Bleacher Report - Articles by Jarrett Carter

Maryland Terps At Their Best When They Don't Press

Jarrett Carter — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:56:07 -0500

A few weeks ago, a Maryland Terrapins squad with more talent was soundly beaten by a more-athletic Cincinnati Bearcats squad, mostly because Gary Williams stubbornly stayed in an ineffective full-court press.

Last night against Indiana, Williams turned it off and allowed his perimeter defenders to turn it on in a zone defense. The result? A solid, 80-68 out-of-conference victory over a slightly-improved Indiana Hoosiers squad.

I don’t know if Williams thinks he can impose a press on any team any time, and far be it from me to question a guy that is the third winningest coach in ACC history.

But the Terrapins' disparity of defensive success in the press against a half-court set is so apparent, that you hope the experiment either improves quickly over the Christmas break against out-of-conference cupcakes, or comes to an end altogether.

One positive about the Terps showing last night was the offensive aggression of Eric Hayes. We last saw Hayes get wide-eyed about scoring in the NCAA Tournament last March, and we saw glimpses of it again versus the Hoosiers.

A transition three-pointer here, and drive to the basket there. With Greivis Vasquez and Landon Milbourne, the Terps are good. If Hayes can come close to being a consistent third scoring option, they can be great.

And that’s without mentioning the versatility of Sean Mosley, or the emerging presence of Jordan Williams, who had double-digit rebounds against the Hoosiers.

Can you crown them winners of the ACC with their performance over the Hoosiers? Certainly not, especially with the strong showing the North Carolina Tar Heels put on against Michigan State, and the surprising balance that Duke has this year.

But they are in the discussion, and the good news for Terps fans is that they don’t have to press the argument about the talent of this squad.

Technorati Tags: Indiana Hoosiers , Maryland Terrapins

Jason Campbell: How a Pulled Hamstring Could Save His Career

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:12:17 -0500

Jason Campbell needs to walk into Jim Zorn’s office right now, fall on the floor in agony, and say his hamstring has been torn in three places. If he doesn’t, the Redskins will insure that he won’t last more than two more years in the NFL.

Campbell knows the team doesn’t want him, and he knows the coach who halfway has his back isn’t wanted either. He’s the Redskins' best chance to win any more games, but he’s likely to get broken in half in the process.

From any direction, there is no vested interest in Campbell’s health or future beyond him trying to find Fred Davis on any given 3rd-and-11 going forward.

The shot he took at the conclusion of the Philly game was just the beginning. As the season plods along into the cold realizations of December, and the running game yields no positive impact on the games, it’s Campbell who stands to put his body on the line for wins and losses that don’t matter beyond Kwanzaa.

While the wide receivers are improving, the offensive line his regressing to a point of being a safety issue for the offensive backfield. The Redskins’ idea of max protect is a ban on disparaging signage at Fed Ex Field, and the notion that scoring 20-plus points vaults them into the NFL elite is worthy of mass ridicule.

So why not take the economically-sound, and physically brilliant way out, and feign a hamstring injury? Considering the beating Jason Campbell has taken and the minimal praise for doing so, no one with any sense would blame him.

Technorati Tags: Jason Campbell, Washington+Redskins" target="_self">Washington Redskins

John Harbaugh To Root for Indiana against Terps

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:47:02 -0500

Ravens coach John Harbaugh has fully integrated himself into the local sports scene. He enjoys rocking the red for the Caps and the Terps, even if it means his face gets booed on the Jumbotron.

But Harbaugh’s family ties will have Terps fans in knots tonight, because he will be cheering on his brother-in-law Tom Crean and Crean’s Indiana Hoosiers when they face the Maryland Terrapins in this year's Big Ten/ACC Challenge.

“[Terps coach] Gary [Williams] does know I’m rooting against him,” Harbaugh said today. “I let him know that—in no uncertain terms—that this is the only game of the year that the Harbaughs will be rooting against him and the Terps. Blood is thicker than water.”

Nothing wrong with that. It is family after all. Plus, when you beat the Steelers, you can pretty much get away with anything for a 48-72 hour period.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore+Ravens" target="_self">Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, Maryland Terrapins

A Thought on the Return of Ralph Friedgen

Jarrett Carter — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:10:38 -0500

The questions are still making their way through Internet news wires and the blogosphere, but Ralph Friedgen is still the head football coach of the Maryland Terrapins and rightfully so .

But it just occurred to me that Maryland has more incentive for Friedgen to stay, independent of the $4 million dollars the State of Maryland would be on the hook for should he be fired.

What exactly is the expectation for Maryland football?

An ACC championship? Friedgen can coach with the best of them, but Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Boston College are clearly ahead of them as recruiting destinations.

National ranking? The Terps, without an annual upset of a Top-15 team, or 10 wins just won’t get the kind of respect from the pollsters.

It’s not a national championship, and so long as the SEC is the other side of the equation in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, Terps fans can’t reasonably expect a win in that game.

This ain’t Charlie Weis and Notre Dame. You can’t expect a Top-10 ranking and a BCS berth every year out of a football program stationed smack in the middle of basketball country. Gary Williams, while hamstrung by the ghosts of Lefty Dreisell and Bob Wade in his recruiting, still makes out 10 times better than most basketball coaches in SEC country? Why? Because more kids, more parents, and more high school coaches care about football in those parts.

From New York to Arlington, Va., you are in basketball country. That’s why Gary catches the blues when he can’t win 12 in a row to start the season. Too much talent in the area not to do it.

But Friedgen is supposed to be different? Please. Let the Fridge go recruit and let’s all get cracking on our “What’s Wrong With Terrapins Basketball?” posts.

Technorati Tags: Maryland Terrapins , Ralph Friedgen.

Another Set of Eyes Gives Redskins a New Look

Jarrett Carter — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:28:19 -0500

If there is a positive to be taken away from the Redskins’ second-consecutive choke job , it’s that the offense can now be offered up as a legitimate NFL scoring unit.

