9:1 Drama Queens

There has been more media around Redskins park in the last four days than at a Justin Beiber concert. (that's never a good thing) Last Sunday, the Redskins lined up on their own 22 yard line. On the clock, 4:25 remained for them to secure a 25-20 lead. Donovan McNabb stepped back saw a small opening to squeeze a pass into the arms of of Anthony Armstrong. Like almost every play for the entire game, Donovan felt the pressure of the defense around him. As he released the ball, his arm was hit resulting in an interception. The next time he would take the field the Redskins were looking up at a 28-25 deficit. On fourth down, McNabb was sacked. It would be his last snap of the game. Injury? No. Coach Mike Shanahan felt the urge to introduce Rex Grossman, the 'Skins backup quarterback, to the action. The first play by Grossman was a fumble that led to the final score of 37-25 and a Redskins loss to the Detroit Lions.



That decision by Shanahan has led to media swarming Ashburn, VA in droves. The Redskins situation at quarterback is now in jeopardy. Why was McNabb benched? Will Grossman be taking the snaps from now on? Will McNabb return to the Redskins next year? Why are they considering JaMarcus Russell at QB? Did they insult McNabb? Are there problems between Mike and Donovan?..........It's a little ridiculous, can you tell? Shanahan has made it very clear that he and the pro-bowl quarterback are under good terms and the decision was made due to problems with McNabb's hamstring in the two minute offense. Other than that, there is almost nothing to be concerned about. Donovan McNabb is still the starter as the Redskins take a week off before facing division foe Philadelphia.

As for JaMarcus Russell taking snaps for the Redskins, he was among 50 other free agents tested by the Redskins. Perhaps the Redskins' staff feels depleted at the third string QB position. Perhaps they are thinking long term after McNabb is gone. Whatever the case, McNabb is not being replaced by Rex Grossman, JaMarcus Russell, or anyone else. Russell might not be a bad pick up if he has gotten back in shape and focused on football not money.

8:3 Report Cards

It's Week 8 in the NFL. And that means it's time for Mid-term Report Cards. The general consensus of this season is "What the heck just happened?" Teams that were once celebrating in confetti and hoisting trophies are now cowering from first-overall draft teams. Teams once laughed at are now laughing. It's been one crazy year of football filled with shocking surprise wins and equally surprising losses. With that said, our beloved NFC East hasn't quite avoided the chaos of 2010. Some of the season's most jaw-dropping stories stems directly from this division. Let's begin.

1. 2010 New York Giants (5-2)

Yes, I know. I thought the Dallas Cowboys would be on top too, but who's complaining? Actually, the New York Giants have established themselves as one of the top contenders in the NFC this year, and look like they could run away with this division. The Giants began the year with a 1-2 record after embarrassing losses to the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts, but have turned it around to win four consecutive games. The Giants season is by no means over though, as two division rivals sit just one game behind them. Their team looks consistent overall and if they don't putter out like they did in 2009, they can set their expectations high - very high.



2. 2010 Washington Redskins (4-3)

I promise you, this is the truth. The Redskins are only one game out of leading the division. This team.... This team can't win a game to save their life. Fortunately, they can't lose one to save their life either. The Redskins season has been one that has left fans holding their breath on the final play of every game. The Redskins began their campaign with a 13-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys that was decided on the last snap. The following week was a 30-27 overtime loss to Houston. Then, the Week 4 game in Philadelphia, where the Eagles came one dropped pass in the end zone from winning on the final play. An overtime field goal lifted the Redskins over Green Bay. Two of the Redskins' three losses have come by only three points. They hold an undefeated record against division rivals compared to their winless record in 2009. The Redskins are finding ways to win, and have set themselves in the position to contend for an unthinkable division title.



3. 2010 Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)

Ups and Downs have been the story for Philadelphia. They began the season looking mediocre at best under the leadership of Kevin Kolb. However, Kolb suffered a concussion in Week 1, putting the starting quarterback job in the hands of Michael Vick. Vick caught the football world by storm with two dominant victories in the following weeks. Philadelphia looked like the favorite to win the division, however the Washington Redskins injured Vick in Week 4, and pulled off a surprising victory over Philly. Kolb took control again, and this time, shined in the spotlight. This team looks inconsistent at the midway point, yet hold an impressive record of 4-3 after eight weeks. Vick should return to the starting position in the upcoming weeks giving the Eagles hope for 2010.

4. 2010 Dallas Cowboys (1-5)

?........What can even be said about this team? Favored to win the division in early predictions, the team has found no unity. The Cowboys biggest opponent this season has been themselves. They have continued to shoot themselves in the foot week after week with penalties and dumb decisions. This team has the talent to be 5-1 or 6-0, yet they are tied for the worst record in the NFC. In Week 1, the Cowboys appeared to throw the game-winning touchdown in the closing seconds, but a penalty erased it resulting in a 7-13 loss to Washington. Chicago ran over them in the following week. The Cowboys seemed to put the missing pieces together against Houston and destroyed the Texans. However, three straight losses have followed, and now Tony Romo, the starting quarterback, is out for 8 weeks with a broken collarbone. It's time to start considering the season lost for Dallas.

