Moving Forward: Things for a Redskin Fan To Be Excited About

This piece was written by Jeff Scott, one of my good friends for somewhere around 15 years. He's helped me out on my other blog, and he's allegedly a contributor to FU, but apparently he lost his login information. Perhaps he should've been a swifter with his additions. Anyway, here are his unedited, homeristic thoughts. Peep after the random picture...

Well, the playoff hopes are FINALLY done for the Washington Redskins (though true fans knew that they were done after the Pittsburgh game). Being a lifelong fan (and a sports journalist), I like to think I enjoy a deeper and more in depth look into the Skins than the average fan. ----Sidebar Alert---- This was written around 2 a.m. Props to my best friend Corey for getting me the History of the Redskins DVD. Knowing at 7-7 and with a myriad of other NFC teams in the Wild Card Race, I started to look for the bright spots, even before we beat the Eagles again, and came up with the top 4 things that Skins fans have to look forward to heading into next season.

The Progression of Jason Campbell
Barring some freak accident within the next week, Jason Campbell will have completed his first full season as an NFL quarterback. Now that might not sound impressive to some, but for a guy who’s been in the league for 4 years that’s equivalent to peace of mind. Staying virtually injury free this year, JC has thrown fewer interceptions than your quarterback (unless your quarterback is Jeff Garcia). Jason Candle, er, Campbell is not only throwing the ball better thanks to rookie head coach Jim Zorn, he is completing more passes, he is making quicker decisions, and he is pulling the ball down and running with it more often. All that needs to happen now is increasing his accuracy when throwing downfield. He showed flashes of brilliance in this category in his game winner versus the Saints. If the Redskins improve their offensive line, Jason could build on his breakout year.

The Maturation of Jim Zorn
Its been a whirlwind for coaches in the past decade. Dedication and loyalty to the head coach has all but disappeared in the realm of professional sports today. But the public demands a successful product. When Jim Zorn first took the helms of my favorite sports team, my first words were “Huh?”. I thought that we would be at or around .500 this year cause hey, we lost a lot of players, through free agency or through untimely death, and that seemed average. At 6-2, everyone was putting Zorn as Coach of the Year, but a smacking by the Steelers showed the Skins for what they really are; a good team but not a great team. After the crushing loss to the Bengals, radio personalities and less than intelligent fans were calling for Zorn’s job. But, even if a team loses five of six and essentially moves itself out of the playoffs, the coach is never totally to blame. Play execution is the name of the game; yet if the coach doesn’t change his game plan when defenses have decided to blitz your quarterback every other down, then something is wrong. I know Zorn will get it together and learn from this rookie season to be at least a good coach. Skins fans should remember the greatest coach in team history, Joe Gibbs, only started 8-8 his first season. He then led the Skins to three Super Bowls. So even if the Redskins lose to San Fran next week, its not the end of the world.

The Maturation of Laron Landry and the Solidity of Chris Horton
I don’t know if anybody else feels the same way I do, but watching the Skins-Eagles game last night I got chills. Why? Because watching the defense on Sunday, I momentarily thought that Sean Taylor came back in the form of LaRon Landry. The hits he laid on DeSean Jackson, and the hit on Reggie Brown to seal the deal, were very reminiscent of the way Sean used to cover from sideline to sideline. He finally seems to be settling into a smarter player, one that doesn’t just head hunt for streaking receivers and gaining as many personal fouls as he can. His coverage has improved drastically and the Redskins have rarely given up extremely long pass plays.
The very last pick in the draft is usually destined for: a.) mediocrity or b.) a short career. But Redskins Rookie Chris Horton has played above and beyond any expectations. For those of you who don’t believe in God consider this; I prayed and prayed and prayed to the Heavenly Father for a replacement for the biggest bum that I’ve seen thus far Reed Doughty (other than John Lynch I cant even remember a decent safety of the Caucasian Persuasion). And the Great One answered my prayers with a rookie from UCLA. His tackling and knack for finding the football in the air or on the ground is very promising.

