DC Sports Diva's Dialogue

2011 - Week One in Review – Redskins vs. Giants

2011-09-13T15:17:00.000-04:00

The Washington Redskins had their first game of the 2011 - 2012 Season on Sunday September 11^th. In front of a packed house, it was a good 28 – 14 victory for the Redskins. Although this game ended like I wanted it to, this game had an emotional start because both these cities were majorly affected by the events of September 11, 2001. The weather - beautiful. The opponent -NFC East rival. The atmosphere - Not Normal.

· I did my usual tailgating, making my signature spicy meatballs. Of course; – Normal

· I towed a car full of Giants fans to the game. – Not Normal (PigsknLnvgLady & SportsDiva627)

· I went to my lower level seats first to get some on field warm up photos. – Normal

· I couldn’t Tweet anything because the reception at FedEx Field was very poor. – Not Normal

· When the introductions started, I stood with the crowd for the National Anthem. - Normal

· When I sat down, I was embarrassingly wiping my face. – Not Normal

When the people assigned to carry a 100 yard flag slowly entered the Giants sideline, Colin Powell was walking up the 50 yard line for the coin toss.

- I felt my emotions changing.

Next, there was a moment of silence for those that lost their lives ten years ago.

- Now, I was getting mushy.

The flag slowly, methodically overcame the green of the football field.

- I felt my throat getting tight.

Players from both teams walked to the flag’s rim to grab hold of this sight of beauty.

- My nose was burning!

Recording Artist Neo began to sing the National Anthem and the flag holders rapidly made wave like motions with the flag, as if it is was blowing in the breeze.

- Tears fell from my eyes...

I was overcome with the meaning of this day, the meaning of our freedoms. I am ‘proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me….’

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Ten - Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

2010-11-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

Congrats! This jersey is going to Canton.

This was the worst game that I have viewed in person in years. Everything that could have gone right for the Eagles did, and it seem the Redskins just stood around and let it happen. There was no.... I can't do this!

This Diva is Damaged!

NFL Week Eight In Review – Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions

2010-11-01T13:18:00.000-04:00

Both Logan & Banks had good returns; Banks' for a TD. (Move over Spievey!)

The Washington Redskins played the Detroit Lions yesterday and it was UGLY!!! Since I have DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket at home, I usually invite family and friends over for the Redskins away games. This is normally a bad idea, but being a Redskins fan, you should already know that I am a gluten for punishment. This day started without any major incidents…other than the fact that too many people where picking the Redskins to win. THIS is always a kiss of death. As the game started, it was clear to me that the Redskins would do what we normally do…play down to our competition. We had already beat the Eagles, Packers, and Bears; teams with current winning records. Plus, we beat up on the Cowboys…a loser, I know; but they were picked to go All-The-Way! Then here come the Lions. This is a team that was 1 -5 prior to our match up; a team that had already lost to...? Yup, you guessed it…the Eagles, Packers, and Bears!

This game was lost on so many levels. The Redskins never seemed to show any sense of superiority over this weak Lions team. The Redskins stood around and traded ‘3-and-out’series and punts to start the game. Once the Lions scored their first TD, then all of a sudden the Redskins came alive. We answered by having a decent return by Banks (He’s so cute!), a lovely run by McNabb (He’s still mobile?), and a 6 yard TD to Torain (He’s multitalented!). Then, like clockwork, the Redskins relax a bit, with 2 FGs; one of these FGs should have been a TD. It seems like we went to the half and before I knew it, it was late in the 4^th Qtr…5:33 to be exact! The Redskins lead by 5 (25 to 20) and then all HELL broke loose! In no time flat, there was an interception and a Lions TD! A Lions FG! A Redskins fumble and another Lions TD!!! There were 17 unanswered Lions points before I could complete the process of taking a single sip (not a swig-mind you) and swallow from my wine glass.

This game showcased the Good, the Bad & the Ugly!! The GOOD was a 96 yard Kickoff Return by Brandon Banks in the 4^th quarter. The BAD was the missed or incorrect call on Phillip Daniels on a FG attempt that resulted in a Lions TD. The UGLY was the 7 sacks that Donovan McNabb had to endure. He does need to release the ball a bit faster, BUT, the Offensive Line CANNOT blame each sack on McNabb’s timing. Rex Grossman entered the game and was quickly introduced to the turf!! In the end, the Redskins sunk into the same, familiar, lackluster, game ending debacle. On top of it all, have WE started a quarterback controversy?

