Just wanted to wish all of you that read this (all 9 of you) a very Merry Christmas. Hopefully your day is wonderful and filled with love, joy, happiness and all those other synonyms.
Love,
Jim
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
How to Fix the Washington Redskins
Well, they have really done it now. The Redskins have benched my boy Donovan. Not cool. It is not his fault the team is terrible. Far from it. Here is what I think went wrong with the Skins this year, and my solutions to the problems.
1. Coaching
What the hell is Mike Shanahan doing? I mean, this is the worst run team I have ever seen. The 0-16 Lions were coached better than this. He is terrible with the media, terrible with his players, and terrible with his decisions. The entire Haynesworth fiasco was his fault. Yes, Albert was out of shape and has very little drive. But embarrassing him like Mike did was the exact wrong way to deal with a crybaby. Also, we didn't trade him when we had the chance. The Titans offered us a 4th, and he would have been worth it. Shanahan hasn't been a good coach unless Elway was his QB. Let's rub some of the mystique off this guy's rings and realize that an all-time great QB won those, not coaching.
Solution
Fire him. I know, it is probably too soon. But this is insanity. We have won one more game than last year, but at the expense of the entire franchise being torn apart by the tan one we call coach. Fire him, and try to get either an up-and-coming guy who has been waiting for his shot, or (my pick the entire time) Brian Billick. He won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer as his QB.
2. The Assistants and their schemes
Nepotism is a terrible thing. Kyle Shanahan is the son of our head coach. He is also the O-Coordinator. We have run some of the most heinous plays at the worst times this season, which have cost us at least 2 wins (Houston and Minnesota, though not pounding Torain at the goal line against Tampa didn't help either). Some might argue that he did a great job in Houston. Well, look at their offense now. Still great, and he isn't there.
As for defense... ugh. I mean, seriously? We have been a top 5 defense the past 5 years, all while playing the 4-3. We are awesome at the 4-3. We have the linebackers, DTs, DEs and safeties to play the 4-3. And Jim Haslett has to come in and switch to a 3-4. The only person the 3-4 would help is Brian Orakpo, and that is only if he got to rush the passer every down. Guess what? He doesn't. The system is completely wrong for the players we have.
Solutions
Fire them both along with Mike. It isn't working out at all on offense, and it would take at least 4 years and a bunch of draft picks that we don't have to rebuild the defense into an effective 3-4. Find someone that can work with the personnel we have, and find a DC that can bring the 4-3 back.
2. Quarterback
Donovan McNabb is not the problem. The problem is the system, the weapons, the lack of a line, and a terrible defense. With this benching, we have guaranteed that McNabb will not be back in DC. Expect him to be cut or traded. I am calling it now- he is in the playoffs next year (if there is football), and we are picking in the Top 10.
Solution
Rexy, sexy though he may be, is not the answer. So, it seems we will have to spend our #1 pick on a QB. It is a shame when we have so many other holes to fill. Is it possible that we get luck-y and Andrew Luck falls to us? No, sorry. We also don't have the pieces to trade up, unless we start using 2012 picks (never put it past us). So that means we are looking at Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett and Jake Locker. None of those names make me very happy. Cam isn't a real QB. Ryan has an injury history, and Locker is still very raw. If I was a betting man, I would guess that we end up with Locker and watch him struggle to grow with a team that lacks the proper weapons. He'll be solid the 2nd team he is on, though.
3. Weapons
The RBs, WRs, and TEs. Ah yes. Well, we have found some nice youth with Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams. I guess I won't pick on them too much. Would still love a true #1 though. Portis, you are gone. You are only entertaining when we win. Now, about those WRs. Santana can't catch, Armstrong and Banks are rookie speedsters, Roydell Williams is... ROYDELL WILLIAMS! We need proven wideouts. The tight ends were supposed to be our strong point and, shockingly, haven't been used well. Cooley is great across the middle. Fred Davis is athletic enough that he could be Antonio Gates. But instead, they do nothing but block. Unbelievable.
