Is it Tebow Time?

(Photo: buisnessinsider.com)

No. It is not, nor will it ever be, Tebow time...in Denver.

We have all seen Tebow produce on the field. He is a proven winner and has the ability to lead teams to victories.

Against the Texans last season Tebow threw for a career high 305 yards on 16 completions with 29 attempts. He had 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The very next week against the Chargers he finished 16-36 with 205 yards and 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Broncos defeated the Texans 24-23 and lost to the Chargers 28-33.

Tebow has proven that he can win football games. I just think that the Lions are a much better team than the Broncos. I know that front four for the Lions defense is one of the fiercest in the NFL, but this IS Tim Tebow we're talking about.

I am going to go out on a limb and say that Tebow is one of the toughest NFL quarterbacks in the game.

The thing that the Broncos need to be doing now, is constructing an offense AROUND Tebow. I am talking about an offense similar to what he had with the University of Florida. That is what makes good coaches great. They have to have the ability to use the strengths of what they have.

Tim Tebow is not, and will never be, a pocket passer. He is a move around and make the defense work play in and play out quarterback. He is excellent outside the pocket and will tuck the ball and run with power.

The Broncos need to allow this stallion to run free (pun...intended?). He is tough and deserves to play hard nosed football. Tebow can throw - he's not the best at it - but he can complete a few passes every now and then. He is also a very powerful runner. That is where the Broncos need to get creative.

Creating an offense designed for a player as versatile as Tebow would be one of the smartest moves in NFL coaching history. Bringing in the read option, QB draw, and even the infamous jump pass up from college and into the NFL is exactly what the Broncos need to do.

Tim Tebow needs to be looked at as a new toy. What do you do with a new toy? You don't just sit it on a shelf! You play with it and push it to its limits! The Broncos need to push Tim Tebow to the edge (if there is) of his potential.

So here is the bottom line: Tim Tebow is a good player in a bad situation.

Johnson to Manage in 2012

(Photo: sbnation.com)

Today the Washington Nationals announced that manager Davey Johnson will return to manage the team in 2012.

Halfway through this past season, Jim Riggleman resigned as Nationals manager and the 68 year old Johnson stepped in to fill the void. Under Johnson, the Nationals had a record of 40-43 and finished with an overall record of 80-81.

Johnson still has an option built into his contract to allow him to manage into the 2013 season.

Johnson also said that he will return his entire coaching staff with the exception of bench coach Pat Corrales. Corrales will remain with the franchise but not at the major league level.

Redskins vs Bills: Gamplan Revisted

Fail. That is the grade that Redskins receive after today's 23-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills. They failed to accomplish anything on the gameplan. Lets go back and compare.

"The gameplan for the Redskins offense this weekend is the same that it has been: they MUST run the football."

That did not happen. The Redskins only managed to run for 26 yards against one of the worst run defenses in the country. They only handed the ball off 12 times. That is no where near enough carries to establish a run game. John Beck dropped back to pass 33 times and running backs only took the hand off 12 times. The running game should have been more of a focus today.

"The presence of Marcell Dareus in the middle will be a huge factor in today's game."

Marcell Dareus: 4 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hits.

"The gameplan for the Redskins defense is to simply attack Ryan Fitzpatrick."

They did not even come close to making Ryan Fitzpatrick uncomfortable today. The Redskins defense only managed 2 sacks. Fitzpatrick was hit 4 times and John Beck was hit 14 times.

"The front seven will also need to contain the fourth best rushing attack in the NFL."

Fred Jackson finished the day with 26 carries for 120 yards. Jackson averaged 4.6 yards a carry. The Bills, as a whole, totaled 138 yards on 33 carries.

There were, believe it or not, some good things that happened today.

The Redskins defense forced the Bills to kick 3 field goals. Even though they gave up points, they gave the offense many attempts to make the score tighter. Five times today the Redskins offense was inside of Bills territory. Here is how those drives ended up: punt, downs, interception, interception, downs. Five times the Redskins could have gotten some sort of points and five times the Redskins failed to do so.

