Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 20

San Antonio Express-News

"Seven years after he was a senior honor roll student at Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Wis., Doug Free is out to prove he can make the grade at right tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. Free is set to make his first NFL start when the Cowboys host the Washington Redskins on Sunday. He'll be filling in for Marc Colombo, who broke his left leg and tore ligaments in his left ankle in last Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers. "You step in for a guy, everybody expects a little bit less of you maybe, but I don't want it to be that way," Free told reporters Thursday in Irving. "I want to step in and do as well as I can. We have a great thing going here, and I don't want it to change at all." ..."

Cowboys' Austin no longer a secret

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November 20

Washington Times

"It wasn't that Miles Austin ended up at Monmouth University because he flew below college football's recruiting radar. "He was off the radar," Monmouth coach Kevin Callahan said. "It was just one of those things," said Mark Fabish, a former Monmouth assistant who discovered and recruited Austin. "It worked out great." Great for the school immediately - and for Austin eventually. He became a star receiver for the Division I-AA Hawks, leading the team to successive 10-win seasons in 2003 and 2004. It remains the best two-year stretch since the small, private university first fielded a team in 1993. Callahan is the school's first and only coach. Located a Frisbee toss from some nice Atlantic ..."

Redskins' Betts running with his chance

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November 20

Washington Times

"Ever since he came to the Washington Redskins seven years ago, Ladell Betts has believed the same thing. "He's always said, 'Get me 20 carries, I'll get you 100 yards,' " longtime teammate Rock Cartwright said. Betts has backed up his words in the few opportunities he has gotten, most recently in the Redskins' victory over the Denver Broncos last week. Betts has reached the 100-yard mark seven times in the nine games in which he has carried at least 20 times, including the 114 yards he gained on 26 attempts against the Broncos. Betts will get another shot Sunday in Dallas against the Cowboys. Clinton Portis, who suffered a concussion Nov. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons, has been ruled out ..."

Redskins' Portis to miss second straight game

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November 20

Washington Times

"Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis will miss his second straight game Sunday because of the effects of the concussion he suffered Nov. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Jim Zorn said Portis "is just foggy enough" for him not to let the two-time Pro Bowl selection practice, let alone face the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys. "I want to see him practice, and I want to see him have those days where when he practices he doesn't have residual problems," Zorn said. "And right now, he can't even practice, so we'll keep him out this week." Portis had started 40 straight games before Sunday. Washington is 4-6 in the 10 games Portis has missed during his six seasons with the ..."

Riggins speaks loudly and carries a big shtick

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November 20

Washington Post

columnist Leonard Shapiro

"Not long after John Riggins retired from football following the 1985 season, I asked a network sports television executive why a colorful, quote machine of a player I'd covered since the day he came to town in 1976 hadn't been signed up immediately by a single broadcasting entity televising pro football. After all, he was smart, telegenic, funny and opinionated, everything and more you'd look for in the booth or in a studio every NFL Sunday. The short answer, and almost 25 years later I'm paraphrasing here, was that the network suits were scared of a possible runaway Diesel, if only because you never knew what he might say next. Riggins clearly lived up to that billing during his ..."

Sellers prefers to let actions speak for him

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November 20

Washington Post

"After word emerged about the locker-room altercation earlier this season between running back Clinton Portis and fullback Mike Sellers, some Redskins fans criticized Sellers's blocking on Internet message boards and sports-talk radio shows. During a 16-13 victory in Week 4 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Portis went to coaches in an effort to have Sellers demoted for what Portis deemed to be poor blocking. Apparently in siding with Portis, fans criticized Sellers for the team's unproductive running game to start the season, believing Portis would have been more effective if Sellers had blocked better. But many in the organization told me Sellers's blocking was not what had derailed the ..."

New beginning for an end

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November 20

Washington Post

"In the weeks leading up to the 2009 NFL draft, Oscar Giles's office phone would ring often. As the Texas Longhorns' defensive ends coach, he'd field question after question from NFL front-office personnel and coaches about Brian Orakpo. One of the most common: Can the best defensive end in college convert to the linebacker position as a pro? "If I had a quarter for each time I answered that question, I'd be living okay right now," Giles said. "I told them all the same: He's a mature young man, and he did drop back in some coverage and play some linebacker here. Was it his natural position? No, but he could do it. And that's why it's not surprising to us now that he's been able to adapt so ..."

