropriate, but I have this vision of Mark Brunell driving around the countryside for these visits in one of those old-timey touring cars. With a scarf waving behind him, and maybe a pair of goggles. Like this:

http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/bulgariancars_01_resized.jpg

It's funny to think that's how he would get around. You know, because he's old.

Myself I think Brunell would be a solid choice for the #2 spot in either Green Bay or New Orleans.

Posted by: dcsween | March 11, 2008 11:11 AM

Brunell would be a solid #2, and it makes you realize how well the 'Skins have done to lock up Collins as our #2.

kmpd, I am in favor of this fellow Zenon. I think we should lead the league in zees, just like last season we led the league in Todds.

Is Zeron Flemister still out there?

Nate,

To round out your roZter:

Jared Zabransky (QB, Pittsburgh)
Dave Zastudil (P, Cleveland)
Dominique Ziegler (WR, San Francisco)
Joe Zalenka (G, Jacksonville)
Jeff Zegonia (DT, Houston)

All positions of need. All AC (Alphabetically Correct).

Great work, t_e.

Also, Ryan Zimmerman may be able to lend a hand once the Nats' season wraps up.

And Dr. Z is always ready with a friendly word.

POSTED 11:58 a.m. EDT, March 11, 2008

FITZGERALD EXTENDS HIS DEAL

According to an announcement posted on what appears to be his personal web site, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with the team.

Fitzgerald's site says that he'll get $30 million guaranteed, and $33 million over the next three years.

He had been scheduled to earn more than $14 million in salary in 2008 and more than $17 million in salary in 2009 based on eight-figure escalators for which he qualified based on his performance during the first four years of his career.

The deal also supposedly contains a clause that permits Fitzgerald to block any trade without his consent (which protects him from being traded to one of the really bad franchises . . . like the one he currently plays for).

Can we finally put to bed all the Fitz talk? Probably not. At least he's not going to Philly.

Wow, thanks scamp.

So what does this mean to the WR FA market? Did the price for Hackett and Johnson just go up, or down, or stay the same?

I don't know that it will have an effect, this is basically a restructuring but it may mean that some of the teams that were hoping to trade for him are now going to be bidding on the others.

Despite concerns that stalled contract negotiations would keep him away, DE Jared Allen showed up to a ceremony to receive the team's most valuable player award. [Editor's note: In the end, free beer always trumps principle.]

DUH! free beer trumps just about anything.

I don't think that this drives up Hackett or Bryant's price. Last year, Fitz had more catches than both guys combined.

Good move for the Cardinals, and makes him virtually untradeable.

Nate,

With all of the offers (or lack of) that Hackett has received, I cannot believe that his price has gone up. Especially if the rumors are true regarding Bryant J.

Good move for the Cardinals, and makes him virtually untradeable.

Posted by: gregmarino88 | March 11, 2008 12:33 PM

Also, good move for the Skins.

POSTED 11:58 a.m. EDT, March 11, 2008

FITZGERALD EXTENDS HIS DEAL

According to an announcement posted on what appears to be his personal web site, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with the team.

Fitzgerald's site says that he'll get $30 million guaranteed, and $33 million over the next three years.

He had been scheduled to earn more than $14 million in salary in 2008 and more than $17 million in salary in 2009 based on eight-figure escalators for which he qualified based on his performance during the first four years of his career.

The deal also supposedly contains a clause that permits Fitzgerald to block any trade without his consent (which protects him from being traded to one of the really bad franchises . . . like the one he currently plays for).

In light of this development, I'd like my earlier comments on LF to be stricken from the record...

POSTED 11:58 a.m. EDT, March 11, 2008

FITZGERALD EXTENDS HIS DEAL

According to an announcement posted on what appears to be his personal web site, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with the team.

Fitzgerald's site says that he'll get $30 million guaranteed, and $33 million over the next three years.

He had been scheduled to earn more than $14 million in salary in 2008 and more than $17 million in salary in 2009 based on eight-figure escalators for which he qualified based on his performance during the first four years of his career.

The deal also supposedly contains a clause that permits Fitzgerald to block any trade without his consent (which protects him from being traded to one of the really bad franchises . . . like the one he currently plays for).

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

In light of this development, I'd like my earlier comments on LF to be stricken from the record...

Posted by: brownwood26 | March 11, 2008 12:36 PM

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=2642&line=113986&spln=1

Free agent receiver D.J. Hackett "has been criticized for not practicing hard enough," according to the Washington Times.
Hackett has been brittle and could be knocked as a system player, but we've never heard anything remotely close to this before. The Times compares Hackett to Brandon Lloyd, but Hackett is a former fifth-round pick who molded himself into a starter in Seattle, over proven Bobby Engram and pricey Nate Burleson. Mar. 11 - 9:31 am et
Source: Washington Times

Kerzon,

After the story I read and then posted the other day from the Times, they have no credibility with me. If this is the case then Zorn would have already told Vinny and he would not be coming in for a visit. I would find it hard to believe that he worked his way into the starting lineup by not practicing hard. I think the Times just likes reporting bullsh!t instead of doing actual reporting.

