How About A New Title?

As I mentioned yesterday, the if the New York Giants really wanted to keep Steve Spagnuolo from heading to his third NFC East team in the Washington Redskins, they would need to get ahead of the curve a la the Cleveland Browns. Before the Redskins' Dan Snyder could even muster up a possible offer, it seems like that is exactly what the Giants did.

Per the New York Daily News:

After a trip down the Canyon of Heroes on Tuesday afternoon, Steve Spagnuolo got another hero's welcome from the Washington Redskins.

But the Giants aren't ready to let their defensive coordinator get away without a fight.

According to a source close to the 48-year-old assistant, the Giants have already told him they're willing to do whatever they can to keep him if he ends up getting offered the Redskins' head coaching job. That would include a raise, a contract extension, and possibly even the title of assistant head coach.

But hold the phone if you think that the Giants will promise their defensive coordinator the head coaching job in the future. The one East team that Spagnuolo has not been a part of, the Cowboys, seemed to do just that with Jason Garrett in order to keep him from leaving for Atlanta. Oh, that and a $3 million per season contract.

We will see if the Giants' efforts are enough to keep the heralded DC in NY. Something is telling me that the money will speak a lot louder than a new title. But maybe that's just me...

Spagnuolo to Washington: Crossing Boundaries, Again?

If you have ever visited any of the key NFC East blogs (i.e. The 700 Level, Mr. Irrelevant), you're likely aware of the disdain that these fans have for the other three teams within their division. In fact, even when they are happy for the other team, they still find a way to crowbar in a little backhand or two. All of us football fans do it, it’s in our blood.

Which is why this piece from the New York Daily News caught my eye. No unit was more heralded in this past weekend's Super Bowl than the defense of the New York Giants; led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Why it was news that the championship team's defensive coordinator was at their celebration parade is beyond me. But the part that followed rang even louder.

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was at the parade, but afterwards he was expected to board a flight to Washington where he will meet with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder tonight. He’ll meet again with Snyder and his lieutenants tomorrow morning before returning to New Jersey.

Oddly enough, Spagnuolo was with the Philadelphia Eagles as a linebacker coach before taking the gig with the Giants. Its one thing to take advantage of success, but when curious to see what Giants fans think of this development regarding yet another NFC East team, I put on my detective hat and went to work. Big Blue View, a Giants fan blog had the following to say:

Losing Spagnuolo, whose passion, energy and aggressive style turned a porous defense into a dominant, championship-caliber one, would be a devastating blow
to the Giants. The Giants' defenders, who took so well to his aggressive style and executed his complicated blitz packages to perfection, certainly don't want to go into next season without him.

And the Giants General Manager agrees.

Giants GM Jerry Reese understands what he has in Spagnuolo. "We’ll make every effort to keep him," Reese said. "We sure don’t want to play against him with the Redskins because we know what he’ll bring to the table. If he gets a shot at a head coach’s job, Godspeed."

As a Browns fan, I can understand where the G-men are coming from in the fact that it was rumored that Rob Chudzinski was being sought after by the Baltimore Ravens. The quick fix was GM Phil Savage locking Chudzinksi up with a two-year extension, hoping that he can continue to help Cleveland’s assent in the AFC. Perhaps Reese needs to break out the check book, and pronto, if he intends on holding on to the one defensive coordinator that was able to stop the vaunted New England defense. And just happened to do so on the biggest stage possible.

Of course, they can just let him go to the Redskins, only to have him complete the circle by ending up in a front office job with the Cowboys...

Everybody's Working For The Weekend: Link Dump

This may be all you hear from me until Monday. So after you check out my marketing ideas and thoughts on Capitol Hill below, I suggest you scope out some of the better works around the sports blogosphere. After all, this is why we get paid the big bucks. From other places.

Enjoy the game tomorrow. Or the commercials. Or just the beers and taco dip. Your choice, really.

- Jeff George, the Damon Jones of the NFL, has called it quits. But that won't stop him from teaching your kid how to have an incredibly overvalued rookie card. No I'm not bitter. [Sports Agent Blog]

- Deion Sanders can now be found placing his blue snake skin boots firmly in his mouth. Figuratively speaking. They may not be blue. [Rumors and Rants]

- At least I'm not alone in the whole "Bug Off, Congress" camp. [Signal to Noise]

- Chad Johnson keeps mentioning Bill Parcells and Miami. But could he go to Washington? Some fans wouldn't mind. [Mister Irrelevant]

- Get your Ryan Pontbriand Pro-Bowl jerseys at NFL Shop today! [Kid Cleveland]

- And finally, for those that have wondered why the city of Los Angeles is sans football. [On the 205th]

Take care, all.

