Not Time for Favre or Green Bay to Go Crazy

This weekend, Brett Favre will yet again play at Lambeau Field, but for the first time ever, it will not be for the Green Bay Packers. Instead he will be playing for the hated rival Minnesota Vikings. In the years since Favre's leaving Green bay, tensions between the fans and Favre have grown. Now with Favre coming to their home turf, it's important for both parties to realize this shouldn't be about revenge.

No one feels stronger about team loyalty than I do. Hell, I still cheer for the Redskins, but some Green Bay fans are going overboard. When the Packers went to Minnesota to face Favre, a bonfire was proposed in Green Bay so people could bring their Favre jerseys and burn them before the game. A fire marshall eventually ended this idea and only a single jersey was burned. People should count their blessings. They do realize Favre is going to the hall of fame don't they? Years from now they would have looked back and asked themselves what they were thinking. Yes, Brett Favre left your team and now plays for your rival, but one season (which will probably be all Favre has left in the tank), regardless of what he does with the Vikings, will not replace the 16 seasons, 2 NFC championships, and one Super Bowl championship he brought to your team. Rivalries are part of what makes sports fun, so its ok to boo and to make fun, and tape other names over your jerseys, but it doesn't mean you should burn all your soon-to-be-valuable jerseys in a bonfire.

Granted, Favre isn't free from blame in all of this. After refusing to mentor Aaron Rodgers, Favre then contemplated retirement every year leaving the future of the team in doubt. At some point, he forgot that the Packers needed to do what was best for the Packers, not what was best for him. They got impatient with him and eventually he was told to get lost. Green Bay could have handled this better, but essentially they were in the right. You can't go into every single offseason wondering who your quarterback will be, especially when they had a very competent back up to replace him. Did he go to Minnesota to stick it to the Packers? No. He couldn't last year because the Packers refused to trade him to any team that they would face that season, but Favre always was thinking of going to the Vikings who have a very similar offensive playbook. It made a lot of sense for him. But I don't think he realized what this would do to his legacy. Screwing the Packers and then playing for their rivals has not won him many friends amongst the Green Bay fan base. He may be surprised by just how loud the boos are when he steps onto the field.

Wizards Show It's Not a Rebuilding Year, Adjust Expectations Accordingly

The Washington Wizards opened the 2009-10 season on the road with a 102-91 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Arenas had 29 points and nine assists in his long awaited return to action. Not only were his stats good, he looked good. He felt so good he didn't even wear a brace and said afterwards that he felt fine. Starting with a road win against a Dallas team that is hoping to compete in the west is a great way to start the season. This means the expectations for this team are about to sky rocket.

With Gilbert Arenas in the line up, the Wizards have proven themselves to be competitive. The problem is, he's never in. After playing a grand total of 15 games in the last two season combined, the Wizards saw themselves plummet in the standings finishing with a 19-63 record tying a franchise record for worst season. For a team to finish so low last season, why would expectations be so high? Arenas' "healthy" knee is one reason. For a player being paid hundreds of millions of dollars who has not really played for two years, there is pressure for him to perform. If he so much as stubs his toe, people may be questioning whether he can lead this team in the future. No point in paying a player that much money if you can never rely on him to play.

Pressure will also be high because of offseason moves. The Wizards traded their number five pick to the Timberwolves for Randy Foye and Mike Miller. This is not the kind of move a rebuilding team makes. It is clear the Wizards were setting up for a competitive 2009-10 campaign by building a team around their star player who they assumed would be healthy this year. Because of this, they don't get a pass that rebuilding teams usually enjoy. Look at the LA Clippers. Nobody expects much from them this season, but things are different for the Wizards.

While the Wizards may have only won one game, it already justifies some of the growing expectations for the Arenas led Wizards heading into a brand new season.

Zorn the Coach of the Future?

On Friday, Redskins' Vice President Vinny Cerrato announced on ESPN980 radio that "Jim Zorn is the head coach of the Washington Redskins and will be for the rest of this season, and hopefully into the future." This caused quite a stir among analysts many of whom declared this to be a strong vote of confidence for the organization and said it answered all questions for now. While it almost certainly guarantees that Zorn will remain the coach for the rest of the season, this was in not any kind of endorsement for the coach. Don't be fooled, Snyder will still be looking for blood come season's end.

There can be no doubt that Jim Zorn will be looking for a new job in the off season. The Redskins finished only 8-8 last season and have fallen to 2-4 this season by losing to three of the worst teams in the league. While Carolina has won one more game, Detroit and Kansas City have yet to beat any other team. The Redskins only two wins have come against the winless Buccaneers and Rams. While the offensive line is atrocious, this team has enough talent to challenge for a wild card spot, making their record that much more discouraging. This type of performance would be unacceptable in any city, except maybe Detroit, and with Daniel Snyder calling the shots, you can be sure he's not going to forgive and forget.

