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DeAngelo Hall Accuses Falcons Coach of Throwing Punches

Knox Bardeen — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:48:00 EST

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Redskins, NFC East, NFC South

When the NFL schedule came out at the beginning of the year, the Washington Redskins traveling to play the Atlanta Falcons wasn't necessarily a matchup you circled as volatile. But DeAngelo Hall sure did.

Hall, who spent the first four seasons of his career playing in Atlanta, did a lot of trash-talking this week. He claimed that Falcons general manager Thomas Dmitroff lied to him on multiple occasions regarding roster issues and he dared the Falcons to make him a target this week, since he knew they probably would anyway. Was there any doubt that if a skirmish broke out on the field that Hall would be involved?

It wasn't exactly on the field, but as the first half was ending Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was hit after going out of bounds on the Falcons sideline and a melee ensued. The result was a 15 yard penalty against Washington and a lot of pushing and shoving. According to Hall, a Falcons coach even threw punches.

Hall said Atlanta strength coach Jeff Fish took a swing at him. "As a strength coach you going to come in and get (expletive) licks in?" Hall even went on to say that head coach Mike Smith was among the Atlanta coaches who were grabbing at him on the Falcons' sideline. "I was trying to get (LaRon Landry) out of there and guys started coming at me," Hall said. "Guys on their coaching staff, and not in a mindset to break up a fight."

Hall said he plans to file a complaint to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about the sideline incident. "I'm going to go to Goodell and try to nip this thing in the bud."

Coach Smith had a few different things to say about the incident on the sideline, "Our quarterback was hit late, there was a skirmish and all I was trying to do was restore order." When asked whether or not he got into the face of Hall, Smith said "There were a bunch of guys on that sideline. Some of them were wearing black helmets and some of them were wearing maroon helmets. I can't tell you anything more about it because it was very, very hectic on that sideline."

Smith squashed any further skirmish questions by saying, "I can't tell you who was on that sideline. All I can tell you is that I was trying to restore order.

DeAngelo Hall Accuses Falcons Coach of Throwing Punches originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Concussion Sidelines Clinton Portis

Chris Burke — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Injuries

As if the slumping Redskins needed any more bad news, running back Clinton Portis left Washington's game in the first quarter after suffering a concussion.

Portis took a couple of hard shots on a running play, with Atlanta's Chevis Jackson and Thomas DeCoud each landing blows -- at least one of which appeared to be helmet-to-helmet. No penalty was called on the play.

Portis stayed down on the field at the end of the play, then walked unsteadily to the sideline. He sat on the Redskins' sideline with a towel over his head while backup running back Ladell Betts replaced him. Jason Campbell threw an interception on the next play that was returned by the Falcons' Tye Hill for a touchdown.

More: Redskins Fall in Atlanta | Bengals' Chris Henry Breaks Forearm

Portis finished the day with just four yards on four carries.

There was no immediate word about the severity of Portis' concussion, though he did appear to remain conscious and stayed on the Redskins' bench for the remainder of the first half.

Earlier Sunday, news broke that Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook would likely miss his second straight game with post-concussion symptoms. Westbrook suffered a Grade 3 concussion in a Week 7 Monday night win at Washington.

Washington quarterback Jason Campbell also had to leave Sunday's game late in the first half with a chest contusion -- an injury that occurred on Atlanta's fifth sack of the game. Todd Collins replaced him for one play, but Campbell returned after halftime. Collins subbed in for Campbell again in the second half after Campbell appeared to roll his ankle.

Concussion Sidelines Clinton Portis originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greg Blache Defends Daniel Snyder

Matt Snyder — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

Former Redskins player John Riggins has been increasingly critical of current Redskins owner Dan Snyder over the course of the 2009 season. Most recently he took to Showtime's Inside the NFL to air his grievances against Snyder and the Redskins.

Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache, who apparently is an ardent Snyder supporter, took some serious issue with Riggins and his constant criticism. So serious an issue, in fact, that the Redskins sent out an incredibly lengthy press release courtesy of Blache early Thursday afternoon.

Some highlights:

- On why he felt compelled to defend Snyder -- "This is a man I've known for six years, since I've been here. And in the six years, I've never seen John Riggins here. I met him once at the Beach Blitz down in Virginia Beach - never seen him in the building. So, to hear such a vicious criticism of somebody I consider not just my employer, but a good friend, bothered me."

- On whether or not Snyder has a "dark heart" -- "The problem is the fans don't get to know Mr. Snyder like we do. They get an impression from things that are written and from things that people say. Let me just tell you something, for a person that's been here for six years, that's gone to him for things that I needed in my family - there's times he's come to me when he's heard about issues in my family and offered his assistance - is unsurpassed. He's one of the most generous, kind individuals you'll ever meet.

"My wife and I are involved in Hospice and there've been countless times he's come and helped us with issues and stuff with Hospice. To see that and get the feeling that that's what everyone on the outside is hearing about this person, I decided it was time to come and set the record straight. It's enough. It really is. We've had criticisms from people outside the building saying who Dan Snyder is and who is isn't. They don't know Dan Snyder and that's the problem."

- And, more on why Blache felt compelled to defend Snyder so adamantly -- "I just felt like it was time for somebody to come and throw a little truth out there. We keep hearing these other sides, these other factions, and to be quite candid, the third side - the truth - is that this person, all he wants to do is win. That's all he wants to do. He will spend his money, he will spend his time, he wants to win, he is here for the people, for the fans, for the Washington Redskins. Nobody pains more when we are unsuccessful than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that cares more about the fans than Dan Snyder. There is nobody that wants to win here, more than Dan Snyder. I just think that its time to put out there, for you guys to understand, that everything that is wrong with this organization is not Dan Snyder."

So, to sum things up, Blache really feels like Snyder -- his boss, mind you -- isn't getting a fair shake in the eyes of the fans and the general public. Hearing Riggins' constant public scrutinizing of Snyder seemed to have struck a chord with Blache, so he decided to send out an 800-word press release in defense of the maligned owner.

So, is Snyder really the humanitarian Blache makes him out to be, or is Blache just trying to ensure he keeps his job for the rest of the his life?

As with most discussions like this, the answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.

