The Alex Smith Trade Proves Why The Redskins Are Still a Dysfunctional Franchise

Courtesy of USA Today

26 years ago, the Washington Redskins played in Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome in Minneapolis Minnesota. Redskins easily defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-24 to clinch their third Super Bowl title in franchise history. 

26 years later, the Super Bowl has returned to Minneapolis at US Bank Stadium, which replaced the Metrodome. The Redskins have not returned to the Super Bowl since that day, nor haven't appeared in a NFC Championship game. Based on their recent trade, it appears that more mediocrity and dysfunction is still a realistic possibility going forward and deep playoffs in January is very unlikely.

Last night, the Redskins trade their third round draft pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller to the Kansas City Chiefs for quarterback Alex Smith. Smith was entering his last year of his contract with the Chiefs, so the Redskins extended Alex Smith's contract for five years $111 million with $71 million in guarantee money with injury. Therefore, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins will be a free agent this offseason and he will have plenty of teams to choose and spend his next phase of his NFL career.

While the Redskins saved $6 million with this trade and guarantee some stability at the quarterback position despite the four year age gap between Cousins and Smith, the mess they created will never be forgotten. Sure, they might have save themselves from another crisis by acquiring Smith, but this shouldn't never happen to begin with.

The Redskins could of easily avoided this drama if they just give a long term contract extension to Kirk Cousins. It was understandable to give him the franchise tag in 2016, but doing so again in 2017 was disastrous. The ongoing franchise tag or long term extension talks became too exhausting for the players, coaches, talk radio hosts, beat reporters, and fans. While the saga continue on, Cousins threw an average of 4,392 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in the last three seasons. Also, Cousins has let the Redskins to a NFC East title in 2015 and a winning record in 2016. In addition, he has broken the franchise record for single season passing yards in 2015 and 2016 despite dealing with an average running game and a bad defense.

Yes, I know there were some games that Cousins did not delivered in big games, but those loses were beyond the quarterback play. Bad coaching and defense/special teams play will make any quarterback look very bad. Football is a team sport, and all three phases of the game needs to play very well to win games consistently. The Redskins never did so, and they lost games in agitating fashion. The losses affected the morale of the fanbase so badly that seats were empty at FedEx Field and lower local TV ratings last December. 

It was clear that Kirk Cousins was a top 10 quarterback in the NFL and the best quarterback the Redskins have had since Brad Johnson in 1999. Yet, team president Bruce Allen still screw it up by using the expensive franchise tag in back to back years and given his history, he will find ways to screw it up with Alex Smith.

The Redskins already mess up by trading their third round pick and starting cornerback Kendall Fuller. Trading Fuller is a terrible decision because it weakens their pass defense that is already a bad unit. Fuller had a great 2017 season and while he's not the next Darrell Green, he was an upcoming and possibility future pro bowler in that position. Also, Allen never told Fuller personally that he was traded. Apparently, Fuller find out his own trade on Twitter. That alone is unprofessional and classless on Allen.

So for folks who I am too negative and pessimistic about the Redskins trade and future,  ask yourself this question. Do you trust Bruce Allen and his front office staff of actually reshaping the roster by improving the running game, defense, and special teams this offseason? Can they acquire the right type of players in the draft and free agency to make a major impact?  Can the coaching staff put the players in the right position to succeed and get the most of them? 

Smith had all of those working in Kansas City and it is no guarantee it will work in Washington.

However, it doesn't really make a difference. We all know how this is going to end. The Redskins management will do what they always do by finding ways to screw it all up. Even if they opted to go draft quarterback in first round or sign a free agent quarterback younger or with less credentials than Smith, the Redskins still wouldn't be able to rebuild this team with quality free agents and draft choices. They almost always draft poorly or pick guys who get hurt frequently or just quit. They never quite know when to negotiate a fair contract with a good player. They messed up the whole Cousins thing badly and overpaid cornerback Josh Norman. So, no matter how much cap money they may have or not have or the amount of talent on the roster, they will still struggle to put together a decent roster of players because the front office is incapable of creating a winning atmosphere. They put politics and ego over winning on the field.

On the bright side, Bruce Allen is a mastermind of "winning off the field!"

The Washington Redskins Could be a Dangerous Team in the Playoffs

Last Saturday Night, the Washington Redskins have completed one of their greatest turnaround seasons in franchise history by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 38-24, to clinch their second NFC East title in  three years. This was their 15th divisional title and their 600th win in franchise history. The Redskins, who were among the worst teams in the NFL during the last two years, have all of the suddenly look like a real likable NFL team.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 365 yards and four touchdowns, two of those came in the second half to give the Redskins a huge lead going into the fourth quarter. Tight End Jordan Reed continuous to be unstoppable and a coverage nightmare for defenses. The defense was able to shut down the Eagles offense , despite nearly giving up a big play at times, and the Eagles offense self imploded themselves. This road victory summarizes a major accomplishment for the entire organization. The entire season was all about football, not the endless starting quarterback drama and dysfunction that we all use to seeing from this organization.