The Redskins' organization has shown how much trust they have in Zorn with the announcement earlier in the week that Sherman Lewis would be calling the plays from now on. As Zorn was brought in originally as the offensive coordinator, taking away play calling shows that the organization no longer trusts in his abilities. There have also been some unconfirmed reports that Snyder would have made the announcement himself but that he was worried that if he took any questions he would not be able to hold his tongue. Doesn't sound like a vote of confidence to me.

So why keep Zorn for the rest of the season or make any announcement at all? Thinking about it, it makes a lot of sense to keep Zorn. Rarely is an interim coach able to salvage a team's season in the NFL. It's extremely difficult to instill a new system mid season or dramatically change the play calls. While it is unlikely that the Redskins will be able to do anything this season, it's not really in Snyder's character to throw in the towel. Then, there is always the possibility that the interim does ok. If the Redskins were to fire Zorn after the Philadelphia game and the interim coach manages to go 4-5 in the remaining games this season, there may be pressure to remove the interim tag, allow him to build his own system and have a chance to lead this team. With numerous head coaching candidates available in the off season, why put yourself in this position and most likely resign yourself to another two mediocre seasons? Also, there is not a player revolt in the locker room. For bad teams, there may be mounting tensions in the locker room between the players and coaching staff. This is not the case in DC. Many of the players, in fact, have come out in support of Zorn.

So while the Redskins may not trust Zorn, they gain nothing by firing him midseason. The "vote of confidence" was still necessary, however, to end the questions. Snyder does not want a 2-12 season, but it's hard for Zorn and the players to think about football when they face questions about the coach everyday. As far the "future" statement by Cerrato, he was being political. It wouldn't have been much of a statement had he said, "Zorn is the coach for the rest of the season, but then we'll have to see." Let Zorn play out the rest of the season and try to salvage the team, then start over next season. Don't be fooled by Cerrato because the Redskins will have a new head coach in 2010.

Hail to the Racially and Ethnically Diverse People?

Hail Victory!
Diplomats on the path to negotiation!
Compromise for Old DC!

Doesn't have the same ring to it as the Skins original fight song does it? Well it does to many people. It's no secret that the Redskins have once again been dragged into court over their name, but the controversy even goes to Chief Zee. You've probably seen him, he has become the unofficial mascot of the team, showing up in his red jacket and Indian headdress. While many love to see the guy cheer on his team, others find it terrible. The Washington Post published an article yesterday written by Courtland Milloy about Chief Zee. In it, Milloy claims that the Redskins need to retire Zee. He claims that "Having a black man hobbling around on national TV in an Indian costume trivializes both of America's original sins-- the enslavement of Africans and the genocide of indigenous peoples." In his desperate attempt to be politically correct, Milloy has one very important fact. Chief Zee is the unofficial mascot. Why is he unofficial? Because he does this on his own. He goes to games dressed like this to support his team and eventually the Redskins recognized him because he has become a symbol for all Redskin fans. Why does he continue to do this...hmmm...let me think.....BECAUSE HE WANTS TO! The article even quotes Chief Zee as he says "I'm leaning towards retirement, but I'm going to wait until the Redskins win another Super Bowl." Sound like a pitiful old man being unfairly marched around by an evil organization? Not to me. It sounds to me like a guy who wants to continue to support his team. How can you sit there and claim this is racist against African Americans when this poor guy is doing it BECAUSE HE WANTS TO? Yes, he's old. So what? Are old people not allowed to publicly support their team? Ok, old people are no longer allowed outside because some may interpret them as a sign of racial weakness. Give me a break.

The fact that Milloy has a paying job while I'm unemployed isn't all that bothers me, it's the whole debate over the "offensive" team names and mascots. Sometimes people are just looking for things to be offended about. The Redskins, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Cleveland Indians, the Atlanta Braves, the Florida State Seminoles, the Fighting Illini, the William and Mary Tribe, all have names that people complain about. Do these names really trivialize Native Americans? No, they don't. And you can bring up all sorts of people who are offended and people who are upset, but I don't care. If you are offended, it's because you want to be and because you aren't looking at this the right way.

Look at Notre Dame. I have no reason to like them or follow them. I know very few people who have gone there and I've never been to South Bend. Why do I follow Notre Dame? Why do I cheer for them? Because I'm Irish. There are numerous legends for the origin of the nickname, but what we do know for certain is that Irish people in the early 1900s found the team to be a source of inspiration and rallied around them. The fanatical devotion to Notre Dame football started because people saw a win as a win for all Irish. Think that Notre Dame is a totally different matter? Look at the often criticized Cleveland Indian's mascot and then look at the little fighting Irishman. Either could be seen as offensive, but only one is because only one is a hot topic for people who love to be politically correct. One could choose to be offended by Notre Dame or one could use it as a source of inspiration. I'm a lot happier cheering the Irish on instead of being upset by them and trying to end their great tradition.