"Wait, Who's #91?"

One of these people is not like the others

As I unassumingly watched the close to the 2007 season, I witnessed the team of my rooting interests become mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, despite a stellar and unexpected season. It was a season that can be described by several key events, whether it be Michael Vick's trial, Patriots perfection, Sean Taylor's unfortunate death, Bobby Petrino bolting for the NCAA and even a little Pacman Jones sprinkled on top for good measure.

Thinking of Sean Taylor, I noticed that my Cleveland Browns were still sporting the "21" stickers on their helmets, causing me to turn my attention to other teams to see if they were still depicting their remembrance. Of course, the Washington Redskins were displaying the number of their fallen teammate, but were others?

I noticed one team that was not with the rest of the NFL in canonizing the former defensive back. Perhaps they stuck out to me due to the media inundation that were to be broadcast over my television, but possibly because of their choice to not take part in said tribute: The New England Patriots.

When I first noticed this a few weeks back, my Pavlovian response was to jump on to this wonderful medium and bad mouth the team and all that they stood for. How could they not show their respects for a player who had just been brutally slain a few weeks back? Must they be that cavalier towards the rest of the league? Who do they think they are? I mean with their hoodies and model girlfriends. How condescending are they? Right? Right?

Not so fast.

Watching yesterday's games with my fiancée, her question encapsulated what the casual fan may have been thinking this entire time. After watching Tom Brady walk off of the field following a three-and-out, she saw the back of his helmet and said, "Wait, Who's number 91?" After I explained the entire story about Marquise Hill, it had hit me. Was his death simply glossed over by so many? The Joe Bucks of the world can mention it once per week, but is that ample coverage? I know that it did not occur during mid-season, and it was not a homicide, but shouldn't this be known?

Why didn't the rest of the league don "91" stickers on their helmets? Was it because Hill wasn't an All-Pro? Maybe because he didn't have flashy nickname on or off of the field? After all, he only had three tackles in all of last season, how good could he have been? How would anyone know who he was? Should this even matter?

The Patriots defensive end that suddenly died this past 28th day of May spent many of his last days helping New Orleans residents rebuild their homes after Hurricane Katrina. While residents of Louisiana, his teammates at LSU, and his teammates on the New England Patriots remember Hill, many casual fans are left pondering the story of the former second-rounder. Jarvis Green, his teammate at both the college and professional levels, wore Hill's shoulder pads for the season - a friend's way to memorialize.

This is not an attempt to knock down the celebration of any fallen athletes that have received praise for their hard work and for what they meant to their teammates or fans. It is simply an open-ended question, in attempt to figure out why certain players receive different levels of remembrance. Who are we to judge? Maybe the Patirots have a point after all.

Rest In Peace, Boom King

By now, you have all heard of the tramatic incident that took place at the home of Redskins defensive back Sean Taylor.

This morning, the Washington AFP reports that Taylor has passed away after suffering from the gun shot wounds to his groin. While the back was improving greatly, even reportedly squeezing a nurses hand, he did not make it through the night.

Miami police said Taylor was struck by the bullet in the femoral artery, causing a significant blood loss.

The 24-year old back, and former Miami Hurricane, was the fifth overall selection in 2004. While he was occassionaly known for his on-field actions and off-the-field issues, this is a tragedy for all involved.

Thoughts and wishes go to the Taylor family and the Washington Redskins.

American Football Player Taylor Dies... [Washington AFP]

Pick 'Em: Hatin' On The Home Teams

Wrap it up, Larry
After rocking a 4-for-4 last week, I'm not feeling too good about this week. That pesky law of averages, I tell ya.

One thing that I'm sticking with is my love for road teams. I love it when teams that are just plain shitty get extra points because they're at home. Like New Orleans wasn't going to piss all over San Francisco because they're in San Fran? Please. On to this week's picks... Tread with caution, but if I go 4-0 again, I'll have to rub it in your face for not listening.

New England (-5) over INDIANAPOLIS
I thought a bit about taking Washington last week. I felt it was just time for the Pats to at least not cover. I mean the Browns almost did it, why couldn't Washington? Well, about 45 points later, I'm glad I opted for Green Bay getting some love. Until someone at least comes close to beating the Pats, they're a mainstay here. Of course, that "someone" could be Indy...

Houston +3 over OAKLAND
Both teams have lost three games in a row. Houston's passing offense is 4th in the NFL while Oakland gives up 328 yards per game. Their passing D isn't as good as it was last season, and frankly, I'm just not going to back a team that can't sell out a home game.