Twenty or more points in two out of the last three weeks? Rejoice, Raljon.

Additionally, yesterday’s debacle against the Philadelphia Eagles showed flashes of capability from Fred Davis, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly , something Redskins fans have waited for nearly two years, out of the draft picks that there could’ve/should’ve been at least one good offensive lineman.

The three combined for 10 catches, 139 yards and a touchdown; a stat line that Dan Snyder likely envisioned for one of those receivers on any given day—but he’ll take it.

Finally—and this is important—the Redskins haven’t given up. If they were smart they would, but they haven’t.

I’m sure it’s taking everything they have not to feign injury or incompetence when management has cost them so dearly this season, but credit the offense for rallying behind the telephone game system of playcalling and providing a glimpse of what the Redskins offense was designed to be.

Washington Redskins Money Sits Against Philadelphia Eagles

Jarrett Carter — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:44:28 -0500

Courtesy of a @RickMaese Tweet , we discover that Albert Haynesworth, Clinton Portis, and DeAngelo Hall are all out against the Philadelphia Eagles today. Translation, the Redskins’ biggest signees are all inactive, thus rendering any hope for a close game useless and non-gratifying.

Fortunately, these are all legitimate injuries; none of the “my hamstring-I got migraines-turf toe” variety. And that means that no one has really given up on making this season respectable for Washington fans.

Sadly, it doesn’t matter much if they players don’t want to conceded the inevitable. Everybody’s waiting on Charlie Weis to come to Washington anyway.

Baltimore Ravens Have Playoff Possibilities But Remain a Longshot

Jarrett Carter — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:58:05 -0500

Yeah, the math is still in favor of the Ravens . But a look at the schedule, the injuries, and the failures of the past gives no indication that the math will add up to a Ravens playoff berth.

The good news is that the remaining six contests are split between M&T Bank Stadium and the road, and two of those home games are against woeful Detroit and beatable Chicago.

The bad news? Two games remain against Pittsburgh, and just one loss would likely be the death knell on a Ravens wildcard. And then there’s the road games against Green Bay and Oakland, which no one would classify as locks for this struggling Ravens squad.

Injuries are a concern. Terrell Suggs is out with one of those knee injuries that most players think will shelve them for two games, but will likely amount to a month’s worth of Sundays.

Ray Lewis’ ankle has been tweaked , Ed Reed’s shoulder and neck are still a concern, and this is all before the NFL’s hardest hitting game of the year come this Sunday.

And even if injuries were the least of there concerns, the broken-winged Ravens’ offense hasn’t impressed in the last few weeks, Colts-loss-hard.html" target="_blank">culminating in last Sunday’s Billick-esque field goal parade against the Colts . Do we really believe that it will pick up in time for the balance of the Steelers games, and against three NFC North foes?

It’s possible, and Ravens fans are deservedly hopeful for better days ahead given the weekly exploits of Ray Rice and a capable passing tandem in Joe Flacco and Derrick Mason.

But the tri-force of chain moving can’t do it alone, and the defense must rediscover its lock-down ways this Sunday; lest the season be the championship run that got away.

Ted Leonsis Set to Become Majority Owner of Washington Wizards

Jarrett Carter — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:32:08 -0500

What Abe Pollin started and grew within the District as a respectable sports entertainment option, Ted Leonsis will likely flourish into a championship contender. The owner of the Washington Capitals, by way of a special deal with Pollin upon his purchase of the NHL franchise, is poised become the majority owner of the Wizards.

For nearly a decade, a plan has been in place to ensure that the Washington Wizards remain locally owned. Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis holds the right of first refusal for any transfer of ownership.

Under the plan, Leonsis likely will take over majority ownership of Washington Sports & Entertainment, which includes the Wizards, Verizon Center and the area’s Ticketmaster franchise. The transfer would make Leonsis the only person with majority ownership of an NBA, NHL, and WNBA team and a major sports arena.

I have no doubt that the classy and innovative Leonsis has the savvy and karma to make the Wizards a true player in the Eastern Conference. And he’s not a bad writer, as evidenced by his tribute post to Abe Pollin on his blog.

Of course, Leonsis will likely take his time before making any kind of move to buy the team public. Pollin should be respectfully mourned and appropriately remembered throughout the duration of this season, at least. But rest assured, should Leonsis take the reigns of this franchise, the direction will be one all Wizards fans can have confidence in.

Technorati Tags: Abe Pollin , Ted Leonsis , Washington Wizards

Why the Baltimore Ravens Aren't Getting Bad Calls

Jarrett Carter — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:13:10 -0500

A tongue-in-cheek column from the Sun’s Peter Schmuck—who artfully jabs at the Ravens' predilection to lose close games in the waning minutes—brings up an interesting point that I’ve been meaning to address for a couple of weeks, about the growing movement of "us vs. refs" here in Charm City.

Bottom line: the Ravens have received very few bad calls this season. They’ve made bad plays, they’ve been out of position, and, yeah, sometimes they get jobbed on a play. But for the most part, it’s been pretty fair against the Ravens, particularly in the closing minutes.

If you have any hope of getting over the sense of the Ravens getting cheated out of games, you first have to acknowledge that the Ravens defense hasn’t been very good. All of the disputed refereeing comes against the defense. Rarely do you see refs miscalling false starts or holding against the Birds.

If you can accept that premise, you can further open yourself up to football enlightenment for the ages. The Ravens get very little pressure up front, which makes any NFL quarterback worth his salary look like a superstar.

Since the Ravens do not have any corner backs worth their salary, Ravens fans are often compensating for the lack of talent on the corner by lamenting a lack of fair judgment on the part of the refs.

Think about it. For every big pass-interference call you’ve seen that eventually costs the Ravens games, how many replays have shown the corners scrambling to catchup to the play? If they are on their job, they are already in place to make a play at the point of the ball’s arrival; there should be no question about excessive contact or interference.

If they were ready on every single play, they wouldn’t have to get ready and be caught on a 50/50 call.

