Bleacher Report - Articles by Sean Wilson

Tarheel Title Hopes End In a "Ty"

Sean Wilson — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:57:21 -0400

When I got into my email this morning, I found one from my good friend Rory. You guys know Rory...right?

I'm sure many of you received the same message asking for analysis on UNC's title run. His implied mandate, "...and breakdown the potential 'x-factors,' or non-obvious, yet important keys to the team continuing it's run toward the Final Four... " made it tough, though...since the North Carolina keys to victory are in fact, obvious.

While I often relish the opportunity to thoroughly research and share anomalous, bizarre, curious, and obscure statistics and pummel the very few readers I have with numbers and historical snapshots which will of course, support the opinion I'm trying to convince you is the Biblical word of Sean, the foundation for this argument is simple, obvious, and... in-argue-able (yea...I made that word up!).

Tyler Hansbrough is the kind of kid you want on any team. I would call him Captain of my winter intramural Curling team. This season's cumulative averages of 21.4 ppg, and 8.2 rpg are monumental on a team that plays eight to 10 players every game and can't even come close to encapsulating his contribution to this team's success. His 52.2 FG percent, 34 steals, and 85.5 FT percent in 2008 simply add to his standing as arguably the best college basketball player of all time.

But the truth is his heart, determination, toughness, leadership, attitude, persistence, and motor lead this team on and off the court. He's never been in trouble, never shot himself in the leg, hasn't fathered 13 illegitimate children, and hasn't called his teammates shortcomings out in public. He is an MVP in every imaginable way...but he's not the "X-factor": he isn't the key to adding one more title and generating another Franklin Street parade...

The truth is this team won't get past Gonzaga without Ty Lawson. As the departure of extremely talented Marquette and Tennessee teams has shown...you need a prime-time point guard. This isn't an insult to Bobby Frasor, but he's no Ed Cota, or Ty Lawson for that matter.

As great as Tyler Hansbrough is, he can't create for himself and others; Ty Lawson can. He can beat defenses down the floor, get open looks for Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, and Tyler Hansbrough, and also score himself.

Lawson's 15.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, and 6.5 apg average tell most of the story, but his 53.8 FG percent, 46.7 percent 3-pt shooting , and 61 stls make him invaluable against the tough best and toughest teams. He can penetrate, or shoot from outside, and he can kick it out or make an interior pass for any easy dunk. His most important stat however, is his tremendous 3.4 assist-to-turnover ratio, second in the nation only to Pittsburgh's Levance Fields.

Turf-toe or not, the Heels wouldn't have made it past LSU last week without Ty Lawson on the floor. He is the QB and coach on the floor, and a sure-fire All-Star at the next level. He's the "X-factor" Roy Williams needs to cut down one more net.

Forget the NFL Mock Drafts: These Players We Should Want

Sean Wilson — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:44:21 -0400

In an era where we celebrate low integrity and personal responsibility with our celebrities and sports figures, I'd like to name a few young draft prospects that every team should want...except Dallas...they should keep going after criminals and delinquents... Rare physical gifts like a 4.30 40, 40" vertical, and repping 225 40 times are impressive. They give a player an advantage in every situation on the field. But that's why they play the game. That's why were going to discuss some players who rely not only on strength and speed, but intangibles that will make their teams, teammates, organizations, and communities better.

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Washington Redskins...Please God...Don't Take a T.O.!

Sean Wilson — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:32:20 -0500

This is going to be the shortest, most emotionally driven article I've ever written.

It is simply a plea, as a lifelong, emotional invested 'Skins fan.

I beg you Danny...Vinny...on all that is holy...please do not bring this cancer into the hallowed grounds of Redskin Park. Please do not give my ticket money to this No. 81..."Bizarro Art Monk" (that means he is the exact opposite of the awesomeness that is Art Monk for all you Cowboy fans).

He is a plague...an evil, sad, twisted hot mess that while easily one of the most talented football players ever, will erode the one thing Redskin fans have in their team. PRIDE!

Consider this a petition! If you agree...

If you disagree...chime in! One thing we all know...Danny's thinking about it after the Cowgirl's announced Terrell Owen's release from Dallas.

Don't Be Stupid, Danny! Are You Listening?

