07/21/2010 - July 21, 2010
On the eve of the opening of the 2010 NFL training camps, it is about time I spoke up about all of the changes with our Redskins. Holy cow, there have been a whole lot of changes out there at Redskins Park since the close of the 2009 season. The dismal “Lost Season” that seemed to go on forever and ever.
Gone is boy head coach Jim Zorn, who never really stood a chance in the Redskins’ environment. He is now the Baltimore Raven’s Qback coach with a top-notched kid at that position. Gone is Vinnie Cerrato, the want-a-be General Manager, who never seemed to quite get it right for that job. Gone is Qback Jason Campbell, who was a trooper who kept getting back up every time he got knocked down, and never seemed to have enough time to make a play. He needs a fresh start, good luck, sir.
New is GM Bruce Allen, one of the legendary George Allen boys who has a history with the Redskins, and who has had success in this league as a GM. New is Head Coach Mike Shanahan, an experienced head coach who has won Super Bowls and who wants to be here. He has been to the mountain top. So has Mr. Allen. Also new is the promise from the owner that he’ll let his “football” people do their jobs. And new is Donovan McNabb, ex-Eagles’ Qback now the “man” in D.C. What a surprise that was, to pick up an experienced Qback from within our division. Also new are a whole bunch of other players vying for a shot to make the Skins a “winner” again.
McNabb is a year younger than Elway was when Coach Shanahan arrived in Denver. McNabb was never really appreciated in Philadelphia. They had a heck of a ten-year run with him there, reaching four NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl. And with teams with average receivers and O.K. runners. Course, the Eagles’ fans always seemed to blame McNabb for not winning the big one. It’s been a while, but if I remember correctly, when the Skins won three Super Bowls over an eight-year span, it took all 53 players, plus some, a lot of smart coaches, and some good luck and good health to win those big games. It wasn’t all on the shoulders of one guy. I suspect it is going to require the same in the future.
I have heard a bunch of Skins fans say the Skins are good to go now. Really? My first concern is our O-Line. If they cannot protect McNabb, keep him vertical and healthy, give him time, we’ll have the same win-loss results we’ve had the last 10-12 years. I liked that the Skins picked up an All-Pro tackle from the Super Bowl Saints. I think we have the makings of an O-Line who can keep McNabb safe; the quality of the athletic and intellectual talent of the O-Line players will be the foundation for the success of the Redskins.
We have several older experienced running backs looking to help Portis (I worry about Portis’ head injury from Atlanta, hopefully that is 110%) with the running game. I like running by “committee”, hopefully two or three solid runners with speed who can move the “pile” will start the
01/06/2010 - Fairfax, VA, January 5, 2010: Well, it's over, thank goodness
Well, it's over, thank goodness - The 2009 Redskins season to me, will forever be thought of as, "The
Lost Season". It is over for Coach Zorn, too. They did not hardly let his feet hit the ground back from San Diego before they axed him. The Z-Man was out the door before 5:00 A.M. Probably the kindest thing the
Redskins did for him during his tenure here.
The Chargers game typified this season, except for the two recent Giants and Cowboys blowouts, which were embarrassing and made you, as a fan,
want to puke. Against the Chargers, the players had changes to make plays and win that game. But like four or five other games this season, they could not come up with the play. Two dropped interceptions; one
early, and one late, during the game-winning drive. Our defense, over the last couple of years, although statistically great, could not seem to make the key "stop" to win the game. They played just good enough to lose close. And their whiny $100 million dollar man was not even suited up, deactivated for the game.
The O-line made the critical mistake at the other crucial moment; fourth and two on the two, with a chance to score a touchdown and go up by eight points late in the fourth quarter; forcing the Chargers to score
twice or go for two. False start, flag, had to kick a field goal, so they were only up by four. Proved to be a back breaker.
Vinnie said he had provided play-off caliber players...HOGWASH!!! That's why he should have been let go years ago. I'm not sure he could
recognize a play-off player if he stood right next to one. I don't care how much experience a coach has; if the players don't have the talent to make the winning plays, the coach and team cannot win in the NFL. A
4-12 record this year, a 12-20 record for two years; but more importantly, a 0-6 record against the NFC East this year is not acceptable. I like Coach Zorn, the team has certainly invested a lot in his education, but the record is what it is.
I haven't written a note for a while - too depressing for me. The Giants beat the crap out of the Skins, tackling people to hurt them. The Giants went on the get blasted by the Panthers and the Vikings in their last two games. Couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch of fellows. Happy new year to you turkeys. And the Cowboys came to our place; their D-line just beat the crap out of the Skins' O-line, putting Campbell down way too many times. They out-classed the Skins in every department. Then the close loss to the Chargers; it is good that it is over.
Bruce Allen can now move forward in a new direction. I do not know what the future holds for Skins' fans, hopefully we'll have a little to shout about in 2010.
'Till next time, Cheers...Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '99
12/01/2009 - Fairfax, VA, December 1, 2009: The Skins lose another one in Philly
In the last two weeks, the Skins traveled to Dallas and Philadelphia and managed to lose in the last few minutes both games by a total of four points: 6-7 and 24-27. What a nightmare. They out-played the Cowboys, but in the end, let them off the hook. They scored enough points in Philly to win, but in the end, couldn’t stop the winning field goal drive. My kingdom for a defensive ‘Stop’. Even though the Skins were ahead late in both games, watching them, you just had the feeling they were going to find some way to lose each one. What a yucky feeling, especially when it came to fruition, in both games.
In Dallas, before the first field goal miss, the Skins argued for five minutes or more for a review of the placement of the ball, gaining five or six yards for the kick. Talk about icing your own kicker; missed by less than a foot. With seven minutes to go in the game, before the second field goal miss, lost two yards on a draw play; missed by less than a foot. Man, it is a real downer to lose in Dallas when you could have won.
Then to travel to Philly, play the Eagles tough, with a lot of new players replacing injured starters and replacements for the injured starters.
And the NFL wants to make the season longer, what a joke. The NFL should make the pre-season and the season shorter, to keep their players healthy.
The team deserved better in Philly. At the end of the first half, with a little over three minutes left, the Skins managed to throw two interceptions on short routes, that the Eagles converted into two field goals. That haunts you when you end up losing the game by a field goal, 24-27.
And so the town mopes around for another week. It doesn’t get any easier with the undefeated 11-0 Saints coming to town this Sunday. Hopefully Zorn & Co. can gather enough healthy players to make a competitive showing against the Saints. Thank goodness they have to tee it up and play the game.
Til next time, Cheers…Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF ‘99
11/18/2009 - Fairfax, VA, November 17, 2009: It is so much more fun when the Skins win, especially when they aren't supposed to win
The Skins beat the visiting Broncos 27-17, but the game started the other way; The Broncos scored on a blown-coverage 40-yard TD pass after a little over two minutes were gone in the game. The Skins actually had a first quarter drive of over 70 yards for a touchdown to tie the game up. What is this, a running game? The Broncos fumbled on their next possession, but after the Skins went three and out got the ball back and "bang", got a 75-yard TD pass on another blown coverage; 14-7, what is with our coverage?...our solid defense??
The Skins punted three times after that, and faced with another fourth down, lined up to kick a 35-yard field goal (FG) with only ten men on the field. It was an obvious fake FG situation. After a time out, the Skins lined up the FG team again and pulled off the fake FG with a pure 40-yard TD pass from Hunter the Punter to Mike Sellers. Unbelievable, the Skins were in this game. The Broncos kicked a FG with five seconds left in the first half, but lost Orton, their QB on the last play. Sims had to QB in the second half. More importantly, the Skins continued to run the ball. The O-line actually was a force at the line-of-scrimmage. The third quarter was a draw, but the trend was set. The Broncos got two first downs in the third quarter and one in the fourth.
The Skins intercepted a long Broncos pass on the goal line and after a 60-yard drive scored another TD. The Skins held the ball for over 11:00 minutes in the fourth and won this game going away. Campbell the scrambler moved the chains and the Skins controlled the clock. Betts and Rock and some kid named Ganther kept running the ball up the field and making plays. Ever hear 85,000 happy Skins fans? They are loud. The Skins did not turn the ball over (very important) and controlled the line-of-scrimmage. Oh how sweet it is to win. Much more fun than in Atlanta, where the Skins were not ready to play, got down 24-3, played better in the third quarter, but were never in the game. Portis got hurt; Horton got hurt and is done for the year. But that is history and the Skins now had found an O-Line and a running game.