Furthermore, many of the games the Ravens lost, could’ve been won with a better field goal kicker. If you have Billy Cundiff or Matt Stover lining it up against the Vikings, and possibly against Cincinnati the second time around, the Ravens are looking at 7-3 and control of the AFC North.

You aren’t even thinking about what influence the refs wield over the games.

This isn’t to say that referees don’t make bad calls, but it is to say that in a digital, social networking world, there’s very little room for various NFL officiating crews to exact a measure of game-influencing disdain against a team that doesn’t make the wheels on the NFL bus go ’round.

The Ravens have some Hall of Fame players in the twilight of their careers, have a great fanbase, and maintain healthy rivalries with each of their divisional opponents.

The NFL isn’t interested in losing this, and we should angle our frustration with the team into a misguided perception of the league’s marketing priorities.

The Fearless Life of Abe Pollin

Jarrett Carter — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:14:48 -0500

Many of the tributes you will hear about Abe Pollin will capture the essence of his kindness, his endearment to those he worked with and hired, and his undying affection for the Washington-Metropolitan area. Those are laudable portions of a man whose life meant so much to so many.

But his strongest characteristic is likely to be the one passed over by many writers; his fearless approach to life and profession.

Everything would point to life working against the son of a Russian immigrant in the early 1900s, but Abe Pollin crafted fortune out of opportunity and generosity out of affluence. He eschewed a life as a real estate mogul in exchange for life as the owner of the Baltimore Bullets, characterized early on as the definition of risky business.

Rather than making professional sports ownership into a hobby venture, he envisioned a lucrative business operation. A fearless proposition for a team that was not perennially successful and had very few supporters in the region.

When he decided that an arena for the team should be built, he took it to the suburbs of Prince George’s County. It was uncharted territory for a town so use to the urban digs of RFK Stadium. Without fear, he moved the Bullets to Landover and put Washington on the professional basketball map.

When the team struggled and man, did they struggle, he continued about his work of loyalty and dedication to his people. Wes Unseld, by his own admission, stayed around longer than he should have. Pollin frugally spent when he shouldn’t have and the Bullets lost for a lot longer than they should have. He wasn’t scared to run his business his way,right or wrong.

In 1997, in the face of rampant and hideous gun-related homicides in Washington D.C., Pollin held a contest to rename the team. Wizards, to the chagrin of many, became the new mascot. Abe Pollin wasn’t afraid about ticket sales and sponsorships falling off because of the move. He believed that he could do something to help save the city from itself, if only with a change of the name.

He drafted and traded without fear, he adopted minority children and nurtured them as his own without concern for what the social elite of Washington would think, and he gave freely and cheerfully, despite his basketball and hockey franchises’ plummeting appeal and profits.

And when it became apparent that one of the greatest players of all-time couldn’t suit the needs of his team or his city, he fired him without worry of league wide or local recourse.

Abe Pollin lived without fear and enjoyed the liberating feeling of courage. He playfully slapped players after wins and consoled them after losses. His teams were some of the worst you ever saw, yet he proudly owned them and never tired of trying to make them better by his rules and standards.

Thankfully, he lived to see the Wizards and Capitals come of age as relevant franchises and watched the city revitalize itself around his handiwork.

Once a builder, always a builder.

We can only hope to live so free and to die with a life as meaningful and as well-lived as Abe Pollin did.

Ravens Rally Towels are a Horrible Idea

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:15:39 -0500

You have to wonder if Ravens marketing staff keeps up with blogs, because if they asked us humble scribes of day-job avoidance, they would’ve known that marketing Rally Towels for the Pittsburgh game was the worst idea to hit Baltimore since Target gift cards at the Mayor’s office.

Prior to this Sunday’s Ravens-Steelers game (Nov. 29, 8:20 p.m.), the Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour will provide over 71,000 fans with purple and white rally towels as they enter the gates of M&T Bank Stadium.

The Ravens are encouraging fans to wear all purple and waive their rally towel for the nationally-televised Sunday Night Football broadcast.

I get that we hate Pittsburgh, want their stadium to melt in boiling ketchup, etc. But stealing their idea to energize our hate does nothing for the outsiders who’ll watch the game and say, “not only do these maroons wear purple camo, but they wave fake terrible towels.”

The idiots down the road tried this . It failed miserably and drew the laughter of friend and foe alike. Don’t do this Ravens. Please, don’t do this.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens , Pittsburgh Steelers

Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler Talk it Out

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:17 -0500

So we learned that the selfish comments recently made by Gilbert Arenas were directed at Caron Butler, and mostly crafted out of Arenas’ frustration with the offense. Needless to say, Arenas never should have said anything publicly, but apparently the two have talked and patched it up.

So glad it didn’t evolve to the point where someone is asking how their *ss tastes.

Now, onto the true root of this problem; the Wizards struggles to adapt to Flip Saunders’ offense. We know it can work and work well; Saunders’ success in Minnesota and Detroit supplement this point. So what’s not working for the Wizards?

In Minnesota, Saunders’ had Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell. In Detroit, he had Rasheed Wallace, Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince.

See what’s missing for the Wizards?

The Wizards, while they do have a vastly improved Brendan Haywood, do not have the interior presence that is necessary to free up the perimeter for Arenas and Butler. Antawn Jamison can score inside and out, but certainly not with his back to the basket on post up moves. Jamison moves outside-in, not the obverse.

In turn, you have a Wiz team with offensive-minded Arenas needing to decide if Mike Miller for three, Butler in the iso, Jamison on the iso, or himself on the iso is the best option. Every. Single. Possession. All four need touches, and they’ve yet to learn which is the best from situation to situation.

If there were a legitimate back-to-the-basket scorer, there would be far fewer issues. Ideally, this would be Andray Blatche, but we know that Seven-Day Dray has quickly devolved back into "Turnover in the Flesh". The Wizards have to have somebody to throw it to in the post, and if that option is gone, a variety of options available for spot up shooting or drives to the basket.

