RG3 Makes a Good, Albeit Short, Debut

All eyes were on Robert Griffin III Thursday night, as he took the field in Buffalo for his first professional game.  Granted it was an abbreviated, preseason appearance, but it was our first glimpse of the new franchise quarterback in a game situation.  RG3 did not disappoint.

After a slow start, Griffin led the team down the field and threw for the game’s only touchdown, a 20-yd pass to Pierre Garcon.  Griffin went 4-6 in the game with 70 yards and the one touchdown.  He made good reads, spread the ball around, and managed to get rid of it quickly.  He was not sacked at all a major victory for a banged up offensive line, but also a sign of Griffin’s quick decision making.

Another sign of Griffin’s confidence at the NFL level was his ability to audible at the line.  He seemed very comfortable as field general and the offense clearly responded to him.

There were a few glitches in his play as well, as should be expected with a rookie.  It took a few drives before the offense was able to get into any sort of rhythm and a muffed handoff between Griffin and running back Evan Royster resulted in a lost fumble.  Mike Shanahan was also pretty conservative with his play-calling, clearly trying to keep the young QB in his comfort zone.  For the first preseason game, this is to be expected.  Shanahan will no doubt open up the playbook slightly as the preseason continues, but for the most part we will have to wait until September 9 to see what Griffin can really do.

Still, for his first preseason game it was mission accomplished.  He looked comfortable running an NFL offense and reading an NFL defense.  Based on the very small sample size, Griffin so far looks as good as advertised.

A few other notes from Thursday’s game and training camp:

-Pierre Garcon looked versatile and in-sync with RG3.  If he is able to establish himself as a number one receiver, the Redskins will have a very versatile receiving core.  Josh Morgan looked very good as well.  If they both continue to play well then Santana Moss can move to slot receiver, a position better suited for the veteran.

-When healthy, the Redskins appear to have four dependable running backs.  Alfred Morris looked impressive with his 54 yards against Buffalo.  He keeps his feet moving and always falls forward.  While I believe Tim Hightower is the clear starter, I would not be surprised to see Royster, Morris, and Roy Helu Jr all have significant playing time this season.  Spreading the ball around these four could take some of the pressure off the injury-prone Hightower (and Helu).

-RG3 was not sacked once, despite the absence of Kory Lichtensteiger, Jammal Brown, and Chris Chester.  This was partly due to Griffin’s quick decision making, but the line played well.  The o-line was one of the major question marks for the Redskins this season.  If they continue to play well and Griffin can keep making quick decisions, it may not be as big a concern as many had thought.

-Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks may be facing an uphill battle to make this roster.  Armstrong did not play in Thursday’s game due to a shoulder injury and still did not practice on Monday.  Banks was targeted a team-high nine times but caught only two passes for seven yards.  At 5’7”, Banks just does not seem to have the height to compete for jump balls.  His speed will only get him so far.  This team has an abundance of wide receivers and these two fan-favorites may find themselves cut if they cannot establish themselves in the preseason.

-Bryan Kehl led the team with six tackles, and looked like a dominant defensive force.

-The battle for the kicking job still appears pretty even.  Neither Graham Gano nor Neil Rackers was given a chance at a field goal in Thursday’s game.

More Questions Than Answers at Offensive Line for the Redskins

All through the offseason, the focus of Redskins’ fans has been on their new star quarterback, Robert Griffin III.  The well-spoken, speedy, accurate rookie has the QB-starved fans drooling and circling their calendars for the start of the season.  Amid all the fan-fare and celebrations, however, there is one part of RG3’s game that may hinder his play this season:  even he can’t throw from his back.

As the experts descend on Ashburn to evaluate the Redskins, each has been writing on how frequently Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan seem to be in the backfield.  Head coach Mike Shanahan told reporters he wanted to throw everything at RG3 in camp to see what the young rookie could handle, but the offensive line’s inability to protect against the blitz highlights what could be the Achilles heel of the team this season.

In 2011, Baylor allowed 29 sacks on the season.  The Redskins, meanwhile, ranked 21^st in the NFL in sacks allowed with 41 sacks.  They allowed about 2.5 sacks per game not including other hits to the QB.  RG3’s speed allows for the Redskins to run the option and, while RG3 will no doubt be taught extensively on how to slide, you can expect opposing players to take a few shots at him.  RG3 will be playing a longer season against bigger players and will be playing behind an O-line that allows more hits.  Shanahan could choose not to utilize the QB option, and RG3’s mobility will allow him to escape the pocket, but it is safe to say he will take more hits this season than he’s used to.