It is Dallas Week. The Skins travel to the new Jones Palace in Texas...are they supposed to win? No, the Cowboys are supposed to beat the Skins up. Isn't it great the game has to be played. We (some of the Hogettes) are going to travel to Bradenton, Florida, to watch the Skins-Cowboys game in Indian Country with about 400 Sarasota, FL, Redskins' fans. Hopefully it'll be a fun trip home. But we’ll have fun, win or lose.
Til next time, Cheers...Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '99
11/04/2009 - Fairfax, VA, November 4, 2009: The Skins lose their third game in a row to NFC East rival Eagles, 17-27, Bah-hum-bug.
This game was over very quick. The Eagles ran a double reverse with some gent who could flat out fly and 65 yards later it was 7-0, Eagles, with 14:03 left in the first quarter. When the Skins got the ball deep in their own territory, Campbell took a three-step drop to throw a quick slant…bam…the ball got batted in the air volley-ball style, an Eagles’ linebacker caught it on a dead run and 12 yards later the score was 14-zip, Eagles, still in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Randle El tried to hurry a punt return, the ball careened off his helmet, the Eagles recovered and went on to kick a field goal (FG). The party was over. Especially the way the Skins coaches managed the fourth quarter. The Skins fought back to make the score 27-14. Midway through the fourth quarter, down three scores, the Skins players just walked back to the huddle, no urgency in their step. Then the Skins passed on a FG opportunity??? When down three scores, you have to kick the FG; recover the on-sides kick-off; score the quick touchdown (TD); then do it again. If that is where you are, that is what you have to do to even have a chance to win; so much for winning.
Now the team has had a bye week to lick their wounds and this Sunday travel to Atlanta to take on the twice beaten (in the last two weeks) Falcons. One of these teams is going to have a very long week next week. Thank goodness the game needs to be played.
GO SKINS!!!
Til next time…Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF ’99
10/21/2009 - Fairfax, VA, October 21, 2009. Kansas City, what a nightmare.
Too many "Olay" blocks and too many "Olay" tackles, and not enough touchdowns. Another O-For team wins their first game against the Skins. I believe this phase is over. A couple of thoughts on this game. The Skins seem to lock-up in the Red-Zone. The defense gave up four field goals and no touchdowns; pretty solid. (Note: Haynesworth ran off the field before the end of the game (Fastest we've seen him run all year.); What's with that? Win together - lose together: TEAM). One touchdown by our side could have won this game. More players need to make plays.
I know these men have pride. Too many are whining about Management supporting Coach Z-Man. If the players want their coach, they need to go on the field and knock somebody down and make tackles. As that famous song says, "Run or Pass, and Score, We want a lot more...". If the players do it on the field, and ignore all of the junk off the field they have no control over, and score more points, the coach could survive and grow into this job he so much wants. But for now, the Skins are a 2-4 team. It could be worse, the Jeff Fisher (excellent experienced coach) TITANS are 0-5 and just got beat 59-0.
Since the game, Mr. Snyder has directed that the ex-retirement home BINGO Caller, who has been with the Redskins' team for about two-weeks, will now be the Skins "Play Caller". He what???...Amazing...The Eagles game should be interesting. The Eagles lost to the lowly Raiders last weekend. They are going to be hot. The Skins players had better run some wind sprints, tackle the tackling dummy, push the blocking slid around the practice field, and strap on their chin-straps real tight, this could be an ugly, hard-hitting affair Monday night.
My experience says, “When in trouble, go back to the basics (and simplify).” Hopefully the Skins will find a way to score more points than the Eagles. The bye-week should be a time to allow the coaches and players to heal, re-tool, and re-group. We have a local retired college basketball coach who points out; it took him three years to figure out how to win...He is now in the Basketball Hall of Fame because he was given time to figure it out. If given that time (and the players), I believe the Z-Man will become an excellent NFL Head Coach, and I prefer it to be here. The Skins fans have suffered through tougher, worst times.
Root 'em on!!!
Til next time...Cheers, Mikey T.. Boss Hogette, HoF '99
10/13/2009 - Date-Line: Fairfax, VA, October 13, 2009. Carolina steals their first win.
Now I understand the creation of the "Pooch Punt"; to take advantage of the stupidest rule in the NFL: If a punting team player can push a receiving team player into the path of the punt receiver who has signaled for a "Fair Catch", the act negates the "Fair Catch" rule. And oh-by-the-way, if the football happens to touch a receiving team player during this sequence; and if a kicking team player recovers the ball; the kicking team gets to retain the ball (where recovered). You have got to be kidding me. Who made up this rule, Art Modell? The best 'offensive' play in the play book, just got better. That is the "stupidest" rule I have ever witnessed. I even bounced that play in Carolina off a lady who knows absolutely nothing about football and could care less, and she even recognized it was highway robbery. I hope it does not cost Coach Zorn his job, because that would be the "ultimate" injustice in sports.
Now I am mad. That rule sucks. If Mr. Snyder has any power in the NFL, that punt rule would be fixed by FAX NLT COB, Wednesday, October 14, 2009.* The Skins fought their guts out, in front of a huge away-game bunch of Redskins fans and got ripped off. Should the Skins have scored more points, sure; but it seemed like they scored quickly when they had the chance. Carolina has a lot of good players. Peppers & Co. can play D-line with anybody. They have smart plays; a pick play that didn't look like a pick play for an easy two points. Carolina will win some games this season.
Now for the tackle that didn't help. How does a Skins' CB get run over by a ferocious scrambling QB? The CB said they used to practice that "Pooch Punt Push" play in Atlanta, but I guess they didn't practice fundamental tackling there either; or at Virginia Tech. Where was Mr. Rogers when we needed him? Daryl Green could teach all of these CB's how to tackle bigger guys. I screamed at the TV: "Tackle a leg, tackle an ankle, tackle a foot, tackle anything to get that overpowering QB on the ground to force a punt. Didn't happen. I'll say one thing for DA Hall, he is a slippery runner once he gets his hands on the ball. Can he catch a punt?
The Chiefs come to town this week, 0-5, after letting the Cowboys off the hook in O.T., oh swell. They gave the Cowboys all they wanted. Hopefully the Skins will have a Business-Get Done outing in front of the hometown crowd.
Til next time...Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '99
* Of course that ain’t going to happen, so I’m thinking rather than getting mad, the Skins should get even; They need to win two games at FedEx using the “Pooch Punt Push” Rule for the home team. Then they’ll be even.
10/10/2009 - By-Line: Fairfax, VA, October 10, 2009. The Skins came back to beat the BUCS
What a nightmare the first quarter (the first half) was against a charged-up BUCS team who came into FedEx to win their first game of the season. Right out of the box, the BUCS defense jumped Campbell, causing a fumble the BUCS recovered on the Skins ten-yard line. A ten-yard field for the Bucs resulted in a TD they scored in less than a minute. The Skins didn't do much better the rest of the quarter, punting a couple of times. But then a glimmer of light late in the quarter, the BUCS lined up for a 48-yard field goal attempt...the kick was true, but at the last second, the ball veered right, hit the upright, and bounced away - FG no good. (Seen in the PIG PEN, a bunch of pigmen sucking air back into their lungs after blowing with all their might toward the goal posts.) Still 7-0, Bucs.
The Skins running game didn't do much better than their passing game. The Portis stretch play did not work; too much penetration down the line, so Portis could not get to the edge cleanly to cut and make something happen. The passing game sputtered, resulting in two interceptions; one at the end of the first quarter and one early in the second. The Boo-Birds came marching out, they had plenty to feed on. I remember one pass play though that Campbell (JC) and Betts combined on that was a really sweet swing pass, in rhythm, that made a good gain. The Skins defense played tough, only allowing a field goal, so the half time score was 10-0, Bucs. A couple of plays and the Skins could get back in this game. During this week I heard several Box-Experts say they would have pulled Campbell in the second quarter. Thank goodness we only have one head coach. I heard Coach Zorn said he still saw a fire in Campbell's eyes. I have only heard of one other head coach who could look into his QB's eyes and see what was going on...and he was a pretty good one.
