Bleacher Report - Articles by Brian Kaufman

New Redskins Faces will Make for New Plays

Brian Kaufman — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:53:14 -0400

Only three NFL teams had fewer sacks than the Washington Redskins in 2008. Those teams—the Bengals, Browns, and Chiefs—finished with a combined record of 10-37-1.

So, in classic Daniel Snyder fashion, the team went out and added All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to the mix.

After failing to move up and make a run at USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in the draft, the team stayed with the No. 13 pick and added DE/OLB Brian Orakpo out of Texas.

The team fully expects these two players to wreak havoc on the defensive side of the ball right off the bat, and fans can expect to see a noticeable difference. Having a tackle like Haynesworth, who has arguably been the best in the game at his position the last two seasons, allows for a defensive coordinator to be more creative with his schemes.

More pressure off both sides of the line can be expected. With Haynesworth clogging up the middle, and likely taking up a double team on every play, guys like Orakpo and Phillip Daniels are free in single coverage and can make an impact more often.

The secondary of the Redskins is formidable, with LaRon Landry leading the safety corps, and Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall leading the cornerbacks. With more pressure on the quarterback, the likelihood of interceptions skyrockets; the team ranked 17th in the league in picks last season.

On the offensive side of the ball, a couple of additions along the offensive line should prove key in allowing quarterback Jason Campbell continued maturation. The team brought back Derrick Dockery and signed Mike Williams as a free agent.

Few and far between were the times last season that Campbell had time to go through his complete progression to find the open receiver. He was often only allowed to see his first choice and throw the ball away because the offensive line, noticeably one of the oldest and slowest in the league, did not give him enough time.

The addition of these two guys and the development of Stephon Heyer shows a vast improvement over last season's bunch.

The other notable situation is actually derived from an addition that didn't happen.

2009 will be the first season in the NFL that Campbell continues in the same offensive scheme. Coach Jim Zorn's offense calls for accuracy, something critics say Campbell struggled with after the team's late-season meltdown last year. But if Campbell has time to find the open target, he could prove to be a very effective weapon for the Skins this season.

Look for the NFL's fourth-ranked defense from a year ago to key on the newcomers and make a run at being the top defense in the league this year.

Jason Campbell: If I Could Have a Q&A...

Brian Kaufman — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:07:49 -0400

There are a great deal of questions I would ask Jason Campbell if I were able to have an interview for a feature story on him. Here's a list:

-The Redskins pursued a number of options at quarterback this offseason. After it all, you still remain atop the depth chart at the position. What do you feel you can do this season to prove that you deserve to remain there?

-You are from the same hometown as your backfield mate, Clinton Portis. Does that translate over to the field at all or in your relationship outside of football?

-This season will be the first time in your professional football career that you will continue in the same offensive system for more than one year. What does this mean to you and are you glad it is with Coach Zorn's West Coast offense?

-The team has struggled to find a solid number two receiver to complement Santana Moss. Guys like Antwaan Randle El, Devin Thomas, and Malcolm Kelly are going to fight for that spot this season. Talk a little about what you expect from these receivers and how it would help your game to have one or more of them step up.

-You've played almost singularly for teams with very passionate fan bases, playing college ball at Auburn and now coming to DC and playing for the Redskins. What is it like playing in front of fans who care so much? Does it account for additional pressure or does it work as motivation?

-After the team's 2-6 finish down the stretch last year, critics came out and said Jason Campbell doesn't have the accuracy to be a successful quarterback. The Redskins will never win with him under center. How do you respond to comments like that?

-It seems as though, as least portrayed in the media, the star athletes in Washington are pretty tight knit. You've been seen at some Capitals' games this year, what is your relationship like with guys like Alex Ovechkin and Gilbert Arenas and what do you think it means to the city of Washington D.C. to have star players such as those guys and yourself?

-You play in what is widely regarded as the toughest division in football. What is it like playing against quarterbacks like McNabb, Manning, and Romo and do you think it helps you playing against the best competition in the NFL?

-Fill in the blank: The 2009 Washington Redskins will have a successful season if ________________.

2009 Washington Redskins Preview

Brian Kaufman — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:48:59 -0400

In the always tough NFC East, 2009 is looking like another season in which any one, two, or three of the teams could make the playoffs.

