Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

There's nothing but talk as the Redskins founder

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November 7

Washington Times

columnist Thorn Loverro

"The spotlight shone on Sugar Ray Leonard as he stood in the ring in the Hilton Washington ballroom Thursday night for the 20th edition of the Fight Night charity event. With Michael Buffer doing the introduction, Leonard turned and waved to a crowd of rich and powerful men. Not wanting the moment to end, they stood and gave the local boxing icon a lengthy ovation. It was 1987 again, and all was right with the world. Ray Leonard was beating Marvin Hagler in his storied comeback fight, and the Washington Redskins were on their way to another Super Bowl championship. Leonard's presence reminded everyone of how good it was to be a D.C. sports fan in those days. As those fans at Fight Night ..."

Smith could fall off roster

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November 7

Washington Times

"The Washington Redskins signed Glenn Pakulak in October hoping they would need only a temporary solution to their problem at punter. No such luck: The club this week signed Sam Paulescu when punter Hunter Smith aggravated a groin injury, and he could keep the job for the rest of the season. Smith won't play Sunday at Atlanta, marking the third game out of four he has missed - a development that could cost him his roster spot. Tight end Chris Cooley, who has a broken tibia, already is claiming a roster spot while being sidelined at least the next three games. Coach Jim Zorn said the team might not be able to keep another injured player on the roster. Paulescu, 25, found himself in a similar ..."

Redskins' Thomas bounces back up

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November 7

Washington Times

"Devin Thomas sometimes refers to himself as the "golden child," but the receiver has been anything but golden since the Washington Redskins chose him in the second round of last year's draft. Thomas reported to training camp out of shape last season, missed 18 days with a pulled hamstring and wound up catching just 15 passes for 120 yards and no touchdowns. While Thomas struggled, rookies elsewhere - Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson and Denver's Eddie Royal, for example - produced like veterans. Thomas' second season didn't start any better. He lost a summer battle with draft classmate Malcolm Kelly for the starting job held last season by Antwaan Randle El. Getting little playing time in the ..."

Haynesworth calls out Clabo, Dahl on radio show

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November 7

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth took umbrage with the Falcons' blocking techniques in a radio interview Thursday night and challenged linemen Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl. On the "Late Hits" show on Sirius Radio hosted by Bryan McGovern and Ross Tucker, Haynesworth was asked about Clabo and Dahl blocking "all the way up to and including the echo of the whistle." Haynesworth, who was recently voted the second-dirtiest player in the league in a Sports Illustrated poll, is clearly not a fan of their blocking intensity. "Yeah, I don't have the patience for stuff like that," Haynesworth said. "I guess this is where the second-rated dirtiest player can come out. When it ..."

Skins' Blache: Enough is enough

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November 6

Washington Examiner

"John Riggins took aim at his favorite subject these days: Redskins owner Dan Snyder. This time, someone from the Redskins shot back. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache, speaking to the media for the first time in nearly a month, defended Snyder after more harsh comments from the Redskins Hall of Fame running back. On Showtime's "Inside the NFL," Riggins blasted Snyder -- again. "This is a bad guy that owns this team," Riggins said. "I'll just tell you that up front. Bad guy. And if the commissioner is worried about potential new owners and saying some of these guys shouldn't apply, he might want to police his own inside guys." Later, he told analyst Cris Collinsworth, "Let me put it to you ..."

Hall gets shot at old team

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November 6

Washington Examiner

"DeAngelo Hall knows what this won't be like. This is not a national topic, like a game from last weekend. This is not the return of the longtime hero. It is, however, the return of a former star who felt spurned by his old team. "I'm not Brett Favre walking back into Lambeau," the Redskins cornerback said. But like Favre, Hall has a beef with the management of his former team. Hall, who made two Pro Bowls in four seasons with Atlanta, said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff lied to him after the 2007 season. Dimitroff, who joined the Falcons after the 2007 season along with coach Mike Smith, has declined comment to Atlanta reporters on what happened. "I didn't trust Dimitroff at ..."