These teams do not trivialize Native Americans but bring awareness of them. Without them, I would have no idea what a Seminole is or know anything about the Illini. As for Chief Zee, maybe Milloy should be the one to tell him, to his face, that he is an embarrassment to his race and his team and that he no longer should be allowed to publicly cheer his team on. See what he says. But while Chief Zee is still on the field with the team, I'm still going to cheer for him.

Campbell Still the Starter, But How Much Longer?

Jim Zorn has officially announced that Jason Campbell will start against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Campbell was benched to thunderous applause during last week's game against the Chiefs after completing only 9 passes for 89 yards in the first half. Campbell was drafted in 2005 with the hope that he would soon breakout and establish himself as a premiere NFL quarterback. He has thus far failed to do so. With the Redskins poised to rebuild at the end of the season, Campbell needs to give the team and the fans some reason to believe in his ability. With the state of the team, however, that ship may have already sailed.

Campbell was brought in to be the future quarterback of the Redskins. In 2006, he took over the team starting in seven games. He threw 10 TDs and 6 INTs. Not bad numbers for his first real season. In 2007, Campbell failed to really inspire with 12 TDs and 11 INTs. He also fumbled the ball 13 times, turning the ball over 8 of those times. While the Redskins did in fact make the playoffs that year, Campbell missed the last three games and the playoff loss to Seattle with an injury. The team's success that season really wasn't attributed to Campbell. In order to help Campbell develop, the Redskins hired Jim Zorn as offensive coordinator after Joe Gibbs retired. Zorn had helped Matt Hasselbeck develop and the team hoped Zorn would help Campbell breakout in the 2008 season. The season started off very well as Campbell was solid setting a franchise record for most consecutive passes without an interception and the team went 6-2. The Redskins then tapered off finishing 8-8. Despite the great start Campbell finished with 13 TDs, 6 INTs, and 7 fumbles. Now six games into the 2009 season, Campbell has 6 TDs, 6 INTs, and 8 fumbles. Hardly the numbers expected of him in his fourth season as a starter.

Clearly, you can't blame all of the Redskins' problems on Campbell. The offensive line is a joke offering him little protection. Still, 8 fumbles is too many, even if only 2 of them have been lost. Fumbles have been a problem his entire career and he is on track for over 20 fumbles on the season. As a quarterback, he has to have better vision and be able to escape the pocket. He was a fairly mobile quarterback at Auburn, but seems to have lost that ability in the NFL. While Zorn has proven he can't really coach, or call offensive plays, he still is a proven quarterbacks coach. Yet, he has not been able to do anything with Campbell. Campbell's stats have not been terrible, but he has not come close to the expectations the organization had when they drafted him. So far this season, Campbell is ranked 17th in passing yards, 18th in passing TDs, and 26th in INTs. Complain about the offensive line all you want, but Campbell has been sacked as many times as Brett Favre this season and less times then Ben Rothlisberger and Aaron Rodgers. The simple fact is that the great quarterbacks in the NFL find a way to get the ball to their receivers and Campbell certainly has plenty to choose from. He was not drafted to be a middle of the pack quarterback and yet that is what he is.

Some people may cut him some slack because of the new offense Zorn brought with him. While he did in fact struggle to learn the West coast offense, Campbell has been much worse in Zorn's second season than he was last year. Even if you are willing to give Campbell a pass you are resigning yourself to another full season. Why? Everyone knows that Zorn will not be the head coach next season. Now Campbell has a whole new offense to learn. Do we then give him another 2 years? If the Redskins do decide to give Campbell another shot, they can't grab another quarterback in the offseason just in case. After Campbell's reaction to the team's attempts to acquire Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez, it's clear that another quarterback hunt would be the end of Campbell's career in Washington. Sticking with him is an all or nothing gamble. How long are the Redskins willing to settle for a mediocre quarterback before they realize the experiment has failed? If Campbell still wants to wear maroon and gold next season, then he has 10 more games to prove he can do so. Otherwise, you can add quarterback to the long list of problems the Redskins need to fix in the offseason.

The BCS: A Big Crappy System

Midway through the college football system, the debate over who should be ranked where, who will get snubbed, and who's overrated has already begun. Boise State and Cincinnati may both go undefeated and neither will probably receive a bid for the National Championship. There is a debate over whether Alabama or Florida is really the number one team. Texas beat Oklahoma this past weekend, but that can hardly feel reassuring since Texas won last year as well, but Oklahoma was the team to receive a bid for the national title. While the unpredictability of this system may make it intriguing to the fans, there is always a good percentage who feel slighted at the end of the season. Despite the desire of...well, everyone that the system be changed, the people who run the BCS remain maddeningly stubborn.