For the Washington Redskins, 2009 is looking like another season in which every game will be a battle, the record will see-saw back and forth, and their chances for the playoffs will come down to the final few weeks of the regular season.

Coming off an 8-8 year in which the entire team was thoroughly unimpressive in the final eight games, the Redskins started to address the situation on the first night of free agency by signing Albert Haynesworth to a mammoth contract to fill the gap at defensive tackle.

The team also brought back offensive lineman Derrick Dockery, a former Redskin who signed a lucrative deal with the Buffalo Bills in 2007.

While the team did address a number of issues in the offseason, Redskins fans can expect another .500 season, give or take a game. There are a number of factors, however, which could swing the team to or from the playoff picture throughout the season.

The Redskins spent three second-round picks in last year's draft on pass catchers, none of which showed up at all last season.

Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, and Fred Davis have all had their own issues, be it with faulty conditioning, faulty work ethic, or faulty alarm clocks.

If one of the wide receivers can step up and Davis, a tight end, can be a positive complement to Chris Cooley, that will significantly help Jason Campbell.

Speaking of the signal-caller, he is entering his second year in the same offensive system for the first time in his NFL career.

There were many concerns about his accuracy after a tough second half last year, so much so that the team first tried to trade for Jay Cutler from the Broncos, and then tried to trade up in the draft to select USC's Mark Sanchez.

Neither went through, and it could pay off for Daniel Snyder and the 'Skins if Campbell settles down and returns to the form that made him a first-round pick in 2005.

One main hole that could be the demise of the Redskins, however, is the offensive line. The age and lack of speed were glaring this past season, and the team did not use any of its draft picks on any offensive line position.

The return of Derrick Dockery should provide a spark, but veterans like Chris Samuels, Casey Rabach, and Jon Jansen, who could lose his job to Stephon Heyer, will need to step up their game if Jason Campbell wants to have time to go through his progressions.

Switching over to the defensive side of the ball, the obvious addition is that of the aforementioned Albert Haynesworth, who should be a terror for teams trying to run the ball up the middle of the field.

It'll also be interesting to see if DeAngelo Hall, who the team resigned to a larger deal this offseason, will be as effective as he was in his brief stint with the team last season.

The team spent its first round pick, 13th overall, to draft Brian Orakpo out of Texas. He has looked sharp at rookie camp, and some are predicting that he could accumulate double-digit sacks in his rookie year.

He fell into a great situation getting to play alongside Haynesworth, so look for him to come in and be effective right away.

The potential for a solid year is there for the Washington Redskins, now it seems to only be a matter of some breaks going the team's way. If so, you could very well see this team come playoff time.

NFC East Makes It Tough For Redskins

Brian Kaufman — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:04:42 -0400

Since 1970, 19 teams representing the NFC in the Super Bowl have hailed from the NFC East. This year will be another competitive one for what is widely regarded as the best division in football, which features quarterbacks such as Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning and Tony Romo and other stars such as Brian Westbrook, Brandon Jacobs and, as of recently, Albert Haynesworth.

The Redskins started off on a tear last season, roaring to a 6-2 record under first-year head coach Jim Zorn. A slow second half led to a final record of 8-8 and a last place finish in the division. In a league with tough teams such as the NFC, a team such as the Redskins cannot afford to give away games and go 2-6 during any stretch of the season. As always, it will be a grinding year for all four squads, with any having the definite chance of making the playoffs.

The division, however, does not make the Redskins chances seem bright. Eli Manning is two years removed from leading the Giants to the Super Bowl. Brandon Jacobs is always dangerous, and Hakeem Nicks could prove to be a steal at wide receiver at the end of the first round.

Donovan McNabb took the Eagles to four straight NFC Championship games at one point in his career, and with young weapons such as DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and LeSean McCoy to accompany Brian Westbrook on offense, the Eagles look as dangerous as ever.

The Dallas Cowboys did not add much on draft day, but if Roy Williams become the target for Tony Romo that Jerry Jones thought he could become when he gave up three draft picks for him, that team will always prove to be a threat. Not to mention when the Redskins and Cowboys meet it’s sure to be a smash mouth fight no matter what the teams’ records may be.