Zorn says Portis 'very doubtful' to play

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November 20

Washington Post

"Coach Jim Zorn stopped short of ruling Clinton Portis out for Sunday's game at Dallas, but he said the Redskins' star running back is "very doubtful" to play. "But I don't want to count him out," Zorn said Wednesday after practice. Portis wasn't present at practice and is at risk of missing his second game since suffering a concussion - the second of his career -- on Nov. 8 in Atlanta. Zorn said Portis worked out early Wednesday morning -- to get "a little sweat going," Zorn said -- and Portis experienced some blurriness. Portis attended the weekly team meeting but left Redskins Park to visit a Washington doctor and missed the running backs' position meeting. Zorn laid out a timeline that ..."

Inside the game: Looking for a tip from the offense

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November 19

Washington Examiner

"The tip could come from a stance only six inches wider. Or it could be where the head of the receiver is pointed. Or where the eyes of the running back focus after he breaks the huddle. It's what players look for, trying to help them solve what might come next. It's why players watch hours of film during the week, hoping to detect giveaways by their opponent. "You can't just go into a game and see it then," Redskins end Phillip Daniels said. "You have to know what to look for before you get there." Daniels, in his 14th season, knows exactly what to look for. He'll start with the stance of the tackle in front of him; if he's setting hard on his fingers, it's a run. A light set and a pass -- ..."

Spare parts running Redskins

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November 19

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"Ladell Betts isn't the only backup threatening to lead the Washington Redskins offense over the final weeks. The big names are largely sidelined. Chris Samuels is lost for the season; Chris Cooley may not return; Clinton Portis' timetable is uncertain. Three Pro Bowlers are missing from an offense seemingly so lost boy scouts couldn't help them cross the red zone. But the Redskins may be saved by a by collective effort by reserves, not a collective trio of playcallers. Betts' 114 yards propelled Washington to a 27-17 victory over Denver, ending a four-game losing streak on Sunday that threatened to strip the team and followers of any hope of a mid-season turnaround. The runner followed ..."

Rogers' nemesis: The double move

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November 19

Washington Examiner

"The double move gave him fits in the past, landing him in trouble at the end of last season. And landing him on the bench for the final three quarters Sunday. What happens next with Carlos Rogers is uncertain. He worked with the first-unit team in practice, but the Redskins still haven't said if he will return to the starting lineup. Fred Smoot replaced him Sunday vs. Denver. "I don't expect to be on the bench," Rogers said. "But I made a mistake. It happened and whatever the consequences, I have to deal with and I have to live with it. If that's not playing, I'm here to support the team. "I don't think I'll be strictly benched. I may come off the bench. I'm not saying that's what the case ..."

Redskins' Rogers expected to start vs. Cowboys

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November 19

Washington Times

"Washington Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers practiced with the first-team defense Wednesday and is expected to start Sunday, a week after he was benched in a win over the Denver Broncos. "To me, if you're any type of fighter, you're going to respond and fight, and I think that's what he's going to do," secondary coach Jerry Gray said. "The guy has too much talent and too much athletic ability and too much fight not to be on the football field." Rogers' day against Denver ended after he was beaten for a 40-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Marshall, who used a double move similar to one used by Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson in Week 7. Rogers sat out the final 54 snaps. Before practice at ..."

Redskins' backups show they're ready to shine

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November 19

Washington Times

"The most remarkable aspect of the upset pulled by the Washington Redskins on Sunday lies not in the fact that they finally won again, but rather in the surprising players who led them to victory. The Redskins delivered their best performance in more than a year in a 27-17 win over the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos, a victory that ended a four-game losing streak and provided the organization with desperately needed relief. And leading the way were players who had received little time - or in some cases none at all - over the course of this season. It wasn't six-time Pro Bowl selection Chris Samuels blanking Elvis Dumervil, the NFL sacks leader, for 51 minutes. In Samuels' place at left ..."