Redskins' Smith sidelined again

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November 6

Washington Times

"After missing Weeks 5 and 6 of this season with a groin injury, Washington Redskins punter Hunter Smith aggravated the injury in his first game back and won't punt Sunday at Atlanta. "In the third quarter, I went out for a punt and felt it kind of tweak itself again," Smith said of his appearance against Philadelphia on Oct. 26. "It's something we've yet to be able to get right." Smith - who punted for the Indianapolis Colts for a decade without missing a game - rehabbed during the bye week but was unable to punt in practice Wednesday. That forced the Redskins to bring in former Dallas punter Sam Paulescu and ex-Tennessee punter Reggie Hodges on Thursday. Coach Jim Zorn said the Redskins ..."

Blache ends silence to defend Snyder

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November 6

Washington Times

"Greg Blache had heard enough of the criticism of Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, and on Thursday he broke four weeks of public silence to go to the defense of his boss. The defensive coordinator's words of support came in response to the latest attack on Snyder from John Riggins, the former Redskins running back who has been relentlessly critical of the organization this season and on Wednesday called the owner a "bad guy" whose "heart is dark." "It really bothered me," Blache said. "The problem is the fans don't get to know Mr. Snyder like we do. They get an impression of things that are written and things that people say. [I've] gone to him for things that I needed in my family. ..."

Hall's strong play counters 'MeAngelo' criticism

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November 6

Washington Times

"He doesn't play physically enough. He searches for interceptions instead of staying with the game plan. He talks too much. DeAngelo Hall knows those opinions still exist even after a productive opening seven games for the Washington Redskins. But just as during his messy exit from Atlanta and disastrous half-season with Oakland, he chooses not to care. "They still think of me as the same person," Hall said. "I'm not ear-to-the-streets a whole lot, but I hear guys still bash me like they did when I was in Oakland. That goes with the territory. I'm misunderstood at times, and I roll with the punches." Hall has successfully rebuilt his career with the Redskins, proving to be an effective ..."

What Snyder could learn from Steinbrenner

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November 6

Washington Post

columnist Thomas Boswell

"George Steinbrenner III needed 20 years to figure out baseball. What he finally decided was that he would never figure it out at all. Maybe Daniel Snyder, a different person in a very different sport, can reach the same conclusion with 10 years less pain. At least Snyder and his Redskins have one advantage over the Boss and his Yankees: Steinbrenner went to three World Series and won two of them in his first six years as an owner. That success fooled him into believing he knew what he was doing. In 10 years in the NFL, Snyder hasn't left a ripple. So, maybe it's dawning on him, as it finally did on Steinbrenner, that you can know an enormous amount about a sport and a team that you love ..."

'Misunderstood' Hall in midst of an overhaul

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November 6

Washington Post

"A year ago Thursday, DeAngelo Hall was in his first day as an unemployed, unwanted NFL cornerback. He had been to the Pro Bowl twice. He had talked his way out of a job in Atlanta and into a big contract in Oakland. And he had given up enough yards as a Raider that the team's then-interim coach, Tom Cable, decided to cast him aside. The perception: The move would save the Raiders money and headaches. Hall was cut. This week, as Hall came off the field following practice with the Washington Redskins, he thought back on it all and said, repeatedly: "I probably wouldn't change a thing." This comes from a man who will return Sunday to the place where he forged his reputation, for better or ..."

In a down economy, NFL viewership is up

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November 6

Washington Post

"When this NFL season began with some franchises struggling to sell tickets, there were concerns about the impact that the uncertain U.S. economy would have on the nation's most prosperous sport. While those concerns have turned out to be justified in a few NFL cities and unfounded in others, there has been an unforeseen development: The NFL's television ratings are soaring this season, and some analysts say it appears to be the result of consumers cutting back on other, more costly leisure activities in favor of watching pro football on TV. "I think there's only one answer and that is the NFL and television are actually getting the so-called 'benefit' of the recession," said Neal Pilson, ..."

