Yardbarker: Reed Doughty

Washington Redskins beat New Orleans Saints 29-24 ESPN Video

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:31:44 -0500

Washington Redskins beat New Orleans Saints 29-24 ESPN Video

NFL Week 2 - Skins, Broncos Show Serious Balls

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:04:49 -0500

We got two games in the D.C. area today, Saints at Redskins and Chargers at Broncos. Both were greatly entertaining. For the record, I hate the Redskins.

Saints at Skins - This game should have been over at halftime. Shockey lost a fumble and tipped a ball up for an interception, giving the Redskins five scoring opportunities in the first half. Due to some conservative playcalling and a bad snap, they only converted three field goals from those opportunities. New Orleans got a field goal of their own and converted a Randle El punt return fumble into a touchdown. Despite being utterly dominated, the Saints went into halftime leading 10-9.

Since the Saints deferred, they got the 2nd half kickoff. They methodically and efficiently went down the field and scored a touchdown, seemingly changing the momentum and breaking the backs of the frustrated Redskins. Luckily for Skins fans, Zorn took the reins off a bit. Or, at least, somebody realized the Saints were playing their 3rd and 4th string CBs due to injury, and even they were on and off the field in the humid 100+ degree on-field heat. The Skins answered the Saints half-opening TD, and responded again when Reggie Bush took a horribly short punt 55 yards for another TD.

When the Skins were down 9 following Reggie's return with about 10 minutes left, the Skins looked done. The defense had played well, but the 24-15 lead looked like too much for the Skins relatively vanilla offense, still apparently playing without a hurry-up system, to overcome. Then Campbell side-stepped a rush to give him just enough time to let Moss simply run by a horribly overmatched 4th string CB, and Campbell connected. After another solid drive with good creative playcalling, the Skins had taken a five-point lead with 3:30 to go.

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The game ball has to go to rookie safety Chris Horton (UCLA). Reed Doughty was a late scratch with a "stomach virus", and Horton took his spot, recovering Shockey's fumble (that was sitting motionless with no Saints in sight) and managing not to drop two gift-wrapped pop-up tip interceptions. Horton doesn't get the game ball for being johnny-on-the-spot today, as that was just a matter of luck and seeing the ball. He gets the game ball for knowing that Visine is flavorless and causes instant severe gastrointestinal distress. I hope Doughty's breakfast plate was washed quickly so it can't be tested.

Many readers might be confused as to why I'm so positive about the Skins' win. I think I should explain that my Skins hatred is quite deep. It's so deep, that a 3-13 season just isn't painful enough. I want their failures to be the most gutwrenching, sickening displays in all of sports. If they just suck, it doesn't work. On that note, I was very pleased to see rookie punter Durant Brooks (controversially kept over veteran Derrick Frost) literally account for a ten-point swing. He mishandled the snap on a field goal attempt, sacrificing three points, and dinked Reggie Bush's punt return TD so badly that Bush caught the ball on a dead run near midfield.

I also enjoyed seeing Jason Campbell hit 8 different receivers and call the audible that led to the bomb to Santana Moss. I need for their to be two factions of Skins fans: Campbell supporters and Todd Collins supporters (aka racists). This game should further that.

So, at 1-1, I feel the Skins fans will overreact to the win just like they did to the loss, making their loss to the Cardinals all the more painful.

Chargers at Broncos - This was not a good day for Ed Hochuli and his crew. After a blown call against the Chargers couldn't be reviewed due to technical difficulties early in the game, Hochuli single-handedly took a win from the Chargers with under a minute to play. On third and goal, Broncos down 7, Cutler rolled right and tried to throw the ball to his receiver (Selvin Young in the end zone flat I think). Cutler lost his grip, the ball squirted out, and the Chargers recovered. Game over.

Unfortunately, Ed Hochuli's eyes deceived him. Even though the ball came out of Cutler's hand on the way up, his empty hand propelled the ball slightly forward, apparently deceiving Hochuli into thinking Cutler's arm was moving forward. He blew the whistle as soon as the ball hit the ground. Unfortunately, the ball was clearly fumbled and San Diego clearly recovered. The inadvertent whistle killed the play with the ball at the 10-yard-line, a loss of eight, but the Chargers were robbed of the coffin nail. On 4th and goal the Broncos connected on an in pattern to Eddie Royal.