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Seven in Review – Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears

2010-10-26T14:53:00.000-04:00

On its way to Canton, OH!!!

The Washington Redskins had a crazy game in the ‘Windy City’ when they faced the Chicago Bears last Sunday. I hesitated in posting this blog as new quotes and comments from players and coaches from both teams just kept pouring in…they just would not stop. First and foremost, I want to send a BIG THANK YOU to DeAngelo Hall for having a wonderful game. With all the things that went wrong, his efforts really won that game for us. Every time we needed a big play, there he was. This blog is dedicated to the many quotes of the week; oh my goodness the quotes:

· The Redskins offense? Mostly along for the ride. A bumpy one. - Larry Weisman

· We knew from watching film of Culter that we were going to get some opportunities. - DeAngelo Hall

· Hall made plays on Sunday…Four of them, in fact. - Gary Fitzgerald

· There are a lot of things we..er ah…I would like to do differently. - Lovie Smith

· Smith regrets not challenging the QB sneak, it wasn't the only reason the Bears lost. - Larry Mayer

· Haynesworth jumped over an offensive lineman to grab Cutler at the 1-yard line - Associated Press

· Albert played exceptionally well. - Mike Shanahan,

· I still think if we had to play him (D. Hall) tomorrow, I'd go after him every time. – Jay Cutler

…And then there were the Tweets:

· @classic74: I must admit its great to not be the team everyone is talking ish about on Monday/Tuesday morning...we win ugly but we winning

· @Drunken_Monkee: I swear the #Redskins goin drive me to drink today!

· @LeighBodden: INT for DeAngelo Hall was SICK!!

· @ryanohalloran: Total yards to this point: Redskins 144, Bears minus-4.

· @riggo44: The Bears offense is a laugh in progress…And my favorite of the week…

· @Dhall23: Just got word Canton came and picked up my jersey from the Chicago Game.

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Six in Review – Colts vs. Redskins

2010-10-18T15:39:00.001-04:00

Diva & a Colts fan! (Booo!)

The Washington Redskins played the Indianapolis Colts last night, and what a nail biter of a game it was. My entire day was totally consumed with Redskins game day activities. To start, the weather was beautiful and beautiful football weather always brings about so much promise to my heart. I watched very little pregame shows. Mainly because the Redskins always get negative media coverage…and by ‘negative media coverage’, I mean we never get picked to win! Sometimes I listen for the fun of it and sometimes it just plain ole rubs me the wrong way. Sometimes I get bored with the same ole hyped-up stories; You know...Dallas this… and Bret Farve that…blah, blah, blah. I did manage to watch the Eagles game, and got mad...and by 'mad', I mean LOSE Eagles, Jeez! But the Cowboys did brighten my day!!

Anyway….by 3 pm, my ‘Tailgating Specialty –Meatballs’ were cooking and soon I arrived at FedEx Field. Yeah, I was real early, the lots opened early, so why not?? Since I had been Tweeting all morning with fellow Redskins fans; I visited several new Tweeps in the parking lot. We shared food, drinks, smiles and predictions…and by ‘predictions’ I mean Colts will LOSE!! I knew this would not be an easy game, as Peyton Manning is a great QB and the Colts are a well prepared team. Not that we aren’t but this Redskins team is still building a nucleus and in the process of settling in with each other. Previously, I told everyone what the Redskins needed to do to win, but no… they didn’t want to listen to me and now it was time to play the damn thing. It’s always all about ‘deep analysis’, so here is the game recap:

• 57-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Garcon COLTS 7, REDSKINS 0 (Big Deal!!)
• 9-yard rushing touchdown by Torain COLTS 7, REDSKINS 7 (Now the game is Even Steven!!)

• 5-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Collie COLTS 14, REDSKINS 7 (…5yards?? Pfff!!)

• 43-yard field goal by Vinatieri COLTS 17, REDSKINS 7 (He barely made this one!!)
• 1-yard rushing touchdown by Torain COLTS 17, REDSKINS 14(On his way to a 100 yd game!!)
• 13-yard rushing touchdown by Addai COLTS 24, REDSKINS 14 (Damn, that dude is a workhorse!!)
• 39-yard field goal by Gano COLTS 24, REDSKINS 17(Here we come, Baby!!)
• 33-yard field goal by Vinatieri COLTS 27, REDSKINS 17(Eventual game winning kick!!)
• 8-yard touchdown pass from McNabb to Keiland COLTS 27, REDSKINS 24(A little too late!!)

