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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
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		<description>RUWT? News for Washington Redskins</description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins RB Portis visits concussion specialists]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Washington Redskins running back Clinton
Portis was at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on
Friday to have his concussion evaluated.

Portis saw the same doctors who examined Eagles back Brian
Westbrook, who has sustained two concussions in the last month.
Portis was hurt two weeks ago against Atlanta. He did not play
last week against Denver and has been ruled out for Sunday's
game at Dallas.

"We're going to make sure we take care of all the details. We're
for Clinton getting well," Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. "Each
day Clinton's done a great job of communicating how he's felt,
and that's what it's going to take.

"I want to be involved with those conversations, not so much to
see 'how fast can we get him back,' but just to make sure the
young man is improving and getting better."

Portis gave his own update via Tweeter: "Hey fans! Trying to get
healthy to finish the season strong, want to make sure there
aren't lingering affects before returning to the field."

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is questionable for Sunday
because of a sprained left ankle. Haynesworth was unable to
practice this week but tested his ankle on a treadmill Friday.

Zorn said Haynesworth remains a game-time decision.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135712-Redskins-RB-Portis-visits-concussion-specialists</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135712-Redskins-RB-Portis-visits-concussion-specialists</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:33:23 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins' Smith having interesting year for punter]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Hunter Smith is getting a lot of attention for
a punter.

First, his position coach claimed with a straight face during
training camp that Smith might be the best holder in the history
of the NFL.

Then Smith showed up at practice one day wearing strange,
seamless burgundy and gold shoes, a can't-miss moment for TV
cameras.

In the Washington Redskins' season opener he scored a touchdown,
running 8 yards on a fake field goal.

Then he got hurt. Twice. The pulled groin in his kicking leg
forced the Redskins to use three other punters over a five-game
span. Smith was nearly placed on the season-ending injured
reserve list.

Then came the biggest moment yet. On Sunday, during a wacky fake
field goal sequence, Smith uncorked a 35-yard touchdown pass to
Mike Sellers to turn the tide in a 27-17 win over Denver that
snapped a four-game losing streak.

"Generally, the only time we generate news is when we don't punt
well, and the news is that we've lost our job," Smith said
Thursday. "If you have to sit out and cause your team that sort
of roster problem with an injury, you'd like to come back and be
worth your weight."

Smith was chosen as the NFC special teams player of the week. He
is the first specialist in NFL history to run and pass for a
touchdown in the same season.

Seems he was worth all the trouble he caused.

"It makes it difficult to put a guy down, to release a guy, to
bring a guy back, to have two punters on the roster at the same
time, all of that logistical thing," coach Jim Zorn said. "But
the thing that we came out with was very positive results, with
the punters that we used and then Hunter being able to make it
back. That couldn't have been a better story."

The fake field goal looked silly watching it live, but it was a
stroke of well-designed genius from special teams coach Danny
Smith. Even though the Redskins had advertised the fake and even
sent a man in motion, the Broncos didn't notice Sellers slip out
to the left while Smith and everyone else rolled right.

Smith was recruited as a quarterback by Notre Dame and was the
emergency third-string quarterback for many of his 10 years with
the Indianapolis Colts, so he was able to throw a downfield
spiral with no problem.

"It's one of those you knew is going to be a touchdown or
nothing," Smith said. "At that point in the game, we were
willing to take that risk. I really wasn't nervous about it not
working. I just had a feeling. Who thinks that I'm going to
throw that pass? Who thinks that I'm going to roll out and
actually throw it and not punt it or something? They certainly
didn't."

Until this season, most of the noise from Hunter has come during
the offseason, when he's making music with his Christian rock
band Connersvine. He and a friend have been writing songs and
performing during NFL offseasons for the better part of the
decade and have recorded a CD. The band's name came about when a
youth pastor brought some cherry tomatoes that his son had grown
and asked the people at church: "Does anybody want these -
they're straight off of Conner's vine."

Fronting the band makes Smith well versed in the challenges of
balancing faith with the NFL lifestyle.

"I don't think professional athletes have it harder because of
the temptations of being here than anybody else," Smith said.
"It's hard to be a Christian, no matter what. If you are a
professional football player, if you are an electrician, if you
are a contractor, if you are a lawyer, if you are a plumber, it
is hard to be a Christian."

Zorn needed to have some football faith in Smith to have the
punter return after the second groin injury. It wasn't until
Saturday that the latest fill-in was released and the coaching
staff was convinced that Smith could indeed last the season.

Now he needs to keep the groin from flaring up again, and that
means scaling back in practice.

"We're not going out there and kicking my leg off, but I'm
trying to get better and get my skills sharp at the same time,"
Smith said. "It's a fine balance."

In 2001, the Redskins were 0-5 and losing to Carolina when LaVar
Arrington ran back an interception for a touchdown, a play
credited with igniting a five-game winning streak. Could Smith's
trick TD play start a similar turnaround?

"I certainly would love it if that were the case," he said.
"This is legitimately a very talented football team, and there
are crazier things that happen. The year that we won the Super
Bowl in Indianapolis, nobody remembers this - we were not very
good. We had all kinds of problems, and nobody believed in us.
But we did, and it worked."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135640-Redskins-Smith-having-interesting-year-for-punter</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135640-Redskins-Smith-having-interesting-year-for-punter</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:15:09 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Best in East? Redskins not Cowboys by simple fact]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By STEPHEN HAWKINS
AP Sports Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas(AP) -- Using the most basic fact, the argument
could be made that Washington is playing better than any other
team in the NFC East right now.

Yes, those 3-6 Redskins without Clinton Portis. Better even than
the division-leading Dallas Cowboys, who they play Sunday in the
99th game of their ever-bitter rivalry.

Simply put, the last-place Redskins are the only NFC East team
that won its last game. Could it be the sign of a turnaround
toward a late-season surge?

"I just sense that we won one game, we won our third game of the
season. That's really all I can sense," coach Jim Zorn said.
"Being 3-6, it's not a record that just bodes of
competitiveness, but our players have not thrown in the towel.
We're just trying to climb our way out of this hole we've dug."

Washington took a positive step with a 27-17 victory over AFC
West leader Denver, scoring its most points for Zorn since his
second game as coach last season. Ladell Betts ran for 114 yards
in place of Portis (concussion) even with the Redskins' fifth
different starting offensive line combination this season.

The New York Giants haven't won in more than a month - a
four-game losing streak since their 5-0 start - and Philadelphia
has lost two in a row. Even Dallas (6-3), which had won four
straight, needed a late touchdown just to avoid being shut out
last weekend by desperate Green Bay.

"It's going to be a tough challenge for us," Cowboys receiver
Roy Williams said. "They're pretty much in the position as Green
Bay last week. They're looking for this game to be their
momentum swing and we just can't let that happen two weeks in a
row."

After an impressive recovery from their 2-2 start that including
a loss in Denver, the Cowboys have to make sure a downward
spiral doesn't continue after the 17-7 loss in Green Bay.
Williams' touchdown catch came with 38 seconds left; "It was a
lonely feeling in the end zone because it didn't matter," he
said this week.

"We had a good run, but now from here on out we have to earn our
victories. It's just that simple," Bradie James said. "Let's
start a new streak, that's what it's about."

