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Jimcs50
08-23-2004, 11:04 AM
MIAMI (AP) -- Mark Brunell and Patrick Ramsey looked good in their latest round of quarterback competition, especially when they handed off.

The Washington Redskins ran for 181 yards, controlled the ball for 41 minutes to beat the Miami Dolphins 17-0 Saturday night.
Miami (1-1) made five first downs -- none in the second half -- and totaled just 98 yards. By the second quarter, the offense was drawing boos from the crowd of about 30,000.

Brunell, acquired in an offseason trade to challenge for the starting job, played four series and led touchdown drives of 63 and 43 yards to help the Redskins (2-1) take a 14-0 halftime lead.

"A good night all around," Brunell said. "It was easy for us when we got the running game going."

Incumbent Ramsey led Washington to a score for the first time this preseason, directing a 14-play, 68-yard drive that ended with a field goal to start the second half.

Coach Joe Gibbs was pleased that the offense committed no turnovers after throwing four interceptions in the previous game.

"We made a real correction from last week," Gibbs said.

A.J. Feeley, seeking to supplant Jay Fiedler as the Dolphins' quarterback, led Miami to three first downs before the opening series ended with a fumble by receiver Chris Chambers. The Dolphins, plagued with bad field position, went three-and-out on their next three possessions before Fiedler took over.

"There are a lot of things we need to do differently," Feeley said. "But we have two more games."

For Washington, Clinton Portis and Rock Cartwright scored on 1-yard runs, and Ola Kimrin kicked a 26-yard field goal.

Brunell went 7-for-9 for 79 yards. Ramsey was 3-for-8 for 41 yards.

"Our offensive line did an excellent job," Ramsey said. "They made it easy for us quarterbacks."

Third-team running back Sultan McCullough led the Redskins with 56 yards in 16 carries.

Despite making four changes in the offensive line this week, Miami struggled with pass protection, and the running game also sputtered. Travis Minor, who became the starting running back when Ricky Williams retired, rushed for 15 yards in eight carries and is averaging 1.2 per carry in the first two games.

"This was not real good in any area," coach Dave Wannstedt said. "Probably the only good thing tonight was that we didn't get anybody hurt."

Feeley finished 4-for-8 for 36 yards.

"He handled himself well," Wannstedt said. "He didn't force any balls or do anything crazy."

Fiedler went 4-for-9 for 41 yards in two series. One ended with a punt, and the other when Fiedler fumbled a snap on a sneak.

The Dolphins could take consolation that help for the offense is on the way. They sent unsigned Pro Bowl defensive end Adewale Ogunleye to the Chicago Bears on Saturday for former Pro Bowl receiver Marty Booker and a third-round draft choice in 2005.

One of Miami's few highlights was a 49-yard kickoff return by undrafted rookie Fred Russell. Antonio Freeman, signed Monday by the Dolphins, saw action on a handful of plays and made one catch for 19 yards.

Feeley had the Dolphins on the move on the opening series before a jarring tackle by Sean Taylor forced Chambers to fumble. The Redskins recovered at their 37, and Portis scored eight plays later.

Taylor, Washington's top draft choice last April, started for the first time and made three tackles.

"He covers a lot of ground, and he's a big playmaker," Gibbs said.

Game notes
The Dolphins said they'll wear orange jerseys for the second time Dec. 20 for a Monday night game against the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. ... Before the game the Dolphins honored seven-time Pro Bowl T Richmond Webb, who decided last winter to retire. He played for Miami from 1990 to 2000.:elephant

Jimcs50
08-23-2004, 11:50 AM
Redskins' Washington Is Getting Much Notice

By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, August 23, 2004; Page D01

The first time middle linebacker Mike Barrow saw outside linebacker Marcus Washington at practice in Redskins Park, Barrow thought the muscular 6-foot-3, 247-pounder was an obscure defensive end.

"I didn't know much about him, so the first time I saw him I was like, 'Golly, who's this defensive lineman we've got?' " Barrow said with a chuckle. "They said. 'That's Marcus Washington.' 'That's the [strong-side] linebacker? Wow.' "




Washington, 27, played defensive end at Auburn University before switching to linebacker because he wasn't quite big enough to be a defensive lineman in the NFL. But Washington's background wasn't the main reason Barrow couldn't place his new teammate. Washington has been overlooked since being selected in the second round of the 2000 draft by the Indianapolis Colts, known for their high-powered offense behind star quarterback Peyton Manning.

In an offseason of headlines generated by the acquisitions of Pro Bowl tailback Clinton Portis and quarterback Mark Brunell, Washington's six-year, $24 million signing was lost amid the Redskins' NFL record payroll of more than $110 million.

"I don't mind it about people not knowing you or recognizing you," said Washington, who last season had 97 tackles and six sacks as the Colts reached the AFC championship game. "I think your work will speak for you. If you're out there making plays, you're definitely going to get noticed."

Through his -- and the Redskins' -- first three preseason games, Washington has given notice he won't be under the radar for long. After the Redskins rolled over the Miami Dolphins, 17-0, Saturday night, the first-team defense hasn't allowed a touchdown this preseason. And Gregg Williams, the Redskins' assistant head coach-defense, has publicly praised Washington perhaps more than any other player. Washington, who had a sack Saturday, has performed markedly better than advertised, not merely because his publicity was minimal.