Greg Blache Defends Daniel Snyder originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dan Snyder 'Sorry' for Redskins' Fans

Matt Snyder — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:51:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

In what has been an incredibly disappointing 2009 campaign, to this point, maligned Redskins owner Daniel Snyder had been noticeably quiet. This movement was pretty shocking because, in the past, Snyder has been a relatively vocal and hands-on owner. His silence opened the door for all kinds of theories as to why he wasn't talking and what he may have been planning.

Tuesday, he finally said a few words about his 2-5 'Skins, who -- in addition to having to climb out of a crater-sized hole in the NFC East -- face a much tougher schedule than they've already played. He managed to come off sounding like a caring and remorseful owner.

"I think, number one, I feel bad for the fans," Snyder said. "I feel sorry for the fans. We're very, very appreciative of our great, loyal fan base. And I'm understanding. I mean, we just feel terrible. We're disappointed and we're embarrassed. And we hope to get it going soon."

Asked how the team's struggles have impacted him personally, Snyder replied: "It hurts. I mean, it really hurts. We are really trying very, very hard. Everyone at Redskins Park--the coaches, the players, the organization--quite frankly has held up well. I think we have an opportunity the rest of the season to hopefully get it going.

"But to date we have let everyone down, including ourselves. We know that. We're just apologetic. We've blown some games that obviously we think we should have won."

I'm not sure many fans will be ready to accept Mr. Snyder's apology, judging from the ample venom we see in his direction on any Redskins' message or comment board. Though Vinny Cerrato, Jason Campbell and Jim Zorn all seem to share some of the blame among the general public, Snyder is still usually front-and-center when it comes to discussing the problems of this once-great franchise.

To Snyder's credit, in the present tense, he sounds contrite and determined to turn things around. It is possible for people to change after reflecting upon their past indiscretions. He'll have to do a lot more to prove himself, if this is indeed a new Dan Snyder, but it could be a start.

As for the 2009 team, you'll note Snyder said they hope to "get it going." Their only two wins are against two of the worst teams in football and three of their losses are against teams with losing records. The rest of the way, eight of the Redskins' nine upcoming opponents currently have a winning record.

Thus, they better have fixed a lot during the bye week.

Dan Snyder 'Sorry' for Redskins' Fans originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dirty Dozen: Redskins Keep Sinking

Dave Goldberg — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:15:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Analysis

The Washington Redskins aren't the worst team in the NFL, but they're certainly the most chaotic. And the most disdainful of their paying customers.

They flounder on the field and they flounder off it -- especially off it, where owner Daniel Snyder, a self-absorbed billionaire who views his employees as pawns to be manipulated and eventually discarded, is loathed now by fans who are among the most loyal in sports.

Consider this tweet Tuesday night from a fan who calls himself @kn0nothing: "Had to sneak in our Sean Taylor memorial banner last 3 games.''

Why? Because Snyder and his minions have banned banners, many of which were uncomplimentary to them and their 2-5 team.

Kevin Blackistone: Snyder Running a Repressive Regime

Redskins general counsel David Donahue then went on the radio show of Washington Post columnist Mike Wise and said the reason was not the critical comments, but complaints from fans that the signs blocked their view or that they got hit in the head by same.

Oh.

"Over the past 24 hours, I've gotten dozens and dozens of e-mails and other messages expressing outrage about this new policy,'' wrote Dan Steinberg on the Post's DC Sports Bog. "In the past four years, I believe I've gotten zero messages from fans of any local team complaining about obstructed views due to signs and zero messages from any fans of any local team complaining about being poked in the head by signs.''

Nor presumably any messages about NOT honoring the memory of Sean Taylor.

It's one thing to put a bad product on the field or court. Plenty of teams in all sports do that -- in most cases because the owner/front office don't get it. I've rooted all my life for the New York Knicks, but I'm apathetic now, made that way by embarrassing behavior off the court and a front office whose forlorn hope is that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or some other superstar will take its money and come running next season to play in the big city and turn around the franchise.

Snyderesque..

But this is about football.

In a year in which there are a plethora of bad teams, the Dirty Dozen this week goes from the bottom up. The Skins are at the bottom for their combination of on-field ineptitude and off-field callousness. Unfortunately, it will remain that way until Snyder either withdraws into the background or goes away.

32. Washington (2-5): The defense actually is pretty good, fifth in the NFL in yards allowed at 283 a game. But the offense is a mess, compounded by the demotion of coach Jim Zorn while Sherman Lewis, brought in from calling Michigan bingo games, calls the plays. Actually, I respect Lewis. Fifteen years ago, he was a legitimate head-coaching candidate, a respected coordinator for Mike Holmgren's Packers, whose skin color in those pre-Rooney rule days might have cost him a better job.

And here's a head scratcher: Vinny Cerrato, Snyder's lackey and nominal GM, said this week that the Skins actually expected to be 3-3 going into Monday night's game with the Eagles. That presupposes that he expected them to lose either to Kansas City or Detroit, two games that Redskins fans had tallied as wins when the season began -- conventional wisdom was they'd be 5-1, losing to the Giants on opening day, then beating the Rams, Lions, Bucs, Panthers and Chiefs.

Solve it? Hire a real football person Dan and go back to firing "nonessential" personnel.

31. St. Louis (0-7): Probably the least talent in the NFL. Since we're on the Redskins theme, their closest game was at FedEx Field, a 9-7 loss in Week 2. Zorn almost gave them that one.

30. Tampa Bay (0-7): Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen left the cupboard pretty bare for Raheem Morris. He cleaned it out even more.

29. Cleveland (1-6): Cleveland fans might want to blame Art Modell. The old Browns in Baltimore are 117-108-1 since opening shop as the Ravens. The new Browns are 54-113 since returning in 1999.

28. Detroit (1-5): After 0-16, fans in Detroit are just grateful for the "1" -- courtesy of Washington, of course.

27. Oakland (2-5): How did the Raiders beat the Eagles between losses to both New York teams by a combined 82-7? Sure has Richard Seymour confused.

26. Kansas City (1-6): The Chiefs should have told Larry Johnson to go away before the season. He's been trouble off the field and no longer much good on it. They might even have gotten something for him.