Dallas has two games in a five-day span, following the Redskins
with another winnable game: Thanksgiving Day against struggling
Oakland. Then it's a trip to New York to face the Giants, whose
last-play field goal in Week 2 ruined the Cowboys' debut in
their new stadium.

While Zorn is trying to keep one victory in perspective,
consider that U2's "Beautiful Day" was blaring from the speakers
this week during a Redskins practice - and it was a sentiment no
one could really argue with for a change. Their previous two
wins had come against Tampa Bay and St. Louis, a pair of 1-8
teams.

"Coming off last week's victory, we've definitely got
confidence. It was a big confidence-builder for us," Rock
Cartwright said.

"You've got to keep it rolling. That's the whole objective,"
receiver Devin Thomas said. "You can never give up on a season
just because things have gone bad. We knew we were just one
click away from hitting on all cylinders."

With a win in Dallas, the Redskins would be only two games out
of the NFC East lead with six games to play, three against the
other division teams - including the Cowboys at home two nights
after Christmas.

Dallas, whose 57 wins against Washington are more than against
any other team, doesn't want things to get that close. The
dismal day in Green Bay likely got the Cowboys' attention.

"It sobers you, you realize you can lose," coach Wade Phillips
said.

"I don't think it's a sign of trouble. We lost before we got on
the four-game win streak," Williams said. "It was a setback when
we lost the second game. ... After we lost that second game, we
won four straight."

The Cowboys will have two first-time starters filling in for
players injured last weekend. Alan Ball takes over at safety for
Ken Hamlin (high right ankle sprain) and Doug Free replaces Marc
Colombo (broken left leg), creating the first change for the
starting offensive line this season.

Washington likely will be without Portis again, but defensive
tackle Albert Haynesworth said he expected to play despite a
sprained left ankle that kept him out of practice.

If Haynesworth plays, it will be his first time in a
regular-season game against Cowboys center Andre Gurode since a
dirty play in 2006. Haynesworth was then with Tennessee and
suspended five games after cleating the helmetless face of
Gurode, who needed 30 stitches and was bothered by headaches and
blurred vision the following week.

Gurode and Haynesworth, who were both in the last two Pro Bowls,
said this week the incident is behind them. But there were
reminders this week with the questions and television replays.

"It's something they are going to do," Gurode said. "I expected
that when he signed with the Redskins and we played them that it
was going to be brought up. ... It is something in the past."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135455-Best-in-East-Redskins-not-Cowboys-by-simple-fact</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135455-Best-in-East-Redskins-not-Cowboys-by-simple-fact</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:28:02 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins-Cowboys Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
STATS Senior Writer

While the first-place Dallas Cowboys have major aspirations and
the last-place Washington Redskins continue to have questions,
none of that matters to the participants in one of the league's
fiercest rivalries.

Dallas and Washington meet for the first time at the new Cowboys
Stadium on Sunday, with the Cowboys looking to maintain their
division lead and the Redskins entering off a rare victory.

The fact that Dallas (6-3) is on top of the NFC East and
Washington (3-6) is at the bottom doesn't seem to matter,
especially since the Redskins have won five of the last eight
meetings. Washington angered many Dallas fans with its 26-24 win
last year in its final visit to Texas Stadium.

"Regardless of who it is, what better team to get one on and
that's Dallas," Redskins receiver Santana Moss said. "And so it
makes that week special regardless of what the situation is, as
far as the lineup or what we're going through."

The Cowboys had a four-game win streak snapped with last week's
17-7 loss at Green Bay. They're one game ahead of Philadelphia
and New York in the East, and this game is crucial because of
division tiebreaker ramifications.

"Nobody really cares about the records and we always want to
beat each other," Dallas guard Leonard Davis said. "It's just
the NFC East and every divisional game is important."

This edition of the rivalry provides the first meeting between
Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth and Cowboys center
Andre Gurode since Gurode was cleated in the face by the
then-Titans tackle three years ago.

Haynesworth publicly apologized to Gurode days after the
incident that drew him a five-game suspension and says the two
have seen each other at the Pro Bowl the last two years.
Haynesworth says the two "are cool."

Dallas needed a last-minute touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Roy
Williams last week to avoid its first shutout since Nov. 16,
2003. The Cowboys had a season-low 61 yards rushing.

"You can fight hard and play hard, but you've got to execute,"
coach Wade Phillips said. "We went all the way down the field
late in the game, but we needed to do that early in the game."

Romo will be facing the top-ranked passing defense in the league
as well as one of the NFL's most improved pass rushes. The
Redskins had 24 sacks last season to tie for the third-worst
mark in the league, and have already matched that total.

Linebacker Brian Orakpo, the No. 13 overall draft pick, leads
all rookies with seven sacks and veteran Andre Carter has eight.
Last season, the Redskins failed to sack Romo.

"Last year I felt we had some QBs feel very comfortable in the
pocket," coach Jim Zorn said. "And this year we are making
quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket."

That pass rush could be even more potent with Doug Free expected
to make his first career start Sunday at right tackle for Dallas
in place of Mark Colombo, who had started 57 consecutive games.
Colombo had surgery after he broke his left leg and suffered
ligament damage in his ankle against Green Bay.

The Cowboys considered moving Davis to tackle but opted to keep
the Pro Bowl guard at his regular spot.

Washington won't have Clinton Portis available for the second
straight game. Portis suffered a concussion in a loss at Atlanta
on Nov. 8 and had his streak of 40 straight starts end in last
Sunday's 27-17 win over Denver.

Ladell Betts replaced Portis last weekend and was outstanding,
rushing for 114 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown. He has
started once against Dallas.

"It's intense. Everything is a little bit more magnified as far
as assignments and techniques," Betts said. "Because this means
a lot to this city and this whole area. So we're going to try to
get a 'W' for everybody around."

Moss has excelled in past meetings with Dallas, amassing at
least 115 receiving yards four times in his last seven games.
He's topped that figure twice in his last 21 games overall and
has two touchdowns this season.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135105-Redskins-Cowboys-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135105-Redskins-Cowboys-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:48:59 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Clinton Portis ruled out for Redskins vs Dallas]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Washington Redskins running back Clinton
Portis will miss his second straight game as he recovers from a
concussion.

Coach Jim Zorn on Thursday ruled Portis out for Sunday's game at
Dallas.

Portis has not been able to practice since he was injured in a
helmet-to-helmet hit against Atlanta.

Ladell Betts is set to start for Portis for the second
consecutive week.

Zorn says defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth remains a
game-time decision with a sprained left ankle. The coach says
Haynesworth is "coming along" and that the ankle's swelling is
starting to go down.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135413-Clinton-Portis-ruled-out-for-Redskins-vs-Dallas</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135413-Clinton-Portis-ruled-out-for-Redskins-vs-Dallas</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:41:41 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[With Portis out, Betts is Redskins' top back]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Clinton Portis can take his time coming back
from his concussion. "El Boogie" has everything under control.

El Boogie? That's a nickname Ladell Betts has had since high
school. It's a play on his initials, but he doesn't remember who
gave it to him.

A flashier running back might have found a way to market it -
maybe a Web site or T-shirts - but that's not Betts' style. In a
way, he's the perfect second fiddle to the flamboyant Portis,
choosing to stay in the shadows, waiting for his
every-now-and-then chance to make plays.

