Skins Take

Five weeks unitl the NFL Draft

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:11:00 +0000

Well Redskins fans, the spring is here in the D.C area. Temperatures soared into the upper 60s today. With the weather getting warmer, March Madness is in full swing, baseball season is about to start, and daylight is getting longer, it only means one big event is coming, the NFL Draft. In five weeks from tonight, we will see how the Redskins will approach the draft under the Head Coach Mike Shanahan and General Manager Bruce Allen regime.

There should be a sense of optimism for Redskin fans. They have a real general manager for the first time in the Daniel Snyder era, and have a head coach that is well respected in the league and has two super bowl rings. Also, the draft strategy will be different since Vinny Ceratto and Snyder aren't involved and not picking the best player available.

So who will the Redskins select at No.4? Well, I already posted a series of video about potential players being selected at that position. I think the Redskins should draft at offensive linemen or tackle in the 1st round. The offensive line was one of the reason for the redskins struggles in 2009. Quarterback Jason Campbell was sacked almost every down, the running game became obsolete, and their passing game was limited. There were also dozens of injuries and the line itself had no depth. Draft linemen like Russel Okung or Bruce Campbell will be a good start addressing the line.

The team should also look for another tackle in round 2 unless they sign a couple free agents before the draft. If that's the case, then the team could draft a QB, but let's pray it isn't Tim Tebow since he has a scheduled workout with the Redskins. Either way, the Redskins had a quiet offseason this year compared to last year's $200 million spending spree.

Coming up tomorrow, I will analyze the Rex Grossman signing, and do a mock draft for the Redskins. So far, adding Grossman may not be as bad as people think it is

Another washed up player added to the roster

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:50:00 +0000

There are million reasons why any team will be interested with former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. His declining play on the field, injuries, major distractions in the locker room, and his off the field behavior, such as calling out his own coach.

But those issues didn't mind with the Washington Redskins. Even with a new regime in place, they do what they do best in the off-season, signing an aging running back to a three year $12-million deal with the Redskins last Friday. Once again, Snyder has hit the lottery with his Jersey sales.

So the Redskins have two running backs who are both whiners when they don't get playing time , and they are at the end of their careers , unless Johnson has a career breakout season in 2010. Still, I don't like the signing because of Johnson's history with Kansas City, and if the skins wanted a verstile running back, they should try getting Thomas Jones. However, if Coach Mike Shanahan handles both Johnson/Portis tandem without any off the field issues, then it should be fine.

One thing its clear, Portis' future beyond 2010 with the Redskins is in doubt. Given his work ethic in the off season and preseason, he could possibly lose the starting running back spot to Johnson by the end of preseason. In fact, former Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil believes that Johnson will be the starting running back for the Redskins in 2010. That is a pretty bold prediction given his struggles in the past few years. But as long as Johnson fixes himself off the field, he can become a very productive running back once again.

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 4: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The fourth part of our six part series of possible 1st round picks for the Redskins is Norte Dame Quarterback Jimmy Clausen. With Bradford possibly drafted at No.1, the Redskins could easily draft LT Russell Okung from Oklahoma State. But if the Redskins address the offensive line through free agency, which they somewhat did by signing former Minnesota Vikings guard Artis Hicks , then the team has some flexibility at the No.4 pick.

Given the uncertainty of Jason Campbell's future after the 2010 season, coach Mike Shananhan could draft Clausen and develop him as a starter for the future. But his leadership skills and his cockiness concerns some draft experts and redskins fans. Anyway, since Clausen is in the conversation at No.4, here are his highlights from his 2009 junior season.

Next up: Maryland Tackle Bruce Campbell

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 3: QB Sam Bradford

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Next draft series features Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. While the Redskins should focus on O-Line at No.4, the team could select Bradford if the team signs a couple of free agent offensive linemen, and if the Rams go in a different direction at No.1. Anyway, here are Bradford's highlights from 2008-2009.

Next up: Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen

Rebuilding in Ashburn?? UPDATED

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:48:00 +0000

With free agency and the uncappped season beginning tomorrow, the Redskins today begin their perhaps a possible long rebuilding phase as they release several key veterans that has been with the team for several years and a player that has retried today due to his neck injury.

I'll first start off with the team's firing sale today. Here are the 10 veterans that were released,

RB Rock Cartwright

RT Randy Thomas

WR Antwaan Randle,

CB Fred Smoot,

DL Cornelius Griffin

RB Ladell Betts

QB Todd Collins

RB Marcus Mason

FB Eddie Williams

J.D. Skolnitsky

Anyone get the connection between these ten released players? Almost all of them are over the age of 30, and the Redskins had one of the oldest rosters in the league last season. Now, it appear they will be a lot younger in 2010 based on cuts today.