Diva & some of the Hogettes!!

On the bright side…and by ‘bright side’, I mean areas where we out-performed the Colts. I always look for a bright side. A football game is full of little battles that equate to a single war. On the field we did have some good statistics…you know, battles that we won:

• First downs: The Redskins had 23 to the Colts had 22;
• Turnovers: Redskins suffered by throwing 2 interceptions, but the Colts lost 3 of 4 fumbles;
• Time of possession: We had the ball for 32:30 minutes compared to the Colts 27:30;

• Wow!! That’s all I’ve got on positives; I thought there were more!!

The fact that we lost by only 3 points to a team that had 134 more total yards and Peyton Manning at the helm is not so bad. We will get the victory next week, beware BEARS…and by ‘BEARS’, I mean losers!!

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Six – Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Redskins

2010-10-15T12:42:00.000-04:00

Photo Courtesy @Redskinsblog

The Washington Redskins play the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday night in prime time. From the sports buzz that I have been hearing throughout the week, the Colts are favored to win. This is always a good thing to me. Every game that the Redskins are favored, we manage to give the game away. Yet we sneak up and beat unexpected ‘better’ opponents. The sports world is intense right now with all its analysis, predictions, and bogus keys to the game. A regular and routinely asked question is, “What do the Redskins need to do to win?” I think this is the silliest question in all of sports! In fact, I could type all day; boring you stiff, with intelligent, clever, and witty responses to this question. In all, they will not be the real thing that the Redskins NEED to do to win against the Colts. Let’s review:

· The Redskins need to perform better on Offense:

o McNabb needs to settle down earlier in the game and be the Leader we know him to be;

o The receivers need to execute their plans to the end, never giving up in stride;

o The running backs need to dig deep to get those extra yards on the ground;

o Reach the Red Zone and score, no ‘3 and outs’!

· The Redskins Special Teams need to be wise on both sides of the ball:

o Banks needs to get open so he can do his thing;

o There cannot be penalties away from the ball that negate good returns;

o The kicking team has to get down field fast and make a play on the ball;

o Set the offense up with good field position or take it to the house!

· The Redskins Defense needs to continue to operate at a high level:

o Landry, Hall and Rogers cannot let their offense get easy yards;

o Limit unnecessary penalties;

o Knock a few players out;

o We have to force turnovers and score!

I know I sound wise and all-knowing about the ways of football and all. You have to give me credit, these are all good things, and if we do them, we should win. But the reality is, the Redskins can do all of these things and lose. In fact, the Redskins can do none of these things and win. Sadly, there is really only ONE thing the Redskins HAVE to do to win the game. That is----score more points than the Colts!

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Five in Review – Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins

2010-10-11T14:04:00.002-04:00

The Powerful Mr. Landry

What a great TIME I had at FedEx Field on Sunday as the Redskins hosted the Green Bay Packers. To start the game, there was the very powerful LaRon Landry causing a Green Bay turnover; a completed pass from A. Rodgers to D. Lee combined with a forced fumble that was recovered by the very alert Kareem Moore. Before the play was over, J. Finley had to be carted off the field…all this with less than a minute of game time ticking off the clock. (14:04 left in the 1st Qtr) After that, there was R Pickett down with less than 2 minutes gone. (13:03 left in the 1st Qtr) Early on, this game proved to be one that will be decided by time and injuries.

I will fast forward to the Packers having 1st & goal from the Redskins 5 yard line. (11:00 left in the 1st Qtr) It took them two complete minutes to score their only TD of the game, but then I see D. Lee leaving the sideline for the locker room without wearing his jersey…or pads... hmmm. (8:50 left in the 1st Qtr) He was later determined to be OUT with a shoulder injury. (Who touched him?)

To start the 2nd quarter, the Packers had 1st & Ten from the Redskins 20…Red Zone Time! (Oh no!) A mere 50 seconds later and it was 1st & Goal from the Redskins 9…Red Zone Alert Time! (Dayyyum!) No dice, on first down, the very strong Chris Wilson makes one helluva play. Second & Goal, NOPE! It is now 3rd & Goal from INSIDE the Redskins 1 yard line. A. Rodgers keeps the ball and gets zilch, zip, nada, nothing…not even a hair of movement of the ball. The Packers are thinking…scratching their heads…looking around… they take too long. They take a much needed time out. With all their wisdom, they decided to TRY to DISRESPECT my defense by going for it on 4^th down…albeit 4^th & inches from the goal line…but who did they think they were messing with? (12:16 left in the 2nd Qtr) [By the way 12:16 is always a GREAT time.] The Packers depart from their huddle and incomplete their pass; it was broken up by the very aptly positioned Lorenzo Alexander. GOAL LINE STANCE! Two field goals later by both teams and the score is Packers 10 – Redskins 3 at the half. I am getting all excited…again…just by typing this game recap...Focus Diva, focus!