Is it me or does all this talk of "BJ's" and "solid #2's" give RI a bit of a "below the waist" orientation today?

Check that, I think I just spotted my mind down in the gutter over there...

kmdp4

I agree. Just find it hard to take that the local papers seem to be harsh on the Skins. I stopped reading the Times 3 months ago.

I get that from the papers here in cowgirls country. Although I am closer to the Cardinals home, this city has adopted the girls.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=3287448

The Washington Redskins chose a good year to sit out free agency. Chicago, the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Indianapolis Colts and the San Diego Chargersalso refrained from signing a single UFA from another team during the first 11 days of the signing period. Those teams might rank among the true "winners" of this free-agent season, simply by avoiding costly mistakes.

kmdp4,

I also find it hard to believe that ESPN ever has anything good or non-negative to say about the Skins. This off season they have surprised me a few times.

forget about fitzgerald

TB,

Who?

Kerzon,

They normally just say bad stuff about the Skins because that is what everyone else does, atleast it looks like they are forming there own opinion on that story. This was a bad year to be in the FA mix, not that many good players, and they are getting huge contracts, No thanks

Trail,

Who is this Fitzgerald you speak of?

The Talking Heads only have love for the dominant teams and the dominant players.

Don't expect that to change for our beloved Red and Black and Yellow (those are still the colors, right?)

Please do not bash me to hard this is just a thought.

Does anyone else think our uniforms are boring? I wouldn't mind seeing a new style. Keep the colors but come up with a better jersey atleast. Just a thought I mean, I know we are a tradition based team but I do not see the harm in jassing up the uniform.

kmdp4,

I would say give up the brain, but I have to say (aside from embarassing ourselves the last time they were worn) I like the throw-back uniforms we used last year.

One of my favorite shirts has that helmet.

Danm, looks like daylights savings just caught up with me. Back to work. (OK, maybe I am sneaking off before I get bashed!)

catching up...corkzcar redskins park updates are great keep it up...

Kerzon and Kmpd solid stuff as usual...

Here is a thought only take Hackett if it is a steal.. I havent seen anyone (that we could actually sign) I am all too impressed with in free agency...

Nate, Stumped, et. al., i believe we have hit on the idea most likely to produce a good healthy turnout for the next PDX Skins fan meeting. Free Beer!!

What a concept!

No more lame excuses - wife needs me to help her floss - just somewhat sober somebodies showing up and seriously suckin' suds.

Nate, please take care of this. Thank you.

What about Tab Perry?

Is this our long lost RI snow-cam gnome?

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article902014.ece

*Poking blog with stick*

Nurse, we're losing him. Check the pulse!

beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

(No, not a new post. The sound of the patient flat lining.)

Hey, wanna see a dead blog?

4th *poking blog with stick*

LMAO!!

this is the new redskins in between time...

any news on which teams shore RECEIVER, THE might wash up???

We're going to have to manufacture blog news:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/03/minor_update.html

From a year ago. Back then, JLaC use to reply to us in the comments section. We were in our 2nd stage of FA back then. The regs were around. Dre Bly trade rumors......

any news on which teams shore RECEIVER, THE might wash up???

Posted by: gregskins | March 11, 2008 03:12 PM

If you're talking about Brandon Lloyd, he's signed a one year deal with the Bears (Ron Turner, the Bears' O-Coordinator, coached Lloyd at Illinois).

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=3282422

i agree that our uniforms are boring.

i really liked the yellow throwbacks from last year... i even liked the throwbackswe used some when spurrier was here - i even digged the helmets.

i know i will be bashed for THIS, but i am not a huge fan of the indian on the helmet. i realize we almost HAVE to do it to pay homage to our team name, but i'd kinda dig a solid burgundy helmet with no logo, burgundy jersey, burgundy pants, burgundy socks, and white player name, player number, etc. we'd have to put some "gold" (yellow)somewhere, but i wouldnt want much of it.

who knew Brunell getting some interest out threr

So, Gibbs is again vindicated because other teams are interested??

Attention Portland, Oregon-area Redskins fans:

The first round is on me.

Email for details: nateinthepdx at gmail dot com

It's gonna be a long offseason, folks. We gotta stick together.

Interested? Yes. $948M* contract over 12 years interested? Not so much.

It's a matter of degree 4th. In the current case of noodle-arm, I think it's more of a "50c over 3 years, 1x XXXXL 'Theater Vision' t-shirt and a slightly-soiled out-of-date ham sandwich" sort of 'interested'.