On Wednesday, Betts was in high demand. Portis was seeing a
doctor in the city, is unlikely to play again this week, and may
be on the downside of his career after the wear and tear of more
2,000 NFL carries.

Betts, meanwhile, was stopped at least four times because of
media requests as he made his way to his locker, where another
large gathering of cameras and notepads awaited.

"I used to be able to walk by without saying a word," Betts
said. "But now I've got to speak."

The Redskins running game was a mess when Portis went down after
a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter at Atlanta a week
and a half ago. Since then, it's been an efficient engine.

Betts finished the Falcons game and had 70 yards on 15 carries.
On Sunday, in his first start since 2006, he played with a
sprained ankle and produced 114 yards on 26 carries - better
numbers than Portis has put up in any game since last November -
as the Redskins (3-6) broke a four-game losing streak with a
27-17 win over Denver.

Betts is all but certain to get at least one more chance as the
starter when Washington visits Dallas this week.

"It could be more than one more," offensive coordinator Sherman
Smith. "He just needs to keep doing what he's doing. He's doing
his job. He's showing 'When you call on me, I'll get it done."'

Betts' productivity has stoked the debate over whether the
Redskins have the wrong player as their No. 1 back. It's a
familiar debate.

In 2006, when Portis was lost for the season with hand and
shoulder injuries, Betts stepped in and had five consecutive
100-yard games. He finished the year with 1,154 yards on only
245 carries. Even though he was about to become a free agent -
giving him a chance to get a starting job elsewhere - he stuck
with the Redskins and signed a five-year, $11 million contract
extension.

"He must really like it here," Smith said. "Not many guys do
that. Particularly with the year he was having."

Betts thought he would get more work as Portis' backup after
signing the deal, but he had only 93 carries in 2007 and just 61
last year. He says he doesn't regret the decision or spend much
time thinking what might have been.

That said, he is clearly excited about getting a regular chance
to carry the ball again.

"It is a different mindset," Betts said. "I do approach it that
way. It's not really like a third-down situation for me like
I've been doing most of the year. It'll be a
first-through-fourth down, so I'll be the man, so to speak."

Coach Jim Zorn says a player shouldn't lose a job because of a
concussion, and that Portis will regain the starting job when
healthy. For now, that's a moot point.

Zorn said Wednesday that Portis is "very doubtful" for the
Dallas game. Portis is still experiencing blurry vision,
according to the coach, and needs to be symptom-free for 24
hours and then get medical clearance and go through a practice
before playing.

Since his injury, Portis' only public comments have come on his
weekly radio appearance. He said he'll be more than happy to
share the load with Betts in the future, especially if it's
helping the team win.

"But as far as me losing my starting position," Portis added, "I
doubt that."

Historically, even the great running backs reach the point where
their production takes a steep dive. Portis is only 28, but he's
had more carries than any back except LaDainian Tomlinson and
Jamal Lewis since entering the league in 2002. He's had multiple
nagging leg injuries this year that have kept him from
practicing, and he's had just one 100-yard game and has scored
only one touchdown.

Betts is actually older than Portis by two years, but fresher
legs are more important than age in this case. Yet when asked
about the possibility of a running back controversy, Betts
didn't take the bait. After all, it's not his style.

"It is a compliment, but at the same time I understand my role
on this team and what I've been brought here to do," Betts said.
"So I let the chips fall where they may. That's the coach's
stuff. I expect CP to come back hopefully healthy and ready to
roll."

NOTES: Zorn said DT Albert Haynesworth (sprained ankle) will be
a "weekend decision." ... CB Carlos Rogers, benched after giving
up a long pass in the first quarter against the Broncos, was
back working with the first-team unit at practice. "I made a
mistake, it happened, and whatever the consequences are, I have
to deal with it," Rogers said. "If that's not playing, then I'm
there to support the team. I don't think I'll be strictly
benched - maybe I'll come off the bench. I'm not saying that's
the case. I don't know right now." Zorn said he was happy with
Rogers' attitude. "He wasn't pouting at all," the coach said.
... Punter Hunter Smith, who threw the touchdown pass on a fake
field goal that turned the momentum against the Broncos, was
chosen as the NFC special teams player of the week.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135158-With-Portis-out-Betts-is-Redskins-top-back</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135158-With-Portis-out-Betts-is-Redskins-top-back</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:50:20 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins vet Carter, young Orakpo bring down QBs]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- One is a 30-year-old veteran who keeps his
battered body limber with mixed martial arts, treadmill work and
Filipino fighting sticks. The other is a rookie who basically
shows up and does his thing.

Together, Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo have the Washington
Redskins near the top of the sack charts. They've combined for
15 in nine games, including three in the win on Sunday that
snapped a four-game losing streak.

"Last year I felt we had some QBs feel very comfortable in the
pocket," coach Jim Zorn said Monday. "And this year we are
making quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket."

Among the scattered bright spots in a 3-6 season has been the
resurrection of a long-dormant pass rush. The Redskins already
have 24 sacks, matching their total from all of last season.
They haven't finished in the top 15 in sacks since 2004, but
right now they are tied for seventh - and the pass defense is
allowing a league-low 163 yards per game.

"You can see when a team has extended time what a team can do,"
Zorn said. "The pressure we're getting, creating just the sense
for the quarterback, 'I've got to get rid of the ball sooner.'
We've created some inaccurate throws."

"We've seen this with ourselves," added Zorn, a passing
reference to the 31 times his own quarterbacks have been taken
down, "so we kind of know what it does."

Orakpo, the No. 13 overall draft pick from Texas, has thrived as
a combo linebacker-defensive end. He has seven sacks, breaking
the franchise rookie record with seven games to spare.

Carter has eight, closing in on double-digits for the third time
in his career. He had only four last season, when he was
fighting off double teams at every turn. Now, new addition
Albert Haynesworth and a healthier Cornelius Griffin have
offensive linemen otherwise occupied.

"From analyzing film from last year, I realized it was
two-on-one matchups," Carter said. "Usually I'd go against a
tackle, and that guard would sit there and wait. Or I'd have a
running back chip me. As a pass rusher, it's like a little
flattery, 'Well, they've got two on me, I've just got to find a
way to get there."'

Carter also overhauled his offseason regimen, doing more speed
work, running up inclines and practicing his martial arts,
something that has been a part of his life since childhood. He's
not fighting guys in cages, but he's doing kicks, blocks, jumps
and working with weapons, including the fighting sticks, all in
the cause of keeping his eye-hand coordination and flexibility
up to par.

"I feel the explosive movements has really paid off," he said.

Orakpo joked about a friendly rivalry with Carter for the sacks
lead - "He's stealing my sacks" - and also poked some good fun
at his elder's extensive offseason work.

"I do a normal routine as far as keeping my body in shape, and
then once football's over, I'm done with football," Orakpo said.
"When I go home, I relax. I don't need to do all that extra
stuff. But 'Dre has to because, you know, veterans they have to
keep it up. They're getting old."

Carter and Orakpo were the only players to stop by the media
room on a rare "Victory Monday." Zorn gave the players the day
off following the 27-17 win over Denver, the first feel-good win
of the season and the largest margin of victory in Zorn's 25
games as coach.