In the third quarter, the Skins turned the world around. Portis started getting to the edge cleanly and quickly: he's still got 'quick'. The Defense came up with a stop that resulted in a FG. A couple more stops/punts resulted in a Cooley medium-range TD pass and a bomb to Moss for a touchdown; Bang, just like that, the Skins were up 16-10. Long passes are great when they work. People forget they are low-percentage plays. I believe this is the first bomb the Skins have scored with this season. Since the regulars do not play in the preseason games, the first four games of the regular season were in fact the preseason games for them. Now that they have put in the "Grass Time" (as Coach Joe Jacoby (SU) would say.), the regulars should be ready to 'Rock & Roll'. An observation: JC has such a strong arm, he throws a 40-yd rope. It seems like the defenders stay in the play better to knock the ball away. If he can practice "looping" the ball out there, giving it some 'air', so his receivers can run under it, the team's success rate may go up.
In the fourth quarter, the Skins' defense played tough, with Fletcher making the game saving tackle inside the Skins ten-yard line. Good team victory. Now it is down to Carolina against an 0-4 team that beat the Skins by 40+ points last year. Should be interesting. Hopefully the struggling team will continue to struggle and the improving team will continue to improve.
Til next time...Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '99
09/30/2009 - By-Line: Fairfax, VA, September 29, 2009. Tough loss in Detroit
Another view point, I suppose is; Now there are a whole lot of very happy Lions fans saying, "Take that Washington, and stick it where the sun don't shine." It is amazing to me how many ex-Skins players (like Jon Jansen) win their first game with their new ball club against the Skins. Is Mr. Snyder cursed? Then I opened the Washington Post Monday morning and saw the photo on the Front (A-1) Page showing the Skins lost that game by less than a "meter". That is 37 inches, boys & girls. That photo shows a totally committed Clinton Portis (CP) flat-out horizontal, about 3 1/2 feet off the ground. Unfortunately he is outside the sideline. Then my questions started; Did CP run his pattern too wide, or did Jason Campbell (JC) delivery the ball too late, or was CP forced to go outside by the three defenders. Three defenders, that means there could have been two other Redskin receivers jumping up & down, waving their arms, yelling, "Throw it to me, throw it to me." But, maybe JC didn't have time to see them. I just wanted to throw up.
What a tough week this is going to be. Many scribes and radio yapping heads are filling the air waves guessing, "Is Mr. Snyder going to fire the Z-man on Tuesday or Wednesday?" What an environment, the Z-man is one cool cucumber. I think he has all the right stuff, I hope he's here for a long time to come. It took Coach John Thompson (Georgetown, Basketball Hall of Fame) three years to learn how to win. You know Coach Gibbs went 0-5 before his teams started winning. If Jack Kent Cooke had fired him at 0-3, how many Super Bowls would the Skins fans have missed? Great things sometimes have very humble beginnings.
About the Lions game: We were watching it with about 350 wild & crazy Skins fans at a children's charity benefit. The fans didn't have much to root about, so our hands were full and I didn't have much time to focus on the game. I do recall, early in the game, the Skins had a 4th and one inside the Lions five yard line. The Skins ran that da-gum off-tackle play that did not work in the Rams game. I'm screaming, "Move the pile, move the pile, run straight ahead." Maybe this week. Any points is better than no points. What is the basic NFL axiom, "You have to score points to win," Of course the other side of the coin is: Who would have figured the Skins highly toted defense would allow a rookie Qbk and a no-name offense to march 99 yards for a touchdown. Somebody said the Skins tackling sucked again this week. I hope that gets fixed soon. Don't they make tackling dummies and sand pits any more?
The Skins players and coaches fought to the bitter end, but a loss is a loss. It's better at 1-2, than late in the season. I just hope the Skins players got out of Detroit without too many injuries; I hate concrete fields - the players really get banged up on them. It is now onto the BUCS who are coming to FedEx Field, we owe them. Another hard game against a poor team - oh joy! My hope is the Skins score more points than they do, and they don't get booed going off the field after a win. If the final is a loss, I am sure there will be plenty of motivational noise & energy produced by the Skins fans, who like to win.
Monday Morning is so great; all of the turkeys and clowns come out from everywhere and say what should have been done. There are only a few good men who actually do it, real time. The Z-Man is a good young one of them.
P.S. I heard Mr. Snyder and his buddy, Tom Cruise, were on the Lions’ field before the game? Maybe they were having a competition to see who could give out the most autographs to the Redskin players?
Til next time...Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '99
09/22/2009 - Fairfax, VA, September 22, 2009. Tough win.
O.K., Boys & Girls, it was ugly. But you know what; a win is a win is a win. Three field goals will beat one touchdown every time. I hope many don't yap about Campbell (JC) this week - two dropped TD passes are tough to swallow, but they happen, and the team kept after it to the end to win, in spite of many mistakes. They made fewer, less critical ones than the Rams. Receivers have to give their finger-tips eyes (watch the ball into their hands), no matter what is happening or about to happen. If they lose sight of the ball, the finger-tips go blind.) This team (Head Coach, coaches, players) are all a "work in progress" - they will improve for all situations each week - this I believe, because they try to learn from the mistakes. The Z-Man got what he could, and three FG's will forever beat one TD. Since I was in the PIG PEN, I didn't chart the game, so I'm going to give you my macro-view of it. It was a long, tiring game. Aren't they all (I heard today the game actually ran 2.47 hrs...it was a long 2.47 hrs.).
To summarize: I know there were many unnoticed plays that were really big, but in my view, this game was won by two tackles and an athletic move by our tall, gawky QB who somehow got the ball to our six-inch line after being hit by two guys in the end zone, thus avoiding a two-point safety. I am not sure how JC got his feet and the ball out of that end zone, he must be a very strong fellow. The Rams were driving mid-4th Qtr, inside our ten: pass play...catch...huge hit (I don't know who made the hit, but it was big)...fumble...Skins recover - a STOP in the 4th...it's been a long time coming. Result - Saved a probable guaranteed three points, maybe even seven. And finally, with less than two minutes to go, the "Big" hit by Mr. Rogers to preserve the win. A great shoulder-pad tackle up through the receiver that hurt Mr. Rogers, too, probably until Wednesday. He gave up his body to "win".
Remember before the Giants game I said if the Skins could get past the second week at 1-1, and healthy, the Skins would be on the right course; first goal accomplished, except for the tough loss of the experienced Guard Randy Thomas. My hope is he becomes the new assistant line coach to the world renown Joe Bugel.
I don't care how ugly it is, it's "funner" to win.
Now it is onto Detroit; you think Jon Jansen is licking his chops and rallying his teammates to knock off the Skins to win their first game since 2007. You bet he is.
'Til next time...Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '99
09/14/2009 - Date Line: Fairfax, VA, September 14, 2009
Loss in New York.
Well, the Skins are 0-1, losing to the G-men in the Skins last appearance in the Meadowlands, 23-17. There are 15 games to go. As tough a time as they had yesterday, they were only one play away from pulling that game out, stealing it. The Skins were down 17-0 at one point, and fought their guts out to get back into the game, which they did. We have to give them credit. But they could have won that game with one more big play, or not giving up one big play. Bah hum bug, so frustrating. There are so many different ways to view this game. I prefer the view that as much as the Giants controlled many aspects of the game, causing the Skins frustration for 59 minutes, the Skins were one ten-second play away from winning that game. But it is a loss. What did the great Vince Lombardi say, "You have to learn how not to lose before you can learn how to win." I guess that is where our team is.
The Defense played great...and they played bad. There were way too many big 3rd down plays turned into first downs. Who is Steve Smith? How many 3rd down passes did he turn into first downs? He killed us all day, including catching the on-sides kick (Why did we kick it at him?). Fletcher made tackles all over the field, lots of tackles. I loved all the hats tackling the ball. The D-line did it's job on many plays, but very little on 3rd downs. They put pressure on Eli (a very competent Qback). In the 4th Qtr, ten minutes left, the defense could not come up with the key stop, allowed the Giants to march down the field and kick a simple field goal to force the Skins to score two touchdowns to pull the game out. Here we go again, that happened way too often last year. When did the Giants' punter make is his first kick, mid-way through the 3rd Qtr? That is very poor. How many times did he punt? Early in the 1st Qtr, no-catch Carlos did it again...got himself in perfect position to intercept a pass and give the offense a short field...tried to catch the ball with his hands, forget it; no catch, the Giants continued down the field to a score. The defense turned long drives into field goals, which is good, kept the team in the game.