Ex-Falcon Hall disses Dimitroff

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November 6

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall, while speaking to the Washington media on Thursday, fired a shot at Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff. "I didn't trust Dimitroff at all," Hall said. "He lied to me several times. He promised me he was going to get something done [on a contract] and he's behind my back trying to shop me at the draft." In his first major move, Dimitroff traded Hall to the Oakland Raiders on March 7, 2008 for a second round and fifth round pick. Hall, a two-time Pro Bowler, with the Falcons was later cut by the Raiders and signed by the Redskins."

Redskins' tackle job may be left to Jones

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November 5

Washington Times

"Another week could bring another player into the mix at left tackle for the Washington Redskins. Signed Oct. 20 as an insurance policy after six-time Pro Bowl player Chris Samuels suffered a career-threatening neck injury, Levi Jones might make his first start at the position for the Redskins on Sunday at Atlanta. Stephon Heyer has handled the job the past two games, losses to Kansas City and Philadelphia. But he injured his right knee against the Eagles, possibly opening the door for Jones. "It's just about [Heyer's] pain tolerance," coach Jim Zorn said Wednesday. "He continues to improve." Heyer fully participated in practice Wednesday, but with knee injuries, the day after the first ..."

Cooley aims for quick recovery

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November 5

Washington Examiner

"Chris Cooley still isn't sure how he broke his ankle, even after watching a replay of when it occurred. What he's sure about, however, is his desire to play again this season. "If my ankle feels good, I'm going to play," he said. "It doesn't matter what we're doing." Cooley underwent surgery to have three pins inserted into his broken right ankle on Oct. 28. He was initially told by a team doctor, who specializes in knees and shoulders, that he was likely out for the season. But that changed after seeing a foot specialist and he's still optimistic about returning in four weeks. He will be re-evaluated Monday. "I hope it's four weeks and everything is exactly as planned and I am a ..."

Skins prepare for gauntlet

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November 5

Washington Examiner

"The Redskins enter the toughest part of their schedule with the following: A makeshift offensive line; a running back who spent the first seven games battling various injuries to his right leg and a quarterback whose bum ankle altered his game. The Redskins next five opponents have a combined record of 26-9. The Redskins are 2-5. This is the start of a playoff run? "It's a tough challenge," said quarterback Jason Campbell. They also have a punt return situation that remains a bit cloudy. Antwaan Randle El, who has handled the role since coming to Washington in 2005, said he had not been told of any change as of early Wednesday afternoon, is miffed that the blame is falling on him. He is ..."

Zorn isn't changing Redskins' punt return team

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November 5

Washington Times

"Antwaan Randle El will handle the Washington Redskins' first punt return Sunday at Atlanta, and Santana Moss and DeAngelo Hall also will get an opportunity. Translation: It's the same plan used two weeks ago against Philadelphia. "Nothing has changed," coach Jim Zorn said after practice Wednesday. There was speculation Randle El had lost the job. After he was informed of the rumor by the media, he went to Zorn's office for an explanation. Zorn added Hall to the rotation against the Eagles, and Moss has dabbled in returns since the middle of last year. Randle El is averaging only 5.2 yards a game, has as many fair catches as returns (11) and lost a key fumble in the Philadelphia defeat."

Redskins' tackle job may be left to Jones

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November 5

Washington Times

"Another week could bring another player into the mix at left tackle for the Washington Redskins. Signed Oct. 20 as an insurance policy after six-time Pro Bowl player Chris Samuels suffered a career-threatening neck injury, Levi Jones might make his first start at the position for the Redskins on Sunday at Atlanta. Stephon Heyer has handled the job the past two games, losses to Kansas City and Philadelphia. But he injured his right knee against the Eagles, possibly opening the door for Jones. "It's just about [Heyer's] pain tolerance," coach Jim Zorn said Wednesday. "He continues to improve." Heyer fully participated in practice Wednesday, but with knee injuries, the day after the first ..."