The Redskins drop to 3-4 and the San Francisco 49ers will be visiting FedEx Field this weekend. It could be another long Sunday unless the Redskins can managed to dramatically improve.

Redskins vs Bills: Gameplan

This week the Washington Redskins are in Toronto to take on the 4-2 Buffalo Bills. The Redskins have lost their past two games and the Bills are coming off their bye week.

The gameplan for the Redskins offense this weekend is the same that it has been: they MUST run the football. The Bills run defense is ranked 30th in the NFL. They allow opponents 135 yards per game. Even with the absence of Tim Hightower, the Redskins should still be able to have a great game running the ball. After the bye week, the Redskins have averaged just 67 yards per game. The presence of Marcell Dareus in the middle will be a huge factor in today's game.

The Bills pass defense is ranked 30th in the league. The Redskins pass offense will only find success if the run offense finds success early in the game.

It is crucial that the Redskins run the football. The Bills have one of the topped ranked offenses in the NFL. Like they say: your best defense is a good offense. The Redskins offense will need to be great today.

The gameplan for the Redskins defense is to simply attack Ryan Fitzpatrick. The secondary will be lacking some key players so the front seven will need to force Fitzpatrick to make mistakes. The Bills passing game is ranked 15th in the NFL and the Redskins passing defense has been one of the worst in the NFL since the bye week.

The front seven will also need to contain the fourth best rushing attack in the NFL. In five games this season, Fred Jackson has totaled 607 yards with 6 touchdowns.

The Redskins secondary will be tested today and they will need to answer the call. Roy Helu Jr and Ryan Torrain will need to have success if the Redskins expect to have any chance to win today.

My Pick: Redskins 34 - Bills 30

Playoffs?!

The Shepherd University Rams continued their winning streak this weekend against the Bowie State Bulldogs by a score of 38-17.

The Rams have now won their past three games in a blowout fashion.

The best Shepherd can do in the WVIAC is make a three way tie for first. The two other teams the Rams would be tied with is West Virginia Wesleyan and Concorde. Both teams defeated Shepherd and therefore would both finish ahead of the Rams in the final conference standings.

The Rams still have a chance at making the playoffs. According to numerous sources, if the Rams win out, they can make the NCAA Division 2 playoffs.

There are currently a number of teams that are undefeated that Shepherd is fighting a playoff spot for. Teams such as West Virginia Wesleyan, IUP, and Edinboro are all currently ranked ahead of Shepherd in the region.

IUP came into this past weekend with 2 losses and lost once again. Edinboro also has 2 losses, but managed to win this past weekend.

The best thing that the Rams can do is win out. If the Rams win out and have a few teams that are currently in the region playoffs lose, the Rams can make the playoffs.

Shepherd needs to continue to blow teams out, as well. By dominating teams, that will show the voters that Shepherd is still a quality football even though they have two losses.

Shepherd is in control of its playoff destiny. If they win out, they could very likely find themselves in the NCAA division 2 football national playoffs.

Rams top Yellow Jackets

This past Saturday was homecoming for Shepherd University and the visiting West Virginia State Yellow Jackets looked to spoil the day.

It did not take long for the Rams to score the game’s first touchdown. Just 1:55 into the first quarter, senior running back Tommy Addison took the goaline handoff and leaped into the endzone to give the Rams the early 7-0 lead.

After a botched punt, the Ram offense would start on the 50 yard line. Tommy Addison was once again the featured player. He took the handoff three times and even had one reception. Addison capped off the drive with another touchdown run. With just over eight minutes left in the first quarter and the early 14 point lead, it looked as though the Rams were going to run away with the game.

The only blunder in the first half for the Rams came on the Yellow Jackets one yard line. When running back Kenny Williams took the handoff on the goaline he was met at the line and fumbled into the endzone which was recovered by the Yellow Jackets.