Late in the 3rd Qtr, the D finally made a big play, intercepted the ball caused by the D-line pressure on the pocket/Q-back and gave the Offense a very, very short 11-yard field. But the Offense could not score a touchdown. How could they not score a touchdown? Amazing. The Giants pressured the Skins out of a pass play. Is there a draw play or a quick slant in the play book? In the Red Zone, why isn't Portis on the field? He's the best run threat and the best backfield pass blocker.
The offense had a tough day against an excellent D-line, but suspect D-backfield... A couple of plays illustrate; The play that won the game - Osi Umen... made a terrific outside rush on Samuels, but Campbell forgot to step up into the pocket (basic move)...as Campbell went to throw the ball, Umen... swatted it out of his hand...fumble...then Umen... picked it up and ran 40 yards for a defensive score. The Skins take that one play away from the Giants, guess what the final score is. Instead, the Giants win by two-inches (If Campbell steps up he doesn't lose the ball.) Two plays by Santana Moss really frost me. He was in single coverage most of the day, I think, he never got separation, and had one catch for -2 yards until he caught his second ball late in the fourth. He did 'draw' in a fist fight (Was he on a football field yesterday?); not smart to have your number one receiver thrown out of the game for fighting. Hey Moss, you ever heard of a "flop"? The interception was Moss' fault, too. He has to step back toward the ball on that throw, instead of waiting for it to come to him...to protect the ball, increase his chances of catching it, or keep the defender from catching it. Moss was a non-factor in that game. I noticed the Giants' Jacobs (27) was fighting, too...Did you see the 'flop' he made to try and get another Skins player out of the game? I think the Giant coaches told their players to 'goat' the Skins' hothead players to get them out of their game, and it worked. They won.
Here come the RAMS, I sure hope the Skins beat them by 20, with a lot of backup people playing in the third and fourth quarter.
'Til next time...Cheers. Mikey T., Boss Hogette
09/05/2009 - Notes from Boss Hog
By-Line: Fairfax, VA, September 4, 2009.
State of the Team: The 2009 Campaign begins. Life is good. Coach Zorn is now a young (sophomore) head coach. He is no longer a "Rookie" head coach and no longer a "Rookie" play caller. He knows his players better. Experience is the basis for wisdom. His coaches are no longer learning his system. They are his system. The players are no longer learning his system: so they should not have to think before they act and react; they should just "DO". Sports in general are fast, but the NFL today is so fast, there is no time to think, the players just need to "DO". The players ability to "DO" should improve their execution success. Of course, a major hurtle is the other teams in the NFC East are better, too.
Let's start with the Defense. They ranked 4th in all of the NFL last season. Statistics are so misleading. I remember the Skins lost two, three games, maybe more, because their Defense could not make a STOP late in the 4th Qtr. The Offense could not get on the field (never saw a "short field" in the 4th Qtr), so the Team could have a chance to pull the game out. As far as "short fields" and "Take-Aways" were concerned, they could be counted on one hand? Teams who score a lot of points, most come from a "short field" (40-35 yds in to score), and this is one of the "keys" to winning. A good example is our 1983 Redskins. Any way, with the addition of the $100-Million-Dollar Man Haynesworth and the rookie D-end Arakpo, the Skins Defense should get a better "push" and force more "hurries" and fumbles and interceptions; maybe in 2009 we'll see lots of "short fields". And wouldn't it be great if the Defense and Special Teams scored six to eight touchdown. Now that would give us fans something to shout about.
The Offense can only get better; 2008 started out great at 6-2, but, as the injuries added up, especially to the O-Line (Do you believe the Skins actually played an O-lineman with a broken neck? That is nuts. Maybe the coaches didn't know?). I don't care how good a defense is, when your offense only puts 10 points a game up on the board (score), it is really tough to win a lot of games. And the Offense needs to keep the ball late in the 4th Qtr. They have to make key first downs to keep the ball away from the other guys. I can remember we lost at least one game last year because we couldn't make a first down on third and two. You have to be able to do this to win. So what about 2009? Doc is back at left guard. The right tackle is big and has another year of experience under his belt. Hopefully the experienced center stays healthy this year. But guys up front are going to get hurt; it is the nature of the NFL game. If the backups can play, keep Campbell upright, and he has more than "zero" time for the passing game, he can deliver the ball to an improved receiver corps. We'll be able to tell pretty soon into the season; if the Team averages more than 20 points per game, and the Defense lives up to its billing, the Team has a chance to win more games.
They have to show me though, I'll believe it when I see it. I'm afraid they look like an 8-8 team. But, if they can steal a game or two, win the games they are supposed to win; guess what, they turn into a 10-6 team, with a good shot at making the playoffs. But that is putting the mule before the cart. The Redskins were supposed to beat the Rams last year. They didn't, and the season went South from there. If the Skins can come out of the Meadowlands (tough place to start a season) in good shape, and beat the Rams in FedEx home opener, they'll be off to a good start for the season. I am going to wait and see.
'Til next time...Cheers. Mikey T., Boss Hogette
07/25/2009 - Dateline: July 21, 2009
Rich Tandler has been a Redskins fan since 1966. As the Hogettes, we have our own unique way of celebrating our fandom. Rich has his way of showing Burgundy and Gold runs through his veins as well--he writes books about his team. His third, The Redskins Chronicle: a Journey Through the History of the Redskins 1937-2008, is the crown jewel of Redskins books. You can be among the first Redskins fans to get your hands on this book, a must-have item for any true Redskins fan. And, in doing so, you can help the Hogettes help the kids.
Not only does The Redskins Chronicle have a full story of every game the team played from1937 through 2008, it has accounts of all of the hirings and firings, the drafts and the trades, and anecdotes that paint the picture of the Redskins. It's a unique book; go to RedskinsChronicle.com to get the full picture of what it is about.
The book is now available for ordering and Rich would like to help the Hogettes help their favorite kids charities; For every book sold, Rich will make a donation to the Hogettes. As always, 100% of the donation will go to help the kids. In addition, Rich is offering a hefty discount off the cover price of the book and other perks as well. Just visit RedskinsChronicle.com for details and to order this must-have volume!
01/06/2009 - FedEx Field, Jan. 5, 2009
The Redskins traveled to the City by the Bay for their last game of the first Zorn season with a chance to go 9-7. Instead, they laid an egg in the second half, after leading 17-7 at halftime, allowing the 49ers to score 20 points and winning the game on a last second, 39-yard field goal, 27-24. A too often heard in the latter half of the 2008 season Redskin player quote, “We let it slip away.” The 49ers were not a very good football team, but the Redskins managed to make them look great. Granted this was a meaningless game, but “winning” is a habit that needs to be practiced game in and game out. Coach Zorn’s first season ended 8-8. I believe at the beginning of the season I said an 8-8 season would be a good year, so I guess I better stand by my statement. But it is interesting how close a fantastic 11-5 season was to Coach Zorn’s first year team. They win the Rams, Bengals, and 49ers games and Redskins fans are jumping beans. To think the Eagles made the playoffs, a team the Redskins beat twice, just makes you shake your head. Course the Eagles did a number on the Cowboys (which was sweet), so they won their way into the playoffs, but it is enough to make a fan scream. Now it is onto the 2009 season.