25. Tennessee (0-6): This has to be a one-year aberration doesn't it? The organization and coaching has been solid for 15 years. Although Chuck Cecil as the replacement for Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator hasn't exactly worked out.

24. Carolina (2-4): Maybe things would be better if the Panthers hadn't taken Dwayne Jarrett in the second round of the 2007 draft instead of his Southern Cal teammate, Steve Smith. Maybe someone thought it would confuse the fans. Jarrett has 19 career catches for 218 yards; the "other'' Steve Smith has 110 for 1,231 with the Giants and would be the perfect compliment for his complaining Carolina namesake.

23. Chicago (3-3): Kyle Orton AND high draft picks for Jay Cutler?

22. Jacksonville (3-3): Maybe the Jags shouldn't have fired Tom Coughlin way back when. Except Tom was no good at being a ticket salesman.

21. Buffalo (3-4): Two straight wins with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback? Probably not a trend that will last.

Dirty Dozen: Redskins Keep Sinking originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redskins: Joe Gibbs Not Returning, TE Chris Cooley Could

Thomas George — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins

There was a Joe Gibbs sighting at a restaurant near the Washington Redskins complex on Tuesday that fueled more speculation that Gibbs might soon take an official role with the team.

Redskins general manager Vinny Cerrato said that was not happening.

"Joe has a place in the area," Cerrato said. "He remains a friend of the Redskins. But no, he was not here today as part of something where he is coming aboard. Joe is too busy for that. He is not coming back."

Cerrato reaffirmed that coach Jim Zorn will remain coach for the rest of the season. Cerrato said of Washington's 27-17 loss at home to Philadelphia on Monday night: "We had some turnovers that hurt us and mistakes that cost us. But I thought the defense played hard and the offense took some good steps with Sherman Lewis calling the plays. We have a bye this week and we're hoping that can help us continue to take inventory on ways to improve this season."

Cerrato also confirmed that tight end Chris Cooley's broken bone in his right ankle could heal soon enough for Cooley's return in a month or less. The injury was considered season-ending when it occurred on Monday night.

"There is some good news in there after all," Cerrato said.

Redskins: Joe Gibbs Not Returning, TE Chris Cooley Could originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Washington Redskins' Chris Cooley May Miss Just 4 Weeks

Michael David Smith — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:53:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins

Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley was initially thought to be out for the season after he was carted off the field during Monday night's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. But now the Redskins appear to have something that has been sorely missing this season: Good news.

Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted Tuesday (via PFT) that a foot specialist said Cooley's fractured ankle is not as bad as initially thought, and that he may play again in just four weeks. So the Redskins could have one of their top players back around Thanksgiving.

Of course, the Redskins are 2-5 after going through one of the easiest early schedules in NFL history, and considering how much harder their schedule is over their final nine games, they likely will be eliminated from playoff contention by Thanksgiving. That raises the question of whether they ought to just put Cooley on injured reserve anyway, rather than have him rush back to play out the string.

Still, the mere thought that Cooley could play again this year is a tiny thing for Redskins fans to be happy about. There's not much else to choose from.

Washington Redskins' Chris Cooley May Miss Just 4 Weeks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redskins' Effort a Troubling Sign

Chris Burke — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:40:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Analysis

Compared to their losses to Detroit, Carolina and Kansas City, the Redskins' 27-17 defeat at the hands of the Eagles doesn't look half bad. It might wind up being the fiasco against Philadelphia, though, that convinces Washington's higher-ups to make some changes.

Monday night, in front of a national-TV audience, Washington simply went through the motions. Physical mistakes, lack of talent, bad breaks -- those are all forgivable. Half-hearted efforts aren't, especially when a team is playing for an embattled head coach. And the Redskins, now 2-5 on the season, are fooling themselves if they think they gave all they could against the Eagles.

"You can say but so much," said Albert Haynesworth, the team's $100 million offseason addition. "You've got to actually want to. So once we get to that point -- where we want to do something -- then we'll do something. But if we just keep going our separate ways, then we'll just keep getting slaughtered like we have."

As has often been the case in Washington this season, there was plenty of blame to go around Monday.

Quarterback Jason Campbell, despite some strong overall stats (29 of 43 for 283 yards and two touchdowns), struggled to get his team in the end zone until it was too late, and committed two bad turnovers that led to 10 Philadelphia points -- the eventual margin of victory, for the record.

The Redskins' banged-up offensive line was miserable again, leaving Campbell at Philadelphia's mercy all night. The Eagles recorded six sacks and held Washington to 62 yards rushing.

Even the Washington defense isn't immune to criticism, despite playing relatively solid. For the most part, the D slowed Donovan McNabb and the Eagles. But with Washington needing to get off to a good start, the Redskins also allowed a 67-yard DeSean Jackson touchdown on the game's fourth play. Then later, with Washington still within striking distance at 20-7, the defense allowed Jackson to get wide open on a 3rd-and-22 for a killer 57-yard touchdown.

All of that pales in comparison, however, to the overall picture Monday. By the time Washington's first possession was over, with the Eagles up 7-0, you got the sense that the game was over. There was no fire, no emotion from the Redskins' sideline. Even ESPN commentator Ron Jaworski noted, on multiple occasions, that Washington looked like a team with no sense of urgency.

And the blame for that level of lackadaisical involvement, fair or not, falls on head coach Jim Zorn. This script has played out time and time again in the sports world -- franchises stick with struggling coaches for as long as their teams are playing hard. As soon as that effort ceases, though ... well, that's often the end of the line.

"I have no idea, no idea," cornerback DeAngelo Hall said after the game, according to the Washington Post, when asked what Washington needed to change. "Different day, same results."

Those similar results include Washington's offensive output. Despite stripping Zorn of play-calling duties in favor of Sherm Lewis, the Redskins mustered just 17 points -- including a garbage-time touchdown by Fred Davis in the final two minutes of the game. Through seven games, Washington has yet to top that 17-point plateau.

"Well, the result was the same. We got 17 points," Zorn said. "It was difficult for me. It was difficult to stand and watch. The hard part is to keep your mouth shut."

