Bleacher Report - Articles by Andrew Sable

Dear NASCAR, I Know How to Make the Chase More Exciting

Andrew Sable — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:07:37 -0500

Dear NASCAR,

You want to make the chase for the cup more exciting? I’ll throw you a few bones.

Please, please, please, change the races that are in the chase. Honestly, nobody wants to see the chase come to a conclusion at Homestead, lets change things up a bit.

1. Indianapolis

Who wouldn’t want to start the Chase for the Sprint Cup off at racings most exciting complex. The NASCAR race is always exciting at Indianapolis, so why not kick off the chase for the cup at racings most historic venue.

2. Martinsville

Everybody likes watching a short track race, and I doubt that anyone would complain if Martinsvilleis kept in the chase. Everybody loves to watch a little bumpin and racin.

3. Watkins Glen

C’mon NASCAR lets throw a road coarse into the mix, just to shake things up a bit. While they aren’t exactly the most exciting races, having a road coarse race would defiantly help shake things up in the chase.

4. Richmond

Richmond is one of NASCAR’s most exciting tracks. It has the passing of a speedway, and the bumping of Bristol. I like the fact that it was the final race before the chase, but I would rather it be inside of the chase, not out.

5. Talladega

A lot of people have been questioning weather or not Talladega should be in the chase. Who doesn’t like a little drama, and Talladega never fails to provide. The big one always tends to shake the chase up a bit.

6. Phoenix

It’s already in the chase, but I would rather it be moved up towards the middle of the chase. Phoenix, which is kind of similar to Richmond, has the speedway feel even though it is a short track.

7. Atlanta

As a NASCAR fan I have a tough time watching a complete race at a speedway. In my opinion they tend to be quite boring and non-dramatic. Atlanta on the other hand is not. There is always great racing, and the track has provided some of NASCAR’s greatest and closest finishes.

8. Darlington

Darlington is one of NASCAR’s most historic venues, and for that simple reason it should be inserted into the Chase. I enjoy watching races at Darlington because it has a good mixture of racing and cautions.

9. Bristol

Who doesn’t enjoy a night or day race in thunder valley? Bristolalways provides drama, and controversy, something that the chase has been missing. Bumpin is racin and that is what the true NASCAR fans want.

10. Daytona

Why not finish the season with the race that kicks off the season? Honestly, why wouldn’t NASCAR want to conclude the season at the most famous venue in its sport? Daytona always provides fans with a race that never has a dull moment.

NASCAR seems kind of perplexed about why fans aren’t watching the final races. As a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan I just can’t muster up enough fan-hood to tune into a race at Homestead that nobody but Jimmie Johnson fans care about. Now if chase concluded at Darlington, Bristol, and Daytona I would defiantly watch with passion even if Jr. wasn’t in contention.

I think that is kind of the attitude with all NASCAR fans. I mean I followed the final races of this year’s chase, but it was rather boring. Fans want tracks like Bristol, Daytona, and Richmond, not Homestead and Kansas. I guarantee you that if NASCAR revamped the chase scheduling then more fans would tune into the final 10 races, regardless of who is competing for the Championship.

More Than a Game: Remembering Sean Taylor

Andrew Sable — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:34:20 -0500

One of my most memorable sports experiences was going to the first game following the death of the late great Sean Taylor. I remember entering Fedex Field on a cloudy and cold Sunday in December not knowing what to expect on the field.

I walked through the gate and grabbed the 21 towels they were handing out, a piece of memorabilia that is now gracing the walls in my room. The mood throughout the stadium was sollum, not upbeat like the previous games I had attended that year.

I walked towards my club level seat in my Sean Taylor jersey noticing how things just werent the same within the friendly confines of Fedex field. The weather seemed to match the mood of all 91,704 fans within the stadium, and other Redskins fans across the country.