Until next time, Cheers…Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF ‘98
12/23/2008 - FedEx Field, Dec 23, 2008
The Redskins traveled to Cincinnati and were pathetic against the Bengals, losing to the 1-12-1, 20-10. If you cannot beat the Bengals, you do not deserve to go to the playoffs, simply put. Several brief things about this game: On the third play of the game, Cooley put the ball on the ground, and the rest was history. The Redskins got their first first down with about 8:30 left in the first half; very poor. The Redskins proved they could not win with only one and a half offensive tackles; Portis had nowhere to run. Down 17-0, Moss caught a touchdown pass, then proceeded to polish one of his shoes. What a classless, bush-league move. He really ticked off a lot of Redskin fans, and he cost his team a 15-yard penalty. At 17-10, the Redskins fought their way down to the Bengals’ one-yard line. Sellers was given the ball to tie the game. But, instead of power running into the line and moving the pile with his 270 pound body, he took two awkward steps and tried to leap over the pile. He was met at the top of the pile and pushed back. So what do the Redskins do on the next play, they give the ball to Sellers again and again he tries to jump over the pile. Stopped again, he reaches the ball out to put it across the goal line. A Bengal linebacker knocks it out of his hands, the Bengals recover, the Redskins get no points; very poor. With a little more than two minutes left in the game, Rock Cartwright runs back a kick-off to about the Bengals 15 yard line. With little time left and needing two scores, what do the Redskins do; They run Portis off tackle, twice. Twice, unbelievable; then they threw an incomplete pass; game over. Very poor energy by the players and very poor coaching by the coaches, definitely a team loss. So much for that disaster.
The Eagles came to town needing a win to stay in the play-off hunt. The Redskins were still in the play-off picture, mathematically, but with a slim to zero chance. It was very cold and very windy day in FedEx Field. It was the first time I have ever seen a lady flag bearer almost get picked up by the wind. The Redskins played with a lot of passion and energy; where was this effort last week? It was a real fight, which is always the case when these two teams get together. The game came down to two plays; Jason Taylor beat a big tackle and was able to sack McNabb from behind, knocking the ball loose. London Fletcher picked it up and started running for the end zone. The big tackle Jason had beaten tackled Fletcher from behind inside the Eagles’ 20. We were thinking, “Man, I wish London could have scored.” But the offense pushed the ball down to about the one on several plays and Portis powered the ball over the goal line behind the blocking of the young kid from the University of Maryland. Man, the Eagles receivers were pathetic the whole game, they must have dropped at least a dozen passes right in their hands or off their chests, it was amazing. The best Redskins offensive play
12/12/2008 - FedEx Field, Dec 10, 2008
Our Redskins traveled up the road to Baltimore on a cold, winter's Sunday night to take on a decent Ravens team with a rookie Q-back and one of the best defenses in the NFL. After five and half minutes the Ravens led 14-0, and the Redskins were in a lot of trouble. The Ravens' defense repeatedly knocked Jason Campbell to the ground and intercepted him twice. The Ravens' Flacco did not make too many mistakes and Campbell kept getting up off the ground. Then things got worse; both Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels were knocked out of the ball game. So a battered O-line became a disaster zone. The Redskins battled back to get to 17-10 in the fourth quarter, but then the Redskins made another mistake; they knocked the Ravens' primary back, Willis McGahee, out of the game. With the Redskins needing the ball to make the game interesting, the Ravens put two 270 pound running backs in the game, who proceeded to run the ball 11 straight times and burn eight minutes off the clock: bang a 28-yard touchdown pass; final score 23-10. I do not know how a team wins in the NFL without two offensive tackles, but I guess we are going to find out. The Redskins travel to Cincinnati this week to take on the hapless Bengals. It should be interesting to see how it turns out. The Redskins face a simple future; if they keep winning, they may have a chance to make the play-offs; if they lose, they are out and their season ends this month.
Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF'98
12/04/2008 - Dateline: FedEx Field 12/3/08
Well, Boys & Girls, the Giants came to town and pretty much whipped our Redskins' butts, going home after hardly breaking a sweat with a 23-7 win. The Redskins stopped the Giants' running game, but Eli threw for over 300 yards and they put enough points on the board by halftime to handle the situation. The game was pretty much typified by the Giants first extra-point play. The holder dropped the ball, but there was no Redskins' rush. He managed to pick the ball up and put it down, the kicker re-set and kicked the ball through the uprights. I stood there and thought to myself, "What the hey???" I have never seen that in a professional game. I do not know what the Redskins' players were thinking, or doing. The first two or three times the Redskins had the ball, on third down plays, they completed passes a yard short for a first down. Are we back in the Spurrier era??? On a fourth and one, Jansen's defensive end made the tackle behind the line of scrimmage for no gain, Giants' ball. Very poor play on the Redskins part, very poor.
Portis ran as hard as he could, but the running game was pretty much shutdown by the Giants D-line, and Portis got hurt again, jamming his neck. They have pretty much run him into the ground. The offense looks too predictable, and there were too many dropped passes on key plays. Many this week are questioning Jason Campbell's quality of play. He has had no time, and has been picking himself off the deck way too many times. Is he part of the problem, sure, but all need to elevate their play if they want to get their first goal, making the playoffs. Many are complaining about Suisham's kicking percentage, he missed a field goal at the end of the first half that could have lifted the Redskins play a lot. I thought it was a poor high snap that threw the timing of the kick off. How soon folks forget, Suisham has made a lot of big kicks since he's been a Redskin. This season he's had a couple of different holders, which affects a kicker. I do not get to analysis all of the misses, but I bet the biggest factor has been the quality of the snap. And I just do not understand the punting plan. The Skins' current punter seems to have a pretty strong leg, but, whatever happened to the "coffin-corner" kick? These great punts dribble into the end zone for a touchback; kick the da'gum ball out of bounds inside the five yard line. Why give the other team 15 yards? Let them need a 95 yard drive to score.
Now it is crunch time. The Redskins record is 7-5, with four games to go. But this is the fourth best wildcard record for two wildcard spots. It is not clear a 10-6 record will qualify for the playoffs this season. The Redskins travel to Baltimore to take on the 8-4 Ravens. The Ravens' defense is in the élite category, especially their run-defense. And they score points. I hope the team shows some spunk up there, or it could be a long December, and a short season.
Until next time, Cheers...Mikey T
11/27/2008 - FedEx Field, Nov 25, 2008
The Redskins traveled to Seattle and took care of business, winning 20-17. It was not very impressive, and yet it was impressive. Portis is a stud. He carried the ball 29 times for 143 yards. My worry is they run him too much. I think the Giants have the best prototype model for the running game. They have two very good backs and one great back. They run their great back a little over a half, then let the other two guys take over. The point is: they play all three. Twenty-nine rushes puts too much wear & tear on a single back. Fourteen to 16 rushes and 85-90 yards per back per game is optimum. But that is my opinion.
Coach Zorn had to deal with the emotions of returning to his old Seattle stomping grounds and trying to beat his old head coach. Coming out of there with a win I am sure made him very happy. Now let’s look at the realities. The Redskins had the ball for almost 40 minutes, the Seahawks a little over 20 minutes; the Redskins had 24 first downs, the Seahawks 13; the Redskins had almost 80 offensive plays, the Seahawks less than 50 plays; and the Seahawks had the ball with about 90 seconds left in the game and a chance to pull out a win. But Hasselbeck threw a terrible pass and Springs made a nice play to intercept it, game over; Redskins-20, Seahawks-17. It was more of an-almost-lost game. But, it was a win. And a win is a win, is a win.
Speaking of the Giants, they come to town this Sunday, sporting the best record in the NFL, 10-1. They have a strong pass rush, a very good offensive line, a great running game, fine pass receivers, and a smart & capable young quarterback. I guess the Redskins ought to just pack it in and figure on being 7-5 Monday morning. Don’t need to even tee it up. Some how I don’t think Zorn and Company view it that way. I’m thinking they are trying to figure out how to make some good runs, buy Campbell more time to pass, move the chains, and score more points. Meanwhile the injury front isn’t that great: Carter and Fletcher are both banged up; a number of D-linemen and O-linemen have aches & pains; Portis is hurting; the Redskins are the walking wounded. Somehow out of all of this the Redskins need to field a competitive team Sunday afternoon to take on the defending Super Bowl Champs and hottest team in football right now. The Redskins did it last year, maybe they’ll be able to do it again this year.
Go Skins…Cheers,
Mikey T.
Boss Hogette
Hof ‘98
11/27/2008 - FedEx Field, Nov 21, 2008
Cowboys/Seahawks: The Cowboys came to FedEx Field off a bye week
(like the Redskins) with their Qback back in the saddle and apparently their O-line and D-line intact. The game started good for our side with a defensive stop and then a solid 10-play drive featuring lots of good Portis running (I was surprised he started the game. I don't like our running backs with hurt knees playing, especially in cold weather.)