It's not hard to see why Washington's adrift at the moment -- beyond being in last place in the competitive NFC East, they're dealing with several injuries (now including Chris Cooley's broken ankle) and trying to rally behind a head coach that has less power over game-day decisions than maybe any other coach in the league. The Redskins are a team without a direction at the moment, and the lack of leadership was front and center against Philadelphia.

"Guys got to understand the game plan," defensive lineman Cornelius Griffin told the Post. "Doesn't matter who calls the plays, doesn't matter what's called. You got to block somebody. You got to move somebody off the line of scrimmage -- on both sides of the ball."

Situations can change rapidly in the NFL, but the possibility certainly exists for Washington's outlook to become much, much gloomier before it gets brighter. After a Week 8 bye, the Redskins face Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans, in order. That's five playoff contenders and at least a pair of, so far, Super Bowl-caliber teams.

Could the Redskins turn their season around after the bye? Sure.

But there's no chance of that happening if they just mail it in like they did Monday night. And it's that absent effort, even more than the growing number of losses, that could eventually force Washington to turn the page.

"Urgency, heart, 'want-to,' whatever. I don't know," Haynesworth said. "We're lacking a lot of stuff right now."

Redskins' Effort a Troubling Sign originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Cooley Reportedly Out for Season

Matt Snyder — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:40:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Injuries

After sustaining an ankle injury on the first play of the second quarter Monday night, Redskins tight end Chris Cooley will reportedly miss the remainder of 2009. The Pro Bowl tight end will finish his season with 29 catches (a career low), 332 yards and two touchdowns, as he hauled in a pair of passes for 21 yards before leaving with the injury Monday night in the Redskins' 27-17 loss to the Eagles.

Head coach Jim Zorn would not confirm that Cooley's year is over, but did note that Cooley will "be out for a while."

""He's got a break in his ankle," Zorn said. "It's on the inner side of his tibia. I haven't seen the X-rays yet, but we're quite certain it's broke or fractured in some way; we'll have a better diagnosis tomorrow."

Fantasy Football Spin: Five Replacements for Chris Cooley

Losing Cooley is a big blow to the Redskins' already maligned offense, which has struggled to score points all season and is now on its second play-caller. He will be replaced in the lineup by the young Fred Davis.

The Redskins may not lose a ton in terms of pass-catching when it comes to inserting Davis for Cooley. Davis is more athletic, and finished Monday night with the best stat-line among Redskins' receivers. He caught eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Jason Campbell definitely appeared to like throwing Davis' way.

On the other hand, the biggest problem for the Redskins' offense thus far this season has been blocking, and Cooley is a much more adept blocker than Davis. It will be interesting to see what the 'Skins do in running situations moving forward, because Davis can't help to clear the path very well for Clinton Portis. And, obviously, if they only play Davis in passing situations, they are tipping off the defense that they are passing. Thus, it's easy to see why the Cooley injury is such a big blow for the Redskins, who are already going through an incredibly disappointing 2009 campaign.

Washington is currently 2-5 and will have a bye in Week 8. They will travel to Atlanta to face the 4-2 Falcons in Week 9.

Chris Cooley Reportedly Out for Season originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday Night Football Live Chat: Eagles vs. Redskins

Adam Gretz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Eagles, Redskins, NFC East

The Jim Zorn watch is officially on, and Monday night we get to watch the drama unfold as the Redskins host their NFC East rivals from Philadelphia. As always, we'll be discussing all of the action in our Monday Night Football Live Chat, and the fun starts at 8:30 PM ET, so please stop by and join us.

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;altcast_code=36697eb279" &amp;gt;Monday Night Football Live Chat&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Monday Night Football Live Chat: Eagles vs. Redskins originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redskins Will Need to Look to Draft to Replace Chris Samuels

JJ Cooper — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:43:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Analysis

The news that Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels may have to retire because of the neck injury that has sidelined him this year is just the cherry on the top of a miserable season in Washington. The team has become where everyone else goes for their first win. Fans are chanting at games for the owner to sell the team and the head coach just had his play calling duties taken away from him.

But for the long-term success of the Redskins, the Samuels news may be the worst thing that's happened to Washington all year. With Samuels gone, the Redskins will depend on right tackle Stephen Heyer to play the left side for the rest of the season, but they don't have a long-term answer on the roster.

Report: Six-Time Pro Bowler Samuels Planning to Retire

WHERE LTs COME FROM
First Round	14
Second/Third Round	8
Fourth Round Or Later	5
Free Agents	2
Trade	1
Undrafted Free Agent	1

Normally owner Dan Snyder would buy his way out of the problem on the free agent market. But there is one problem -- it's almost impossible to buy a left tackle in free agency. Of the 32 starting left tackles in the league, only two were signed as free agents--Chicago's Orlando Pace (signed this year as an aging stopgap) and Arizona's Mike Gandy, while the Eagles traded a first and fourth-round pick for left tackle Jason Peters. The other 29 starting left tackles have only played for one team. Once a team finds a left tackle, even a mediocre one, they make sure to lock him up long-term before he hits free agency.

And where do you find a left tackle? Usually it's in the first three rounds of the draft. Half of the 32 starting left tackles were taken in the first round. Another eight were taken in the second or third round. The Redskins have drafted one offensive lineman in the first three rounds since taking Samuel in 2000, which is a pretty simple explanation for why the Redskins offensive line is lacking in depth and talent.

So Washington will have a choice this offseason: it can sign a Levi Jones/Orlando Pace/Tra Thomas type who is on the tail-end of their career or it can draft a new left tackle. Washington has lost its 2010 third-round pick, but held on to its first and second-round picks. Washington will likely need to find a replacement for quarterback Jason Campbell as well, but if Samuels does retire, it would be wise for Washington to take a left tackle early in next year's draft.

Redskins Will Need to Look to Draft to Replace Chris Samuels originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redskins Pro Bowl Tackle Chris Samuels Reportedly Retiring

Chris Burke — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Rumors

Six-time Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels has decided to retire, the Washington Post reported. Samuels left Washington's Week 5 loss at Carolina after hurting his neck, an injury that was initially called a "stinger."

It was later revealed, though, that Samuels suffers from stenosis, which is a condition that causes narrowing of the spine.