The 3rd quarter only saw another Packers field goal. Finally, our fearless leader Donovan McNabb connects on a 48 yard TD pass to the very talented Anthony Armstrong and the very lovely legged Graham Gano tied the game. We overcame a 10 point 4th quarter deficit, something we rarely do. (1:07 left in the 4th Qtr) The Packers M. Crosby missed a 53 yard field goal with only 1 second left in regulation!! It was not overtime, it was ‘nail biting, heart attack having, butterfly stomach churning, and grey hair growing’ time.

The Attractive Mr. Landy!!

In this 5th quarter, on a Packers drive; the very attractive…I mean, very aggressive LaRon Landry makes a diving interception….then with 6:54 on the overtime clock the very accurate Graham Gano kicked a 33 yard game winning field goal after the Packers coach tried to ice him. In the end, the Redskins celebrated a 16-13 overtime win over the Packers.

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Four In Review – Washington Redskins vs.Philadelphia Eagles

2010-10-06T11:54:00.000-04:00

When the Washington Redskins played the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, the victory was bitter sweet. First off, I got sick, somehow on Friday night. I barked, chocked, and slept thru the haze that was Saturday and barely enjoyed the pregame NFL shows. Funny though, I was alert enough to see the entire NFL on FOX broadcast team pick the Eagles over the Redskins...those suckas know nothing! Besides that great bit of encouragement, there was so much hype about the ‘McNabb vs. Philly Event’ and the ‘McNabb vs. Vick Game’, that everyone forgot that on “Any Given Sunday” anyone can win...which is why they play the games. Yet, McNabb didn’t get booed during his introduction and the game started. However, the Eagles fans did share a healthy set of ‘boos’ when McNabb took the field for the Redskins first possession. The Redskins came out of the locker room and practically scored all of their points in the first few possessions.

Rasheed, part of the Redskins Faithful!!

So the game fizzled on, I laid in my sick bed and watched. After a while I noticed that all of the ‘boos’ from the Eagles fans were for the Eagles team...and I loved it! I felt my second wind. I managed to shower and throw on some clothes. I went to my brother’s house to watch the second half with family and friends. Unfortunately, nothing changed over at Dear ole Andy’s. The Redskins didn’t score anymore, which made me mad. BUtttt, the Eagles booing chants continued, and sounded better and better with each new chorus. The game otherwise was a dud, but then it perked up a bit. The Eagles last drive was a possible game winning drive and I thought we were headed a fantastic finish. Nail biting time. Our defense had narrowly dropped three interceptions while the Eagles inched their way towards the goal line. In the end, their offense actually dropped the game winner. I mean, we won the game, but we didn’t ‘beat ’them. The scary thing is, us Redskins faithful are acting as if we did a beat down of the Eagles...and who am I to ruined our...err… ah, I mean, their… fun? On the other hand, it is good to know the Redskins did follow my instructions on keys to winning the games. In my preview blog post, I suggested;

· Offensive Line: Protect McNabb; Mmmm, no major mistakes.

· McNabb: Do not take your time in the pocket; Did a decent job.

· McNabb: Share Eagles offensive plays w/Defensive Coordinator; Did he?

· Defensive Coordinator: Have every defender on the same page; Did they?

· Defensive players…go get him!!!! And by him, I mean Vick!! Did THAT!!!!

· Michael Vick: Choke!! More like, broke…his ribs...Sorry!

· Wide Receivers: Run the correct route…and…oh yeah, CATCH the ball! PLEASE!

· Mike Sellers: Do great blocking for Portis; Mike had some good blocks!

· Clinton Portis: Run behind Mike; he did & so did Torain.

· Clinton Portis: No crazy blocking or tackling; check!!

· Special Teams: Control your downs and contain DeSean Jackson; Well!!!!

· D. Jackson: Run slow…I should have said get the ball, and then run slow.