Redskins-7, Cowboys-0. The Redskins' defense played tough, getting a
couple of first half interceptions, but were unable to turn them into
any points. The Cowboys finally scored a touchdown with a little over a minute left in the half to tie the game. The Redskins Rock Cartwright ran the ensuing kickoff back to the Dallas 37. Five plays later, Suisham kicked a nice 41-yard field goal with four seconds left in the half. I was hoping.
The Redskins got the second half kickoff and had a really nice 12-play drive going until an interception stopped it. The Cowboys
scored the go-ahead touchdown with a little over 10 minutes to go in the game. The Cowboys O-line and D-line took the game over. Romo was
tagged two, maybe three times. Campbell had no time to throw and ended up on his back too many times. The frustration of the game was exemplified by the last 6:40 minutes of the game. The Cowboys burned
the clock and the Redskins never had another offensive play. Bah humbug, now I'm in a funk. I hate it when the Redskins lose to those guys, especially when they only scored 14 points and the Redskins had chances to make one play to pull it out. It is amazing how different the week is after the Redskins beat the Cowboys versus when they lose to them.
But, it's history now. It's onto Seattle. Let's hope the Redskins can do better against this Seahawk team than they have done the last two times they traveled out there to play play-off games. The Seahawks are having a rough year, but they have their Qback back, so they could be a new team. It is another rug game, I kind of hope Portis doesn't play too much and Betts and Alexander carry more of the running load. And we find some way to put more pressure on their passer. Let's hope the Redskins get well and start a trend in the Northwest.
Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '98
11/10/2008 - Dateline, FedEx, November 10, 2008
The Steelers came to town looking to right their ship after getting beat up by the Giants the week before. We were surprised by their pass rush and with the number of their fans inside FedEx Field, twirling their gold "Terrible Towels". There were a bunch of them, too many. The game started with a surprise on-sides kickoff, which the Redskins managed to cover. But they could not pick up a first down and had to settle for 44-yard field goal. The first time the Steelers got the ball, a pass got batted into the air and intercepted by Cornelius Griffin. Again the Redskins could not muster a first down and had to settle for a 43-yard field goal. Thank goodness we have a good field goal kicker. Bad omen though, instead of leading 14-0 early in the first quarter, the Steelers were only down 6-0 after the first four minutes of the game. The Redskins defense played great in the first quarter, only allowing one pass completion in eight attempts, with one interception, a total of 34 yards, and three punts. But the Redskins could not muster much offense either. Then in the second quarter, the Steelers got a huge special teams play, blocking a punt and recovering it on the Redskins 13 yard line; Halftime score: Steelers-10, Redskins-6.
The Steelers got the second half kickoff and after an almost five-minute drive scored another touchdown to take a 16-6 lead (They missed the extra point.). Then the Steelers' number one defense, and especially their pass rush took over the game. The line play looked like a jail-break. Campbell was running for his life and had no time. The Steelers bullied the Redskins all over the field. The Redskins got the ball two times in the quarter. First they lost five yards deep in their own territory and punted. They had a good drive going the second time they got the ball until Campbell's first interception of the year on a tipped ball. The fourth quarter was a nightmare. The Redskins only got the ball three times, once on a 31-yard short field and got into the Steelers' Red Zone all three times, but ended up scoring no points. It is hard to win if you do not score points. It was a tough night for the home team, losing 23-6.
The Bye Week was much needed. Hopefully the players were able to heal a little bit and the coaches were able to come up with a better pass protection scheme and some cleaver ways to score touchdowns. The team is 6-3, which is good, but they need to score more points. The first game after the Bye is Dallas in FedEx. The Redskins need to get healthy on the Cowboys. If they don't, the second half of the season could be a real struggle. The Cowboys have their own problems, but that is their problem. The Redskins need to send them packing and come out of Sunday night at 7-3.
Until next time, cheers...
10/30/2008 - Dateline - FedEx - October 29, 2008
The Redskins traveled to Detroit to take on the winless Lions, always a dangerous situation. Nobody wants to play a no-win team; they could win. In the first half, the Redskins managed to rack up a bunch of first downs and control the clock for over 21 minutes, but were unable to score any touchdowns (TDs); too many mistakes and penalties. Thank goodness Suisham is kicking great, scoring a 47-yarder with no time left in the first half: Lions-10, Redskins-6. Another long field goal in the third quarter got the Redskins to a 10-9 deficient. Although Campbell played great, completing 23 passes in 28 attempts, he put the ball on the ground twice; the Redskins losing one that ended up being a Lions’ touchdown. The other one the Redskins recovered thanks to a very athletic, hustling play by Jon Jansen.
This tight game turned on two big plays by Santa Moss. One was an excellent 50-yard TD pass; the other a spectacular 80-yard punt return only an athletic player like Moss could have pulled off. He was all over the field to get to the end zone. After that, the defense, lead by London Fletcher, had to rise up and make some plays to stop the up-start Lions from scoring late in the game. They did, final score: Redskins 25, Lions 17. All you want to do for a game like this is get out of the dome with a win and nobody hurt too bad after playing on that carpet-covered concrete field. Moss has a hamstring problem; Portis, after his fifth game in a row rushing for over 120 yards, has a ankle problem; Chris Samuels did not even suit up with a knee problem; and Jason Taylor, who probably should not have played as much as he did, even though he was a defensive force, has to have his calf operated on again and will miss the Steelers’ game.
Now the always tough Pittsburgh Steelers come to town for a Monday Night game. They just lost to the Giants 21-14, with a 53-yard TD pass called back. Roethlisberger got sacked five times, got knocked down 18 times, and threw four interceptions. But the Steelers run defense held the Giants’ running game to less than 100 yards. Sounds like the Steelers have a great run defense and a poor O-Line. I hope the Redskins D-Line can put some heat on Big Ben; it’ll be a key to who wins this game going into the Bye Week.
Until next time…
Mikey T, Boss Hog
10/28/2008 - Dateline FedEx Field, October 23, 2008
The Browns came to town having just knocked-off the Super Bowl Champ Giants. Us Redskins' fans did not know what to expect. Especially after hearing that Clinton Portis had not been able to practice much for the Browns' game. So what do the Redskins go out and do? Portis ran for 175 yards and the team got almost 200 yards rushing. The O-Line is doing a great job. The first half was strictly a defensive battle and field position game, with the Browns punting six times and the Redskins five times. The half ended with a Redskins high-snap field goal attempt bouncing off the right upright; score 0-0.
Both teams finally scored in the third quarter, the Redskins a touchdown, the Browns a field goal. The Redskins scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter on a nice pass to Moss and nifty run. The Redskins stiffened nicely on the goal line, holding the Browns out of the end zone for a bunch of plays, with the Redskins finally taking over the ball on their own three. Unfortunately Portis, after a really nice 24-yard run, got tomahawked from behind and coughed up the ball. The Browns then scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion to make it 14-11, with 2:44 left in the game.
The Redskins could not ice the game with a first down or two, so had to punt the ball back to the Browns with 1:51 on the clock. The Browns got to the Redskins 36 yard line, but missed a 54-yard field goal wide-right; not a very high percentage kick. Our visiting friends from England got to see all of this action up close since their seats were in that end zone. Game over.
Now the Redskins travel to the 0-6 Detroit Lions. I hope we can get out of there with a win and no injuries. We are off to watch the game with Maryland Redskins fans and help raise funds for a family with a very sick little girl.
Until next time, Cheers...Mikey T., HoF '98
10/17/2008 - Germantown, Maryland, October 17, 2008
The “thud” heard in the D.C. area late last Sunday afternoon was the Redskins coming back down to Earth. After two very emotional wins in Dallas and Philadelphia, the Redskins players just could not get it done for the Rams, the scary team that had not won a game this season. My words haunt me. The law of averages could catch up with the Rams. From what I have heard, the Redskin players are hyping each other up to take the Rams very seriously. Any NFL team can knock-off any other NFL team on any given Sunday. The Boys will have to mind their P’s & Q’s. I guess I should have kept my thoughts to myself.