Sean Wilson — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:26:06 -0500

I'm going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. Don't be stupid!

Point number one: Sign D. Hall already...he's our only play maker on defense. He's priority number one.

Point number two: Make Carlos Rogers happy. He is Shawn Springs ten years ago. He tackles everyone around him. He ball hawks like a safety. He led the team in pass defenses. He is what made it possible for Horton, Landry, and Hall to look so good.

I hate to say this, however, that will require us to let Shawn walk. I'll miss him, but we can't pay him to play four games a season, and Carlos needs to know he's our man. With Carlos, DeAngelo, Chris Horton, Landry, Smoot, and Doughty...name a better secondary...especially if Tryon matures?!

Point number three: If Orakpo, Brown, or Maybin aren't there at No. 13...shop the pick. There are several teams with late first round and multiple second round picks who will be wanting to jump and grab one of those OT or USC linebackers still floating around. We don't need them.

However, if we can't drop down after making a deal with the Pats (who need O-line and secondary help), or the Falcons (who need LB and OL help), or Vikings (who just need a QB and might want to jump up if Sanchez is still around), or the Dolphins, or the Giants, then we get stuck with prospective top ten talent like Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin, Jason or Andre Smith, Everette Brown, BJ Raji, Peria Jerry, Michael Oher, or possibly even Eugene Monroe among others.

Point number four: We need OLB and interior linemen. That's priority No. 2. I think No. 13 could be valuable on the market. First, the Vikings would take Sanchez if he's still there, and the Pats would move up to take Oher, or a Smith (Jason or Andre) if they are still there. And I think the Dolphins would move up to get Cushing or MAUALUGA. I would be just as happy with taking Laurinitus, Matthews, Kruger (from Utah), or Sintim...happier maybe because those guys are team guys who will be pro-bowlers for years.

I don't think the Lions would move because they need so many parts, but the Pats or Dolphins are serious options because they have picks to use...and the move might make them better.

A move like that would give us the opportunity to target Alex Mack (C), Max Unger (C), maybe Eric Wood (C), or AQ Shipley (C) to replace Rabach who looked lost most of last year, or Duke Robinson (G), Eben Britton (T), Meredith(T), Loadholt (T) or add depth and potential starting skill to the O-line.

Point number five: Look at the late first and second round depth. Do a cost-value analysis...you still have Tyson Jackson (DE), Michael Johnson (DE), Larry English (DE), Robert Ayers (DE), Ron Brace (DT), Troy Kropog (OT), Ziggy Hood (DT), Senn'Derrick Marks (DT), Jarron Gilbert (DE). There is plenty to go around and our needs are cheap and/or plentiful. C/G is cheap...DL is plentiful.

OK...this is longer than I thought.

The Redskins have always been built around the lines. Look back to the Redskins hay-day. Manley, Mann, and Butz...Jacoby, Grimm, Jeff Bostic, or Mark May...we use foundation to make wins. Not flashy, high profile players.

We have Clinton, Cooley, Santana, and Sellers. We have the number four defense in the league with potentially the best secondary in the league. We have the train...we need the tracks. We have the engine...we need the wheels...whatever metaphor makes it click, you get the point.

Washington Redskins: GM for a Day—Is Danny Accepting Resumes to Replace Vinny?

Sean Wilson — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:00:23 -0500

If only they'd listen to us guys, we all keep saying the obvious—LINEMEN!!! LINEBACKERS!!! STICK TO THE PLAN!!! Too bad we don't get paid to advise these guys.

First step is purge. I love them, but starting with Buges, Jansen, Pete, Marcus, Springs, Cornelius, and Ledell—they all have to go. It's time to snatch the band-aid and allow the team to get better!

Casey has to be the first person gone, he is the weakest link on a slow line. They are set to run the counter, but asked to pull and zone block with the passing game. They aren't built for the system.

Build around Chris Samuels, Rhinehart, and Heyer. Get solid OG and Center play and we win. Skill positions are set, just get the young guys involved next year.

Definitely re-sign Hall...get Carlos happy. The secondary is the strongest part of the ENTIRE TEAM! They single-handedly kept us in games all year.