The Redskins were booed as much as cheered in their other two
wins, narrow home victories over struggling St. Louis and Tampa
Bay.

The late lead against the Broncos gave Carter and Orakpo a
chance to do something they've hadn't had a chance to do all
season - rush the quarterback with abandon. It also helped that
they were facing backup Chris Simms after Kyle Orton hurt his
ankle while getting tackled by Orakpo late in the second
quarter. Simms completed only 3 of 13 passes in the second half.

"When they change quarterbacks, as a defensive line, you kind of
lick your chops a little bit and rub the hands," Carter said.
"Someone went down and something happened, and now it's our time
to fluster him, and that's what happened. He was flustered."

NOTES: CB Carlos Rogers was benched after allowing a long
touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall on the Broncos' first drive.
Zorn compared Rogers to a struggling quarterback and said he
could be back in the starting lineup against the Cowboys. "He's
not done and we're not done," Zorn said. "As we work through
this week, he may very well be the guy out there." ... The
Redskins' two penalties Sunday were a season low.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134532-Redskins-vet-Carter-young-Orakpo-bring-down-QBs</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134532-Redskins-vet-Carter-young-Orakpo-bring-down-QBs</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:47:35 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins' Portis still feeling concussion effects]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Clinton Portis is still experiencing "a little
blurriness" from his concussion, making it uncertain whether the
Washington Redskins running back will play next week against
Dallas.

When Portis does come back, he'll regain his starting job - even
though the Redskins had their best rushing day of the season
without him.

Coach Jim Zorn said Monday that Portis is improving but
continues to feels the effects of a helmet-to-helmet hit against
Atlanta on Nov. 8. Portis sat out Sunday's 27-17 win over
Denver, ending his streak of 40 consecutive starts.

"I think the headaches are now gone; I think the ringing's
gone," Zorn said. "But, as he would put it, there's still a
little blurriness. It's when you move your head real quick.
Something's still there, and day-by-day I think he's getting
better and better."

Zorn said he'll be cautious with Portis and will need to see a
full practice from the two-time Pro Bowl running back before
deciding to play him.

The Redskins ran for 174 yards Sunday, led by 114 from Ladell
Betts. Portis, who has battled several leg injuries this year,
is having one of the worst seasons of his career. He has only
one 100-yard game (109 vs. Kansas City) and is averaging just
4.0 yards per carry.

Still, Zorn said Portis remains the No. 1 back.

"I don't want a guy to have to lose his job because he got a
concussion," Zorn said. "He's our running back. Who knows what
kind of game he might have had?"

In other injury news, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has a
sprained left ankle and will be re-evaluated later in the week.
Offensive linemen Mike Williams continues to recover from a
sprained ankle, but Zorn said the starting offensive line will
remain unchanged for the Dallas game even if Williams is
healthy.

The Redskins also signed cornerback Doug Dutch to the practice
squad.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134491-Redskins-Portis-still-feeling-concussion-effects</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134491-Redskins-Portis-still-feeling-concussion-effects</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:12:49 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Bizarre fake FG spurs Redskins past Broncos 27-17]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

LANDOVER, Md.(AP) -- The Washington Redskins did everything except
hold a big neon sign to let the world know that a trick play was
in the works.

The Denver Broncos still couldn't stop it. Life was so much
easier when they were 6-0.

Energized by the odd sequence that somehow resulted in a
first-half touchdown, the Redskins kept the momentum the rest of
the game and beat the Broncos' 27-17 Sunday, ending Washington's
losing streak at four and extending Denver's skid to three.

"The way we play as a team these days, with these close games,
you really need momentum-builders and things like that," said
holder and punter Hunter Smith, who cranked up his rusty
throwing arm and launched the 35-yard touchdown pass to Mike
Sellers. "I thought it was the right call."

Of course he did. He's a punter getting to throw a pass.

But it was fourth-and-20 at the 35, and the Redskins had already
showed fake by splitting tight end Todd Yoder wide as a receiver
in field goal formation. The attempt was initially aborted when
coach Jim Zorn had to call timeout because Washington had only
10 men on the field.

Then, even though the Broncos were on notice, even though there
were 20 yards to go, the Redskins still ran the fake.

Yoder split out and went in motion. Smith took the snap, rolled
right and lobbed the ball deep - and back across the field - to
Sellers for the touchdown that tied the score at 14.

Two hours later, the Broncos were still trying to figure out
what happened.

"They were setting up something - we knew it," defensive lineman
Vonnie Holliday said. "They came back, and I think they may have
even yelled out on their sideline, 'Let's just punt it. Let's
just punt it.' And I guess we just bought into it, because we
didn't lock in on the play and what was going on. It seems like
it took forever to unfold. You've got to know coming into a game
like this, with a team like this, to expect it."

The fans that had booed the Redskins all season - and were
booing earlier in the first half when Denver's Brandon Marshall
was wide open for two long touchdown passes - cheered the
trickery with one of the biggest ovations of the season.

"They definitely got the momentum," Holliday said, "and, from
there on, it seems like we never got the momentum back."

The ramifications for the Broncos (6-3) were huge, and rookie
coach Josh McDaniels now has his first genuine rough patch.
Three weeks ago, they had a 3 1/2 game lead over the San Diego
Chargers. While it was hardly an embarrassment to lose to
Baltimore and Pittsburgh, the loss to the Redskins (3-6) helped
the Chargers tie Denver for the division lead when they beat
Philadelphia later Sunday.

"Crisis? No. Tough spot? Absolutely," safety Brian Dawkins said.
"There's not going to be too many teams that's going to have a
straight shot and not go through some adversity. ... You can't
sit there and dwell on the piddly-poo of tears and worry about
the last game. You have to move forward and that's what we're
going to do."

Compounding matters, the Broncos had to play the second half
without Kyle Orton, who limped to the locker room after hurting
his left ankle during a third-down scramble on his team's final
offensive play of the first half. Chris Simms, seeing his first
action of the season, completed 3 of 13 for 13 yards with an
interception, and Denver had only 36 yards of total offense
after halftime.

"It's a tough sport and it happens," said Orton, who went 11 for
18 for 193 yards with touchdown passes of 40 and 75 yards to
Marshall. "You've got to try to play through it. I was hoping to
come back out and I just wasn't able to. So hopefully I'll be
able to go next week."

Washington's Ladell Betts scored the go-ahead touchdown on a
1-yard run with 2:44 to play. With Clinton Portis sidelined
after suffering a concussion in last week's loss at Atlanta,
Betts made his first start since 2006 and ran for 114 yards on
26 carries, including 91 yards in the second half, better
numbers than Portis had in any game this season.

Jason Campbell completed 17 of 26 passes - and was 9 for 9 in
the second half - for 193 yards for the Redskins, who broke the
17-point barrier for the first time this season. In fact, the
27-point outburst was their greatest since Week 2 of last
season.

"We've had a desert experience - very arid, if you will - for
the last few weeks," Zorn said, "so to be able to come out with
a win, you almost don't know how to feel."

