At the beginning of the season the only player that Redskins nation probably thought would be on the pro bowl ballot with a chance was London Fletcher. Let's be honest, 8 wins we all thought was wishful thinking. All we wanted to see was progress. Well progress was rewarded with 3 Pro Bowlers and 2 alternates. Not too bad for a team that no one thought would be one win away from the NFC East title.
Let's break down the picks. Lorenzo Alexander, fittingly named the one man gang, has been excellent this season. He has lead the Redskins kick and punt coverage to a great season. The Cleveland game in particular, containing Josh Cribbs like he was an average returner. He has helped contain the likes of Jacoby Jones, Percy Harvin, Darren Sproles, and David Wilson just to name a few. Sure they may have all had a decent run here or there, but zero came back for TD's and zero return man made a difference in the game. Alexander has also played every front 7 position without complaint and has been a force on the defense. I am glad to see that Lorenzo is finally getting the recognition that we have seen in DC for the last 6 years.
Trent Williams is finally living up to that top 5 pick expectation. Trent has led the blocking for this team and they lead the NFL in rushing and are ranked 5th in overall offense. Sure the speed and ability of RG3 has helped, but Griffin can't see his backside which is what Williams protects. When you have your QB and RB on the roster (and alternate) you have to be doing something right. I am just glad that Williams finally got the recognition for the talent that he has shown since before his suspension last season. He has the Captain's C on his jersey for a reason. He is the leader of this offensive line and without Williams I don't believe that Griffin or Morris would have the type of season that they are having.
Robert Griffin III, what more can be said? Griffin is doing things that no other rookie has done before. He is 2nd in the NFL in rating, top QB in rushing, leads the league in TD passes of 50+ yards, is tied for 2nd in TD to Interception ratio, and leads the league in passing yards per attempt. Griffin is damn near impossible to stop. When playing the Giants, they showed replay of Justin Tuck watching the exchange of Griffin and Morris and still couldn't figure out who had the ball. I doubt he will be playing much read option in the Pro Bowl (personally I hope he doesn't play in it at all) but it has to be humbling for Griffin to have received this opportunity so early in his NFL career.
London Fletcher has been here many times over. He will most likely end up with the opportunity to play in the game, considering only half of the named players ever end up playing in the game. He has taken a slight step back this year from last, but without him this defense wouldn't be playing anywhere near the level that they are. Fletcher will no doubt make the Hall of Fame. Adding these Pro Bowl honors year after year will only help his case. He has 5 interceptions this season, 4 of them in the last 5 weeks, and is as clutch as they come. Hopefully Fletcher can last another season or two at his Pro Bowl caliber level and help this defense as they become more solidified.
Alfred Morris, everyone could have asked who? just a few short months ago. Roy Helu Jr. was set to start at RB with Royster as the back up splitting time. Morris is 4th in the NFL in rushing, 4th in yards per carry and has come up big time and time again now matter how good or bad he has played in that game. Morris should be one of the three running backs selected. He out gains Gore, but unfortunately Gore has a history and Morris does not. Plain and simple, being in this league generally gives you a free pass to the Pro Bowl. Morris will most likely get in. Peterson probably won't play, with his knee he will rest it, but this still won't take away from the fact the Morris needs under 100 yards to break Clinton Portis' team rushing record in this being his first season in the NFL.
The Redskins have been fortunate to have 3 Pro Bowl selections along with 2 alternates. This should become a trend in the coming years with all the young talent being brought in by the Shanahan's. Griffin, Williams, Alexander and Morris should be on this roster for years to come, therefore the Redskins should be guaranteed 4 Pro Bowlers every year. This is great news for these 5 players to have received with the biggest game of their career's (with the exception of Fletcher's) coming up in just 4 days. With that said, lets all gear up for Sunday night and get ready to watch our 5 Pro Bowlers beat up on the Cowboys on the way to the first home playoff game in 13 years. HTTR!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
The only game that matters!!!
December 30th will be a huge turning point in the Washington Redskins franchise. For essentially 20 years, mediocrity has been accepted and braced due to the terrible seasons endured by Redskins nation. This will all change on Sunday night. While Santa Claus is about to go to bed, many kids and parents can't wait to see what the morning will bring, in DC the fans can't wait until Sunday night when Christmas really arrives.
10-6 is the only thing on the minds of the burgundy and gold. Dallas week, Christmas, even a little Griffmas vs Philly, and we all want more. When the Redskins take the field against Dallas on Sunday night, it will be a mad house. I will personally be in attendance and I know how loud that place can get during a Dallas game. Throw in the fact that it is potentially win or go home versus your rival and its the last game of the NFL regular season in front of millions of viewers nationwide!
These are the games where in the past Tony Romo has faltered. Sure his statistics are pretty damn good, but so were Dan Marino's. Everyone knows if you don't win the big games, stats mean nothing. Romo may have looked sharp versus New Orleans, but who hasn't? Dez Bryant had a huge game Sunday, but how will his finger hold up in 20 degree weather? DeMarcus Ware is ailing and missed half of the game versus New Orleans, do we not think that the Shanahan's won't run Alf at him all day and wear him down? Romo will throw a pair of touchdown passes I am sure, our defense isn't that good. However where the defense struggles, it also picks itself back up. I am predicting more turnovers (fumbles lost and interceptions) by Romo than he has touchdowns. The Redskins defense has been putting quarterbacks in terrible spots since the Carolina loss. Dez Bryant will have his typical 6-7 catch 110-120 yard day maybe even a touchdown, but he will drop at least 2 or 3 balls and you will see a drop in a crucial moment of the game. Hall, Wilson and Crawford need to play on Bryant from the snap and slap that finger/hand all night, every single time the ball is snapped go after it. The cold will do the rest and before you know it his head will be elsewhere.
Special teams will be a draw, both kickers are pretty damn good, same with the punters. The Redskins have contained some of the best return men in the league this season, so as far as big returns, I expect nothing on either side. The penalties is what will set up the field position. If the Redskins can stay away from the holding and illegal block penalties, they will start on the 35-40 quite often. Even just a 30 yard kick return turning into a 10 yard kick return or a punt return in the same regard, makes the field that much longer.
My key matchup's are simple, first Dez Bryant vs D-Hall. Hall isn't a shutdown cover corner, but he isn't terrible either. If Hall can grab an interception and just contain Bryant, I consider it a successful afternoon there. Secondly is Romo vs Fletcher. London Fletcher has done a hell of a job quarterbacking the defense and that was on display Sunday in Philadelphia when he completely stumped Foles with an audible. Romo is in a chess match with Fletcher all day and as we know Fletcher doesn't lose those battles very often. Lastly is going to be the Redskins offensive line versus the Dallas front 7. The skins dominated on Thanksgiving in every faucet of the game. They must continue this dominance on the line in order to win. We have no idea if RG3 will be able to run next week. We don't know if it was just because of the brace or he is just not healthy yet. In order to keep him upright and healthy we need a heavy dose of Alfred Morris and plenty of time for Griffin to find his targets.