Go get Terrell Suggs and Mike Goff in the market, then draft a DT and Center (Unger or Mack). Or sign Matt Birk and Suggs/Peppers and draft Duke Robinson.

Trade away our first round pick and get a late first and second or third. That would allow us to get someone like Duke Robinson and later on Brain Cushing.

Speaking of...try and get Bart Scott or draft Brian Cushing or similar SLB. We need playmakers yes, but we also need to stick with what works for us—bend don't break. Get sideline to sideline speed in the front seven and improve pass rush. Seems like I've written this before...

Start next season knowing that Devin and Malcolm will be split wide, and that Santana is going to be our Welker. That is easily the smartest play. EASILY! We'd be stupid not to.

I know CP wants all the carries, but he can't do it! His body can't withstand what his heart says he can do. He's MY FAVORITE PLAYER! I love everything about his heart, on the field spirit, and leadership...but he needs a 20-carry limit and needs to lineup in a Marshall Faulk style. I'd love him to last eight more years.

Find balance with an explosive BIG back. We need someone big and bruising to carry the ball. Mike could do it, but only for about two more years. Get a McClain-type to contrast CP and use the West Coast offense to open up running lanes. (Seems like I wrote that before, too.)

Give JZ and JC one more year to mesh and learn, not only each other, but their jobs. I like them both. They showed how good they could be early. Now, they simply have to learn to adjust to the...adjustment defense make for them.

Get confident on the skills we do have. Open up the play-book for Jason and use all the weapons we have. Don't restrict the offense to a paradigm called West Coast...our skill players are too good to limit them to a system. Use them within one. Develop one around their skill sets.

Captain Chaos, CP, Santana, London, DeAngelo, and Carlos are all top 10 in the league or better (Cooley, CP, and DBs) at their positions. Cooley, CP, London, and DBs are easily top three.

Use it...build around it...stick to it!

Gone Fishin: Who Should the Washington Redskins Lure This Offseason?

Sean Wilson — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:41:22 -0500

Season's all but over...and I've got nothing to do but brood over a lost season and derive, in my mind, a winning formula for next season. Now, while we've all told Danny Boy to stop spending money, there are some quality players that would not only fit well in the organization, but add talent and depth at crucial positions. I first and formost want to get more draft picks and develop champions and "fan-favorites", there are some established leaders and winners out there the free-agent market we should definitely show interest in... Second priority...Offensive line... Third...Defensive Line... Fourth...Linebacker... Fifth...Running Back! First ingredient:

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Who's your Pro Bowl Starting Lineup (NFC)?

Sean Wilson — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:25:17 -0500

I still think Dan Orlovsky should have gotten the nod to lead the NFC to victory in Hawaii. How smart is he to take a safety with so much time left on the clock and get his team more field to defend. I saw Bill Parcells do that against my 'Skins back in 1987...the 'Skins lost that game. Besides the Orlovsky slight, the voting left many fans looking as confused as Al Davis looking for his car in the parking lot! Here's a few of my picks for NFC starters and why. The first one really hurts...

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Original West Coast Offense...League Leading Rusher?

Sean Wilson — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:07:20 -0500

So yes...I'm a Redskin fan...and as such I should hate four teams. Why four?

Despising the New York G-strings, Philadelphia Pigeons, and...of course...the Dallas Cow patties is a given. But outside of watching the Cowgirls get a beat down, nothing pleases me more than watching the 49ers struggle over the last decade plus.

As any Redskin fan will tell you, the only reason the '80s isn't known across the NFL as the Redskin's decade, is because Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Roger Craig, Jerry Rice, and Ronnie Lott kept winning Super Bowls...again, and again, and again. From 1981 to 1990 the 49ers won four Super Bowls.

The Redskins in that same time with John Riggins, Art Monk, Charles Mann, and Dexter Manley won two and lost another to Marcus Allen's Raiders in 1984.

The general idea has been their legacies were cemented in very different ways. The prolific passing attack of Bill Walsh versus the Joe Gibbs counter tray.

This fallacy has brought on a distorted representation of the West Coast offense as implemented by Andy Reid, and now Jim Zorn, and other disciples of Mike Holmgren's branch of the Bill Walsh tree.