8:2 Goin' Bank

Like Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks came from low places to find himself as the Redskins' primary kick returner. Faced with the adversity against his size, he has used the asset of speed to silence the critics. At 5'7 and 148 lbs, you don't get much positive recognition as a potential threat. You might get plenty of attention for looking like a high-schooler, but a 290 lb. linebacker won't be focusing the defense on you. Strangely for Banks, he's usually the one smiling after a play is blown dead.

Banks came from the small rural town of Garner, North Carolina. He started all four years at Garner Magnet High School despite his small size. His speed stood out enough to be named to the USA Today All-USA Team for his record times in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. He spent his first year after high school at a junior college known as Bakersfield. The team was ranked first in the nation for junior colleges at the end of 2007. His talent took him to Kansas State where he stood out as one of the school's all time leading receivers. Banks' strength came on special teams, especially on kick returns. In the 2010 NFL Draft, Banks watched as his name was overlooked and his hope for an NFL career seemed to vanish. All that changed when Mike Shanahan of the Washington Redskins signed Banks to aid competition for wide receivers. Brandon Banks was immediately recognized by his tiny size, but it was his speed that ultimately overshadowed his height. In the Redskins' first pre-season game against Buffalo, his punt return for a touchdown caught many people off-guard, and turned the heads of the coaching staff. Banks was given a miracle chance as he made the final roster as one of six finalist at receiver. He beat out five other competitors with better resumes making his roster spot more accomplished.



Banks was soon sent down to practice squad, but by Week 4 of the regular season, his number was called upon to mimic that of Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick. His job was to evade pass rushes using his speed to prepare the defense for the quickness of Vick. Again, his speed caught the attention of Shanahan, who moved him to the starting kick and punt returner. His debut at punt returner resulted in a 53-yard jaw-dropping return against a stunned Philadelphia crowd. He followed that with a 30-yard return the next week against Green Bay. The next week against Indianapolis he blocked a crucial field goal by Adam Vinateri at the end of the half.


Time and time again Banks has sneaked out of the cellar and into the light. His entire life he has been neglected and downplayed because of his small stature, but sometimes it's not the size that matters. Banks plays with heart and adds electricity to the Washington sideline. For the first time in over a decade, the Redskins have some hope at returning kicks.

8:1 A Cinderella Story

Long shot was an understatement for this player on the Redskins very diverse roster. He was an absolute nobody before the first snap this year. But now teams are scheming against him as he has turned in better performances than some 1st round draft picks. At wide out, Anthony Armstrong has sneaked out of the basement and practice squads onto the big stage and has not disappointed. Shanahan was criticized for holding onto him as opposed to some more popular wide receivers such as Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, but he has failed to disappoint. No one is complaining now.

Anthony Armstrong grew up in Carrollton, Texas as a Dallas Cowboys fan and a wide receiver at Newman Smith High School. His quick speed made him a star on the school's track and field team. It would not be the last time his speed would be a factor. After high school, Armstrong moved on to West Texas A&M, a Division II college. He lettered all four years in football and was the school's fourth all time leader in receiving. He also graduated with a degree in marketing. The NFL seemed an unreachable goal for Armstrong, who began his career in the Intense Football League, playing for the Osedda Rednecks and making $200 a game. He caught what seemed to be his biggest break of his career when he was signed to the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League. Armstrong shined within the walls of Arena Football enough to be noticed by the Miami Dolphins, who signed the player to their practice squad.

After Miami no longer needed their practice helper they released him on waivers to the Washington Redskins. Destined to be a practice player for all of his career, Armstrong spent the 2009 NFL Season catching passes as practice against the starting defense. After the Redskins posted a horrible 4-12 record in '09, change swept through Washington. While many players worried about the change, Armstrong embraced it. He put 110% into the practice reps, which caught the eye of the Redskins new head coach Mike Shanahan. He offered the player an opportunity to compete for a roster spot - something the young wide out had never had before.


The rest is history. Armstrong now starts games along side the veteran Santana Moss. He now catches passes from Donovan McNabb. On October 10th, Armstrong's incredible 48-yard touchdown paved the way for an unlikely come-from-behind win. His route running is now schemed against by the best defenses in the country. Only time will tell if this Cinderella story has a fairy tale ending.

7:3 Sean Taylor Tribute

Going into training camp, it's time to take a look at the defensive side of the team. I'll start with the safety position - one that had literally felt a void since 2007. The Redskins have plenty of talent in their secondary and in 2010, it will be important that the defense stays strong as the offense tries to improve. For the past decade the Redskins' offense has never been able to catch up to it's defense. For a few years, Washington had one of the top 5 defenses in the league while their offense has always been in the bottom half of the standings. This was due in much part to the Redskins' defensive coaches who had been with the team for many years including the glory days. The defense however is making the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 this year and this always leads to growing pains. Also the Redskins' defense had one of the worst tackling secondaries in the game last year meaning there is much room for improvement. The Safety position was not always so weak....