So yes, I am calling out a Redskins victory simply because Dallas is due to falter. Sure they have some parts of their game that is better but what they aren't is hungry. You never see RG3 doubt himself or his teammates. You never see him look down on the sideline. These guys are up watching each other and cheering the other side of the ball on. The Redskins want this game more than any single player on the Dallas sideline. Honestly, once Jerry Jones realizes what Snyder did (in putting personnel in the hands of someone with a clue) then I will be afraid of Dallas. Until then, Hail to the Redskins and let's all watch how embarrassed the Cowboys look after they miss the playoffs yet again!
10-6 is the only thing on the minds of the burgundy and gold. Dallas week, Christmas, even a little Griffmas vs Philly, and we all want more. When the Redskins take the field against Dallas on Sunday night, it will be a mad house. I will personally be in attendance and I know how loud that place can get during a Dallas game. Throw in the fact that it is potentially win or go home versus your rival and its the last game of the NFL regular season in front of millions of viewers nationwide!
These are the games where in the past Tony Romo has faltered. Sure his statistics are pretty damn good, but so were Dan Marino's. Everyone knows if you don't win the big games, stats mean nothing. Romo may have looked sharp versus New Orleans, but who hasn't? Dez Bryant had a huge game Sunday, but how will his finger hold up in 20 degree weather? DeMarcus Ware is ailing and missed half of the game versus New Orleans, do we not think that the Shanahan's won't run Alf at him all day and wear him down? Romo will throw a pair of touchdown passes I am sure, our defense isn't that good. However where the defense struggles, it also picks itself back up. I am predicting more turnovers (fumbles lost and interceptions) by Romo than he has touchdowns. The Redskins defense has been putting quarterbacks in terrible spots since the Carolina loss. Dez Bryant will have his typical 6-7 catch 110-120 yard day maybe even a touchdown, but he will drop at least 2 or 3 balls and you will see a drop in a crucial moment of the game. Hall, Wilson and Crawford need to play on Bryant from the snap and slap that finger/hand all night, every single time the ball is snapped go after it. The cold will do the rest and before you know it his head will be elsewhere.
Special teams will be a draw, both kickers are pretty damn good, same with the punters. The Redskins have contained some of the best return men in the league this season, so as far as big returns, I expect nothing on either side. The penalties is what will set up the field position. If the Redskins can stay away from the holding and illegal block penalties, they will start on the 35-40 quite often. Even just a 30 yard kick return turning into a 10 yard kick return or a punt return in the same regard, makes the field that much longer.
My key matchup's are simple, first Dez Bryant vs D-Hall. Hall isn't a shutdown cover corner, but he isn't terrible either. If Hall can grab an interception and just contain Bryant, I consider it a successful afternoon there. Secondly is Romo vs Fletcher. London Fletcher has done a hell of a job quarterbacking the defense and that was on display Sunday in Philadelphia when he completely stumped Foles with an audible. Romo is in a chess match with Fletcher all day and as we know Fletcher doesn't lose those battles very often. Lastly is going to be the Redskins offensive line versus the Dallas front 7. The skins dominated on Thanksgiving in every faucet of the game. They must continue this dominance on the line in order to win. We have no idea if RG3 will be able to run next week. We don't know if it was just because of the brace or he is just not healthy yet. In order to keep him upright and healthy we need a heavy dose of Alfred Morris and plenty of time for Griffin to find his targets.
So yes, I am calling out a Redskins victory simply because Dallas is due to falter. Sure they have some parts of their game that is better but what they aren't is hungry. You never see RG3 doubt himself or his teammates. You never see him look down on the sideline. These guys are up watching each other and cheering the other side of the ball on. The Redskins want this game more than any single player on the Dallas sideline. Honestly, once Jerry Jones realizes what Snyder did (in putting personnel in the hands of someone with a clue) then I will be afraid of Dallas. Until then, Hail to the Redskins and let's all watch how embarrassed the Cowboys look after they miss the playoffs yet again!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
It is time to clean house in the Wizards locker room
I won't lie, I have maybe watched 5 Wizards games all season from start to finish. Even with absolutely nothing else on, I would rather run through the DVR and see what I can watch first. When my phone sent me the final score of Friday nights game against Detroit, my jaw dropped. How in the world does a professional team only score 68 points against a team with only a handful of wins more than them? Sure Nene and Beal didn't play, but would it have mattered much? At home tonight (Saturday), they had both on the floor and still lost. Same two teams played, slightly different score but this is just pathetic.
Sure we can do the, oh well John Wall is hurt, Nene has missed most of the season. I don't see any Lakers fans making that excuse with no Nash or any Bulls fan talking about not having Derrick Rose. This team, in my opinion, isn't being used properly by the coach. The seemingly untouchable Ernie Grunfeld has made some not so great moves as well, but they should have more than 3 wins on the season.
This team doesn't even have a consistent rotation. Let's start by throwing Vesely to the back of the bench and leaving him there. Earl Barron has been serviceable here and there but he can sit right next to Vesely. While we need a back up pg, Livingston can also join the bunch at the end of the bench, now we can get to a rotation. This currently sets up an 8 man rotation. Seraphin, Nene, Okafor, Webster, Crawford, Beal, Singleton, and Martin. Right off the bat, due to the lack of point guard savvy players, Crawford and Beal have to start in the back court. Singleton is a player that makes things happen, he should be the starting small forward. I would personally then start Seraphin and Nene underneath. That gives you Okafor, Webster and Martin coming off the bench in your short 8 man rotation. Martin has been your best shooter of late so use him as a spark, while Webster can spell both the 2 and the 3. Okafor gives you a nice 3 player rotation underneath the basket.
Every time I look at a box score the lineup is different. You can't build on an ever changing line up. Sure there aren't any "stars" in the lineup but you go with what works. Seraphin is a young player still learning the game, the team isn't making the playoffs, put him in there! Far too many times have I seen Bradley Beal on the bench for 90% of the second half. We drafted the young man to shoot the rock and you certainly can't do that from the bench. With any combination of big men underneath (that I put in my rotation), the Wizards should be able to drive, penetrate and either kick it out for 3 or dump it to a big guy. This is yet another season that is a bust.