In Redskins' rocky start, McIntosh plays smooth

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November 5

Washington Post

"Rocky McIntosh ducked just inside the doors of the team headquarters at Redskins Park after a practice just more than a week ago and glanced around before finally signaling for an interviewer to join him away from the outside area, where one tape recorder often quickly leads to a group of cameras and, in his opinion, too much attention. "Fastest two minutes in football," McIntosh said, placing a time limit on the conversation with a smile as he leaned back on an exercise machine. In his four seasons with the Redskins, McIntosh rarely has talked to the media, allowing only brief glances into what makes the starting weak-side linebacker tick. In the midst of his best season as a ..."

Portis reflects on his subpar start

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November 5

Washington Post

"For Clinton Portis, there's a bright side to the Washington Redskins' dismal start. The running back stopped short of calling the current season the most frustrating of his career, though in contrast, he says all the ones that came before it look a bit better. "You appreciate all the other seasons you had. You sit and think, like, 'Oh man, I had a horrible season.' But this is really a horrible season," Portis said. "It makes the seasons that you had success that much better." In his eight seasons in the league, Portis hasn't been through many seasons like this one. His own struggles have mirrored those of the team. Portis has rushed for one touchdown and 490 yards thus far, the ..."

Hey Dan, go back to saying nothing

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November 4

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder is disappointed in the season. He said it five times in a short session with a couple reporters and the team's own Web site after dedicating a new ball field in Clinton on Tuesday. "Apologetic," "embarrassed" and "frustrated" also were used. "I feel bad for the fans," said Snyder, according to Redskins.com. "I feel sorry for the fans. ... And I'm understanding; I mean, we just feel terrible. We're disappointed and we're embarrassed. And we hope to get it going soon. We're disappointed." Disappointed? Funny, that's how I feel over Snyder's method of breaking his silence. The owner picks a high school 50 miles from Redskins Park, gets a couple of ..."

Snyder: 'We're embarrassed'

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November 4

Washington Examiner

"Redskins owner Dan Snyder said he's disappointed. And embarrassed. And apologetic. What he didn't say is what he would do about any of it; nor did he address the perceptions of this once-storied franchise and the moves it has made during the season. Snyder gave his first public comments this season at Surrattsville High School in Clinton, Md., where the Redskins announced a partnership to maintain and improve eight fields in Prince George's County. He answered five questions, according to a transcript at Redskins.com. "I think number one I feel bad for the fans," Snyder said. "I feel sorry for the fans. And we're very, very appreciative of our great, loyal fan base. And I'm understanding; ..."

Redskins' Snyder apologizes to fans

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November 4

Washington Times

"Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder chose a charity event in Prince George's County on Tuesday to break his rule against speaking publicly during the season. After a ceremony at Surrattsville High School to announce a program to improve and maintain athletic fields, Snyder said he is "disappointed" with the 2-5 start but did not address the futures of front office chief Vinny Cerrato or coach Jim Zorn and the team's recent decision to ban fans from bringing signs to FedEx Field. "I think number one, I feel bad for the fans," Snyder said in comments team employees reprinted on the Redskins' official Web site. "I feel sorry for the fans. And we're very, very appreciative of our great, loyal ..."

Snyder says he feels bad for fans

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November 4

Washington Post

"In his first public comments since a tumultuous season began, Washington Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder said Tuesday that team officials are "disappointed and embarrassed" by a 2-5 start to the season, part of an apology to fans for results that he deems unacceptable. Speaking briefly to a small group of reporters after a Redskins Charitable Foundation event in Clinton, Snyder gave a rare in-season assessment of what is shaping up to be one of the most difficult of his 10 years as the team's owner, repeatedly mentioning a fan base that has grown increasingly disenchanted in recent weeks. "I feel bad for the fans," Snyder said, according to a transcript on the team's official Web site. ..."

