Tag: Shawn Springs

‘Commanders are one of 14 NFL teams to not….’

It’s been a while.

[anyclip pubname=”2123″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8169″]

Warren Sharp took a moment Sunday evening to educate his readers that 14 NFL teams have not won a playoff game in the last five seasons.

I immediately thought, “Five years? Why stop there, Warren?”

Well, technically Sharp didn’t. He did actually say “5+ years.”

Commanders fans were already quite aware of this discouraging and frustrating NFL reality. You see, we are all too aware that this NFL franchise has not won a playoff game in well over five years.

Hey Warren, try 18 NFL seasons without a team playoff win!

That’s right, Washington NFL fans have not enjoyed a playoff win since Joe Gibbs 2.0 came out of NFL retirement because he loved the franchise so much he wanted to bring it back some respect.

Gregg Williams was the defensive coordinator, Don Breaux was the offensive coordinator, and Joe Bugel was the offensive line coach.

Quarterback Patrick Ramsey started the season opener, and Mark Brunell the other 15 games. Clinton Portis gained 1,516 yards rushing, including 11 touchdowns.

Santana Moss gained 1,483 receiving yards on 84 receptions (17.7 yards per reception) and 9 receiving touchdowns. Chris Cooley generated 774 receiving yards on 71 receptions and 7 touchdowns.

Ladell Betts returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. Antonio Brown returned one 91 yards for a touchdown. No, not that “Antonio Brown.”

John Hall and Nick Novak connected on 17 of 21 field goals and all 42 extra-point attempts.

Remember linebacker Lemar Marshall?

He led the team in tackles (101) and interceptions (4). Defensive end Phillip Daniels led with 8.0 quarterback sacks. He and linebacker Marcus Washington each led with 11 tackles for a loss.

What a year that secondary had, getting their hands on balls. Safety Sean Taylor led with 12 passes defended, and corners Walt Harris and Shawn Springs collected 11 and 10, respectively.

In fact, the defense was most responsible for the last playoff win in franchise history those 18 seasons ago, when Washington went down to Tampa and beat the Bucs 17-10.

Brunell was injured and unable to pass effectively, but Coach Joe was not putting Ramsey out there against the Bucs defense. The Washington offense totaled only 120 yards. But they won the turnover battle 3-1, including a Sean Taylor 51-yard fumble recovery touchdown run.

And so it was 18 NFL seasons ago when the Washington NFL team was the “Redskins,” and they last won a playoff game.

 

You can follow Ivan Lambert on Twitter @IvanLambert18 and Commanders Wire @Washington_Wire

ESPN names Ohio State DBU

ESPN says Ohio State is DBU. Ohio State calls its secondary BIA.

The talking heads at ESPN are at it again, debating who the best in college football is. This time it’s positional groups and who’s the cream of the crop all time. It was decided that Ohio State is indeed DBU — aka Defensive Back University.

There was a formula used that would take into account a combination of college success, draft stock, and NFL success. Points were awarded for all-conference and All-American selections, as well as draft positions and NFL evaluations.

According to ESPN, the Mount Rushmore of Buckeye defensive backs included Antoine Winfield, Jack Tatum, Mike Doss, and Malcolm Jenkins. An impressive list for sure, however, there was no mention anywhere of Shawn Springs, maybe the best cover corner to ever wear the scarlet and gray.

Of course, it’s all speculation and OSU has way too many greats at DB to narrow it to just four. Maybe that’s why the Bucks prefer to go with the moniker BIA (Best in America) instead.

The DBU debate was a close race. Following Ohio State in order was LSU, Alabama, Florida, Miami, Florida State, Texas, USC, Georgia, and Virginia Tech.

OSU also was well represented in other “Position U” battles as well. The Buckeyes were in the top ten for running back, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, kicker, and punter.

You can see all the debates on ESPN Position U for yourself. There’s plenty of material to argue with your best friend from a rival school.

[listicle id=55011]

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.