The Redskins did not get better at offensive line in the offseason.  The team returns all five starters from last season, with Trent Williams at LT, LG Kory Lichtensteiger, C Will Montgomery, RG Chris Chester, and RT Jammal Brown.  The Redskins chose not to make any big free agent moves partly due to the $18 million cap penalty the team was forced to absorb this season, but also because the team felt comfortable with their starters.  To be fair, they did play well before injuries and suspensions took their toll, but the line still seems precariously fragile.

Lichtensteiger is already out having undergone knee surgery.  He is expected back for the season opener, but as it was his knee that kept him out last season, I fear this may be a lingering issue for him all season.  Speaking of lingering injuries, Brown is also not practicing at the moment due to his hip.  While an MRI showed the injury did not require surgery, there is currently no timetable for his return.  With Williams one drug test away from a full year suspension, it is not impossible to see the O-line suddenly down three starters.

Williams knows he’s on the razor’s edge and I think he will keep his nose clean.  I have to wonder, however, about Lichtensteiger and Brown’s durability.  I would be shocked if both did not miss significant time this season.  If the line is already struggling to protect RG3 in camp, what will happen when they face Jason Pierre Paul or Demarcus Ware?  The Redskins realized they needed a franchise QB and they made a move to draft RG3.  They realized they needed weapons for him so they re-signed Tim Hightower and brought in Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan.  What they did not do is bring in players to protect their investment, and that could end up really costing them.

Semin Looks for Fresh Start in Carolina

The Carolina Hurricanes signed free agent Alexander Semin to a one-year, $7 million contract last week and officially ended his tenure in Washington.  Semin has served as a divisive figure this offseason as fans debated whether his immense talent was worth the baggage.  Carolina finally closed that debate.

“Sasha”, as he was affectionately known, was drafted by the Capitals in 2002 and proceeded to record 197 goals and 211 assists in 469 games.  In his time in the District, he dazzled fans with his stick handling skills and a blistering shot, but he was never able to shake the criticism that followed him over his effort and attitude.  Semin routinely disappeared during the playoffs much to the chagrin of Washington fans who continually saw their team struggle in the postseason.  In 2012 Semin recorded only four points in the playoffs, and only two assists in seven games against the Rangers.  As the rest of the team committed to coach Dale Hunter’s defensive-minded style, Semin instead complained of his reduced role.

Semin also does not have the ability to impact a game outside of the score sheet as former teammate Alexander Ovechkin.  Even if a team can manage to keep Ovechkin out of the box score, he always seems to make an impact whether through a big hit, drawing defensemen to him, etc.  He can carry the team on his shoulders; the same cannot be said of Sasha.

And let’s not forget the infamous slap fight Mark Staal.  If you have never seen it, youtube it; it’s worth the watch.

A fresh start is what both the Capitals and Semin needed.  While his talent demands a large contract, the questions surrounding him and lack of production reached a point that made him simply too expensive to keep.  This was true last year and George McPhee should have looked to trade him, but no doubt Semin’s potential is what kept him here so long.  Regardless, the Caps could no longer pay $6-7 million for a scorer they could not rely on in the playoffs.

From Semin’s perspective, a new team and system may reignite the passion he seemed to lack in DC.  After struggling in the playoffs, Semin rebounded with a two goal performance in the World finals for team Russia, helping them secure gold.  I honestly believe he would feel more comfortable in the KHL where he would be paid more and could sign for longer than a single year, but he chose to remain in the NHL for at least one more year.  Despite the negative scrutiny that has surrounded him over the past few weeks, he gave the Caps a lot of great moments and we should all wish him the best at his new team.  I just wish it was somewhere outside of the division….

NCAA Steps in Where They are not Needed, Hands Down Sanctions to Penn State

The NCAA handed down harsh sanctions today against Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal.  The school received a $60 million fine, four-year postseason ban, the loss of 20 scholarships per year over four years, and five years probation.  All of Penn State’s wins from 1998-2011 will also be vacated.  The NCAA said that any current or incoming football payers will be able to immediately transfer and play at another school.  It was a heavy penalty for the now former football powerhouse that will effectively cripple the program for at least the immediate future.