Double moves aside, Rogers is moving on

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November 19

Washington Post

"Since his rookie season in 2005, Carlos Rogers has started all but two of the 47 games in which he has played. So as the Washington Redskins began installing their game plan for the Dallas Cowboys, it's probably no surprise that Rogers prepared as he always has -- to be the starter, even though he has received no such assurance. "I don't expect to be on the bench," the fifth-year cornerback said. After practice on Wednesday, coaches said they haven't decided who will start at right cornerback in Dallas, though they were pleased with the way Rogers responded to being benched in Sunday's game against Denver. Rogers practiced with the starters Wednesday, but Fred Smoot, Justin Tryon and Lendy ..."

Haynesworth, Cowboys' Gurode meet for first time in 'real' game since incident

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November 19

Dallas Morning News

columnist Gerry Fraley

"The plastic surgeon did remarkable work on Andre Gurode. There are no signs of the facial wounds that required 30 stitches to close three years ago. If there are scars on Gurode's psyche, he keeps them well hidden, too. On Sunday, the Cowboys' home game against Washington serves as the backdrop for a potentially emotional reunion. For the first time since the public assault of Oct. 1, 2006, Gurode is scheduled to play in a real game against his assailant: Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. "It's something that happened in the past, and we'll move forward," Gurode said when the issue came up Wednesday. Sure. No one on the field that day in Nashville will ever forget what ..."

Redskins want to use FedEx for more than football

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November 18

Washington Times

"FedEx Field once was home to 10 football games and not much more. But that's changing. The Washington Redskins have bolstered their efforts to bring activity to the 91,000-seat stadium, luring several major college football games and eyeing other big events, including soccer's World Cup and the NCAA men's lacrosse championship. The Redskins announced this week that Cincinnati has moved its home game against Virginia Tech in 2012 to FedEx Field. The news comes after Virginia Tech said it will host Boise State at FedEx Field in 2010 and after Indiana revealed it will host Penn State there next season. FedEx Field also this summer won the rights to the 2011 Army-Navy Game. "We've put a ..."

Are Portis' best days behind him?

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November 18

Washington Times

"Lying pressed against the artificial turf inside the Georgia Dome, briefly unconscious and later unable to remember what happened, Clinton Portis looked like he smacked into a wall. Maybe he already had. It's a dirty job, NFL running backs. They get beat up and worn out, and that's just the physical part. Doubt and hesitation tug at the psyche. Diminishing returns arrive faster than at other positions. Portis' career workload raises the question of whether that is now happening to him. He is, after all, in his sixth season with the Washington Redskins and his eighth as a professional. Portis, who suffered a concussion against Atlanta two weeks ago and missed Sunday's win over Denver, has ..."

Cowboys are approaching a crucial point

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November 18

Washington Post

"As his Dallas Cowboys teammates dressed and packed their belongings hurriedly at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field 10 days ago, quarterback Tony Romo sat on a stool in front of his locker and finished up the last of his interviews. The Cowboys had just beaten the Eagles on the same field where their previous season had ended in embarrassing fashion. They had reached the halfway point of this season as a surprising success: first in the NFC East and on a four-game winning streak. Without wide receiver Terrell Owens, the Cowboys' offense was thriving, and an interviewer was doing his best to prompt Romo into a grand pronouncement about how the victory was a vindication. Romo refused to ..."

Portis cautious about return

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November 17

Washington Examiner

"Clinton Portis said he won't rush back from his concussion, which already has sidelined him for most of one game and all of another. Nor will he return just to regain control of the starting job -- coach Jim Zorn has said repeatedly that Portis will not lose that grip anyway. "I don't think I can just rush back and have a miraculous recovery," he said on the John Thompson Show on ESPN 980. "I've got to play it safe and I've got to do what's best for me....As long as Ladell [Betts] runs well, there's no need for me to rush back. But as soon as I get back, I would love to contribute.""