Solution
The biggest spot where we need help is at WR. That is where free agency comes in. Vincent Jackson is a huge target with amazing hands and great speed. He makes Phillip Rivers look amazing instead of just great. His teammate, Legedu Naanee, is also a huge target. Not as explosive, but could be a solid possession receiver, which we don't have now. Steve Breaston is another possibility, or a late round hidden gem. As for the RBs, find a steal late in the draft, like a LeGarrett Blount in Tampa, or just see where the All-Torain-Vehicle takes you. Pass to the tight ends. Use Davis downfield.
4. The O-Line
Trent Williams hasn't been that bad. I was wrong about him. Just need him to stay healthy. Jamaal Brown's the same way. Everywhere else, however, we need upgrades. We need solid young linemen. I would spend every pick we have on them (which isn't much), after the QB of course.
Solution
Really scout the O-line draft class. Get whoever you can that isn't injury prone and knows how to pass protect. Our young QB will get killed without it. Oh... DO NOT RE-SIGN STEPHON HEYER! He is, in my opinion, the worst Redskin of all time.
5. The Defense
Like I said, this group isn't that bad if they are in the 4-3. We need to get a little younger up front though. Corner and safety are the biggest issues.
Solution
Find guys that are committed to the scheme, which should be the 4-3, and run it well. Somehow, find corners that can both cover and intercept the ball. Hall can intercept it but can't cover. Rogers can cover but has hands made of stone. Landry hits hard, but is an average cover safety. We have a revolving door at the other safety spot. Free agency is probably the best way to fix this, since all of our other draft picks should be going towards the line.
6. Special Teams
It's a kicker and a punter. Shouldn't be that hard.
Solution
Sign a kicker that can make field goals consistently. Sign a punter with a net average of 40 yards or more.
7. The Owner
Stuck with that one. Sorry.
Will this solve our problems instantly? No. We will get a lot younger, and will need time to rebuild. But I think it would (finally) put us on the right track. We should learn from the Steelers and Patriots, and run our teams like them. It shouldn't be that difficult. Or, we don't listen, send away all of our picks, and suck for another decade. If that happens, you all can enjoy your Skins. I'll be in Baltimore.
1. Coaching
What the hell is Mike Shanahan doing? I mean, this is the worst run team I have ever seen. The 0-16 Lions were coached better than this. He is terrible with the media, terrible with his players, and terrible with his decisions. The entire Haynesworth fiasco was his fault. Yes, Albert was out of shape and has very little drive. But embarrassing him like Mike did was the exact wrong way to deal with a crybaby. Also, we didn't trade him when we had the chance. The Titans offered us a 4th, and he would have been worth it. Shanahan hasn't been a good coach unless Elway was his QB. Let's rub some of the mystique off this guy's rings and realize that an all-time great QB won those, not coaching.
Solution
Fire him. I know, it is probably too soon. But this is insanity. We have won one more game than last year, but at the expense of the entire franchise being torn apart by the tan one we call coach. Fire him, and try to get either an up-and-coming guy who has been waiting for his shot, or (my pick the entire time) Brian Billick. He won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer as his QB.
2. The Assistants and their schemes
Nepotism is a terrible thing. Kyle Shanahan is the son of our head coach. He is also the O-Coordinator. We have run some of the most heinous plays at the worst times this season, which have cost us at least 2 wins (Houston and Minnesota, though not pounding Torain at the goal line against Tampa didn't help either). Some might argue that he did a great job in Houston. Well, look at their offense now. Still great, and he isn't there.
As for defense... ugh. I mean, seriously? We have been a top 5 defense the past 5 years, all while playing the 4-3. We are awesome at the 4-3. We have the linebackers, DTs, DEs and safeties to play the 4-3. And Jim Haslett has to come in and switch to a 3-4. The only person the 3-4 would help is Brian Orakpo, and that is only if he got to rush the passer every down. Guess what? He doesn't. The system is completely wrong for the players we have.
Solutions
Fire them both along with Mike. It isn't working out at all on offense, and it would take at least 4 years and a bunch of draft picks that we don't have to rebuild the defense into an effective 3-4. Find someone that can work with the personnel we have, and find a DC that can bring the 4-3 back.
2. Quarterback
Donovan McNabb is not the problem. The problem is the system, the weapons, the lack of a line, and a terrible defense. With this benching, we have guaranteed that McNabb will not be back in DC. Expect him to be cut or traded. I am calling it now- he is in the playoffs next year (if there is football), and we are picking in the Top 10.