There would be no need to worry about the turnover, however, as the always tough Ram defense forced a 3-and-out. After a mediocre punt, the Ram offense would take the field at its own 44 yard line.

The focus of the Ram offense in the first half was Tommy Addison. Addison took the handoff 5 times on this second quarter drive but could not quite get it done. Kicker Eric Dobratz would line up and knock down a 36 yard field goal to give the Rams the 17-0 lead at halftime.

A brief halftime stat: the Ram offense ran 47 plays and totaled 308 yards in the first half alone.

In the third quarter the Ram special teams got in on all the fun. William McKenzie came flying off the edge and blocked the Yellow Jacket punt which was returned by Levi Barber for a Ram touchdown.

Later in the quarter the Rams would showcase their passing attack. After a 13 yard punt return from D.J. Scott, the Shepherd offense took the field on the West Virginia State 32 yard line. It only took them one play to score as quarterback Bobby Cooper connected with Larry Lowe for a 32 yard touchdown.

The Yellow Jackets lone touchdown came at the end of the third quarter with a 2 yard touchdown run from LeFloyd Phillip.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Kenny Williams would get his chance at redemption. After relying on Williams for much of the drive, the offense turned to him to finish the drive off. Williams took the handoff on the Yellow Jacket one yard line and plowed his way into the endzone for the Rams final touchdown.

The final score came to be the Shepherd University Rams 37 and the West Virginia State Yellow Jackets 7.

Tommy Addison finished the day with 17 carries for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kenny Williams finished the day with 12 carries for 90 yards and 1 touchdown. Addison also contributed to the passing game with 3 receptions for 48 yards.

Bobby Cooper finished the day going 16-22 with 219 yards and 1 touchdown. Cooper also had 11 carries for 40 yards.

Neal Hardie led the way for the receivers with 4 receptions for 53 yards. Robert Byrd finished with 3 receptions for 65 yards. Larry Lowe scored the passing attacks only touchdown and also had 3 receptions for 35 yards.

The Ram offense finished the day with 443 yards of total offense. The defense held the Yellow Jackets to just 133 yards.

Elijah Davis led the defense with 7 total tackles. Leons Kabongo had an interception as well as 5 tackles. Mike Franklin and Corey Washington both had 4 tackles.

Kicker Eric Dobratz broke Shepherd University’s scoring record with an extra point in the fourth quarter.

The Rams improved to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the WVIAC.

This coming Saturday the Rams will be facing Bowie State in Shepherds final home game. Kickoff is at noon, but, be sure to get there early and support the senior football players on Senior Day.

Rams Back In Stride

After dropping two straight games, the Rams seem to be back on track. They have won their past two games in stunning fashion.


Two weeks ago the Rams took on West Liberty and cruised through them 50-24. This past Saturday the Rams finished off West Virginia State 37-7.


The offense in both games was dominant. In the past two weeks the Rams have totaled 854 yards on offense. They have had over 400 yards in each game. The running game is back to what it used to be. In the past two games, the Rams have rushed for over 200 yards in each game. The passing attack is as lethal as ever, as well.


While the defense started a tad bit slow against West Liberty, they are still that tough defense that came out to play against Shippensburg in week 1. In the past two weeks combined, the defense has only allowed 326 yards. The run defense has been one of the best across division 2 football by only allowing 7 yards rushing in the past two weeks COMBINED.


The rest of the Rams schedule is tough. They play their final two game at Glenville and at Fairmont. Last season Glenville handed Shepherd its only loss of the regular season. The playoff births will most likely be decided on the final day of the regular season at Fairmont.


If the Rams win out the rest of the season and continue to blow teams out, they can still make the playoffs. Sit tight, Ram fans, this magical season is not over yet!

Redskins vs Panthers: Gameplan

Ryan Torain must break out against Panthers. (Photo: tbd.com)

The gameplan for the Redskins will be very similar to that of the gameplan against the Eagles. For the Redskins offense, they must be able to run the football.