The current system chooses ten teams to compete in the five BCS bowl games at the end of the season (the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl, and the National Championship Game). The top two ranked teams in the BCS standings receive bids for the national championship. Conference winners of the ACC, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10, and SEC receive automatic bids. Non BCS teams receive an automatic bid if they are ranked in the top 12, but if there is more than one in the top 12, only one is given an automatic bid. Notre Dame receives an automatic bid if it is ranked in the top eight. At large bids are given to fill the remaining slots with various rules as to who can be picked.

You're probably asking yourself the obvious question, why no playoffs? Since pretty much every sport has a playoff why not college football? College football was very popular in the early 1900s. The travel costs and time of a playoff system were just not feasible at that time, leading to the creation of a bowl system in 1902. This system has been changed and modified into what we have today. Certainly the creation of a bowl system made sense in 1902 and the system is very unique. Logically, it also makes some sense. The two best teams play in the championship, the winners of the toughest conferences play in the subsequent bowl games and only other teams that have proven they are good enough are given at large bids. The system, however, has glaring problems that have been exposed repeatedly year after year.

In 2004 USC, Oklahoma, and Auburn all finished the season undefeated. As Auburn was ranked number three, they were snubbed. In 2007 Missouri beat Kansas and received the chance to play for the Big 12 championship. Missouri was beaten while Kansas watched from home. Kansas received an at large bid to the Orange Bowl while Missouri was not invited to a BCS bowl. I guess it would have been better for Missouri to lose to Kansas. That wasn't the only problem that year. Virginia Tech and LSU earned bids for the ACC title game and SEC title game respectively. Viginia Tech was ranked higher than LSU, beat a higher ranked team than LSU and by more points. LSU was given a national title bid over Virginia Tech, however, because LSU had beaten Tech earlier that season showing just how arbitrary the system really is. I could go on and on. Who will be snubbed this year? I guarantee someone will walk away from this season upset with the BCS.

It's time for a change in the system. Look at any league with a playoff system. Do any teams complain about who receives a playoff bid? No. Spots are earned by very clear rules, not arbitrary rankings. Now everyone and their mother seems to have their own idea for how the system should change. Probably any one of those systems is better than what they have now. The BCS, however, is dragging their feet. Despite the fact that EVERYBODY hates the system, they have made it clear that while the bowl games continue to bring in so much money, they will not change the system. It seems unlikely that this will ever change. In situations such as these, something dramatic has to happen to force their hand. Despite the numerous problems of every single season the system remains in place. Despite how unpopular the system is with everyone the system remains in place. If the BCS hasn't felt forced to change thus far, I doubt they ever will. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed that one day they will see the light.

Frustration for the Fans, but will Snyder Listen?

As fans emptied out of FedEx Field yesterday, frustration seemed to be running high. Fans booed the team, shouted at various players, chanted for Bill Cowher, and shuffled out with their heads down. Fans were downright disgusted not only by the fact that the Redskins lost to yet another winless team, but by just how embarrassing they looked. They failed to score a single touchdown and managed only two field goals against the 29th ranked defense in the league. Trailing by three with only about three minutes left to go, the Redskins went three and out and punted the ball. With three timeouts remaining, the Redskins still had an opportunity of they could hold the Chiefs to three and out. They failed and allowed the Chiefs to add another field goal to their lead. Still with a chance, the Redskins took the kickoff and immediately were flagged for an illegal block in the back. On the first offensive play of the drive, Todd Collins was sacked in the endzone giving the Chiefs a safety. Eager to get one more bad play in, the Redskins attempted an onside kick after the safety, but did not kick the ball 10 yards to the waiting players from both teams, but rather 20 yards behind the line where the Redskins had no chance of recovering the ball.

The embarrassing play in yesterday's loss can be added to the list of reasons why fans are so upset. I wonder if Snyder knows exactly why the fans are so frustrated. No doubt he hears the boos and thinks he knows the problem. He will respond by firing Jim Zorn, during the offseason at the latest, bring in a whole new coaching staff, open his deep pockets to bring in the most expensive and therefore best players and build what he hopes will be a winning team. Once the Skins are good again, all the boos will end and the fans will be happy once again. While it is true that winning can fix most problems, what Snyder continually fails to realize is that the fans are fed up with him more than with losing.

As the fans filed out of FedEx Field, the boos and chants were not just for Zorn, or for the terrible team performance. People were shouting at Snyder too, demanding him to sell the team, yelling that we deserve better. This is not just about winning or being the second highest profitable team in the NFL, it is about the fans. Because of Snyder, buses are no longer available to drive the fans from metro stops. Instead they must take the 45 minute walk to the stadium (yes, it took 45 minutes for me to walk there yesterday). He said it was because he was trying to go green. He has restricted tailgaters for seemingly no reason. Prices at the concession stand are unbelievably obscene. Snyder has even gone so far as to deny lids for drinks, no doubt in an attempt to save money and in the hope that someone will spill and have to buy another. He has sued his own season ticket holders who in this rough economy cannot afford to pay for those tickets. The team responded to this criticism by saying that it is a common practice in the NFL, but other teams stepped forward to say that this does not happen elsewhere.

