Wednesday, September 08, 2010

The 2010 Prediction (Let's Hope Madden 11 is Wrong)

I'm comfortable admitting that EA Sports' Madden video game series has some power over my pre-kickoff football opinions. To be perfectly honest, my enthusiasm for purchasing Madden is directly proportionate to my assumed improvement of the Redskins' statistical ranking. (So, as you might imagine, last summer I nearly passed on Madden 10, which had the Jim Zorn-led Redskins at a cellar-dwelling 70.) The game drops in early August, and at the time the NFL has yet to play even preseason contests. That virgin game on Madden, then, is the first indicator of how great your team just might be in September.

This year, I was particularly stoked about the potential for my team to be judged favorably by the faceless programmers at Electronic Arts. No recent version of Madden has featured such an overhauled Washington Redskins. Surely they'd be highly ranked--even if no one in their right mind can predict how they'll finish. (More on that in a moment.) So with some gusto I ripped open the packaging, slid the disc in my PS3 and eventually began my first game. I say eventually because I had to reset my system no less than three times while inputting redemption codes, downloading rosters, and getting hardware updates. Remember the days of popping in a cartridge and playing?

Anyway, first thing I noticed was that Washington was a mediocre 76. Even with the latest roster update (which oddly keeps Willie Parker around), the Skins are a good four points below anyone in the NFC East. At least they're rated significantly higher than the Chiefs and Rams, two teams they had trouble with under Jim Zorn.

For a fair game, I invited Miami (rated 78) to virtual FedEx Field on the All-Pro level. For the record, I'm good at Madden on the higher settings. My Redskins franchises have yet to lose more than three games in any season, and I regularly post undefeated championships. Once I'm comfortable with the playbook, make some depth chart substitutions, and feel out whatever play calling changes EA throws in, I'm dangerous even with my perennially marginal home team.

I mention this because my first half of Madden 11 football was...horrific. It was so bad that it slipped a measure of fear into what the Redskins' 2010 season might be like. I was in disbelief because everything that you knew could happen this year did happen.

The new 3-4 defense immediately gave up multiple plays of 50+ yards: a 60-yard touchdown to Brandon Marshall (in which CPU-controlled Laron Landry whiffed on a big hit) and on the next series, a 51-yard run by Ronnie Brown when Albert Haynesworth was blocked right out of his assigned gap. By the way, Albert's endurance lasted exactly two plays before his icon went red and he needed to be substituted. On offense, I took DJ McNabb (rated 89) on a blitz-avoiding scramble and saw Santana Moss streaking ahead of his defender. I gently pressed L1 to lob him a simple leading pass for the easy score. McNabb threw an awkward, wounded duck that was easily intercepted. When I went to my ultra-effective goal-line run offense (usable anywhere on the field!), Clinton Portis finally broke through to the second level of defense, with one man to beat for a satisfyingly long touchdown. He twisted in the tackle and promptly fumbled the ball three yards sideways. In the next series, McNabb limped off the field after completing his first pass, a 61-yard touchdown to the ancient Joey Galloway.

At halftime: Miami 24, Washington 7. The Redskins' defense was swiss cheese, the offense couldn't sustain a drive, and Rex Grossman (rated 65) was all I had left to mount a three-score comeback. Egad. The scenario was so nightmarishly plausible, so disarmingly realistic, that I stopped the game and had dinner. Really.

I don't believe I'm alone in hoping that 2010 looks nothing like that in the real world.
-------------------------------------------------------
So how will the Redskins fare in 2010? I've seen predictions from 4-12 to 10-6 with a wildcard birth. Choosing is an absurd practice. Remember last season when the ESPN experts picked the eventual champion Saints to finish 18th in the league? The Washington Post recently asked how the Redskins will finish and responders optimistically predicted a nine-win season. I can't resist being absurd too, so I'm predicting 8-8, with a 7-9 season a distinct possibility. Maybe I'm just shaken by that first half of Madden. Here's how I see it breaking down:

Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys - Win
Big D is unprepared for the new, very un-Zorn game plan by Shanahan and is stunned on national television.

Redskins vs. Houston Texans- Loss
The Texans' Mario Williams manages multiple sacks and Trent Williams learns how fast the NFL really is.

Redskins at St. Louis Rams - Win
The perfect rebound opponent. Rams QB Sam Bradford shines, but his defense allows McNabb and the Skins offense to have a field day.

Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles - Loss
Andy Reid and the Eagles hooligan fans manage to rattle McNabb on his first visit back to Philadelphia. Did I mention that their fans are hooligans?

Redskins vs. Green Bay Packers - Loss
The defense begins to show signs of proper execution of the 3-4, but Aaron "Favre Who?" Rodgers proves to be too much for them to handle. Seems like a long time ago that he was the 24th pick in the draft.