Since the scandal broke, there have been mixed feelings regarding how best to punish the school.  Some thought Penn State should receive the “death penalty”, meaning the team is barred from playing for an extended period of time, while others thought the NCAA should simply let the law take its course.  While the NCAA stopped just short of the death penalty, they sent a clear message to Penn State that their failure to act in the name of their football program would not be tolerated.

As I sat down to write this blog, I found it difficult.  When it became known that Penn State could receive the death penalty, I disagreed, but it was difficult to argue against it.  I have zero sympathy for those who turned a blind eye, but I did not want the NCAA involved.  I still feel that way today, though I still cannot argue against most of the penalties handed down.  Ultimately it just seems like the NCAA took pointless action against a school still reeling from this scandal.  These sanctions give the NCAA a hollow victory that is both too little, and too late.

Today, I have the same hollow feeling I had the night Jerry Sandusky was convicted.  Yes, I was glad.  Yes, it means he will spend the rest of his life in jail, but it was not something to celebrate.  While Sandusky will never be able to commit these atrocious acts again, he had already abused several young boys.  When considering the death penalty or these new penalties, it seems trivial.  What does a post season ban mean to the victims?  How can we convert the crimes of Sandusky into the terms of sanctions against the football program?  That’s why I did not want the NCAA involved.

The NCAA exists to make sure all schools follow the rules of the NCAA.  Jerry Sandusky broke the law.  Former president Graham Spanier, former vice president Gary Schultz, former athletic director Tim Curley, and former coach Joe Paterno at the very least failed in their moral responsibilities and may have broken the law.  Each has been and will be further punished.  For the NCAA to swoop in and give football penalties just seems insignificant.  In the wake of this scandal, who cares how man wins Paterno has?  Who do these sanctions help?  Who does it hurt?  None of the men mentioned above remain at the university.  You punish the community and the student body.  You hurt the other sports.  Granted, the NCAA stipulated the monetary fine cannot be taken from non revenue sports, but anyone who thinks this will not impact the athletic department as a whole is naïve.

Still, this is what the NCAA does; these are the only means they have at their disposal.  On June 10, 2010, the NCAA imposed sanctions against the University of Southern California football program after discovering Reggie Bush and his family were given improper gifts.  Head coach Pete Carroll, however, had accepted the Seattle Seahawks head coaching positions in January 2010.  The school was punished, Carroll was not.  What could the NCAA do?  Nothing really, you have to punish the school in order to deter other schools from committing violations and to teach a school that they are not bigger than the rules.  How does that apply here?  Are people going to be deterred from covering up sexual abuse?  I sincerely hope that is not a lesson many people need to be taught.  Is it a lesson Penn State needs to learn?  An argument could certainly be made to that affect.  Based on the findings of the Freeh reports, it certainly appears that whatever may have been known about Sandusky’s crimes was covered up so as not to reflect negatively on the program.  The fact that an assistant coach can see Sandusky abusing a child in the locker room and his first thought is to bring it to Paterno, hat in hand, rather than call the police or at the very least save the child is just plain wrong.  A change was needed, but keep in mind one thing: Paterno WAS Penn State football.  He was the head coach from 1966 to 2011.  The fact that Paterno, who most would have thought was untouchable, was fired in the midst of this scandal IS a culture change.  Firing Paterno is the school trying to change the culture of their program.  If you think more was needed that’s fine, but do not underestimate the effect his firing had.

Reflecting on the punishments, NCAA should have stayed out of it, but Penn State deserved everything they got.  You cannot feel sorry for a school that turned a blind eye to Sandusky’s crimes and allowed for him to continue to prey on other children.  Crippling the football team, however, will serve as little comfort to the victims.  This was bigger than the NCAA and football.  Now the NCAA will pat themselves on the back and claim justice has been done, Penn State officials will be asked how they can overcome these sanctions, the team will adopt an “us vs. the world” mentality, and everyone will focus on what matters most:  football.  The victims will thank you NCAA; no doubt their biggest concern was for the future of Penn State football.

No Blog this Week

Due to a hectic schedule, there will be no blog this week.  Check back next week for a new post.  Until then, follow me on Twitter:  @TheDC_Sportsguy

Nationals Looking Good Going into the All-Star Break

We have reached the midway point of another MLB season, but things feel remarkably different in DC.  The Nationals have the best record in the National League and is sending three players to the all-star game.  The team has not been in this position since 2005, but while most felt that team was destined to fall, now the team has its sights on a strong finish and their first playoff berth in the Nation’s Capital.