Redskins execute the plan

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November 17

Washington Examiner

"They claim to have seen this sort of effort before. They've seen the Redskins' offense open holes, embark on long drives and even cross the goal line. They just haven't seen it on Sundays, the one day when they need to see it happen. That's why Sunday's 27-17 victory over Denver provided a refreshing change for the players. The offense stole the show with 388 total yards, including 174 on the ground. And it came with the starting running back out, and the fifth offensive line combination this season. "It was great to see that," linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "We see it in practice all the time." One game does not start a trend. So it's hard to say if Sunday was a one-game aberration or the ..."

Supreme Court won't hear case on Redskins' name

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November 17

Washington Times

"The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a case involving the Washington Redskins' name Monday, essentially rejecting an appeal from six Native Americans who said they found the name insensitive. A previous appeals court had ruled against the plaintiffs on the grounds that they waited too long to bring the case, which challenged the trademarks. Attorneys had asked the Supreme Court to review the case in order to resolve the issue of whether the team name was a derogatory term for Native Americans. The Redskins' name was first adopted in 1933, when the team played in Boston. It was known as the Braves in 1932. The franchise relocated to Washington in 1937, and the team received a trademark ..."

Carter, Orakpo leading the Redskins' rush

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November 17

Washington Times

"The Washington Redskins' record isn't the only aspect of the club's performance that has undergone a complete reversal since last season. Led by veteran end Andre Carter and rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo, the Redskins already have matched the 24 sacks they recorded in all of last year. "Last year I felt like we had some [opposing] QBs [feeling] very comfortable in the pocket," coach Jim Zorn said. "This year, we're making quarterbacks uncomfortable... creating just the sense of 'I've got to get rid of the ball sooner.' We've seen this with ourselves, so we kind of know what it does." Indeed, Orakpo altered the course of the Redskins' game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday with a hit ..."

Zorn: Injury won't cost Portis starting job

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November 17

Washington Times

"The Washington Redskins inadvertently created an issue with their feel-good victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday: Does Clinton Portis have a future with the team? Portis did not play against the Broncos because of a concussion he suffered the previous week, marking the first game he has missed since December 2006. In his absence, the Redskins rushed for a season-high 174 yards and finally showed the smash-mouth mentality they have long desired. The production by Ladell Betts since he replaced Portis early in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons - he rushed for 184 yards in seven quarters - raises the prospect that the Redskins would be better off with Betts as the top back or at a minimum ..."

Opportunity knocks

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November 17

Washington Post

columnist Tracee Hamilton

"Well, it figures. The Redskins seem to have gotten it together, finally, with Sunday's 27-17 win, overcoming injuries and strife and all that TV movie stuff. What they haven't had is a good position controversy. Here it comes. With Clinton Portis cheering from the sideline, backup Ladell Betts has, in the past game and a half, revved up the Redskins' offense, which in turn has revved up the entire team, the coaches and the fans. So what happens when Portis, out because of a concussion suffered in last week's loss to Atlanta, is healthy again? Nothing. The NFL isn't like baseball. Guys are seldom Wally Pipped in the NFL. In other words, they don't lose their starting jobs over a headache. ..."

Redskins' Portis will regain job

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November 17

Washington Post

"A day after his team snapped its four-game losing streak, Redskins Coach Jim Zorn tiptoed across the running back tightrope Monday. With one player who struggled at times during the team's slump and another who helped bust the team out of it, Zorn was careful not to offend either. Zorn did make clear, however, that despite Ladell Betts's impressive performance the past two Sundays, when Clinton Portis is healthy again, he'll remain the team's starting running back. "I don't want this to be something where Ladell came in and did a wonderful job -- good grief, he really did a tremendous job -- and yet have Clinton lose his job because Ladell came in in support," Zorn said. "I think it's ..."