Just like this season, the Redskins will enter the playoffs with little expectations and a major chip on their shoulders. Most national media NFL analysts see the Redskins being one and done in the playoffs. That will add fuel to the fire for the players and coaching staff. The Redskins will host a Wild Card playoff game next weekend at FedEx Field against either Seattle, Minnesota, or Green Bay.  In the NFL playoffs, we see upsets and surprises every year and the way the Redskins are currently playing, they can win a playoff game at home. The Redskins are 6-2 at home this season, and they play much better in front of their hometown fans at FedEx Field. Also, unlike in years past, the Redskins are a resilient team. They have overcome key injuries and setbacks all seasons. Anytime they were in a must win situation, they have delivered. Whether that helps in the playoffs remains to be seen, but it is a major step forward.

I am aware the Redskins don't have an elite roster and talent compared to the teams in Carolina and Arizona, but if the Redskins play optimistic football, they have a chance to surprise everyone in the NFL. Kirk Cousins offense continues to move the football and avoided turnovers. The defense is very suspect to giving up big plays, but they are second in the league in forcing fumbles. Special teams continues to improve, but they will need to avoid penalties and improve their kickoff return coverage.

The Redskins will play their final road game of the season today at Dallas. Hopefully, no starters gets hurt today and only plays one full half of action. While today's game is meaningless, Kirk Cousins needs to throw 129 yards to set a single season franchise record for passing yards. Tight End Jordan Reed needs two more touchdowns to set a single season franchise record for the most receiving touchdowns in a single season.

Finally, finishing the season with a NFC East title and a 9-7 record is a great accomplishment going forward. It will solidify their first winning season in three years.

Image Courtesy of CBS Sports

Kirk Cousins Has Solidified The Quarterback Position for the Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins have won back to back games for the first time this season thanks to a convincing 35-25 victory against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. With the Giants and Eagles losing on Sunday, the Redskins can clinch the NFC East with a win on Saturday Night at Philadelphia against the Eagles. Given where this franchise was before the season and in the previous two seasons, it is incredible that the Redskins are one more victory away from winning their third NFC East title and clinching their fifth playoff appearance in the Dan Snyder era. The Redskins at 7-7, have matched their win total from the previous two seasons. Therefore, this season is already a success.

Let be honest, any Redskins fan who is objective and realistic would thought 7-9 is a great season at best. Now, with seven wins already and one more to clinch the division title, that in itself is a major accomplishment.

Anyway, the Redskins are in this position because Quarterback Kirk Cousins has played like a true franchise quarterback. In his week 15 contest versus Buffalo, Cousins completed 22 of 28 for 319 yards, four touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown with a quarterback rating of 153.7. That is perfect quarterback rating by NFL standards. Cousins has set a franchise record for throwing over 300 yards six times this season, and 337 pass completions in a single season. Also, he is leading the NFL in completion percentage.

Cousins is statistically having the best season as a Redskins quarterback in franchise history. He's on track to throw 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and over 4,000 yards passing.

Regardless, how the Redskins finish this year, they finally have a long term solution at quarterback. The coaching staff, front office and the entire roster are all in on Kirk Cousins. In a season filled with questions marks and inconsistency across the entire organization, the most important and scrutinized position in professional football is finally filled.

Cousins will get a well deserved raise in the offseason by either a long term extension or a franchise tag with the Redskins. He is the big reason why the Redskins have a chance to clinch the NFC East on Week 16.

Image Courtesy of NBC Sports/Pro football talk

Can The Redskins Maintain First Place in the NFC East?

With a huge 20-14 victory against the New York Giants at FedEx Field, the Washington Redskins are entering December at first place in the NFC East with a 5-6 record. Currently, the Redskins are 2-1 in the division with three divisional games upcoming against the Dallas twice and at Philadelphia, who are both a mess right now. The Redskins can easily clinch the NFC East by winning all of their final five games of the season, or just winning three out of five games. The tiebreakers and their remaining schedule is all in their favor.

So with this in mind, can the Redskins maintain their lead in the NFC East? Despite not having a winning streak and a road victory this season, there is a good chance the Redskins can take full control of the NFC East. However, it is very hard to get a good feeling of the Redskins because they have been very inconsistent all season. While they have struggled on the road this season, a lot of their losses came against elite teams with undefeated and one loss records at the time. The Redskins final three road games of the season will come against teams with losing records.