Ernie Grunfeld needs to be fired ASAP. Jan Vesely was drafted 6th overall. He has done just about the least amount out of any top 10 pick from 2011. The man I wanted the Wizards to select was Kawhi Leonard, he is having a solid season out in San Antonio. The team talks about saving money for when John Wall is a free agent, the man may not want to come back. If they don't surround him with talent, do you really think he wants to stay? Why else do you think Lebron James left his hometown for Miami? It certainly wasn't the money. Clear out the front office, hire a new GM and let him pick his staff and players. It couldn't hurt could it? Could he do any worse?
Let's just say Wall is crazy enough to stay, you would have Wall, Beal and Crawford (assuming Crawford isn't dealt). Singleton, Seraphin, Vesely, Nene and possibly Booker. That leaves plenty of roster to fill out and get solid players. Plenty of lottery picks are in the near future, Leonsis just needs to hire someone that has a clue how to use them. It's not like drafting John Wall over Evan Turner was a ball buster. All I am saying is that the Wizards aren't just the lauging stock of the NBA, but also it's own town. Every other team is winning games (that are playing) and the Wizards will be lucky to win as many games as the Redskins. Now is the perfect time to gain fan support (without hockey) yet they have failed miserably. Yes the Capitals most likely still have more wins in 2012 than the Wizards. Leonsis needs to make some things happen or else he is going to lose out on a starving basketball fan base.
Sure we can do the, oh well John Wall is hurt, Nene has missed most of the season. I don't see any Lakers fans making that excuse with no Nash or any Bulls fan talking about not having Derrick Rose. This team, in my opinion, isn't being used properly by the coach. The seemingly untouchable Ernie Grunfeld has made some not so great moves as well, but they should have more than 3 wins on the season.
This team doesn't even have a consistent rotation. Let's start by throwing Vesely to the back of the bench and leaving him there. Earl Barron has been serviceable here and there but he can sit right next to Vesely. While we need a back up pg, Livingston can also join the bunch at the end of the bench, now we can get to a rotation. This currently sets up an 8 man rotation. Seraphin, Nene, Okafor, Webster, Crawford, Beal, Singleton, and Martin. Right off the bat, due to the lack of point guard savvy players, Crawford and Beal have to start in the back court. Singleton is a player that makes things happen, he should be the starting small forward. I would personally then start Seraphin and Nene underneath. That gives you Okafor, Webster and Martin coming off the bench in your short 8 man rotation. Martin has been your best shooter of late so use him as a spark, while Webster can spell both the 2 and the 3. Okafor gives you a nice 3 player rotation underneath the basket.
Every time I look at a box score the lineup is different. You can't build on an ever changing line up. Sure there aren't any "stars" in the lineup but you go with what works. Seraphin is a young player still learning the game, the team isn't making the playoffs, put him in there! Far too many times have I seen Bradley Beal on the bench for 90% of the second half. We drafted the young man to shoot the rock and you certainly can't do that from the bench. With any combination of big men underneath (that I put in my rotation), the Wizards should be able to drive, penetrate and either kick it out for 3 or dump it to a big guy. This is yet another season that is a bust.
Ernie Grunfeld needs to be fired ASAP. Jan Vesely was drafted 6th overall. He has done just about the least amount out of any top 10 pick from 2011. The man I wanted the Wizards to select was Kawhi Leonard, he is having a solid season out in San Antonio. The team talks about saving money for when John Wall is a free agent, the man may not want to come back. If they don't surround him with talent, do you really think he wants to stay? Why else do you think Lebron James left his hometown for Miami? It certainly wasn't the money. Clear out the front office, hire a new GM and let him pick his staff and players. It couldn't hurt could it? Could he do any worse?
Let's just say Wall is crazy enough to stay, you would have Wall, Beal and Crawford (assuming Crawford isn't dealt). Singleton, Seraphin, Vesely, Nene and possibly Booker. That leaves plenty of roster to fill out and get solid players. Plenty of lottery picks are in the near future, Leonsis just needs to hire someone that has a clue how to use them. It's not like drafting John Wall over Evan Turner was a ball buster. All I am saying is that the Wizards aren't just the lauging stock of the NBA, but also it's own town. Every other team is winning games (that are playing) and the Wizards will be lucky to win as many games as the Redskins. Now is the perfect time to gain fan support (without hockey) yet they have failed miserably. Yes the Capitals most likely still have more wins in 2012 than the Wizards. Leonsis needs to make some things happen or else he is going to lose out on a starving basketball fan base.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Is Parker's apology sincere?
After 6 days of silence, ESPN analyst Rob Parker made an apology about his comments to Robert Griffin III. From ESPN.com his apology read like this:
"I blew it and I'm sincerely sorry. I completely understand how the issue of race in sports is a sensitive one and needs to be handled with great care. This past Thursday I failed to do that. I believe the intended topic is a worthy one. Robert's thoughts about being an African-American quarterback and the impact of his phenomenal success have been discussed in other media outlets, as well as among sports fans, particularly those in the African-American community. The failure was in how I chose to discuss it on First Take, and in doing so, turned a productive conversation into a negative one." Also it continues to say this, " ... I've contacted his agent with hopes of apologizing to Robert directly. As I reflect on this and move forward, I will take the time to consider how I can continue to tackle difficult, important topics in a much more thoughtful manner."
After reading this a few times and analyzing what was said, I still read it as Parker is just doing as what was told to him by ESPN and he doesn't mean anything of it (his apology). Why is it still a topic worthy of discussion? All Griffin has said is that he doesn't want to be classified as just an African American quarterback. We don't call the Manning brothers white quarterbacks, just quarterbacks. That is all Griffin wants. We always classify African American quarterbacks separately and I honestly don't understand why. Sure only one has won the Super Bowl (Doug Williams), but who cares? It is the only position that is classified in such a manor. Honestly it is the only sport that blows a player's race out of proportion in any one position.
If you asked Santana Moss, "how does it feel to be a black wide receiver?" Chances are some words are going to be exchanged. How about if you ask Tim Tebow, "how does it feel to be a white quarterback?" Even Tebow will look at your like crazy! I just don't understand how or why this is even a matter of discussion. Does anyone in Washington DC care who Griffin votes for? The only thing that matters between Griffin and POTUS is if he is meeting with him after the season ends. Maybe I am the only one here that thinks this, but I think the 30 days given to Rob Parker doesn't do justice. Racist comments have been all over sports for years, especially football, and it needs to end.
"I blew it and I'm sincerely sorry. I completely understand how the issue of race in sports is a sensitive one and needs to be handled with great care. This past Thursday I failed to do that. I believe the intended topic is a worthy one. Robert's thoughts about being an African-American quarterback and the impact of his phenomenal success have been discussed in other media outlets, as well as among sports fans, particularly those in the African-American community. The failure was in how I chose to discuss it on First Take, and in doing so, turned a productive conversation into a negative one." Also it continues to say this, " ... I've contacted his agent with hopes of apologizing to Robert directly. As I reflect on this and move forward, I will take the time to consider how I can continue to tackle difficult, important topics in a much more thoughtful manner."
