Is McNabb now uncertain for Redskins opener?
Is it possible that Washington Redskins QB Donovan McNabb is going to be unavailable for the home opener against the Dallas Cowboys? According to Redskins head coach, Mike Shanahan, Donovan McNabb’s injury is uncertain at this time. In another bizarre move, Shanhan said that Redskins backup Rex Grossman, who was less than inspiring last night, won’t play in this weeks last preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals either, and that has to give Redskins fans some pause.
Shanahan told the media in regards to McNabb’s injury, “I really don’t know for sure. That’s why it’s day to day. We’ll see how it goes”. Now this could just be a giant smokescreen as the Redskins prepare for a visit from the Cowboys, or there could be something more to this story. As his injury has simply been described as an ankle injury, it could actually be a high ankle sprain, which would be very bad news for the Redskins. And add in the fact that Grossman will not see any action this week after a very lackluster performance last night, gives Redskins fans a reason to think that there is more to this story than Shanahan is letting on.
In additional injury news, Redskins FB Mike Sellers remains day to day with a knee injury and RB Clinton Portis, who suffered an ankle injury last night is expected to be ready to go. Shanahan said, “I don’t think it’s too serious. It’s not a big setback. I would anticipate him being able to practice in a couple of days”. There same however can’t be said of McNabb.
Should the Washington Redskins sign Laveranues Coles?
[picappgallerysingle id="5637650"]
Should the Washington Redskins bring back and sign WR Laveraneus Coles. The New York Jets have released Laveranues Coles this afternoon and there is no doubt that the Redskins can use some veteran help at wide receiver. Coles played with the Washington Redskins from 2003-2004, recording 172 receptions for 2100 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Redskins look to start Santana Moss and Devin Thomas and have 38 year old oft-injured Joey Galloway on the roster.
I believe signing Laveranues Coles would be a wise move. It brings in a 32 year old veteran who has something left in the tank. You cannot depend on Joey Galloway at this stage in his career to last the entire season. Coles could assume the #3 wide receiver role as the Redskins continue to develop Anthony Armstrong.
Coles is already speculated to be heading to either Oakland or Minnesota, but it would be wise to contact his agent and just have him head on I-95 south and cruise right on into the Redskins camp tomorrow morning. This offense is going to need some weapons and while Coles is not the player he once was, he’s better than half of the receivers currently on the Redskins roster.
Redskins win despite looking flat
The Washington Redskins without QB Donovan McNabb held on to beat the New York Jets 16-11, despite looking flat on offense. Rex Grossman got the start for the injured Donovan McNabb but only complete 50% of his passes and lost two fumbles. Redskins RB Larry Johnson added a 4th quarter score to seal the win for Washington but the running game looked anemic, averaging only 2.8 yards per carry. Those rushing yards were skewed with Larry Johnson getting a 15 and 18 yard carry late in the game, otherwise, the stat line would have looked much worse.
The offense has struggled even with Donovan McNabb under center this preseason but if Grossman has to start many regular season games, it could get ugly early. Yes, I understand the Redskins were playing the New York Jets, a team many have picked to go to the Super Bowl this season and they have a stout defense, however, the Jets starters didn’t play all game, and the Redskins running game was non existent. Willie Parker finished with 2 yards per carry. Ryan Torain finished with 1.6 yards per carry. And the presumed starter for the Redskins, Clinton Portis sprained his ankle.
Defensively, the Redskins looked pretty good. They limited the Jets passing attack, but gave up 161 yards rushing. They collected 3 fumbles, one interception and had 4 sacks.
After three games, the defense looks more prepared than the offense, which usually is the case early on, but it’s apparent that the Redskins can ill afford to lose McNabb or Portis for any extended amount of time this season.
Redskins Portis now more focused
[picappgallerysingle id="9567617"]The Washington Redskins are going to need RB Clinton Portis step up this year and according to his teammates, he’s more focused this year than in years passed. Raedskins fans are hoping that Clinton Portis’ on field production will return to that of 2008 when he amassed 1700 yards and 9 touchdowns.
The Redskins have a stable of older running backs, two of which are trying to resurrect their careers, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker. The Redskins need a runner to step forward and lead the team.
Portis’s teammate LB Lorenzo Alexander seems to think that the addition of the two veteran backs has added some motivation for Portis. “He’s a totally different player as far as practicing and preparing for practice. I think a lot of that has to do with bringing in guys like Larry Johnson and Willie Parker who can perform as well. Being with Mike in Denver, he understands what was going to be expected of him. When he was in Denver performing at a high level, Shanahan let him go and traded him here”, Alexander told reporters.
“You can see already in the pre-season, when he’s running the ball, he’s seeing things a lot better and all that comes from practicing everyday’, Alexander continued.
With Redskins QB Donovan McNabb missing the final two games, the Redskins might be forced to rely a little more on the running game than usual since McNabb hasn’t looked exactly crisp in his two pre-season appearances. Portis needs to be the back to step up and contribute because I don’t think Parker or Johnson have much left in the tank.
Washington Redskins are second best
[picappgallerysingle id="9545038"]
The Washington Redskins are the second best team in the league as far as team valuations go. According to Forbes magazine, the Washington Redskins are ranked number 2 right behind the Dallas Cowboys in team valuations. The Redskins are worth 1.550 billion. The Redskins also finished second in the league with 103.7 million in operating profit.
In 1999, Daniel Snyder purchased the Washington Redskin along with Jack Kent Cooke Stadium for 800 million dollars, he has basically doubled his investment in 11 years. The Redskins were one of 7 teams which saw no increase in team valuation from 2008. During Synder’s ownership, the Redskins have won 55% of their games and made the playoffs three times.
The Cowboys were the top valued franchise, worth 1,805 billion and saw their club increase 9% in valuation, largely due to a new stadium. Redskins divisional opponents, The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles both saw no increase in team valuation.
The lowest valued team in the league is not coincidentally the one most often linked to relocation rumors, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are reportedly worth 725 million dollars and suffered a decrease in value of 15% from the previous year.