No Redskins in 2010 - Gruden to stay at ESPN

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November 16

Washington Examiner

"Many reports had former Raiders and Bucs head coach Jon Gruden being a possible candidate for the Redskins' head coaching job at the end of the season. However, it looks like he will be staying in the broadcast booth for a while. The Super Bowl-winning head coach, who joined ESPN in May as a Monday Night Football analyst, has agreed to an exclusive multi-year agreement with the company — meaning Gruden has made a commitment to remain with ESPN. In addition to his MNF role alongside play-by-play commentator Mike Tirico and analyst Ron Jaworski, Gruden will appear on ESPN's NFL Draft and Super Bowl week coverage, among other platforms, and he will call the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl in South Florida ..."

Backup plan helps offense get into line

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November 16

Washington Times

columnist Thom Loverro

"Levi Jones, Chad Rinehart and Stephon Heyer sat together at the end of the Washington Redskins' bench with a little more than two minutes left in the game Sunday. They were smiling, basking in the adoration pouring down from the raucous FedEx Field crowd that was on its feet, ready to celebrate. Injured tight end Chris Cooley hopped over on crutches to congratulate them, as did the man who is the godfather of all men in a burgundy and gold uniform who block for a living, Joe Bugel. Bugel had felt many moments like these in the glory days of the Hogs. There haven't been many in recent years - none, specifically, this year. It was relief as much as it was celebration of the Redskins' 27-17 ..."

Trick play helps Redskins end skid

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November 16

Washington Times

"When the Washington Redskins' first feel-good win of the season became official, defensive end Andre Carter simply dropped to both knees and used his right hand to signal No. 1. Yes, it had been that long since a solid triumph - back to last December against Philadelphia. And absolutely, it had been that long since a win of any kind - Oct. 4 against Tampa Bay. "I was like Johnny Drama in 'Entourage' - he says, 'Victory!' every time he's successful," Carter said after the Redskins' 27-17 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. "When you win, it's good because you know the hard work and dedication you put forth throughout the week is not in vain." It would be foolish to get too optimistic ..."

Trick play gives Skins big boost

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November 16

Washington Examiner

"Hunter Smith, sliding to shotgun formation on fourth-and-20, eyed the defense and had a thought he hasn't had in more than a dozen years. "People are looking at you and ready to defend you," he said. "That was intimidating for a second." Then Smith did something he once did routinely, even if it was as a Texas high school quarterback. He lofted a 35-yard touchdown pass to Mike Sellers, a play that might have turned the game around. Not only did it tie the score at 14, it provided much more momentum than a 52-yard Shaun Suisham kick would have given them in their 27-17 win over Denver on Sunday. Washington lined up in field goal formation, then Suisham split out to the right and Smith lined ..."

A pleasant surprise at FedEx

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November 16

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"Where has this type of effort been all season? The Redskins finally scored more than 17 points. The crowd cheered to the end. The running game worked; the offensive line held. It was even sunny and pleasant. Finally, things went right. "We've had a desert experience," coach Jim Zorn said. "Very arid if you will the last few weeks. ... You almost don't know how to feel, but we remembered very quickly." The Redskins are only 3-6 after beating the Denver Broncos, 27-17, on Sunday. The victory means little aside falling a few slots back in the spring draft. The playoffs remain a bigger long shot than Zorn remaining after the season. However, a five-week death grip on the franchise has been ..."

Skins corral Broncos, 27-17; break 4-game losing streak

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November 16

Washington Examiner

"As the game ended, and the Redskins snapped their four-game skid, Andre Carter dropped to his knees, rose his arms high and held the pose for several seconds. This, for a change, was something to savor. A month of questions about coaching changes, failed plays and losses ate at their psyche. For a day, maybe even a week, the problems vanished, courtesy of a 27-17 win over visiting Denver (6-3). "We're not trash," defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth said, "like everyone thinks we are." It was the largest margin of victory in coach Jim Zorn's short tenure, which includes 11 wins. It was the first time Washington (3-6) had scored more than 20 points since the final game of last season. "To ..."

Error by Redskins' Rogers contributes to early exit

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November 16

Washington Times

"In the first half of the season, Washington Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers played 95.2 percent of the defensive snaps. He lasted four plays Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Rogers was beaten on a double move by Brandon Marshall that resulted in a 40-yard touchdown, giving the Broncos an early lead and Rogers an early exit. Fred Smoot and Justin Tryon joined DeAngelo Hall as the Redskins' corners for the rest of their 27-17 victory. "I went through this last year once Shawn [Springs] got back from being injured - he started, and I never got an answer," Rogers said. "This year, I do know - I gave up a double move to Philadelphia and gave up this double move. They took me out, and that's ..."