Then there is the Redskins. As always, the team made a huge splash in free agency adding DT Albert Haynesworth and lineman Derrick Dockery. Quarterback Jason Campbell will be in the same offense for a second year, something he has yet to have the luxury of in his NFL career. The team can make the playoffs if the pieces click at the right time, but playing in the NFC East never helps.

Maryland Terrapin Classic: Gary Williams Leads Team Back to Big Dance

Brian Kaufman — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:14:43 -0400

This is the second-best coaching job Gary Williams has ever done.

Obviously, when a coach wins a national championship, as Williams did with Maryland in 2002, it will go down in history as likely his best campaign. But what this future Hall of Fame coach did with a passionate point guard and a center who stands at 6'7" tall is noteworthy.

He was scrutinized by the athletic department at his own school, questioned by the media about the cleanliness of his program (HA!) and still managed to get his team a No. 10 seed in the NCAA tournament.

You can hear it in the postgame interviews with Greivis Vasquez, the flashy Venezuelan point guard who leads Maryland with 17.2 PPG. Constantly claiming to be so happy to be at Maryland so he can play for Williams, he went so far as to call his coach his "step-dad" in a recent interview. If that isn't a team following its coach, then I don't know what is.

Leonard Hamilton did a tremendous job with the Florida State Seminoles this season and deserved his 2009 ACC Coach of the Year award. But if Maryland had won that last game at Virginia and managed to post an 8-8 record in the ACC, I think Williams would have gotten some recognition.

Win or lose against Cal on Thursday afternoon, the Maryland Terrapins have been on a heck of a ride this season. The Golden Bears shoot the three as well as anyone, led by Jerome Randle and his 18 PPG. Regardless of how hot or cold the opposition comes out, you can bet Gary's players will be flying at the three-point shooters like you've never seen.

A week ago, Maryland was going to get blown out by N.C. State in the first round of the ACC tournament and hope for an NIT game at the Comcast Center. Why not, they knew their season was on the line against Virginia and they couldn't get a win against the toilet team of the ACC?

Okay, Maryland got past the Wolfpack. Well, the second-seeded Wake Forest Demon Deacons came into College Park a week ago and beat the Terps, albeit in a close game. But this is a top 10 team in the country; they won't be able to stick with them again.

Maryland 75, Wake Forest 64

The only double-digit game in the quarterfinal round was the No. 7 seed upsetting the No. 2 seed. Now people weren't thinking about Jeff Teague dunking on Dave Neal. They were thinking about Neal's senior leadership qualities. They were thinking about how Neal played 70 percent of the minutes he played in a Terrapin uniform in his senior season alone. They were thinking about how the Terps were going dancing.

The Terps are not going to win the national title this season. They may not even get past California in the first round, and if they do, a date with Memphis looks none too pleasing. But on the roller coaster ride that has been the Maryland Terrapins' season, the game today at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., will provide a feeling of accomplishment for Williams and his players.

And there may not be a group of guys in college basketball that deserves it more.

Spurs-Hornets Series Is Poetry in Motion

Brian Kaufman — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:51:53 -0400

The clock on my computer reads 8:29.

One minute until everything said on Around the Horn, Pardon the Interruption, and SportsCenter doesn’t matter anymore.

One minute until two teams hungry for a Western Conference Finals berth step onto the court in New Orleans, ready to leave all their blood, sweat, and tears on the hardwood.

I can’t help but think to myself, isn’t this what sports are all about?

The perennial championship contender versus the up-and-coming young squad that nobody really gave a chance. Sounds like the perfect game to me.

The guy who has been NBA Finals MVP three times and has hoisted the championship trophy four times, versus the electrifying young superstar who has been the best player in the playoffs thus far.

No matter what happens Monday night, fans should realize the beauty of what is going on before them. Treated to an absolute gem of a game just one night before in Boston, and now this? NBA supporters truly can’t ask for much more.

When Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs square off against Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets, there is much more than a basketball game taking place.

An artistic portrayal of life’s greatest struggle: in order to be the best, you must beat the best.

A potentially symbolic “passing of the torch,” from the perpetual Western Conference contender to a team that has never made it to the Western Conference Finals in the history of its franchise.