After reading this a few times and analyzing what was said, I still read it as Parker is just doing as what was told to him by ESPN and he doesn't mean anything of it (his apology). Why is it still a topic worthy of discussion? All Griffin has said is that he doesn't want to be classified as just an African American quarterback. We don't call the Manning brothers white quarterbacks, just quarterbacks. That is all Griffin wants. We always classify African American quarterbacks separately and I honestly don't understand why. Sure only one has won the Super Bowl (Doug Williams), but who cares? It is the only position that is classified in such a manor. Honestly it is the only sport that blows a player's race out of proportion in any one position.
If you asked Santana Moss, "how does it feel to be a black wide receiver?" Chances are some words are going to be exchanged. How about if you ask Tim Tebow, "how does it feel to be a white quarterback?" Even Tebow will look at your like crazy! I just don't understand how or why this is even a matter of discussion. Does anyone in Washington DC care who Griffin votes for? The only thing that matters between Griffin and POTUS is if he is meeting with him after the season ends. Maybe I am the only one here that thinks this, but I think the 30 days given to Rob Parker doesn't do justice. Racist comments have been all over sports for years, especially football, and it needs to end.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Cousins gets it done
For everyone that was worried about Kirk Cousins starting Sunday's game in Cleveland I have but one question, you ready for the final stretch? I was worried for all of one quarter, the first of course. Redskins nation has seen this happen way to many times in the last two decades. A team that we should easily beat ends up looking like the reigning super bowl champs and beating us, knocking us from any playoff hope. While Cousins struggled early on, it seems as though we have two quarterback in DC. Hell we haven't even had one solid quarterback since we won the super bowl and we have two now?
Cousins final stat line was an impressive 26 of 37 (70%) 329 yards 2 td's and 1 int. Throw in 2 sacks, a QB rating of 104.4 and 3 carries for 22 yards and that is a full day. Brandon Weeden started his 15th game (vs Cousins first) and would kill for that kind of day. The other Redskins rookie phenom, Alfred Morris, didn't have a spectacular day (27 carries 87 yards 2 tds and a 3.2 avg), but he ran hard when it mattered most. Hankerson continues to make every catch an adventure with his bobbled 54 yard td catch, thankfully he made a somewhat "normal" catch for the 2 yard touchdown pass. Please tell me I wasn't the only person who thought he was going to drop that one as well. None of the receivers had a huge day, but Cousins did complete passes to 8 different receivers. Essentially Kyle Shanahan showed why his father hired him to be the offensive coordinator and why he was the man down in Houston.
The defense showed up for the 5th straight game and honestly played better than the score shows. The Browns started their first scoring drive on the Redskins 6 yard line. To come out of the without giving up points is tough, especially since Richardson is a big tough runner. The Browns essentially only had two sustained scoring drives, with one ending in a long touchdown pass with the skins up by 17. Overall the Browns had 13 first downs (4 for 12 on 3rd downs), 291 total yards, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. While there wasn't a whole lot of pressure put on Weeden, they confused him a good bit by setting up to blitz and dropping off. While I would have liked to see more blitzing, as long as we win I can't complain. The long touchdown pass was concerning, since they have doomed us all year, but was the defense even worried about the deep ball at that time?
Lastly, how about the special teams? Kai Forbath is absolutely the man. Every kick he has is right down the middle. He is now 15/15 on the year, add on 5 more extra points and a decent job on kickoff and thats a solid kicker. I tweeted Brian Mitchell a weeks ago and asked him who Forbath reminds him of, he had one simple answer, "Chip Lohmiller." The last sustained kicker that this team had. Sav Rocca was solid as Cribbs could only return 2 of 5 punts. Punt coverage held him to 15 total return yards. Kick coverage held Cribbs in check, he had a 27 yard avg and a long of 32 but lets remember return men are running out of the endzone, those yards count. Even if he gets to the 20 if he catches it 5 yards deep there's your 25 yard return. Lorenzo Alexander showed why his nickname is the "one man gang." He leveled Cribbs at least twice on returns.
Now the Redskins sit at 8-6 atop of a three way tie for first place in the NFC East. Redskins nation would have been thrilled to have 8 wins at season end back in April. Now with a potential showdown for first place with Dallas week 17 at FedEx Field how do we the fans feel now? I for one am pumped. I can not wait for the Philly game, the Dallas game and to host Seattle and give them a little bit of payback that is owed from the Gibbs playoff trips. Yea by that you can tell I see the Redskins winning out and why not? Philly is terrible, Foles can't handle pressure, no McCoy, no Vick, no Jackson, Babin is gone. Dallas will be tough but let's be honest, they couldn't stop the run on Thanksgiving, what makes you think they can in December? Romo hasn't looked Romo esq so that will happen. I can tell you now if it comes down to Romo on the final drive to make a play for the win, he will but to the wrong team. Buckle up Redskins nation, we are in for a decade of exciting December's and January's so get used to the hype and hope and lets be the best 12th man in football. HTTR
Cousins final stat line was an impressive 26 of 37 (70%) 329 yards 2 td's and 1 int. Throw in 2 sacks, a QB rating of 104.4 and 3 carries for 22 yards and that is a full day. Brandon Weeden started his 15th game (vs Cousins first) and would kill for that kind of day. The other Redskins rookie phenom, Alfred Morris, didn't have a spectacular day (27 carries 87 yards 2 tds and a 3.2 avg), but he ran hard when it mattered most. Hankerson continues to make every catch an adventure with his bobbled 54 yard td catch, thankfully he made a somewhat "normal" catch for the 2 yard touchdown pass. Please tell me I wasn't the only person who thought he was going to drop that one as well. None of the receivers had a huge day, but Cousins did complete passes to 8 different receivers. Essentially Kyle Shanahan showed why his father hired him to be the offensive coordinator and why he was the man down in Houston.
The defense showed up for the 5th straight game and honestly played better than the score shows. The Browns started their first scoring drive on the Redskins 6 yard line. To come out of the without giving up points is tough, especially since Richardson is a big tough runner. The Browns essentially only had two sustained scoring drives, with one ending in a long touchdown pass with the skins up by 17. Overall the Browns had 13 first downs (4 for 12 on 3rd downs), 291 total yards, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. While there wasn't a whole lot of pressure put on Weeden, they confused him a good bit by setting up to blitz and dropping off. While I would have liked to see more blitzing, as long as we win I can't complain. The long touchdown pass was concerning, since they have doomed us all year, but was the defense even worried about the deep ball at that time?
