Downtime Tidbits

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(Posted 5-10-26)

Greetings from The Booth!

Well, the NFL Draft is history, we’re settling into the MLB season, and I’m not the biggest NBA fan, so I thought we’d serve up some random thoughts from The Booth in our latest edition of VFB, so here goes…

If you were a fan of the “glory days” of the Washington Redskins–4 Super Bowl appearances between 1982 and 1991–you were certainly saddened by the passing of former ‘Skins linebacker Monte Coleman. Coleman was the anchor of a defense that was often overshadowed by the high-powered Washington offenses, Riggo, The Hogs, and The Smurfs. In truth, the Redskins defenses were among the league’s best, and Coleman was a huge part of that success. More than that, he was a solid citizen and a team leader. And no one except Darrell Green played more games for the Burgundy and Gold. They say that when one door closes, another opens. When I look at the Commander’s first round draft choice Sonny Styles, I am reminded of Monte Coleman. Styles carries himself with a maturity and confidence you don’t often see in rookies. He also appears to be a solid citizen. Not to mention, a high-end athlete. Will all of this translate to a Coleman-like career? That’s not a certainty at this point, but I think we will see a lot of number 51 in Sonny Styles.

OK, let’s talk about the Nationals. As of this writing, the Nats are 19-21, and in second place in the NL East. Folks, I know we’re only 40 games into the season, but the Nationals are “mashing!” The Nats boast one of the top offenses in the National League in terms of runs scored, and feature some young stars like James Wood, CJ Abrams, and Brady House. On the pitching side, the Nats starters are turning into a solid bunch, with lefty Foster Griffin stepping up as the ace (4-1, 2.12 ERA). The bullpen is still shaky, but the Nats’ run production hides a lot of their woes. The season is young, but let’s see where these Nationals are on Memorial Day, The All-Star Break, and Labor Day. As I said before the season, I’ll take .500. So far, so good.

Finally…Death, Taxes, and Shenandoah University Baseball. Folks, we have a real local treasure in Kevin Anderson. With over 700 wins as a Hornet Coach, Anderson once again has his team in the NCAA Division III Tournament after capturing this weekend’s ODAC Championship. In the tourney, SU took down nationally-ranked teams Bridgewater and Lynchburg to punch their ticket to the D-3 Regionals for the first time since 2023. I’m not sure Anderson and the Hornets get enough “buzz” for what they accomplish year after year. Should Shenandoah host their Regional “pod” at aptly-named Kevin Anderson Field at Bridgeforth Stadium, you owe it to yourself to attend, and cheer on what is truly a local dynasty. Another job well done, Kevin!

Some random thoughts on a Sunday Morning from the Booth…until the next visit, HTTC, Go Nats, Go Hornets!

RW

Sports Dogs Podcast: Draft Day and Sports At The Bloom

The Dogs weigh in on the possible Commanders’ moves in this week’s NFL Draft, and take a look at how sports have become a big part of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Brought to you by Energy Windows, LLC. Don’t juggle 5 different contractors. Schedule your free estimate at 540-761-9243 or visit https://energywindowsllc.com

 

Sports Dogs Podcast: Unis, Ovi, and Front Royal Little League

The Dogs are back together and weigh in on the unveiling of the Commanders’ new uniforms, the (possible) end of an era for The Great Eight, and the Duke’s memorable day at the Opening Ceremonies of Front Royal Little League. Brought to you by Energy Windows LLC. For everything outside the home, visit Dave at http://energywindowsllc.com or call 540-671-9243.

A Season Off The Rails

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Greetings From The Booth!

I’m BAAACK…and I need some venting therapy.

Did it really happen? The magical 2024 Washington Commanders season is now a distant memory. Last year, we were all basking in the glow of a new ownership, a franchise quarterback, and a trip to the NFC Championship game. Man, we couldn’t wait until 2025 to ride this incredible vibe all the way to The Super Bowl.

It has all turned to a smouldering ruin…

As of this post, the Commanders are 3-7, and all but out of the NFC playoff picture (I can hear Jim Mora saying “Playoffs!? Playoffs? We’re just trying to win a game!” Still one of the best coach’s rants of all time.). What went wrong? As with most seasons that turn sour, it’s not just one thing. This season has been the perfect storm of injuries, underperformance, an aging roster, and a very tough schedule. Let’s address each one of these things:

As for the injuries, the Commanders are one of the most banged-up teams in the NFL, starting with franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has suffered 3, count ’em, 3 injuries this year. The list goes on, to the extent that backups to the backups are now playing for the Burgundy and Gold. It’s a veritable MASH unit out in Ashburn. But, as former NFL great Jonathan Vilma said on the national broadcast of Washington’s blowout loss to the Lions on Sunday, “no one cares.” In truth, all NFL teams have their share of injuries, and in the National Football League it’s “next man up.” No one in the league has any sympathy for the Commanners on game day.

