Often times in football the kicking game tends to be overlooked, or at least not given much attention. It isn't until clutch time, when a field goal attempt can make or break the game that most tend to truly pay attention.
It's true that these clutch moments can solidify one's legacy as a hero or a dud, but there are so many other factors that play into that moment or any other field goal attempt for that matter. Maybe that is why after another preseason battle this time against a well known name in Neil Rackers, that once again, Graham Gano has won the starting job for the Washington Redskins.
I'm not sure why I'm so high on Gano. The 73% career field goal percentage in the NFL certainly doesn't put him at the top of the list. Maybe it's because as a senior in college for Florida State his name rang in my ear so many times. After all, I am huge Virginia Cavaliers fan which plays in the same conference and although the Wahoos haven't been in true contention for the ACC in several years, a Wahoo often doesn't cheer for the success of his competitors.
Gano was an outstanding college kicker despite being limited to only one year as the Seminoles starting kicker. Now that he's in the NFL, my feelings have changed and I often find myself rooting for his success typically against the opinions of others since I am surrounded by so many Redskins fans in the DMV area.
Last year, Gano missed ten field goals, albeit five of the ten misses failed due to blocks. Thus comes into play the other aspects that are involved in the kicking game, one of them being blocking.
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That certainly doesn't take the heat off of Gano but the coaches in Redskins park seem to see the potential in Gano. For as many haters, there are many that like Gano and want to see him get a chance to prove himself. In the NFL, you are only going to get so many chances especially with the talent that is around the league.
Still after beating out Shayne Graham last year, and then holding off Rackers this offseason, Gano will get another chance. This is his time to prove himself and show why he belongs in the league. More than likely there will be no excuses this year and another poor season will lead to an early exit or at least the end of his tenure with Skins.
I, for one, don't see that happening however. I believe in Gano and I believe that this year will be his time to shine and he will show the form that allowed him to convert on more than 90% of his attempts at Florida State. And who knows, he may even win a game or two for the Skins.
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Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Luck and RGIII are human after all
Before Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III had their names called at this years' NFL Draft, both players were daunted as super heroes. Two players that would come into the league and have instant results, automatically propelling their team into contention.
While the talents of these players are unquestioned and the potential to their stardom at this point is limitless, it was nice to get a breath of reality into all the buzz that has surrounded the two players with their Preseason week 2 performances.
Luck who faced the Steelers in last night's game threw two interceptions early on including one that was returned for a touchdown to show that he does have the ability to make mistakes.
He also showed that he has a mental toughness that is rare for such a young quarterback when he helped bring his team back from a 14 point deficit to take the lead before exiting the game.
A day earlier, Griffin was seen running for his life against a Bears defense which led to a few learning situations. One was the hold on to the ball with two hands when being forced to scramble. After avoiding a sack, Griffin stepped up in the pocket and began to run when the ball was batted away from a defender behind him leading to a turnover and a quick touchdown for the Bears offense.
Griffin also quickly realized there are times to just throw the ball away and also to use the sideline as a friend rather than batter himself against defenders twice his size. The quarterback did manage to come back and complete a few good passes before his departure which also showed the resiliency of a veteran, not a first year player.
There is no doubt in my mind that these two players will resurrect their teams in the coming years and that their leadership will help their respective teams jump to the next level but it's good to see that noone is exempt from making mistakes.
Most mature individuals and those that are around sports know that to be the case but there are many casual fans that think a player with the calibur of play of these two will come in and do no wrong.
The commentator for Chicago that suggested there was a quarterback controversy after another rookie Redskins quarterback, Kirk Cousins came into the game and played so well following Griffin is just another spark to these casual fans fire.
Controversy? Really? I can't believe that would even be suggested after only two preseason games. No disrespect to Cousins at all but the Redskins didn't give up several draft picks and as some would say "mortgage their future" to bench Griffin even before the regular season started.
Point being, Luck and Griffin will play this year. They will play well at times and they will make mistakes at times. From what I have witnessed so far, the good plays will most likely outweigh the bad. It is how they learn from those mistakes and grow and develop that will separate them from the average player. The maturity that each displays already will contribute to their success and while we may not see them in the postseason this year, I am sure that each will be leading their teams to conference championships in no time at all.
While the talents of these players are unquestioned and the potential to their stardom at this point is limitless, it was nice to get a breath of reality into all the buzz that has surrounded the two players with their Preseason week 2 performances.
Luck who faced the Steelers in last night's game threw two interceptions early on including one that was returned for a touchdown to show that he does have the ability to make mistakes.
He also showed that he has a mental toughness that is rare for such a young quarterback when he helped bring his team back from a 14 point deficit to take the lead before exiting the game.
A day earlier, Griffin was seen running for his life against a Bears defense which led to a few learning situations. One was the hold on to the ball with two hands when being forced to scramble. After avoiding a sack, Griffin stepped up in the pocket and began to run when the ball was batted away from a defender behind him leading to a turnover and a quick touchdown for the Bears offense.
Griffin also quickly realized there are times to just throw the ball away and also to use the sideline as a friend rather than batter himself against defenders twice his size. The quarterback did manage to come back and complete a few good passes before his departure which also showed the resiliency of a veteran, not a first year player.
There is no doubt in my mind that these two players will resurrect their teams in the coming years and that their leadership will help their respective teams jump to the next level but it's good to see that noone is exempt from making mistakes.
Most mature individuals and those that are around sports know that to be the case but there are many casual fans that think a player with the calibur of play of these two will come in and do no wrong.