Redskins uncertain on punt returners

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November 3

Washington Times

"The Washington Redskins have not yet decided what combination of Antwaan Randle El, Santana Moss and DeAngelo Hall they will use to return punts against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. A published report suggested Hall would replace Randle El as the No. 1 returner. However, a highly placed Redskins source said Randle El still is being considered despite a muffed punt against the Philadelphia Eagles, a fumble out of bounds the previous week against the Kansas City Chiefs and a botched fair catch the week before that against the Carolina Panthers. The Redskins would like to use Hall and Moss more in that capacity but have reservations because those players are, respectively, the biggest ..."

Tough slate in trying times for Redskins

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November 3

Washington Times

"For most of this season, the Washington Redskins have been a punch line for their inability to take advantage of a soft early season schedule and the constant tumult surrounding coach Jim Zorn and the front office. They might spend November as a punching bag. Back at practice Monday following a five-day break, the Redskins know they will be underdogs for the foreseeable future because of injuries, offensive struggles and a difficult schedule. The Redskins' four November games come against teams with a combined 20-8 record, including three teams that lead or are tied for their division lead - Denver (6-1), Philadelphia (5-2) and Dallas (5-2). First up this Sunday is Atlanta, which fell to ..."

For Redskins, bye week brings welcome case of amnesia

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November 3

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"They're back ... whether anyone cares or not. The Redskins returned from their midseason break with a short practice on Monday. Players spent a few days taking their kids trick or treating or bowling, hanging around the practice facility and simply sitting at home. Anything but living in the circus that has become this season. Certainly, a few days away from the latest fire/sell/no-signs movements that turned the 2-5 start into the second coming of a Michael Vick controversy had to help. But the bye can also become a second season divider. The locker room was a little more friendly, the usual laughter returning after several weeks of silence. Todd Yoder taunted linemate Casey Rabach. ..."

The door is open for Davis

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November 3

Washington Examiner

"Fred Davis had plans for the bye week: a trip to Southern California, another flight to Oregon to see his alma mater play. The plane ticket was booked. The game ticket was waiting. Davis never made it. Instead, he stayed in rainy Northern Virginia, heading to the practice field for three days for an extra two and a half hours of practice. With Chris Cooley sidelined after ankle surgery, Davis knows what this means for him. A lot more work. A lot more opportunities to look good -- or bad. "It's like a totally new season for me," he said. "I have a big opportunity. Everyone wants to see what I can do. Now I have the opportunity; I like it. I like when it's like this. I like competing and I ..."

The door is open for Davis

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November 3

Washington Examiner

"Fred Davis had plans for the bye week: a trip to Southern California, another flight to Oregon to see his alma mater play. The plane ticket was booked. The game ticket was waiting. Davis never made it. Instead, he stayed in rainy Northern Virginia, heading to the practice field for three days for an extra two and a half hours of practice. With Chris Cooley sidelined after ankle surgery, Davis knows what this means for him. A lot more work. A lot more opportunities to look good -- or bad. "It's like a totally new season for me," he said. "I have a big opportunity. Everyone wants to see what I can do. Now I have the opportunity; I like it. I like when it's like this. I like competing and I ..."

For Redskins, bye week brings welcome case of amnesia

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November 3

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"They're back ... whether anyone cares or not. The Redskins returned from their midseason break with a short practice on Monday. Players spent a few days taking their kids trick or treating or bowling, hanging around the practice facility and simply sitting at home. Anything but living in the circus that has become this season. Certainly, a few days away from the latest fire/sell/no-signs movements that turned the 2-5 start into the second coming of a Michael Vick controversy had to help. But the bye can also become a second season divider. The locker room was a little more friendly, the usual laughter returning after several weeks of silence. Todd Yoder taunted linemate Casey Rabach. ..."

Seeking spark in return game, the Redskins call on Hall

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November 3

Washington Post

"Emerging from the bye week, the Redskins plan to make some personnel changes before this weekend's game at Atlanta, none bigger than replacing primary punt returner Antwaan Randle El with DeAngelo Hall. Danny Smith, special teams coordinator, will focus this week on helping Hall prepare to handle the majority of returns against the Falcons, and Santana Moss is expected to continue as a change-of-pace returner, a league source said. When asked about the move after practice at Redskins Park, Coach Jim Zorn said a final decision has not been made, but acknowledged "one of the things that's going to happen is we're going to get another guy involved in punt returning and that's going to be ..."