NOTES: Smith now has two big plays on fakes this year. He ran
for an 8-yard score against the New York Giants in the opener.
... Washington CB Carlos Rogers was benched after getting beat
on the first TD pass to Marshall. ... Redskins DT Albert
Haynesworth sprained his left ankle in the second half but said
it "should be all right."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134245-Bizarre-fake-FG-spurs-Redskins-past-Broncos-27-17</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134245-Bizarre-fake-FG-spurs-Redskins-past-Broncos-27-17</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:23:42 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Portis' start streak ends for Redskins vs Broncos]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[LANDOVER, Md.(AP) -- Washington Redskins running back Clinton
Portis' streak of 40 consecutive starts came to an end when he
was inactive against the Denver Broncos because of a concussion.

Portis held the longest active streak among NFL running backs.
He was injured in last week's game at Atlanta.

Ladell Betts, who had been questionable with a sprained ankle,
was active for Sunday's game and was expected to start in
Portis' spot.

Also among the inactives for the Redskins were tight end Chris
Cooley and offensive lineman Mike Williams. Both have ankle
injuries.

Denver's inactive list included defensive lineman Ryan McBean
(knee), safety Josh Barrett (hamstring) and right tackle Ryan
Harris (toe).]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134197-Portis-start-streak-ends-for-Redskins-vs-Broncos</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134197-Portis-start-streak-ends-for-Redskins-vs-Broncos</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:24:20 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins reverse ban on signs at home stadium]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON(AP) -- The Washington Redskins are doing an about-face
on preventing fans from bringing any signs to home games.

The Redskins issued a news release about 2 1/2 hours before
Sunday's game against the visiting Denver Broncos to say they
"revised" their stadium sign policy.

Owner Dan Snyder said in the statement that he understands that
"some fans want to express their feelings with signs and they
should do so, as long as they stay within the boundaries of good
taste and don't block the view of other fans."

Last month, the team banned spectators from carrying any signs
or banners into its stadium, citing fan security and comfort.
That policy had coincided with an increase of signs critical of
Snyder and front office chief Vinny Cerrato.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134188-Redskins-reverse-ban-on-signs-at-home-stadium</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134188-Redskins-reverse-ban-on-signs-at-home-stadium</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:14:54 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins release P Paulescu, sign S Holmes]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- The Washington Redskins have released punter
Sam Paulescu (poh-LEHS-kyoo), meaning Hunter Smith is ready to
return from a right groin injury and kick against the Denver
Broncos on Sunday.

The Redskins also signed safety Lendy Holmes from their practice
squad Saturday, adding depth at the position after putting
starter Chris Horton on injured reserve because of toe surgery.

Paulescu signed with the Redskins on Nov. 6 and averaged 50
yards on three punts last week at Atlanta

Smith pulled the groin in his kicking leg Oct. 4 against Tampa
Bay. Kicker Shaun Suisham punted for the rest of that game, then
Glenn Pakulak was signed for the next two games. Smith
aggravated his injury against Philadelphia on Oct. 26.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133906-Redskins-release-P-Paulescu-sign-S-Holmes</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133906-Redskins-release-P-Paulescu-sign-S-Holmes</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:14:29 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[McDaniels' 6-2 in Denver echoes Zorn with Redskins]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

LANDOVER, Md.(AP) -- A fresh, new NFL head coach has his team off
to a 6-2 start. Sure, there have been some bumps along the way,
but most everyone is pleasantly surprised with a record that's
better than anyone would have predicted.

Sound familiar, Jim Zorn?

"We were 6-2 last year at our start, and yet it's very
difficult," Zorn said. "It's hard to win in the NFL."

It's been hard to win for a full year for the Washington
Redskins, who are 4-12 since Zorn's "Hip, Hip, Hooray!" run that
had him looking like a coach of the year candidate in his rookie
season on the job. Since then, of course, all the flaws that
were easy to overlook during eight weeks of success have been
exposed for all the league to see, and Zorn isn't expected to
make it to a third season.

Which takes us to Josh McDaniels, this year's new kid on the
block who could do no wrong. He has the Denver Broncos at 6-2,
but the two losses have come in the last two games. Has the
league started to figure him out? Are the Broncos' flaws greater
than they appeared at 6-0? Will he meet the same fate as Zorn?

Or is this just a blip on the radar screen of a promising
coaching career?

"It's a little bit of who we played," Broncos cornerback Champ
Bailey said, "and a little bit of what we didn't do in the
games."

Indeed, it's no embarrassment to lose on the road to Baltimore
or at home to Pittsburgh, but the offense didn't do much either
week and the losses allowed San Diego to move within a game of
first place in the AFC West. The truest test yet as to whether
the Broncos are trending downward comes Sunday when they visit
the Redskins (2-6), a team that has dropped four straight and
practically owns the downward arrow.

"You're happy to start with wins, and we were, but certainly not
content," McDaniels said. "We haven't accomplished anything, and
we're certainly not satisfied with the way we've played the last
two weeks."

Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell didn't throw a single
interception during the Redskins' 6-2 start last year, so it's
an interesting parallel that Kyle Orton had only one during
Denver's 6-0 binge. The luck ran out last week against the
Steelers, when Orton was picked three times.

Big plays have also noticeably missing from the
close-to-the-vest Denver attack. Orton's longest completion the
last two weeks has been 23 yards. Rookie Knowshon Moreno leads
the team with 423 yards rushing, but his longest run on the
season is a mere 17 yards. The offense accounted for only one
touchdown in the two losses.

A popular topic in Denver this week was whether Orton needs to
take more shots downfield, or at least hit a home run once in a
while to get a confidence boost.

McDaniels' response: "If you need that and if you're looking for
that, you're in trouble."

Regardless, the big downfield throw might not be the best
strategy against the Redskins, ranked No. 1 in the league in
pass defense. That statistic is somewhat misleading, however,
because a run defense ranked No. 25 gives offenses less reason
to pass. Also, teams usually have a lead against Washington, so
the fourth quarter is spent running the ball to use up the
clock.

The Broncos are also coming off a short week of practice, having
played Monday night, but Atlanta faced the same hurdle last week
before dismantling the Redskins 31-17.

That 17 number has been a barrier for Washington all season -
the team has yet to score more - and the odds don't look good
this week. Zorn's offense will be using its fifth different
starting offensive line because of injuries and lack of
performance. Campbell has been sacked 11 times in the last two
weeks.

Denver's defense is stout, and it has extra motivation. Mike
Nolan, who is among the many players and coaches who have had a
less-than-harmonious departure from the Redskins during a decade
of Dan Snyder's ownership, is now Broncos defensive coordinator.
Bailey is also on that list, having left Washington in a 2004
trade after Snyder balked at the Pro Bowl player's asking price
for a new contract.

This is Bailey's first game in Washington since the trade for
running back Clinton Portis, so he wants to have a good game.
But he'll settle for putting his young coach back in the win
column.

"We need to win. Get this bad taste of our mouth," Bailey said.
"It's tough losing two in a row after winning six."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133699-McDaniels-6-2-in-Denver-echoes-Zorn-with-Redskins</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133699-McDaniels-6-2-in-Denver-echoes-Zorn-with-Redskins</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:01:31 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins' Betts questionable for game vs Denver]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Washington running back Ladell Betts is
questionable for the Redskins game against Denver in which he
had been slated to start for Clinton Portis.

Coach Jim Zorn said Friday he thinks Betts will play in Sunday's
game despite a sprained ankle, but the coach also is prepared to
go with a running back by committee of Betts, Rock Cartwright
and Quinton Ganther.