And while the Mike Holmgren method has had moderate success to include a Super Bowl with the Packers (Brett Favre had a little to do with that one), it hasn't consistently won championships since Bill Walsh left the game.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, Redskins, and others running this tainted version...the running game successful during the Bill Walsh era in San Fran fell the way off the dodo bird...or the free market economy.

Why Sean? What's this you say about successful running game in the West Coast offense? From 1981 until 1990, the Niners averaged 129.7 rushing yards per game. They led the league in rushing in 1987 with 149.1 yards/game, finished second in the NFL and led the NFC in rushing in 1988 with 157.7 yards/game, and finished fourth in 1984 with 154.1 yards/game.

By comparison, the power running game of the Redskins averaged 132 yards/game over the same span. That doesn't highlight a significant disparity to me.

How was the running game so successful for the Niners? Shock and awe that's how! The offense ran through Joe Montana and the passing game and dealt explosive scoring blows early. By halftime the drubbing with Roger Craig and Tom Rathman left opponents bruised and disheartened.

Much like the Cowboys success of the early nineties, the passing game in the first half built a tremendous lead and softened up the middle of the defense with big play after big play; after the defense couldn't catch their breath, Joe, Steve, and Troy practiced their hand off for 30 minutes. There was no confusion, no identity crisis, and no surprises. Both teams knew what would happen...they just couldn't stop it!

The point is Zorn...Reid...and any other of Walsh's illegitimate grandchildren don't have to use the Holy One Father Joe Gibbs/Bugel's plan, or reinvent a sembient rushing attack...just watch game tapes of the Niners decade and you'll realize its built into the package.

Just cut off their weak appendage with first half explosions, then pummel them into an inebriated submission with a consistent smash mouth running game. The method works...very, very well.

One of the problems with modern West Coast concepts is the varied blocking schemes required to run both offenses.

The Colts don't technically run a West Coast offense, but they have been successful not just due to Peyton's all-powerful awesomeness...but because the offensive line, tight ends, and H-backs block using the same scheme EVERY down whether it's a pass or a run. No thinking involved...they perfect through repetition.

While as a Redskin fan I look upon the face of the Holy One Joe Gibbs as a deity, I would rather see a rushing attack that emulates Bill Walsh's. 'Skin fans please, don't run me out on a rail for sacrilege.

...but four is bigger than two...I think!

Washington Redskins' Defense Holds Bag for Downward Spiral

Sean Wilson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:42:20 -0500

As any avid Madden player and Redskin fan would know, the Redskins have held to a simple philosophy since the George Allen era: "Establish the Run, Stop the Run." You would think that's a philosophy we lived up to this year, considering the early season success of both Clinton Portis and the Redskins as a team.

But as the year progressed, and the Redskin's success faded, glaring holes in not only the Redskins offense, but maybe more so the Redskin defense have brought into question the ability of Jim Zorn, Greg Blache, and Jason Campbell to lead this team.

The effectiveness at which Marion Barber, the Giants, the Ravens, the Rams, and the Steelers ran over the 'Skins D late in the game could lead one to believe the Redskins defensive woes are solely the fault of interior defensive line play and poor tackling.

But as Dane Cook would say..."let's go back, let's go back"...the numbers tell the true story and lead us right back to the truth we'd almost forgotten. WE CAN'T RUSH THE PASSER!!!...and Dan Snyder should only play football owner on Madden.

First of all, we have a grand total of 16 takeaways (28th in the NFL) to include 12Interceptions (19th), and four Forced Fumbles (30th). Worst is the woeful 21 Sacks (29thin the NFL). Considering the truly impressive talent of the 'Skins defensive backfield, those numbers are simply AWFUL!

Second, London Fletcher, Rocky Mac, and even H.B. Blades have been better than solid (London got hosed on Pro Bowl). Carlos (also hosed), Shawn (when he's on the field), Fred, and especially D. Hall (tied for second in the league in picks with five—two with 'Skins) have been easily among the best in the league; while LaRon and Chris Horton have been "ball-hawking" like All-Pro caliber safeties all season long.

So why the 7-7 record? Andre Carter and Jason Taylor have been absent from anyone's offensive backfield, and the revolving door on the D-Line can't get any push early in the game, so they get pushed around late in the game.