Arizona +3.5 over TAMPA BAY
With news that Larry Fitzgerald knocked up a cheerleader, he's going to have to earn some more money within the next year or so. There's no time like the present, Fitzy. Go nuts. On the field this time.

Washington -4 over NEW YORK JETS
The Jets are just one of those teams that I can't take without getting at least a touchdown. They don't even play at home when they're home. New York is full of Giants fans - don't kid yourself. Plus Kellen Clemens will be starting, Laveranues Coles is not. Washington has plenty of scoring to do given last week's disaster. Why not take it out on a guy that used to coach for Belichick?


Good luck this week....

No Boom King For Me

Feet, don't fail me now!
Man...Get me the heck outta here!

You're telling me that we're going with a second-year quarterback against Washington this week? Sean Taylor plays for Washington. So does LaRon Landry. Didn't you see what they did to Plax? Reggie Brown? You know what? I think my head's starting to hurt. Yea, yea. I think I have a concussion!

Practice? Nope, sorry...Can't practice today. You guys let Erik sit out last week against Buffalo. You know, he had that concussion as well. What about Vilma? Oh, he's out all season? No, no...I think I just need one game off. I think it'd be best if I sit this one out, ya know?

This Brad Smith guy has been telling me that he'd love to get some playing time in my place. I think he deserves a shot. He's a hard worker.

Hey, isn't Justin McCareins still on this team? Let him go out there and run across the middle for a jump ball from the new guy.

What ever happened to that Wayne Chrebet fellow? He retired? Too many concussions? See I told you he should have had a game or two off. He was a little woozy out there - like I am now. I can't believe I forgot about him. Man, this is some crazy stuff. My head hurts.

Coles Has Concussion, Likely to Sit on Sunday [New York Daily News]
Sean Taylor Is The Boom King [Mister Irrelevant]

Morning YouTubeness: Better Late Than Never

Not to go back to the draft, but when Miami passed on Brady Quinn for Ted Ginn Jr., a few eyebrows were raised. While there has been jokes about Ginn getting his sophomore slump out of the way this season, Ginn decided to wait until week eight, in London no less, to haul in his first career touchdown pass.

With Chris Chambers heading to San Diego, this kid is your new #1 receiver, Dolphins fans. Embrace it.



I love the commentary after the grab saying that the Dolphins were "an extra point away from being three down." I wish someone would've said that in the Patriots/Redskins game, after the 'Skins scored to bring it within 45.

When Life Hands You Lemons

John Beck. The Next Heath Shuler?
When you are a team that has yet to win a game this season, nothing may be more suitable than a bye week to allow you to regroup and rethink - even if you're "rethinking" jumping out of a window.

Not only have the Miami Dolphins not won a game, they have also lost their starting quarterback and starting running back for the remainder of the season. While Ronnie Brown will be back next season, current quarterback Cleo Lemon may not. This begs the question, when will the 'Phins start rookie QB John Beck?

When asked of Head Coach Cam Cameron, his current reply is "I don't know."

"I don't have that answer right now," said Cameron, when asked how close Beck is to playing. ``This is an opportunity through the bye week to step back, look at some things, see where we are in all phases."

While Lemon has done alright to this point, he hasn't been spectacular - and more importantly - he hasn't won any games.

The choice obviously comes down to weighing the risks and rewards of starting a rookie quarterback. The Miami Herald discusses Heath Shuler, the 1994 Redskins rookie that took over when Cameron was quarterbacks coach.

Shuler became the starter in the fifth week of the season and would start seven more games. He completed 45.3 percent of his passes and threw 12 picks. Eventually, Shuler was replaced in his third year by Gus Frerotte - which if the stats were not enough to make you realize that Shuler was a failure, the name "Gus Frerotte" should do the trick.

Is it worth starting the next Heath Shuler to savor a few wins? To be determined.

Cameron still is not committed to starting Beck [Miami Herald]

Morning YouTubeness: At Least The Lions Got This One Right

Thanks to RoyWilliams.Net, our Friday YouTube is a compilation of...you guessed it. Roy Williams.

While I would've preferred a little more than just UT highlights, there's no doubting this guy's talent. He should have a field day with the considerably shorter Washington Redskins cornerbacks this week, so hopefully Sean Taylor has his running shoes on. Oh, and just a warning - yet another video with Soulja Boy in the background. Undedited. Enjoy.

Redskin Boy Cranks That

We've all heard the Soulja Boy version, and even seen the Longhorns bust it out during a timeout. However, we're now brought a version by an apparent Redskin fan.