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Four – Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles

2010-10-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

The Washington Redskins are playing the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. This game has received more coverage than a Redskins/Eagles game normally commands. The tension on the streets of DC is that of what is experienced during ‘Dallas Week’. The chatter about this game can be heard everywhere. I have been overwhelmed with media articles, TV Interviews, Sports Reporter’s predictions, Barber Shops loud-mouths, coffee shops know-it-alls, uninformed co-workers from the job, tacky internet bloggers, and yes…non-English speaking nail salon employees. A Diva can’t even get groomed without folks nagging me about the so-called Vick/McNabb showdown. Although I AM the DC Sports Diva, it does not mean I want to hear about the ‘dumbness of the Redskins when they overlooked getting McNabb for $1.5M two years ago’, or that ‘Vick is going to run all over the Redskins’, or…my personal favorite, ‘how McNabb and Shanahan are both washed-up former NFL employees’,….while I’m trying to pick out a color for my toes. Good Grief!!

Two Traders!!!

Whew! I was about to snap….again...but never in the blog… I am a professional. I keeps it 100, Classy and Regal in the blog...okay?? Okay!! Speaking of Class, I might lose a few ‘classy-lady points this weekend. Let’s face it, we are playing the Philadelphia Eagles. The Philadelphia fan base has to be the worst in the league. Hell, the Philadelphia fan base has to be the worst in the history of sports…Just ask Kobe B or Allen I, but I am getting away from my topic. These people are another type of species. Cut throat, low down and dirty, I mean dog eat dog…no pun intended. So in order to shut these people up, the Redskins are going to have to come out with everything they have. There should be no giving of anything to Vick…no good looks, no long passes and no long runs. The only long thing he can have is a long break on the sidelines while the Redskins offense runs up and down the field.

I am offering these keys to the Redskins personnel, in order to win this game;

· Offensive Line: Protect McNabb and give him time to develop the called play;

· McNabb: Do not take your time, the Offensive Line can only 'hold unoticed' for so long;

· McNabb: Dump your brain of Eagles offensive plays on the Defensive Coordinator;

· Defensive Coordinator: Have every defender on the same page;

· Defensive players…go get him!!!! And by him, I mean Vick!!

· Michael Vick: Choke!!

· Wide Receivers: Run the correct route…and…oh yeah, CATCH the ball! PLEASE!

· Mike Sellers: Do your normal great blocking for Portis;

· Clinton Portis: Run behind Mike and do NOT fall too soon;

· Clinton Portis: No crazy blocking or tackling that will have you sitting hurt in the 2^nd half;

· Special Teams: Control your downs and contain DeSean Jackson;

· D. Jackson: Run slow, out run your blockers and fall way too soon…ask Portis how to do this properly!!

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Three – Washignton Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams

2010-10-01T12:38:00.000-04:00

The Redskins played the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, September 26th. This was the Redskins first away game of the 2010 season. So I got the chance to relax in the comfort of my own home and watch the game unfold…in front of invited guests. This is always a bad move for me…to have people over. Some ‘friends’ aren’t as enthusiastic, shall I say, about the Redskins as I am or as devoted as I’d like them to be. At the first sign of caution, the crowd acts as if I lined up wrong. They could not stay focused on what was really happening. And in this game, there was a lot happening. First, the Redskins always play (up or down) to their competition’s level. There was no reason the Redskins should have lost that game. After all, in the 2008 Season the Rams only won 2 games…one against the Cowboys (hee-hee) and the other against…well…the Redskins…but you know what we were going through back then! It was a crazy time. Can I just say, “Rookie Head Coach”? Yet in the 2009 season the Rams only won 1 game…one! This game came in week 8 against the Detroit Lions (Duh!!!) Therefore, according to my calculations…and I do calculations for a living…the Rams were on track to win NO games this season. But that was then and this is now.

Rookie-Sam Bradford

Here comes this Hot-Shot Rookie Quarterback…thinking he is supposed to win some games. Nobody on that team even told him about their recent history. Noooooo! The nerve of this kid! Let’s think about it, the Rams were already 0-2. Meanwhile, the Redskins played down to theee wire against the Cowboys with only 0:03 seconds in regulation left…yeah, remember that? Then we lost a nail biter in overtime to the Texans…Just for the record, I don’t care what they say, that FG that we kicked should have counted...calling timeout at the last second is just rude.