Redskins vs. Indianapolis Colts - Loss
Just about everyone will lose to the Colts this year. Nonetheless, the "Shanahan sucks!" thread on ExtremeSkins.com reaches 10 pages.

Redskins at Chicago Bears - Win
This is the beginning of the happier days of the 2011 season. The 2-4 Skins upset Chicago with its first mistake-free game.

Redskins at Detroit Lions - Win
Last season's loss in Detroit was a figment of their imagination, and the whipping the receive from Washington helps erase the memory.

Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles - Win
Kevin Kolb and the Eagles, reeling from their loss the previous week to the Colts, are no match for the confident Redskins and their bandwagon-riding fans. At 5-4, hope for the playoffs seeps into the fanbase.

Redskins at Tennessee Titans - Loss
Despite Santana Moss' best day of the season, the Titans' Chris Johnson has the last laugh with a late touchdown. Every season there's one game that you wish you could have a Rewind button for two or three plays. This is that game.

Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings - Loss
Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson remind Washington what the cream of the NFC looks like in a cover-your-eyes loss.

Redskins at New York Giants - Loss
Here's where the playoff dream is officially dashed. Washington keeps it competitive, however, in a strong showing.

Redskins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Win
If Zorn, Campbell, Smoot, and the rest of the 2009 castoffs can beat them, surely the 2010 team can.

Redskins at Dallas Cowboys - Loss The Cowchips are making their annual playoff run, and take out their revenge for the week one loss. The offense continues to lack consistency. Jerry Jones' face reportedly cracks a smile.

Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars - Win
With a .500 season in view, the Redskins thump the Jaguars. Fortunately, no one in Jacksonville sees the beating because of the blackout.

Redskins vs. New York Giants - ?
Here's where I think the Redskins face a gut-check. The playoffs aren't an option and they have nothing to play for but pride. Is this the same franchise that went 4-12 last year and collected a paycheck? Or does this team reflect Mike Shanahan and defend their home turf against the playoff-bound Giants? The answer will be the final statement about whether a New Era has truly come to Washington.

42 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:09 AM

    Hi, I do believe your web site might be having web browser compatibility problems.

    Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however
    when opening in IE, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, great blog!
    Here is my page :: And Gets Nailed

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7:16 AM

    Awesome blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I'd really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!
    Also see my web page :: www.xxxvideofix.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous5:46 PM

    You're so cool! I don't think I have read through anything like this before.

    So good to discover someone with a few genuine thoughts on
    this topic. Really.. thanks for starting this up.
    This web site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality!
    Feel free to visit my web blog :: free porn

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous7:15 AM

    Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The words in your content seem to be running off the screen
    in Safari. I'm not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to let you know.
    The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon.
    Kudos
    Also visit my webpage ; www.teenpornsexpussy.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous6:44 PM

    Wonderful article! This is the kind of information that are meant to be shared around the web.

    Shame on the search engines for no longer positioning this publish higher!
    Come on over and consult with my site . Thank you =)
    My web-site Black Guy and His White Chick Part 2

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous6:07 AM

    you're in point of fact a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing. It kind of feels that you're doing any unique trick.
    Also, The contents are masterwork. you have done a great job in this topic!
    My web page daily-wet-tshirt.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous3:58 PM

    This article will assist the internet users for building up new webpage or even a blog from start to end.
    My web site : Nude Teens

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous11:01 AM

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right
    here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be
    delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come
    further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
    Feel free to visit my webpage ; free teen porn

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous8:11 PM

    This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I've shared your web site in
    my social networks!
    Feel free to visit my weblog :: Topless Blonde Teen Gives Amazing Head!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous12:29 PM

    Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the excellent works guys I've incorporated you guys to our blogroll.
    Also visit my web blog - Threesome teen Banging

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous10:40 PM

    I am genuinely delighted to read this website posts which
    contains plenty of useful information, thanks for providing these kinds of information.
    Also visit my web blog : crazyteenpics.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous12:40 PM

    I'm amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that's
    both equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy that I stumbled across this
    during my search for something concerning this.
    Also visit my weblog : hardcore sex

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous9:16 AM

    Wow, wonderful weblog layout! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?

    you made blogging glance easy. The full look of your web site is excellent,
    as smartly as the content material!
    Feel free to surf my web page free sex webcam web site

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous6:28 PM

    This is the perfect site for anybody who would like to understand this topic.

    You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for decades.
    Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
    My page > options trading demo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous1:18 PM

    Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ideal on-line blogshop for wholesale & supply korean accessories, accessories, earstuds,
    locket, rings, hair, bracelet & trinket add-ons. Deal 35 % wholesale markdown. Ship Worldwide
    Here is my web page Orthostatic Intolerance

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous1:18 PM

    Malaysia & Singapore & brunei finest online blogshop for wholesale & supply korean accessories, earrings, earstuds, necklace, rings,
    bracelet, hair & bracelet add-ons. Deal 35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
    Feel free to surf my blog ... Bed bugs symptoms

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous4:07 PM

    Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ultimate online blogshop for wholesale & supply korean add-ons, accessories,
    earstuds, pendant, rings, bracelet, bangle & hair add-ons.