Portis is out after sustaining a concussion in last week's loss
to Atlanta.

Stephon Heyer, who was moved this week from left tackle to right
tackle, is also listed as questionable with a sprained knee.

Zorn also said that Chad Rinehart has regained the right guard
spot. Will Montgomery had started the last three games.

Zorn will wait until Saturday to decide on a punter.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133464-Redskins-Betts-questionable-for-game-vs-Denver</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133464-Redskins-Betts-questionable-for-game-vs-Denver</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:56:44 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Broncos-Redskins Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BECKER
STATS Senior Writer

The Denver Broncos were the NFL's most pleasant surprise through
the first two months of the season, but back-to-back blowout
losses suddenly have them looking quite vulnerable.

A game against the slumping Washington Redskins might be what
they need to bounce back.

The Broncos hope Kyle Orton and their offense can get back in
gear and their once-formidable defense can return to form Sunday
when they visit a Redskins team looking to avoid losing five
consecutive games for the first time in eight years.

Denver (6-2) opened with six straight victories under first-year
coach Josh McDaniels, but very little has gone right since. The
Broncos averaged 22.2 points and allowed an average of 11.0
during the winning streak, but have been outscored 58-17 in
losses to Baltimore and Pittsburgh with the offense reaching the
end zone just once.

"Well, we've got to score points," Orton said after Monday's
28-10 loss to the Steelers. "So, we're moving on from the last
couple of weeks. We've got plenty of areas to improve on."

Orton threw nine touchdowns and one interception in the six
victories but is beginning to look quite ordinary. After passing
for a season-low 152 yards in a 30-7 loss to the Ravens on Nov.
1, Orton threw three interceptions Monday.

"They are two good defenses," Orton, who shaved his trademark
beard this week in hopes of changing the team's luck, said of
Baltimore and Pittsburgh. "When you play those guys, the margin
for error is very small ... As a quarterback, I put it on
myself. It is my offense, and I will get it back on track."

Denver's ground game has been virtually nonexistent the past two
weeks with veteran running back Correll Buckhalter and rookie
Knowshon Moreno combining for 82 yards on 32 carries. The
Broncos averaged 132.7 rushing yards during the winning streak.

The Broncos appear to have a good chance to re-establish their
ground game against a Washington team that allowed a season-high
181 rushing yards last week. The Redskins defense has given up a
new season high in points two weeks running, following a 27-17
loss to Philadelphia with a 31-17 defeat at Atlanta last Sunday.

Still, an anemic offense remains the biggest concern for
Washington (2-6).

The Redskins, who haven't dropped five straight games since
opening the 2001 season 0-5, have yet to exceed 17 points in a
game as quarterback Jason Campbell continues to take a beating
behind a makeshift line. He has been sacked 25 times -
third-most in the NFL - and will face a Denver defense that
ranks third in the league with 26 sacks.

Making matters worse, Washington will be without starting
running back Clinton Portis, who suffered a concussion in the
first quarter against the Falcons.

Ladell Betts, who rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown on 15
carries last week despite nursing a sprained ankle, likely will
get his first start since the 2006 season finale.

Portis, who ranks eighth in the NFC with 494 rushing yards, was
traded to the Redskins from Denver for Champ Bailey and a
second-round draft pick prior to the 2004 season. This will be
the first time Bailey, an eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has
faced his former club.

It's also the first meeting between the teams since the Broncos
won 21-19 at home Oct. 9, 2005. Portis ran for 103 yards in a
losing effort for Washington, while Bailey missed the game due
to a hamstring injury.

Current Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall was involved in a
bizarre episode last week.

After Washington safety LaRon Landry's late hit on Falcons
quarterback Matt Ryan, Hall jumped into the middle of things,
surrounded by a horde of Atlanta players and coach Mike Smith.
Hall said he would file a complaint with NFL commissioner Roger
Goodell, accusing the Falcons of losing their cool.

The incident is the latest in an incredible run of Redskins news
that has made the team's actual on-field performance almost an
afterthought. In the last month, owner Dan Snyder and team
management have stripped Zorn of play-calling duties, issued an
apology of sorts for the team's play and had an assistant coach
lash out at Hall of Fame running back John Riggins for claiming
Snyder is someone whose "heart is dark."

Amidst all the turmoil, Washington must try to stay motivated
through the final eight weeks.

"It's your job. You've got to have pride," Redskins running back
Rock Cartwright said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133100-Broncos-Redskins-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133100-Broncos-Redskins-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:14:43 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[5th stage of losing: Redskins deal with down year]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- The Washington Redskins have already gone
through their share of denial, anger, bargaining and depression,
at least in a football sense. They're now reaching the final
stage of grief over a losing season: acceptance.

Slowly but surely, the Redskins (2-6) this week began to deal
with the fact that the season is going nowhere. Nobody said it
outright, but it was there when players were asked how they'll
stay motivated over the final eight weeks.

"We've got to go out there and play for pride," third-year
defensive lineman Lorenzo Alexander said, "play for the fans and
play for ourselves and try to get some respect around the
league, man, and just try to really finish out strong."

It's a thought expressed in many losing locker rooms, but
usually not until December. With the goals of the season fading
fast, it's time to play for jobs.

"It's your job. You've got to have pride," said running back
Rock Cartwright, a team captain. "This is how you take care of
your family. You're paid to play football, so that's what you
need to go out and do. Just continue to work hard and come to
work every day and prepare to be the best that we can be. We
can't worry about playoffs right now; we just have to worry
about wining football games because we're 2-6 and we've got to
get the bad taste out of our mouth."

It's taken a while to sink in, and all the emotions have been
there. When the team was 2-2, there was denial that anything was
amiss, even though the two victories were over lowly St. Louis
and Tampa Bay and the offense was barely moving the ball.
Clinton Portis kept telling anybody who would listen that the
Redskins had talent on par with any team in the league, a
clearly debatable assertion.

Anger has best been expressed by $100 million man Albert
Haynesworth, who has vented to his teammates behind closed
doors. Haynesworth, who had to undergo anger management sessions
after stomping Dallas center Andre Gurode in 2006, wishes his
teammates were more amped up.

"Sometimes I'm not comfortable with how relaxed we are,"
Haynesworth said this week. "Different people handle it
different ways. At Tennessee if this is going on, I can tell how
we're going to bounce back. If people are relaxed, it's not a
good thing."

Bargaining has been the Redskins' specialty. If the offense
could just score two touchdowns a game, the defense might be
good enough to carry the season. Maybe a new offensive
consultant - one who was retired and calling bingo games - can
make a difference. Maybe even let that consultant, Sherm Lewis,
call the plays instead of coach Jim Zorn, even if it has the
effect of humiliating Zorn and turning the team into the butt of
jokes across the country.

"I don't think it's an ideal situation ... but it seems like
drastic measures are called for," quarterback Todd Collins said
at the time.

Depression is too strong of a word for football, but it's fair
to say losing teams go into a deep funk. For many Redskins, it
hit after the Monday night loss to Philadelphia before the bye,
when players shook their heads in the locker room and said they
never would have believed it if they had been told they would be
2-5 going into the break. Zorn, realizing his team needed the
time away, gave the players five days off even though they
certainly could have used the practice.