Given their upcoming schedule, Monday Night's home game versus the Dallas Cowboys is a huge divisional matchup for the Redskins. While the Cowboys still have not won a game without starting quarterback Tony Romo, strange things happen when the Cowboys and Redskins play under the primetime stage. The Cowboys would want revenge from last year's home loss on Monday Night and hurt the Redskins division title chances. Another negative for the Redskins, they have one home win on Monday Night Football since 2000, and are 3-17 in primeitme games since Joe Gibbs retired after the 2007 season.

For the Redskins to prevent a primetime letdown at home, they will have to stick to their gameplan, play inspired football, stop the running game, score touchdowns off turnovers, and win the turnover battle.

Win or lose,  just be happy that the main focus for the Redskins in December is the games on the field insteadof the endless gossip off the field that plagued the franchise the last two years.


Image Courtesy of Rob Carr/Getty Images

Despite a Bad Loss In Carolina, The Washington Redskins Still Control Their Own Destiny For The NFC East Title

Last Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers 44-16 in Charlotte was extremely bad all around for the Washington Redskins. The team committed endless turnovers on offense and they couldn't stop Cam Newton and the Panthers offense. After a terrible illegal hit penalty on Redskins

cornerback Chris Culliver, which could of resulted in a game changing interception return for a touchdown, the Panthers outscored the Redskins 30-2.

The officiating dictated the outcome of the game early, and while the penalties were even for both teams, most of the big game changing penalties went against the Redskins. At this time, the Redskins aren't a good enough team to overcome bad penalty calls by the officials. Maybe they will in a few years when general manager Scott McGloughan adds more high level talent to the roster.

The loss still does not change anything in terms of their chances to clinch the NFC East. The Redskins are currently 1-1 in the division with four divisional games left in the season. The NFC East stretch begins this Sunday at FedEx Field vs the New York Giants. The Giants have won five straight against the Redskins. Even worse, Giants quarterback Eli Manning is 7-3 in his career against the Redskins. Meanwhile, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown six interceptions in his career against the Giants.

If the Redskins are going to have any chance winning the division, they will have to win Sunday vs the Giants. A win gives them a first place tie with a 5-6 record and a 2-1 record in the division with five games left. Another loss to the Giants gives them a tiebreaker edge to the Giants.

With the Eagles struggling on offense under head coach Chip Kelly, the Cowboys trying to make up huge ground with quarterback Tony Romo back from his injury after losing seven straight games, the NFC East could come down to the Redskins and Giants. Currently, the Redskins have the easiest schedule remaining in the NFC East. Take a look at their remaining schedules for all four NFC East teams.

Washington Redskins remaining schedule:

Week 12 vs N.Y. Giants

Week 13 vs. Dallas: Monday Night Football

Week 14 @ Chicago

Week 15 vs. Buffalo

Week 16 @ Philadelphia

Week 17 @ Dallas

NY. Giants remaining schedule

Week 12 @Washington

Week 13 vs. N.Y. Jets

Week 14 @ Miami: Monday Night Football

Week 15 vs. Carolina

Week 16 @ Minnesota

Week 17 vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles remaining schedule

Week 12 @Detroit: Thanksgiving Day

Week 13 @ New England

Week 14 vs. Buffalo

Week 15 vs. Arizona

Week 16 vs. Washington

Week 17 @ N.Y. Giants

Dallas Cowboys remaining schedule

Week 12 vs. Carolina: Thanksgiving Day

Week 13 @ Washington: Monday Night Football

Week 14 @ Green Bay

Week 15 vs. N.Y. Jets: Saturday Night Football

Week 16 @ Buffalo

Week 17 vs. Washington

As you see, the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys have a very tough schedule upcoming. Eagles and Cowboys will need to win and get help from the Giants and Redskins down the stretch.

With these games coming up, this is why Sunday's matchip is the game of the year in the NFC East and possibly the biggest game in Jay Gruden's head coaching career in Washington. The Redskins will need to put the loss at Carolina behind them and realize that the real season begins this Sunday. While they have major flaws on both sides of the ball, playing average football might be good enough to win the NFC East.

Image courtesy of USA Today For The Win blog

Redskins Destroy The Jaguars In Their Home Opener

Before I quickly summarize yesterday's home opening win for the Redskins,let me get this issue out of the way. I will post my thoughts on Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III ankle injury in my next blog post.

Now, back to the actual game:

The Washington Redskins, despite losing Robert Griffin III and Desean Jackson to injury, defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 41-10 in dominating fashion. The Redskins didn't let the RGIII injury derailed them and backup quarterback Kirk Cousins took over the game and threw for two touchdowns and had zero turnovers. Tight End Niles Paul had a career high eight catches for 99 yards and one touchdown, and running back Alfred Morris rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown. Even rookie wide receiver Ryan Grant had a few receptions.  Even though it was against the Jaguars, Cousins was distributing the ball to seven different receivers.