It's better to bottom out

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November 2

Washington Times

columnist Thom Loverro

"You would be hard-pressed to find two more sorrowful franchises in sports in the same city than the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals. One franchise - the Redskins - has spent a fortune to be mediocre in the best times, woeful in the worst times, like now. That puts the Nationals - the other excuse for a professional sports team in this town - at least one up on the Redskins. They haven't spent a fortune on being the worst team in baseball, with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball since the Lerner family took over the team in mid-2006. So Nationals fans can feel good about that (though after spending $27 million on Austin Kearns and Dmitri Young, the Nationals have proved ..."

How do you fix the Redskins? Just look at the Squire

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November 1

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"A fresh approach using an old formula is the only way the Washington Redskins will succeed again. It's the "Jack Kent Cooke System for Success" sans a little poodle named Coco and a wife that drove through Georgetown late nights with a gentleman friend on the car hood. By God, it's a capital idea, the Squire would say. Something one of his favorite 14th century philosophers would espouse or a phrase by Cooke's beloved author F. Scott Fitzgerald in "The Great Gatsby." If the late Redskins owner could repeat his favorite line of "Let me tell you something," it would be: Snyder absolutely must step aside on all football matters » Surely marketing the team and other business interests can fill ..."

Waiting game remains Wynn's only outlet

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November 1

Washington Times

"Perhaps no one has suffered through this miserable Washington Redskins season more than the players, the ones who put in the time and work and end up with another loss more often than not. It also hasn't been easy for those who have yet to suit up for a game and can only watch, sometimes from a distance. Especially defensive end Renaldo Wynn. Wynn believed he had seen just about everything during his 13-year NFL career. But that was before he was released by a team for the first time ever, re-signed, released again and again re-signed, all within 11 days last month. "You gotta laugh about it," he said. It wasn't ha-ha funny, though. "You go, 'Man, this is weird,' " Wynn said. Wynn has not ..."

Redskins put Samuels on IR

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November 1

Washington Times

"Left tackle Chris Samuels was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season. Samuels suffered a neck injury early in the Carolina game three weeks ago and said eight days ago that he would wait three to four months before deciding his future. He told teammates last week he is prepared to retire rather than risk paralysis."

Another week of stadium silliness for Redskins

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November 1

Washington Times

"Dan Snyder headed to France last week after the Redskins dropped to 2-5. Why France? Probably because it's hard to extradite anybody from there. This, of course, was after the sad scene at FedEx Field on Monday night, when scores of fans had their homemade signs - many of them critical of team management - confiscated at the gate. I tried to get a comment from stadium security, but Colonel Klink and Sergeant Schultz couldn't be reached."

Waiting game remains Wynn's only outlet

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November 1

Washington Times

"Perhaps no one has suffered through this miserable Washington Redskins season more than the players, the ones who put in the time and work and end up with another loss more often than not. It also hasn't been easy for those who have yet to suit up for a game and can only watch, sometimes from a distance. Especially defensive end Renaldo Wynn. Wynn believed he had seen just about everything during his 13-year NFL career. But that was before he was released by a team for the first time ever, re-signed, released again and again re-signed, all within 11 days last month. "You gotta laugh about it," he said. It wasn't ha-ha funny, though. "You go, 'Man, this is weird,' " Wynn said. Wynn has not ..."

Redskins place Samuels on injured reserve, opening up a roster spot

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November 1

Washington Post

"As expected, the Redskins on Saturday placed left tackle Chris Samuels on the season-ending injured-reserve list because of a severe neck injury that has likely ended his career. Samuels has not played since suffering the injury Oct. 11 in the first quarter of a 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Several physicians have told Samuels he risks paralysis if he continues to play football, league sources said last week, and the 10-year veteran has told people in the organization he plans to retire. But Samuels plans to wait until he meets with a specialist in December or January to make a final decision, a source close to the player said recently. In high school, Samuels was found to have ..."