Also, for the uncapped year, the Redskins have some financial flexibility in terms of cutting and keeping players. Under the salary cap, the Redskins can re-structure contracts with these players for the short term and get fewer production results on the field in return. Cutting the players could hurt the team's value under the cap. Now, the Redskins can cut unproductive players with no financial hit.

So far, most teams are cutting some players ages 30 or older to save any money from a potential work stoppage in 2011, so the Redskins cuts today aren't surprising by no means.

GM Bruce Allen already stated that the "status quo" is unacceptable, and there is going to be major changes coming. Well, today it happen with cuts, but will that prevent the Redskins from their high spending strategies tomorrow when free agency arrives? Or will it lead to a rebuilding mode in 2010? Stay tuned!!

As for Chris Samuels, his retirement announcement today comes as no surprise. His season ending neck injury is the reason he's walking away at age 32. Samuels leaves the Redskins with six pro bowl selections and two playoff appearances. He was the No.3 pick of the 2000 NFL Draft. We'll miss you #60.

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 2: Eric Berry

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:38:00 +0000

Part 2 features 2009 highlights from Tennessee Safety Eric Berry. Given the fact that Laron Laundry struggled at the safety position last season, and Chris Horton being out for most of 2009, Berry could be a sleeper pick at No.4. He provides game changing plays at defense, and he is reminds me of the late Sean Taylor to some degree.

Next Up: Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 1: Russell Okung

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:36:00 +0000

With March being here and the NFL Draft over a month away, I decided to have a series of videos about potential candidates the Redskins might select at No.4. The first video I'll share is Oklahoma State Tackle Left Tackle Russell Okung. Here is Okung's highlights from the 2009 senior season. Enjoy!!

Tomorrow: Tennessee Safety Eric Berry

Recap on the Redskins recent front office moves

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:53:00 +0000

Sorry Redskins fans, I been out of internet last weekend, and I was busy with college, having internet issues, and job searching.

But this time, I'll do my best to keep this site updated as much as I can. I honestly thought last season was a exhausting for writing a blog based on the Redskins due to so many news being reported almost every second from Jim Zorn firing, Clinton Porits rants, and the poor play on the field.

But now the team has finally has a new direction. Gone is Zorn and Vinny Cerrato, and in is newly General Manager Bruce Allen, and Head Coach Mike Shanahan. Both Allen and Shanahan will have the final say in football releated decisions. Unlike the Zorn/Cerrato combo, both Allen and Shanahan are well respected in the league.

Allen was the GM/consultant with the Raiders from 1996-2003. The Raiders won three AFC West titles from 2000-2002 and a trip to the Super Bowl XXVII, and Allen was named NFL executive of the year. Allen then went to Tampa Bay and had mixed results, only producing two division titles and one losing season. Allen isn't well known in the personnel department, but he is very good with the salary cap.

Mike Shanahan comes to the Redskins after a 14 years with the Denver Broncos and two super bowl titles. However, after John Elway retirement, the Broncos went south. Shanahan had one playoff win, and had a 24-24 record in his final three seasons with Denver. But still, Shanahan is well known offensive minded coach and if he a very good defense, his teams may have played better.

Now Shanahan comes to Washington as head coach and Vice President of Football Operations. His son, Kyle Shanahan will call the plays on offense and Jim Hasselt will be the new defensive coordinator.

As for the offseason, the Redskins have several areas to address. How they will fix the offensive line? Will Shanahan retain Jason Campbell? Will Clinton Portis return? and what is the Redskins draft strategy? Most importantly, will Dan Snyder be hands off from football related decisions? These questions could answered in the matter of months.

Later Today, I will address my offseason predictions for the Redskins as they try to improve from a disastrous 2009 season.

First solution: Why the Redskins need to release Clinton Portis??

Video of the Day

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Video of the Day: The Hiring of Bruce Allen

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Video of the Day: Bailout the Redskins

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Skins Take is busy with college related stuff and is on a bye week hiatus. We will be back in full force on Friday.

Ten Years of the Washington Redskins in Five Minutes

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Here is a short clip of a summary of the Redskins in the 10 years since Dan Snyder took over the team. Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!!

Peter King from Sports Illustrated on the Redskins Current Issues

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Yesterday, Peter King went on Washington Post Live with a one-on-one conversation with host Ivan Carter. The main topic was the state of the Redskins franchise. Enjoy!!!