The lone bright spot on the outside of that defensive line has been D. Evans who leads the team in sacks with a whopping 3.5. The 'Skins DON'T HAVE A SINGLE PLAYER IN THE TOP 30 IN SACKS in the NFC--not the NFL mind you--the NFC!

What's worse is this isn't a new problem, and there have certainly been opportunities to address it in the draft over past years, but the 'Skins decided three pass catchers with a combined total of 19 catches was a better idea.

To be fair, they may have contributed if any of them saw the field in the Red Zone. But, the fact remains the Redskins have been projected to draft D-Linemen on day one of the draft for the last three years, but instead they've drafted corners, safeties, and wide-outs.

All solid players, but the line of scrimmage has been a decided afterthought until the fifth or sixth round.

Cliche time: "Wars are won in the trenches."

As I've said before, I understand the "best player available concept" Vinnie says he lives by, but you have to deal with needs. Seriously...who didn't really think we would use at least one of those three picks to get Calais Campbell, Quentin Groves, Jason Jones, Chris Ellis, or Pat Sims, all of which were available when the 'Skins began their second round shopping spree.

Fact: Quentin Groves and Jason Jones have the same amount of sacks combined (five) as Fred Davis and Malcolm Kelly have receptions.

Besides the non-pass protection, and the injury plague that hit both sides of the line of scrimmage, a non-existent pass rush, and an insane inability to force a turnover have been the biggest factor in the Redskins meteoric fall from grace. Can someone tell me how you force turnovers? I thought it was PRESSURE!

Several of you have given your opinion on who is to blame for the 'Skins downward spiral. Facts are its definitely not the fifth ranked defense, or the seventh ranked rushing offense.

While those rankings aren't all-telling, they in-and-of themselves would sound to most like a playoff team...which the 'Skins are not.

The truth is they won't be a contender without a pass rush and pass protection to augment the Rush offense and Rush defense.

If they don't draft pass rushers this yea...I'm gonna take up Curling...or maybe lawn bowling! Conversely, if they fortify the trenches...they become immediately legitimate.

Hail 'Skins!

Why the NFL Beats MLB and NBA...for Now!

Sean Wilson — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:02:22 -0500

Quick...Name the teams that recent Yankee acquisition CC Sabathia has played for? Bad example...Only three in seven years. How about Mark Teixeira...Not bad, probably four in seven years. How about Greg Maddux, five teams, and Moises Alou has played for seven teams in his long career.

What about the NBA? You could probably keep your shoes on to count the number of NBA players to stay with the same team for five-plus years, much less an entire career. Tim Duncan, Kobe, and maybe Dwayne Wade are the absolute exception...not the rule.

The NFL on the other hand has maintained a semblance of consistency in its ranks throughout the years. Superstars like Brett Favre, Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith, Edgerrin James, etc, etc didn't jump from team to team NBA style throughout their career. Their moves were normally to avoid end-of-career benching.

This has allowed the NFL fanbase to consistently grow while the NBA and MLB fanbases have eroded over the last 20 years. The problem being that fans can't tell you who will be playing point guard or shortstop for their favorite team from one game to the next. In the '50s and '60s baseball players lived, worked, and grew up in a community.

Curt Flood in 1969 and the removal of the Reserve Clause in 1975 changed the landscape of sports. Player trades were much more rare than today. Fans in a community sold cars to Hank Aaron, sold groceries to Willie Mays, and babysat Bill Russell kids.

While these actions stopped owners from taking advantage of players, getting rich off these athletes, and prevented ridiculous transactions like the "Curse of the Great Bambino", relationships between fans and athletes have never been the same.

I'm not saying free agency is "the devil", unfortunately it was a necessary evil like taxes...and marriage...I do believe it has evolved into something that hurts sports by not only devolving player/community relationships, but driving up ticket and concession prices to pay exorbitant collectively bargained contracts.

The owners as well as players will make sure to get theirs. We just keep paying the ticket prices and buying $10 Dodger dogs.

While player trades like Portis-Bailey and Roy Williams for ???? are rare, free agent moves like Drew Brees, Steve Hutchinson, and every Wednesday for the Cowboys and Redskins are becoming much more frequent.