In any event, I felt the Rams could be a little bit desperate. They have this highly talented rookie QB that has proven he is ready for the NFL and the beast that is Steven Jackson. Even though McNabb had a great game last week, the Redskins still lost. This week we had a different dynamic, because McNabb, the Rams Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur, and the Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo all worked together in Philadelphia for almost decade. I am sure the Rams knew exactly what they were doing when they shut our offense down by keeping McNabb in the pocket, and by forcing us into plays that were unscripted. On the other side of the ball, our defense could not keep up with the Rams’ offense. We have some good Defenders; I do not know how in the world this Defense is ranked so low in the league. (Nor do I want to hear from anyone about it.) We all know that in just two games LaRon Landry, alone, had a sack, 2 tackles for a loss of yards, 4 QB hurries, and an amazing 31 tackles!

In the end, we all saw the game. The Rams came out the gate with two quick touchdowns!! But before the half, the Redskins were in the lead with a score of 16-14. Who would have thought that there would be no more Redskins scoring? Certainly not me. What else is there to say?

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Two in Review – Houston Texans vs. Washington Redskins

2010-09-21T13:38:00.001-04:00

The Redskins played the Houston Texans on Sunday, and it was quite a game. My daughter (on the left) and her college roommate came all the way from North Carolina for the game, just to go from ‘all smiles’ to ‘nobody talk to me’. Although we didn’t come away with a victory, it was a very entertaining game. When the Redskins lose a game, my whole week is pretty scrambled. I mean…my ability to think straight is reduced, my tolerance for (all) people decreases, even my fabulous sense of humor suffers…and we all know aint nuthin’ funny ‘bout that!

Here, Vee, Mamma Portis and I smile before the game. We had to smile before the game, because it was only shock and disbelief on our faces as the game slowly (but surely) slipped away.

The Redskins had several opportunities to win the game…clearly not enough. For every good Redskins statistics, the Texans had a better stat. Check out these game day stats:

· The Redskins scored on their first three possessions. (First time doing that since 2003.)

· The Texans scored the last four scoring drives. (We got tired from all that early scoring.)

· The Texans had 5 penalties for 45 yards. (Cool, that’s almost half the field.)

· The Redskins had 7 penalties for 58 yards. (Damn, that is more than half the field.)

· The Redskins had a 17 point lead, with 5:31 left in the 3rd Quarter. (Yeah Baby!!)

· This brings me back to the last four Texans scoring drives! (20 unanswered points. Ugh!!)

· The Redskins Defense had 1 INT and 5 sacks!! (Defense!! Defense!!)

· The Redskins had 1 INT and 5 sacks, but Schaub still passed for 497 yards. (This guy!!)

· The Redskins Offense racked up 421 net yards. (Offense!! Offense!!)

· The Texans Defense held our rushing game to 17 attempts for 18 yards. (Wait…what??)

· The Texans Kicker, Rackers, missed a 47 yard FG...it was wide right. (Hee-hee!!)

· The Redskins Kicker, Gano, missed a 52 yard FG...it was wide right. (NO fair!! He made the 1st one!!)

· The Redskins lost the coin toss in overtime, but stopped the Texans. (Our turn for the ball, Baby!!)

· The Redskins lost the coin toss, stopped the Texans but couldn’t score. (Their turn for the ball!!)

· The Redskins had five scoring drives resulting in 3 Touchdowns and 2 FGs.

· The Texans had six scoring drives resulting in 3 Touchdowns and 3 heartbreaking FGs.

I have to admit; the Texans played the entire game and never gave up. The Redskins need to learn to stop letting leads slip away. The entire state of Texas had to be glad to see the Texans start the season 2-0, especially against the Redskins. However, I will cheer with half of the state in wishing the Texans go on to achieve a 3-0 start next week. (They play the Cowboys!!)

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week Two – Houston Texans vs. Washignton Redskins

2010-09-17T14:37:00.002-04:00

The Redskins are playing the Houston Texans on Sunday. Since the Texans joined the NFL in 2002, these two teams have only matched-up twice. The first game was in Week 16 of the 2002 season; the Redskins killed the Texans 26-10 at FedEx Field. (Slightly Smiles!!) The second game was in Week 3 of the 2006 Season; the Redskins whipped the Texans 31-15 at Reliant Stadium. (Wide smile & Chuckles!!) Despite these two mere encounters, some of the personnel on both teams are very familiar with each other. Ten of the coaches that will be on the sidelines on Sunday are former members of the Denver Broncos coaching staff; actually the Texans now have two Coordinators and three Assistants who worked under Mike Shanahan in Denver. The clincher is that Houston’s Head Coach, Gary Kubiak, played…er ah, was on the team…(wispers…bench rider) for the Denver Broncos from 1983 to 1991, while our beloved Head Coach, Mike Shanahan, was a coach (in some capacity) for the Denver Broncos for 20 of the last 26 years. Wow!!! This game may have a real ‘Gunslinger’ feel to it.