On November 26, 2007, midway through the 2007 season, Sean Taylor, the Redskins' Pro-Bowl Free Safety, was tragically murdered in his Palmetto Bay home in Florida. The murder was not aimed at Taylor, but was an attempted burglary, making his death that much more devastating. He was defending his long-time girlfriend Jackie Moffet and his 18-month old daughter Jackie. The intruders did not expect anyone to be home, and upon sighting Taylor, shot him in the upper leg. Taylor spent the night in the hospital suffering from his wounds with the Redskins' nation watching closely. Sean Taylor passed away Novemeber 27, 2007 at 3:30 A.M. He was 24 years old. Sean Taylor was the cornerstone to the Redskins' defense and secondary. It was the biggest loss in Redskins' history and possibly sports history. The Redskins dedicated the remainder of the 2007 campaign in his memory, one that at the time looked hopeless. Inspired by the loss of their teammate, they finished the year on a miracle run winning 4 must-win games securing the final playoff spot. Although they lost to Seattle, the year was a good memorial to the fallen Redskin who had done so much for the franchise. He was the Redskins' and Joe Gibbs' first draft choice in 2004 and really became the team's favorite son. The memories he left on the field have never been forgotten. Sean Taylor is still missed today and his position on the team has never recovered. RIP




We all remember Sean in different ways, but the pain is still the same for all of us. Joe Gibbs claimed that he was making changes in his life to become a better person and father. Sean brought our emotions up and down in both his life and in his death, and three years later his legacy lives on. Going into 2010, LaRon Landry, who replaced Sean Taylor, still lives in the shadow of his predecessor. The team Sean left is slowly evolving and changing with new players and new coaches, but there is one thing that always remains the same. The fans. We are always there after every win and every loss going through the year along side the team. We remember Sean Taylor. We will never forget Sean Taylor.

7:2 Narrowing Down Options

By far, the wide receiver position is most interesting to watch this season. Nearly every spot is up for grabs and there are so many players competing for a chance to make the final cut. In all there are 11 players competing for 4-5 spots. Even more interesting than the amount of players are the bio's of the players. Every player has a different story. Some are in the final years if not, the final year of their careers while most are just kids with little to no experience in the league. These are the eleven wide-outs hoping for a spot on the Redskins:

• Santana Moss
• Devin Thomas
• Malcolm Kelly
• Joey Galloway
• Bobby Wade
• Anthony Armstrong
• Terrence Austin
• Roydell Williams
• Shay Hodge
• Mike Furrey
• Brandon Banks

Santana Moss is the only wide-out who is guaranteed a starting job on the Redskins in 2010. He has been the number one receiver in Washington for over five years and has really become the face of the franchise. His small size is his weakness and causes problems when going after high passes. However, Moss is very fast and runs routes as well as some of the best in the game. Look for # 89 to bounce back from an off-year last year because this year is possibly the most critical of his career. Santana has the number one receiving spot locked up.


Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly came into the league as some of the most anticipated receivers of the 2008 draft class. Many thought the Redskins' receiving corps drastically improved when they arrived. However, both have proved to be draft busts for the most part due to their shocking lack of production. Thomas had a great game against New Orleans last year with two touchdowns, but besides that game his 2008 and 2009 campaigns have both been disappointing. Kelly has been even more disappointing than his counter part. He has yet to catch even one touchdown in two years. If they can't breakout and produce this year it's the end of the road.


Joey Galloway and Bobby Wade add experience to the table as both are in the ladder part of their careers. Galloway had his best season in 2005 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers posting Pro-Bowl type numbers. He has been a valuable asset to any team has played for. His most recent playing time came with the New England Patriots in 2009. Wade has not put up the same kind of numbers as Galloway, but still has plenty of potential.

Anthony Armstrong and Terrence Austin are two wide-outs who are competing for more than just wide-receiver. They are both competing for a kick return job which is an area where the Redskins need plenty of help. Armstrong might be the most underrated of the group as he has been one of the best in offseason activities. Austin was drafted in the 7th round this year by Shanahan from UCLA where he was their best receiver. He specialized in kick returns due to his lightning quickness.

The final four receivers are all long shots to making the team, but anything can happen this year. The Redskins picked up Mike Furrey and Roydell Williams this offseason to add depth to the competition. Shay Hodge and Brandon Banks have the steepest hill to climb, but with dedication and productivity in training camp and the pre-season, they might just pick up a job.

7:1 Carrying Hope?

It was only a few years ago that Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker were some of the most elite running backs in the National Football League, but times have changed. From age to injury, these three once-dominant backs are now skeletons of the players they once were. There's a lot of doubt and skepticism as to whether or not these three backs can perform again. Portis was once the face of the Washington Redskins and could very well be again. Johnson set season rushing records as a Kansas City Chief, and Willie Parker still holds the longest Super Bowl fun in history on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The interesting twist now is that they are all on the same team and that team is the Washington Redskins. There are six players competing at for a spot on the team at running back:

• Clinton Portis
• Larry Johnson
• Willie Parker
• Ryan Torain
• Keiland Williams
• Darrel Young

Clinton Portis has been the starter in Washington for over five years now, and there's no reason why this shouldn't be his sixth. His age and multiple injuries over the years might take their tole this year but he should still prove productive. Interestingly enough, Portis began his career with the Denver Broncos under Mike Shanahan making 2010 a reunion of two ex-Broncos.