Anyway, I took my seat as a video tribute began playing in remembrance of Sean Taylor. As quotes from teammates, and highlights and pictures flashed across the screen I found a tear or two streaming down the side of my face. A collection of his greatest hits began streaming across the screen as fans around the stadium began waving their 21 towels and cheering.

Never, have i felt more proud to be a Redskins fan.

Shortly later an emotional Redskins team took the field, only 5 days after the death of a teammate, friend, son, father and much more. The players donned a number 21 decal on their helmets and their jerseys. In the middle of a playoff push, that game against the Buffalo Bills was an important one.

I watched Santana Moss hold up his fingers representing Taylor's number 21 after making a catch. Fred Smoot cried several times after looking over at the position Sean Taylor should have been playing. After scoring the game's only touchdown, longtime friend and teammate Clinton Portis pulled up his jersey revealing a t-shirt that honored Taylor.

The Redskins lost by a last second, 36 yard field goal by Buffalo kicker Ryan Lindell.

Following a 'Skins loss fans can be very vocal on their way out of Fedex field. This time a silence fell across the fans as they exited Fedex field.

Playing and remembering was much more important that a loss on that day. Redskins cornerback Fred Smoot stated it best when he said, "I didn't show up to play this game. I showed up for a tribute for my friend, to send him out right."

The same goes for any Redskins fan that attended, or watced that December 2nd game. They didn't come for the game, they came to remember a player that was on a path to become one of the NFL's greats.

When he passed away I felt as if I lost one of my family members. I'm sure every other Redskins fan felt the same way. I will always remember Taylor as a player who always gave everything he had. You hear that expression passed around alot when describing a player, but he really did give every play his all. He always was around the ball, and played with a passion and intensity that is hard to match

And here we are, one year later after his death.

At Sunday's game against the New York Giants he will be inducted into the Redskins ring of honor as a way to tribute the late great safety.

Again, the Redskins are in the middle of yet another playoff push, with a vital game against the defending super bowl champion New York Giants. I will not be attending the game as I will be on the road Sunday, but I would give almost anything to be there with my Redskins family, supporting the players and my fellow fans as we pay tribute to the late great 21.

One thing is for sure, win or lose sunday, it will not matter. Rememberance is more important than any win.

Redskins Playoff Push Hinges on Stellar Defensive Play

Andrew Sable — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:37:17 -0500

No, it's not the play of quarterback Jason Campbell.

New coach Jim Zorn? Nope.

Clinton Portis's play has been stellar, but the true key to the Redskins success is one of the NFL's most underrated defenses.

Despite giving up the third fewest yards per game, 272, the Skins defense still fails to receive praise like defenses of Tennessee, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. The pass defense has given up an average of 182.7 yards in the air through 11 games, something that nobody expected prior to the season.

The defensive play of the Washington Redskins is indicative to weather or not they will breach the barrier of the postseason. Yes, Clinton Portis has carried the offense, but you can't rely on him week in and week out. If the defense continues to work as a unit, and play as a team, the Washington Redskins will make the playoffs.

The secondary is the key to the Redskins defensive successes. Carlos Rogers is having a breakout year despite having only one interception and 44 tackles. He has shut down some of the NFL's most dominant receivers.

Sean Springs has played well as has Fred Smoot and newly acquired Pro Bowl corner back DeAngelo Hall who made an immediate impact with an interception in his first game as a Redskin.

Chris Horton, the sixth-round draft pick out of UCLA has played beyond his expectation and is nothing short of defensive rookie of the year. Laron Landry has also helped lead one of the NFL's best secondary units.

London Fletcher is the gas that fuels the Redskins defense with his 86 tackles this season. He is questionable for sunday's game against the defending super bowl champions, and If the Redskins are to slow down a very powerful Giants rushing game, they need a healthy Fletcher out there making tackles.

In my opinion, the 5'10" middle linebacker out of John Carrol is the NFL's most underrated linebacker. He is constantly around the ball, and constantly is making big plays in the clutch.

