Redskins Rewatching Horrible 2008 Preseason Game For Motivation
The Redskins played this week's opponents, the Carolina Panthers, during last year's preseason. The results were not good. The Redskins lost 47-3 and gave up 228 rushing yards -- and it was bad enough that I was shocked the number was that LOW when I looked it up. I thought the Panthers topped 300.
So, logically enough, Greg Blache announced today -- during his last time addressing the media, for reasons that aren't entirely clear [UPDATE: according to Coach Zorn, it is for "personal reasons"] -- that they've been replaying that wonderful performance to get the team ready this week.
"There's no rest for the weary," Blache said. "We've got Carolina coming up; they've had a week off to get ready. They have two excellent running backs, they have two first-round pick tackles that are excellent players. They have one of the best wide receivers in the business. They've got a veteran quarterback, and last time we played 'em they rushed for over 300 yards against us in the preseason, so we've showed that to the guys."
Well, nothing motivates me quite like a review of a time when I was completely debacle-icious, I know that. Reviewing things that didn't go well never demoralizes me at all. Nope.
The players I spoke to, though, seemed perfectly fine with it.
"It gave me a little bit of gas, you know," linebacker/defensive end Chris Wilson said, "made my stomach turn a little bit. But that just shows the reality of the talent that they have. Both of those running backs, [DeAngelo] Williams and [Jonathan] Stewart -- awesome running backs, man -- they did not miss a gap that preseason game. It shows how disciplined we've gotta be."
Which led almost inevitably to the refrain of who has been slowing down the 2009 Redskins: if you ask the players, it's always the 2009 Redskins. "You know, we're our biggest nemesis," Wilson said. "If we do what we're supposed to do ... well, that's what that preseason game was about: it was showing us what happens when one person in undisciplined. Just a reminder to help us focus up."
Rookie linebacker/defensive end Brian Orakpo wasn't even here then, so I was especially curious to hear his thoughts. "First thing, I was like, 'Oooooo.' That score was nasty," Orakpo said. "You know, that was the first thing, but we've just gotta take it and now I'm just trying my best to learn from it and see where I fit in that defense, when they're running the ball so well."
But Orakpo says that this is a motivational method that works with the guys. "It fires us up," he said, "because you don't wanna go out with a bad taste in our mouth. We've just gotta use it as motivation."
Wilson was walking by as he said this, and he suggested Orakpo offer up an even simpler message: "Tell 'em 'That was before I got here. I'm here now.'"
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
10-08-2009 @ 3:29PM
TDye29 said...
That was the first Redskins game that my son had been to. Boy that was a bad day, living in the Carolinas and rooting for the Skins. Please DOBETTER this Sunday.
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10-08-2009 @ 5:12PM
dutchnblue said...
Don't feel so bad i was at this years lions game..... my brother and i had to do the walk of shame leaving the stadium.
HTTR from MI
10-08-2009 @ 3:31PM
Paul said...
"There's no rest for the weary," Blache said. "We've got Carolina coming up; they've had a week off to get ready. They have two excellent running backs, they have two first-round pick tackles that are excellent players.
Hmmm, those are what the Skins DONT have..Thanks Vinny..Youre drafts are always so promising. Whoops that was a negaitive post. Sorry Matt and other Dan/Vin apologist bloggers. I forgot this blog format is supposed to be a "favor of management" to show us insight to the real Redskins brought to you by House Lackey Matt.
Cheers
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10-09-2009 @ 2:47PM
Alfie said...
What the hell is your problem man? Get over yourself and stop acting like an immature child.
10-08-2009 @ 3:53PM
Ninja said...
The real question is whether or not we will have a coaching change before then. The Blanche story about him not doing press conferences is weird. Feels like something is about to happen.
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10-08-2009 @ 3:54PM
pez dispenser said...
That's motivation??? I'd think that would be depressing to watch especially after the horrible start this year. If they want motivation they should watch highlights from the Redskin teams of the 80's and early 90's. At the very least they should show highlights of their better wins from last year!
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10-08-2009 @ 6:28PM
lizkauai said...
I agree with pez dispenser. Shaming and blaming is out. Inspiration and motivation is in. Rewards are good too.
The guys will do their best when they are HAVING FUN, PLAYING THE GAME!
It will be much more FUN for the FANS ($$$$$$) too!
10-08-2009 @ 3:57PM
Gnome said...
What's the scoop with Blache? Guess he won't talk to you since you're media.
Can't say I blame him for running silent, running deep. Every phrase is amplified in the current net culture and if you're a Redskin - it's cranked up to eleven.
Maybe he didn't want to answer questions about the 'conspiracy' with Coach Lewis in Detroit and have PFT broadcast the 'controversy' and spend a week answering questions. Or maybe he's just over it in general. Or maybe . . . there is a conspiracy and Coach Gray is talking because Gray is the D-coordinator. I'm just sayin'.
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10-08-2009 @ 4:22PM
jmy said...
at least zorn stands up like a man and answers the tough questions. cant say that for snyder and i guess blache isnt talking now either.
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10-08-2009 @ 5:25PM
steven said...
Panthers are gonna CRUSH US and get there first win!
Like Brian Mitchell said teams circle games against the redskins because they feel thats an easy win!