Samuels has not played since the injury occurred. He was expected to meet with a neck specialist earlier this week to determine his long-term status, and the Post's report would seem to indicate that the prognosis was not good.

Samuels, the No. 3-overall pick in the 2000 draft out of Alabama, has started 136 games for Washington and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2001, 2002, and 2005-08.

The Washington Times countered the Post's report, saying that Samuels would definitely miss the remainder of the season, but would reconsider a retirement decision in 3-4 months.

Either way, this is a huge blow for an already-reeling Redskins offensive line. Washington will move forward with Stephon Heyer at left tackle, though the team did sign Levi Jones on Tuesday -- Jones started 89 games at left tackle for the Bengals from 2002-08, so he's a definite option to slide into the lineup, even though multiple teams passed on him before the Redskins called.

Unless Jones proves to be a godsend, or Samuels changes his mind, the Redskins will likely find themselves needing to fill several offensive line spots next offseason -- including both tackle spots.

(Update: Samuels released a statement late Friday evening stating, "I will continue to seek medical advice. I hope to see where I am physically over the next couple months. At this time, I have not made a decision, but I love playing for the Redskins and hope to be back.")

Redskins Pro Bowl Tackle Chris Samuels Reportedly Retiring originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jim Zorn Safe Until at Least After Season

Josh Alper — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Coaching

It looks like we can call off the Jim Zorn Deathwatch. For the next couple of days anyway.

Redskins executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato said on his ESPN980 radio show Friday morning that Zorn won't be fired before the 2009 season reaches its conclusion.

"Let me start by making a few things very perfectly clear: Jim Zorn is the head coach of the Washington Redskins, and will be for the rest of this season, and hopefully into the future."

Cerrato's hardly an impartial party to this decision. When and if Zorn gets fired and when and if Daniel Snyder brings in the big-name coach everyone expects he'll bring in as a replacement, Cerrato will be the next head on the chopping block.

Think about it. Let's say Snyder is able to convince Mike Shanahan or Mike Holmgren or another of the big names to take on the Redskins job, what's the likelihood that they're going to want to work with Cerrato? They've been in charge of personnel before and if they want someone to help them with the task in D.C. it isn't likely to be the guy who has overseen the construction of this year's flailing bunch.

As for Zorn's immediate future, he's pretty much the head coach in name only at this point. Greg Blache always had the reins of the defense, and now Zorn isn't even calling the plays for the offense that he installed. That makes him responsible for buying birthday cakes around the office and overseeing fire drills, perhaps, but nothing that fits the job description of the other 31 teams around the NFL. The Redskins have already started the process of firing him, they just decided against doing it all at once.

Cerrato also downplayed the idea of any turmoil within the organization, which seems about right. Everything going on with the Redskins this season seems par for the course for the Snyder era.

Jim Zorn Safe Until at Least After Season originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pocket Presence: Derek Anderson Plays Better, Still Stinks

Bruce Ciskie — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bills, Browns, Panthers, Raiders, Redskins, NFL Quarterbacks

It's often said that a team with two quarterbacks really doesn't have any. With that spirit in mind, FanHouse will keep you updated weekly on NFL teams facing potential quarterback controversies.

Give Derek Anderson credit. He got better. He put that "15 incompletions in 17 attempts" disaster behind him with a much more quarterback-like effort against Pittsburgh Sunday. It wasn't enough to take the Browns off this list for the first time this season, but there are indications that Cleveland has settled on their guy, no matter how many of his passes bounce off the grass.

Cleveland Browns: Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn

Anderson hit nine of 24 passes against Pittsburgh, even topping 100 yards and managing a touchdown pass. However, the Browns scored one offensive touchdown, relied way too much on the wildcat, and lost convincingly to Pittsburgh. While it is starting to sound like this is Anderson's job to completely screw up, the Browns would be delusional to think he deserves that kind of consideration.

Quinn, it could be argued, hasn't gotten nearly a fair shake in this battle. He faced elite defenses in each of his three starts, two of them on the road. Anderson is hitting 44 percent of his throws, averaging less than five yards per attempt (despite his "big arm" reputation), and has thrown three picks for every touchdown he has so far.

At this point, however, it probably doesn't matter who the quarterback is. This team is a lost cause at 1-5.

Status update: Very warm

Buffalo Bills: Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick

It wouldn't take much to outplay Mark Sanchez on this day, and Fitzpatrick got it done. Filling in for an injured Edwards, who had started the day by hitting his first five throws, Fitzpatrick was erratic but still a winner. The Terrell Owens failure continues, and the insertion of rookie Jamon Meredith at right tackle didn't solve much up front. But a win is a win, and now the Bills have a decision to make.

It's been said that you can't lose your job over an injury. However, Edwards seemed well on his way to losing the job before he was injured. Not only that, but while it wasn't at all pretty, Fitzpatrick at least found a way to win a game. Of course, they needed Sanchez to throw five picks to make it happen, but Fitzpatrick did have his good moments. At the very least, this should give Dick Jauron something to think about.

Status update: Very warm

Washington Redskins: Jason Campbell and Todd Collins

Campbell got the hook in the Redskins' disastrous loss to Kansas City Sunday, but it is likely not the end of him. It's not like Collins lit up the Chiefs. Actually, he was statistically worse than Campbell. Collins pulled an Aaron Rodgers on a late snap deep in Redskin territory, as he held the ball entirely too long and took a sack for a safety that ended whatever minuscule chance the Redskins had to win the game.

Coach Jim Zorn has said Campbell is likely to start Monday night, and perhaps the offense will get a jump-start with consultant Sherm Lewis taking over as the play-caller for Zorn. Campbell has shown some real upside in his short career as a starter, but the reality is that he may not be best-suited as an every-down starting quarterback in the NFL.

Status update: Very warm

Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski

Carolina Panthers: Jake Delhomme and Matt Moore

Yes, their teams won Sunday. However, it's hard to feel good about how the starting quarterbacks played. Neither Delhomme nor Russell were effective, and both have to continue to be on thin ice with their respective teams.