Snyder may be telling himself that the fans are booing because the team is losing and that winning solves all problems, but is he listening to the boos and the shouts? If he was, he'd know the fans want respect. They want an owner who will care more about their needs then penny-pinching. Ultimately, we don't care if the team's profit margin is 2nd or 10th or 20th. While he lines his pockets with our money, our team and the trip to FedEx Field continually gets worse. Why should fans go see the Redskins? The team is terrible and will always be as long as Snyder refuses to give his coaches control of the team. Going to games is becoming increasingly expensive with ticket prices and concessions. Why go see your team beat up for hundreds of dollars?

So the only question I have for Daniel Snyder is, are you listening?

For Gilbert Arenas, It's Time to Deliver

As the Washington Wizards prepare for the 2009-2010 season, excitement has begun to grow in Washington DC. In the offseason, the Wizards added Randy Foye and Mike Miller from the Minnesota Timberwolves. More importantly, the Wizards appear healthier than they have been in several seasons. This means the pressure is on for Gilbert Arenas to bring some success to DC this season. After years of injury trouble, disappointing post season losses, unusual antics, and a pricey contract, there is mounting pressure for Arenas to perform.

Arenas first came to DC in 2003, but really did not emerge as an elite all-star until the 2004-05 season. In that season the Wizards went 45-37 and made the playoffs for the first time since 1997. They went on to defeat the Chicago Bulls for their first playoff series win in 23 years. The injuries began at the end of the 2006-07 regular season when Arenas tore his ACL. The Wizards then went on to lose the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs for the second straight year. Arenas missed 68 games the next season following a torn medial meniscus in his left knee. Despite this, Areans signed a contract with the Wizards on July 13, 2008 worth $111 million over six years and then responded by playing two games in the 08-09 season.

Who was Arenas critical of for his injuries? The same team that agreed to his lucrative contract despite three knee injuries in one and a half years, and not playing at 100% since 2007. Arenas criticized the Wizards for not holding him out longer from returning to practice. While Arenas has been known for an occasional odd comment and bizarre behavior, I have to wonder how much longer he can get away with it. Since his signing in 2003, the Wizards have won one playoff series. That's it. While there is no doubt that Arenas is a superstar (when he's healthy), one playoff series is not the success the Wizards have been hoping for. I also find it odd that while the Wizards have shown great faith in him by offering such a huge contract despite being injured, he then chose to criticize the team. When will the team's patience with him run out?
There's a good chance that the clock has begun ticking this year. Optimism is very high for this Wizards' team heading into the preseason. While people may not be demanding an NBA championship this year, there's got to be some improvement. If the Wizards disappoint again this season or Arenas goes down with yet another injury, don't be surprised if the Wizards start shopping the superstar around.

Possible Moves by the Caps May Provide Spark

After a 2-2-2 start for the Washington Capitals, rumors are already flying about possible moves as ESPN.com reports. This is not surprising considering the high expectations for the Caps heading into this season. In the 2008-2009 season, the Caps finished with a franchise record 108 points and won their second straight Southeast Division title. After watching the rival Pittsburgh Penguins hoist the Stanley Cup, this Caps team was very motivated heading into this season. The organization demanded results as well. In the home opener, the Caps celebrated their 2008-2009 division championship with an intentionally abbreviated ceremony. A short video was followed by the unfurling of the banner from the rafters rather than the slow ceremonial raising seen the season before. The message was clear, a division championship is no longer good enough. The season, however, has not gone according to plan thus far. After winning their first two games, the Caps have lost their last four. Last season the Caps did not lose a game at home in regulation until December. This season it took only two games.

Why the drop in play? While they did lose Sergei Federov and Viktor Kozlov, they were able to acquire Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison which are suitable replacements. The Caps did little else in the off season expecting their young players to develop. At this point in the season, however, it seems that they did not develop quit as much as the team hoped. Goalie Simeon Varlamov has shown that while he has potential to be an all-star player, he is not yet ready to take over the team. Jose Theodore has performed well thus far as the number one. The real concerns come from the young players on the third and fourth lines and on the blue line. The Caps have gotten very little secondary scoring this year from their bottom two lines, who have contributed one goal and four assists. Defensively, the Caps have allowed 3.33 goals per game. Not exactly the performance they were looking for.

While there may be some talk about possible moves for the Caps, rumors are still...well, rumors until something happens. The Caps have shown repeatedly that they are very reluctant to give up any of their young prospects for any type of trade. Trading Theodore seems unlikely given that Varlamov has struggled so far this season. If they are considering a trade at the moment, then Michael Nylander is most likely the guy on the table. It will be interesting to see what the Caps can get for him at this point in the season since he comes with a huge price tag. Then again, a change for the Caps may not mean a trade. AHL affiliate Hershey is full of prospects. Coach Bruce Boudreau might be thinking of bringing up players like Karl Alzner. He may just be thinking of shaking up the lines. Alex Semin played on the second line in the last game against New Jersey after being a top liner to begin the season.