* figure exaggerated for (poor) comedic purposes

SethL, my favorite old helmet, and the one I'd love to see us use in the next throwback configuration, is the solid burgundy with a single feather running down the centerline. We wore it for a very brief period, in the 60s or 70s. I LOVE that helmet.

I haven't been overly enthused about either one of our throwbacks (70th or 75th) thus far. I am just too dedicated to the white jersey/burgundy trousers... any alternative must be FAR superior to that one, to strike my fancy.

So RI has turned into a blog version of the movie 'Flatliners' with each poster seeing how long the blog can survive without new text before it actually dies...

Can I be Kiefer Sutherland?

I would want to see the 1972 unis brought back........basically last years throwback against the Giants, with today's helmet, but a gray facemask. Also, bring back Pat Fischer, Larry Brown and Chris Hanburger. The 70th anniversary throwbacks were pretty good too.....anything with yellow pants.

i agree that our uniforms are boring.

Posted by: SETH.LEMASTER | March 11, 2008 03:27 PM

They're going to look a lot better in maroon, yellow and black.

t_e, are you KK from the link that 4th posted from this time last year?

EXTRA EXTRA!!!!!!!! We are in heavy negotiation with a former Seahawk. Let's see if you guys are going to give me credit for this one. Deal in the area of 6 years, 28 mil 8.5 in guaranteed money. Should be completed in 36 hours or so.

Posted by: poolman | March 5, 2008 08:13 PM

We're still waiting, Pooley.

In poolman's defense, he didn't say 36 consecutive hours.

t_e, are you KK from the link that 4th posted from this time last year?

Posted by: dcsween | March 11, 2008 04:23 PM

Manufactured news works!

Redcoat - When Brunell signs, he'll get atleast $2.5M/year to be a backup. But, yeah; We still overpaid.......

sween--

Yeah, that would have been me. Guilty as charged.

I'm glad I wasn't Amy then -- Lisa really let her have it right between the eyes.

Nateinthe PDX-

Sorry you missed the Zorn Zelect 2008 Draft Picks from last week. You would have enjoyed it, I think.

Cialis Campbell a topline player last year? Sorry, but he wasn't. Campbell had a very good year in 2006. Instead of improving in 2007, he seemed to take the year off, so there were more than a few who were wary of him. Then he showed up at the Combine somewhat out-of-shape and not ready. His Combine performance reflected that. Then he duplicated that lackluster performance with another at his Pro Day. On the biggest stage and days of his career, and he comes off as slow, weak, and out-of-shape?

It's like grinding through the last year of college to barely maintain a 3.0 average, and then showing up for your big interview with IBM wearing blue jeans and a dirty t-shirt. Topline clown is more like it.

CORK'S IDEAL DRAFT

I'm posting this her and now because JLaC needs a nudge for a new Thread.

I saw a MOCK I loved, that had the 'skins taking...

PHILLIP MERLING DE Clemson, in the first round.

DEVIN THOMAs WR MSU in the second

ROY SCHUENING OG Oregon state, or CHILO RACHAL OG, USC, in the third.

I think for that to happen, it would require more slippage than Spitzer's poll numbers (pole numbers?) but I'd TAKE THAT in a HEARTBEAT, despite not knowing Shi-ite from Shinola regarding Combine perfs of said dudes.

.

tafka,

How about if the changes his name to Zalaiz? Any interest?

And would a dirty t-shirt and blue jeans be okay for a job interview with IBZ?

Maybe Calaiz would be enough for him to make the All-Zorn Team!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/02/25/combine.dl/index.html

Calais Campbell, Miami: Campbell's struggles continue, as he capped a mediocre junior season with a poor combine. He measured just over 6-7 1/2 and 290 pounds, yet completed a measly 16 reps on the bench -- worst of any defensive linemen who participated. Campbell then ran his 40s near the 5.1 mark and looked winded at the end of the practice session.

Here they are, Nate (after a long and grueling search). Make sure you say the names aloud.

The Zorn Zelect Mock Draft

1) WR Devin Thomaz 6'2, 217 Mich. St.
2) OLB Xavier Adibi 6'2, 232 Va Tech
3) SS Tom Zbikowski 5'11, 211 Notre Dame
3) OT Jeremy Zuttah 6'3, 303 Rutgers (compensatory)
5) CB Jonathan Zenon 6'0, 191 LSU
6) DE Chase Ortiz 6'2, 249 TCU
7) DT Leger Douzable 6'5, 295 UCF
FA) K Rob Zarrilli 6'0, 200 Hofstra
FA) TE Louis Irizarry 6'4, 255 Youngstown St.

Posted by: tafka | March 5, 2008 02:57 PM

About the Dwayne Jarrett thing, what's the difference between a DWI, and a DUI? Is there a difference or am I making one of them up?