“I mean, we should make the playoffs. There’s no doubt in my mind,” said manager Davey Johnson.  With a four game lead in the division, the Nationals are not looking at merely being a wild card team, but division champions; no small feat for a team that has never finished with a winning record.  But the Nationals currently find themselves atop the standings with a four game lead in a division that includes perennial powerhouse Philadelphia, consistently formidable Atlanta, the surprisingly resilient Mets, and the high-spending Florida Marlins.  So far, against the stiff NL East competition, the Nationals are the only team surpassing their own expectations.

How have the Nationals managed such an impressive turnaround?  One need look no further than the team’s all-star representatives for the answer:  homegrown young talent, and formidable pitching.  Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper were both drafted by the Nationals and are making a splash in the majors.  Strasburg is quickly becoming one of the best pitchers in the MLB and Harper the most electrifying.  Gio Gonzalez was brought in during the offseason, as well as Edwin Jackson, to help the rotation along, but it’s hard to deny how well the Nationals have drafted.

Amid all the losing seasons, the Nationals did their homework and brought in the best prospects out there.  Now, we are beginning to see the results.  The Nationals drafted Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, and Ross Detwiler, all currently part of the Nationals’ dominant rotation.  In addition, the Nationals drafted position players Harper, Jesus Flores, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, Tyler Moore, Ryan Zimmerman, and Stephen Lombardozzi.  Any of these guys sound familiar?  They should, they all play on DC’s NL-leading roster and only one, Desmond, was drafted before the team moved to DC.  The Nationals have built this team into a contender with young talent, meaning they are only going to get better.

This year, while watching the all-star game in Kansas City, you will see the Nationals’ players in the spotlight with the other stars, rather than dismissed as merely token representatives of their struggling franchise.  Even with Strasburg’s looming innings count, there is a lot to be optimistic about.  Will this team finish better than the 2005 team that yielded first place and fell to a .500?

That’s a clown question, bro.

Are the Wizards Destined for Another Era of Mediocrity?

Last week, the Wizards took Bradley Beal with the number 3 overall pick and addressed a severe need for perimeter shooting.  For many Wizards’ fans, things are starting to look up.  Most likely the Wizards will start Nene and Emeka Okafor up front, Trevor Ariza at forward, Beal at guard, and of course John Wall at point guard.  By no means is this a joke roster anymore, but how far can they go?  In today’s NBA, are the Wizards already approaching their ceiling?

This may sound ridiculous, but think about it.  Lebron James and the big 3 changed NBA free agency.  The NBA is driven more by its stars than any other sport, and Lebron showed how they can group together to win a championship.  Now the stars come together and pick storied franchises or big markets and the smaller markets have to cross their fingers and hope for a superstar in the draft.

The Knicks, the Heat, the Celtics, the Bulls, and the Lakers will always be relevant.  GMs can always make these teams attractive to free agents.  Other teams struggle to bring in big names unless they’ve drafter a superstar already.  Nobody cared about the Cleveland Cavaliers before Lebron came and no one has cared about them since he left.  There is no question that the Wizards have gotten better this offseason, but how will they continue to build?

Let’s say next season the Wizards finish in the top ten in the conference.  They play better, but in the end, finish just out of the playoffs.  The year after, they do even better.  Maybe they aren’t up there with Miami or Chicago, but they finish as a middle playoff team.  Perhaps they even make it out of the first round.  Then what?  I see this roster developing in much the same way as the Wizards of the Gilbert Arenas error, oops, I mean “era”.  Only once did that team make it past the first round.  Some of you may say that’s not fair as the Wizards kept coming up against the Lebron-led Cavs, but that’s my point.  The Wizards could not beat a team with a major superstar.  They put together a solid roster that did well in the regular season, but they never truly competed for a championship because they did not have their own major superstar.  Arenas was good, but he was never one of the elite; he was never a Lebron, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, etc.  He was not good enough for them to build around and he was not notable enough to bring in top free agents.

If the Wizards climb in the standings, they will fall on the draft board.  Yes, the draft lottery allows for the possibility that the Wizards could still land a top player, but I think it is a safe bet that John Wall will be the key player for this team.  It is pivotal that he continues to develop or the Wizards will continue to struggle to bring in free agents.  The best players simply are not looking to DC.  If Wall establishes himself as a top player, the Wizards may be able to continue to build.  If not, then the Wizards will reach their ceiling a lot faster then we all are hoping.