So the Broncos tied it up, right? Surely they'd kick the extra point and go to overtime, since they're at home. Apparently Shanahan weighed his options. Option 1 - win the coin toss and score or lose the coin toss and lose, as the score would be 38-38 and neither team had stopped anything all game. Option 2 - go for two and the win, and at least feel like you lost over something you could control. Shanahan obviously felt he had a better than 50-50 chance getting the two, and that's what he opted to do. For the first time I can recall, an NFL team went for two instead of taking the chippy XP to overtime.

Shanahan must have a great play in mind. What balls, what confidence, what arrogance! Nope. He ran the exact same play, or at least the same route for Eddie Royal, that they had just scored on. The two is good, the Broncos lead by one with 24 seconds left, and they held on to win.

Between the Skins and Broncos, we saw some serious manhood on display this afternoon. Moss and Clinton Portis and Jason Campbell refused to back down when the Saints woke up. Mike Shanahan and Jay Cutler refused to let a coin toss decide their fate (and perhaps playoff seeding). This was a very good day to be a football fan.

Pair To Miss Redskins Game vs. Saints

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:32:10 -0500

A pair of defensive players will miss the Washington Redskins-New Orleans Saints game on Sunday - starting safety Reed Doughty and linebacker Marcus Washington; Doughty has a stomach virus while Washington is suffering from a hamstring injury. Rookie S Chris Horton will replace Doughty while H.B. Blades will take Washington's spot.

Skins-Jags Pregame

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:32:28 -0500

--The CoveritLive software isn't working. Actually, there isn't enough bandwidth for it to work here at FedEx. I'm going to have to do this the old-fashioned way and update quarter by quarter or more frequently as events dictate. I'll try to get this worked out for next week but, hey,

PREVIEW: 2008 WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:07:28 -0500

by GMoney, The Money Shot

I'm not breaking any news here, but the 2007 Washington Redskins season ran the gamut of emotions. Obviously, we had the lows of Joe Gibbs managing games like an idiot, numerous season-ending injuries to starters, and the sad and senseless loss of the baddest muthaf*cka on the planet, Sean Taylor. Nobody would have faulted the team for folding up, playing out the rest of the season, and getting their minds right for 2008. But that didn't happen. Todd Collins surprisingly came in and looked like a stud. The Skins won their last 4 games to make the playoffs. And although they were defeated in the first round, the season still felt like a success to at least this Redskins fan. Honestly, and I was in attendance at Super Bowl XXVI for their last Super Bowl win, I've never been more proud of my Redskins in my entire life as a fan.

But those days are over. It was time to move on a long time ago. Without further ado, the 2008 Epic Carnival Preview for YOUR Washington Redskins:

OFFENSE:
What's to like?
--Jason Campbell looks REALLY good. Just ask Peter King. This could be his breakout season.
--Clinton Portis is apparently as focused as ever. He's in an offense that once made Shaun Alexander an MVP, he should be a monster this season.
--Chris Cooley is the coolest (pun intended) player in the league...and he's pretty damn good, too.
--The offensive line is healthy; well, at least it is now.
--The offense is being described as Joe Gibbs running game mixed with the West Coast passing game...could be lethal.

What's not to like?
--The WR's are still a mess. Both rookies are banged up. Santana Moss blows. James Thrash is still around for some reason.
--Jon Jansen has been moving around like a corpse this preseason. It could be the beginning of the end for him.
--While the offense looks in synch thus far, you never know what to expect when going against a first team defense.
--Shaun Suisham is about as erratic as it gets when it comes to kicking field goals and kickoffs.

DEFENSE:
What's to like?
--The pass rush off the ends should be amazing with Andre Carter and Jason Taylor.
--London Fletcher is one of the best leaders in football and is a tackling machine.
--LaRon Landry is quickly developing into one of the best safeties in the league. --Greg Blache is going to continue the style that Gregg Williams ran to near perfection with blitzes from all over the field.

What's not to like?
--The tackles are either inexperienced or injury-prone (Cornelius Griffin).
--Marcus Washington and Rocky McIntosh have MAJOR health problems and that's not good when they are counted on to start as outside linebackers.
--Shawn Springs is getting old and Carlos Rogers is still trying to come back from a blown-out knee.
--They didn't even remotely try to replace Sean Taylor at safety. Reed Doughty just isn't going to cut it. Springs has been getting some reps at safety which could be interesting.
--Chances are pretty good that rookie Durant Brooks will win the punter job and who knows what you will get from a rookie. But he ahs to be better than Derrick Frost, that guy sucked.