No matter what team you support, Monday night’s matchup is a thing of beauty.

It’s why you, as a fan, endure all of the losing seasons, the "What the?!" trades and signings, the ups and downs of your franchise. It’s why people care—it’s why sports are such a pivotal part of society.

It has been said that basketball is “poetry in motion.” The Spurs-Hornets series is like an Edgar Allan Poe classic. Back and forth, up and down, the series swings to and fro. Yet something positive, something for the good of everyone involved, will occur no matter the outcome.

If the Spurs win, we can still reflect on the Hornets' incredible season. Coming out of nowhere behind an up-and-coming superstar to finish second in an incredibly difficult Western Conference was an amazing feat.

If the Hornets win, the Spurs’ 11th straight playoff appearance ends unhappily, but a third place finish in the Western Conference is nothing to hang their heads about.

It’s now 8:49. Time to go watch what sounds like the perfect game to me.

Davidson: As Good As a Bowl of "Curry"

Brian Kaufman — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:11:13 -0400

Davidson will be the Cinderella of this year's NCAA Tournament.

Led by Second Team All-American Stephen Curry and his 25.1 ppg, the Wildcats drew No. 7 seed, Gonzaga, in the first round. The Zags will struggle to contain Curry, and I believe Curry will lead Davidson to the win.

The second round is where it gets intriguing. Barring a retriever-sized upset, Davidson would then be pitted against the Georgetown Hoyas in the round of 32.

Roy Hibbert could cause problems for Davidson's defense, but the sophomore, Curry, has shown tremendous leadership skills and the ability to lead his team through tough times.

If you venture with me down memory lane, it was last year that this same Davidson team nearly upset the fourth-seeded Maryland Terrapins in the first round. Curry, scored 30 points, most of which while being guarded by defensive stalwart D.J. Strawberry.

The Wildcats return all of their starters from last season, with more experience and another conference championship under their belt.

It will be a tough road in this tournament for Davidson, but with a heaping helping of Curry, anything is possible.

Redskins on a 'Qwest' for Victory

Brian Kaufman — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:33:41 -0500

There are two things in this world that manage to bring people together more than anything else: sports and the death of a loved one.

The 2007 Washington Redskins have experience with both, storming to a strong finish by winning the final four games of their season after attending the funeral of fallen teammate Sean Taylor.

Led by veteran quarterback Todd Collins, the Redskins enter the NFC playoffs as the hottest team in the conference.

Collins teams up with running back Clinton Portis to pose a big threat to opposing defenses. Portis became the first rusher to tally 100 yards against the Dallas Cowboys this season in the Redskins' 27-6 victory in Week 17.

The Redskins will face the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs this Saturday—and may have a little revenge in mind.

It was these same Seahawks that knocked the Redskins out of the 2005 playoffs with a 20-10 win in Seattle, after Washington beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wild Card Weekend.

A big difference between that game and this years': Sean Taylor.

Taylor tied for the most tackles on the team in the 2005 Divisional Round matchup with seven tackles—including six solo.

But what the Redskins miss from Taylor’s play on the field seems to be made up in spirit.

How else could Portis, Taylor’s best friend on the team, turn into the top back in the NFC over the last month?

How else could the Redskins beat Dallas by 21 points to make the playoffs, after defensive end Phillip Daniels’s wife showed a picture to the team of the former safety sporting his number ‘21’ jersey with a signature that said “Just Beat Dallas”?

Why else would Portis tuck one of the ’21’ towels in his jersey like a bib, as the clock ticked down in the Redskins’ win?

This team can feel Taylor’s presence. They are playing some of the most-inspired football the league has seen in a long time.

This was never more apparent than when Portis used a touchdown celebration as a opportunity to display a tribute to his teammate. Portis lifted up his jersey to reveal a collage of Taylor pictures on his cotton white t-shirt.

Washington is a team to keep your eye on in the playoffs. Seattle has a very talented team, and is a tough place to play. But if the Seahawks turn their heads on the Skins then…

BAM!

They’ll hit them harder than Sean Taylor.