Lastly, how about the special teams? Kai Forbath is absolutely the man. Every kick he has is right down the middle. He is now 15/15 on the year, add on 5 more extra points and a decent job on kickoff and thats a solid kicker. I tweeted Brian Mitchell a weeks ago and asked him who Forbath reminds him of, he had one simple answer, "Chip Lohmiller." The last sustained kicker that this team had. Sav Rocca was solid as Cribbs could only return 2 of 5 punts. Punt coverage held him to 15 total return yards. Kick coverage held Cribbs in check, he had a 27 yard avg and a long of 32 but lets remember return men are running out of the endzone, those yards count. Even if he gets to the 20 if he catches it 5 yards deep there's your 25 yard return. Lorenzo Alexander showed why his nickname is the "one man gang." He leveled Cribbs at least twice on returns.
Now the Redskins sit at 8-6 atop of a three way tie for first place in the NFC East. Redskins nation would have been thrilled to have 8 wins at season end back in April. Now with a potential showdown for first place with Dallas week 17 at FedEx Field how do we the fans feel now? I for one am pumped. I can not wait for the Philly game, the Dallas game and to host Seattle and give them a little bit of payback that is owed from the Gibbs playoff trips. Yea by that you can tell I see the Redskins winning out and why not? Philly is terrible, Foles can't handle pressure, no McCoy, no Vick, no Jackson, Babin is gone. Dallas will be tough but let's be honest, they couldn't stop the run on Thanksgiving, what makes you think they can in December? Romo hasn't looked Romo esq so that will happen. I can tell you now if it comes down to Romo on the final drive to make a play for the win, he will but to the wrong team. Buckle up Redskins nation, we are in for a decade of exciting December's and January's so get used to the hype and hope and lets be the best 12th man in football. HTTR
Friday, December 14, 2012
Elementary School in Connecticut
Thoughts and Prayers go out to the families and children effected in the Newton, Connecticut elementary school shooting. I am sure I speak for most American's when I say this.
Is a suspension really enough?
I will first come out and say it, there's no picture of me on my blog. I keep my picture off my twitter in case I offend someone and they want to find me, but I am a white male. I am highly annoyed with what Rob Parker said about Robert Griffin III. It is not just because I am a Redskins fan, it stems from people being able to say ignorant things and not have any consequence from it. Sure Parker was suspended, but this is viral now. With the internet, comments like these don't go away. Since television became big, we (the fans) have still not let down on the question to Doug Williams.
Rob Parker is a black man. Not sure where he is from, don't know how he grew up family wise, but he has to have some what of a brain in order to have been hired by ESPN. Why would anyone suggest that RG3 is a "cornball brother?" It is clear to us all that Griffin doesn't care about skin color. He has announced that several times when mentioning the type of quarterback he wants to be known as. So why would he essentially be an informal black man (as the definition states it). Is it because he talks very formal and intelligently? Is it because he doesn't wear baggy clothes and have a sideways hat? Could it be the lack of jewelry? I mean Parker did state something along the lines of, 'he is a brother, he has dreads.' Not an exact quote but it was something to that extent.
Let's look at the "non cornball" brothers in the league. Would we like Griffin to be like Michael Vick? Hell of a role model there! Fought dogs, killed them maliciously for losing a fight? Sounds like a winner there Rob. Shall we look at someone like Rae Carruth? He decided to hire a hitman to shoot and kill his pregnant girl friend. Maybe we just want him to be a real bad ass and be like Pac-man Jones. The list goes on, why would we call someone out for doing everything right?
Griffin was clearly raised the way that he presents himself. His parents are both of military background. Being around the military some, I know how kids can be raised around this setting. Is this necessarily a bad thing? Do we not want kids to have a positive role model to look up to? In the DC area especially, I would much rather have a well spoken, down to earth young man as the face of a franchise then someone that is constantly on the news for being arrested. Let's just call Griffin out because he's different. Even Stephen A. Smith said "I'm uncomfortable with where we just went."
Maybe it is because I am not black, but what is this cause that Parker is speaking about? Don't we as Americans seek equality? So is Parker suggesting that all black people are together fighting against others? Why does race always have to play a part in everything that is good. Griffin doesn't want to just be known as a black quarterback. He has a white fiance, so does that make him not black? Michael Strahan was married to a white woman, he never sported dreads so is he not a "brother?" Strahan is very well spoken as well, yet he isn't attacked and called a cornball.
Rob Parker, I hope you are fired from ESPN and never hired again. It is people like you that make society has terrible as it is. Stereotypes shouldn't be brought to light when such a great young man such as Robert Griffin III comes along. He is exactly the type of person and player that the league needs and that kids need as a role model. To be perfectly honest the world needs more people like Griffin and less people like you!
Rob Parker is a black man. Not sure where he is from, don't know how he grew up family wise, but he has to have some what of a brain in order to have been hired by ESPN. Why would anyone suggest that RG3 is a "cornball brother?" It is clear to us all that Griffin doesn't care about skin color. He has announced that several times when mentioning the type of quarterback he wants to be known as. So why would he essentially be an informal black man (as the definition states it). Is it because he talks very formal and intelligently? Is it because he doesn't wear baggy clothes and have a sideways hat? Could it be the lack of jewelry? I mean Parker did state something along the lines of, 'he is a brother, he has dreads.' Not an exact quote but it was something to that extent.
Let's look at the "non cornball" brothers in the league. Would we like Griffin to be like Michael Vick? Hell of a role model there! Fought dogs, killed them maliciously for losing a fight? Sounds like a winner there Rob. Shall we look at someone like Rae Carruth? He decided to hire a hitman to shoot and kill his pregnant girl friend. Maybe we just want him to be a real bad ass and be like Pac-man Jones. The list goes on, why would we call someone out for doing everything right?
Griffin was clearly raised the way that he presents himself. His parents are both of military background. Being around the military some, I know how kids can be raised around this setting. Is this necessarily a bad thing? Do we not want kids to have a positive role model to look up to? In the DC area especially, I would much rather have a well spoken, down to earth young man as the face of a franchise then someone that is constantly on the news for being arrested. Let's just call Griffin out because he's different. Even Stephen A. Smith said "I'm uncomfortable with where we just went."
Maybe it is because I am not black, but what is this cause that Parker is speaking about? Don't we as Americans seek equality? So is Parker suggesting that all black people are together fighting against others? Why does race always have to play a part in everything that is good. Griffin doesn't want to just be known as a black quarterback. He has a white fiance, so does that make him not black? Michael Strahan was married to a white woman, he never sported dreads so is he not a "brother?" Strahan is very well spoken as well, yet he isn't attacked and called a cornball.