The defense had a field day against the Jaguars offense. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan had four out of the 10 sacks that the entire defensive unit had for the Redskins. The 10 sacks was the most in a single game for the Redskins since 1977. The Jaguars never had an answer for the Redskins defense, and even when they scored a touchdown before halftime, the defense continued to pressure Quarterback Chad Henne all afternoon.

Overall, this was a great way to end the 9 game losing streak for the Redskins by destroying one of the worst teams in the NFL. Next week's opponent versus the Philadelphia Eagles will be a early road divisional test for the Redskins. It will be interesting to see if the Redskins can carry their momentum into Lincoln Financial Field.

Image: Ryan Kerrigan from Bleacher Report

Is the Season on the Line for the Redskins?

It is very rare for anyone to say a team's season hinges on just one game in the second week of the NFL season. But for the Redskins, that might be the case this Sunday vs the Jacksonville Jaguars at FedEx Field. This will be the Redskins home opener of the 2014 season.

After losing 17-6 to the Houston Texans, the Redskins currently own the longest losing streak in the NFL at 9 games. Despite hiring new head coach Jay Gruden, Robert Griffin III playing knee brace free for the first time in two years, and the addition of Desean Jackson from Philadelphia, the Redskins offense produced six points. While Griffin didn't lose the game and show some signs of improvement, he looks very tentative and scared as a pocket passer. He just doesn't trust his right knee at this point and he continues to take sacks very consistently. I'm not sure what is exactly wrong with him, but ever since his knee injury, he doesn't seem to be the same player.

But the Redskins have bigger issues then Griffin's quarterback performance. The entire team looks exactly the same as last year's 3-13 squad. The team continues to make mental mistakes on offense and special teams.

All around town and nationally, a lot of folks still think that the Redskins are better than they actually are record-wise.

However, the Redskins haven't won a regular season game since November 3rd 2013 vs the San Diego Chargers. They lost the final eight games of the regular season. From a mental standpoint, those losses drains confidence from the players. The Redskins just need to find a way to win and build from it going forward. They will have a great chance on Sunday vs the Jaguars.

While the Jaguars lost in week 1 to the Eagles 34-17, their defense cause problems for quarterback Nick Foles by forcing him 3 turnovers in the 1st half. Jaguars first year head coach Gus Bradley is a former defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. He runs a similar style defense to what Seattle does this season. While the Jaguars front seven is improved and, their secondary lacks talent. This is where Griffin needs to capitalize in the passing game if the Redskins want to win on Sunday. They have to stretch the field deep and run a balance attack on offense. Expect Jay Gruden to be very committal to the running game more this time then last week. The running game is the best asset for the Redskins offense this season.

The defense actually played as good as they can last week by holding Houston to 10 points. However, with the offense struggling in the second half, the defense started to wear down, especially in the 4th quarter. With Barry Colfield out for several weeks because of an right ankle injury, the Redskins will be thin at the defensive line on Sunday. It will be interesting to see if the defense can create a pass rush without Colfield in the lineup.


Either way, both teams aren't talented enough to overcome an 0-2 start. Therefore, the Redskins season is at stake on Sunday. A win will be give them something to build on for next week's game at Philadelphia.

However, a loss to the Jaguars at home could spell a very long season ahead, and Griffin's job security could be on the line.

Image: RGII and Jay Gruden from the Washington Times

Fearless Predictions For The 2013 NFL Season

As the NFL season officially starts tomorrow night at Denver, this will be a good time to deliver my fearless predictions for the upcoming season. Listed below are my predictions for the division winners, wild card teams, and super bowl 48 picks from both conferences. Please feel free to comment if you agree or disagree with my picks.


Note: * = Wild Card Team
            Division winner is listed in Bold


AFC East
1. Patriots (12-4)
2. Bills (9-7)
3. Dolphins (8-8)
4. Jets (4-12)

AFC North
1. Bengals (11-5)
2. Ravens (10-6)*
3. Steelers (9-7)
4. Browns (5-11)

AFC South
1. Texans (12-4)
2. Colts (11-5)*
3. Titans (7-9)
4. Jaguars (4-12)

AFC West
1. Broncos (13-3)
2. Chiefs (8-8)
3. Chargers (6-10)
4. Raiders (3-13)

NFC East
1. Giants (10-6)
2. Redskins (10-6)*
3. Eagles (8-8)
4. Cowboys (6-10)

NFC North
1. Packers (11-5)
2. Bears (9-7)
3. Lions (7-9)
4. Vikings (7-9)

NFC South
1. Falcons (12-4)
2. Saints (9-7)*
3. Panthers (8-8)
4. Buccaneers (5-11)

NFC West
1. 49ers (13-3)
2. Rams (9-7)
3. Seahawks (8-8)
4. Cardinals (4-12)