In conclusion, there’s a lot to look forward to next season. So Skins fans don’t feel disappointed in an 9-7 or 8-8 season, because it always could be worse…we could be in Detroit.

elbaT ehT nuR esaelP ,tiorteD

I'm a fan of the San Francisco 49ers. Right now, the franchise is struggling to produce a winning product; and the team has a (interim) coach with questionable motivation tactics that will be fired before the end of 2009. However, one of the few things in which I can take solace is that as bad as the 'Niners currently are, we have nothing on the steaming pile of epic fail that is the Detroit Lions. The Lions lost again this past Sunday, making them 0-15 on the season. I'm sure that there is a good amount of football fans that want to see them complete infamous history and run the table in reverse; but I have a small request for the final game against the Packers. More after the random pic...

See, Detroit losing 42-7 again like they did yesterday is fine because it's a microcosm of just how inferior the team is to the rest of the NFL. However, I don't want another blowout. In fact, I want Detroit to be winning going into the fourth quarter crunch time. I want the players' and coaches' spirits to be high. I want owner William Clay Ford to believe, "Yes, we can! Our players still care!" When they score a touchdown, I want them to look like this:


Look at that joy. It's almost as if they believe they're still respected as a professional team. Anyway, back to my outcome for the game. In the fourth quarter, I want the Lions to be ahead of the Packers by, say, four points. Then, I want Aaron Rodgers to channel Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning and lead Green Bay down the field on a last-minute touchdown drive for the win. To make it better, I want the touchdown pass to come with no time left.

What I'm trying to say is: I just don't want the Lions to lose tomorrow...I want it to hurt. I want Rod Marinelli's soul to be crushed, just to see if he'll something else smart to say in the postgame press conference. The reason why I don't want a blowout is because that's too easy of an escape for them. Any team can lay down for a game and just go through the motions, which is what Detroit has appeared to be doing this entire season. A close game means that the players have actully risen up and attempted to keep their names from history. A loss like that would be fitting punishment for a collection of players and coaches that chose to wallow in ineptitude. I refuse to believe that paid athletes can't come together to play above themselves, while at the same time catching the opposition on a bad day, to create a mixture for victory. I mean, the Chiefs have two wins; and this guy is their coach. There's absolutey no excuse for not winning a single game all year.

So yes, I want Detroit to lose a close one this coming Sunday. And please believe I will be laughing maniacally at them. Don't spoil my hopes, Detroit.



Peace.

Letters to a Signal Caller: Letter #40083 - Daunte Culpepper

Dear Pep:

How's retirement treating you? Good, I hope. I also hope you've stayed away from mysterious-looking "pleasure cruises" in your newly gained free time. But I can see through the politically correctness of you stepping away from the game. You're hurt that the teams in desperate need of an upgrade at quarterback haven't even sent you a text message requesting your services. You see the likes of Tyler Thigpen and Tavaris Jackson Gus Frerotte starting in the league, while you're watching them from home (undoubtedly in spectacular HD).

Your situation is sort of a complex one. From your perspective, you feel like your abilities have been disrespected by the NFL. From the way you see it, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady have had similarly devastating knee injuries you suffered in 2005. They were allowed to continue their careers, but you were rudely cut and had to attempt to revive your career in the East and West Coast Oblivions that are the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. That certainly isn't fair, especially considering the teams that would be greatly improved if they had a halfway decent quarterback. You're still only 31, which is the same age as fellow 1999 first-round pick Donovan F. McNabb. Of that infamous first-round class, you two are the only surviving quarterbacks; so it's obvious that you can still play. Your side of the argument is a valid one, Pep.

Let's examine the other side of this, Daunte. Yes, Brady and others have shredded their knee ligaments like you did three seasons ago. But let's be real: Carson Palmer, Donovan F., and Tom Brady are significantly better than you. They're potential Hall of Famers, while you'll end up as a good quarterback of legend like Jeff Hoestetler. Your talent seemed to drastically decline once your buddy Randy Moss left Minnesota. After Moss, you appeared to lose the ability to read defenses and was a marginal player at best. I'm not saying there's a direct correlation, but it sure seems that way. The NFL is a, "what have you done for me lately" league; and based on your recent performances, you couldn't help any team on the cusp make a deep run into the postseason. Maybe that isn't true, and maybe you can lead a team like Minnesota to the playoffs, but you didn't show that capability during your brief tenure with the Raiders. The other side of the argument has valid points as well; and believes that your time has come and gone.