Larry Johnson knocked defenses left and right when he began his career in Kansas City, but over the years his productivity has drastically declined. Last year, in Cincinnati his running game was nearly dormant. Washington has given him a second chance in his career, but it is up to him to make the most of it. Look for Johnson to be a third-down back and second string behind Portis


Willie Parker is a big question mark coming into 2010 and has been his entire career. There were times in Pittsburgh where his skills carrying the ball made some of the best defenses look clueless. There were also times where defenses made him look like a college rookie. If parker can stay consistent and take advantage of his speed and quickness, he can guarantee himself a spot on the Washington Redskins. He will most likely be the third-string if not the backup running back.


Ryan Torain has a legitimate chance of making the final roster. He and Keiland Williams will most likely slug it out to beat out Parker for the final running back spot. However, Shanahan might decide to have four backs on his roster giving Torain and Williams a spot to compete for between themselves. Torain began his career in 2008 with the Denver Broncos under who else? Mike Shanahan. He has played in two NFL games over his career accumulating 69 yards with 15 carries.


Keiland Williams was a backup running back at LSU and played in 47 games over his college career. He rushed for 1,699 yards with 17 touchdowns and carried the ball 299 times. He also had two receiving touchdowns. Williams was signed by the Redskins in April as an undrafted rookie free agent.


Darrel Young was a part of last year's Redskins but came to the team competing for a linebacker spot. Young has made the transition to running back. He is versatile enough to play both linebacker and safety. His versatility could prove valuable in his attempt to make the team as a running back. He was a four-year starter from Villanova who signed with Washington last year as a rookie.

There's an old saying in boxing that every boxer always has one good fight left in him. Can that translate to football as every back has one good year left in him? Washington can only hope. If Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker all have season's similar to last year, the Redskins will have one of the weakest rushing attacks in the league. However, if each back has one more year like they once had, the team will have one of the most potent ground attacks in football. These three have different styles of running the ball. Both Portis and Johnson play power football trying to run through tackles and break their way through the defense. Parker, whose nickname was "Fast Willie" in Pittsburgh, tries to find holes in the defensive line and then uses speed to break away. One final thought, power backs tend to have shorter careers due to the amount of punishment they receive from defenses over the years.

6:3 A Quarter of the Way Back

The season kicks off in under two weeks now. At this point players are desperate to leave one final impression on the coaches for fear that it could be just that, their final one. Between whistles they try just a little harder, sweat a little more, and dig a little deeper to prove they have what it takes to be a part of something greater than themselves. This is it. The final two weeks of practice before they are put against another NFL team will be the hardest for them. In these last two weeks, I will try to introduce a few of the positions where players are competing for a roster spot and put names and faces together to familiarize fans to the players competing for them.

There are four quarterbacks attempting to make the three available roster spots on the Redskins. those four are:

• Donovan McNabb
• Rex Grossman
• Colt Brennan
• Richard Bartel

Donovan McNabb is the projected starter for the Redskins. He was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for two draft picks after 11 years of service to the Eagles. There is no threat to his roster spot. He will be the starting quarterback. He has participated in every offseason activity and taken this struggling team under his wing by mentoring and befriending his former rivals. If McNabb stays healthy, his service to Washington could prove the most fruitful of his career.

Rex Grossman is another new face in Washington. His name might sound familiar to many people. That would probably have something to do with his run to the Super Bowl in 2006 with the Chicago Bears. Grossman is coming off a season with the Houston Texans where he was coached by offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, son of Mike Shanahan. Kyle and Mike are now both coaching the Redskins and Kyle is familiar with Grossman's playing abilities, which makes him the likely number two quarterback. There may be some competition between Colt Brennan and Grossman, however it is highly unlikely.

Speaking of Brennan, the 2008 7th-round draft pick has become a favorite among the fans for his breakout 2008 pre-season, but a poor 2009 pre-season and a year plagued by injuries have dulled his bright talent. Brennan is a graduate of the University of Hawaii where he set many major records. He might challenge for the second spot, but will most likely be protecting his own third-string roster spot.

Richard Bartel has traveled around the league for much of his career with stops in Dallas, Cleveland, Jacksonville, and now Washington. He has the roughest road to a roster spot, but it is definitely not out of the question for him to make the team as a third-string replacing Brennan. It should be a tight battle for the final quarterback spot on the team, and it is interesting to note that neither Brennan nor Bartel have thrown a single pass in an NFL game.

6:2 R You In?