The offense can’t go through Gilbert’s decision making process in Flip Saunders’ system. Arenas is not Sam Cassell and he’s not Chauncey Billups; he hasn’t yet mastered when it’s his time versus his teammates. Most of that is attributable to injury and a lack of games played, but thank downright basketball immaturity for some of it.

An eighth of the season is over, and Orlando, Atlanta and Miami have put a stamp on the Southeast division. It’s one thing for Arenas and Butler to break up and make up, but it will be something more challenging for the team to figure out its deficiencies and make up ground in the Eastern Conference.

Technorati Tags: Antawn Jamison , Caron Butler , Flip Saunders , Gilbert Arenas , Washington Wizards

College of Notre Dame Cancels 2009-10 Women's Basketball Season

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:25:18 -0500

I know the College of Notre Dame is small, and its athletic program minute compared to other area colleges and universities. But I’ve never seen an entire schedule get canceled because a team didn’t have enough players to safely compete on a regular basis.

College of Notre Dame of Maryland head soccer coach and recruiting coordinator Kirsten Russell has been appointed the interim head basketball coach, effectively immediately. After the 2009-10 basketball season was canceled due to a series of injuries that depleted the program’s roster, Russell —a former college basketball student-athlete and assistant coach —will oversee the program’s administration and recruiting efforts to rebuild the College of Notre Dame basketball team in time for the 2010-11 season.

Wow. 1216 women on campus and there aren’t seven or eight ladies available to field a team? That’s rough. Here’s hoping the Gators basketball program can come back strong as they were two seasons ago when they recorded an 18-7 overall record; their best in the last 20 seasons.

Technorati Tags: College of Notre Dame

Buying Out Ralph Friedgen Is No Small Bill for Maryland

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:14:37 -0500

I wrote yesterday that Ralph Friedgen should remain the coach of the Maryland Terrapins football team because he’s brought more recruiting and positive coverage than any coach since the days of Bobby Ross.

While most would say his time as a game planner and motivator has worn thin, the invoice for his dismissal says otherwise:

A buyout of any sort—even in the form of a loan from the school’s endowment—would raise questions in the current economic climate, said former U.S. Rep. Tom McMillen, a member of the Board of Regents, which governs the University System of Maryland.

“As a normal practice we don’t get involved in the day-to-day,” said McMillen, a former Terrapins basketball star and NBA player. “But as a fiduciary, to take on a $4 million liability plus hiring a new coach? Given the economic times we’re in, there would have to be an awfully compelling case.”

Indeed, UMD would have a difficult time justifying to the Baltimore Sun and Washington Post why the State of Maryland has to shell out $4 million to buy out Friedgen, $1 million to get rid of his successor James Franklin, and somewhere between $2-4 million to name a suitable replacement.

If there’s anyone who should come under scrutiny for firing, it’s UMD athletic director Debbie Yow. Not because she’s done a particularly bad job, but because her two major money-making programs are annually under fan and media siege for questions about recruiting and how competitive Maryland should be, at least in the ACC.

Both Friedgen and Gary Williams, truth be told, should’ve been fired two years ago. Both were in the throes of underachievement, and both coaches had not legitimate explanation for the sudden downturn.

Sure, there would’ve been brushback from Terrapin Nation, but most fans would rather begin the rebuilding process than wonder every year about what could’ve been, and who they could’ve had besides Teflon Gary and Ralph.

So yeah, Ralph is staying for a while. His contract demands it. But if Maryland was smart, the school would recognize that the architect of these bulletproof contracts is slightly more expendable and consider cutting ties with Debbie Yow.

Washington Nationals' Stephen Strasburg Doesn't Need Surgery

Jarrett Carter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:12 -0500

The good news is that Stephen Strasburg doesn’t need surgery on his injured knee . The bad news is that this is the second injury for the pitching phenom and it has the potential to linger for years.

First, Strasburg was scratched from a start in fall league with a strained neck . Not too big of a deal for most athletes, but for pitchers, the slightest discomfort in neck and shoulder could impact velocity and movement on pitches.

And now he has an injured knee, which may or may not affect how he plants or pushes off from the mound.

Maybe it’s an exaggeration, but in a baseball town synonymous with failure, panic is to be expected.

Gilbert Arenas Is the Answer for the Washington Wizards

Jarrett Carter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:17:34 -0500

With a 3-9 record on the season, the fires are already beginning to rage within the Washington Wizards locker room.

And the fire starter, predictably, is Gilbert Arenas .

“I think the only person who actually had to sacrifice was me. Everybody else can just play their game…”

“That’s what I’m averaging. About 18 shots,” Arenas said. “Before, I would’ve taken 27 shots on a night like this to keep us in the game. But I’m not trying to revert to that. Before, I’d look at Eddie and he’d say, take over the game. But I’ve got trust in these guys that eventually Randy’s going to start hitting shots. He’s coming off of injury. That Caron’s going to start catching and shooting, that we’ll start getting production out of Dray again. But it’s only so many nights, so many games before I’m going to have to start doing what I do…”

“Hidden agendas,” he said. “You can’t win like that. I have no idea why. I’ve never been on a team where you have eight free agents next year. I’ve never played on a team like that. I’ve never seen it turn out well. Sometimes it works out for the best because everybody’s hungry and everybody’s fighting. Sometimes it works out for the worst when everybody’s out for their own.”

As much as we revere Arenas’ candor and appreciate his removal of his self-imposed gag order, it’s unfortunate that the first notable thing out of his mouth without wielding a belt is absolute garbage.

Countless stories have been authored regarding the team’s commitment to success for this season and the few to come, during which the Wizards can legitimately contend for an Eastern Conference title.

And yet, Arenas is the one who has made the sacrifices? The only one?

Don’t bother asking questions anymore about why Arenas values controversy, because it’s clear that in his mind, he’s The Answer.

He’s the answer to making the Wiz popular and relevant, he’s the answer to scoring woes, and he’s the answer to resolving the personal issues off the court that are clearly causing him turmoil on it.