Daunte, I don't fault you for only wanting to be a starter in the NFL, especially at only being 31 and having had previous success when fully healthy. However, listen to this hypothetical situation. Let's say you sign with the Vikings as the backup. Tavaris Jackson proves to be average, and is benched in your favor. You come in, play well, and lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship game while also helping Jackson develop as a quarterback from a small school. In the end, you're a hero and have secured a place in the league for the rest of your career. Does that sound familiar? Well, it's what Randall Cunningham did for you when you were a young quarterback in Minnesota. My, how life has a funny way of playing itself out sometimes. Think about it, Pep, because this is the lasting image of your days in the NFL...

Peace.

Letters to a Signal Caller: #74511 - Alex Smith

Dear Alex,

I never believed in you. I definitely preferred Aaron Rodgers over you coming out of college. However, when it was inevitable that you would be the one that the 49ers front office slated as the next franchise quarterback, I had to rally behind you because of my fan allegiance to the team. As I'm sure you know, being the quarterback of the 49ers comes with a storied tradition. Joe Montana and Steve Young are Hall of Fame passers, and by golly, Jeff Garcia went to the Pro Bowl; so you did have a lot to follow. Granted, the team hasn't had quality talent around you to allow your progression to be smooth; but you haven't exactly shown bright flashes of promise in your two-plus years as the starter.

At the beginning of this season, you lost that privilege to J.T. O'Sullivan; who, while may also be a sixth round pick, isn't exactly Tom Brady. But, then again, you aren't exactly Drew Bledsoe, either. In fact, you're more Tim Couch and Ryan Leaf than Drew Bledsoe (end brief rant). Now with your latest injury, it's evident that your days by the Bay are numbered. But so you don't leave thinking that the organization is cutting you for a few reasons, let me tell you exactly why you won't be on the 49ers anymore:

*You suck.

It's not because Mike Nolan didn't want to give you a chance, or that the offensive scheme doesn't fit your strengths as a quarterback.

It's because you suck.

You're not good. You suck.

You see? I have evidence of your futility, so there's no hard feelings, Alex. Just make sure you warn Tim Tebow of the dangers of being a product of Urban Meyer's offense. Maybe the Ravens will pick you up so I won't have to mail you this letter; and I can deliver it to you personally...but you'll probably fumble that, too.



Peace.

*If you're confused, go here for a reference

Letters to a Signal Caller: Letter 40218-B - Matt Cassel

I've been longing to add a little more football to Fundamentally UnSound; and with my last post being so interesting, I'm going to (yet again) start a new open-ended series in which I write heart-filled letters to various quarterbacks of the NFL. After this weekend's past events, it's only proper that I start with Patriots starter Tom Brady Matt Cassel...

Dear Mr. Cassel:

First off, let me start by congratulating you on having a tremendously comfortable adult life. Ever since your high school graduation, you have been blessed to be placed in the most lavish of positions. At USC, you sat behind two Heisman winners, attempting only 33 passes during your stay in Southern Cal; yet you still managed to get drafted by the Patriots. Because you were drafted to New England, there was no chance you would ever see meaningful playing time. That, of course, is due to being waaaaaay behind the depth chart to one Tom Brady (*rose petals scatter forth as celestial music plays*). The Golden Boy ensured that you were relegated to permanent clipboard holder and allowed to continue your stress-free adulthood. Your life is even easier than Jim Sorgi's, because at least he had to start a few games at Wisconsin and wanted to sell Maytags on the side.

Oh, but how life has a funny way of working sometimes. Thanks to Bernard Pollard, you are at the helm of a team that's coming off the most devastating Super Bowl loss in history; and while they're not counting on you to throw 50 touchdowns, you will have to make some throws and do more than just "manage the game." In your substitution duty, you were pretty good. But now, teams will have film on you. Defensive coordinators will be able to break down your strengths and weaknesses. You'll have to process information and make the play yourself. No more standing on the sideline with a headset for you, buddy.

While your task is daunting, it isn't impossible. In fact, you have several examples on which to lean for support. In 1999, Trent Green went down with an injury, thus giving former grocery bagger Kurt Warner a career that includes two MVPs and a Super Bowl ring. Even the Golden Boy himself has Mo Lewis to thank for paving the way to allow his magnificence to be unleashed. You know those 1972 Dolphins, the team that loathed your team's very existence last year? Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese broke his leg midway through their undefeated season. Earl Morrell stepped in and we're left with this intense level of senior citizen douchebaggery for the foreseeable future. You are also subbing for a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and have the hoodied mastermind as your coach, so you have some things that are in your favor.