Trickery winds up being a treat for Redskins

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November 16

Washington Times

"When you're 2-6 and you're losing to a team with one of the NFL's best records in front of a surly home crowd and you've become the butt of so many jokes, well, it might be time to try something different. So the Washington Redskins resorted to some trickery against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at FedEx Field - and it worked. Trailing 14-7 in the second quarter, the Redskins ran a play that began with Shaun Suisham lining up for a field goal attempt and ended with a 35-yard touchdown pass from punter Hunter Smith to fullback Mike Sellers. The trick play was "Tiger Special," concocted by special teams coach Danny Smith. The Redskins had practiced it with wide receiver Antwaan Randle El but ..."

Betts off and running

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November 16

Washington Times

"He's one of the team's longest-tenured players, but after his best game in nearly three years, Ladell Betts joked that he had forgotten how to get to the postgame interview room. A 26-carry, 114-yard performance earned Betts the trip to the podium to face the media, a week after the team lost star running back Clinton Portis indefinitely to a concussion. But aside from the 15 carries he had in the loss to Atlanta when Portis initially got injured, Betts hadn't been heard from in a while. Back in 2006, he excelled almost immediately upon taking over for Portis, who injured his hand and missed the final seven games of the season. Rather than test free agency, Betts signed a five-year, $11 ..."

Backup plan helps offense get into line

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November 16

Washington Times

columnist Thom Loverro

"Levi Jones, Chad Rinehart and Stephon Heyer sat together at the end of the Washington Redskins' bench with a little more than two minutes left in the game Sunday. They were smiling, basking in the adoration pouring down from the raucous FedEx Field crowd that was on its feet, ready to celebrate. Injured tight end Chris Cooley hopped over on crutches to congratulate them, as did the man who is the godfather of all men in a burgundy and gold uniform who block for a living, Joe Bugel. Bugel had felt many moments like these in the glory days of the Hogs. There haven't been many in recent years - none, specifically, this year. It was relief as much as it was celebration of the Redskins' 27-17 ..."

Trick play helps Redskins end skid

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November 16

Washington Times

"When the Washington Redskins' first feel-good win of the season became official, defensive end Andre Carter simply dropped to both knees and used his right hand to signal No. 1. Yes, it had been that long since a solid triumph - back to last December against Philadelphia. And absolutely, it had been that long since a win of any kind - Oct. 4 against Tampa Bay. "I was like Johnny Drama in 'Entourage' - he says, 'Victory!' every time he's successful," Carter said after the Redskins' 27-17 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. "When you win, it's good because you know the hard work and dedication you put forth throughout the week is not in vain." It would be foolish to get too optimistic ..."

A sign of positive change

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November 16

Washington Post

columnist Mike Wise

""We can do this," Phillip Daniels said. Do what? "We did it before." Really now, we're going there after the first victory in five games for Washington's 3-6 football team? Running the table, he meant. From miserable to Miami in February, just like that? The insane leap to reeling off a string of wins to make the playoffs, like 2007, already has been made? "Yeah," Daniels actually said on a Sunday afternoon that surprisingly had been parlayed into Victory Monday. "We'll see what next week brings," he added, never actually uttering the word "playoffs." "And we know there are no guarantees it carries over. But if we continue what happened today, as a player you have to think that way. You ..."

Better, by a mile

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November 16

Washington Post

columnist Thomas Boswell

"For one Indian summer afternoon at FedEx Field on Sunday, the Redskins let Washington put on rose-colored NFL glasses that, for now, alter the hue of a dismal season. With a 27-17 win over Denver, full of battering runs by Ladell Betts and a trick-field-goal touchdown bomb by a punter named Hunter, the maroon and black suddenly looked a bit like the burgundy and gold once again. Don't blink. It may not last. If you can't prevail at home over a team on a two-game losing streak that loses its quarterback before halftime and never scores again, you won't win many. But don't cheat yourself of pleasure, either. The Redskins certainly aren't. Their locker room was like a room full of kids who ..."