The ultimate “trap” game jumped up and grabbed our Redskins with the nightmare loss, stealing the game: 19-17, on Josh Brown’s last second 49-yard field goal. Mr. Brown has beaten the Redskins before, in similar fashion. The Redskins were one play away from pulling this game out. I can’t believe this game turned on the most bazaar play I have seen in a long time. The Redskins were driving late in the first half. Campbell tried to pass, but the ball got batted into the air. Redskins’ guard Pete Kendall reached up and secured the volleyball. Then he started to run. Rams linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa nailed Kendall with a thunderous tackle, his helmet spearing the football out of Kendall’s grasp. The ball started bouncing around until Ram’s safety Oshiomogho Atogme (these names are amazing) picked it out of the air on a dead run, ending up 75 yards later in the end zone for six. Instead of the Redskins going into the halftime locker room leading 14-3, they were down 10-7.
The Rams controlled the second half kickoff for over six minutes, kicking a field goal to make it, 13-7. One play, and the Redskins could be leading. They battled back scoring a touchdown and a long field goal in the fourth quarter to take a 17-16 lead. But, they left too much time on the clock, over three and a half minutes; way too much time for most NFL teams. The Redskins’ defense hung tough, not allowing the Rams to move until, on fourth down, they connected on the infamous long, but under thrown, pass (always best for the offensive player) to get inside the Redskins Red Zone. Then the kick and the game is over.
There were so many key plays that could have turned this game around. If Campbell falls on a loose ball; if Kendall knocks the ball to the ground or catches it and falls to the ground; if the defense comes up with one more play they get the team out of a bad day with a tough win. But, it was not to be. The only good thing was both the Giants and the Cowboys lost, too. The Giants got beat bad by the Redskins next opponent, the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns come to town with the big win over the Giants and not much else. I have heard this week the Redskins’ defense is banged up and Portis has not practiced much, this is not good. The Redskins have three new players, all ex-Seahawks; a punter, a safety, and the great Sean Alexander; intere
10/11/2008 - Pig Pen
How about them Redskins!!! Was that a great effort Sunday against the Eagles or what. Back-to-back wins in Philly and Dallas, since when has that ever happened? We are talking ‘Hog Heaven.’ How sweet it is! What a fun day for all Redskins fans. The defense was strong again, knocking Westbrook out of the game with two broken ribs and shutting down their passing game. But it sure didn’t start out that great, did it. The first quarter reminded me of the first quarter in the San Diego Super Bowl against the Bronco’s. Everything worked for them, nothing worked for the Redskins. But the guys just kept hanging in there, chipping away, chipping away, one field goal, then another, when our kicker hit the third one just before the half, I was heartened we had a chance to pull this baby out. Cooley caught a lot of passes and Moss did a lot of downfield blocking for Portis on some solid running plays. I like the efforts of this O-line a lot; I am liking the “New Hogs” or “Hogs II”. The running game is very healthy, establishing the passing game, and allowing the offense to really keep their defense on the defensive; not knowing what the Redskins are going to do. Execution is, all in all, very fundamental and high quality. No offensive turnovers in the first five games, that is unbelievable. I loved watching the Eagles standing on the sidelines during those last three minutes of the game, with their long faces getting longer, since they could not get the ball back. When Portis tells the Z-Man on fourth and two, “I want the ball.” Then goes out and moves the pile with the help of his friends the guards and center, we are watching a determined team. The Eagle’s run defense was high caliber, but they could not stop Portis & Co. when they had to. How sweet it is!! But now it is onto a team that has not won a game this season; how scary is that. The law of averages could catch up with the Rams. From what I have heard, the Redskin players are hyping each other up to take the Rams very seriously. Any NFL team can knock-off any other NFL team on any given Sunday. The Boys will have to mind their P’s & Q’s.
Until next time, Cheers…MikeyT.
10/07/2008 - Dateline - The Pig Pen, Oct 2, 2008
How about them Redskins?!? Was that a great effort Sunday evening against the best team in the NFL or what. I had to chuckle, all of the guys on Fox Sports telecast before the game picked the Cowboys. I guess they did not know about the "secret weapon". This past Sunday was the first time in 37 years (1971) that a rookie Redskins Head Coach took his team into Texas Stadium and whipped up on them Cowboys. What a fun day for all Redskins fans.
First, the defense shutdown the Cowboys running game. What a difference a month makes. In New York, the safeties were the last ones able to tackle the Giants big back, getting killed in the process of tackling him too high. Against the Cowboy's beast of a running back, there were at least three or four hats hitting him, mostly in the backfield. The Redskins knocked the Cowboys right out of their running game plan. They became one-dimensional, and Mr. Romo was having an off day, then the defense started putting pressure on him. The Redskins' pre-game planning was exemplified by the pick No. 48 made. For that situation at that position on the field, it looked like 48 was lined up as a linebacker. As soon as the ball was snapped, he took off running toward, I am going to guess here, TO on the sideline, able to arrive just in time to intercept the pass intended for that receiver. Now that was perfect planning with perfect execution.
The offense was clicking on all cylinders, throwing high percentage passes and gaining big chunks of yardage running the ball with either Portis or Betts. The Redskins controlled the clock the entire game. The entire game, in Texas Stadium, that was stellar play by every player on the team. And yet, it came down to one play; an on-sides kick with 1:42 left in the game to ice it. The Cowboys almost pulled it off. The kick was just right, the Redskins in the area of the ball were flatfooted, and the Cowboy player was elevated and the ball hit his hands. He should have come down with it, but he didn't, and the ball went out of bounds; Redskins ball, game over.
One play I'd like to walk through, even though it was a touchdown nullified by a penalty, it shows where the offense is today. The ball was snapped in the Red Zone, but the rush broke down the blocking (one of the few times all day), so Campbell had to avoid a couple of guys and he rolled out to his left. He could have run some, maybe even gotten the first down, but he saw a receiver he could get the ball to and he did. The receiver caught the ball and made it into the end zone for a touchdown. Unfortunately, when the center saw his Qback starting to run, he took off to make a block, so he was caught down field when Campbell passed the ball. I like that Campbell is not going to run unless it is the last resort. Quarterbacks get hurt too often, it is better to get the ball into the hands of a gent trained to run. The fact the Redskins were able to avoid a great rush and get the ball into the en
10/07/2008 - TitleDateline: The Pig Pen, Sept. 24, 2008
Boys & Girls, it is Dallas Week. But more about that later,
let's talk about the last two weeks. The Redskins had a very good home stand, beating two very dangerous teams, the Saints and the Cards. Both teams have a lot of talented players and are capable of winning a lot of games. Both teams fought the Redskins hard, but our guys found a way to win twice. The Redskins finished both games, instead of almost finishing them.
The Saints came to town with a talented offense, featuring Drew Brees and Reggie Bush. The Redskins defense used a swarming defense to keep Bush hog-tied. He only got away on one punt return for a touchdown. There is a new sheriff in town; the Z-Man is trying to win games, he is not trying not to lose games. Against the Saints, he ordered a quick-in pass to Moss, pretty much impossible to stop, high percentage to complete. Moss has one of the quickest first steps in the game. Then the bomb to Moss late in the game was picture perfect, not only the pass and catch, but the adjustment Mike Sellers made to block a freed-up D-lineman who was about to jump on Mr. Campbell was beautiful to watch. Truly an 11-man play.
I can't believe the Cards game came down to a ball that bounced off a helmet. Rogers made a nice play to catch it, then took off for 40 yards to create a short field for the offense to score the winning touchdown. If you look at the photo in the newspaper of Rogers just before he caught that ball, his eyes are not focused on the ball, they are looking above the ball. He was lucky to come up with the handle. Anyway, the Redskins are 2-1 and get to play the 3-0 Cowboys in Dallas this week.
Our Rookie Coach and Co. get to play what the experts call the
most talented football team in the NFL. Well, I guess the Redskins
should just throw in the towel and give up before the first snap. I do not think that is going to happen. Z-man and this team have brass.
They are going to go into the last Redskins-Cowboys game in Texas
Stadium believing they can pull off an upset. That would be fun. TO is a horse, Barber is a bull. The Cowboy defense has a lot of talented players, I am kind of mystified they have given up so many points. Course the Eagles can play, too. This Cowboy team is a little sloppy, if our guys can take advantage of a couple of mess-ups, and not have too many bad plays themselves, it could really be interesting come late next Sunday evening. The secret weapon will be in place. Go Skins!!!
Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '98
* I use the term "Redskins" with respect and love in my heart for all of our Native American brothers and sisters. That is my intent. I thank GOD for Jim Thorpe, a Native American and wonderful athlete, who helped start pro football, the passionate Sunday afternoon game we love today.