Mr. Cassel, life has just gotten a little tougher for you. My advice to you is to make good decisions, with your most important being that you make sure #81 is happy. After all, you can't be worse that Alex Smith, so there's that. Congrats on the opportunity.



Peace.

NFL Final Destination

It was a pretty interesting first week of the 2008-09 NFL season. LaRon Landry learned to never tackle Brandon Jacobs high again. Vince Young is beginning to lose passengers from his own bandwagon. Matt Forte and Michael Turner appear to be worth their respective lofty pick and signing. And the 49ers still can't score two touchdowns (so everything isn't interesting). However, what everyone's talking about is Brodie Croyle's Tom Brady's season-ending injury at the hands of some guy. Regardless how you feel about the Patriots, this season will lose a little intrigue without the Golden Boy under center.

Now, I wouldn't be the conspiracy theorist I am if I didn't have a unique, beyond coincidental reason as to why #12 got hurt, and it has nothing to do with him not being on the injury list for the first time in 56 games...

For those of you that don't know, there exists an increasingly credible entity in the football realm known as the "Madden Curse." Ever since the popular video game has switched to using NFL players on the cover, each of them have had something bad happen to them. From Eddie George and Marshall Faulk's drastic dips in production, to Michael Vick and Shaun Alexander's injuries, the Curse has claimed each player in some way. For Madden 2009, [then-Packers QB #4] was chosen to be on the cover as a final tribute on what was supposed to be the end of his career. We all know and are sick of the story, and now he's a member of the New York Jets. So what is the Madden Curse supposed to do now?

In search of the answer, I'm reminded of the "Final Destination" three-movie series in which Death constructed a plan to have certain people die in various big accidents. When those involved avoided those accidents, Death came back and attempted to kill them in order (the deaths look like this) The twist is that if and when the victims somehow avoided Death's second attempt at terminating them, Death skipped to the next person in its order. But what does this have to do with [now Jets QB #4] and Tom Brady? *rose petals scatter forth as celestial music plays*

Since [Jets QB #4] switched teams after being on the cover of Madden, the Curse became confused. It was [Jets QB #4]'s way of "cheating Death." So, as in "Final Destination," the Madden Curse went to the next person in order. I believe that Tom Brady was slated to be on the cover of Madden 2010, therefore making him the Curse's next target. How else can some unknown safety injure the other Mr. Perfect twenty minutes into the season? Don't blame Bernard Pollard, Patriots fans. He was merely a pawn in the Madden Curse's diabolical scheme to eliminate the Golden Boy. There were some powerful forces at work last Sunday...

So who's next on the Madden Curse's list? Did Shawne Merriman's decision to have season-ending surgery spell doom on the likes of potential cover guys Willie Parker and Maurice Jones-Drew? Every one of those players that can potentially be on the cover of Madden better keep an eye out for signs that something sinister is between the sidelines. All except for Adrian Peterson, of course; for he is divine, holy and running back eternal.

And yes, I blame [Jets QB #4] for this, too.



Peace.

Things I Hate: Football Edition

At first, this was going to be for baseball. However, with the news of Pacman's trade in principle, I feel I should celebrate this moment in football history. The forecast in Dallas now calls for...wait for it...rain! I wonder who's his, "Ms. Pacman?" My bet is on Jessica Simpson. She looks like someone that could be persuaded to leave Tony Romo by a video game character. Anyway, if you read the first of these, you know how this goes. If you didn't, I suggest you do so or something will happen to you. Maybe something kinda cool that doesn't really hurt...or this. You know, it's your choice. As usual, I won't address any of the traditional things; but I do have a newcomer at the top spot...

(I urge you to click the hyperlinks if you can. They help to explain things.)

1.) Partiots Fans...
Think back to 1999 for a minute. Go ahead I'll give you a few sentences. This pick has nothing to do with their team's tainted success since the turn of the millenium. This is about their, "supporters," and the douchebaggieness that comes with them. Okay, now that you're in that 1999 state of mind (NSFW), do you remember the Patriots being good? My point is that from the period of 1986 to 2000, New Englanders—Massholes—must've thought football no longer existed...and that includes the Super Bowl year of 1996. From William "Refrigerator" Perry scoring Walter Payton's touchdown in Super Bowl XX to Tom Brady's first game action after Mo Lewis ruptured Drew Bledsoe's spleen in 2000, there was no such thing as a loyal supporter of the New England Patriots. Now with Tom Brady and his Golden Boy-ability (he does date supermodels, after all)...