Unfortunately, the obvious answer to some isn’t the right answer for all.

Your first inclination in hearing things going so wrong so soon for the Wizards is to blow it up. You can’t ship Arenas, but there may be some value in moving Butler or Jamison to a playoff contender.

Perhaps the Wizards will only be well-suited in creating a situation around Arenas similar to the one in Philadelphia with Iverson: Happy-to-be-here role players rebounding and defending to conserve energy for Arenas’ scoring fancy.

Nobody wants that, but the numbers and the emerging attitudes seem to call for it. The biggest question is how long it will take to make it an unfortunate reality.

The easy answer—and the best one—is sooner rather than later.

Technorati Tags: Gilbert Arenas , Washington Wizards

Matt Stover Beats, then Loves the Ravens

Jarrett Carter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:00:47 -0500

Each member of the “bring Matt Stover back” cavalcade awakes this morning with a sense of validation. The greatest Raven of all-time came back to beat his former club in the kind of field goal-laden game that made him a Baltimore legend.

And it couldn’t have hurt him more .

“I am emotionally exhausted,” he said in the Colts’ locker room. “I’m toast. I may not show it, but I’m toast. That’s hard, especially against friends and a team you love so much. I don’t mind saying it: I love the Ravens. Hey, what was I doing when the Colts hadn’t signed me yet? I was coming to Ravens games.”

You had a feeling the irony would wrinkle the Ravens’ plans to defeat the unbeatable Indianapolis Colts, and in many respects, you kind of wanted the Ravens to feel what a mistake it was to let a local sports mainstay kick it around for a hated rival.

At 5-5, and with the offense churning out the "six yards and a cloud of questions" possessions of yesteryear, there is no solace in knowing that Matt Stover cares about the team that he put in the dirt yesterday afternoon.

No solace, but for even the most hard core Ravens fan, perhaps the tiniest kick of satisfaction.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens , Indianapolis Colts , Matt Stover

Why Ralph Friedgen Should Remain the Maryland Terrapins' Head Coach

Jarrett Carter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:43:34 -0500

There are quite a few parallels to draw between Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis and Maryland Terrapins coach Ralph Friedgen.

Minimized girth aside, they are both renowned offensive game planners and straight-from-the-hip shooters.

Both are painstakingly tasked with keeping less-than-respected football programs nationally relevant.

But what separates them, aside from conference affiliation and media scrutiny, is the all-important confidence of their supporters.

Notre Dame boosters and alumni are shamed by Charlie Weis.

They are shamed because of his record, shamed because of his arrogance coming into the job, and shamed because they made their racism obvious under the guise of winning when they replaced Tyrone Willingham with a guy who was far inferior as a recruiter.

Friedgen? He is beloved in College Park.

No one cares about his losing ways. No one cares that he can’t mine the minimal football talent a state away from Penn State and West Virginia.

People do care that he is an affable and responsible steward of the program with NFL connections.

And that's why he deserves stay.

It's not because his leadership and message to current and potential players hasn’t run its course, but because Maryland is unlikely to find someone in his mold to do a better job than he.

Like Weis, Friedgen had the brunt of his success with the players assembled by his predecessor, but that doesn’t mean Friedgen is incapable of bringing in five-star talent.

Look no further than the high draft stocks of Shawne Merriman, Vernon Davis, and Darrius Heyward-Bey to evidence Friedgen's ability to bring in talent. He may not bring in the best teams, but he certainly can bring in the NFL film cameras to chronicle individual pro days at Byrd Stadium.

Maryland would be foolish to release an alumnus with the connections and coaching acumen of Ralph Friedgen.

To be clear: Ralph Friedgen doesn’t need Maryland.

There are assistant coaching gigs in the NFL, and head coaching jobs in the college ranks that are waiting for his departure should he be let go or decide to exit.

And like Gary Williams, most of the Terrapin boosters and alumni support the program, not because of the team’s potential for success, but because the coach makes them feel confident that, win or lose, the program is in steady hands.

UMD athletic director Debbie Yow is smart enough to know this, and that’s why you don’t hear the whispers about Friedgen’s job sprinkled throughout local media.

For Friedgen, the adage of never being able to come home again has proven true, but even in the midst of annual struggle, Maryland would be fiscally and socially irresponsible to send their native son away.

Redskins Lose to Dallas, Situation Is "Bleak" in D.C.

Jarrett Carter — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:58:29 -0500

In one of the only two meaningful games remaining on the Redskins schedule – the rivalry series with the Dallas Cowboys - the team that would have been victorious suddenly wasn’t. And it’s official to ‘Skins fans everywhere that 5-11 would be an absolute dream, and not just a funny soundbyte out of former ball coach Steve Spurrier.

I ask in 2009 what was legitimately asked in 2008: Do Redskins fans REALLY want Dallas ? Until the management structure is in place to do the rivalry justice, is it wise to thirst for blood out of this turnip out of a match-up? And don’t get me wrong; the Redskins, on paper, are capable of beating Dallas as currently constructed.

But the psyche and spirit of this team is do damaged, the prospect of winning big games so foreign, you would be hard pressed to make an argument for this Redskins team to be little more than the franchise standard for ineptitude.

Where do you begin with today’s choke job? Missed field goals? Porous defense in the late stages of the game? Injuries that limited any hope for offensive balance ? And yet, as late as could be without actually winning, the Redskins were in position to win.

Close enough for the victory cigar to be poked right into their collective eyes.

Jim Zorn calls the situation bleak for the Redskins , and honestly, that doesn’t begin to describe it. The Ravens situation is bleak. The Redskins? They’re forgettable.

And against a rival that matters above all else, against an opponent that transcends records, stats and time itself, forgettable reminded us all that forgettable is the most this team can muster.