You've even seen in-season trades in recent years, something never seen in the past. The "Rozelle Rule" and later "Plan B" greatly limited these moves by taking something of equivalent value from the gaining team and giving it to the losing team (normally draft picks).

This made teams think long and hard about not resigning big name free agents. However, the Player's Union (gotta love unions) took it to court (got to love government involvement in business) and called this anti-trust infringement.

There is a direct correlation between increased free-agency and declined fan support. Fans don't want to see players like John Smoltz, Tim Duncan, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Clinton Portis, Allen Iverson, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, or Kobe Bryant playing in different jerseys.

Fans want to love, hate, cheer, or jeer the players they know. They want to watch them become superstars and know that next year...They'll be there to watch succeed.

Fans always see players they know and love as one of the best at their position. They support their teams and the players (good and bad) with revolving revenue. Players drafted and developed within an organization lead jersey sales league wide. So here's a thought...save a league...keep a player.

Reasons For and Against a Playoff and Who Wins Either Way!

Sean Wilson — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:30:51 -0500

Here you go...another fix for the defunct...yes defunct BCS? No...just more questions.

While I've been a long standing proponent of a playoff, a good young defensive back from Texas shined a tiny little light on a big issue. It's not there job!!!! This young man didn't say it wasn't his job, he simply said playing more football would weigh heavily on the professional students ability to do well academically and participate in collegiate athletics.

So why do we push so hard for or against a college football playoff?

Well...as fans we just won't to see our team awarded fairly for excellent play. But what is the argument really about? The Benjamin's, baby!

These numbers are a couple of years old, but as reported from the Equity in Athletics reports, here's a look at the top 10 football revenue schools (2003-2004):

1) Texas $47,556,281 2) Tennessee $46,704,719 3) Ohio State $46,242,355 4) Florida $42,710,967 5) Georgia $42,104,214 6) Alabama $39,848,836 7) Notre Dame $38,596,090 8) Michigan $38,547,937 9) LSU $38,381,625 10) Auburn $37,173,943

That's a lot of scratch...even for way back then before our economy dropped its pants. The problem is that these kids are STUDENTS. They are there to study, not make the NCAA and these schools, and their coaches, and AD's rich.

The percentage of college football players who make it to the NFL is 0.2%! Of the 9,000 players that make it to the college level, only 310 are invited to the NFL scouting combine. Last year there were 252 players drafted. A season extension through playoffs or otherwise would strain these future mainstream professional's ability to compete with non-athletes.

However... For college football's sake, I still agree with a playoff. However, logistically it would have to succumb to a complete GM style restructuring. Now here's the fix I said I wouldn't give. 12 ten-team, two division conferences (120 teams) playing eight (five in conference, three in division) regular season games.

Each conference playing a conference semi-final and final championship game with the winner going to a "bowl" game. You can even call the conference championship games "Bowl" games. Construct a 10 team playoff, with two byes using Coach's Poll from all 120 coaches to determine top two power ranking for byes.

The conference knuckleheads will never redistrict, but fairness for students and legitimacy for programs will require concessions on both ends. The stipulations must be to keep games under 15 total games and work season byes around mid-terms and finals.

We have to work on exponentially increasing graduation rates...not dollar signs. Increase red-shirt numbers, and preserve the future for these young men instead of riding them to 000,000,000's at the end of your own paychecks.

Staff more mentors for these guys and change the rules to allow all athletic revenues to get these athletes and non-athletes and their families out of situations that would lead them down Plexico-Pacman-Vick's path. Or here's a thought...lower TICKET PRICES so I can take my kids to a game!!

The crux of the argument is concentrate on something worthwhile...don't create more games to increase revenue...create more revenue per game...and create more professionals in every career. BTW—Tebow for Heisman

Washington Redskins Injury Report and Roster...One in the Same

Sean Wilson — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:50:56 -0500

Why doesn't Dan Snyder just keep a triage tent set up on the sideline? With stretcher bearers? A big line of wheel chairs instead of a bench?

Is there a need to address trainers? Medical contracts? Staff physicians? I've gone over some of the other injury reports, and while I don't have the time, resources, nor inclination to go back and review injury reports for say...the last six to 10 seasons and compare them to others, the laymen's view from my couch says the Redskins, year after year, have an amazingly exorbitant amount of injuries that either nag or sideline key players for long periods of time.