GM Dreams: Dominating ESPN's NBA Trade Machine

Brian Kaufman — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 03:11:48 -0500

Every NBA fan would love to be the GM of his favorite team for a day, if only to make that one blockbuster trade to put the boys over the top.

Celtics fans no doubt loved watching their squad add Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen over the offseason.

Bulls fans ended up loving the trade that acquired Scottie Pippen from the Sonics on draft night '87 for Olden Polynice and a second-round pick.

Lakers fans must have loved watching potential superstar Caron Butler go to Washington for potential superstar...Kwame Brown?

Okay, maybe not that last one.

In any event, now is my time to shine—I'm ready to be the Trading God of the National Basketball Association.

I've made two four-team deals on ESPN's NBA Trade Machine that should make eight teams want to pull the trigger immediately. Without further ado...

Trade No. 1

Los Angeles Clippers receive: Michael Redd, Herbert Hill

Chicago Bulls receive: Chris Kaman, Louis Amundson

Milwaukee Bucks receive: Andre Iguodala, Chris Duhon, Samuel Dalembert

Philadelphia 76ers receive: Andres Nocioni, Corey Maggette, Aaron Williams

I know what you're thinking—this trade is absolutely obtuse. But let's look a little bit deeper.

Although Kaman has been a consistent double-double man for the Clippers, Michael Redd is a proven scorer who can be the leader of a team.

Team Redd with up-and-coming point guard Shaun Livingston and a healthy Elton Brand (ha), and you may have the recipe for some victories for the "other" L.A. team.

The Bulls bring in Kaman, whose numbers (18.6 PPG, 14.0 RPG) have been astounding. If Kirk Hinrich returns to form, this team (which would still have Luol Deng because I resisted the overwhelming urge to deal him instead of Duhon) could have a bright future ahead.

Even though this season was supposed to be the future.

The Bucks receive Iguodala, who's becoming an electrifying scorer; Duhon, who may need a change of scenery to realize his full potential; and Dalembert, a more experienced center to help guide young Andrew Bogut and Yi Jianlian.

It worked with David Robinson and Tim Duncan—why not here?

The 76ers bring in Nocioni, who can be a consistent second scorer; and Maggette, who would be the man in the spotlight with the 20 PPG he's put up thus far.

I'm not sure if Hill, Amundson, or Williams are actually in the NBA, or if they exist at all, but their salaries are perfect to the last penny.

Okay, enough about the first trade. If you still have enough respect for me to look at No. 2—well, quite frankly, I'm dumbfounded

But the show must go on!

I feel bad about the Kwame trade joke earlier in the article, so here you go Lakers fans—a trade that you may not regret...

Trade No. 2

Washington Wizards receive: Pau Gasol

Los Angeles Lakers receive: LaMarcus Aldrige, Casey Jacobsen

Portland Trail Blazers receive: Brendan Haywood, Hakim Warrick, Antonio Daniels, Sasha Vujacic

Memphis Grizzlies receive: Martell Webster, DeShawn Stevenson, Ronny Turiaf, Joel Pryzbilla, Javaris Crittenton

I know what you're thinking—this trade is absolutely asinine. But hear me out...

The Wizards nab the scoring big man that they so desperately need. Team Gasol with Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, and a healthy Gilbert Arenas, and the Wizards are a big-time threat.

The Lakers receive the athletically-gifted Aldrige, who can get a consistent 17 and 8. He and Kobe and Bynum make a pretty nice trio.

I threw Jacobsen in there 'cause I think he's funny.

The Blazers get Warrick, who's athletically gifted; Haywood, a strong 10 and 8 guy; Daniels, who can take over games with his ability to drive to the basket; and Vujacic, who's averaging 6.6 PPG this season.

The Grizzlies get Stevenson who, like Daniels, can score on any given night. They also bring in Martell Webster, who's averaging double-digit points per game this season.

Ronny Turiaf can be an impact player on some nights when he's healthy, as can Pryzbilla. Crittenton has shown flashes of talent and could come in for the Grizzlies if they need him.

Look—these trades will never happen. But isn't it fun to dream?

The NBA Trade Machine is an ingenious tool for fans who want to feel important. It certainly works for me.

One last note: If these trades don't happen, I suppose the Lakers are still just going to be the team that traded Butler for Brown.

Oops.