Technorati Tags: Dallas Cowboys , Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins: Road to Relevance Begins in Dallas

Jarrett Carter — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:58:42 -0500

Two weeks ago, it wasn’t a stretch to assume that the Redskins would lose the balance of their schedule, finish 2-14, and pioneer new ways to draft everything other than offensive linemen. But a funny thing happened on the way to national ridicule and complete fan revolt.

Washington scored more than 17 points for the first time all year. And they won.

So today’s Redskins-Cowboys game holds much more than bragging rights and NFC East intrigue. Depending on the execution and proficiency of the Redskins’ offense, today’s result could make the difference between that 2-14 debacle and a 6-10 flop of a season.

This isn’t to say that the Cowboys are a legitimate playoff contender or a team by which the Redskins can measure their improving offensive profile. In fact, a great performance against the Cowboys will go as far as their play against the free-falling Denver Broncos did a week ago.

But at the very least, a win against the Cowboys will have demonstrated key principles of the Redskins that are necessary to have a respectable remainder of the year.

If the Redskins win, it will be the result of a consistent running game out of Ladell Betts, which means good offensive line play. Jason Campbell will have made quick decisions in the pocket and made the most of the few passes he attempted.

The Redskins defensive line is not likely to find great success against the Cowboy offensive line, but there will be opportunities for the secondary to exploit Mr. Erratic Tony Romo. Pressure from the defensive backs and Brian Orakpo seem to be the most obvious order for greatness, but we’ve seen the obvious turn oblivious real fast with these ‘Skins.

Suffice it to say, the game won’t be a gimme for Washington.

But there is more than a legitimate chance for this team to get a much-needed divisional road win, and the confidence to face the remainder of the murderer’s row schedule. And who knows; for a team that can run off six-game streaks in either direction, it could be the start of something ‘Skins fans could hang their hopes on.

Or at least, a few cleverly-critical signs.

Technorati Tags: Dallas Cowboys , Washington Redskins

Baltimore Ravens: Keys to Beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts

Jarrett Carter — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:55:39 -0500

The biggest key to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts’ six game winning streak over the Ravens hasn’t been overwhelming talent or coaching; it has been Manning’s ability to know exactly where the Ravens are and how to get to where they aren’t.

And that’s not just throwing away from hapless Raven defensive backs. When the Ravens want to blitz, he turns them into a twisted web of deep coverage.

When they want to fall back, he artfully directs a short passing game mixed with occasional runs into the teeth of the defense.

It’s simple enough to throw out the cliches of “make Manning feel pressure and hope for mistakes,” but he’s been in the league too long and seen too much film for cliches to have any effect.

With no Terrell Suggs and a recovering Haloti Ngata , pressure from the edges and up the middle will be easier planned than executed.

The key to the Ravens’ success today won’t have anything to do with defensive pressure, and everything to do with offensive continuity.

If the Ravens can sustain drives with running the ball, they’ll limit Peyton’s chances for long drives that tire out defenses.

If Joe Flacco can find holes in the Cover 2 defense down the field, and change his looks up with routes over the middle to tight ends and backs, the Colts’ defense won’t have time to adjust before the Ravens’ offense can put up points of its own.

And if the special teams make a few plays in the return and field goal kicking game , the Ravens will have a formula for keeping the Colts offense out of the picture as much as possible.

The first step to beating the Colts is in knowing that beating their offense isn’t an option. If the Ravens commit to making their own offense the better defense on the day, they’ll have a better chance of breaking the Mayflower spell.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens , Haloti Ngata , Indianapolis Colts , Terrell Suggs

The Light at the End of Clinton Portis' Tunnel Vision

Jarrett Carter — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:21:32 -0500

Maybe you wanted Clinton Portis to go down as the greatest running back in Redskins history. You wanted the hi-jinks, personalities and outspoken nature to have amounted to more than media distraction amidst bad ownership and underperformance on the field.

But the looks for both Clinton Portis and the divided perspectives on his career are coming into a haunting focus.

His place as one of the greatest running backs of all-time will go quietly into the record books with only passing whispers of post-season success to accompany them.

His presence as a Washington sports hero will melt away in yet another season of free agent signings and turnstile coaching decisions.

News of a serious concussion keeping Portis out of this weekend’s all-important rivalry game with Dallas weren’t met with the “woe is us, woe is the remainder of the season” from Redskins fans.

In fact, you are more likely to find ever-warming reception of Portis’ back-up Ladell Betts than mournful gasps for Portis’ absence.

More startling, while somber national discussions are being held on the severity of concussions, even with the Pro Bowl running back of a divisional rival, the same hushed tones aren’t reserved for Portis.

Not because he’s particularly indestructible or throwback enough to espouse a “I’m playing no matter what” philosophy. Deep down, most people don’t revere his contributions to the team.

The signs of the wheels falling off were in place well before this potentially-career ending injury.

Not just a bum knee, or dinged ribs; dissent with coaches and teammates were early indicators of the exchange of a Hall of Fame running back for a Hall of Fame corner back becoming what many Redskins faithful anticipated it to be.

Stupid.

Portis has become a man shrouded in his own vision these days. He has been ardent about the team’s struggles being solely attributable to the lack of player execution, often by his lonesome.

His unbridled perspective has become noticeably more subdued, and while he hasn’t been regularly disruptive with his new role to the right of the center of attention, he certainly doesn’t strike you as the type that would thrive outside of the spotlight.

His outlook on his team, our outlook on him; both views are crystal clear. And the vision is not one that anyone would’ve been prepared for just a few short seasons and disguises ago.

Clinton Portis’ time has run its course in Washington. And maybe, as a professional running back in the NFL.

Technorati Tags: Clinton Portis , Washington Redskins

Sun's 'Top Ten Football Players in Baltimore History'

Jarrett Carter — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:18:29 -0500

The Sun has put together a list of the top ten football players in Baltimore history . And aside from the glaring omission of Matt Stover, I have no problem with it.

What do you think?

1. John Unitas : The greatest quarterback to play the game. Father of the two-minute drill led the Colts to two NFL championships and defeated the New York Giants in 1958 for the title in what has been dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.”