Solution
Rexy, sexy though he may be, is not the answer. So, it seems we will have to spend our #1 pick on a QB. It is a shame when we have so many other holes to fill. Is it possible that we get luck-y and Andrew Luck falls to us? No, sorry. We also don't have the pieces to trade up, unless we start using 2012 picks (never put it past us). So that means we are looking at Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett and Jake Locker. None of those names make me very happy. Cam isn't a real QB. Ryan has an injury history, and Locker is still very raw. If I was a betting man, I would guess that we end up with Locker and watch him struggle to grow with a team that lacks the proper weapons. He'll be solid the 2nd team he is on, though.
3. Weapons
The RBs, WRs, and TEs. Ah yes. Well, we have found some nice youth with Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams. I guess I won't pick on them too much. Would still love a true #1 though. Portis, you are gone. You are only entertaining when we win. Now, about those WRs. Santana can't catch, Armstrong and Banks are rookie speedsters, Roydell Williams is... ROYDELL WILLIAMS! We need proven wideouts. The tight ends were supposed to be our strong point and, shockingly, haven't been used well. Cooley is great across the middle. Fred Davis is athletic enough that he could be Antonio Gates. But instead, they do nothing but block. Unbelievable.
Solution
The biggest spot where we need help is at WR. That is where free agency comes in. Vincent Jackson is a huge target with amazing hands and great speed. He makes Phillip Rivers look amazing instead of just great. His teammate, Legedu Naanee, is also a huge target. Not as explosive, but could be a solid possession receiver, which we don't have now. Steve Breaston is another possibility, or a late round hidden gem. As for the RBs, find a steal late in the draft, like a LeGarrett Blount in Tampa, or just see where the All-Torain-Vehicle takes you. Pass to the tight ends. Use Davis downfield.
4. The O-Line
Trent Williams hasn't been that bad. I was wrong about him. Just need him to stay healthy. Jamaal Brown's the same way. Everywhere else, however, we need upgrades. We need solid young linemen. I would spend every pick we have on them (which isn't much), after the QB of course.
Solution
Really scout the O-line draft class. Get whoever you can that isn't injury prone and knows how to pass protect. Our young QB will get killed without it. Oh... DO NOT RE-SIGN STEPHON HEYER! He is, in my opinion, the worst Redskin of all time.
5. The Defense
Like I said, this group isn't that bad if they are in the 4-3. We need to get a little younger up front though. Corner and safety are the biggest issues.
Solution
Find guys that are committed to the scheme, which should be the 4-3, and run it well. Somehow, find corners that can both cover and intercept the ball. Hall can intercept it but can't cover. Rogers can cover but has hands made of stone. Landry hits hard, but is an average cover safety. We have a revolving door at the other safety spot. Free agency is probably the best way to fix this, since all of our other draft picks should be going towards the line.
6. Special Teams
It's a kicker and a punter. Shouldn't be that hard.
Solution
Sign a kicker that can make field goals consistently. Sign a punter with a net average of 40 yards or more.
7. The Owner
Stuck with that one. Sorry.
Will this solve our problems instantly? No. We will get a lot younger, and will need time to rebuild. But I think it would (finally) put us on the right track. We should learn from the Steelers and Patriots, and run our teams like them. It shouldn't be that difficult. Or, we don't listen, send away all of our picks, and suck for another decade. If that happens, you all can enjoy your Skins. I'll be in Baltimore.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The F&#@ing Washington Capitals
So, if you haven't seen the premiere episode of the HBO 24/7 Penguins-Capitals, I recommend it. Bruce Boudreau has an amazing rant where he drops like 15 f-bombs in less than a minute. It is beautiful... unlike the Caps play as of late. 7 straight losses. It is ugly. We can't stop anyone, and we forgot how to score. Not a good thing.
Nevertheless, the Caps are in 1st in the Southeast division and would be the 2 seed if the playoffs started today. However, it is December, so they don't start for like 4 months. Caps have plenty of time to turn it around, and will soon I hope. Just need to get past the Winter Classic, get out of the spotlight for a bit, and get back to what we do best- outscore and out-hustle our opponents.