Wait… enough about good ole times with the Denver Broncos. There will be no John Elway there…we have McNabb. There will be no Champ Baily there…we have Clinton Portis. Do you remember that trade? (Covers mouth & Snickers!!) After all, this is a Redskins game. And we are in DC!! None other than FedEx Field…home of the Washington Redskins. It is also the home to Chuck Brown, the God-Father of Go-Go. As a matter of fact, he is the scheduled halftime performer for Sunday’s game. Just like all audience members’ plea to Chuck at his shows…Wind me up Chuck!! Meanwhile, I am already wound up. The Redskins need to pickup things right where they left off last week as we cleaned the clock of that other Texas team. (Full blown laughter!!) Just in case you need me to Back It on Up, I will remind you… that game was decided in the last 3 seconds!! Favorable for the ‘Skins, may I add. After that climactic finish, we continued to party in the parking lot. It was almost midnight, but no one cared. Daylight could have come, but we didn’t want to go home. On Sunday, as a faithful football screamer, I not only plan on screaming, but I intend to yell, cheer, shout, & Coo. You know…Coo. We aren’t yelling Boo, we are yelling Coooooley!!) I am proud to be that 12^th Man that the Redskins rely on. The atmosphere of the place will have a Go-Go Swing to it as our defense orders another Stormy Monday for their opponent. (Holds stomach, doubles over & chackles!!)

On the other hand, we Redskins fans cannot get too excited about our prior performances against the Texans, because that was in the past. In fact, most Redskins fans don’t know what to make of the Texans this week other than the fact that they beat the Colts last Sunday. Oh wait…we do know a lot about them, or at least Kyle Shanahan, Mike’s handsome son, does. (Giggles!!) His job last year was with the Texans. (Points at team and laughs a Dr. Evil laugh!!) The game cannot get here fast enough, but first I have a few questions:

· Do You Know What Time It Is? - Its 4:15pm, late game action.

· Anyone want to bet on this game? - I Need Some Money!!

· The prior relationships and our 2- 0 records means? – It Don’t Mean a Thing!!

· What shall I do immediately after the victory? – Get Your Freak On!!

· Why? Because We came to Party!!

This Diva is Done!

NFL Week One in Review – Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

2010-09-16T13:49:00.000-04:00

The Washington Redskins started the new season with a win against the Dallas Cowboys. It was a pretty decent solid game of football to say the least. Since I cannot talk too much trash about our overall performance, I will acknowledge that work still needs to be done on both sides of the ball for the Redskins. On the other hand a victory is a VICTORY. I see no need in dwelling on the negative aspects of the game especially since this victory did what it always does. It places a certain calm over the city and provides some level of peace in the hearts of Redskins fans alike. Plus, I get the added bonus of talking more trash to the Dallas fanatics for at least another 3 months. I know the afterglow of this successful game will be short lived, but it makes watching any Sports programming much easier. I don’t have to mute the TV or leave the room when the News goes to the Sports segment, and I don’t have to avoid watching SportsCenter, PTI, or the halftime NFL highlights during MNF. In summary, I’ll just move on to the positives…my day and the end result. Yeah!!, the end result that came with only .03 seconds on the clock while my heart thumped out of my ample breast…yeah, THAT end result. However, instead of talking highlights, let me share my season opening day.

The day before the game, I attended a Wine Festival so when I went to sleep, shall I say…I was a little tipsy. Tipsy or not, the game was on my mind as I slept. Sadly, I slept like a kid awaiting the first day of school. I woke up with butterflies in my stomach, (…or was that a wine hangover??? Hmmm?) I was as nervous as if I was about to make my NFL debut. Later, I spoke to my girlfriends that were going to the game with me to finalize our plans, as I watched NFL Countdown & the NFL of FOX. You know… just to hear what the latest media comments were about my darling Redskins…typical stuff, but nothing new. I made the meatballs. Oh yeah, I CAN cook. Every Redskins home game, I make the meatballs for my tailgating crew. (Can I just say, I gets compliments. OKaaay? OK!) Seriously, after getting things on the home front all situated, I carefully placed my ‘curly Redskins R’ & ‘Redskins helmet’ magnets on my burgundy car & began the drive to FedEx Field. I listened to Sirius NFL coverage and got highly pissed as I listened to the Giants refusing to lose their dumb game, but I digress.