AFC Wild Card
(3) Patriots over  (6) Ravens
(4) Bengals over (5) Colts

NFC Wild Card
(5) Redskins over (4) Giants
(6) Saints over (3) Packers

AFC Divisional
(1) Broncos over Bengals
(3) Patriots over (2) Texans

NFC Divisional
(1) 49ers over (6) Saints
(5) Redskins over (2) Falcons

AFC Championship
(1) Broncos over (3) Patriots

NFC Championship
(1) 49ers over (5) Redskins

Super Bowl XLVIII
49ers over Broncos

Despite Concerns, RGIII Will Start On Week 1

Despite unconfirmed reports from national reporters and some confusion from the head coach and team doctor last week, the Washington Redskins made it official yesterday that quarterback Robert Griffin III will start on week 1 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. The announcement came from head coach Mike Shanahan.  Griffin's start on week 1 this Monday will complete his miraculous recovery from his ACL and LCL injury on his right knee.

 

Here are parts of Shanahan’s press conference from yesterday.  It starts at the 22 second mark.

While I am still concerned about Grffin's health on his right knee, I have to trust the organization and pray for the best beginning next week. The coaching staff, the team doctor, and Griffin himself said that he’s 100% ready. Since Griffin hasn't played in the preseason, we will find out whether if he has any rust on the field.

However, this will be not only the most anticipated season opening home game in over 20 years, but likely the most anticipated game of  Week 1. Thanks to Griffin's stellar rookie season and getting all of the national and local attention on his recovery, the Redskins are going to be a national draw all season.

On a final note, the NFL and ESPN has announced that the Eagles vs. Redskins game has been moved to a 6:55p.m. kickoff. If your planning on going to Fedex Field this Monday, please plan accordingly.

A Glimmer of Hope Perhaps?

I rarely post tweets on my blog, but this one really caught my eye. Take a good look at Mike Freeman tweet for his Super Bowl 48 prediction.

Keep this is mind that Mike Freeman is a well-respected NFL analyst and he recently left CBS Sports joined Bleacher Report. Freeman has been critical of the Redskins organization and Mike Shanahan for a long time, so his Super Bowl prediction does carry some form of merit.

Also, the last time any NFL expert has picked the Redskins to go to the Super Bowl was in 2000, when the franchise was spending big time money on free agents. Ironically, 2000 was the last time the Redskins were coming off a division title from the year before.

Guess what happened in 2000? They finished 8-8.

In fact, 1991-1992 was the last time the Redskins made the playoffs in back to back seasons.

Now, do I agree with his prediction? Well, I dear hope he's right from a fan perspective, but realistically, I'm not sold on it yet.

The Redskins will have to rely heavily on their young secondary to improve from last year, and hope that RGIII can survive the entire season. Also, key players like Pierre Garcon, Trent Williams, Brian Orakpo, and Fred Davis have to stay healthy. The Redskins were 9-1 last season when Garcon is on the field, and 1-5 when he's not in the lineup.

If this team can accomplish all or most of these goals by end of the season, then they will have a chance come January. Remember, the teams that are the healthiest going into the playoffs have the best chance of winning it all.

On a final note, the Redskins do host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night for Week 2 of the preseason. I will have a mini preview of  Mike Freeman's Super Bowl preview on Monday.

Donovan McNabb Needs to Shut Up

After the media driven endless saga between the relationship of RGIII and Mike Shanahan, another retired NFL player shows up in the news on trying to help out RGIII.

Yes, you guess it, it’s former Eagles and Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb.

McNabb told NBC Sports Radio that RGIII is getting brainwashed by Mike Shanahan. Here are his quotes below from NFL.com.

"I'm just trying to help him, but clearly the young generation think they have all the answers. And he's going through a little turmoil right now of trying to get out on the field. And it's unfortunate, but that's where we're at right now as far as these young quarterbacks who think they have all the answers.

I honestly think that over there in Washington, he's getting brainwashed”

First off, you are not helping him at all. Let’s remember that this is the same player that had a terrible season for the Redskins and got benched by mid-season in favor of Rex Grossman.  Griffin, who exceeds in a big spotlight, will never listen to McNabb’s advice because of his mediocre track record in the NFL.

Secondly, he’s not getting brainwashed at all. Griffin wants to get on the field as soon as possible. He just needs to listen to Shanahan and do what’s best for the team and for himself. Also, if he was brainwashed by the Shanahan’s, then Griffin will never run the read option, lead the Redskins to a NFC East title, win the NFL rookie of the year award, and set rookie records for passer rating and fewest interceptions in a single season .

You can tell from his quotes that McNabb is sounding more like a grumpy old man than someone that would guide Griffin to having a good attitude. He already has a good attitude and knows how to present himself in the public eye. How are you going to fix something that isn't broken?

So here are my two words of advice to Donovan McNabb; 

Shut Up!!