How come PFT says Hackett is visiting on Thursday? Isn't it Wednesday? Or was the visit delayed?

dwi is worse

McShay-

"Miami's top two prospects -- S Kenny Phillips and DE Calais Campbell -- did little to affect their standings as late-first- or early-second-round prospects. Phillips slightly improved his vertical jump to 34 inches, while Campbell failed to break the five-second barrier in the 40 but improved his combine times in the short shuttle (4.61) and three-cone drill (7.17). They both participated in position drills and stood on their results from the remaining combine drills."

Does that mean Campbell was satisfied with his 16 Bench Reps??

DUI - Driving Under Influence (Bad)

DWI - Driving while intoxicated (Worst)

Kost,

DWI and DUI are similar, but the designations can mean very different things in different states.

DUI - Driving Under the Influence
DWI - Driving While Intoxicated
DWI - Driving While Impaired

Intoxicated is worse than impaired; some states use DWI for both offenses - depends on the blood alcohol level you test out at. You have to check the particular state's statutes to figure out how serious the charge is. Some states have barely more than a wrist slap for Driving While Impaired. Other states have mandatory jail time for Driving While Intoxicated.

In any case, Jarrett screwed up and there will probably be serious repercussions for him.

Kost and 4th - the distinction, if any, really depends on the state. In some, they are identical, in others, a DUI is charged when the driver was driving while on drugs that impaired their driving(whether its cough syrup or coke) and DWI is when the driver is above the legal limit of alcohol.

REDSKIN PARK UPDATE

++++How come PFT says Hackett is visiting on Thursday? Isn't it Wednesday? Or was the visit delayed?-- kost52++++

As I posted, D.J. Hackett arrived yesterday, but due to scheduling difficulties, Snyder wasnt' able to free up Blue Top One, the official Redskins Team Cab to head down to the Greyhound station and pick him up until either late Wednesday or early Thursday--hence the confusion.

Meanwhile, he can be reached at the Mayflower Hotel. Call the dsk and ask for "Pettite."

Does that mean Campbell was satisfied with his 16 Bench Reps??

Posted by: kost52 | March 11, 2008 05:14 PM

Probably so, Kost. There was no mention of him lifting at his Pro Day. But there may have been no reason to, if he knew that was a weak area for him. It's not likely he could improve his number of lifts in just 10 days.

Thanks, how are they different? Is there a blood alcohol range for each?

Over here I'm pretty sure that if your blood alcohol level is over .05, you're charged with Drink Driving. Then you go to court and from there you are punished depending on how far over .05 you were, and if you're a repeat offender or not.

Oh okay, I get it.

More on DWI, Kost -

At least he got arrested in North Carolina. They are one of very few states that have stores with drive-up windows for alcohol purchases. That's probably a good omen for him.

I trust Mile High on this one.....

ESPN Chat

David (Chantilly, VA): The way I see it, the Redskins have two ways they can go in the first round of the draft: They can either go posession reciever to fit their new west coast offense or a pass rushing lineman. Which need do you see them adressing first in the draft and who? Thank you.

Steve Muench: I think Michigan State WR Devin Thomas would be a perfect fit. They could take an end there but right now I don't think the value will be there at that pick.

The standard in the US in most states is now .08, Kost. A few states are still at .10. I don't know if any have gone lower than .08.

...continued

Mark (ATL): Steve: IT seems like 1st-round WR's bust virtually every year, so I'm wondering if the 'Skins aren't better off looking at a CB or offensive/defensive lineman. What do you think, given their position in Round 1? What big body WR's might be around int he 2-3 rounds?

Steve Muench: I see your point just like I understand when people say you shouldn't take a back that early. However, the top defensive/offensive linemen should be off the board by the time Washington picks and receiver is their most pressing needs. With that in consideration, I think that WR DevinThomas is the right pick. If they do go in another direction, some possibilities in the second round are Florida's Andre Caldwell and Vandervilt's Early Bennett. Taking Oklahoma State's Adarius Bowman in the third round is another possibility.

...more

Anthony (NYC): Steve With Phillips & Campbell having such poor showings at the combine and not doing much better at their Pro Day, doesn't that possibly bring them down into the 2nd round? Especially Campbell?

Steve Muench: Yes and Yes. The reason we agree on Campbell is there is there is far more depth at end than at safety. So a team that needs a safety could reach for Phiilps in the first but I think both go in the second round.

.05 is about one glass of wine? There must be a lot of Australians in jail for drinking and driving.

The standard in the US in most states is now .08, Kost. A few states are still at .10. I don't know if any have gone lower than .08.

Posted by: tafka | March 11, 2008 05:29 PM

Thanks, I knew that over there the rate was higher than here, but didn't realise it was as high as .10, I THINK that .05 is the national rate over here.

Not sure how many win