Arriving at the parking lot to tailgate (we don’t tailgate for preseason games) after so many months away, almost brought tears to my eyes. After eating like a pig & drinking like a fish, (not really, I drink responsibly), we went into the stadium. At this point I am very very nervous because the kickoff is getting close and we are playing Dallas afterall. I am harassing fools wearing their musky Dallas attire, while giving the royal treatment to wise intelligent people that properly have on Redskins gear… as any self respecting Redskins fan does. The game starts and it was enjoyable. Some fans get all caught up on certain statistics. Sometimes I do, but when the numbers are not favorable to me, I only care about one statistic...

· Dallas had more 1^st downs (24 vs. 17) Big deal!!

· Dallas had more total plays (71 vs. 56) Who cares??

· Dallas had more total yards (380 vs. 250) Whateva!!

· Dallas had more time (34:03 vs. 25:57) What did they do with that time, huh???

· Dallas had more TURNOVERS (1 vs. 0) I love you DeAngelo Hall!!

· Redskins had more POINTS! (13 vs. their stinky ole 7) Hail to the Redskins!!!

This Diva is Done! ...and so is this Drunk Dallas Dude!!!

NFL Week One – Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

2010-09-16T13:25:00.000-04:00

The Washington Redskins start the new season with a ‘must-win-game’ Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys. With all the hype and hoopla that surrounded this team during the off season and all the high expectations placed on the new arrivals; a loss will immediately place devastation and panic in the hearts of many Redskins fans. …Not that devastation is unfamiliar to us…but it hurts each and every time just the same.

We Redskins fans have been constantly strung along; similar to what CRACK does to addicts. The organization (crack) makes us fans feel sooo good with the possibility of HOPE. You cannot get a legal & safe HIGH greater than HOPE. With each good off season action (puff and drag), our high grew and grew. There was the parade of new arrivals…the GM, the QB, the draft picks, etc. Yet, with every offseason headline (hangover), our high was blown and the great high, became a miserable low. There was all of the national negative press about our beloved Albert H. …You know Albert H; the man that the football world loves to hate. The drama that started with a huge check in the spring, then it continued with a no show at mini-camp, and the various medical issues; my favorite was the “HEADACHES”. But in true addict fashion, who cares how bad I look? Or how bad I feel? Or how bad I am viewed? Besides, what have any of the Redskins haters done for me lately? If you are about to get me my next fix…where da party at?? Let’s get it on!! I’ll party with you, you foolish Dallas fan, you! “Where?”, you say? …8pm…Sunday… Sept 12^th… FedEx Field. Whachu gots to say? If you can’t get me my next fix, keep your silly ignorant comments to yourself!! (I’ll deal with you Houston people next week, so get ready!!)

Seriously, being a Redskins fans has me acting just like a fiend. The front office and the players can get me high, and ohh does it feel so so good. While trying to get my bearings straight, I stumble in the euphoria or shame as appropriate. Then, this same lover of sorts, kicks me directly in the teeth as my high wears down. Ultimately, without missing a beat, the very next day, or sometimes, later that night, I am looking for my next fix. All the while, I’m mouthing off with craziness like, “that’s all right, we had issues. Yeah, you won the game, but you didn’t ‘beat’ us”. Insanity!! My rollercoaster love affair with the Redskins over the last few months went like this:

· Off season acquisitions and hires look promising. -Yay!!

· Off season antics with million $$ checks & HGH arrests in the headlines. -Aww!!

· The Million $$ man shows up, with a reduction in weight & looking good. -Wow!!

· But #92 can’t pass a basic test without collapsing, or a potty break. -What??

· The preseason has arrived- we get to see action (McNabb in a Skins jersey). -Great!!

· Oh_oo, #92 is getting too much action-…in the 4^th quarter. -Huh??

· We had a decent preseason. -Cool!!

· But there was drama. -Damn!!

· So it’s a new season. -Let’s Go!!!

· But there is still drama. -Awe Hell Naw!!

· We’ve got Dallas… at home… to open the season. -Hail to the Redskins!!

· We still got #92… at home… to open the season. -Now what?

This Diva is Done!