[Door flies open, rose petals scatter forth while celestial music plays]

..Other sports fans have to suffer through their incessant rambling about how Bill Bellichick is a god. I'm not saying they shouldn't support their team, but it's the manner in which they do it. It's almost to the point where you hate them for the sole purpose that they won't shut up about it. I wanted to see history, but deep down, I thank Eli-sha Manning and the Giantsfor ending that undefeated run. Massholes almost make Mercury Morris tolerable. Almost.

2.) Emmitt Smith as an NFL Analyst...
For those that can stand to watch Sunday NFL Countdown and those shows on ESPN during football season, you may know why this is a great pick. For those of you that don't, it seems the statistically greatest running back in NFL history isn't exactly a proficient speaker. Apparently, that University of Florida education is not as good as once believed. Need proof? You're in luck. First, there's this minor slip-up. Still not convinced? I have another one for you. Not quite? How about an entire portion of a website dedicated to his anthology; and his incredible lack of grammar skills. I would say that all those hits damaged his brain, but Tom Jackson can at least form words correctly. But don't worry, ESPN says he's getting better...


3.) The "Prevent" Defense...
Have you ever watched a game in which Team A's defense is dominating Team B's offense for about three quarters. Then, in what seems to be in miraculous fashion, Team B figures it out and proceeds to march down the field for the go-ahead score? And it seems that he aggressiveness that Team A once showed is gone; and it seems that they're just sitting back, slowly allowing Team B to progress? Well, in most cases, Team A falls victim to their coach implementing the Prevent defense. It's intention is to drop a lot of coverage guys to keep the big pass play from happening and make the opposing offense take a bunch of time to score. However, most of today's offenses are based on rhythm, and allowing them to continuously gain positive yards is just a ridiculous idea. I'm not talking about when Team B has to drive 80+ yards and needs a touchdown in 30 seconds. I mean when there's 5+ minutes on the clock, and Team A is only up a field goal. Show some aggressiveness. I'm looking at you, Herm Edwards. I thought you play to win the game...Hello!


4.) The New York Jets' Drafting Strategy...
I'm no NFL GM. I'm not trying to make fun of what is undoubtedly a terribly difficult and nerve-wrecking job to have. A GM's reputation can be molded by how he does with draft picks. However, when it comes to the draft, there's a group of people in the, "War Room," that are combining their mental capacities to select the right player for their franchise. Well, there must be some interference in the Jets' War Room because they have had some head-scratching picks over the years. It begins before my time with them passing on Dan Marino for Ken O'Brien in 1983. Don't know who Ken O'Brien is? Exactly. The took fullback Roger Vick in the first round of the 1987 draft. They drafted defensive end Bryan Thomas in 2002. Know who he is? Right. Just know that Ed Reed and Lito Sheppard were selected after him. 2003 pick, and recently released, Dewayne Roberston was selected before Terrell Suggs, Troy Polamalu, Larry Johnson, and Willis McGahee. Did I mention they once drafted a fullback in the first round? I didn't even discuss drafting Doug Jolley. Someone needs to instruct them how to better scout prospects, especially in the first round. Most of those picks are either no longer on the roster; or not very good (word to Ladainian). I don't know what's funnier: Their recent draft picks, or the fact that someone created a compilation video about their Draft Day blunders.


5.) Shaun Alexander...
At initial brainstorming of this note, he was a lock for the number one spot. However, having him here at #5 seems about right. I guess it's sort of symbolic for his colossal collapse in the past two seasons. Alexander, or, "Sweet Man," as one my esteemed members of my sports braintrust calls him, was the NFL MVP of the 2005-2006 season. In hindsight, this production was primarily due to him being in his contract year; and wanting to be paid. There's certainly nothing wrong with that—get your money while you can. However, after that, Alexander no longer played with the passion needed to perform in professional sports. I would argue that he never played that way, simply because although he was putting up incredible stats, no defensive player was intimidated by him. Now that same braintrust member was hoodwinked into believing that Alexander was actually soft, because he took him before Ladanian Tomlinson in his fantasy league (Ha!). His last two seasons, granted, were hampered by injuries. Even so, it was obvious Alexander did not love the game of football; if he ever did at all. He would run and avoid contact, not like an elusive back, but as a scared one. I mean, Dirk Nowitzki says Shaun Alexander is soft. Vince Carter thinks he mails it in. With his release by the Seahawks this week, I didn't feel the need to beat a dead horse. Oh well...Congrats on getting paid and relaxing an outstanding career.