Maybe it's simply another way of the franchise trying to get the fans excited for another upcoming year. Or maybe The Redskins actually believe that they are primed and ready to make a run for the title this year. We don't know for sure. Regardless, the Redskins released an article on their website about their new campaign entitled "R You In?" The campaign is to introduce fans to the "New Washington Redskins" and start the hype for next season which is right around the corner. Is this really a season Redskins fans should be excited about? Coming off a 4-12 season, one wouldn't think so, but then again, this isn't the same team that went 4-12. Perhaps this is why they're getting fans ready. Maybe the Redskins have a title in the near future. Here's the video:

The Redskins made more changes in the 2010 offseason than any other team in the league. The changes included on and off the field improvements to the entire franchise as a whole. There's no doubt that with Donovan McNabb under center at QB and Mike Shanahan calling the shots on the sidelines that the Redskins will be a much better team. However, are they really ready to call themselves contenders for a Super Bowl? It's a long shot for sure, but in actuality, they are. In 2007, the Redskins finished the year at 9-7 earning them a wild-card spot and a playoff game in Seattle. In 2008, they began the year at 6-2, and although they finished at 8-8, they were right on the cusp of another playoff appearance. In 2009, although the year ended on a very sour note, the final record does not tell the whole story. Like i mentioned in my previous post, if the Skins had scored just one touchdown more in every one of their games, their record would have been 12-4. That's almost unbelievable considering their final record was 4-12, but it only goes to show that every point counts.

I believe this team is superior to the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Washington Redskins. I believe the schedule is the hardest of all four years and the competition is fiercer both inside and outside the division than in all previous years, but this new team has what it takes to hold their own. The Redskins have nothing to hold back and everything to prove. From their General Manager Bruce Allen, to their Head Coach Mike Shanahan, to their starting QB Donovan McNabb, everyone is looking for a fresh start in Washington. It appears to be a winning combination and 2010 could be the start of something much bigger than any of us imagined.

6:1 Lucky Number 7

Eighteen days and counting. With the season drawing near, the time has come for rookies and underdogs to really put their best plays on the field in hope of earning a roster spot. This is always interesting to see, as the competition is always fierce, but for the Redskins, this is extremely important. Due to the new management, coaches have no ties to old players. This means that just because a player played for Washington last year or years previous doesn't give him a spot on the team. Coaches will analyze talent and determination alone and not status. The rookie draft picks will be the most interesting to watch. Although much of the hype is centered on the Redskins' first round pick Trent Williams, I personally am intrigued by their seventh round pick, Terrence Austin.


Austin is a wide receiver/kick returner coming out of UCLA. During his college career he became the school's 2nd all-time leader in yardage. UCLA isn't the most feared football school as their basketball team is far superior and popular, however don't let this overshadow his talent. Becoming 2nd all time in yardage is still no small feat. Mike Shanahan spotted a lot of potential in this kid and drafted him in the final round of the draft. His size is most likely his weak link. He is only 5'11, which for a wide receiver is relatively small, and weighs only 172 lbs. This is the probable reason why he was the 219th overall pick in the 7th and final round of the 2010 NFL Draft. If bigger, he would be noticed with the best. Austin was a great kick returner for UCLA, and can hopefully continue his success in Washington.



The road to a roster spot in Washington will be very difficult for Terrence Austin, but not impossible. He was already offered a rookie contract; something even Trent Williams has not yet received. He shows incredible speed and because of his small size, he can make quick cuts and jukes to avoid tackles. For years the redskins have struggled at returning punts and kickoffs. In the past few years, the Redskins have turned to Rock Cartwright and Antwaan Randle El to be their return men, but they never excelled at the position. With both those players no longer on the team, there is a void for that position. This may be Terrence Austin's greatest chance at making the final cut for the Washington Redskins considering the amount of competition competing for the wide receiver positions. Eleven players are in competition for wide receiver, but essencially there are nine competing for two to three spots. If Austin wants to be a redskin, he needs to excel returning kicks in training camp. He shows much talent, speed, and energy, and it will be interesting to watch as we approach Week 1.

5:3 Wait Almost Over

Today is July 9th. Officially less than three weeks until Training Camp begins around the NFL. The Redskins will have their first day of Training Camp on July 29th extending into August. As an avid fan it has been a long wait for football season to start, but the wait is almost over. From Training Camp, the Redskins will kickoff their Preseason with a game against the Buffalo Bills on August 13th - just over a month away. The Redskins will have three more preseason games against their close-to-home rivals Baltimore Ravens at home followed by two road games against the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.

Now Preseason games are exactly that,....pre-season games. Records don't apply and there's nothing on the line. They are simply a chance for teams to test their new players against actual opponents and give their team a feel for different strategies before actually entering the season. The Preseason this year should be very beneficial to the Redskins as they have a brand new team, with both new coaches and new players, who all need time to blend. Coming together as a collective team and unit will be critical for a team begging for a second chance. The Redskins will have four opportunities to test a new defense, a new quarterback, a new coach, and new rookies looking for roster spots.

There are a few positions on the team where there will be competition for roster spots and starting spots. First will be at the wide receiver position. Santana Moss is the only player with an almost guaranteed spot. Devon Thomas and Malcolm Kelly will most likely make it, but there is a chance one or both won't make the final cut. Look for players like Joey Galloway and Anthony Armstrong to possibly sneak into the depth chart as a special teams receiver or just a back up receiver. It should be interesting. Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson might battle for the starting job, but Portis will most likely start this year. Willie Parker is a maybe for the Redskins. There are some other backs who will compete for his job. Finally, the third QB spot is up for grabs. Richard Bartel and Colt Brennan will duke it out for the final QB spot on the team. Fans love Brennan, however Bartel has proven himself in the OTA's this year. There is much to anticipate and the season draws ever near as we are just 20 days away from camp.

5:2 What Goes Around.....