09/11/2008 - TitleWASHINGTON REDSKINS* COUNTRY - From the Pig Pen Dateline: Fairfax, Virginia, September 11, 2
Well, the 2008 Redskins' visit to the Meadowlands was pretty much consistent with most since Jim Burt started this foolishness of throwing ice water on 'The Tuna' back in 1984. The first half of this game reminded me of the first quarter of the Super Bowl against the Broncos in San Diego. Nothing the Redskins tried worked very well, and just about everything the Giants ran pretty much worked out for them. You could just see the Redskins' Qback thinking his every move. Transition years are so sucky.
The Giants pass rush is alive and well. I don't know who they are, but they got the job done, putting pressure on the Redskins' passing game to the point where we had to keep Cooley in to help block. That cuts down on a lot of positive yards for the Redskins' offense, taking Cooley out of catching passes. One play I did not understand: "Why did our Qback run towards the pass rush? Usually, to avoid the pass rush, you run away from it, don't you?" The Redskins running game was O.K., but the Giants run defense is Super Bowl caliber, too. Portis & Co. worked hard, but running was not a big weapon on this day.
The rest of the Redskins pass offense was just a little off; touched a long pass, but could not bring it in. Another long pass was thrown to the inside, where if it had been thrown to the outside, at the post, Moss might have had a better chance to gather it in. I have to note; Did you see the pass block Portis put on the D'End on that one play? Not only did Clinton hit the guy, he knocked him up in the air so that the gent landed flat on his back. What an awesome block. I just hope Portis did not get hurt on the play. I can recall a play like that in high school, where the back hit a rusher like that, creating a loud roar from the home crowd of about 5,000. The problem was, because of physics, (For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.) the rusher's right foot kicked up and caught the blocker square in the cupless-groin. The blocker's eyes watered and he rubbed his elbow for the longest time. Clinton looked unscathed.
The Redskins defense only gave up one touchdown, and less than 20 points. That is pretty good. A Manning keeper, he better cut that out, he'll get hurt. The Giants' running back (27) run all over the place, with too many D'back tackles eventually bringing him down. And what is with the D'back's tackling? Since when do 190 - 210 lbs backs tackle a 250 lbs running back running at speed at the knees? Haven't our guys ever watched Darrell Green or Tony Peters or Pat Fischer tackle big guys ankle high? I am sure there was still a lot of Icy Hot being applied over the weekend. And the Redskins' D'Back could not catch a cold; how many interceptions were dropped, that could have flipped this game around? Man, it seems like Collins and Colt could spend several hours a day helping the Redskins' D'back better intercept game-speed passes.
But I am too negative, we now know where this team is, 0-1, in a division where the other two teams won big the first week. This loss was not really a big surprise. Oh, it would have been a great win, but the Redskins were not the best team on this field on this day. Much can be built from this first game of a 16-game season. There was a telling photo in the paper, it showed the defense sitting on their bench near the end of the game. Their looked like they had left it all on the field, but their heads were up and it looked like a lot of teeth were being gritted. It is up to the players to turn this around, starting with the visiting Saints this Sunday, a team who had their way with the Bucs. The Saints look like they have a lot of talent offensively, but I doubt their defense is the same caliber as the Giants.
I just hope our home town fans give our team lots of support...and patience. They will right the ship. These guys are fighters.
Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, Pro Football HoF '98
09/05/2008 - WASHINGTON REDSKINS* COUNTRY - From the Pig Pen Dateline: New Jersey, September 4, 2008
'Let the games begin.' The practice games are over, the ones that count start tonight with the NFL Kickoff game between the Washington Redskins at the Super Bowl Champion N.Y. Giants. A tough place to start for our rookie head coach (Z-Man). But, it could be a great place to start, how many expect the Giants to blow the Redskins back to our nation's capital. What if the Redskins beat the Giants, in front of GOD & country. It'd be a heck of a start. If the Giants win, nobody will be surprised. The Redskins have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
The preseason ended 3-2, with the Redskins going out 3-0, but then scoring six points in the last two games. These Redskin players have a lot of pride, I do not think this trend will continue for long, course, I am prejudice. Just remember the pre-season are practice games, primarily for 'player evaluation'; who are the players who are going to make the final roster. Some difficult decisions had to be implemented, most notably, shifting the stalwart Jon Jansen to the roll of backup guard and tackle. This is a hard move, but with the injuries Jon has suffered over the last three seasons, he may become the best fill-in guy since the position was unveiled and extend his career several years.
This Redskins team is considerably younger than it has been in a while, which makes it a faster team. Speed is good in all sports, but especially in football, where players need to create space to make plays. I think we saw what this team is capable of doing in Canton. Course, if the Qback doesn't have time, we could see a lot of repeats of the last two pre-season games, I hope not. Time will tell.
The Giants have lost their two D-ends, one retired and one was injured for the season. I would think this would make their pass-rush less potent, not like it was in the Super Bowl (SB) where they pressured Brady into tough spots throughout the game. But they have their talented Qback and wide receivers. Their primary tight end plays for the Saints now, but their replacement tight end was very capable in the SB. I suspect their new guys at D-end can play the game. This is going to be a typical NFC East game, played the full 60 minutes, with both teams capable of winning it. It is good to get the real season underway, let the best team playing today, win one for whoever.
Cheers, Mikey T., Boss Hogette, HoF '98
* I use the term "Redskins" with respect and love in my heart for all of our Native American brothers and sisters. That is my intent. I thank GOD for Jim Thorpe, a Native American and wonderful athlete, who helped start pro football, the passionate Sunday afternoon game we love today.
08/23/2008 - Canton, Ohio, August 4, 2008
Canton 2008, a fantastic weekend for all Redskins' fans, especially those lucky enough to be there (nine Hogettes made it). It was like the center of the Redskins' Nation moved in mass to the seat of professional football, the beloved Canton, Ohio. How often have two players from the same team (and one of their coaches, too) been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (The Hall) at the same time. What a moment. It was worth the wait. Art, the consummate team player, and Darrell, the fastest, smoothest runner with a football, I have ever seen play, were terrific. To me, to share their moment was a honor.
Both Art and Darrell are Godly men, so they thanked Him for giving them the basic skills to play football to the highest level. Then they talked about a combination of wonderful coaches (great teachers), player mentors, solid team programs, and lots of individual hard work to get better as a player. It never ceases to amaze me that the best players are the ones who work the hardest, always working to sharpen and improve their craft. All of this added up to propel them into the ultimate legendary NFL careers recognized by their induction into the Hall. Once again, congratulations to Art and Darrell, you are among the best in the game, and you are wonderful gentlemen.
This was also the tenth anniversary of the NFL Ultimate Fans going into the Hall. I cannot believe it has been ten years since these guinea pigs were honored by the Hall. It was great seeing many old friends from around the league, tipping an adult beverage or two with them, and catching up on their lives. Over the years we have lost too many, but some have survived major calamities and it was great seeing them again. The camaraderie, the positive banter of sportsmanship, and the shared concern and interest in helping hometown charities are marvelous aspects of this small group of NFL fans. One of our goals is to spread these concepts throughout the NFL so that maybe, someday, all visiting fans can be safe going into any NFL stadium to root for their team. From my view, the model fans are found at Texas Stadium. Over the years these folks have treated us (the Hogettes) like kings. Our ten to 12 visits to Texas Stadium have been wonderful experiences.
On top of all of this, the Hall of Fame game was Coach Zorn's (Z-Man) first as the new head coach of our Washington Redskins. Preseason games are hard to evaluate, but I liked what I saw. I liked the control the Z-Man projects. I liked the pace and team energy level. I liked the play designs and the gang tackling. And I liked that our guys scored more points than the other guys. Sergeant Colt now knows by heart, all of the words to, "Hail to the Redskins". From here in it is building each week in preparation for our opener in the Meadowlands against the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. A tough place to start a season. Welcome to the NFL.
08/03/2008 - Hogettes site is back up!
After some issues with the Hogettes site, I am proud to announce the return of the official Hogettes site! There will be more messages to come and we will try to update the site more often to keep everyone up to date with what we are doing and how to help us support the Skins!
Root 'em out!!! Root 'em out!!! Go 'Skins!!!
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