Nevertheless, the Caps are in 1st in the Southeast division and would be the 2 seed if the playoffs started today. However, it is December, so they don't start for like 4 months. Caps have plenty of time to turn it around, and will soon I hope. Just need to get past the Winter Classic, get out of the spotlight for a bit, and get back to what we do best- outscore and out-hustle our opponents.
Goodbye Hammer
The Nationals traded Josh Willingham today for a reliever and a minor league outfielder. I am not sure Mike Rizzo is building this team the right way. Werth was a nice add, but we don't have a first baseman, an only 2 left-handed batters on the entire team. What is going on?
Sunday, December 5, 2010
For What Its Werth....
The Washington Nationals have pulled off quite a shocking move, signing free agent outfielder Jayson Werth to a 7-year, $126 million contract. Is it overpaying him? Yep. Did we need to do that to get him to sign? Yep. Am I happy about it? Sure. He is solid defensively and can hit well. We still need to do a lot more. Adding Carlos Pena would be the real key, since we currently do not have a 1b on the roster. Pitching is an issue as well (not sure how we will solve that, considering that the market is rather thin now). I am just happy that our billionaire owners have finally decided that they would spend money. This will make Zimmerman happy, and hopefully make him stay.
Speaking of, I think the Nationals should sign Ryan Zimmerman to the exact same extension that Troy Tulowitzki signed. He is worth it, and he is still our captain and best player, even with Werth on the roster. Giving him that contract would show that we need him and that this is his team as long as he wants it. Do it, Nats. This was a nice step forward, let's keep going. Go Nats!
Speaking of, I think the Nationals should sign Ryan Zimmerman to the exact same extension that Troy Tulowitzki signed. He is worth it, and he is still our captain and best player, even with Werth on the roster. Giving him that contract would show that we need him and that this is his team as long as he wants it. Do it, Nats. This was a nice step forward, let's keep going. Go Nats!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A Missed Month Recap!
Missed a good deal, so here are some random thoughts about the last 2 months in sports-
- Congrats Giants. Nice World Series win. Excellent pitching and clutch hitting should always be a favorite.
- I really hope Cam Newton did nothing wrong, because if he did, then the fans will get robbed of another great year, another Heisman winner, and another National title.
- No, NCAA players should not be paid. They get a full ride in college, clothes, books, meal plan, housing and other money to spend. They are paid plenty as it is. It is their own fault if they don't take advantage of their opportunity to become educated. The average college student in America comes out of college with around $100,000 worth of debt and loans. These athletes have no debt. They are already rich, they don't need more.
- Boise State's kicker needs to transfer out of the state of Idaho. Go East, young man.
- Welcome to the Big East TCU. I have talked about it on here alot. It makes sense for both parties. TCU probably saw Boise lose their one game and now face playing in the Fight Hunger Bowl and thought "Geez, we better join an AQ conference soon". And so they did. We are very happy to have them.
- Do not get started on how this is terrible for the students playing football and that geographically there is no precedent. They actually travel less now then they did in the Mountain West, not to mention that the MWC was going to add Hawaii, which is a lot farther away than Storrs, CT. Furthermore, there is precedent in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys play in the NFC East. TCU (located in Ft. Worth) is right there with America's team. Now they get to be seen in NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh, DC, Florida and Ohio. Exposure that will bring money to the school to pay for more scholarships. The Big East gets a football powerhouse. Cuse gets another easy basketball win. Love it.
- I would like to be the first to say goodbye to Adam Dunn. I hate that he will not be on the Nationals next year, but with his insistence on a 4th year, and the team's insistence on not providing that 4th year, he will not be back in a Nats uniform. Expect us to sign Carlos Pena within a week. Also, since we will not keep up with the Yankees, expect the Nats to make a play for Carl Pavano in that same time period.
- The Skins are 5-6. I thought they would be a little better, but really this seems just about right. They will finish near 8-8, which is a big improvement, especially with players that do not fit the scheme.
- We have the worst WR corp in the league. Santana has to go. Armstrong and Banks can stay cause they are young. Add at least 2 of the following in the offseason: Steve Breaston, Legedu Naanee, AJ Green, Santonio Holmes, Julio Jones, Vincent Jackson, (Insert dark horse rookie who will break out here).