The Panthers can't count on the running game to carry them to victory every week, and while the Raiders' defense put on a bit of an eye-opening performance, it's hard to imagine them repeating it given how inconsistent their effort and level of play have been in recent years.

Status updates: Warm

Pocket Presence: Derek Anderson Plays Better, Still Stinks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sherman Lewis Faces Big Task in Trying To Revive Washington's Offense

Thomas George — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Analysis, NFL Notebook

Since the Washington Redskins made an attempt to replace Jim Zorn with Mike Shanahan, it figures that owner Dan Synder remains open to an in-season coaching change.

For now, Zorn has been stripped of play-calling duties and offensive consultant Sherman Lewis will be calling the shots. The Redskins' sputtering offense continues to deal with confusion at quarterback and along the offensive line -- Washington ranks 29th in the league with a 13.2 points per game average; the defense, on the other hand, is allowing just 16 points per game, fifth-best in the NFL.

When Washington (2-4) publicly dangled quarterback Jason Campbell during the offseason while searching for replacements that included Jay Cutler, it was clear that Campbell's standing and confidence were jolted. On Sunday, Zorn benched him for backup Todd Collins at halftime of Washington's 14-6 home loss to the previously winless Chiefs.

Sources: Shanahan Turned Down Redskins' Job Offer

Now Lewis, a couple of games in as Washington's offensive consultant, is changing hats as he prepares for his first game as the team's offensive coordinator -- he must manage and massage pieces. The Philadelphia Eagles come to Washington next Monday night in a game the Redskins' NFL peers, and the nation's football fans, will scrutinize.

A complete lid-lifting for all to see the team's futility? Or a reversal of fortune for the Redskins' offense?

Either way, it is clear that Zorn is dangling.

He said he still has confidence in his play-calling. He said giving it over to Lewis is "hard, and that he is concerned about cohesiveness for his offensive players.

And then when asked if he knew what Lewis had planned, Zorn answered: "Not directly, no.''

That's nuts.

Here is what Lewis will do:

He wants Campbell to remain the starter over Collins. He will keep the install of the running game, pass protections and other philosophies the same, though he will immerse himself in the implementation of Washington's passing game. His play-calling will emphasize stringing together first downs and getting the players to understand that each call is an elaborate extension of the other.

He will also bring fresh ideas to the Redskins' red-zone offense -- a desperately needed change -- and focus attention on that.

Zorn, by struggling to fix the Washington offense over his 22 games as head coach, has put himself in this box.

He finally got there by directing his offense to six measly points against a Kansas City defense that is nothing special. It's been a landslide of offensive failure, and it falls on Zorn.

Zorn knows this. He also knows that the Redskins have played all six games this season against teams that had not won a game, including a loss three Sundays ago at Detroit, where the Lions were coming off an 0-16 year and were in the midst of an 0-2 start.

The constant blunders left Washington with no choice but to try something different.

TAKING THE HIGH ROAD

I had the chance to visit with Thomas Jones in the Jets locker room Sunday, after his franchise record-setting 210-yard rushing day in a 16-13 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Jones ran the ball 22 times and Leon Washington had 15 carries. Quarterback Mark Sanchez threw 29 passes -- and five interceptions.

Clearly, the Jets would have had a better chance of winning if Jones had been given the ball more. That's just logical -- he was hot. There is no scenario where Jones should not have had at least 30 carries.

It was stunning to see Jones break off the longest run (64 yards) of his career in the second quarter, and then minutes later, top that with a 71-yard scoring run. This for a 31-year-old running back, who is in his 10th pro season, and squabbled with the Jets during the offseason over a contract extension that he did not get.

The Jets figured that NFL running backs begin to decline around age 30, so they wanted Jones to prove exactly what he still had in the tank.

Jones took the high road when reminded of that.

"When you are a 10-year veteran in this league, and you play running back, you are going to get questions about what you have left -- it's guaranteed,'' Jones said. "Nobody realizes how much work you put in working in the weight room, they don't know how much you study film really hard and try to gain that edge. They just see your age and figure you will drop off. I wasn't going to let that happen. I know it's about the results.

"The age and all that talk does not matter to me when I am on the field. I play for my teammates, my family, for all of the people that are important to me. I have great passion for the game. That is why I look at the rushing yards [Sunday] and know it doesn't matter as much -- we lost.''

Just when the Jets were ready to begin phasing Jones out, he's forced them to take another long, hard look -- especially if this 3-3 team, that was once 3-0, still think it's playoff-caliber.

Giving the football to Jones 25 to 30 times a game could solve plenty of their problems.

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 18: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders passes during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 18, 2009 at Oakland - Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 13-9. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** JaMarcus Russell

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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) eludes an attempted tackle by Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed (20) in the fourth quarter while racing 58 yards in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 33-31. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Frank Walker (41) breaks up a deep Brett Favre pass to Minnesota Vikings Bernard Berrian in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Minneapolis. Walker was charged with pass interference. The Vikings won 33-31. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

This photo made Sunday Oct. 18, 2009, shows St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo questioning a call by officials during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won in overtime 23-20. The Rams had two chances to end their 15-game losing streak. David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew ruined one. Coach Steve Spagnuolo may have blown the other. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable smiles during a news conference at Raiders NFL football headquarters in Alameda, Calif., Monday, Oct. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

An electronic billboard flashes a message directed to Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. regarding his team's performance during NFL football games in Buffalo, N.Y., Monday, Oct. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (10) walks off the field during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Patriots defeated the Titans 59-0. The Titans are 0-6 and coming off the worst loss in the franchise's 50-year history. Fans want coach Jeff Fisher fired and a quarterback could be in the works. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees acknowledges fans after an NFL football game against the New York Giants in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Brees insists it's time to scrap the finesse label attached to the Saints. The Saints have been consistently outgaining teams on the ground and their defense keeps coming up big. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn speaks during a news conference at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., Monday, Oct 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn listens to a question during a news conference at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., Monday, Oct 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn speaks during a news conference at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., Monday, Oct 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

RAIDERS BLITZ AWAY

The Raiders entered Sunday's game against Philadelphia concerned about their ability to block the Eagles' blitzes. They did. And then they turned the tables on the Eagles with an assortment of their own blitzes that led to Oakland's 13-9 upset victory.