Defensive line play is much improved from previous years, but we still haven't seen the unit at full strength. First year RedskinbJason Taylor has been either playing injured, or out of the game for the majority of the season. It will be interesting to see weather or not his play improves as he becomes more healthy.

The defense should excel in the final five games of the season before the playoffs. Even in their season opening loss to the Giants, the defense played well, holding Eli Manning's offense to one touchdown. The ravens offense is mediocre at best, same goes for the Bengals and 49ers who the Redskins play all on the road. The Skins final home game comes against the Eagles who they held to 17 points in Philadelphia.

Overall, the Washington Redskins defense has excelled under defensive coordinator Greg Blatche. Many believed the 'Skins defense would be taking a step back with the departure of former coordinator Greg Williams, but Blatche has come in and helped mold this defensive unit into one of the NFL's best.

Jimmy Johnson 3-Peats

Andrew Sable — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:21:07 -0500

Some of the finest sports franchises can't do it, and yet Jimmie Johnson capturing his third straight NASCAR Sprint Cup series championship has gone under the radar in the wide world of sports.

Despite the fact that NASCAR is one of the most watched sports in the nation, Jimmie Johnson’s record-tying feat has barely received any attention.

With all of the hype surrounding popular drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Gordon, NASCAR’s most successful driver over the last three years continues to fly under the radar.

Yes, that is Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet, and defending three-time champion. He drives under NASCAR’s most successful owner, Rick Hendrick, and is teammates with Junior and Gordon.

Johnson is rarely surrounded in controversy, which is probably the main reason why he doesn’t receive the popularity to rival his two superstar teammates.

Over seven full seasons in NASCAR’s premier series, Johnson has racked up 40 wins, 101 top five finishes, and an average finish of 11th place. Over his career, he has been a model for consistency and class.

Johnson is kind of the quiet assassin that you can rely on. Even when he struggled at the beginning of the season, he kept himself in the top 12 and got himself into the chase. In those final 10 races, he propelled his way to the lead and never looked back.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is my driver without a doubt. I’ve followed NASCAR my whole life. When I was five, I could recite every driver's name, car number, manufacturer, and sponsor. I cried when my childhood idol Dale Earnhardt Sr. passed away on Feb. 18, 2001.

It’s one of my favorite sports to watch, and although it pains me to say it, Jimmie Johnson has been one of the most consistent drivers over a three year span. I actually hate when he wins, because he does it so often. I felt the same way about Jeff Gordon during his championship days.

I guess it’s a sense of envy as I’m still waiting for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to capture a championship. Patiently waiting as Jimmy Johnson breaks records not even Dale Junior’s legendary father could accomplish.

A three-peat in NASCAR’s premier series is something rare and special that should be recognized and celebrated whether you like, dislike, or don’t even follow Jimmy Johnson.

Next season he will march towards an unprecedented fourth straight championship, and who’s going to stop him?

Whoever it is, let it be known that I will be rooting for them!

Thursday Night Loss to Miami Exposes Virginia Tech's True Offensive Woes

Andrew Sable — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:30:29 -0500

The Virginia Tech Hokies fell to 6-4, 3-3 in the ACC after losing to the Miami Hurricanes Thursday night in Miami. The loss dropped Tech from a tie for first in the ACC Coastal Division.

The Hokies struggled offensively, only posting 250 yards against a resurgent Miami team, something that was completely bipolar compared to their 400-yard night against Maryland in their previous game.

Redshirt freshman Darren Evans ran for 253 yards on 32 carries against the Terps, setting a school record. On Thursday night against Miami he ran for 43 yards on 17 carries.

Against the Terps, redshirt senior Sean Glennon managed the offense well as he threw 14-20 for 127 yards and a touchdown pass in the win. Glennon got the start in that game and was able to get into a groove with sophomore quarterback Tyrod Taylor out for the game nursing an injured ankle.