The Carolina Panthers have the 31st ranked run defense in the NFL. They average giving up 141 yards per game. Last week against the Atlanta Falcons the Panthers allowed Michael Turner to rush for 139 yards on 27 carries. This is a run defense with a weak defensive front. If the Redskins want to have success offensively, they will have to be able to run the football.

Last week the Redskins only racked up 42 yards on 14 carries against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles, like the Panthers, has one of the worst run defenses in the league. The offensive line will need to be much more assertive and quicker off the football in order to get the offense going. The key to winning this game for the offense will be to run the football. With no running game, the chances of the Redskins winning will decrease dramatically.

Cam Newton is a dual threat. (Photo: al.com)

For the defense, they have to be able to stop Cam Newton. The Panthers have the fifth ranked pass offense in the NFL. Newton is averaging 297 yards per game and has thrown 7 touchdowns this season and has thrown 9 interceptions. Having good coverage will not be enough to shut down Newton. He will take off and run the ball and make a play with his feet. Newton has carried the ball 47 times for 207 yards and 6 touchdowns. Shutting down the receivers will not be enough to stop him.

Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan will have their hands full this Sunday. They will need to be able to rush Cam Newton and also contain him. Being able to come off the edge fast will be key to the defenses success. The Redskins have the 9th ranked pass defense but, as stated before, Newton is not afraid to run the ball. Keeping Newton under constant pressure will force him to make a play and possibly a mistake. The only injury concern for the Redskins defense is the safety OJ Atogwe is probably for tomorrows game.

Running the football and stopping Cam Newton. Those are the Redskins keys to the game. My prediction? Redskins come out strong, blow the early lead, then win 24-21.

Can't Walk the Walk

Grossman, front, was benched for Beck, back, today. (Photo: sbnation.com)

Rex Grossman could talk the talk, but he couldn't walk the walk.

In the beginning of the season Rex Grossman pretty much promised fans that he would lead the Redskins to the promise land. He lied.

He led us all to insanity.

While Grossman was the starting quarterback, the Redskins got off to a 3-1 start (notice I didn't say that Grossman "led" them). He was not a key part to being 3-1 by ANY stretch of the imagination. Let's look at the facts...

Grossman managed to get the Redskins to have the 20th ranked passing attack in the NFL. It's not the worst, but, he promised and talked much better. Grossman has already totaled 9 interceptions this season. He has only thrown just 6 touchdowns. He has a completion percentage of just 55.8% and has a glorious passer rating of 66.5.

By no means am I going to say that John Beck is going to lead the Redskins to the Super Bowl. Will he be more productive? I would say so. Beck is more athletic than Grossman and is quick with his feet. Beck is not afraid to tuck the ball and run for a first down, either. He can buy time when the pocket breaks down and gives receivers a chance to catch the ball. Is he the next big thing? No. Is he more productive than Grossman? Yes.

The quarterback situation will not fully be fixed in the coming years. There are a few options that the Redskins could look that, however:

1. With Kyle Shanahans abilities to mold quarterbacks, the Redskins could pick up an inexperienced but capable quarterback such as Brian Brohm or Troy Smith from free agency.
2. The Redskins could go a more experienced route and pick up Chad Pennington, Chris Simms, or Marc Bulger from free agency.
3. There will be a number quarterbacks that will be available in the upcoming draft. While the cream of the crop won't be available when the 'Skins pick, they would be smart to draft either Landry Jones, Case Keenum, Nick Foles, or Kirk Cousins at some point the draft.
4. They could also pull a classic Redskins and sign either Todd Collins, Patrick Ramsey, or beg Brett Favre to come back and give it an old college try (one more time!!) from free agency.
5. Here's my personal favorite: They could lose out and trade up (if need be) to get the first pick in the draft and take Andrew Luck!

Okay, so options 4 and 5 were more a joke, but, the quarterback fix for the Redskins is something that will take an extended period of time. The Redskins do not have anybody in their current arsenal of quarterbacks that can fully get the job done. Be patient, Redskins nation, this is going to be a long and bumpy ride to the promise land.