Significant losses over the past three years to exceed six games include: Portis, Campbell, Samuels, Jansen, Thomas, Rabach, Washington, McIntosh, Springs, Griffin, Doughty (was starter), Daniels, and Rogers (I'm sure I've missed a few).

Those are just the starters. We've also lost Andre Carter, Jason Taylor to multiple games less than six games, and the Golsten/Montgomery Corp. to significant playing time. Malcolm Kelly, Stephon Heyer, and Alfred Fincher have all not contributed this season.

While CP, Landry, Horton, Fletcher, Samuels, Jansen, Moss, Randal El, Thomas, Kendall, Springs, Smoot, Blades, and Betts (again...I know I've missed someone) have all been banged up and playing hurt.

Injuries NFL wide are up at an amazing rate...So I'm not necessarily calling for the head of John Hastings-Head Strength/Conditioning, Bobby Crumpler-Assistant Strength/Conditioning, or Harrison Bernstein-Assistant Strength/Conditioning. But the Redskins do need to see if there are some changes they can make to fight injuries that may be consistantly costing them integral parts of teams that can contend.

Warning...this Player Will Self-Destruct

Sean Wilson — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:13:07 -0500

Like several other players in the league, Plexico has this mistaken belief his immense physical talent gives him license to disrupt the psychological well-being of the team. He is selfish and adds much less value then he believes. The GIANTS win without him! The Cowboys could win without TO, and the Bengals...well...they're the Bengals.

Not many have lived his life...dealt with the obvious developmental influences, or lived with the same developed set of values of Plexico...but...he was given an opportunity. He is blessed with talent maybe 2% of the human population have.

He was recruited by someone, mentored by someone, tutored by someone, represented by someone, loved by someone...and every time he self-destructs, he craps on the efforts of all of those people. He didn't earn this place on his own. His hard work was only part of the recipe to Super Bowl hero. Some people helped him along the way...

I was recently told, when discussing a family members similar tendencies, that some people who have had difficult situations in life, don't feel as though they should be successful and subconsciously destroy themselves at every turn.

Every time they get on their feet, they sweep their own legs out from under them. At some point, they can't pick themselves up again. And at some point, some people will quit trying to help.

It vicariously hurts every time I see a Travis Henry, Plexico Burress type talent reach the pinnacle of a boyhood dream, only to dash it through self-destructive, immature behavior that preceeds a meteoric fall.

Maybe Congress can form a committee to investigate how to prevent millionaires, who play a game for a living, from throwing away their lives. I think its a worth while cause. Or maybe, we can start a foundation. "For just 15 cents a day, you can get one NFL player off a proverbial cliff."

Why Sooner Is Better Than Later To Sign DeAngelo Hall

Sean Wilson — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:51:14 -0500

Do you want to deal with DeAngelo Hall? Neither do I! But should the Redskins invest is this talented and troubled corner?

No doubt about it...D. Hall has elite cover skills, but is he worth an elite investment? With all his question marks: gets burnt, can't play within a team, insubordinate, huge A-hole in the locker room, etc, etc...he still is tied for second in the league in interceptions with four.

This includes one in his first game where he was stood up against one T.O. (without the Romo).

He has special cover skills with blinding speed and a great sense for the ball. He also has great hands, can be physical at the line of scrimmage, and corrects on the ball in the air like a wideout. He also looks to be the No. 1 receiver guy when Shawn is on the shelf (which never happens...right?).

However, he shies away from tackles, overcommits when he guesses, and worst of all...looked incredibly lazy on the field (with the Raiders, with the 'Skins, he has appeared fired up for the most part).

To answer my own question...sooner is better than later to offer a contract extension to avoid a forgetful NFL ballooning his value out of the Redskin's price range. I would like to keep a healthy Shawn Springs for as long as he can play...the problem is...such a player doesn't exist.

Springs has allowed for the development of Carlos as a No. 1 corner while he consistently shut down all the best receivers in the league. But he is old and fragile. He has missed somewhere in the ballpark of 50 percent of games over the last three years...and he's old...er.