Donovan adds new role with Redskins

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October 31

Washington Post

"The Washington Redskins have named their general counsel the team's new chief operating officer, a team spokesman said. David Donovan, 51, will have a dual title, keeping his old title of general counsel while formally taking on the chief operating officer's responsibilities, such as oversight of operations at FedEx Field. The team's in-house counsel since 2005, Donovan previously represented Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder while in private practice. The change was "simply [a] reassignment of titles to more accurately reflect job responsibilities since last spring," spokesman Zack Bolno said in an e-mail. As chief attorney for the Redskins, Donovan is responsible for the club's legal ..."

Striving to find something that works

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October 30

Washington Times

"When the Washington Redskins return to work Monday for the final nine games of the season, London Fletcher hopes "the preparation, focus, all those things" remain a constant despite a 2-5 record and little reason to think things will be turned around. "The goals never change - you're always striving for the goals," he said. "Now whether they're still realistic..." The goal of making the playoffs likely is not. A schedule that features Atlanta (4-2), Denver (6-0), Dallas (4-2), Philadelphia (4-2) and New Orleans (6-0) presents too many problems for a lack-the-necessary-pieces team like the Redskins to overcome. With a trip to the postseason not in the cards, why not mix it up a little bit? ..."

Redskins' Davis catches break with Cooley's injury

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October 29

Washington Times

"As the second quarter began Monday night at FedEx Field, Fred Davis stood on the sideline of the Washington Redskins as usual. Davis was the nation's top tight end as a senior at Southern Cal in 2007. But with the Redskins, he was better known for oversleeping and missing a practice during rookie minicamp than for anything he had accomplished on the field. Davis, in fact, had caught just 10 passes for 99 yards since being chosen in the second round of the 2008 draft. That all changed on the first play of the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles, when a bone snapped in the ankle of starting tight end Chris Cooley. Davis, suddenly, was a starter. And he told quarterback Jason ..."

Tomorrow's headline: Redskins ban John Kelly's column at FedEx Field

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October 29

Washington Post

columnist John Kelly

"Did you see that story the other day about the Washington Redskins banning signs at FedEx Field? A spokesman said the policy is meant to protect spectators from getting injured by signs and also to make sure everyone can see the action. Um, right. Here are some stories I expect to see in the coming weeks: Redskins ban rude T-shirts, tattoos at FedEx Field The Redskins announced today that clothing emblazoned with anti-Redskins messages would not be allowed in FedEx Field. Fans arriving in T-shirts bearing messages deemed to be derogatory will be asked to remove them or turn them inside out. Anyone refusing to do so will be ejected from the stadium. A spokesman said the policy is meant to ..."

Enemies within at Redskins Park

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October 29

Washington Post

columnist Sally Jenkins

"There are games within games being played at Redskins Park. Forget their NFL rivals, the Redskins apparently have enough opponents inside their own building, where it seems everyone is choosing up sides. The team and its own management have become adversaries. That was the clear implication this week when Vinny Cerrato, the executive vice president of football operations, asserted that he built a playoff-quality roster. Given that the Redskins are 2-5, we're left with only one possible conclusion: Coach Jim Zorn must have screwed things up. It couldn't possibly be the fault of Cerrato, or the man for whom he serves as a lead suit, owner Daniel Snyder. On the other side are Zorn and the ..."

Cooley could be back in 4 weeks

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October 29

Washington Examiner

"Shortly after the game, his teammates said he was done for the season. Nearly a dozen hours later, coach Jim Zorn, after talking to doctors, delivered the same thought. But tight end Chris Cooley has a chance to play again this season after all. He underwent surgery to repair his broken right ankle Wednesday morning, and, in the best-case scenario, could return in as little as four weeks. Zorn attended the procedure, done at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, and later said on his radio show on ESPN 980: "The first thought was that he was going to be out eight weeks; this particular surgery was done -- it was [a] very non-evasive procedure and it was done in such a way that it, if all goes well, ..."