No 1st Amemdment rule in Snyder's World

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:58:00 +0000

Almost every week this season, the Redskins find new ways to alienate fans, whether its poor play on the field, losing to three win less teams, and Dan Snyder suing fans for boycotting their season tickets. Now the bye week has arrived. The Redskins are coming off a disastrous loss vs the Philadelphia Eagles last Monday night, and when a season that has been a failure in all levels, the bye week should have give the team, the fans, and the media a bit of a breather.

However, that isn't' the case in Redskins park. During the Monday Night game at FedEx Field, security guards around the stadium were in full force on fans. During the last couple of home games, fans brought in poster signs being very critical to Snyder and his henchman, Vinny Cerrato. But this week, the Redskins management decide to change the law regarding bring posters sign to the stadium.

Instead of allowing the signs, they banned all signs from FedEx Field completely, regardless what anything said. For days, this story was a regional, but the team's poor play, and poor handling of Jim Zorn has made airwaves on ESPN and NFL Network. Now, the poster sign bans have now made into the national media landscape, and puts yet another black eye on Daniel Snyder.

Daniel Snyder continuing to destroy the once proud Redskins like a wrecking ball. This owner should be fined or suspended by Roger Goodell on the way he treats the team and the die hard fans. More on this later today.

The Sports Junkies Take on the Redskins & Week 7 Preview Vs Eagles

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Hahahaha, the Junkies always puts out nice campaigns to boycott Dan Snyder. Now to the preview of Tonight's game.

Despite this game being on Monday Night Football, I really don't see how things are going to change for the offense tonight. The Redskins have the same O-Line, wide receivers, and quarterback.The big difference is left tackle Chris Samuels is out for the season and maybe for his career. Unless newly offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis pulls off magic bingo plays to spark the offense, it is highly likely the offense will continue their struggles in front of a national audience.

Quarterback Jason Campbell will start tonight despite being benched last week. But with this depleted O-Line and another poor 1st half performance, its likely we could easily see Todd Collins in action again. Also, what the hell Jim Zorn will do tonight? The play calling will not revolve through him and instead go through another offensive coordinator Sherman Smith. So Zorn will just stay in the sidelines and call timeout when needed, but we know how poorly Zorn runs clock management.

The defense has been playing well as expected. They are ranked 5th in the league in total defense. But it won't matter how they perform if the offense stinks on the field.

The Eagles beat themselves last week in Oakland. They pass the ball more often then running. That is not the style of offense the Eagles play. They are a running football team. So look for Brian Westbrook to be involved more often in the running game and the screen plays as well. I expect Dononan McNabb to have a bounce back game after being sacked four times and turnover the ball only once

Prediction: Win or lose, its looks really bad for Jim Zorn. They basically force him to resign last week and regardless of Vinny's vote of confidence on Zorn, its likely he will be fired tomorrow if they lose. Bill Cowher is right on, he has no creditablity at all and that's not a great thing for any current NFL head coach.

Don't be surprised also if Vinny Cerrato is fired. It was his idea to bring in Zorn to be the head coach and his fate is tied with Zorn too. Overall its all on Dan Snyder. He created this garbage in the organization and on the field, and unless he changes his method, no big name coach will come here. The organization is dysfunctional at all levels. Therefore, the Eagles are hungry for the win, and the Redskins are coming off another eventful week filled with uncertainty about the head coach and themselves.

Eagles: 17 Redskins: 6

Jim Zorn Will Be Coaching through 2009: Really???

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:42:00 +0000

This morning, while driving to class at George Mason in Fairfax VA, I was fortunate to listen Vinny Cerrato's weekly Friday radio program called "Inside the Red Zone" on ESPN 980( Owned by Daniel Snyder) and Cerrato went right into the point on Jim Zorn job security, stating that Zorn will coach the rest of the 2009 season. Here are the opening transcripts from Vinny Cerrato courtesy of Dan Steinberg's DC Sports Bog.

"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."

"The team is tight, the relationships are tight, and we're just trying to prepare to win a game Monday Night and excite the fans and get the fans back excited about this football team," Cerrato said. "We just want to beat the Philadelphia Eagles Monday night. That's what we're trying to accomplish through all these other things that are going on, off-the-wall comments here, off-the-wall comments there. Everybody's frustrated. The owner's frustrated. He wants nothing more than to win for the fans. For the fans. He wants to please these fans, and he's so frustrated because of the struggles."

Then Vinny does his rant on Steve Largent's comments on the Redskins Organization.