Acceptance showed as the team came back from the bye and played
an extremely flat first half at Atlanta. For a change, Zorn and
offensive line coach Joe Bugel raised their voices at halftime,
getting the team motivated enough to lose only by two
touchdowns, 31-17.

"I can be really excited that they responded," Zorn said, "but I
want the response on Play 1, not Play 30."

The Redskins are battered by injuries and have a difficult
schedule ahead, including Sunday's game against Denver (6-2).
They probably won't be favored to win again this season. Soon,
talk will turn to the status of players' contracts and
speculation about a new coach.

But everyone isn't there yet. The team's goals, as secondary
coach Jerry Gray pointed out, can still be met.

"You can go 10-6 and get into the playoffs," Gray said Thursday.
"That's pretty much what everyone wants to do, is get into the
playoffs. I look at the Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1 last year),
who got to the NFC championship game. It can happen. The big
thing is we can't sit around and wait for it to happen, we've
got to take it."

Playoffs? NFC championship game? It sounds like denial all over
again, but coaches are paid to keep the faith as long as it's
mathematically possible.

"They haven't lost heart," Zorn said. "I think we can tell that
just by how hard we're working at practice, because they could
just be going through the motions. But they've done well. We've
dug a deep hole, but we're not out of it yet. When there's a
glimmer of hope there, we're going to continue to work and
that's what we have before us."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133320-5th-stage-of-losing-Redskins-deal-with-down-year</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133320-5th-stage-of-losing-Redskins-deal-with-down-year</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:23:09 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[McDaniels' 6-2 in Denver echoes Zorn with Redskins]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

LANDOVER, Md.(AP) -- A fresh, new NFL head coach has his team off
to a 6-2 start. Sure, there have been some bumps along the way,
but most everyone is pleasantly surprised with a record that's
better than anyone would have predicted.

Sound familiar, Jim Zorn?

"We were 6-2 last year at our start, and yet it's very
difficult," Zorn said. "It's hard to win in the NFL."

It's been hard to win for a full year for the Washington
Redskins, who are 4-12 since Zorn's "Hip, Hip, Hooray!" run that
had him looking like a coach of the year candidate in his rookie
season on the job. Since then, of course, all the flaws that
were easy to overlook during eight weeks of success have been
exposed for all the league to see, and Zorn isn't expected to
make it to a third season.

Which takes us to Josh McDaniels, this year's new kid on the
block who could do no wrong. He has the Denver Broncos at 6-2,
but the two losses have come in the last two games. Has the
league started to figure him out? Are the Broncos' flaws greater
than they appeared at 6-0? Will he meet the same fate as Zorn?

Or is this just a blip on the radar screen of a promising
coaching career?

"It's a little bit of who we played," Broncos cornerback Champ
Bailey said, "and a little bit of what we didn't do in the
games."

Indeed, it's no embarrassment to lose on the road to Baltimore
or at home to Pittsburgh, but the offense didn't do much either
week and the losses allowed San Diego to move within a game of
first place in the AFC West. The truest test yet as to whether
the Broncos are trending downward comes Sunday when they visit
the Redskins (2-6), a team that has dropped four straight and
practically owns the downward arrow.

"You're happy to start with wins, and we were, but certainly not
content," McDaniels said. "We haven't accomplished anything, and
we're certainly not satisfied with the way we've played the last
two weeks."

Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell didn't throw a single
interception during the Redskins' 6-2 start last year, so it's
an interesting parallel that Kyle Orton had only one during
Denver's 6-0 binge. The luck ran out last week against the
Steelers, when Orton was picked three times.

Big plays have also noticeably missing from the
close-to-the-vest Denver attack. Orton's longest completion the
last two weeks has been 23 yards. Rookie Knowshon Moreno leads
the team with 423 yards rushing, but his longest run on the
season is a mere 17 yards. The offense accounted for only one
touchdown in the two losses.

A popular topic in Denver this week was whether Orton needs to
take more shots downfield, or at least hit a home run once in a
while to get a confidence boost.

McDaniels' response: "If you need that and if you're looking for
that, you're in trouble."

Regardless, the big downfield throw might not be the best
strategy against the Redskins, ranked No. 1 in the league in
pass defense. That statistic is somewhat misleading, however,
because a run defense ranked No. 25 gives offenses less reason
to pass. Also, teams usually have a lead against Washington, so
the fourth quarter is spent running the ball to use up the
clock.

The Broncos are also coming off a short week of practice, having
played Monday night, but Atlanta faced the same hurdle last week
before dismantling the Redskins 31-17.

That 17 number has been a barrier for Washington all season -
the team has yet to score more - and the odds don't look good
this week. Zorn's offense will be using its fifth different
starting offensive line because of injuries and lack of
performance. Campbell has been sacked 11 times in the last two
weeks.

Denver's defense is stout, and it has extra motivation. Mike
Nolan, who is among the many players and coaches who have had a
less-than-harmonious departure from the Redskins during a decade
of Dan Snyder's ownership, is now Broncos defensive coordinator.
Bailey is also on that list, having left Washington in a 2004
trade after Snyder balked at the Pro Bowl player's asking price
for a new contract.

This is Bailey's first game in Washington since the trade for
running back Clinton Portis, so he wants to have a good game.
But he'll settle for putting his young coach back in the win
column.

"We need to win. Get this bad taste of our mouth," Bailey said.
"It's tough losing two in a row after winning six."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133283-McDaniels-6-2-in-Denver-echoes-Zorn-with-Redskins</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133283-McDaniels-6-2-in-Denver-echoes-Zorn-with-Redskins</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:11:34 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Redskins' Portis out for Sunday due to concussion]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Clinton Portis' concussion will keep the
Washington Redskins running back out of Sunday's game, one of
many injury concerns for coach Jim Zorn as his team prepares to
face the Denver Broncos.

Portis was hurt in a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter
of Sunday's 31-17 loss to Atlanta. He underwent tests this week
and was not at the practice facility Thursday.

"We kept Clinton at home just to get rest," Zorn said. "That was
kind of doctor's orders."

Portis is having a disappointing year by his standards, with
only 494 yards rushing. He last missed a game in 2006, when hand
and shoulder injuries ended his season early.

Portis' injury means Ladell Betts will get his first start since
2006, assuming Betts is able to play. The backup is nursing a
sprained ankle and did not practice Thursday, although Zorn said
he expects him to be available.

There is also considerable doubt as to the makeup of the
starting offensive line. With Mike Williams out with an ankle
injury, midseason signing Levi Jones will start at left tackle
and Stephon Heyer has been moved from left tackle to right
tackle. Heyer was limited in practice Thursday with a knee
injury, so he was replaced during the workout by D'Anthony
Batiste.

Also, Chad Rinehart could get the start ahead of Will Montgomery
at right guard, although that move would be performance-related
and not mandated by injuries.

"That's kind of an ongoing battle," Zorn said. "Our ranks are
running thin."

The starting left tackle and right guard going into the year,
Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas, are out with season-ending
injuries.

Also, the Redskins are dealing with a now-weekly quandary at
punter. Hunter Smith, who has a recurring groin injury in his
kicking leg, will try to punt during Friday's practice.

If he can't play, Sam Paulescu will punt for the second straight
game and Smith will be a candidate for injured reserve.