Defensive coordinator John Marshall gained credit for implementing a plan that brought blitzing pressure from the linebackers and cornerbacks, from inside and outside. It was uncharacteristic from the Raiders, and the Eagles were surprised.

There was more emotion and drive behind the Raiders than usual, a team executive said.

"When you get called out like the Giants did to us after that last game by saying [that] playing us was like playing a scrimmage, that leaves a sour taste,'' the executive said. "Those quotes were posted in the [Raiders'] building. We were coming off three really bad games including Houston and Denver before that.

"I think this is where the character of players like Greg Ellis and Richard Seymour comes through. It's one of the benefits of getting veteran, quality players like that. Both of those guys really helped the team unite, prepare and focus to give this response.''

The Raiders loved quarterback JaMarcus Russell's composure against the Eagles, as well as little things like receiver Louis Murphy never quitting on his three downfield blocks during tight end Zach Miller's 86-yard scoring catch and the way fullback Gary Russell rose as a blocker and pass catcher.

Finally, they were giddy over second-year defensive end Trevor Scott's two sacks. The Raiders have been waiting on him to return to his encouraging rookie form.

GIANTS LICKING THEIR WOUNDS

Since Sean Payton was once the Giants' offensive coordinator and an architect of their 41-0 shellacking of the Minnesota Vikings in a 2000 NFC playoff game, the Giants know what this "scientist'' can do to a defense when given time for extra preparation. And that is exactly what Payton, now the New Orleans Saints coach, had since his team enjoyed a bye before meeting the Giants.

It showed.

Payton carved up Giants' defense by spreading the field, exploiting matchups and moving Drew Brees around in the pocket to help negate the Giants rush.

This game showed how much the Giants miss injured safety Kenny Phillips (left knee), who is lost for the season, and linebacker Michael Boley (right knee), whom the Giants hope can return by their Nov. 8 home game against San Diego.

The Giants also learned:

o. The Saints are a quicker, stronger bunch than they had expected. Particularly receiver Marques Colston.

o. That the Giants' linebacker group, minus Boley, is susceptible in pass defense.

o. That running back Ahmad Bradshaw needs extra work in understanding his pass-protection responsibilities.

o. That they need to work harder to avoid playing hurry-up, fast-paced footballe. Rather, they'd prefer to gain early leads and build double-digit play drives, thus producing grind-it-out games that better fit their strengths.

The good news for the Giants is that there's no chance they'll see the Saints again before the playoffs.

Sherman Lewis Faces Big Task in Trying To Revive Washington's Offense originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sources: Mike Shanahan Turned Down Redskins Coaching Job

Thomas George — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Coaching, FanHouse Exclusive

Sources have confirmed that the Washington Redskins recently tried to hire Mike Shanahan to replace Jim Zorn and Shanahan declined. The sources would not rule out the possibility that Shanahan would reconsider in the offseason.

"Shanahan told the franchise there was little he could do in the middle of the season for them and that changing coaches during the season in the NFL rarely works,'' a Redskins management source told FanHouse. "Several people that Dan Snyder trusts have suggested, if he makes a move, he should turn it over to secondary coach Jerry Gray. That could still happen.

"We are trying to give Jim every chance to turn it around. The move to [bring in offensive consultant Sherm] Lewis is to take more off Jim's plate, especially the play-calling, because it is not working, and that is where Jim is spending much of his time. Now he can coach the entire team. Let's see where that gets us.''

Blackistone: Redskins Are Worst-Run Franchise in Sports

Reports surfaced Sunday night, after Washington's embarrassing 14-6 home loss to Kansas City, that Lewis would take over the Redskins' play-calling duties. The team confirmed that change Monday.

The Redskins currently sit at 2-4 and in last place in the NFC East, with losses to Detroit, Carolina and Kansas City -- teams that have four total wins combined. Washington hosts Philadelphia next Monday night prior to a Week 8 bye, and has just one game remaining against a team with a record currently under .500.

Sources: Mike Shanahan Turned Down Redskins Coaching Job originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jim Zorn to Give Up Play-Calling Duties

Matt Snyder — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Coaching

Despite facing off against mostly subpar competition, the Redskins have stumbled out of the gate to a 2-4 start and are averaging just 13.3 points per game. It's pretty obvious some changes need to be made. Embattled head coach Jim Zorn changed quarterbacks -- from Jason Campbell to Todd Collins -- during Sunday's loss to the previously-winless Chiefs. That move proved futile, as they still couldn't muster more than six points (they lost 14-6).

For his next move, Zorn has, in a way, demoted himself. According to The Washington Post, Zorn will no longer be calling the offensive plays.

More Coverage: Sources Say Shanahan Turned Redskins Down

The move was actually a suggestion from executive vice president Vinny Cerrato, who informed Zorn he thought the coach had "too much on his plate." Zorn didn't argue and gladly stepped down from play-calling duties. The two will reportedly meet again Monday to decide who takes over.

If the Redskins feel he's been there long enough to fully grasp the entire offense, Sherman Lewis would be a good candidate to take over. Lewis was hired on just under two weeks ago as an offensive consultant and he is one of the innovators of the modern "west coast" offense.

Regardless of who takes over, they'll be trying to find a way to move the football with a terrible offensive line and shoddy quarterbacking.

The Redskins square off against the Eagles next Monday night.

Jim Zorn to Give Up Play-Calling Duties originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Campbell Benched in Loss

Will Brinson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Injuries, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis

The Washington Redskins spent Sunday in a ~~boring~~ heated ~~waste of HD~~ battle against the Kansas City Chiefs, and when Washington finally got a "sign of life" from their offense and scored its first points, it was Todd Collins leading the team down the field after Jason Campbell was benched.

Unfortunately for the Redskins, the good mojo didn't last very long -- Kansas City scored 11 unanswered points for a 14-6 win.

More: Chiefs Get First Win | Panthers Nip Bucs | Jags Triumph in OT

Campbell's been embarrassingly bad most of the season and was pretty awful most of today, going 9 of 16 for 89 yards and one interception. So there's the whole "performance on the field" factor that contributed to Zorn pulling his much-maligned signal-caller.