Redskins Injury Report

CSN reported today that there are a few key note players on the Redskins injury report this Wednesday.

Tight end Chris Cooley had surgery on his broken left index finger. He also has an injured left knee. It is uncertain whether Chris Cooley will return to the team this season.

Free safety OJ Atogwe did not participate in practice today due to an undisclosed knee injury.

Starting left tackle Trent Williams sat out practice today and will likely miss two weeks due to a sprained ankle.

On a better note, wide receiver Anthony Armstrong, conerback Phillip Buchanon, and running back Tim Hightower all fully participated in practice today. All three players sat out last Sundays game due to various injuries.

Back on Track

This week Shepherd University returned home from a long road trip. The Rams faced the West Liberty Hilltoppers and won 50-24.

While their playoff chances may be all but gone and same with the conference championship, the Rams still played hard. They played a great game and the even had a few key players banged up and unable to play.

I know it's hard to continue to try since the goal at the beginning of the year has been taken away. But, that's what separates this team from the rest. They continued to play hard yesterday and picked up the win.

The Rams can still ruin other teams chances of making the playoffs. Who doesn't love a good spoiler?! Especially if your team is the one doing the spoiling!

This team is still very deadly. They're running game is even better than what everyone expected. Their receivers are lethal week in and week out. The defense is seemingly unbreakable at times. This football is very good. Don't let that record fool you.

There is still a very small chance at the playoffs. If the Rams want to get in, they just have to keep doing what they are doing. They need to continue to play hard and blow teams out week after week. Stick with them, Shepherdstown, they still have a lot of work ahead of them!

Neuvirth Misses Practice

Photo: thirdage.com

Churck Gormley reported today that Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth missed practice today with what is believed to be a lower body injury.

The front office is still debating whether the need to recall Branden Holtby from Hershey is necessary.

Neuvirth might miss Thursdays game against the Pittsburgh Penguins if this injury cannot be overcome in time.

Redskins vs Eagles: Gameplan

Brian Orakpo pressures Mike Vick. (Photo: hailmagazine.com)

I know that the "Dream Team" has started 1-4, but that is no reason for the Redskins to think that this Sundays against the Eagles will be any walk in the park. To be clear, I am NOT trying to defend the Eagles in ANY way.

The Eagles only win this season has come against the St Louis Rams week one 35-13. The Redskins just recently managed a 17-10 win against the same team. The rest of the Eagles season has gone like this (record is of time they played them): Atlanta (0-1), New York Giants (1-1), San Francisco (2-1), and the Buffalo Bills (3-1). The Eagles haven't exactly had the easiest schedule in the NFL.

The Redskins have had a fairly favorable schedule up to now playing the Giants, Cardinals, Cowboys, and Rams. The Redskins have gotten through this part of the schedule with a 3-1 record. Not too shabby.

The Eagles have an offense that ranks 8th in passing and 6th in rushing overall in the NFL. Their pass defense is ranked 7th in the NFL, as well.

The Redskins offense is ranked 19th in passing and 8th in rushing overall in the NFL. Their pass defense is ranked 8th in the NFL.

These two teams are very evenly matched. Where does one or the other have an advantage?

The running game.

The Redskins will win this game by putting the ball on the ground. The Washington running game is ranked 8th in the NFL and the Philadelphia run defense is ranked 30th in the NFL. Philadelphia's running game is ranked 1st in the NFL but the Redskins have the 6th best run defense in the NFL.

The Redskins cannot afford to think that this game will be a piece of cake. Anytime that Mike Vick, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, and DeSean Jackson are on the same team that team is lethal. The Redskins definitely have the advantage on paper. This Sunday they need to back up the numbers and shut down the lethal Philly offense.

The Redskins backfield should anticipate an opportunity for a statement game this weekend. Tim Hightower, Roy Helu Jr, and Ryan Torrain should all be able to have breakout games against this floundering run defense.