Check it out here. Clinton Portis, DOOOOO it!

"A Little Bit Extra" ... Against The Giants

Two weeks after Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb told the ever-jolly Bryant Gumbel that African-American quarterbacks need to give "a little bit extra" to not get criticized, I’m beginning to think that he has a point. At least he has a point when it comes to beating the New York Giants.

Week one, the Giants were handed a 10-point loss by a pale Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. Romo threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns. Solid Effort regardless of what Michael Irvin said about Romo's past...

Week two, Brett Favre and the Packers come to town. This time, more of the same with the grizzly, and very white, veteran throwing for 286 yards and three touchdowns. Again, a superb effort.

Last week, the Giants go on the road – this time facing a Redskins team led by Jason Campbell, an African-American quarterback. What does Campbell provide? A sub-par 190 yards and only one touchdown - resulting in a gut-wrenching loss for his team.

This past Sunday night, the Giants welcomed Donovan McNabb and his Philadelphia Eagles to town. How did the Giants greet him? By sacking him 12 times and allowing only 138 yards through the air. McNabb completed less than half of his pass attempts, averaging less than five yards per completion. Piss poor effort.

If you ask me, the answer is obvious: The New York Giants are easier on Caucasian quarterbacks than those of African-American descent.

The Giants defense has 16 sacks on the season; 14 of which are against the two black quarterbacks that they have opposed. Maybe if Campbell and McNabb gave it a little bit extra, they may have escaped some of the takedowns. Perhaps McNabb could have kept it to single digits, even.

Looking down the remainder of the Giants' schedule, the Blue and White should be able to at least win two more games – coincidently just happens to be the next two times they play Washington and Philadelphia. Fear not Giants fans, as there appears to be some upside!

The Atlanta Falcons (week six) have recently signed Byron Leftwich, who is definitely no Michael Vick Johnson when it comes to agility. He can easily be taken down 13 or 14 times.

Minnesota (week 12) is currently being manned by Kelly Holcomb, who may be as far from African-American as there is in the league. Actually, "manned" may even be a stretch, given that his name is Kelly. However, his performance over the last game allows me to think that the job will not be his when Tavaris Jackson returns. Another black quarterback for the Giants to feast on. Fans, I’d circle this day on my calendar if I were you.

If you think about it, a 6-10 record isn’t too bad, and may even get you into the playoffs in the NFC. So, strap in next week as it may be a rough ride against whichever white quarterback the Jets throw the Giants’ way. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel – it’s just not a very white light.

McNabb says black QBs under more pressure [ESPN]

11 Guys With 12 Sacks; Typically An Issue

But not this time.

It's amazing that this is the same Giants defense that simply got torn apart by the Cowboys and Packers in the opening weeks of the season. Six sacks for Osi Umenyiora? Talk about IDP numbers...

After the Jason Campbell-led Redskins lost to the Giants last week, maybe Donovan McNabb has a point...

Enjoy.

Paging Kordell Stewart...

It was way more fun to be a Browns fan when we could always resort to the good old Kordell Stewart jokes. Now that we have Brady Quinn, it's even more difficult, but as long as the Giants have Eli Manning - life is good in Washington.

(Edit: Image removed by Imageshack - possibly too many links out there. Will look for another one.)

Big thanks to TBL for the heads up. If you want to check out the full-size pic, go here.

A Redskin Adendum to "The Hey Song"

While I admit that it took a bit of research to find the name, I'm sure you're all aware of "Rock and Roll" as written by Gary Glitter.

Trust me. If you've been to a sporting event, you've heard it.

Part 2 of the song is mostly instrumental, but includes a "Hey!" every so often. Team scores a touchdown? Hey! Middle of an inning? Hey! Crucial fourth quarter timeout? Hey!

Well thanks to some fans in Washington, we now have a little extra to throw in next time "The Hey Song" rings loud.



I'm hoping some Washington fans can shed some light on this one. Is it something that just took place in this section? Was there a Giants fan in the crowd? I do see a Shockey jersey there. Was he the target?

I need to know these things - this way I can yell at an opposition next time I'm at a Browns game. Let's face it, yelling "you suck" is about all us Browns fans can do at this point.

Clinton Portis & Ladell Betts: "Interchangeable?"

With the Redskins enduring a crushing loss to the New York Giants on week 3, and falling to 2-1 on the season, Head Coach Joe Gibbs has come under a bit of fire this week.

For the second straight week, Gibbs is being criticized for his game-management, and this time, it cost them a win.