"It's a possibility if he continues to reaggravate this thing,"
Zorn said. "Tomorrow is kind of an important day."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133235-Redskins-Portis-out-for-Sunday-due-to-concussion</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133235-Redskins-Portis-out-for-Sunday-due-to-concussion</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:47:18 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Years later, Redskins fans still pine for Bailey]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) --  Having reached his sixth season in the Mile
High City, Champ Bailey has now played for the Denver Broncos
longer than he did for the Washington Redskins.

But he's still very much missed.

"I'm not going to lie," the eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback said
in a conference call with Washington reporters. "Everywhere I go
outside of Denver, the only thing I get: 'I wish you were still
with the Redskins.' That's all I get. Even in this city, there's
Redskins fans everywhere.

"I know the fan base is bigger, stadium's bigger, a lot more
tradition, but I still love being a Bronco."

It was in 2004 that Bailey left the wackiness of Washington for
the relative stability of Denver, and he'll return for the first
time when the Broncos visit the Redskins on Sunday.

"It was crazy when I left" he said when talking about the
Redskins, and the craziness that continues to this day makes it
easy to contrast his new franchise with his old one.

"You kind of know what to expect every day," Bailey said.
"That's a good thing. When I left there, it was a swinging door.
When I got here, it wasn't like that."

Bailey was traded in a rare superstar-for-superstar swap that's
a source of debate to this day. With negotiations going nowhere
for a new contract, owner Dan Snyder sent the best cornerback in
the game and a second-round draft pick to the Broncos for
running back Clinton Portis. Portis has since piled up the yards
and is within striking distance of the Redskins all-time rushing
record, but was he worth both a shutdown cornerback and a high
draft pick?

Bailey laughed when asked which team got the better of the
trade, then gave a diplomatic answer.

"Honestly," he said, "I think they got what they wanted, and the
Broncos got what they wanted. We're both still playing at a high
level."

Interestingly, Bailey and Portis haven't met on the field since
the trade. Bailey missed the team's meeting in Denver in 2005
with a hamstring injury, and Portis probably won't play Sunday
after suffering a concussion in last week's loss to Atlanta.

"It's funny how things happen," Bailey said. "At least he got to
play at his old place, and I get to play at mine."

Bailey will also get a chance to see longtime close friend Fred
Smoot. It seems ages ago that Bailey and Smoot were supposed to
be the tandem that would rule the Redskins secondary for a
decade.

Bailey was a first-round pick in 1999, and Smoot came along as a
second-rounder in 2001. The Redskins ranked sixth in passing
defense in 2001 and fifth in 2002.

"You can start building something special right there," Bailey
said, "because good cornerbacks are hard to find and they had
two good ones. I didn't understand why we couldn't keep us
together."

Smoot left after the 2004 season but returned after two seasons
with Minnesota. He's now a bit player in the Redskins defense,
getting a handful of plays a game. He was once one of the team's
most media-friendly players, but he rarely grants interviews
these days and agreed to talk this week only because the subject
was his old Broncos buddy.

"I do miss playing with him," Smoot said. "Those were some of my
golden years of playing. At the time, I don't think a lot of
people realized, me and him had one of the best young tandems
out there. I think if it wasn't for Troy Vincent and Bobby
Taylor, both of us could have got a little Pro Bowl action then,
but we weren't winning at the time and the Eagles were
dominating."

But when it came time for Bailey to get a new contract, the
usually free-spending Snyder decided this was one time he wasn't
going to foot the bill. Bailey worked out a seven-year, $63
million deal with the Broncos, and the trade was on.

"I was all for going back there, but it didn't work out that
way," Bailey said. "Financially it did me good because I got
what I wanted as far as my contract. I came to a good franchise.
That worked out great. I was going to a place that was real
stable for a number of years."

While the stability has been nice, the trade hasn't brought
Bailey much postseason success. The Redskins and Broncos have
each won only one playoff game since the trade. This year,
however, Denver is off to a 6-2 start under new coach Josh
McDaniels, giving Bailey a chance to rub it in with Smoot, whose
Redskins are 2-6 and have lost four straight.

"We're going to talk about what team's up and what team's down,"
Smoot said. "Right now, he's at me."

NOTE: S LaRon Landry and DT Albert Haynesworth said they have
been fined for their roles in the sideline altercation in the
second quarter of the loss to the Falcons. Neither revealed the
amount. CB DeAngelo Hall is also a candidate for a fine, as well
as some Atlanta players and coaches. The NFL typically doesn't
comment on fines until Friday.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133049-Years-later-Redskins-fans-still-pine-for-Bailey</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133049-Years-later-Redskins-fans-still-pine-for-Bailey</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:17:32 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA['Skins' Portis 'very, very doubtful'; Horton to IR]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By HOWARD FENDRICH
AP Sports Writer

ASHBURN, Va.(AP) -- Still feeling the effects of a concussion,
Redskins running back Clinton Portis was hardly his vivacious,
loquacious self when he met with coach Jim Zorn on Wednesday and
probably will miss this weekend's game against the Denver
Broncos.

"I don't want to rule him out, but it's very doubtful that he's
going to play," Zorn said. He then added, in response to a
reporter's question: "I would say 'very, very doubtful."'

Portis left in the first quarter of Washington's 31-17 loss to
the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday after a helmet-to-helmet hit.

"He would play if he could, but he really is sort of mellowed
out with this concussion. Just a little quiet. He needs to get
rest," Zorn said. "And I think it's a dangerous thing. I would
never say, 'Come on, Clinton! You can do it!' That wouldn't be
the right thing to try to push, and we're not going to do that.
We're going to be cautious."

After their meeting, Portis left the Redskins' practice facility
to see a doctor and have some medical tests. He did not speak to
reporters.

He ranks eighth in the NFC with 494 yards rushing this season
for Washington (2-6), which has lost four games in a row. If
Portis does sit out, Ladell Betts - used mainly as a third-down
back - would be expected to get his first start since the last
game of the 2006 regular season. Betts, though, missed practice
Wednesday with a sprained ankle.

In other Redskins injury news, strong safety Chris Horton had
toe surgery Wednesday and was put on injured reserve, ending his
season. Horton also was hurt against Atlanta.

Washington filled Horton's roster spot by re-signing running
back Quinton Ganther, who was released last week.

Zorn said the Redskins don't have an interest in bringing in
Larry Johnson, the running back released by the Kansas City
Chiefs this week.

"Right now, yeah, that's a 'ruled out' situation for us," Zorn
said.

Horton is Washington's third starter to go on IR this season,
joining offensive linemen Chris Samuels (neck) and Randy Thomas
(triceps). Other regulars expected to miss Sunday's game:
Portis, tight end Chris Cooley (ankle), punter Hunter Smith
(groin) and tackle Mike Williams (ankle). Zorn said Cooley will
sit out for about another two weeks and then will be
re-evaluated.

Jason Campbell was limited slightly in practice Wednesday,
avoiding too much movement as a precaution because of a swollen
ankle, but Zorn said he expects his starting quarterback to be
fine for Sunday.

"Just trying to be smart about it," Campbell said. "Don't want
to aggravate it."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132985-Skins-Portis-very-very-doubtful-Horton-to-IR</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132985-Skins-Portis-very-very-doubtful-Horton-to-IR</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:47:57 GMT</pubDate>
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