Bring on Mike Holmgren im sick of vinny and zorn.
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10-08-2009 @ 5:58PM
Paul said...
Be careful, all Matt’s apologists would like this blog to be a peaceful non threating blog.. No management bashing is to be tolerated. Only those with burgundy colored glasses need apply
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10-08-2009 @ 8:21PM
cjpck44 said...
It's just embarrassing to watch our ownership. To get ready to fire Zorn by hiring a coach, and seeing a guy that has honor like Blache want to talk to the media about the probably firing of a man who he considers a brother and Blache filling the interim coach billet.
We must lead the league in interim coaches. I've been a fan since 78, since the first year I remember watching the Redskins with my dad.
I know a lot of you might think differently, and I wish I could. I paid $1000 a year to get the Washington Post and the Washington Times mailed to me overseas while in the Navy. I cut out all the articles and tried to make wallpaper with Redskins news, I was on one of the first Redskin BB.boards back when the internet had first started, I pay money for NFL Sunday Ticket and Sirius radio, and pause the tv so that the game sinks up with Sonny and Sam. My mom and I still talk Skins all the time.
I just don't know how I can keep watching our team anymore when people I consider high character guys and hard workers just keep getting undermined by a faithless owner and toady G.M. Where's our offensive line, for heaven's sake??? We used to be the HOGS! You win with O-line, and we barely even draft them anymore. You want to know why our offense can't work Vinnie? Our offensive line is still bad. Hire me and I'll tell you it again. Campbell can't trust his pocket, his receivers can't get open, Santana stays doubled, and yet we spent all our money on a defense last offseason? How did that work out???
You guys hired BIll Arnsparger because Mike Nolan wasn't doing a great job on defense back when. How's he look now that he's not a Redskin under the Danny??? How did your "consultant" help then???
I finally said it, and I've wanted to say it for years. Danny, you suck as an owner. You might be a nice guy, and I feel for you that you put a lot of money in, but you suck at building a team. Vinnie, you too, as much as I tried to look at the bright side of things.
Greg Blache, heck of a guy with high character, same with Campbell and Zorn. We could have won with these guys if we didn't have our front office and owner. I can't stand to watch this fiasco at the top anymore.
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10-08-2009 @ 8:22PM
cjpck44 said...
And I was a little heated writing that, but at the top I meant to say that Blache does not want to talk the the media because he has too much integrity about his fellow coaches, and doesn't want to have to answer questions about them losing their jobs and him having to take over.
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10-08-2009 @ 8:27PM
cjpck44 said...
I'll say one more thing. If the league didn't have the Raiders we would be the laughingstock of the NFL.
You think the players don't know what's going to happen to Zorn and Blache this year? Why the heck are they going to play any harder. If we don't win this week, we're going to tube the season. If I was a player I wouldn't want to play for that owner.
I know they are professionals and they'll play, but the would have played harder had their owner let their head coach give the players something to believe in.
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10-08-2009 @ 10:13PM
Jim Burneti said...
If they want to watch bad football to get motivated, try watching the Giants game, the Saint Louis game, the Detroit game, or the Tampa game. No need to go back so far. Suggest that Sherm Lewis get out a wide screen and view same, then recommend cutting last years 2nd rounders, firing Vinny, and if Dan won't hire a GM, resign, and suggest Danny sell the team and let us out of our misery.
Thanks for the platform Danny. Fans, see
http://www.buyoutsynder.com/
http://www.burgundyrevolution.com/
The gravy train is over!
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10-08-2009 @ 10:13PM
Jim Burneti said...
Whoops, I type like Vinny drafts.
That's
htttp://www.buyoutsnyder.com/
10-08-2009 @ 10:19PM
Jim Burneti said...
Not Danny trying to control the media (like on radio). This time cut and paste!
http://www.buyoutsnyder.com/
10-09-2009 @ 12:08PM
punchdaclock said...
The motivation is in seeing what the Panthers can do if you don't play your best and stop them. If it is depressing to you, then you are probably not a player on the team. Players don't get depressed, they get even.
All that want to bad mouth Cerrato and Snyder can do it as much as you want at the Washington Post or really any other so called blog about the team. People here want to hear news about the team without hearing a bunch of BS saying how bad the owner and GM are. It has gotten real old already. I don't think any of you want to be bloggers can do any better. So please give it a rest or go where people thrive on hearing that kind of crap......
HTTR!!!
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10-09-2009 @ 1:59PM
pez dispenser said...
You got anymore smoke you want to blow up our butts?
10-09-2009 @ 12:21PM
c-flanagan said...
I like to keep it positive too but I was laughint to myself and thought "why don't they just watch the past four games for motivation....." At any rate..long time skins fan but fed up too. People are finally fed up to the point where they want their voices heard and that's why all of the negativity follows. I wish Zorn the best and hope he pulls our team together through all of this so he can take the credit. I think most of us are standing around scratching our heads wondering what the eff our organization is thinking but only time will tell. And if lil' Danny Boy thinks confiscating bags and signs at the games will silence fans.....He severely underestimated the fanbase. Get everyone real rowled up and there'll be a paper-bag revolution on the streets where he can't control it and the news will get ahold of it anyway. By the way, were Vinny and Matt Millen competing at who sucks the most at talent scouting?
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