It comes right down to the offensive and defensive lines for the Redskins. If the offensive line can be aggressive off the ball they will surely open some holes for the running backs. The defensive line needs to be able to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage and contain Mike Vick and force him to throw the ball.

This game will be closer than most people expect it to be. I expect the Redskins to win in a good ol' fashion game of hard nosed football.

Vokoun to Start For Caps

Photo from gearlive.com

Chuck Gormley reported today that the Washington Capitals will start Tomas Vokoun on Monday at goaltender instead of Michael Neuvirth.

Vokoun will be going against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning swept the Capitals out of the playoffs last post-season.

Vokoun, 35 years old, has spent much of his career with Nashville. He has been to the post-season only twice and has posted a 3-8 record. The Capitals signed him to a year $1.50 million deal on July 2nd.

Coaching IS Important

This weekend the Rams lost to the West Virginia Wesleyan College Bobcats in a 45-44 overtime thriller. The way the Rams lost, however, is puzzling.

I know that the players watch film, I hear them talking about it all the time. Do the coaches? It didn't appear so. So I'm going to hold a "mock film study" with them now! Let's start with the offense.

Why did the offensive coordinator (who will remain nameless) not run the ball? The secondary for WVWC was very well prepared. The defensive line, however, was not.

Many times the Rams would line in what would appear to be a running formation and then throw the ball. If you look at the tape, the running lanes are there. Just pick one. Any of them. But they continued to throw the ball.

Many times the Rams would line up and run right into where the defense was lined up. It's forgivable if it happens once. But it happened a lot. Didn't coach learn his lesson the first time? Running plays that hadn't worked all game is what cost them the game.

The play they ran on the last play of the game hadn't been there the whole afternoon. Why did he call that to WIN the game? It just doesn't make sense. The fact that they took points OFF the board still baffles me. The decision to go for it is very respectable, in a way. But, the play called, makes no sense.

That was fun! Let's move to the defense!

To give credit, the defense made adjustments at half time and played much better in the second half.

But, why did the first half have to be so bad? I am not exaggerating when I say that the secondary looked totally shell shocked when the Bobcats number 4 and number 11 were their go to "super stars". I knew after the first drive that they were the go to guys. Did the defensive coordinator (who will remain nameless) know that they were that good?

Okay. Let's move on from the fact that the super stars and focus of the offense were over looked and move onto the fact that no pressure was brought on the quarterback.

It's simple math, really. If you send 3 lineman to try to get through 5 lineman and get to the QB, that doesn't equal a sack. If you send 6 players to get through 5 lineman and get to the QB, that equals a sack! But, the defense play caller kept putting the first equation into his calculator...and it cost them.

The Bobcat quarterback had all day to throw the ball and he burned the Rams time after time. Bring the pain, coach! When the Rams blitzed, they either got a sack or forced a bad pass.

Wow! That was a lot of fun!! Maybe the Ram coaching staff can learn from their mistakes this past week and correct them this coming week.

Nationals Prospects Get Ranked

The Washington Nationals had 5 players get ranked by Baseball America:

1. OF Bryce Harper named top prospect in Double A Eastern League and Single A South Atlantic prospects.
2. C Derek Norris ranked #12 in Double-A Eastern League prospects.
3. RHP Brad Peacock ranked #4 in Double-A Eastern League prospects.
4. RHP A.J. Cole ranked #11 in Single-A South Atlantic League prospects.
5. 3B Matt Skole ranked #13 in New York-Penn League prospects.

Courtesy of Nationals PR.

Maroney, Balmer Try Out for Redskins

TheRedzone.org reported today that running back Laurence Maroney and defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer tried out for the Washington Redskins.

Maroney, formerly of the New England Patriots, would only add to an already impressive backfield that the Redskins have. Do they need Maroney? I don't think so. They are probably giving him a look so they can have another shifty back that can also bring some power.