"He's better than I thought he was," said Williams, whose unit allowed Miami only 98 yards.

Williams calls linebackers the heart and soul of his defense and considers his system linebacker-friendly. The defensive assistant prefers do-it-all, athletic linebackers who can play every down if necessary. In a system that stresses aggressiveness and versatility, Williams wants opponents to have difficulty discerning if a linebacker will be a defensive lineman or a cornerback. That makes Washington a perfect match for the Redskins in more than name only because of pass rushing and run stopping abilities plus coverage skills.

Washington will play strong-side linebacker, allowing LaVar Arrington to switch to weak-side linebacker, where the path to the quarterback is less cluttered. (Washington and Arrington have pass rushing ability -- Washington has 18 sacks in his short NFL career -- which will help a defensive line without a sack specialist.)

"Marcus Washington is quickly setting an example of what it is to be the kind of Redskin that we want," Williams said, "and he played with a very up-tempo, physical attitude and nature [Saturday] night. There were many snaps when he played . . . when he was sending some messages on film that he wanted people to see about him, and it was the right kind of message when he was bringing some of the contact that he brought."

In Indianapolis, Washington seldom stayed on the field in passing situations, particularly on third downs. Instead, the Colts used the weak-side linebacker and middle linebacker, replacing Washington for a nickel back. But Williams intends to use Washington on virtually all downs.

Washington showed his value after being selected with the 59th overall pick -- he had 309 tackles (186 solo) during his Colts career. Although Indianapolis wanted to re-sign Washington, the club couldn't afford him after giving Manning the richest contract in NFL history: $98 million with a $34.5 million signing bonus. (Washington joked that Indianapolis had $5.50 under the salary cap after giving Manning an extension.)

Washington's relative obscurity certainly doesn't stem from having a reserved personality. He has earned a reputation for being a motor mouth on the field, trash-talking to opponents and cracking jokes to teammates. Washington's exuberance makes him seem like the Energizer Bunny. During warmups at practice, Washington has a habit of reciting well-known lines from comedies. Barrow describes Washington as a "special breed" because of his size and superior athletic ability at linebacker. But Washington also has stood out because of a workaholic approach he says he inherited from his mother, Earnestine. A single parent, she raised her only child in Auburn, Ala., while working in a bottle-producing plant.

"I was blessed with some [athletic] ability, but I like to think of myself as a guy who works hard," said Washington. "And I had to really, really put a lot into it to get to this level and stay at this level."

Washington played left defensive end at Auburn, where he started his final two seasons. During his senior year, Washington produced a team-high seven sacks, yet drew little interest. Because of his speed, Washington was projected as a linebacker and didn't move up the draft until strong predraft workouts in 2000. At the time, Williams was the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator and didn't think Washington could make the transition.

"I missed on him coming out," Williams admitted. "I thought he was a project."

Washington, who didn't realize Williams's admission until it was relayed by reporters, said: "I was just happy to get drafted. Good players get overlooked every day. It's no big deal. You've got to keep chopping wood."

Tommy Duncan
08-23-2004, 11:56 AM
Jets did well too this past weekend. Pennington was rather sharp.

SAmikeyp
08-23-2004, 12:18 PM
Leave it to Jim to get a boner over a preseason game. :p

Dude....you should be posting this stuff in the football forum, that way we can get it jumping again.

Jimcs50
08-23-2004, 12:39 PM
**** the football forum...it is empty. We can talk trash in here just as well.

SAmikeyp
08-23-2004, 12:50 PM
That is my point Jim. It wouldn't be if everyone posted stuff about their favorite team in there.

Jimcs50
08-23-2004, 01:13 PM
ok Mikey, I am in the Football forum.

bigzak25
08-23-2004, 02:25 PM
stay healthy and try to get better....that's all the preseason is about....

i'm just glad spurrier is not on our sidelines anymore....

SAmikeyp
08-23-2004, 02:33 PM
very true Zak.

ducks
08-23-2004, 02:52 PM
nothing new
they are going to do this quite a bit

Jimcs50
08-23-2004, 03:07 PM
Yes ducks...you got that right. :)

scott
08-24-2004, 12:56 AM
Too bad the Skins still suck.

Jimcs50
08-24-2004, 02:03 PM
Scott, just wait and see...you have never seen a Joe Gibbs coached Redskins team......there will be no more of this mistake filled football or infighting among the players....this team will make the playoffs, I promise you that.

jcrod21
08-24-2004, 02:23 PM
They're still the Cowboys Bitches.

SAmikeyp
08-24-2004, 02:36 PM
Scott, just wait and see...you have never seen a Joe Gibbs coached Redskins team......there will be no more of this mistake filled football or infighting among the players....this team will make the playoffs, I promise you that.