2. Ray Lewis : The master of mayhem for 14 years in the middle of the Ravens’ defense. A tackling machine in his prime, with the ability to change games by himself. Revered around the league and willing mentor to all who seek his advice.

3. Gino Marchetti : Captain of the two-time world champions, he was one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history. Lightning quick, No. 89 was named the best defensive end of the NFL’s first half-century.

4. Lenny Moore : Had unparalleled success as both flanker and running back, making All-NFL at both positions. “Spats” scored a touchdown in 18 straight games, an NFL record that stood for 40 years.

5. Raymond Berry : Unitas’ favorite target, he set an NFL record for career receptions. One of football’s all-time clutch receivers, he ran perfect routes and caught 12 passes in the 1958 title game.

6. Jim Parker : His crushing blocks launched Moore’s runs and saved Unitas’ skin. He made All-Pro eight straight times—four at guard and four at tackle—and started 139 consecutive games.

6. (tie) Jonathan Ogden : First draft pick of the Ravens’ era, cornerstone of the offensive line as an 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle. Among the greatest players of all time at his position.

8. John Mackey : An explosive receiver who could turn a short look-in pass into an 80-yard touchdown, he revolutionized the role of the lumbering tight end. His biggest catch was in the 1971 Super Bowl, a 75-yard TD in a 16-7 victory over Dallas.

9. Ed Reed : An improvisational wizard in the secondary with an uncanny ability to decipher plays at the snap based on his film study. The Ravens’ all-time interception leader, the gifted safety has scored touchdowns off interceptions, punt returns, blocked punts and fumble returns.

10. Art Donovan : Anchored the Colts’ storied defensive line of the 1950s for nine years. “On trap plays he has no equal,” coach Weeb Ewbank said of No. 70, the first Baltimore player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Colts , Baltimore Ravens , Baltimore Sun

Wale': Still Not Getting Love From Wizards

Jarrett Carter — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:38:24 -0500

Despite a rise in popularity in his hometown of Washington D.C., rap artist Wale is still flying under the radar of the Washington Wizards.

Instead, players are “heavy on Drake.” Ugh.

But it’s an interesting point about the Wizards having an attention deficit on the rise of Wale’. If you take Tweets to mean anything, Wale' holds monumental sensibilities about folks from the DMV not supporting him. Time after time, he’s Tweeted and re-Tweeted his own disdain for local non-believers, disobedient radio, and the disparaging remarks of others from the area who don’t like his style, his delivery, his content, anything.

And yet, he’s comfortable enough to go on record as someone who not only avoids being a fan of the Wizards, but as someone who supports the rival Cleveland Cavaliers.

I say to each his own. But I also say it’s slightly hypocritical to shame those who feel about their homegrown rap hero the way he does about his homegrown pro basketball team.

Technorati Tags: Washington Wizards

Terrapin Basketball Misses Mark on Graduation Rates

Jarrett Carter — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:43:59 -0500

To be fair, there are but a few scholarships allotted for any collegiate basketball program. So one or two guys not making the five-year mark on graduation can really bring a program under uninformed scrutiny.

But the Maryland Terrapins are consistently in the lowest percentile of graduation rates, and are consistently on the local media’s hit list for it. This year they are at the 10 percent mark . Williams has cited a number of legitimate reasons for poor rates on graduation in the past—attrition to professional leagues being the most used.

But let’s be honest—College Park, Md. isn’t necessarily a hotbed for one-and-done players. Transfers maybe, but certainly not blue chippers with their eyes on the draft.

I have no doubt that players are exhausting their four years at UMD and heading on to lucrative careers in international and development leagues. Not really Williams’ fault, but it certainly isn’t a stat to celebrate in the NBA breeding ground that is the ACC. But something has to give with a program that is putting just one or two players on a commencement stage every five years.

If Williams and the academic support system don’t do it own their own, the media will ensure it remains an issue until it changes.

Technorati Tags: Gary Williams , Maryland Terrapins

Before They Self-Destruct, Wizards Beat Cleveland

Jarrett Carter — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:09:33 -0500

A tale of two halves, a tale of two players. Choose your own lede to describe how the Washington Wizards bounced the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-91 in a legitimate must-win game , but make sure that the point about the Wizards avoiding destruction finds a prominent spot in your description.

In the first half, every possession pointed to another disappointing meltdown for the Wizards. Bad shots were as abundant as defensive lapses, and the emerging theme of “Same old Wizards” begun to forge a shape out of the unkind iron. The saving grace? The return of Antawn Jamison, who didn’t believe in rust or passed up shot opportunities in the first half. His rebounding and funny-style offensive moves to the basket kept the Cavs defense honest and off-balance, while keeping the Wizards from getting run out of the building.

And with just over four minutes remaining in the third, with a LeBron James nine-point run smirking in their faces, Gilbert Arenas stemmed the tide and gave the Wizards the confidence to take quietly good shots in the raucous moments that mattered most. After a horrendous first half, Arenas finished the quarter with 10 points, an assist and zero turnovers in the final four minutes.

They would prove the decisive statistics in the Wizards three point lead entering the fourth quarter, and the tone-setting play that would open the gates for Earl Boykins and Caron Butler to frustrate the Cavs throughout the last period.

Caution yourself against classifying this win as “season-saving.” Yes, the rotations were better for Flip Saunders, the defensive commitment in the second half was more noticeably solid, and there was fun to be had on the floor even in tense moments. But there are miles to go before the Eastern Conference can be called out for sleeping on the Wizards; specifically within a Wizards west coast road trip with games against Oklahoma City and San Antonio over the next few days. They still have injuries, they still have trust issues, and they still have quite a few problems.

But this game can serve as a memory to the Wizards of what injury-free, focused basketball looks and feels like. Rivals can be vanquished, stats can be compiled and expectations can be met. Before tonight’s game, the Wizards were on the verge of implosion for reasons that they couldn’t fully control. They were headed for self-destruction, but allowed experience and trust to make a big game smaller than their team objective.