The commentator for Chicago that suggested there was a quarterback controversy after another rookie Redskins quarterback, Kirk Cousins came into the game and played so well following Griffin is just another spark to these casual fans fire.
Controversy? Really? I can't believe that would even be suggested after only two preseason games. No disrespect to Cousins at all but the Redskins didn't give up several draft picks and as some would say "mortgage their future" to bench Griffin even before the regular season started.
Point being, Luck and Griffin will play this year. They will play well at times and they will make mistakes at times. From what I have witnessed so far, the good plays will most likely outweigh the bad. It is how they learn from those mistakes and grow and develop that will separate them from the average player. The maturity that each displays already will contribute to their success and while we may not see them in the postseason this year, I am sure that each will be leading their teams to conference championships in no time at all.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Who should be #2 for the Skins?
I heard this subject come up earlier today on the Holden and Danny show on 106.7 in DC and I thought I would post my two cents on the matter.
The question was asked:"Who should be the Redskins backup quarterback? Rex Grossman or Kirk Cousins?
The two hosts gave their opposing views and most of the fans that called in seemed to overwhelmingly support Grossman in the backup role.
I can see the point of view that Rex has been in the system, he knows the "Shanahan way" and he can tell you where the ball should go on each and every progression. The logic is that someone with that type of mind should be held on to in order to tutor the new Starter, rookie Robert Griffin III.
While I can say the case can be made that Grossman would be the obvious choice, I have to disagree with the majority from the small sample size.
First, let me say there is no bias in my viewpoint. I am not a Redskins fan but I have had a lot of exposure to the team over the years that I have lived in the area. When Mike Shanahan was brought to Redskins park, one of the major renovations that needed to be done was to "change the culture".
Over the last 20 years, Washington has not been able to realize the glory that "The Hogs" from back in the day brought to the city. The culture has been one of losing, one of the quick fix (bandaid if you will). The idea that you could buy a bunch of names, put them together, and have success in the NFL is a bit absurd.
Football is a team game. One where players have to rely on each other to execute schemes and plays in order to be successful on a consistent level. Sure, there are players with unique talents, ones that stand out among the rest, but often times these players would not achieve a high level of success without the support of their teammates.
After all, the NFL is the best of the best. Getting back to the question, Shanahan appears to have made changes for the better. While there will always be questions regarding decision making, I think that the decision to move away from Grossman as much as possible is most beneficial for this team.
Grossman can "coach" and mentor but let the coaches do what they are paid to do. They drafted Cousins for some reason. Apparently they thought he may have what it takes to play at the highest level. You have to evaluate his training camp, his preseason play and then you make the decision. If it appears that he does indeed have potential, you go with the youngster.
Grossman has proven what he is in the NFL. He may know the Shanahan offense but he proved most of last year, he also knows how to blow it up. Turnover after turnover contributed to loss after loss. I'm not saying he lost all of those games single handedly but some of his decision making and play did not help the situation.
You have to be realistic that as good as Griffin may be, all of the upside that he has, there is always the chance he will get dinged. Short term or long term, if he can't play, you have to have someone to step in. You know what your getting with Grossman. If you think that Cousins can play even in the backup role, not necessarily as a full time starter, then give him the chance to play.
After all, what do you have to lose at this point? Change the culture!
The question was asked:"Who should be the Redskins backup quarterback? Rex Grossman or Kirk Cousins?
The two hosts gave their opposing views and most of the fans that called in seemed to overwhelmingly support Grossman in the backup role.
I can see the point of view that Rex has been in the system, he knows the "Shanahan way" and he can tell you where the ball should go on each and every progression. The logic is that someone with that type of mind should be held on to in order to tutor the new Starter, rookie Robert Griffin III.
While I can say the case can be made that Grossman would be the obvious choice, I have to disagree with the majority from the small sample size.
First, let me say there is no bias in my viewpoint. I am not a Redskins fan but I have had a lot of exposure to the team over the years that I have lived in the area. When Mike Shanahan was brought to Redskins park, one of the major renovations that needed to be done was to "change the culture".
Over the last 20 years, Washington has not been able to realize the glory that "The Hogs" from back in the day brought to the city. The culture has been one of losing, one of the quick fix (bandaid if you will). The idea that you could buy a bunch of names, put them together, and have success in the NFL is a bit absurd.
Football is a team game. One where players have to rely on each other to execute schemes and plays in order to be successful on a consistent level. Sure, there are players with unique talents, ones that stand out among the rest, but often times these players would not achieve a high level of success without the support of their teammates.
After all, the NFL is the best of the best. Getting back to the question, Shanahan appears to have made changes for the better. While there will always be questions regarding decision making, I think that the decision to move away from Grossman as much as possible is most beneficial for this team.
Grossman can "coach" and mentor but let the coaches do what they are paid to do. They drafted Cousins for some reason. Apparently they thought he may have what it takes to play at the highest level. You have to evaluate his training camp, his preseason play and then you make the decision. If it appears that he does indeed have potential, you go with the youngster.
Grossman has proven what he is in the NFL. He may know the Shanahan offense but he proved most of last year, he also knows how to blow it up. Turnover after turnover contributed to loss after loss. I'm not saying he lost all of those games single handedly but some of his decision making and play did not help the situation.
You have to be realistic that as good as Griffin may be, all of the upside that he has, there is always the chance he will get dinged. Short term or long term, if he can't play, you have to have someone to step in. You know what your getting with Grossman. If you think that Cousins can play even in the backup role, not necessarily as a full time starter, then give him the chance to play.
After all, what do you have to lose at this point? Change the culture!
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