TE Cooley could be back

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October 28

ESPN.com

"There's a chance Chris Cooley will be back this season after all. A doctor's second opinion on the Washington Redskins tight end's broken right ankle Tuesday gave Cooley hope that he can return to the field in a month. The two-time Pro Bowl player will have surgery Wednesday, and he gave details via his Twitter feed: "3 pins go in the ankle tomorrow. Hopefully be back in 4 weeks. Thanks for all the support." Earlier Tuesday, coach Jim Zorn said Cooley would be sidelined a minimum of six to eight weeks and would probably be placed on season-ending injured reserve. But Zorn also said Cooley was awaiting a "final evaluation" from another doctor to make sure. A source told ESPN NFL Insider ..."

Excuses just keep piling up for Redskins

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October 28

Washington Times

columnist Dan Daly

"The worst thing about Chris Cooley's broken bone in his right ankle - other than that he won't be able to do the Electric Slide for a while - is that it gives the Redskins another excuse. The Redskins don't need another excuse for their train wreck of a season. What they need right now, more than anything, is honest self-evaluation, otherwise all this losing will be for naught. If Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato fall back on injuries as an alibi - "If we'd only had Cooley for the last nine games," "If we only hadn't lost Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas" - they'll miss the chance to get this derailed franchise back on the tracks. No, this should be a time for, well, maybe not self-flagellation, ..."

A 'disappointing' beginning for the Redskins

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October 28

Washington Times

"The Washington Redskins have a 2-5 record and struggle to protect the quarterback, open running lanes, score points and win games. The man who built the team, however, said the roster he provided coach Jim Zorn is playoff-caliber. "Yes," said Vinny Cerrato, the club's executive vice president of football operations, without hesitation when asked if the roster was good enough to make the postseason. Speaking with local reporters for the first time in three weeks, Cerrato addressed the season's first seven games, the promotion of Sherm Lewis to play caller, offensive line depth and his job security. "Frustrating and disappointing - it's not where we expected to be," Cerrato said. "I know ..."

Lack of depth evident for Redskins

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October 28

Washington Examiner

"Before the season, Vinny Cerrato considered the Redskins a playoff team. And a team that had good offensive line depth. Thus far, most would say the Redskins executive vice president was wrong on both counts. In his first news conference since hiring offensive consultant turned play-caller Sherman Lewis on Oct. 6, Cerrato was asked -- twice -- if he gave coach Jim Zorn a roster that could make the playoffs. He twice answered succinctly, "Yes." Cerrato also said he's not worrying about his job security. "I feel like my job is on the line all the time," Cerrato said. "My job is to get us going and fill these holes when guys get hurt." As for the depth, which is now being tested, Cerrato said ..."

A perfect time for the Redskins' bye week

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October 28

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"The bye week can't happen soon enough for the Washington Redskins. Players departed after Tuesday meetings. They get five days away from the madness and want every minute. Surely more than one will second-guess their decision to board a return flight on Sunday. There's nothing to come back to for them. There's nothing for fans to return after finding something else to do on Sunday. Good luck to those watching good teams on TV instead. That will really anger them. Everyone just wants to move on to 2010 and hope for better days. Then again, why should 2010 be any better than 2008 when owner Dan Snyder couldn't find a big-name coach to take over the team? If Snyder doesn't change his ..."

Severity of Cooley's injury remains to be seen

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October 28

Washington Examiner

"The Pro Bowl tight end will join the Pro Bowl left tackle and the mainstay right guard at a spot where the Redskins can least afford them: on the sidelines. But what once appeared to be a certain stint on injured reserve might not be for Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley, who visited a foot specialist Tuesday. There's hope that Cooley's broken right ankle is not as bad as feared and that he could return in about a month. However, a source stressed that nothing will be known until after his surgery Wednesday. Coach Jim Zorn confirmed the news on his coach's show on WRC Channel 4 that was taped Tuesday. At this point, the team is prepared for any news regarding Cooley -- good or bad. Cooley ..."

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