In today's Washington Post, Gibbs is reported to have offered several supporting reasons behind his benching of Clinton Portis in favor of Ladell Betts - resulting in Betts getting stuffed at the one yard line with the game on the line. One of the first excuses that Gibbs has given is the following:

He considers Betts and Clinton Portis "interchangeable," so Portis sitting out the final two offensive plays was a non-issue.

Interchangeable?

If they're so interchangeable, why has Betts not topped seven carries in a game since week one?

Is it interchangeable when Portis has averaged over 4.5 yards a carry this season to Betts' 2.7?

Is it interchangeable when Portis takes in a one-yard run for a touchdown earlier in the game?

Apparently, those numbers do not get rewarded - especially in moments that could make or break the game. Portis only received four carries in the second half, but since Betts didn't even play in the third quarter, he gets to play in the fourth?

I'm all for making sure everyone gets to play...if it's five-year old's playing tee-ball. When it's an NFL game, you have to go with what's working to a point, but even more so when it is arguably your team's best player.

Betts did a solid job of filling in for Portis last season after the starting back fell to injury. Spelling Portis at times and putting a cieling on his carries throughout a game is always understandable, given his importance to a team. However you can't take back division losses and with only 14 carries in the game, there was plenty of room to make a move. I appreciate Gibbs not calling out Betts for his failure at the line, but his reluctance to admit a coaching blunder will not be forgotten - especially if the team ends up a game out of the playoffs.



Redskins Gibbs Has No Regrets [Washington Post]

Morning YouTubeness: There's Kids On The Bus

Good morning, all. Another week in the books, and only a select few teams are 3-0. One of those teams is definitely not the Washington Redskins, who were stifled by the Giants Defense on several goal line attempts. The same Giants D that has given up about 700 yards in the last two weeks.

Regardless, they buckeled down when it counted most and some people aren't too happy about it. Check out the video of this guy (kid, pre-teen?) on the bus. He's apparently on the phone about to go ballistic about the loss. The best part, in my mind, are the Giants fans standing right next to him while he goes nuts. Enjoy.

Blitz Protection Is Overrated

Thanks to Brothers Mottram, we get this wonderful video of Kerry Collins nearly losing his head. Keep your eye on the strong safety (the guy coming in from the defensive backfield...untouched).

Weekend Wrap-Up

I haven't really decided what I'm going to do about the weekends. I, for one, would rather be outside with a beer - nowhere near a computer - but maybe that's just me. So for now, I think I'll just sprinkle a few links regarding what went on over the last 48 hours or so. Suggestions are definitely welcome.

In a love story for the ages, Chris Cooley will be marrying his longtime girlfriend. She just so happens to be an ex-Redskins cheerleader, who was booted from the squad for dating the tight end. I love that they call him Captain Chaos in D.C.

Romeo Crennel took a huge stance by electing to have his starting quarterback decided by a coin toss. No, really.

Despite all of the hype and youtubness about PacMan Jones' wrestling debut, it appears that the Titans want nothing of the sort. This comes as a big surprise considering he was a first round slection and all.

The Jaguars apparently had a rough night. Tim Couch is likely second-guessing that whole contract thing. (h/t to the Fanhouse)

A few suspensions were handed down.

No Michael Vick? No problem, as that Joey Harrington guy did alright. Yes, the Falcons lost to the Jets, but hey...think positive.

And finally, Steely McBeam. The Steelers new mascot with the questionable-at-best name. Yea, well it appears that Pittsbugh isn't a big fan. I'm sure pictures like this don't help much.

That's all she wrote folks. Until tomorrow...

Clinton Portis Has A Secret Admirer

With the NFL about to begin the first weekend of preseason play (sorry Hall Of Fame Game, you're not as popular as you should be) that means two things. One, well...Football is FINALLY upon us. And two, fantasy football is also knocking at the door.

Love it or hate it, fantasy football is something that is pretty much synonymous with the game itself. I mean, what could possibly be more fun than "drafting" a bunch of football players that you don't know, hoping they put up "points" for you each week - ultimately vaulting you in to the playoffs...which just so happen to start before the acutal playoffs?

Answer: Drafting people that you do know. Just ask Chris Cooley.

Dan Steinberg over at the D.C. Sports Bog reports that Cooley, an avid fantasy football player (who just so happens to play real football) drafted his teammate Clinton Portis in the NFLPA league this year. Before all of you fantasy freaks go apeshit for Cooley reaching on Portis - it was a second round selection, after drafting Frank Gore in the first.

I said that might be a tad early for Portis; "but I wanted him, because I like him," Cooley said.

Great guy. He also took the Redskins defense, which is odd considering that I didn't know you could draft something that doesn't exist. Zing!