There is No Drama between Robert Griffin III and Mike Shanahan, But the Media Wants You To Believe It

The DC Sports Media revolves on this format all year round.  Non stop Redskins coverage from late July to January, then it’s offseason and draft news in the winter and spring.  During that time span, you get some coverage of the Wizards, Caps, and  Nationals, and local collegiate sports, especially if schools like Maryland, Georgetown, VCU, or George Mason get into the NCAA Tournament in March.

However, if the Caps and Nationals have a very solid regular season and win their divisions, then the media will focus more on those teams and pray that one of them finally makes a championship run.  However, as the  Caps continue to disappoint in the playoffs, and the Nats having a terrible 2013 season, the media goes back to it’s roots to find anything to draw content, listeners and ratings.

Enter, the Washington Redskins.

It’s no surprising that the local media will heavily go all in on Redskins training camp coverage this year. The camp is in Richmond VA for the very first time. They are coming off their first division title in 13 years, and their star quarterback, Robert Griffin III has an incredible rookie season.

Then after the playoff lost to Seattle, and RGIII injured his right knee, the media has gone all in on Griffin's recovery during the offseason and at training camp.

So it leads to last Monday’s press conference. After completing the morning walk-through and being allowed to practice on 11-on-11 drills for the first time at camp, Griffin said this to the media.

Then it’s Mike Shanahan turn later that day. You can click on this link to get the video of his press conference.

Let's remember that this is the preseason. Griffin can complain publicly about his playing time and practice time and whatever he wants to. He's a very competitive athlete and he wants to be on the field. But if Shanahan plays him in a preseason game and Griffin gets injured, can you imagine the media firestorm that would come down on Shanahan? That alone is why Griffin won't play in the preseason.

Although, he's in a lose-lose situation, Mike Shanahan is handling this correctly. Griffin should stop complaining about his practice time and prepare as much as he can for the Redskins' first regular season game on September 9th against the Philadelphia Eagles. Shanahan should only start Griffin if he's 100% healthy. The Redskins already have a capable backup quarterback in Krik Cousins who can step in and lead the team in week 1 in case of any possible setbacks for Griffin.

Also, this knee injury for Griffin is normally a seven to nine month recovery. Griffin is at the seventh month of recovery, and since he hasn't missed any practice time at camp, his recovery progress seems to be very encouraging, and him and Shanahan are in the same page on that end.

As for this "rift," between them,  it's overblown because the media has nothing to talk about. Seriously, it's mid August. What else the DC sports media is gonna talk about? The Nationals are out of playoff contention and the Caps and Wizards don't start their regular season until October.

Therefore, the local media will try to spin as much controversy on this story as possible, even though there isn't one to begin with.

Anyway, back to Griffin.  He knows the plan, gets the plan and doesn't like the plan. That's understandable. However, I don't think Griffin is a selfish player. I think he's a competitive guy who wants to do everything because he thinks he's 100 percent. But the time to show he's ready to go is not in the preseason. Come September 9th, the Redskins will need Griffin back on the football field.

Bringing the Take Back Part I

I'm planning to bring back Skins Take after a two year hiatus. A lot has changed for the Redskins. The team is going through a rebuilding process and they have mortgage their entire draft future on Robert Griffin III.

There will be more about myself and the Redskins in the next post. For now, enjoy seeing RGIII getting drafted by the Redskins and his interview with Jay Leno.
 

My Interivew With Danny Rouhier From 106.7 The Fan

My good friend Josh Feldman of Entertain This help me collaborate our interivew with Danny Rouhier from 106.7 the fan. Danny is a stand up comedian from New York City and he heard weeknights on 106.7 the fan with Bill Rohland on their evening show called "Overtime with Bill Rohland". The entire interview is posted on Entertain This website, which is a entertainment news site that features news about music, movies, pop culture, environment, and sports. I write for this site to cross promote skins take into a wider audience. If anyone is interested in writing for Entertain This, please send an email to entertainthisnow@gmail.com.

Anyway, here is the interivew with Danny based only on my four questions I ask him recently.


1) Do you think the Redskins will ever win the Super Bowl under Dan Snyder’s ownership?

"Hard to say.  Words like ‘ever’ or ‘never’ are always a bit risky, especially in sports.  What if, in 50 years, he’s still the owner but instead of the impatient tyrant that makes life at Redskins Park miserable for everyone that works there, he’s just a nice old grandfather who owns the team in name only?  What if he goes all George Steinnbrenner on us and lets smart people run things for a long time?  The point is, I guess, that I wouldn’t say anything is absolute in sports.  That said, the way he does business now (although for the time being empowering Shanahan is a nice start) is not conducive to winning.  Just look at the comments of former employees over there.  And these little ribbon cuttings and PR moves to show you a kinder/gentler Dan Snyder?  They’re a farce.  It’s another in a long line of PR moves designed to make sure the fans buy in again next year."

2)  How did you get started with comedy? 