Rob Parker, I hope you are fired from ESPN and never hired again. It is people like you that make society has terrible as it is. Stereotypes shouldn't be brought to light when such a great young man such as Robert Griffin III comes along. He is exactly the type of person and player that the league needs and that kids need as a role model. To be perfectly honest the world needs more people like Griffin and less people like you!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Does Ted Leonsis know Basketball?
As news broke Tuesday about the "trade opportunity" the Wizards had for James Harden, my mind began to wander and think what if. Michael Lee of the Washington Post makes some great points in his article "Washington Wizards said to have turned down trade for James Harden." I can understand the money issue, but at the same time with the talent that this team would then have, why pass up on that opportunity?
Bradley Beal, rookie guard from Florida, was most likely the key piece in the trade. As said in Lee's article, the Oklahoma City Thunder interviewed Bradley Beal before the draft. Draft picks in the NBA hardly ever pan out. You can have top picks such as Kwame Brown or Eddy Curry that just never work out as top 5 picks and you can have the likes of a Gilbert Arenas who was drafted in the second round. I can understand not wanting to get rid of Beal because you never know. Kobe Bryant was drafted 14th overall and is now one of five players in NBA history to score 30,000 points. Hesitance on trading Beal, whom hadn't even played a game, would be tough if I was the man in charge.
Chris Singleton, another first round pick, is actually the player that I would not want to lose. Singleton can do it all and has shown flashes as a main stay in the starting for most teams in the NBA. He is a solid defender, is slowly developing a shot and is a solid rebounder. Overall however, why do you not make a trade for a proven shooter and budding star?
John Wall was injured before the James Harden trade. Take this into consideration, Gilbert Arenas' career was derailed by injury. Without a point guard you can't win a game in the NBA. The Celtics had the big 3, but without Rondo's emergence would they have won a championship? Derek Fisher isn't the best point guard in the league but he plays D and knew to get the ball to Shaq and Kobe. If Wall can't become what the Wizards were hoping and the knee injury is long term then any money set aside to resign him in 2 years is wasted.
Right now the Wizards back court could be Harden and Jordan Crawford. They could also start Webster or Ariza at the 3 and we won't even get into the terrible rotation of big men. Regardless in the NBA you need to win now and in five years. Sure the luxury tax would be terrible for one year but the money made in ticket revenue would easily offset it. After next season, Ariza and Okafor are off the books. This will lead to available money to resign Wall and whoever else (Crawford, Seraphin and Booker) they want to keep. Harden is the type of player the Wizards wanted when they drafted Beal, so why wait for the development? Sure you lose Singleton, but Harden (the fifth leading scorer in the league) would fill a need that the Wizards haven't had since they traded Richard Hamilton. They have the point guard (Wall), they have a solid back up guard (Crawford), why not suffer through the luxury tax for one season for years of guaranteed playoff berths?
We all know that Ted Leonsis has made some good moves on the hockey side of the arena, but has he made the correct moves for the basketball team? Ernie Grundfeld hasn't made any sort of good decisions in quite some time (see Jan Vesely) and he is no George McPhee. Leonsis needs to find a more suitable GM to run this team if they are gonna be run on a small budget that is always building towards the future. Take a page from the team down the street (Nationals). They built in the draft, traded some young players, signed some key veterans and they had the best record in baseball. Potentially the best trade in Wizards history was passed on for a couple million dollars that would be made back in one playoff series. Maybe hindsight is 20/20, but in Washington, Wizards fans have been looking for a consistent winner since the 80s and there is no sign of one to come.
Bradley Beal, rookie guard from Florida, was most likely the key piece in the trade. As said in Lee's article, the Oklahoma City Thunder interviewed Bradley Beal before the draft. Draft picks in the NBA hardly ever pan out. You can have top picks such as Kwame Brown or Eddy Curry that just never work out as top 5 picks and you can have the likes of a Gilbert Arenas who was drafted in the second round. I can understand not wanting to get rid of Beal because you never know. Kobe Bryant was drafted 14th overall and is now one of five players in NBA history to score 30,000 points. Hesitance on trading Beal, whom hadn't even played a game, would be tough if I was the man in charge.
Chris Singleton, another first round pick, is actually the player that I would not want to lose. Singleton can do it all and has shown flashes as a main stay in the starting for most teams in the NBA. He is a solid defender, is slowly developing a shot and is a solid rebounder. Overall however, why do you not make a trade for a proven shooter and budding star?
John Wall was injured before the James Harden trade. Take this into consideration, Gilbert Arenas' career was derailed by injury. Without a point guard you can't win a game in the NBA. The Celtics had the big 3, but without Rondo's emergence would they have won a championship? Derek Fisher isn't the best point guard in the league but he plays D and knew to get the ball to Shaq and Kobe. If Wall can't become what the Wizards were hoping and the knee injury is long term then any money set aside to resign him in 2 years is wasted.
Right now the Wizards back court could be Harden and Jordan Crawford. They could also start Webster or Ariza at the 3 and we won't even get into the terrible rotation of big men. Regardless in the NBA you need to win now and in five years. Sure the luxury tax would be terrible for one year but the money made in ticket revenue would easily offset it. After next season, Ariza and Okafor are off the books. This will lead to available money to resign Wall and whoever else (Crawford, Seraphin and Booker) they want to keep. Harden is the type of player the Wizards wanted when they drafted Beal, so why wait for the development? Sure you lose Singleton, but Harden (the fifth leading scorer in the league) would fill a need that the Wizards haven't had since they traded Richard Hamilton. They have the point guard (Wall), they have a solid back up guard (Crawford), why not suffer through the luxury tax for one season for years of guaranteed playoff berths?
We all know that Ted Leonsis has made some good moves on the hockey side of the arena, but has he made the correct moves for the basketball team? Ernie Grundfeld hasn't made any sort of good decisions in quite some time (see Jan Vesely) and he is no George McPhee. Leonsis needs to find a more suitable GM to run this team if they are gonna be run on a small budget that is always building towards the future. Take a page from the team down the street (Nationals). They built in the draft, traded some young players, signed some key veterans and they had the best record in baseball. Potentially the best trade in Wizards history was passed on for a couple million dollars that would be made back in one playoff series. Maybe hindsight is 20/20, but in Washington, Wizards fans have been looking for a consistent winner since the 80s and there is no sign of one to come.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Is starting Cousins really a problem?
As reported here: Griffin Practices, RG3 took the field for practice Wednesday morning (December 12). I want to give full credit of that link to ESPN, not sure if Dan Graziano wrote it or not, but just wanted to get any legal issue out of the way. As stated, Griffin practiced, stretched and looked good minus a few gimpy moments after planting on passes. The man is 3 days out from a knee injury that according to some doctors takes about three weeks to heel. While Redskins Nation can all but taste a potential playoff berth, is it really in the best interest for RG3 to play this weekend at Cleveland?