Ok...unless Scott is 12, then he probably has seen a Joe Gibbs coached Redskins team. :p

I will agree with you, Jimbo, about this much. Washington will be better with Gibbs and will not make too many mistakes. I think the playoffs will be a long shot though, because of their defense. The NFC East will also not be easy. I think Philly is still the best team but Washington and Dallas will be pretty even and who knows about NY. They are up and down so much. It should, however, be very fun to watch.

Jimcs50
08-24-2004, 02:40 PM
I thought Scott was 12.

scott
08-24-2004, 08:04 PM
Does that mean you are guilty for contributing to a minor, Jim? :)

bigzak25
08-25-2004, 09:06 PM
http://www.maximonline.com/girls/nfl_3/gm_l1.jpghttp://www.maximonline.com/girls/nfl_3/gm_l2.jpg

dallas vs. washington....the girls are getting ready too....:smokin2

Jimcs50
08-26-2004, 10:50 AM
I love Dallas' center's kneepads. :)

bigzak25
08-26-2004, 10:58 AM
THE 10 Reasons why the Redskins will reach the Super Bowl

www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/football/9501043.htm?1c (http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/football/9501043.htm?1c)

By Ray Buck

Star-Telegram Staff Writer



Look for the Redskins to be playing on the first Sunday in February. • You know the drill: One year, the joke of the NFL; the next year, Last Comic Standing. • It has been a Super Bowl theme since a former grocery-shelves stocker, Kurt Warner, and the 1999 St. Louis Rams snapped a string of nine consecutive losing seasons, including going 4-12 in '98, to capture Super Bowl XXXIV. • Over the next three years, previously downtrodden teams from Baltimore, New England and Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl. Only last season was the theme slightly altered when the Carolina Panthers made it to the big game but lost to the heavily favored Patriots. • Go ahead, act surprised when the Redskins cruise into SB XXXIX, Feb. 6, in Jacksonville, Fla. • But here are 10 reasons why you shouldn't be surprised:

1. Return of Joe Gibbs

All he does is win. In his first tour of duty with the Redskins, Gibbs posted a .683 winning percentage (third-best in NFL history) and won three Super Bowls while making the playoffs eight times in 12 years. Gone from D.C. is The Ol' Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier, who had two losing seasons (7-9 and 5-11) and kept the Redskins out of the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years between Gibbs tenures.

2. Sound that (Joe) Bugel

Gibbs didn't come out of retirement without bringing along his right-hand man to coach the offensive line. Nobody does it better than Bugel, who gains the respect of players, then molds them. He immediately becomes the best thing to happen to fifth-year LT Chris Samuels, who has been a classic underachiever.

3. Second chance for Mark Brunell

The former Jacksonville quarterback (think Super Bowl site) already has reminded Gibbs of a left-handed throwing Joe Theismann. Brunell has smarts, mobility and enough brashness to suggest that life begins at 33 (OK, 34 by Week 2 of the season). And if anything should go wrong, experienced third-year quarterback Patrick Ramsey can step in.

4. Clinton Portis time

As in controlling the clock ... which is what Gibbs intends to do. The Redskins traded four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey to get Portis from the Broncos. He averaged 22.3 carries per game last season, the perfect cure for a Redskins team that hasn't been able to keep its defense off the field. Portis' 122.4 yards rushing per game was second-best in the NFL.

5. No Hogs, just Dirt Bags

The Hogs are a thing of the past, although you couldn't tell it by watching many of the Redskins faithful dress up for games. Bugel has a new nickname for the likes of Randy Thomas, Lennie Friedman, Derrick Dockery and Samuels, who toil in relative obscurity. He calls them the "Dirt Bags." And they like it.

6. A bigger and better Posse

The Redskins keep trying to find that "No. 1 receiver." The result has been a much-improved receiving corps: Laveranues Coles (82 catches, 1,204 yards last season); 2001 first-round pick Rod Gardner; 6-foot-3 end-zone target Darnerien McCants; and newcomer James Thrash, who used to be Donovan McNabb's favorite receiver in Philly.

7. Star power on defense

Big-play linebacker LaVar Arrington belongs in the big games in January and February. Cornerback Fred Smoot also brings some firepower to last year's 25th-ranked defense, which figures to be turned around by new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

8. Wide-open NFC East

The Eagles might fool you and appear to be a dominant team just because they've been to the NFC Championship Game three years in a row. But egos are fragile, and demons are hard to cast away. The Eagles' baggage is just a different shape than the baggage of the Cowboys and New York Giants, both in the throes of quarterback changes.

9. Winnable schedule

The Redskins play 10 of their 16 games against teams that failed to make the playoffs in 2003. And four of those six games against '04 playoff teams are at FedEx Field. Only once are the Redskins on Monday Night Football (home vs. Cowboys, Sept. 27); their other two night games are two months apart. So they have uniformity of schedule.

10. Fresh off 5-11

This is the best news yet based on recent Super Bowl history. Two of the past four Super Bowl winners had non-winning records. The New England Patriots were 5-11 in the season before they won the Super Bowl XXXVI. OK, the script is getting a little worn out. But the Redskins are about to play it one more time ... for old time's sake ... for Joe Gibbs.

Jimcs50
08-26-2004, 11:03 AM
11. Because I said so.