Hey Albert Haynesworth, there's an old saying that goes something like "What goes around, comes around." Oh so very true in this case. From the first day that Mike Shanahan landed in Washington, Haynesworth has showed little to no respect for the new coach or his new agenda. He has showed no respect for his teammates who felt the same pain of 2009 and dealt with the same changes for 2010. Nor has he respected the city and fans who cheered for him last season. Well, what goes around comes back around. Haynesworth released a statement that he will be attending Redskins training camp come July 29, and any misunderstandings between himself and the franchise would be dealt with privately. This means all the trauma and drama is forgiven, right?

What goes around comes back around Albert, and it is certainly coming back around toward the middle of July. That same coach who tried to introduce a change to bring around potential wins next year, who you spat in his face, has no incentive to offer you any breaks come training camp. Those teammates will have nothing to do with you when you enter the locker room on day one of training camp, and might never be able to overcome the adversity that was shown them. Finally, the city that you disrespected and showed no desire to help with your selfish acts has given you no love in return. Nicknames such as "Fat Albert" and "Haynesworthless" are the new titles dubbed to the team's most paid player.



The bottom line is that the NFL never gives anything to a player. The only thing a player gets for free is an opportunity. It's what a player gives back to the NFL that earns him respect. If you respect the league, the team, and the teammates good things will happen, but if it's self-centered greed that drives a player, respect doesn't show up in his contract. What ever happened to teams working together as a team? I was very impressed to see 99% of the players show up to voluntary mini-camp to try and turn this team around. This shows unity, and that can lead to very big things. Albert Haynesworth owes this team a lot, and only time will tell if the damage he caused to this team will ever fully recover.

5:1 What's Good?

This offseason has been filled with lots of drama and change. There is no doubt about that. Many were unsure in February what the future of the Redskins would be, and the transition was difficult. However, many are optimistic about the team now and looking forward to 2010. What happened these past few months that have added hope to a doubting fan base? How far have the Redskins come since Week 17 of 2009? How far will they go next year and in years to come? The Redskins have made changes to the roster and to the management that could prove benefits for the long run as well as the short term. Let's look at the players, coaches, and managers of the '09 squad that have parted ways with Washington.



The first casualty to last year's team was Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins former General Manager. He resigned after the team's horrible start to 2009. Next to go was the Head Coach Jim Zorn. He was fired immediately following the final loss last year to the San Diego Chargers. The Redskins also released RB Ladell Betts, RB Rock Cartwright, WR Antwaan Randle El, CB Fred Smoot, DT Cornelius Griffin, and G Randy Thomas. They also lost Quinton Ganther to the Seattle Seahawks. The biggest player to leave the Redskins was former starting QB Jason Campbell who was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a 4th round draft pick in 2012. It was hard for some of the Redskins' fans to part ways with Jason Campbell but most knew it was necessary. These departures left many voids on the team, but there were many additions in the next few months that significantly changed the character of the team.

Late last year, the Redskins added Bruce Allen, son of former Redskins Coach George Allen, as the new General Manager. Mike Shanahan, the former Denver Broncos Head Coach joins the Redskins as the new Head Coach. Possible future Hall of Fame QB Donovan McNabb takes over the starting quarterback role. Two new running backs in Larry Johnson and Willie Parker were also added. Trent Williams and Jammal Brown solidify the offensive line. Adam Carriker will join the Redskins Defensive line as well as Maake Kemoeatu at Nose Tackle. All these changes will make for a more competitive squad. Only time will tell if the Redskins changes will pay off.

4: 3 Rough Roads

It's finally July! Training Camp and the Preseason are right around the corner, but the real thrill is kickoff of the season is in just over a month. The Redskins' Week 1 opponent carries a little more significance than in recent years. For the past two years the Redskins have met the New York Giants in Week 1. This year the burgundy and gold will face their hated rival Dallas in the season kickoff. Never has Week 1 meant so much. The Cowboys are favored to be Super Bowl contenders this year so the game will not be easy for the home team trying to start strong. The Redskins have much to prove and plenty of criticism to overcome from the 2009 campaign. Putting the Cowboys 0-1 at season's beginning would pay huge dividends for Washington. It's a tall order, and the odds heavily favor Dallas. Look for Washington to push for the upset. The Redskins not only have a rough season opener, they flat out have a rough season. The Redskins have the 8th hardest schedule this year of any team in the NFL.



From Dallas, the Redskins will have to dust themselves off and play an up and coming Houston Texans whose offense looks second to none. Following that game, it would appear the Redskins have a break against the Rams, but the Rams have made plenty of improvements and will be on their own turf making it a rough game for the Redskins. Week 4 will carry the most significance of any other game as McNabb will step into Philadelphia to face his former team. The Eagles will put it all on the field against Washington that week giving the Redskins another hard game. Many teams would be worn down to almost nothing after those four games, but that is just the beginning for the Redskins. Green Bay will visit the nation's capital in Week 5 as a former playoff contender. The odds heavily favor the defending AFC Champs in Week 6 as Indianapolis will play Washington at FedEx Field. The Redskins will head to Soldier Field to play Chicago in Week 7, and travel to Detroit for Week 8. Those two weeks plus the BYE Week the following week will hopefully be a chance for the Redskins to catch their breath. After the BYE, the Eagles will come to Washington to face McNabb again in a grueling grudge match for Week 10. The next two weeks could prove the hardest of the season for Washington with a home game against the Minnesota Vikings and a road game against Tennesee Titans. Week 13 the New York Giants and Washington Redskins will meet on the gridiron for the first time in 2010. Week 14 might be a break against Tampa Bay, but the following week will be crucial. Dallas Week in Arlington, TX will pit the two most bitter rivals in the NFC against each other once again in Week 15. The Redskins will end their hard 2010 campaign against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville and their season ends at home against the Giants in Week 17.