- Stephon Heyer will be a FA after this year. If we re-sign him, I will kick someone.
- John Wall looks great, but has been battling some injuries. The Wizards aren't bad when he is in there. Javale McGee has really impressed me. Coming into his own as a dominant big man. I would still trade Gilbert Arenas for a white 3-point specialist. He just needs to be gone so we can move on.
- Cuse basketball- 7-0
- Big East: 4 teams in the top 8, which will be 5 after Georgetown took down Mizzou in KC last night.
- Brett Favre needs to go. Now.
- Tom Brady angry! BRADY SMASH!
- Phillip Rivers is a jackass. A big jackass. But man, can he throw a nice ball. Still trailing Eli and Ben (the other QBs in that draft that are good) in the Ring Count, but talent-wise he is the best.
- Caps are good, but could be better. We will make the playoffs easy. I just want to be watching Caps hockey in June.
I hope your day is going well, my friends.
- Congrats Giants. Nice World Series win. Excellent pitching and clutch hitting should always be a favorite.
- I really hope Cam Newton did nothing wrong, because if he did, then the fans will get robbed of another great year, another Heisman winner, and another National title.
- No, NCAA players should not be paid. They get a full ride in college, clothes, books, meal plan, housing and other money to spend. They are paid plenty as it is. It is their own fault if they don't take advantage of their opportunity to become educated. The average college student in America comes out of college with around $100,000 worth of debt and loans. These athletes have no debt. They are already rich, they don't need more.
- Boise State's kicker needs to transfer out of the state of Idaho. Go East, young man.
- Welcome to the Big East TCU. I have talked about it on here alot. It makes sense for both parties. TCU probably saw Boise lose their one game and now face playing in the Fight Hunger Bowl and thought "Geez, we better join an AQ conference soon". And so they did. We are very happy to have them.
- Do not get started on how this is terrible for the students playing football and that geographically there is no precedent. They actually travel less now then they did in the Mountain West, not to mention that the MWC was going to add Hawaii, which is a lot farther away than Storrs, CT. Furthermore, there is precedent in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys play in the NFC East. TCU (located in Ft. Worth) is right there with America's team. Now they get to be seen in NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh, DC, Florida and Ohio. Exposure that will bring money to the school to pay for more scholarships. The Big East gets a football powerhouse. Cuse gets another easy basketball win. Love it.
- I would like to be the first to say goodbye to Adam Dunn. I hate that he will not be on the Nationals next year, but with his insistence on a 4th year, and the team's insistence on not providing that 4th year, he will not be back in a Nats uniform. Expect us to sign Carlos Pena within a week. Also, since we will not keep up with the Yankees, expect the Nats to make a play for Carl Pavano in that same time period.
- The Skins are 5-6. I thought they would be a little better, but really this seems just about right. They will finish near 8-8, which is a big improvement, especially with players that do not fit the scheme.
- We have the worst WR corp in the league. Santana has to go. Armstrong and Banks can stay cause they are young. Add at least 2 of the following in the offseason: Steve Breaston, Legedu Naanee, AJ Green, Santonio Holmes, Julio Jones, Vincent Jackson, (Insert dark horse rookie who will break out here).
- Stephon Heyer will be a FA after this year. If we re-sign him, I will kick someone.
- John Wall looks great, but has been battling some injuries. The Wizards aren't bad when he is in there. Javale McGee has really impressed me. Coming into his own as a dominant big man. I would still trade Gilbert Arenas for a white 3-point specialist. He just needs to be gone so we can move on.
- Cuse basketball- 7-0
- Big East: 4 teams in the top 8, which will be 5 after Georgetown took down Mizzou in KC last night.
- Brett Favre needs to go. Now.
- Tom Brady angry! BRADY SMASH!
- Phillip Rivers is a jackass. A big jackass. But man, can he throw a nice ball. Still trailing Eli and Ben (the other QBs in that draft that are good) in the Ring Count, but talent-wise he is the best.
- Caps are good, but could be better. We will make the playoffs easy. I just want to be watching Caps hockey in June.
I hope your day is going well, my friends.
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