There are plenty of risks, first and foremost Griffin's health. If he should re-injure or hurt his knee anymore (say a 2nd degree sprain), then we are looking at no Griffin until August 2013 (preseason game). The risk that some people will look at is not making the playoffs. Sure this fan base is starved for the first playoff berth in 5 years, but would you really mortgage the future to get there?
This is where yet again, Mike Shanahan is a draft day genius. More than half of the fan base, including many columnist and bloggers criticized Shanahan for drafting Kirk Cousins in the fourth round when the team had so many other needs. Sure now that we are in week 15 hindsight is 20\20. In April, everyone was saying "draft offensive line" now the Cousins pick could "save the season." Do we as fans really think that Rex Grossman could have not only scored a TD on that final drive but also the 2 point conversion? There is always good Rex and bad Rex but we'd rather not see either on the field.
In week 5, Kirk Cousins came in for the concussed Griffin and didn't look terrible. Early on in the season, the Atlanta Falcons defense forced Peyton Manning to toss 3 interceptions, Phillip Rivers to throw 2 and 2 more by Cassel. 7 int's in 4 games is a pretty solid opening to the season. So I don't put too much stock in Cousins 2 interceptions that game. Cousins ended up 5 for 9 111 yards and a 77 yard touchdown pass. Cousins takes probably somewhere between 0 and 2% of all snaps with the first team offense. Not a bad stat line for being thrown into the fire.
Week 14, some call it a must win game in order to stay in the playoff race, Cousins comes in for one play gets a pass interference call. Comes back in on the 26 yard line, after Griffin checks himself out, no timeouts down by 8 needs a TD and 2 pt conversion and he delivers. People under estimate Cousins mobility, as Ravens Nation learned Sunday. Sure Cousins is a drop off from Griffin, but would Redskins Nation rather have Cousins play vs the Browns or play vs the Browns (assuming Griffin is re-injured), the Eagles and the Cowboys with the potential for the Seahawks, Bears or possibly a few other teams in the playoffs?
If Griffin isn't 100%, no limp, no hesitation by Saturday he should be deactivated. The Redskins can't afford for him to have a more significant injury and be out all of 2013 (like a torn ACL). Let Cousins start and serve Cleveland with a heavy dose of your other rookie (Morris) and a ton of play action passes. The triple option and for the most part the read option won't be in the play calling but Shanahan didn't run that with Elway either. Kirk Cousins is not a bad option or Shanahan would have left Grossman as the #2.
Let's hope that Shanahan uses his brain and not his ego when it comes time to set the inactives for Sunday's game. Cousins can beat Cleveland on Sunday. While Griffin is a big part of the running game, Alfred Morris can carry the load and give Griffin the rest that he (and his knee) needs. There was a point in drafting Kirk Cousins and the Redskins should let the point be made. Griffin may lead the Redskins to a Superbowl, but teams will be blowing up Bruce Allen's phone for years trying to pry Cousins out of Washington (Matt Schaub esq). Let Cousins play, rest Griffin and let the team go after the playoff berth that will boost this team for the entire tenure of the RG3 era.
There are plenty of risks, first and foremost Griffin's health. If he should re-injure or hurt his knee anymore (say a 2nd degree sprain), then we are looking at no Griffin until August 2013 (preseason game). The risk that some people will look at is not making the playoffs. Sure this fan base is starved for the first playoff berth in 5 years, but would you really mortgage the future to get there?
This is where yet again, Mike Shanahan is a draft day genius. More than half of the fan base, including many columnist and bloggers criticized Shanahan for drafting Kirk Cousins in the fourth round when the team had so many other needs. Sure now that we are in week 15 hindsight is 20\20. In April, everyone was saying "draft offensive line" now the Cousins pick could "save the season." Do we as fans really think that Rex Grossman could have not only scored a TD on that final drive but also the 2 point conversion? There is always good Rex and bad Rex but we'd rather not see either on the field.
In week 5, Kirk Cousins came in for the concussed Griffin and didn't look terrible. Early on in the season, the Atlanta Falcons defense forced Peyton Manning to toss 3 interceptions, Phillip Rivers to throw 2 and 2 more by Cassel. 7 int's in 4 games is a pretty solid opening to the season. So I don't put too much stock in Cousins 2 interceptions that game. Cousins ended up 5 for 9 111 yards and a 77 yard touchdown pass. Cousins takes probably somewhere between 0 and 2% of all snaps with the first team offense. Not a bad stat line for being thrown into the fire.
Week 14, some call it a must win game in order to stay in the playoff race, Cousins comes in for one play gets a pass interference call. Comes back in on the 26 yard line, after Griffin checks himself out, no timeouts down by 8 needs a TD and 2 pt conversion and he delivers. People under estimate Cousins mobility, as Ravens Nation learned Sunday. Sure Cousins is a drop off from Griffin, but would Redskins Nation rather have Cousins play vs the Browns or play vs the Browns (assuming Griffin is re-injured), the Eagles and the Cowboys with the potential for the Seahawks, Bears or possibly a few other teams in the playoffs?
If Griffin isn't 100%, no limp, no hesitation by Saturday he should be deactivated. The Redskins can't afford for him to have a more significant injury and be out all of 2013 (like a torn ACL). Let Cousins start and serve Cleveland with a heavy dose of your other rookie (Morris) and a ton of play action passes. The triple option and for the most part the read option won't be in the play calling but Shanahan didn't run that with Elway either. Kirk Cousins is not a bad option or Shanahan would have left Grossman as the #2.
Let's hope that Shanahan uses his brain and not his ego when it comes time to set the inactives for Sunday's game. Cousins can beat Cleveland on Sunday. While Griffin is a big part of the running game, Alfred Morris can carry the load and give Griffin the rest that he (and his knee) needs. There was a point in drafting Kirk Cousins and the Redskins should let the point be made. Griffin may lead the Redskins to a Superbowl, but teams will be blowing up Bruce Allen's phone for years trying to pry Cousins out of Washington (Matt Schaub esq). Let Cousins play, rest Griffin and let the team go after the playoff berth that will boost this team for the entire tenure of the RG3 era.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
The "Running Quarterback"
Back on October 7, 2012 in a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Robert Griffin III ran wide and figured to turn on the jets and score 6 for the Redskins. As he tried to turn the jets on, the wet surface didn't spark the after burners too well and Griffin ended up being leveled on the play. After that hit every blogger, newscaster, and sports enthusiast came out and said that Griffin is a running Quarterback and will not last longer than a few years in this league.
