Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Washington Woes

The Washington Redskins lost their season opener to the Minnesota Vikings. Two stupid plays by Sean Taylor and a missed field goal cost the 'Skins a very winable game. Even though the season is still young, this game could definitely come back to haunt the Burgandy and Gold.

The Washington Nationals suck. They're 26.5 games back in the NL East and have been mathematically eliminated. They're 12 games back of the NL Wild Card. On the bright side, the season is almost over and they're a half game ahead of the Baltimore Orioles.

Even the usually dependable D.C. United are laying eggs. The Black-and-Red are 1-1-3 since the All-Star Break and have almost blown their lead for the Supporter's Shield. They lost to the Chicago Fire in the U.S. Open Tournament to elimintate them from possibly achieving the first ever American Triple (U.S. Open, Supporter's Shield, MLS Cup). It's unlikely they'll win the MLS Cup since they'll most likely have to play Chicago again, and they always lose to Chicago in knock-out tournaments.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Week One: Redskins vs. Vikings

If you've been asking yourself, "Is it Monday, yet?" for the past few months, you're either brainwashed by ESPN's awful Monday Night Football advertising or a diehard Redskins or Vikings fan. Either way, it's finally Monday.
Washington Redskins (0-0) vs. Minnesota Vikings (0-0)
September 11th, 2006
FedEx Field : Landover, Maryland

The Washington Redskins open their 2006-07 season tonight at home against the Minnesota Vikings. The 'Skins have sky high expectations after last year's incredible playoff run and will be looking to start the season off right. The Vikings also have lofty expectations for the season after the wheels fell off last year's promising squad.

The Redskins lead the all-time series between the two teams, 10 wins to 7 losses. The most notable game was the 1987 NFC Championship game where the Redskins held on 4th and 4 on the Washington 6 yard line to send the team to Super Bowl XXII. The most recent game was the 2004 season finale that saw the 'Skins win 21-18 at FedEx Field. This was the game where Randy Moss walked off the field for the last time as a Viking with time still on the clock. Remarkably, Redskins headcoach Joe Gibbs is 8-0 against the Vikings, with two of those wins occuring in the Play-Offs.

After an awful pre-season, one that left me speechless, it'll be interesting to see the 'Skins first-team offense on the field. Did Al Saunders really only use 2% of his elaborate offense? Can Clinton Portis really be healthy from the shoulder injury after just five weeks?

This game will be the first Monday Night Football game telecasted on ESPN, in case you've been in a coma for the past six months. One interesting note will be the announcing as there's a definite D.C. presence in the booth. Former Redskins great quarterback Joe Thiesmann and current Washington Post columnist Tony Kornheiser make up two-thirds of the broadcasting team.