Overall, it will be very hard for Washington to have a winning season in 2010, but if they do it will not go unnoticed. If the Redskins wanted to shock the league and establish themselves as a playoff contender, wins in the first 6 weeks will be the time to do it. Look for Washington to play the underdog in almost every game in an attempt to reach the playoffs in 2010.

4:2 What If?

I haven't been one to post about things that might happen, since most of the time they don't happen. However, according to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, the Redskins are one of three teams at the forefront interested in Pro-Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers. Is this a possibility? We don't know for sure, but there is an interesting twist in the story regarding Jackson's offseason activity. This past week Jackson was seen catching passes from one Donovan McNabb of the Washington Redskins. They are participating at the same football camp in Phoenix, Arizona. Now there might not be anything notable about this, and they could just be working out at the same facility. It does raise some eyebrows though. The Redskins are much in need of a veteran wide receiver who adds both stats and stature to the receiving corps. Santana Moss has been the number one receiver in Washington, but his small size has always put him at a disadvantage. Jackson brings size and skill to the table which is something the Redskins desperately need.

Jackson was drafted by the Chargers in 2005, and it is interesting to note that Mike Shanahan was very interested in drafting him when he coached the Denver Broncos. Jackson is holding out until Week 10 of 2010 because he is not satisfied with the financial agreements of his current contract in San Diego. For this, the Chargers might bite the bullet and trade Jackson to rid themselves of the problem. There are three teams interested in signing Jackson; those teams being the Seattle Seahawks, the Chicago Bears, and the Washington Redskins. Seattle was the first to contact San Diego regarding Jackson, but they were rebuffed. Washington stepped in next, stating their interest in the talented wide receiver. Most recently, Chicago has entered the picture, but realistically they do not have much to offer. Chicago has already spent a lot of money on free agents this year and have sacrificed many of their future draft picks. Seattle and Washington are most likely the two options Jackson would have were San Diego to trade him. Here's a video of Jackson's 2009 highlights to give you a feel for his talent:



Washington's receiving problem is currently their most pressing need. Santana Moss is the only receiver who is guaranteed a starting spot. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are two who will most likely stick around, but the possibility is there for their release. There are eight other receivers going after those last two to three available spots on the roster. Adding Jackson would almost guarantee him a starting job leaving only 1-2 spots left on the team. One last nugget to chew on is that Chicago has a huge gap to fill in their defensive line. Were the Redskins to acquire Vincent Jackson, this might be an opportunity to have a third-party deal and give Haynesworth to Chicago for almost nothing. Food for thought.

4:1 Finally!

On June 19th, the Redskins signed Jammal Brown, a right tackle from the New Orleans Saints. This is not only a good move for the Redskins, it could be one of their best moves of the offseason. The Redskins last year, as I have said before, had a horrible offensive line. An offensive line which conceded 43 sacks last year. Some could say that the Redskins greatest need was at the quarterback position, which was a significant necessity coming into 2010, but probably not their biggest cause for concern. The Redskins needed to improve their offensive line, and badly. The team's offensive line used to be the best in the league years ago, and they were dubbed "The Hogs." However, in recent years, the Redskins' pass protection has been lacking, and it showed in 2009. The Redskins recognized this, and they used their high draft pick to draft who they thought was the best offensive tackle in the upcoming draft class in Trent Williams. One new factor in the old offensive line wasn't going to be enough though. The left side of the offensive line still needed improvement. This is where Jammal Brown comes into play.

Jammal Brown entered college as a defensive tackle, but was moved to offensive tackle in his sophomore year. He played four years with the Oklahoma Sooners and was awarded the Outland Trophy for being the nation's most outstanding lineman. Brown was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2005. He was part of the 2006 New Orleans Saints that lost to the Bears in the 2006 NFC Championship, and was a key part last year in helping the team win the Super Bowl. He has participated in two Pro-Bowls including 2006 and 2008.

Brown's impact on the Washington Redskins could prove vital to the team's success. Trent Williams will play at right tackle while Jammal Brown will play tackle on the left side of the line. These two are the keys on the outside in the protection of Donovan McNabb, and they will be responsible for giving him enough time to put the ball downfield. Finally the Redskins are making improvements in areas that desperately need improvement.

3:3 A New Skin

With all the talk of Donovan McNabb and how different it is to see him in a Redskins jersey and not an Eagles one, I thought I'd give the man his own space on the page. The biggest move of the offseason is Donovan McNabb leaving Philadelphia. The second biggest move is where he went. Washington of all places? A division rival? That's a head-scratcher for both Philly and Washington fans. After eleven years in Philadelphia, the eagle has found a new nest in the welcoming arms of a division rival. In Washington, he has found the fans give him he respect he never had.