Planets all align for Redskins on successful fake

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November 16

Washington Post

"For trickery to work in the NFL, a certain number of planets have to align, and when Jim Zorn and Danny Smith looked out at FedEx Field in the middle of the second quarter Sunday, there they were, all in a row. The Washington Redskins, desperate for a win, trailed the Denver Broncos by seven points. They faced fourth and 20 from the Denver 35-yard line. This was the time: Pull out the fake field goal, the play the special teams unit coached by Smith had practiced, as he said, "for weeks." So they lined up as if Shaun Suisham would kick a 53-yarder. And then they shifted into a formation with Suisham in the slot, and holder Hunter Smith -- a professional punter with all of one passing ..."

Redskins' Betts looks like overqualified understudy

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November 16

Washington Post

"After posting a rushing performance unlike any Redskins fans had seen this season, running back Ladell Betts was led to the interview room beneath FedEx Field. It's a postgame area usually reserved for the head coach and one or two star players. Betts is a guy whose own team misspelled the name on the back of his jersey during a preseason game this year. "I was just joking on the way over here, I didn't remember how to get to this room," Betts said with a smile. "It's been so long." Fortunately for the Redskins, he didn't have the same problem finding his way to the field for the team's first offensive possession. Starting for the first time since 2006, Betts proved to be a ..."

Redskins buck up

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November 16

Washington Post

"The hugs, high-fives and congratulatory back slaps began well before time expired in the fourth quarter Sunday at FedEx Field, and who could blame the Washington Redskins? After what several players said often felt like several seasons' worth of frustration, controversy, despair and failure in their first eight games, the Redskins finally had a reason to rejoice and reveled in the moment even before it was official, celebrating a 27-17 victory over the reeling Denver Broncos in which they ended a losing streak at four games. "It's been a long time," quarterback Jason Campbell said. "It's been a long time since we've had something really good like this happen. It makes you feel good to see ..."

Haynesworth is absorbing attention

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November 15

Washington Times

"Consistently heckled on the road and even occasionally at his new home field for the lucrative contract he signed during the offseason, Albert Haynesworth was more than happy to see 500 friendly faces Tuesday morning. As the Washington Redskins' defensive tackle strode into the Woodburn Elementary School gymnasium in Annandale as part of the "NFL Take a Player to School" program, the students gasped and screamed for Haynesworth, in awe of his 350-pound frame and thrilled that a player was visiting them. "It was an awesome experience," he said. "It's definitely nice to get a reception like that, and it makes you proud to be a football player. We have a lot of kids wearing Redskins stuff, so ..."

An 8-0 finish? You've got to be kidding me

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November 15

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"From the file of eternal optimist Jerry Gray, Washington Redskins secondary coach: "I think there is still a lot of goals out there. You can go 10-6 and get into the playoffs and that is pretty much what everybody wants to do is get to the playoffs," he said. "The Philadelphia Eagles were 9-7 [9-6-1] and got to the NFC Championship Game. It can happen, but the big thing is we can't sit around and wait for it to happen. We have got to go and take it." Playoffs? Not wanting to be another bad knockoff of a Jim Mora beer commercial, but puh-puh-playoffs? The Redskins will be lucky to repeat their 2-6 first half over the final eight games starting with the Denver Broncos on Sunday at FedEx ..."

Haynesworth is absorbing attention

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November 15

Washington Times

"Consistently heckled on the road and even occasionally at his new home field for the lucrative contract he signed during the offseason, Albert Haynesworth was more than happy to see 500 friendly faces Tuesday morning. As the Washington Redskins' defensive tackle strode into the Woodburn Elementary School gymnasium in Annandale as part of the "NFL Take a Player to School" program, the students gasped and screamed for Haynesworth, in awe of his 350-pound frame and thrilled that a player was visiting them. "It was an awesome experience," he said. "It's definitely nice to get a reception like that, and it makes you proud to be a football player. We have a lot of kids wearing Redskins stuff, so ..."