It’s hard to say if the Wizards’ playoff hopes can rediscover life, but if nothing else, they’ve convinced us that they at least have the talent and mettle to die another day.

Technorati Tags: Antawn Jamison , Cleveland+Cavaliers" target="_self">Cleveland Cavaliers , Gilbert Arenas , Washington Wizards

Georgetown's Close Win Creates Long-Term Questions for Hoyas

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:09:51 -0500

They blew a lead, turned the ball over, and shot poorly from the perimeter. So you can call it a win over Temple for the Georgetown Hoyas , but what they picked up in the win column, they certainly lost in the confidence pool.

They’re young and talented, but there are no early indicators that the 20th-ranked Hoyas are anything more than an athletic bunch who will find wins at a premium on the nights when they can’t muscle the ball into the basket.

The keys to the John Thompson III offense, a credible post presence and timely three-point shooting, haven’t turned over the engine of the Hoyas’ potential through two games against Tulane and the Owls.

Where you would’ve expected the more seasoned Hoya unit to race out of the gates and prove detractors wrong, the Hoyas have lurched out to their perfect start. Against Tulane and Temple, physically inferior programs when paired with Georgetown, the Hoyas have averaged 15 turnovers and 18 personal fouls per contest. They’re averaging 28 percent from the three-point line.

Save for Greg Monroe’s consecutive double-doubles, there’s little room to expect a Hoya rise through the national rankings.

The Big East will be leaner this season than it has been in recent years, and an improved Hoyas team will be able to hang with Syracuse, Connecticut, and Louisville for a top spot in the conference and a national tournament berth. But it’s going to take a lot more efficiency from Austin Freeman and Chris Wright to make the Hoyas a dynamic offense that won’t need to lean on superb defense every night.

Gone are the days of Jeff Green’s versatility and Jonathan Wallace’s clutch shooting and floor leadership. These Hoyas have to find a new niche of athletic precision and skilled execution—particularly from behind the perimeter.

Or else it will be a long season of shortened expectations for the Hoyas.

Could the Maryland Terrapins Be the Phoenix Suns of the ACC?

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:26:46 -0500

Probably not, but Gary Williams and the Maryland Terrapins are going to give small ball a go tonight against Fairfield , and maybe throughout the regular season.

Tonight, Williams said, the No. 25 Terps (1-0) might use four guards at times against the Stags (2-0), who have out-rebounded their opponents by eight per game in wins over Fordham and Central Connecticut State. Guard Sean Mosley (St. Frances), who enjoys inside contact, is likely to be used frequently in the paint.

This indicates a couple of things. First, Jordan Williams and James Padgett, the two freshmen big men for the Terps, can either play and aren’t in good game shape, or are in good shape and can’t play very well at this point. Doesn’t make a lot of sense not to work those two into a flow against lower level competition so early in the season.

Secondly, four guards on the floor indicates that Maryland has supreme confidence in its perimeter shooting. We know that Sean Mosley went out and got himself a jumper in the offseason, and that Cliff Tucker and Greivis can deliver from the perimeter in streaks. But for this thing to really work and sustain against ACC competition, Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne have to command respect outside of the paint as well.

And finally, the Terps have to be exceptional on-the-ball defenders. If they aren’t, they will get eaten alive by post entry passes and opponents’ trips to the foul line. If they can adopt a defensive mentality like Duke, who frequently makes up for a lack of athleticism with tenacity and good team defense, the Terps could very well pull this off.

If they don’t, it will just be four guards and a prayer until the frosh big men are ready to step in.

Technorati Tags: Greivis Vasquez , Maryland Terrapins

Ravens Waive Steve Hauschka

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:48:26 -0500

Let Steve Hauschka land on his feet somewhere else will a fresh start and the rattle fully out of his spirit . The Ravens are chasing the playoffs and genuinely have no room or time to coddle a position that, historically, has been paramount to the team’s success.

Oh, and in case you were wondering about Matt Stover? From the Ravens story:

This all takes place just days before longtime Ravens kicker Matt Stover’s return to Baltimore since joining the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 14 because Adan Vinatieri went down with of a knee injury.

After spending 19 years with the franchise, dating back to its days in Cleveland, Stover made no secret that he wanted to continue his career in Baltimore when his contract ran out after a 2008 campaign that saw him convert 27 of 33 field goals during the regular season and all four of his playoff attempts.

But in an attempt to save a roster spot that Hauschka occupied last year as a kickoff specialist, Stover was not brought in and an offseason battle between Hauschka and undrafted free agent Graham Gano ensued.

Meanwhile, Stover, 41, is currently 6-of-6 for Indianapolis with a long of 40 yards.

Nice one, Duffy. Tell the truth and shame the devil; even on the team’s website.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens , Matt Stover , Steve Hauschka

Notes from Ravens-Browns Bodybag Game

Jarrett Carter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:36 -0500

Who would’ve thought a subpar performance against the league’s worst franchise would’ve turned into an injury report nightmare for the Ravens. From Aaron Wilson and the National Football Post :

- (Terrell) Suggs was wearing a full leg brace and had an electronic stem device attached to his leg. He’s scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging exam today. *Note: Suggs’ injury was sustained after Browns quarterback Brady Quinn dove at the linebacker’s knees on a block.

- Ravens reserve safety and special-teams contributor Haruki Nakamura gruesomely broke his right ankle during the opening kickoff.

Because of the nature and timing of the injury, it’s expected that Nakamura is out for the remainder of the season and will likely require surgery to repair the damage.

- Ravens inside linebacker Tavares Gooden suffered another concussion and didn’t play for the majority of the second half.

- Tight end Todd Heap left the game with a chest injury after taking a shot in the side late in the game, and is expected to undergo a test today.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens , Cleveland+Browns" target="_self">Cleveland Browns , Haruki Nakamura , Tavares Gooden , Terrell Suggs , Todd Heap