Whatever is being discussed in DC, it is a step in the right direction. It shows a real desire to win the Cup and a recognition that the window of opportunity will not be open forever. The last time the Caps made a move early in the season, the Caps fired coach Glen Hanlon on Thanksgiving Day and promoted Boudreau, then the coach of the Hershey Bears. As a result, the league's worst team went on the win the Southeast division. While I'm not saying a coaching change is needed, I certainly believe that some sort of change is needed that can provide the same kind of spark. This will let the team and the fans know that the Caps are playing to win. Let's hope they think of something quick, or a season filled with a lot of potential may be wasted.

After Months of Nonsense, Time for Crabtree to Prove He's Worth It

On October 7 Michael Crabtree finally agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers after a very long holdout. The 49ers have a bye week this week and will then face the Houston Texans. After Crabtree's stubborn negotiations, the game against Houston will be his first chance to prove that he can make an impact on this team and is worth his six-year $32 million contract. While expectations for many rookies are usually low, many expect an immediate impact from Crabtree after his ridiculous holdout.


Heading into the 2009 NFL Draft, the clear top two receivers were Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin from Missouri. When it came time for the number seven Oakland Raiders to make their pick, they shocked fans and NFL analysts by picking Maryland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Crabtree was later selected 10th overall by San Francisco. Rather than be thankful he avoided Oakland and crazy owner Al Davis, Crabtree seemed to take exception and demanded more money from the 49ers. Many sources close to Crabtree stated that he was willing to sit out the entire 2009 season if the 49ers did not offer him more. Deion Sanders, Crabtree's counselor, told the press he was not in dire need of money and would re-enter the draft next season if need be. Crabtree became the longest hold out in franchise history until October 7 when both parties finally reached an agreement.

The stupidity and selfishness of this situation completely astounds me and highlights a disturbing trend among NFL rookies. Despite never playing a single down in the NFL, Crabtree felt he was worth more than the millions the 49ers offered him and held out reportedly for "seventh pick money" a blatant knock against Heyward-Bey. What Crabtree will make in a single season is enough for most people to live off of their entire lives and yet Crabtree felt the need to hold out for more. The simple fact of the matter is that until you play in the NFL, there is no guarantee that you will have any success. For players to come out of college and demand obscene amounts of money is just unbelievable. What was even more shocking was the fact that Crabtree was willing to sit out this season and re-enter the draft. Some may say he was bluffing to try and force the 49ers' hand, but this seems unlikely as it was not his agent making this threat, but sources close to Crabtree that were coming out and saying this was how he felt. How would that have worked out for him? Crabtree would have enetered next year's draft having sat out a full year and with an enormous red flag hanging over him. He would have been drafted much lower than 10th over all, perhaps as low as in the second round, and his salary would have dropped accordingly. Would it have been worth it? He would have held out for less money and the 49ers, who currently have a 3-2 record without Crabtree, would be free of an overpriced headache.

While we can't say for sure what Crabtree was thinking during all of this, he now has to face the consequences. Yes, he got most of the money he wanted, but he certainly did not make any friends in the 49ers' locker room or within San Francisco's fan base. Despite being a rookie, Crabtree hasn't left himself much leeway for growing time. If he wants to be paid like a superstar and whine like a superstar, he better perform like one before the fans run him out of town. Let's hope other rookies take this lesson to heart as well. I know if someone offered me a few million dollars to play a sport I'd jump at the chance rather than complain about how much other people were getting paid. Sorry kids, but I have no sympathy for you if your $30 million lifestyle has to wait because your team is only offering you $20 million. Maybe you should earn your salary before you begin complaining.

Back to the Drawing Board for Snyder

After another lackluster performance for the Redskins in which they gave up 18 unanswered points and lost to another winless team, Dan Snyder has to be asking himself, what now? The Redskins seem to be falling apart. After the opening game against the Giants, the Redskins have played four straight winless teams and will play a fifth next Sunday against Kansas City. The Redskins, however, have failed to take advantage losing to both Detroit and Carolina. After Kansas City, the gravy train will end and the Redskins will be facing some of the best teams in the league such as Atlanta, Denver, and New Orleans. Based on how badly the Redskins have played thus far, it's hard to hold much hope for the rest of the season. But there is hope for the Redskins' future. While many remain dissatisfied with how owner Daniel Snyder has attempted to build a championship team, he has a great opportunity to get things right.

Head coach Jim Zorn has done little this season to instill confidence in his coaching abilities and will likely be out of the job at the end of the season if not before. While Snyder has been criticized in the past for firing coaches too quickly, this is a move that needs to happen. Not only are the Redskins losing to the worst teams in the league, they look like a beaten team before they even step onto the field. Football is a sport that requires emotion, and the Redskins don't seem to have any.