EXPECTATIONS:
The Redskins lost ZERO starters from the team that made the playoffs last year while adding one of the best pass rushers in football. While they are still learning the new system, everything coming out of Redskins Park thus far has been extremely positive. The early schedule is tough as they have to go on the road to each rival in the NFC East in the first 6 weeks. But, if this team can stay relatively healthy (which hasn't happened in years) and Jason Campbell is as good as advertised, I don't think that it is a stretch to predict a 10-6 season. A return to the playoffs should be a strong probability as long as Jim Zorn and Company catch a break or two. I think the Cowboys will win the division, but don't be surprised if the Redskins put some pressure on them.

Screw it, I say it every year and I'll say it again..."WE GOIN' TO THE SUPER BOWL!"

Washington Redskins: Where's The Due Diligence?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:24:37 -0500

The Washington Redskins drafted a guy who is hearing impaired without actually knowing that he's hearing impaired.....a fact that seemed to be well known when he was in college. So what gives with the franchise ineptness?

Doughty Plays With Only 4 Senses

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:08:30 -0500

When the Redskins drafted Reed Doughty out of Northern Colorado (a I-AA school) a few years ago they thought they were getting a decent athlete who did well in college against lesser competition. Not usually the resume that gets you drafted in any round (he was taken in the 6th). He was drafted because he is smart-and not just on the field. Doughty was a 3 year Academic All American to go with his high "Football IQ" After a strong showing on special teams Doughty was thrust into the starting role after the death of All-Pro Sean Taylor and he did a good job. Now he has all but locked down the starting role this year after an off-season competition with Stuart Schweigert. Now the few of you who are still reading are probably thinking who gives a flying f*ck. What makes Doughty an interesting story is that he has severe hearing impairment. His hearing is bad enough that when he is not on the field he wears hearing aids in both ears. When he first joined the 'skins the coaches couldn't figure out why Doughty was playing like a moron in practice. For a while they figured that he was just a stupid smart guy. Eventually one of the coaches saw that Doughty was trying to read his lips and they made him get a hearing test in which they learned that he had severe hearing loss. So when I read about this in the Washington Post today I was shocked. It is simply amazing to me that a player with lesser physical tools who can't even hear.

NFC EAST POSITION BATTLES

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:11:46 -0500

Cornerback: Anthony Henry vs. Adam Jones Henry wasn't pleased during last month's minicamp when Jones received some reps with the first team. But a Cowboys source told me Wednesday that he can't envision a scenario where Jones overtakes Henry during training camp unless there's an injury. Even though he was banged up last season, Henry still managed a team-leading six interceptions. He's got the best ball skills on the team and coaches think it will be a while before Jones shakes the rust off. Rookie Mike Jenkins will be the fourth cornerback. When the Cowboys go into their nickel package, Terence Newman will move inside and Henry and Jones will play on the outside. Of course, Jones has to get reinstated before you see him in a regular-season game. That's a certainty unless he breaks containment with authorities. Intensity index: Mild Ratliff Johnson Nose tackle: Jay Ratliff vs. Tank Johnson It's a stretch to call this an open competition, but it beats talking about the battle for third receiver, which will be a grudge match between Miles Austin and Sam Hurd if Terry Glenn doesn't agree to an amended contract. Johnson has fit in well with the team, but Ratliff's the guy who just got paid. He's outperformed his seventh-round selection and become one of the defense's emotional leaders. When Johnson rotates in at nose tackle, Ratliff is able to move to right end. Last year, this was a position of concern -- especially after Jason Ferguson went down with an injury. Ratliff played so well, though, that Ferguson became expendable. IF YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF THE NFC EAST< CLICK THE LINK

Hog Wire: Youth Movement; Cooley Extension; More

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:07:36 -0500

The Washington Redskins finished the 2007 preseason with a 2-2 record. In their preseason finale, the Redskins lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-14 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. In his limited action, which tested the condition of his bruised knee, Jason Campbell led the first-team offense to a touchdown on his only drive of the game. He exited the game after completing 5-of-5 passes for 54 yards, ending with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Antwaan Randle El. The final game was the last chance for roster hopefuls to impress the coaches as roster cuts loomed, therefore both teams "sat" their projected starters. Youth Movement? The Redskins appear to be fielding a younger team in 2007 than last year, despite the fact that they signed veterans MLB London Fletcher, LB Randall Godfrey, and G Pete Kendall. Many of the older veterans were not re-signed (Troy Vincent, David Patten, Warrick Holdman, Jeff Posey, and John Hall), partly because of their age and partly because of the growth of the younger players on the roster, such as Reed Doughty and Rocky McIntosh, among others. Players new to the Redskins and the NFL include two draft picks, Safety LaRon Landry (the 6th pick overall) and Linebacker H.B. Blades (sixth round), and 3 undrafted rookies (T Stephon Heyer, TE Cody Boyd, and RB Marcus Mason). The Redskins also signed 3 first-year players (DE Lorenzo Alexander, DE Chris Wilson, and CB Leigh Torrence) that made the final rosters... Click the link below for more...