Balmer, a former first-round pick for the 49ers and has recently played for the Seahawks and Panthers, will a great addition for the Redskins in the trenches. In terms of tackles, the Redskins a little slim (no pun intended). Barry Cofield is a force down low but he can't do it all. The addition of Balmer would only make an already great defensive front better.

Buchanon Returns to Redskins

Photo from tbd.com

Rich Tandler reported this afternoon that Redskins cornerback Phillip Buchanon has returned from his four game suspension. Buchanon practiced with the team today.

Buchanon was suspended prior to the season for violating the NFLs performance enhancing drug policy. Buchanon stated that it was "an honest mistake".

Buchanon is a ten year veteran of the league. Last season he had 49 tackles with 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions.

Redskins: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Ryan Kerrigan makes an interception against Giants. (Photo from timeleader.com)

Entering the bye week the Redskins are 3-1. After defeating the Giants and the Cardinals to start the season, the Redskins fell 18-16 to the Cowboys. This past week, the Redskins defeated the Rams. The season has gotten off to a hot start, but this team is far from perfect. Let's see what is working, what could be better, and what is just plain awful for the Redskins. I am going to avoid the area of quarterback here.

The Good:
Defense. The defense should be under a category titled "The Great". Statistically the Redskins have the 5th best defense in the NFL. They only give up 212 yards per game passing (8th) and just 84 yards rushing (6th). In terms of total offense, the defense only gives up 296 yards of offense. The defense has 3 interceptions and has forced 7 fumbles and recovered 3 of them.

Ryan Kerrigan is on his way to the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Kerrigan has 18 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown. He was awarded NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.

The Bad:
The offensive line. The offensive line isn't terrible, they could just be better. Rex Grossman has been hit 24 times and has been sacked 8 times. The offensive line is ranked 14th in the NFL overall. Like I said, they aren't the worst, but they could be better. Behind this offensive line, the running game only averages 4.1 yards per carry. That ranks 19th in the NFL. They are running what this offensive line is good at. The lineman are athletic and the zone blocking scheme works well for them. It's time to tie up the loose ends and pull it all together.

The Ugly:
The fourth quarter play calling. The Redskins have the 6th best rushing attack in the NFL. Why don't they use it? It's the reason they took the lead against the Cowboys. It's the reason the Redskins defeated the Giants and the Cardinals. Rex Grossman is good for 2 or 3 interceptions a game, it seems, so don't give him the ball in crunch time. Hand it off to the weapon that is either one of the running backs and let them go.

The Redskins will face the Eagles after the bye week. The easiest part of the season is over. I like to think of that as pre-season part 2. The real season begins in two weeks. It should be interesting to see if the Redskins can keep up the string of success that they have had and see if they improve on the things the need to.

Move On

Okay. Relax. Breath. So what? The Rams lost on Saturday! It's going to be okay.

Who knows? Maybe that is exactly what they needed. The were blowing teams out and probably feeling a little invincible. It is time to just get back to the basics.

They have not been eliminated from the playoffs. They haven't lost a WVIAC conference championship chance yet, either. The season is not made in one game. That's why the team plays 11 games.

Last season the Rams went 10-1 and still made the playoffs. They did quite well, actually. Shepherd went to the NCAA Division 2 semi-finals. Hope is not lost for this squad.

They need to show up on Monday ready to work. West Virginia Wesleyan doesn't care that Shepherd just lost. Shepherd shouldn't focus on the fact that they lost to Concord. Moping about this won't help anything.

A great week of practice should more than likely prepare this team for the fight they are going to get on Saturday. They do have a few guys banged up, but, to me, that just sounds like an excuse.

This team has a TON of talent...and depth. It's time to move on. The undefeated season is gone. That's fine. That's just one less thing to think about. Now it's time to focus on the rest of their games. It's all about going one game at a time. No looking ahead to next week or the week after. It's about who they're playing this week.

Keep your heads up, Shepherdstown. This team isn't done. They've just gotten started. I have a feeling that the best is yet to come.