It is especially important for Snyder to act this off season because there are several very prestigious potential candidates available for the job. Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan are two obvious choices as both have won a Superbowl. John Fox and Jeff Fisher may also find themselves looking for work in the off season after a horrendous start for both Carolina and Tennessee. The problem Snyder will have is convincing anyone to come to DC. After Joe Gibbs retired, Snyder put together an entire coaching staff, including an offensive and defensive coordinator, before he even had a head coach. As a result, no one wanted to coach the Redskins. Snyder offers candidates the chance to coach a team they would have no control over with a staff they didn't hire. This is why the job only appeals to coaches looking to make a name for themselves, like Jim Zorn who had never been an offensive coordinator before, let alone a head coach.

Snyder, however, remains reluctant to give up any power over his team. In 2001 when Snyder hired Marty Schottenheimer, he gave him full control over players and personnel. Schottenheimer then went on to lose his first five games and was openly criticized by his players. Although he managed to turn things around and win eight of his last eleven games to finish 8-8, Snyder fired him at the end of the season. The message was clear, if he was going to give up control of his team, he expected results. This reluctance, however, is something he must get over. With numerous coaches available for the Redskins, Snyder must do whatever it takes to bring one to Washington. Although Snyder may not understand why, money is not the issue. In order to bring in a coach like Cowher or Shanahan, he needs to give them control and the opportunity to build a championship team in Washington. Otherwise he may find himself choosing between Jim Fassel and Greg Blache and years away from a team that has any chance of a Superbowl.

The Future is....Not Now for Strasburg

The Washington Nationals wrapped up another lack luster season this year finishing with 59 wins, by far the worst record in baseball. The honeymoon appears to be over as there is clearly mounting frustration among the fan base. Apparently people didn't realize that taking the team from Montreal meant taking the Expos. Yet, many remain hopeful after the (eventual) signing of pitching star Stephen Strasburg. This certainly seems to be a step in the right direction. While the Nationals have proven they can at least put up competitive offensive numbers (ninth in the National League in runs scored), they are the second worst defensive team in the league (second to Baltimore by only 2 runs). Defense in baseball begins and ends with pitching, so signing Strasburg is a good first step, assuming the Nationals do what's right. Sorry Nats fans, but that means Strasburg is going to have to wait.

Strasburg may be good enough already to enter the Nationals' rotation, but that's not because he's ready. The Nationals' pitching is just that bad, ranked 28th in the league with a 5.00 ERA. For an NL team, that's bad. Adding one pitcher is a start, but barring some major off season moves or dramatic player development over the off season, the Nationals don't look like they will have much going for them next season. This makes me question whether Strasburg should play at all in the majors next season.

Now I know many people out there really want to see the kid play and it's hard to argue against his numbers. In 2009, while pitching for San Diego State University, Strasburg finished with a 13-1 record, a 1.32 ERA, 195 strike out over 109 innings pitched, and one no-hitter. Impressive to say the least. Yet, this was against college players and in the Mountain West Conference, not one of the major baseball conferences. I'm not saying his accomplishments aren't impressive, his numbers would be impressive if he was pitching against peewee teams, but facing major league batters takes physical and mental preparation. He needs to develop into a major league pitcher and mentally prepare himself for not being the dominant pitcher he was in college before he steps onto the mound for the Nationals.

This probably isn't what the Nationals' front office wants to hear. In five seasons, the Nationals best season was their first when they finished with a .500 record of 81-81. Since then the team has really struggled with four losing seasons and back to back 100 loss seasons in 2008 and 2009. Attendance has dropped as well. In 2005 the Nationals were ranked 9th in the league in attendance, but this dropped all the way down to 24th in the 2009 season. With a brand new stadium and a dwindling fan base, the Nationals are looking for a draw to bring people in for the 2010 season. Strasburg seems like the perfect solution. But history is full of rushed prospects with disappointing major league careers. Why risk it? The Nationals will not compete next year and while the fans may be impatient, it's not the front office's job to please the fans. They are there to build a successful team. I just don't see how does throwing Strasburg to the wolves next year helps him. Let's hope the Nationals can look at the big picture and not just worry about their popularity. Winning, despite how long it takes, will always bring the fans back.

Not Time For the Hokies to Panic

On September 26, a Miami team went into Blacksburg on top of the world. They were what many called the best story in college football this season. After years of mediocre football, the once dominant team seemed to be getting its swagger back. They were 2-0 after beating rival Florida State and ACC opponent Georgia Tech and were being led by dark horse Heisman candidate Jacory Harris. Everyone was proclaiming that the U was back and then...they played Virginia Tech. The Hokies dominated Miami from start to finish winning 31-7 establishing themselves as the team to beat in the ACC. And then...they played Duke. After dominating one of the best teams in the nation the Hokies found themselves in a dog fight with the most unlikely of teams. The Hokies did manage to hold off the Blue Devils for a 34-26 victory, but this was certainly not the dominant performance many expected. Is it time for panic in Blacksburg? In the words of Lee Corso "not so fast my friend!"