He plays at such a high level when he's on the field, that he is still value-added if they can keep him, but how much will he play if the 'Skins re-sign him?

Now, look at Dallas (Owens, Williams), Arizona (Fitz and Boldin), the Giants (Plexiglass and Toomer), and Indy and the Pats and Green Bay and Cincinnati and Denver and New Orleans and...you get the point.

All these teams have AT LEAST TWO really strong receivers who can break open a game. So we need strength on both sides and at the nickle to maintain our man-to-man scheme to allow for Greg B's dynamic blitz packages.

If the 'Skins act now, they could possibly save a bundle by offering an incentive laden contract before possible postseason action could stoke up interest with teams like the Pats, G-Men, and Cowgirls, who all need DB help. He is assuredly going to be more pricey in the offseason after he's been significantly more well-behaved.

If the 'Skins can get this guy locked up for the next five years under the direct supervision of people like London, Fred, Clinton, Jon, Chris, and Shawn...then he could be a Randy Moss kind of steal, and avoid having the 'Skins having to spend a top draft pick or free-agent money to replace the void Springs will leave behind.

Too Early for Redskins '09 Draft Ideas? Never!

Sean Wilson — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:10:08 -0500

I know...the Skins are still in the playoff hunt and should make the playoffs with the remaining schedule. But can they get deep? I seriously doubt it!

But before Danny boy gets antsy, relapses into a teenage girl with a credit card, and trades away draft picks for hip replacement candidates like Zach Thomas and Derrick Brooks, I wanted to take a look at next year’s draft prospects.

Hopefully we can see some of these good young players learning from the quality established veterans we have such as London Fletcher, Clinton, Samuels, Thomas, etc., etc....

I just don't see superheroes coming out of the draft in positions we need superheroes. First, what do the Skins need? Pass rush and pass protection! So start with that! Casey Rabach is the weakest link...goodbye!

Trade away the first round pick to one of the teams with two seconds or a late round first and a second:

First/Second Round

1. Alex Mack, C, Cal, or

2. Max Unger, C, Oregon or

3. Jonathon Luigs, C, Arkansas, or

4. Eric Wood, C, Louisville

—Good stock at center who could justifiably go in first round or early second. Any of these guys could be available in middle to late second round.

1. Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU, or

2. Michael Johnson, DE, GT, or

3. Matt Shaughnessy, DE, Wisconsin

—I think Shaughnessy will be the best out of this bunch...to maybe include Orakpo from Texas (who'll be gone early).

From that point on, go get some of these guys by position in this order:

1. Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, S. Florida, or

2. Jonathon Casillas, OLB, Wisconsin, or

3. Zach Follett, OLB, Cal

—McKenzie is a tackling machine, Casillas is fast and explosive, and Follett is an all-around complete package.

4. Ian Johnson, RB, Boise St.

—A tough, fiery runner who has won big games

5. Brad Lester, RB, LSU

—Good blocker, and good receiver out of the backfield + tough downhill runner (plays bigger than small size, a la Portis).

6. Demonte Boldin, DT, TN, or

7. Rashaad Jackson, DT, Clemson

—Both can stuff the middle, and both can get at the QB from the middle.

8. Louis Vasquez, G, Texas Tech

9. Travis Bright, G, BYU

10. Dallas Reynolds, G, BYU

—Why these guys? Look at the systems they ran in college...remove the learning curve for low round draft picks and watch them contribute.

I understand the Redskins' draft concept of getting the best player available, but they are a pass first offense now. Protect it! I love Buges...but his time has passed, and they need to update the blocking schemes.

What is keeping this team with a top five defense, a top five running game, and decent special teams, from being elite? No big plays. What's preventing big plays? Not throwing the ball downfield. Why can't they get the ball downfield? Campbell can't make a five-step drop without someone in his hip pocket!

Rhinehart and Heyer can be built around to protect him for years. Continue nourishing him in this system, spell Clinton MORE OFTEN with a quality back who can block and not fumble, and the Skins will win Super Bowls for the next 10 years.

The Skins have all the fire, skill, and leadership on the field they need to build a Super Bowl dynasty...yes...dynasty...so address the needs with youth and talent...where it’s needed!