"I was always a jock and was really outgoing.  I always knew in the back of my head that I wanted to perform.  I loved attention, being in front of people, talking in big groups, and really, the sound of my own voice.The only outlets I had growing up for performing would have been doing plays and musicals.  We all know that musicals are terrible terrible things that should be banned.  I had no interest in reciting someone else’s lines or hanging with the drama kids (I know they didn’t want me around either).  I got a baseball scholarship and when I was in college, never had time for anything else.  I had 2 experiences though that looking back, had a profound affect.  Pablo Francisco came to my school and put on a show and the other, an improv troupe opened up for David Spade.  As I watched the improv show (they did a good job btw), I thought to myself: ‘I can do this. They are just relaxed and having fun with each other.’  That feeling stayed with me for many years.  But, when I went to see Pablo, he DESTROYED for an hour with nonstop energy and killer joke after killer joke.  Everything he said was hysterical.  I left that show feeling like I could never ever be a standup comic.  If that is what it took, then I had no chance.  I regret that feeling nearly everyday.  It’s why I didn’t start for years after graduating.  I took an improv class for fun on a weekend.  I met a couple stand up comics who were really nice guys.  I got some help writing jokes then got myself on an open mic.  In those 5 minutes at a gay hipster coffee house in Dupont Circle, I realized what I wanted to do with my life."

  

3) Do you think the Redskins have a better chance making the playoffs or finishing 7-9 or 8-8?

"This group, as they are built is not going to the playoffs.  They are not talented enough across the board.  This team doesn’t have players to fit their 3-4 scheme at this point and the offense lacks playmakers and quality O-linemen beyond rookie Trent Williams.  There are a couple nice stories (guys like Brandon Banks, Anthony Armstrong, Keiland Williams etc) but not front line NFL starters at this point.  I said before the season (you can look up the audio!) that this team would go 6-10.  They are the oldest team in the NFL and have a lot of work to do if they want to be competitive."

4) How do you feel as a fan when the Redskins were embarrassed once again on Monday Night Football at home against the Philadelphia Eagles?

"Furious and Sad.  Furious because I’m tired of being a joke.  I’m sick of getting made fun of in the bar or when I’m on the road.  I’m sick of being the punchline when I tell people that I’m a Redskins fan.  The team puts me in that spot and it’s not fair.  Long after these current players are gone, I’ll still have these last 20 years of complete buffoonery to look back on.  I have to deal with with being a laughingstock year after year and I’m not alone.  This fan base has suffered indignities like few others.  Not just in the team’s poor play but in the attitude of the team towards a loyal and committed fanbase (charging us to go to training camp, outrageous parking prices, suing fans, banning signs etc.).  Games like Monday night bring all that back into focus and it makes me livid.

That game also made me sad.  Even though intellectually, I know they are not good still, that glimmer of hope is always there.  In the back of my mind, I believe that maybe this is the time they do something magical.  I’ve seen other teams do it, maybe we can too?  You try and keep that feeling quiet but it’s always there.  And when you get embarrassed like that, when everyone around the league is watching, it’s just depressing.  I get upset… then I get upset at myself for being upset because I knew better.  I knew they weren’t any good so why I am I surprised?  It’s a terrible cycle.  All I want is for them to be good.  I want it so bad.  I want that feeling again that I had when I was a kid.  But you know what?  More than anything else I want other fan bases to suffer, I want the eagles/giants/cowboys fans to have to eat giant piles of dung when the Redskins win the Super Bowl.  I want them to feel like I’ve felt for the last 20 years.  Then I want them all to apologize to me for being terrible people who are fans of evil teams that no one with a brain would like.  Then I want to tell them that I do not accept their apology and they can go pound sound.  Then I want them to ask what that means as they get taken to a desert and are left there forever."

Albert Haynesworth's Suspension Builds A Deeper Problem For The Organization

After today's events regarding Albert Haynesworth being suspended for the final four games of the regular season, it appears that Haynesworth will be one of the worst free agents  signings in franchise history. Haynesworth will join the likes of other free agent busts such as Deion Sanders, Adam Archuleta Brandon Lloyd, Dana Stubblefield, Jeremiah Trotter and Jeff George.  There are so many subplots regarding the feud between Haynesworth and head coach Mike Shanahan and it is highly likely that we may not get the truth of this ordeal anytime soon.

Still, there is a case to make for each side of the story. You can make the case that Haynesworth is wrong on this issue because he never participated in  the offseason workouts, and never appeared to be in football shape during the season. You can make the case that Shanahan should get the blame because he let this issue drag on, and it eventually became a major distraction for the team.

Those points are valid, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. This issue presents a major problem for the organization and it goes beyond Haynesworth and Shanahan.