If there is one constant in college football, it is its unpredictability. Two teams that look miles apart on paper can find themselves in a nail-bitter come game day. What is important is how a team responds to a surging underdog. The Hokies may not have played their most impressive game against Duke, but they did win. There are also numerous reasons why this close game really should not have been a huge surprise. The Hokies seem to really struggle on the road. Last season they lost their last three ACC road games. While many just snicker when they see Duke on the schedule, this is a football program on the rise. Second year coach David Cutcliffe has really created excitement in Durham over this football team and for teams with a losing history this can be half the battle. Duke is also in the Coastal division of the ACC with Virginia Tech meaning that these two teams meet every single year. These teams know each other well. Think that doesn't matter? Ask USC. It seems that every year they lose to a weak Pac 10 team and this year was no exception. After beating Ohio State at the Horseshoe, the very next week they went to Washington and lost. Can you really blame Virginia Tech for not looking excited and motivated to play at Duke the week after a huge win at Blacksburg over Miami? Remember that these are college kids playing. They may say all the right things when it comes to playing Duke, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were looking past this game for a real opponent.

Don't just focus on how bad you think the Hokies played, look at what they did well. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor who has struggled all season really led this team to victory throwing for 327 yards and 2 touchdowns. If he had managed anywhere close to those numbers against Alabama this team would be undefeated and ranked in the top 3. Looking ahead, the Hokies may really benefit from a top-heavy schedule. Three of their first four opponents were ranked, but none of their remaining opponents are. By beating Miami in their ACC opener, the Hokies have already beaten the best team in their division. While they do still face tough challenges from Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Maryland, it should still be all downhill from here.

Defense Questions Still Remain For The Caps

Last night, the Capitals took on the Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams are expected to be major competitors for the Eastern Conference Championship. In the off season, Philadelphia picked up all star defenseman Chris Pronger to shut down teams' top scoring line and goalie Ray Emery. How'd they do? Both Alexander Semin and Alexander Ovechkin scored twice and the Capitals were able to put up five total goals against the revamped Philadelphia defense. So mission accomplished for Washington? Not quite. The Caps still lost 6-5 in overtime highlighting the major problem facing this team. While the Caps have no trouble scoring (15 goals through 3 games) they still are having trouble keeping the puck out of their own net (11 goals allowed in 3 games).

The Caps made no off season acquisitions to fix this problem choosing instead to rely on the development of their younger players to full the void. The results? Karl Alzner was reassigned to Hershey during the off season, and Tyler Sloan has yet to play a game. Neither, it seems, will be making much of an impact on the blue line this year. Instead the Caps will rely on the questionable play of Jeff Schultz (physical but often inconsistent) and John Erskine (who contributes fights and bad penalties and not much else). The Caps made the right move in the offseason by letting go of enforcer Donald Brashear who was a great fighter but could barely skate. If, however, that means Erskine gets a full time spot on the roster, then the Caps have taken one step forward and two steps back.

And let's not forget about the goaltending. Simeon Varlamov got the start last night, but after allowing four goals in the second period, he was pulled for Jose Theodore. While I do believe Varlamov is the future of this franchise and on the verge of becoming a great goalie, I do think he needs to get it going. The Caps have made it clear this year that they want to compete for the Conference championship and the Stanley Cup. If they hope to do so, they will need stronger goaltending.

Luckily the Caps can fix this pretty easily with Michael Nylander. No I'm not talking about playing the forward at center, I'm talking about trading him. For whatever reason, the Caps' center has fallen out of favor with Coach Bruce Boudreau and has been a healthy scratch for all three games this season and most of last season. Nylander is the second highest paid player on the team (behind guess who). The Caps have already expressed concern over cap space next season as many young players are going to be looking for raises due to their development and maturing play. Despite not playing, Nylander still has some value. By trading him, the Caps can gain a 2nd or 3rd line caliber defenseman while freeing up a lot of cap space.

The fact is, the longer they sit Nylander down, the lower his trade value becomes. He's too good and too expensive to just sit on the bench, so why not trade him? The Caps still need some defensive help and this seems like a pretty simple solution.

DC Sports

Welcome to your brand new destination for DC sports! This is the place for information and analysis of the Washington Capitals, Redskins, Nationals, Wizards, DC United, local college teams, and the biggest sports stories.

Have you ever been watching the news and thought what was Dan Snyder thinking or if the Nationals picked up_______ they could be a championship team? That's the motivation for this blog. After years of devoutly following sports and merely shouting my opinions at the tv, I finally decided that posting them was probably a better option. I will try to post blogs once a day unless I'm too busy or if there's a big story that needs the immediate input of a 22 year old. I hope you find this blog informative, entertaining or at least a good distraction from work or reality. My first blog will be posted tomorrow, thanks for reading!