"We had just been to the playoffs. Last year we had four Pro Bowlers on offense. And in Jim's contract, he controls everything over his staff. And the thing about it is, the other thing is that his friend doesn't mention was that Jim worked with all these coaches for a week prior to becoming the head coach, and he said during the interview, 'Those are my guys, I want those guys, those are the guys I want, I don't want to go hire anybody else."

"And those four Super Bowl rings are very pretty on his [fingers], and I don't think [Largent] has a one. So the guy has a ton of experience, he's been in battles, so it upsets me very much that [Largent] wants to attack what this guy has done in the past. What he's been doing now compared to what he's done in the past. You don't forget how to ride a bike if you hadn't rode your bike in four years. So that was very, very frustrating, some of those comments, because it's to me off-the-wall comments."

First of all, Vinny as usual, sounds like a complete moron stating his case against Largent's comments. Vinny never earned those four Super Bowl rings in any shape of form. He was only a yes man to ownership in San Fransisco and Norte Dame. Secondly, everyone in the media, including myself, agrees with Largent's comments on the organization. Its dysfunctional from the bottom up, and it doesn't take a rocket science to figure how to fix the Redskins. Yet, Vinny along with Snyder hasn't find the simple solution. Fans can only hope that Vinny gets the boot along with Zorn at the end of the season. With the announcement taken place today, it might be a real possibly.

John Riggins State of the Redskins Address

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Classic!!!! Riggo is the Man!!!!!

An Organization Failure

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:42:00 +0000

The hiring of Sherm Lewis to become the offensive coordinator for the Redskins, who joined the team two weeks ago, is the worst possible decision the organization can ever do. Why the hell you bring in a guy who played bingo at a retirement home to become the offensive coordinator? Because its the Redskins. We have two morons running the operation; Daniel Snyder and Vinny Cerrato. And given the amount of the stupidity they have produced over the past ten years, it should not be surprising that they give the play calling duties to Lewis. Add to the comments from Steve Largent about Jim Zorn and John Riggins criticizing the owner; the Redskins are now in the worst shape in franchise history.

Riggins said it best; "Snyder has a child mindset." Enough Said!!!!

Video of the Day:Trade Snyder T-Shirts

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:10:00 +0000

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcwashington.com/video.

Jim Zorn's Press Conference after the Chiefs Loss and Recap

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:14:00 +0000

Good Lord: Zorn looks like he's 30 years older, and completely burned out. W ith him losing play-calling duties next week, he will have yet another dreadful week. Please Snyder, stop being an asshole and fire Zorn and Cerrato, and just blow up the team already. I really can't take this anymore. The Redskins have the worst offense I have ever seen, and it's to the point that I can't watch them anymore.The only good thing is that I have NFL Sunday Ticket, so I don't have to put up with their garbage every week.

As for the game, there is not much to recap. Zero touchdowns in the game, and a combine six field goals and one safety. Clinton Portis rushed for over 100 yards for the 1st time this season, but suffered an sore ankle injury. Jason Campbell was benched after his poor 1st half performance. It looks like the Campbell era is done in D.C. Then Todd Collins comes in, and does nothing other then a long pass play to Santana Moss.

The O-Line was just dreadful as expected. Other then Derrick Dockery, the Redskins starting unit consists of all un-drafted free agents. That equals a recipe of disaster. It don't matter if Tom Brady is the QB, no quarterback will ever win with this O-Line period. Heck, none of our linemen won't even start in this league.

So, memo to Daniel Snyder : SELL THE TEAM OR BACK AWAY AND HIRE A GENERAL MANAGER!!!!!!!!!!

Tweet of the Day is Chad Dukes and Eric Bickel from the 106.7 The Fan:

"Zorn should walk RT: @Mrphotogenic Snyder is such a dick. Put Zorn out of his misery already. You have literally cut his balls off"

Junkies take on the Redskins and Prediction for Week 6

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Based on the Junkies analysis, here is my prediction for Sunday's Home game vs Kansas City: FYI: Weather will be a major factor, temperatures will be in the 40s with rainy conditions on the field.

Chiefs: 14, Redskins:9

Memo to Mike Sellers: Shut the F*** UP!!!

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:37:00 +0000

I'm bitter about how the Redskins are performing lately. They have look like crap on and off the field regardless of earning a win or a loss. Management, personnel, the coaches, and team chemistry are at a all time low. But when a player blames the media for the Redskins problems and remains positive about the situation, then you know that player is absolutely insane. That what Mike Sellers said to the media yesterday after making his first comments since his altercation with Clinton Portis. Here are Sellers quotes according to the Washington Post.