Donovan McNabb was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft as a first round pick out of Syracuse University. When the Eagle's pick was announced, Eagles fans were furious and a choir of boo's filled the room. Unfortunately, the boo's would get louder and have never stopped for 11 straight years. Many in Philadelphia questioned his heart. In Week 11 of the 2002 season, McNabb suffered a broken ankle yet played through the pain until the game's end. If that's not heart, what is? Many in Philadelphia questioned his talent, but McNabb has set every major passing record in the Eagle's franchise history. The biggest Achilles Heel for McNabb is his performance in clutch situations. Few have brought their teams to five conference championship games, however many have won a Super Bowl. McNabb is only 1 for 5 in NFC Conference Champions, and that one was squandered by a Super Bowl loss. With that said, Donovan is still without question one of the greatest to play the game today.

McNabb grew up in Chicago, where he played football at Mt. Carmel High School and won a state championship in 1991. From high school, he moved on to Syracuse University to play quarterback under a football scholarship. He had much success in college and was named Offensive Player of the Year in the 1990's. In the 1999 NFL Draft, McNabb was the second overall draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was booed because the fans in Philly wanted running back Ricky Williams, a player who went on to have a career tainted by drugs. McNabb led the Eagles to the NFC Championship game four years in a row between 2001-2004, but didn't reach the Super Bowl until 2004. His performance in the Super Bowl was one of the best in history, but many accused McNabb of being tired in the big game. The Eagles went on to lose to the Patriots 21-24. He didn't return to the NFC Championship again until 2008, where the Eagles fell to the Arizona Cardinals 25-32. It has been a bitter career for McNabb in Philadelphia filled with close calls and missed opportunities only to lead to heartbreak and criticism. His trade to Washington in the 2010 offseason might be the best thing that ever happened to the weary veteran.

One thing that will be interesting to watch out for this year will be the development of the wide receivers in Washington. Much of McNabb's success will hinge on their production. If the receivers make strides towards improvement, McNabb will be fine, but if the passing game is shutdown due to poor receivers, it will be a long year for Donovan and Co.

3:2 Feelin' Hate (Part 3)

It's the offseason! Well it's really not that exciting, but it is vital to the teams in the NFL's success for the upcoming 2010 season. The NFC East has been a large topic of discussion over the past few months. Some of the biggest changes in the NFL have stemmed right from this division. Since 2009 served disappointing in many aspects for the division, many changes were necessary for the new year. We'll start by looking at the teams in the division that made the most drastic changes early in the offseason.

1. The Washington Redskins


Well if i haven't said it enough, 2009 sucked. As a Redskins fan since 1998, it was the most pathetic season I've ever witnessed. However, with that said, I am proud of the changes made this offseason. The Redskins finally picked up a veteran quarterback in Donovan McNabb. This has been a need for many years. They made improvements to both ends of their offensive line in the forms of Trent Williams and Jammal Brown. They signed more depth to their backfield with the additions of Larry Johnson and Willie Parker. Both veterans and rookies have come to Washington to compete for the receiver position. Graham Gano is a great improvement to the instability of Shaun Suisham at kicker. And finally, change at the Head Coach and General Manager will hopefully make vast improvements on the field. Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen should make for a better team then Zorn and Cerrato. Expect more wins out of Washington in 2010.






2. The Philadelphia Eagles


The shockwave was hard to believe when McNabb left. Some loved him, many hated him. The fact is, like it or not, he's gone. Kevin Kolb?.....starter? Again seeing a new face line up under center wearing #4 and not #5 will be a huge transition for Philly, but perhaps it was for the best. Eleven years of coming so close to that coveted first Super Bowl was just too much for Philadelphia. Instead, it will hand the future of the franchise to a man who has played only 2 games as starter and is 1-1 as such. Four touchdowns was nice, but three interceptions was not so nice and could be a concern for Kolb. The fans in Philly are the most fickle in the sport so don't be too surprised if there are chants for Michael Vick if things don't turn out so well for Kolb at season's beginning. Also the 2010 season will also hinge on production from LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson for the Eagles.







3. The New York Giants


Fans in New York have plenty to be mad about. The late season slump last year was awful for the Giants. The Giants have not made too many changes to their program as far as the team is concerned. This offseason has been much more focused on hosting Super Bowl XLVIII and improving the brand new stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants drafted Jason Pierre-Paul at defensive end, but besides that no significant changes have been made. The 2010 season will simply be a second chance for the same 2009 squad.







4. The Dallas Cowboys


Like the Giants, not many changes were made to America's Team. This however, is the third biggest story coming out of this division. In a year that the Dallas Cowboys are not facing a salary cap, they are doing absolutely nothing! The only offseason move for Dallas has been the addition of rookie wide-receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant's impact next year though will not be franchise-changing. Same team. New year. Oh, one more thing....the Super Bowl is in Dallas this year. Might want to keep that in the back of your mind as an incentive for Dallas to succeed in 2010.