Safety In Numbers

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:00:46 -0500

When the Washington Redskins square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight at Municipal Stadium, both teams will be taking some long hard looks at certain positional battles. For the Redskins, one of the most difficult decisions will come at safety. The starting safety jobs are locked up. Sean Taylor will start at free, and rookie first round draft pick Laron Landry will start at strong. Even if Gregg Williams gives Landry a game or two to settle in before starting, it won't be long before the sixth overall pick out of LSU is on the starters' roster. Pierson Prioleau is also a lock. If Williams decides to keep Landry back the first few games, Prioleau would be the de facto starter... To read the rest, please click the link below.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Skins Defence

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:34:59 -0500

DEF LINE 1. Ryan Boschetti: He will probably make it as a reserve can play DT and DE. 2. Lorenzo Alexander: He could make it as a reserve maybe. 3. Cornelius Griffin: Starter for Certain. 4. Jared Clauss: Played 29 games for titans why shouldn't he make the team? 5. Joe Salave'a: Veteran that can come in anytime. 6. Kedric Golston: Started 12 games I think he will start this year. 7. Anthony Montgomery: Big Athletic man he could get a reserves spot. 8. Bryant Shaw: I see potential. 9. Joe Sykes: Played in one game last year he will probably be a reserve. 10. Demetric Evans: Had eleven starts he will probably start some games this year. 11. Phillip Daniels: Played in all 16 games with 15 starts he will make it. 12. Jamaal Green: Practice Squad material if that. 13. Justin Hickman: Him and Alex Buzbee are probably just practice squad material as of right now. 14. Alex Buzbee: Possible Reserve but most likely practice squad material. 15. Andre Carter: He will make the team he started all 16 games. 16. Chris Wilson: Who's that? Maybe he has a shot. 17. Renaldo Wynn: He had played in 15 of the games last year he will make the team with out a doubt. Overall The D Line is amazing I give them a A. DB's 1. Carlos Rogers: Roger Started 15 games missed one due to injury, he will make the team. 2. Fred Smoot: Possible starter but will get playing time; I say it's between him and Springs. 3. Shawn Springs: Had injuries last year but will probably be spliting time with Rogers and Smoot. 4. Ade Jimoh: He will make the team considering he has played in 32 games straight with them as a reserve. 5. David Macklin: He had played in 14 games last year with the Cardinals he will probably serve as what Jimoh does. 6. Jerametrius Butler: He is a good Corner but injuries have set him back so he might make it as a reserve im hoping he does because I like him. 7. John Eubanks: It's hard to say if he will be a reserve but I think he will make the practice squad. 8. Leigh Torrence: Not sure about him they have so much talent. 9. Byron Westbrook: Now we just need his brother lol. 10. Brandon Register: I think he will get cut didnt do much in college. 11. London Fletcher: He will be amazing considering he was the best on Buffalo's D for the past 4 years where he led in tackles every year for the team. 12. H.B. Blades: He could possibly get some game time this year I like him alot. 13. Khary Campbell: He played in 14 games last year maybe he will be a reserve. 14. Dallas Sartz: He and H.B. will be great additions to the team. 15. Zach Latimer: I think he will make the practice squad. 16. Rocky McIntosh: He won't start but he will get playing time. 17. Lemar Marshall: He was a starter last year ofcourse he will make the team. 18. Kevin Jones: Practice squad this year maybe a reserve next year. 19. Marcus Washington: Starter last year and will be again this year. 20. Anthony Trucks: Practice squad material. Overall the DB's are solid and are even better then the D line in my opinion I give them a A almost a A+ Secondary 1. Vernon Fox: Fox played in all 16 games and will probably be a reserve this year as well. 2. Reed Doughty: Will probably be a reserve like last year. 3. Pierson Prioleau: Hes a good asset that will probably get lots of playing time. 4. LaRon Landry: 6th overall pick I think he will be a starter with Taylor but will there personailities connect? 5. Sean Taylor: He and Landry are very similar both aggressive lets just hope it doesnt back fire. 6. Omar Stoutmire: Started 9 games with New Orleans He will be a good veteran backup. Overall ill give the Secondary an A- because the starters are very aggressive and might be too aggressive but they could be amazing together. Overall the Defence together is a A they are one the best on paper but they just need to work together unlike last year having the worst but great talent.