"Asked what the hardest part of the season has been thus far, Sellers said: "You reporters."

When a reporter followed up by asking, "How so?" Sellers said, "Next question."

Sellers declined to answer questions following Sunday's loss at Carolina. When reporters approached him Wednesday, he said, "I'm going to tell y'all right now, don't ask me anything negative. Don't ask me anything remotely negative."

I know Sellers wants to remain positive about it, but to blame the media for your failures is idiotic. It is not your problem that you drop passes at the end zone, not blocking for your running back, and fighting with your teammates. In fact, Sellers should be lucky that he is on a NFL roster because if he did this in other cities, those teams will cut him. Sellers is also fortunate that he is not New York saying this because the media will continue to blast him even more. What else the media can do? It is their job to cover the team on a daily basis, and as player you should expect these questions arise from reporters. So for Sellers, the best thing he can do is to shut up and don't blame anyone for the team failures except yourself and Daniel Snyder.

A Potential Boycott in the Making

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000

The Redskins 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers has a rage of anger from the fan base all over the DC area. I been a Redskin fan since I was 6 years, and I have never seen this amount of backlash from this team. There are various sites of fans revolting against ownerships such as SELL THE TEAM DAN, and other anti-Snyder message boards.

And why not? The team loss it's second game to a win less team in three weeks, and the offense continues to play awful, including the offensive line. Remember all off season, the Redskins have to address the offensive line during the draft. Well they did nothing about it. Then Left Tackle Chris Samuels will be out due to a neck injury and Randy Thomas will miss the season for the second time in two years. This results a staring offensive unit using one featuring all un-drafted free agent players. That's downright criminal in its own right.

It don't matter which quarterback the Redskins have right now. Joe Montana will never win under that line. In fact, no QB in this league will ever successful. When the O-Line is inept, the offense becomes average. Why has Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas have not been productive so far into the season? Have they been running wrong routes? Or they have never been opened or seen due to the bad O-Line? Has Clinton Portis been effective at all this season? Or he is out of shape due his limitations in practice every week?

Look, the entire offense is in a work of progress, and heck, the entire TEAM IS IN A WORK OF PROGRESS. WE HAVE A IDIOTIC COACH WHO DOESN'T KNOW THE RULES ,OR USE HIS TIMEOUTS PROPERLY. WE HAVE PLAYERS BLAMING THE MEDIA FOR THEIR FAILURES AND FORMER REDSKINS, THE NATIONAL MEDIA, AND EVEN RADIO ANALYST SONNY JURGESEN BLAMING THIS CHAOS ON ONE PERSON.
So what Snyder is gonna do about it? Just do nothing about it as usual. Think about it fans, Snyder only cares about one thing: MONEY. During his tenure, the team has been the most profitable franchise in sports. Snyder's infamous season ticket wait list stirred up controversy last September when he sued fans from leaving their season ticket package.

But if Snyder wants Super Bowl Trophies in his office, he needs to back away and hire a General Manager, and that's it. Hire guys like Phil Polian or his son Chris from the Colts for like $50 million. But Snyder will never make that move because of his enormous ego and arrogance.

So what the fans should do? Plain and Simple: BOYCOTT ALL HOME GAMES FOR THE REST OF THIS SEASON.

SERIOUSLY, SHOW YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT FOR SYNDER AND TEAM BY NOT SHOWING UP AT FEDEX. DO NOT PAY FOR TICKETS, PARKING, AND CONCESSIONS TO WATCH A PATHETIC FRANCHISE. THIS IS ONLY WAY SNYDER WILL FINALLY LISTEN BY MAKING HIM LOSING MONEY ON POOR ATTENDANCE TURNOUT FOR EACH HOME GAME.

Video Links: John Riggins Rant and Mervis Diamond

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:20:00 +0000

John Riggins continues his insults on Vinny Cerrato and Jim Zorn, and fans petitioning to get Mervis Diamond to buy the Redskins. Enjoy!!

The Most Hopeless Franchise in Sports

jyasin85@gmail.com (YasinJ) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:59:00 +0000

Lets face it Redskins fans, the season is over, barring a complete turn around. This loss shows the utter lack of passion and heart the Redskins have. The team has a locker room divided, a coach who is too soft, and players playing while out of shape. It just an embarrassing time to be a Redskin fan now, and one wonders if there is any hope for any success under Dan Snyder. Maybe we are the most hopeless franchise in sports. I will have a recap of this pathetic loss tomorrow. Until then enjoy this discussion about the Redskins woes from Washington Post Live yesterday.