    Offer 35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
    Feel free to surf my web blog ... locksmith slc

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous9:20 PM

    Good day very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .
    . I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?

    I'm happy to find so many helpful information right here within the post, we want work out extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
    Also see my site: eco.kid

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous11:55 AM

    Ahaa, its nice conversation about this paragraph here at this webpage, I have read all that,
    so at this time me also commenting here.
    My blog post ... Perth

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous5:38 PM

    Hi there everybody, here every person is sharing these kinds of knowledge,
    therefore it's fastidious to read this website, and I used to visit this web site daily.
    Also visit my blog :: property management

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous6:04 AM

    This site was... how do I say it? Relevant!!
    Finally I have found something that helped me. Many thanks!
    Feel free to visit my weblog - Photography Special Effects

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous3:35 AM

    Hi there to all, for the reason that I am actually keen of reading this weblog's post to be updated daily. It carries pleasant material.
    Here is my blog :: best builder in winter garden florida

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous3:35 AM

    This piece of writing will help the internet people for building up new
    blog or even a weblog from start to end.
    my webpage :: good construction company orlando fl

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous10:53 AM

    Excellent goods from you, man. I have remember
    your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely magnificent.
    I really like what you've received right here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which wherein you are saying it. You're making it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible.
    I cant wait to learn much more from you. That is actually a wonderful web site.
    Also see my page - Full Guide

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous2:34 PM

    When someone writes an article he/she maintains
    the image of a user in his/her mind that how a
    user can be aware of it. Therefore that's why this paragraph is outstdanding. Thanks!
    Also visit my blog post ... neucopia

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous10:28 AM

    Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it ;) I am going to revisit
    yet again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is
    the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
    Feel free to surf my website ... web hosting delhi

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous8:06 PM

    Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you really know
    what you're speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my web site =). We could have a hyperlink exchange agreement among us

    Here is my web site Green tea weight loss
    Also see my webpage :: How to get your ex back

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous2:01 PM

    Because the admin of this web site is working, no uncertainty very soon it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.


    My webpage; gaba

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous2:45 PM

    Thank you for any other informative web site. The place
    else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect manner?
    I've a undertaking that I'm simply now working on, and I've been on the glance out for such info.

    Check out my blog; jobs
    my web site: careers

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous8:53 AM

    We stumbled over here coming from a different web page and thought I should
    check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.

    Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.

    My blog - Fityemek
    My web site: covermodel

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous11:34 PM

    Terrific article! That is the kind of info
    that are meant to be shared around the internet.
    Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!

    Come on over and consult with my web site . Thanks =)

    my website: acm.sjtu.edu.cn

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous9:24 PM

    Hello Dear, are you truly visiting this website regularly, if so after that you will without doubt obtain good experience.


    Feel free to visit my homepage: guild wars 2 gold

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous6:03 PM

    This paragraph is in fact a fastidious one it assists new the
    web visitors, who are wishing in favor of blogging.


    Look into my webpage :: Http://www.xxxsexymilfs.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous5:31 AM

    I visited multiple web pages except the audio quality for
    audio songs present at this web page is in fact fabulous.

    Review my weblog ... http://www.sex-xxx-erotica.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous4:53 PM

    Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.



    Have a look at my webpage - sexmovievault.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous2:15 AM

    Heya i'm for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.

    my web-site ... http://www.pissingpussies.org/foul-french-fucks/

    ReplyDelete
  37. Anonymous1:23 PM

    A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you need to
    publish more about this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but typically folks don't speak about such topics. To the next! Best wishes!!

    Have a look at my web-site ... sexy girls

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous10:25 PM

    Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It's always interesting to read through content from other writers and use something from their websites.

    my web page http://www.xxxmoviegalls.com/

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous9:08 PM

    Highly descriptive blog, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?


    Look into my page; xxx-fuck.net

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous2:15 PM

    Also known as eczema, this skin condition may appear
    or worsen during pregnancy. I would also like to dismiss the earlier notion that developing of genital skin tags should not be misunderstood towards developing any sexually transmitted diseases.
    Click OK and wait a second or two for the effect
    to be applied.

    Also visit my web site ... home remedy skin tags (http://www.baysideparish.ie/author/CorinneBi)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous2:34 AM

    When you have both skin tags as well as warts on your body, you can use the skin tag removal products
    that will also help you to remove the skin warts.

    I would also like to dismiss the earlier notion that developing of genital skin tags should not be misunderstood towards developing any sexually
    transmitted diseases. You might notice some swelling in different parts of your body.


    Here is my website; skin tags home removal ()

    ReplyDelete