Redskins injury report

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November 14

Washington Examiner

"Already blogged about Ladell Betts' status for Sunday, so here's anon the other hurt players. ...Right tackle Stephon Heyer, who has a sprained ligament on the inside of his left knee, practiced Friday. Heyer, who wore a brace on his knee, is questionable for Sunday's game vs. Denver. "I'm moving better," he said. Heyer said his knee, which was hurting him entering the Atlanta game, did not start bothering him until the second half of that loss. If he can't play the entire game, then D'Anthony Batiste would replace him. Heyer said it was difficult to get his knee loose in the cold, wet weather. However, it's supposed to be clear and in the 60s Sunday so that will help. ...Punter Hunter ..."

Redskins Week 10 preview: vs. Broncos

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November 14

Washington Examiner

"Keys to the game 1. Make big plays » Hey, there's a new one. But the Redskins' defense and special teams are the ones who must make them. Denver's punt and kick return units have not had stellar seasons, allowing touchdown returns in both areas. But it'll only happen on punts if Santana Moss is back deep. Denver's offense will play it safe and use quick throws - slants and screens. But the Redskins' defense must be the ones to impact the game. 2. Play disciplined » The Redskins can't afford any more dive and rolls at back's feet, or trying to tackle backs at their shoulder pads; better attention to fundamentals would help. They jump offsides too often and it always seems to cost ..."

Smith, Betts, Heyer in line to play Sunday

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November 14

Washington Times

"The injury news Friday was all good for the Washington Redskins for a change. Punter Hunter Smith, running back Ladell Betts and right tackle Stephon Heyer practiced and are expected to be ready for Sunday's game against Denver. Smith, who has missed three of the past four games, tested his right groin for the first time this week and kicked well enough that he likely will play Sunday. But coach Jim Zorn said he won't make a final decision until Saturday. If Smith plays, fill-in Sam Paulescu will be cut and the Redskins will add a player - perhaps practice-squad safety Lendy Holmes - to the roster. If Smith doesn't play, he likely will be placed on injured reserve. Running back Clinton ..."

Broncos wary of another second-half slide

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November 14

Washington Times

"Champ Bailey sure didn't see this coming. The Denver Broncos got off to their best start this season since they won the Super Bowl more than a decade ago - a wave of success that caught even the eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback by surprise. "At the beginning of every year, I expect us to be in the running to go to the playoffs," said Bailey, a former Washington Redskins standout now in his sixth season with the Broncos. "Now if there was a season that I could not have been so optimistic, it was probably this year." Bailey had good reason for modest expectations. The Broncos lost their final three games last year, becoming the first team in the Super Bowl era to blow a three-game lead in the ..."

Glory days may be thing of past for Redskins

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November 14

Washington Times

columnist Thorn Loverro

"Who will be the voice of Washington Redskins tradition 20 years from now? What former Redskins great will be called on in 2029 to talk about the glory days? Chris Cooley? What would he talk about - the glorious two-game playoff run of 2005 or the brief playoff appearance of 2007? What will he say? That players don't show private parts on their blogs like they used to? Will any player who has been part of this franchise over the past five years still connect to the hearts and minds of Redskins fans like the players who are heard today? Fans listen to Doc Walker, Joe Theismann, Brian Mitchell, John Riggins and their teammates because they delivered great times - four Super Bowl appearances ..."

Betts limited by foot injury but expects to play

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November 14

Washington Post

"Running back Ladell Betts (foot) was limited in practice but expects to start Sunday against the Denver Broncos at FedEx Field, he said today at Redskins Park. "It feels ... it's a little sore when I was in there," Betts said. "I tried not to do anything too drastic because I didn't want to have any setbacks, but I was able to move around and I actually ran a couple of plays today, so that's a good start for me. I think I'll be able to go Sunday." In last week's 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Betts provided a spark in the running game rarely seen in the Redskins' past 16 games. After relieving top back Clinton Portis, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter, Betts rushed for a ..."

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