6.) Bonus...
I won't continue with the tradition of naming players that I dislike (for football reasons), because--other than Sweet Man, Cedric Benson, and Kyle Boller--there aren't that many I can say I dislike. However, for those of you that like football and live in the DC area, I will leave you with this information I discovered while being around FedEx Field: Owner Daniel Synder is a douchebag. Big time. He speaks to you as if you're not worthy of being in his presence. He wasn't mean to me or his workers around him; but he did give them a mean mug when they celebrated a good play. Just thought I'd share that with you.


Peace.

Chad Johnson: Catch Ocho-Cinco

The Roots are amazing. I defy you to find anything as fresh as this in music today.

Finally. I have a topic to be the basis of my first non-basketball post. I honestly thought it would be baseball, but whatever. So you can celebrate with me in a number of ways: the fist pump; head-butt the stadium wall; or hit yourself in the head with a tennis racket...I mean, it's your choice.


If you were watching the last five minutes of the 6 p.m. SportsCenter on April 2nd, you saw and heard the interesting, informational, and somewhat awkward (at least to Brian Kenny) interview with Chad Johnson. As you football fans know, there's an ever-growing rift between Ocho-Cinco and the Cincinnati Bengals organization. As you also know, the Bengals have other, more significant in-house issues they need to deal with; and for some reason, Johnson gets roped in as a problem of the same magnitude. The Bengals are a mess, and Johnson decided to voice his displeasure on the situation. He has noisily subliminally asked to be traded, which is commonplace in today's sports. Now, because of his opinion, he's being criticized for being obnoxious.


It's in this that I find fault with the media (again). Granted, Chad Johnson is loud, flashy, and isn't doing a lot to help out his team by making radio show rounds saying that he'll play Arena Football before he plays for the Bengals. We all know that's false—he's just frustrated. Chad Johnson will show up for the first mandatory team meeting, run his routes, and embarrass opposing defensive backs like always. But Chad Johnson has nothing to do with how many of his teammates end up in handcuffs. He's not in the draft room with the GM selecting players despite them having character issues. Did they not know that Chris Henry was teammates with Pacman Jones at WVU? That alone should be a concern; or maybe they could've considered the fact that Henry had to sit out a season in college for criminal charges—just like Pacman did...


Anyway, back to Ocho Cinco (seriously, it's "ochenta y cinco"). Chad Johnson is the second-best player on the Bengals, and one of the, "veteran leaders" of the team. So shouldn't he have the authority to express frustration with the direction his team is headed? One could argue that three seasons ago, Cincinnati was one chop-block away from a serious playoff run; and since then, their team has underachieved each season. Johnson, however, hasn't. He's maintained his production on the field, and continues to remain among the top pass-catchers in the league; so I seriously doubt he's been any sort of the problem. Some may argue his end-zone celebrations are a bit arrogant and unnecessary; but I continue to maintain—in order to have a touchdown celebration, you must score a touchdown. This means that you must produce on the field and impact the result on the scoreboard in order to celebrate afterwards. I've yet to see a "five-yard completion," celebration dance. Heaven forbid the man enjoys playing a sport most of us play for free. Football, at its root, is a game. You play games, but once you become a professional at a game, you are no longer allowed to celebrate. So, by this logic, I can celebrate winning a meaningless game of Madden (who want it?); but Chad Johnson can't celebrate a touchdown in real life? Whatever...


It's in this ongoing tug-of-war that #85 is torn. On one hand, the Bengals and NFL exploit his personality for the power of a dollar; but blast him for having an opinion. And on the other hand, if he were the complete opposite—and didn't care what happened to the franchise—he'd be chastised for not caring enough about the game and acting lackadaisical towards his profession. Either way, he loses. I side with him and would rather be myself and receive flack for that, then be a "company man" and receive the same amount of criticism.


While it's probably over for him in the 'Nati, Chad Johnson's not the reason for the dysfunction of the Bengals. If anything, he's someone they should have supported from Day One. So, when the day comes that he's on another team (come on 'Niners), we'll see how Carson Palmer feels about it.


Peace.