Last night Glennon completed 6-of-8 passes for 98 yards. He had to split time with Taylor, the run first, pass second quarterback, who completed 6-of-12 passes for 75 yards but ran for two touchdowns as he racked up 43 yards on 14 carries.

Do I like Tyrod Taylor? Yes, but I believe that Glennon is the better quarterback today. Now when his career is over at Virginia Tech, Taylor will more than likely have better stats. I would have rather Taylor been redshirted this year, so that he is set up for three strong years as the Hokies' starting quarterback.

The two-quarterback system has worked before, but even a blind man could tell that it isn't working for Virginia Tech.

Glennon really never had the chance to shine in Blacksburg. He was stuck behind Marcus Vick, had one year to himself as a starter, and then had to split time with Tyrod Taylor last year and this year.

Against Maryland, Glennon effectively moved the ball with the passing game, opening up the running game for Darren Evans. He didn't get the chance to against Miami, because Tyrod dominated the quarterback playing time.

Stack eight in the box when Tyrod is in, and call it game over. He needs to learn to stick in the pocket and make a pass, not flush out every time there is a pass rush.

While Taylor may be the popular choice in Blacksburg, I'll continue to support Sean Glennon. He gets the job done.

It's Jason Campbell's Time To Help out Clinton Portis

Andrew Sable — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:20:57 -0500

As the second half of the season progresses, and the playoffs near, running back Clinton Portis has carried the Washington Redskins towards the light at the end of the tunnel that is the NFC (B)East.

The 'Skins are sitting pretty at (6-3) and are in prime position to capture a birth in the playoffs. In their final seven games, the Redskins will take on three NFC East opponents at home; the Giants, Cowboys, and the Eagles.

The other four games are on the road versus Ravens, Bengals, 49ers, and a homecoming for Coach Jim Zorn against the Seattle Seahawks. With a weak out-of-division-schedule ahead, and three home games versus NFC East opponents, the Redskins are all but in the playoffs.

Before the season, what non-Redskins fan would have predicted that they would be sitting at (6-3) after nine games?

Thank you Clinton Portis

The 5'11" inch running back from the University of Miami has been nothing short of the NFL’s MVP this season. He is the reason for the Redskins success this season. Not the consistent play of quarterback Jason Campbell. Not the resurgent defense or new head Coach Jim Zorn’s unorthodox coaching style.

It has been Clinton Portis and his 110 yards per game that have excelled the 'Skins into the upper tier of teams in the NFL.

And now Portis is doubtful for Sunday night’s showdown with the Dallas Cowboys with a knee injury.

The NFL season is a grueling one, especially for a running back. In order to keep, or get Clinton Portis healthy, the pressure is going to have to lie on the shoulders of Jason Campbell, as the season crawls to an end.

Although Sunday night’s game versus the Cowboys will not make or break their season, this game will be indicative of how far Jason Campbell has progressed. He is going to have to put the team on his shoulders and lead them to a victory against the Cowboys, without his safety blanket in Clinton Portis, something he hasn’t had to do all season.

Coach Jim Zorn’s play-calling will also need to be adjusted if the Redskins are going to keep Portis healthy deep into the playoffs. 20+ carries week in and out is going to grind away the health of Portis.

Either Zorn needs to incorporate backups Shaun Alexander and Ladell Betts more in the running games, or the 'Skins are going to need to be a pass-first, run-second team. Portis is the reason for the Redskins' success, and if he isn’t healthy, the Redskins will struggle unless Campbell can step his level of play up to that of a top-tier quarterback.

At the same time, Coach Jim Zorn needs to take the training wheels off of his bicycle and see if Campbell can pedal away. It is time to see how far he has really come under the wings of Zorn.

Hopefully some of the pressure will be taken off of Portis now that he is injured. There is no need to keep giving him 20+ carries and possibly lose him for the rest of the season to an injury. Out of adversity rises champions, and the time is now for the fourth-year quarterback from the University of Auburn.