Micheal Vick is the name that spewed from everyone's mouth and all the comparisons kept rolling. Let us actually check the facts before we judge and call RG3 a "running Quarterback." Vick has always been known to be a running Quarterback, so lets take a look at his stats. Vick has played 10 years in this league, including this year, and he has averaged about 550 rushing yards a season. Let's take into account that his first season he played only 8 games, his third season was stopped short after 5 games and his season this year was cut short at 9 games. Stats like these, including the 3 seasons of 775 yards or more, prove that he is more of a running quarterback. In these 10 seasons as a quarterback, Vick has only ever exceeded the 60% mark for pass completion percentage in a season one time. This one single time was his second season in Philly as a hungry man looking to gain back the very little dignity he may have had. He only passed for 20 Td's in a season twice, his last full season in Atlanta and his first full season of starting in Philly. Only passed for 3,000 yards in a season twice, both times as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and also only surpassed the 100 point QB rating once. These numbers stick out a bit to me, especially since RG3 is being called a running quarterback.
Let's take Robert Griffin III's stats through 13 games this season, he has thrown for a shade over 2,900 yards, rushed for 748, thrown 18 touchdown passes, ran for 6 more, has a completion percentage of 66.4% and a QB rating of 104.2. While Griffin can run, as many of us have seen on ESPN or in person, he passes like an accomplished pocket passer. Eli Manning has 2 super bowl rings, and through 13 games this season, he wishes his stats were near as nice as Griffin's. Manning has thrown for 3,400 yards, 20 td's and 13 int's. Not to mention a completion percentage of only 60.6% and a rating of 86.4. This comes from a man who called himself an "elite quarterback" just last season. Manning has only 500 passing yards more than Griffin has, yet Griffin has attempted 111 less passes. Just using these passing numbers from Griffin, if you add the 111 passes onto his stat line, Griffin would have passed for almost 400 yards more than Manning. Am I the only one not following this Griffin is a running quarterback discussion?
Now to the reason that I actually started this rant. All I have seen on my news updates is RG3 could have severe knee injury and RG3 wont last long in this league playing this way. Face it, Griffin is a passing quarterback with speed. He has learned since his concussion that sliding and getting out of the way is important, but as he said before, when the game is on the line no one is going to stop him. That mentality has won over the fans and the teammates but has fueled the critics. For once I would like to turn on the TV and see someone talking about RG3 and not speak of injury possibilities and concerns, but how great he looks in the pocket.
The injury that Griffin sustained against the Ravens looked worse than it seems to be. It looked ugly on screen, however Griffin was able to return. I haven't seen one player return to a game even for one play with any sort of severe knee injury. Name one "running quarterback" that played on one leg for a handful of plays and make the throws that he made. I fully expected to see Paulsen and Royster carry Griffin down the field as the team continued to march.
From what I have heard, via Robert Griffin III's official page, "Your positive vibes and prayers worked people!!!!To God be the Glory!" Sounds to me like the knee is "good" and he may be ready to roll come Sunday in Cleveland. It needs to be remembered that the Griffin to Vick comparisons are inaccurate. Sure Griffin can and does run, but there are very few 22 year old quarterbacks with his arm. To go even a step further, I would rate his arm (accuracy and strength) at the very least in the top 10 in the NFL. There isn't a "running quarterback in NFL history to have that said about him, it is always "he won't last long." Let's just remember in 3,4,5 years from now when Griffin is in his prime and amazing us all, he still won't be a running quarterback and will prove all the critics wrong throughout his NFL career.
Micheal Vick is the name that spewed from everyone's mouth and all the comparisons kept rolling. Let us actually check the facts before we judge and call RG3 a "running Quarterback." Vick has always been known to be a running Quarterback, so lets take a look at his stats. Vick has played 10 years in this league, including this year, and he has averaged about 550 rushing yards a season. Let's take into account that his first season he played only 8 games, his third season was stopped short after 5 games and his season this year was cut short at 9 games. Stats like these, including the 3 seasons of 775 yards or more, prove that he is more of a running quarterback. In these 10 seasons as a quarterback, Vick has only ever exceeded the 60% mark for pass completion percentage in a season one time. This one single time was his second season in Philly as a hungry man looking to gain back the very little dignity he may have had. He only passed for 20 Td's in a season twice, his last full season in Atlanta and his first full season of starting in Philly. Only passed for 3,000 yards in a season twice, both times as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and also only surpassed the 100 point QB rating once. These numbers stick out a bit to me, especially since RG3 is being called a running quarterback.
Let's take Robert Griffin III's stats through 13 games this season, he has thrown for a shade over 2,900 yards, rushed for 748, thrown 18 touchdown passes, ran for 6 more, has a completion percentage of 66.4% and a QB rating of 104.2. While Griffin can run, as many of us have seen on ESPN or in person, he passes like an accomplished pocket passer. Eli Manning has 2 super bowl rings, and through 13 games this season, he wishes his stats were near as nice as Griffin's. Manning has thrown for 3,400 yards, 20 td's and 13 int's. Not to mention a completion percentage of only 60.6% and a rating of 86.4. This comes from a man who called himself an "elite quarterback" just last season. Manning has only 500 passing yards more than Griffin has, yet Griffin has attempted 111 less passes. Just using these passing numbers from Griffin, if you add the 111 passes onto his stat line, Griffin would have passed for almost 400 yards more than Manning. Am I the only one not following this Griffin is a running quarterback discussion?
Now to the reason that I actually started this rant. All I have seen on my news updates is RG3 could have severe knee injury and RG3 wont last long in this league playing this way. Face it, Griffin is a passing quarterback with speed. He has learned since his concussion that sliding and getting out of the way is important, but as he said before, when the game is on the line no one is going to stop him. That mentality has won over the fans and the teammates but has fueled the critics. For once I would like to turn on the TV and see someone talking about RG3 and not speak of injury possibilities and concerns, but how great he looks in the pocket.
The injury that Griffin sustained against the Ravens looked worse than it seems to be. It looked ugly on screen, however Griffin was able to return. I haven't seen one player return to a game even for one play with any sort of severe knee injury. Name one "running quarterback" that played on one leg for a handful of plays and make the throws that he made. I fully expected to see Paulsen and Royster carry Griffin down the field as the team continued to march.
From what I have heard, via Robert Griffin III's official page, "Your positive vibes and prayers worked people!!!!To God be the Glory!" Sounds to me like the knee is "good" and he may be ready to roll come Sunday in Cleveland. It needs to be remembered that the Griffin to Vick comparisons are inaccurate. Sure Griffin can and does run, but there are very few 22 year old quarterbacks with his arm. To go even a step further, I would rate his arm (accuracy and strength) at the very least in the top 10 in the NFL. There isn't a "running quarterback in NFL history to have that said about him, it is always "he won't last long." Let's just remember in 3,4,5 years from now when Griffin is in his prime and amazing us all, he still won't be a running quarterback and will prove all the critics wrong throughout his NFL career.
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