And there was also the more pressing issue: winning this game. Zorn knows that he's probably not long for DC, regardless of how quickly he can turn the 'Skins around, but giving the Chiefs their first win of the season -- one week after giving the Panthers their first win of the season -- probably put the final stamp on his exit. Using Collins was a last-gasp.

Clinton Portis also sat out early in the second half with an ankle injury, but lobbied Zorn to put him back in the game. Portis then ripped off his longest run as a Redskin, 78 yards, to set up a field goal.

Who knows where the Redskins go from here -- Collins finished 6 of 14 for 75 yards and took a safety, while Campbell wound up 9 of 16 for 89 yards and an interception.

But, hey, on the bright side, if you were a Redskins fan watching this ill-formed excuse of a football game at FedEx, you're at least probably got paid to do so!

Jason Campbell Benched in Loss originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First NFL Coach Fired, Ted Ginn, Braylon Edwards: NFL Twitter Mailbag

Michael David Smith — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins

NFL Twitter nation weighed in this week on a couple of receivers who met on Monday Night Football, Ted Ginn of the Dolphins and Braylon Edwards of the Jets, and we'll talk in our NFL Twitter mailbag about why they both had big games.

But we'll start with a question about which NFL head coach will be the first to lose his job this season. The NFL Twitter mailbag is below.

writetokal: NFL Mailbag - Who will be the first NFL head coach to lose his job in the 2009 season?
There are four winless teams in the NFL and five teams with only one win, but I think all of those coaches are safer in their jobs than Redskins coach Jim Zorn, who might have put together the most unimpressive 2-3 start to any season in NFL history.

The Redskins have the Chiefs on Sunday and then the Eagles in Week 7, and if they lose both those games, I think Zorn could be gone for Week 8, which is the Redskins' bye.

Several other coaches in the NFL are already on the hot seat, including Dick Jauron in Buffalo, Tom Cable in Oakland and John Fox in Carolina, but I think the hottest seat is the one under Zorn, who could be out of a job within two weeks.

teddykgb91: Chad Pennington can only throw 5 yards at a time. Not exactly the QB for a burner like Ginn
This came in response to my tweet questioning why Ted Ginn, who scored a 53-yard touchdown on Monday night, doesn't make big plays like that more often. It's a fair point that teddykgb91 makes: It's hard for Ginn to take advantage of his blazing speed if Pennington can't throw him a deep ball. It'll be interesting to see what kind of progress Ginn makes now that he has Chad Henne throwing to him.

WatchKalibRun: I am telling you the Michigan boy (aka Braylon Edwards) gave up on Cleveland after week 4 of 2008.
Edwards' biggest game in 2008 was in Week 6, but I think your basic point is right: Edwards looked late last season and early this season like a guy who simply didn't want to be in Cleveland, and when the Browns traded him to the Jets, he got his wish. Now the question is whether Edwards can be a happy camper in New York.

I think he can. Edwards wants to be a star, and playing in New York gives him a huge stage for his stardom. I think he'll be motivated and hungry, and I expect him to play very well for the Jets. At age 26, Edwards could have several good years ahead of him.

Want to be part of our next NFL Twitter mailbag? Post a question or comment on Twitter.com, and be sure to start it with @MichaelDavSmith.

First NFL Coach Fired, Ted Ginn, Braylon Edwards: NFL Twitter Mailbag originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DeAngelo Hall Not Sounding Confident About Redskins Turnaround

Matt Snyder — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

Considering the opposition, the Redskins should be in much better shape right now. They have played four really bad teams and emerged from those games with a 2-2 record -- barely scraping out victories over the still-winless Rams and Buccaneers. Obviously, this is little real reason for optimism. We can probably see through any public talk where someone says something like "things are going to be just fine, we'll get it going."

Don't count DeAngelo Hall in the camp willing to do that. He's far from confident, in fact, he doesn't think the woes are the fault of head coach Jim Zorn ... because Zorn hasn't been given a good group of players.

"I think a lot of people made the comment, '[Zorn's] not out there playing in the games.' That's the truth of the matter," Hall said. "If you want to blame someone, look at the film. Look at the guys who are out there trying to play. We haven't been doing a great job, bottom line, we haven't been doing a great job. I think the blame lies with us. I think the blame lies with us. I think we're the ones out there playing every day, practicing, trying to do the right thing, but I don't know if we've got the right personnel here to do it."

OK, DeAngelo, why you don't tell us how you really feel? So, the problem ultimately lies with general manager Vinny Cerrato and owner Dan Snyder -- at least that's what it seems like Hall is implying. It's a bit of a gutsy thing to say, considering they could cut him if they want. He wasn't done, though.

Remember, Sunday, I took the Redskins to task for not doing anything much to fix their offensive line in the offseason. Hall seemed to agree when he was asked if the line could handle more injuries.

"Nah, not at all, not at all," he said. "Chris Samuels going down was a devastating loss for us, you know, devastating. We go from having a what, four-, five-, six-time Pro Bowler in there to a guy who hardly has played in this league. Not saying anything to Batiste, he was with me in Atlanta for a little while, but that's a big drop-off, that's a big drop-off. And heading into the offseason and preseason we said we needed to address the offensive line.

"We felt like we did get better ... but that's a position where you can always get better. You can always have proven guys out there backing other guys up that have played in this league, have had starts in this league. That's something we're lacking."

Hall noted that he wasn't in panic mode just yet, but it was getting close to that point. He basically said this Sunday against Kansas City is a must-win game in order for Washington to salvage their season.

If things don't get better really soon, there's gonna be a lot more of this in store for us from the DC-area this season. The Redskins play the winless Chiefs this Sunday. If they lose that, it's gonna be an ugly week. Even if they don't, though, the schedule really firms up after that. Check it out: vs. Eagles, at Falcons, vs. Broncos, at Cowboys, at Eagles, vs. Saints, at Raiders, vs. Giants, vs. Cowboys and at San Diego. Simply put, if the Redskins keep playing like they have been, they're looking at a 4-12 season (with wins over K.C. and Oakland). If that comes to fruition, expect heads to roll. Lots of them.

DeAngelo Hall Not Sounding Confident About Redskins Turnaround originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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