For 11 years, owner Dan Snyder has never rebuilt the roster through the draft or made smart additions during free agency. Instead, he traded draft picks for older veteran players and he spent outrageous amounts of money on players that were past their prime and never produced on the field.

The results are a 42-44 record at FedEx Field since 2000, and an 85-103 record overall since taking control of the team in 1999. Even after the Redskins have a losing season, they tend to do a quick fix to their problems instead of thinking about the long-term plan for the team. For example, I will examine the most recent free agency period first, then I will focus on 2009 and 2008 offseason moves.

2010 Offseason: The Donovan McNabb signing, as much as I hate to admit it, is one of those examples. The Redskins gave up a 2nd round draft pick in 2010 and a 3rd or 4th round draft pick in 2011 to the Philadelphia Eagles. McNabb has had one of his worst seasons since he was a rookie. His 75.2 quarterback rating is the fifth worst in the NFL.

They acquired Jammal Brown of the New Orleans Saints for a 3rd or 4th round draft pick in 2011. The trade is based on McNabb’s playing time and his results this season. However, Brown has yet to stay healthy all season and has struggled at right tackle. Also, the Redskins added aging veterans such as Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, Joey Galloway, and Bobby Wade. So far, none of those players except McNabb and Brown are currently on the roster.

2009 Offseason: The Redskins spend $100 million on Haynesworth which included $40 million guaranteed. They also signed cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a 6 year $54 million contract. Hall received $22.5 million in guaranteed money.

2008 Offseason: The Redskins traded a 2nd and 6th round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for defensive end Jason Taylor. Taylor would play only one season for the Redskins and was released in 2009. Also, the Redskins had a good amount of draft picks to rebuild their roster, but even their draft selections were a complete disaster. Here is a list of players drafted by the Redskins in 2008.

Round 2  (34) Devin Thomas WR Michigan State (On the N.Y Giants)
Round 2  (48) Fred Davis TE USC (On the Roster)
Round 2  (51) Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma ( On IR)
Round 3  (96) Chad Rinehart G Northern Iowa ( Buffalo Bills Practice Squad) 
Round  4  (124) Justin Tryon CB Arizona State ( Traded to the Colts in 2010)
Round 6  (168) Durant Brooks P Georgia Tech ( Released in 2008)
Round 6  (180) Kareem Moore DB Nicholls State ( On the Roster)
Round 6  (186) Colt Brennan QB Hawaii ( Released in 2010)
Round 7  (242) Rob Jackson DE Kansas State (Released in 2010)
Round 7 (249) Chris Horton S UCLA (On IR)

Thanks to the poor personnel decisions and terrible spending in free agency, the Redskins are closer to being one of the worst teams in the league instead of being a contender. The worst part is that Snyder has never learned from his past mistakes. The fans are sometimes too passionate to realize that because they buy into the marketing hype created by Snyder in terms of selling tickets and jerseys. It could take 2-3 years to sort out this mess.

The team is not only old and has minimal talent, but they don't have a winning mentality. They keep bringing in star players with huge back-loaded contracts and they get treated differently within the organization than other players and coaches. Anytime a player has a selfish mentality, it doesn't translate to great production on the field.

Also, when good coaches come to the Redskins and get paid, they seem to lose their ability to coach as well. Joe Gibbs may have brought some respectability to the organization with his two playoff appearances, but they never were a title contender unlike his first tenure from 1981-1992. Steve Spurrier and Jim Zorn were terrible hires because neither of them coached at the pro level and they were never in charge of player personnel decisions.

Marty Schottenheimer led the Redskins to an 8-8 record following a 0-5 start to the 2001 season. He also had the final say in player personnel decisions. However, Snyder fired him because he wanted to get involved with the team, and he wasn't happy that Vinny Cerrato was fired by Schottenheimer. Since then, the Redskins have been a mediocre football team with the future isn’t as bright as Snyder wants it to be.

What I'm trying to prove basically is that Snyder continues to embarrass the franchise and his own fan base, and I don't believe he's going to change his mentality anytime soon. Despite Shanahan having the final say in player personnel decisions, and Bruce Allen being the general manager, I still think that Snyder is still involved in the organization.

The decision to re-sign McNabb to a five year deal before the Redskins played the Eagles on Monday Night Football was the perfect example. That signing was a marketing ploy to lure fans in and that the Redskins have a pro-bowl type quarterback for the next few years even though McNabb isn't having his best season. I also think that hiring Allen as their general manager and Shanahan as their head coach is a public relations move to let the fans think that the Redskins have a respectable front office.

So, if Snyder had any concern for us fans and any respect for the history of this franchise, he would choose three options.

A) Back-off and let Shanahan get the final say in personnel decisions.

B) Stop spending millions of dollars on free agents and don't trade high and mid-level draft picks for older players.

C) Start working on a sale process that will allow him to recover his investment and hand the team over to someone else.

Which option do you think Dan Snyder will choose??