That brings us to underperformance, which is especially true on the defensive side of the ball. Washington’s defensive problems were well-hidden last season by the magic of Daniels. This year, a bad defense has gotten worse. The Commanders “D” can’t tackle, can’t cover, can’t stop the run, and can’t force turnovers (they are one of the NFL’s worst in that department). Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play? This week, the team announced that Head Coach Dan Quinn would take over the defensive play-calling duties, while demoting Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt, Jr. Those kind of moves usually have short shelf lives–the players aren’t magically going to get better. As for Whitt, the fans want a scalp, and I’m afraid it will be his, quite possibly after the bye week.

The Commanders have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL, and last year’s experience has given way to this year’s age and lack of speed. You only have to do the “eye test” to see that players like linebacker Bobby Wagner, while a great team leader, cannot keep up with younger, faster backs and receivers on Sunday. The Commanders roster was built last year on bringing in experienced veterans to guide the younger players. But after the surprising playoff run last year, a lot of those players were brought back, and have not been the same. As the old saying goes, better to get rid of a player one year too soon than one year too late.

Finally, we address the schedule, which is loaded with playoff contenders this year. Already this season, Washington has faced Seattle, the Chargers, Lions, and Packers, and is staring down the barrel at the Broncos, Vikings, and Philly (twice). Last year, against a much lighter slate, the Commanders posted a 12-5 regular season. Upon further examination, had just six plays gone the other way, Washington could have very easily been 6-11. So maybe the Commanders weren’t the powerhouse we (or the networks) thought they were. Sometimes, magic just happens.

It’s midnight, Cinderella, at least for 2025. I don’t see Joe Gibbs hanging around, so there will be no 7-game win streak or playoff football this year for the Washington Commanders. However, I swear I see Dan Snyder, Ron Rivera, Bruce Allen, and Jim Zorn lurking around Northwest Stadium…

Until the next visit from The Booth…HTTC/HTTR!

RW

 

Sports Dogs HS Football Podcast: Week 8 Recap & Week 9 Preview

Down the stretch we go! It was “Pick 6 Week” last week around the area, and the Dogs look back at all those interceptions going the other way…plus a look ahead to the Week 9 matchups, The Power Five, our Player of the Week, and a peek at the latest Regional rankings as we get closer to the postseason. Oh, and a brief Commanders therapy session!

Sports Dogs Podcast: The Bloom, The Caps, and The Draft

The Sports Dogs are back together…and howling about the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, The Nats and their Gas Can Gang, The Caps, and this week’s NFL Draft & Commanders wish list…

The Sports Dogs Podcast: A Look Back At The NFC Championship

The clock finally struck midnight for the Washington Commanders, as their season came to an end in the NFC Championship game. The Dogs recap the blowout loss to Philly and look ahead to what should be a busy offseason for the Burgundy and Gold…

Sports Dogs Podcast: A Look Back At 2024

The Sports Dogs are barkin’ again after the long Holiday break, and gathering forward momentum into 2025. But not before a look back at some of our favorite sports stories, both local and regional. Enjoy our “Best of 2024” and Happy New Year from The Dogs!

Views From The Booth: The Solheim Cup

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Greetings from The Booth!

You’ve heard the phrase “do as I say, not as I do.” I often tell people on my morning radio show not to tether themselves on the couch on Sundays agonizing over the Washington Commanders, all the while doing exactly that very thing on a Sunday afternoon. Yesterday, I actually followed my own advice and enjoyed a Sunday afternoon in the fresh air and sunshine, thanks to a good friend.

Nick Ciattei, longtime pal and occasional Sports Dog, recently received a big “thank you” from the state of Virginia for all he has done to promote golf in the Old Dominion over the years through The Golf Guide and Mid-Atlantic Golf Getaways. Nick was given VIP credentials at the Solheim Cup at the beautiful Robert Trent Jones course in Gainesville (VA), and he invited me as his guest for the Sunday singles matches that would decide the winner of the Cup.

The Solheim Cup has a Ryder Cup type of format, with twosome sessions on Friday and Saturday, and 12 singles matches on Sunday. The Solheim Cup is not the Ryder Cup. It doesn’t have the history, but is no less important to the ladies, especially the Americans, who were trying to wrest the trophy from the European team. Upon entering the RTJ course on Sunday morning, one could feel the electric atmosphere all over the course, with red, white, and blue-clad American fans chanting “USA, USA, USA,” and the European fans (of which there are many in the DC area) singing their songs.

We made our way to the 4th green, where I got to see two of the few female golfers I know by name, England’s chain-smoking, vaping Charley Hull and American superstar Lexi Thompson. Hull is the “everyman’s woman”, a folk hero like John Daly. Thompson is a fan favorite who has announced her retirement at the end of this year, and on Sunday, the American crowd showered her with adulation, hoping that her match might be the one that clinched the Cup for Team USA.

The early afternoon was spent in the Solheim Pavillion grandstand overlooking the pivotal 14th hole, a reachable par 5, with a second risk-reward shot over water to a pin tucked to the back left of a two-tiered green. Down 10-6 when the day began, the Europeans made things interesting heading into the warm Northern Virginia afternoon, and there was a lot of blue on the scoreboard at one point. Then things began to turn, as there were roars all over the golf course. With just a handful of matches left, the Americans needed just a half point to take back the Cup.

It was Lilia Vu who turned out to be the hero. Down 2 with 2 holes to play, Vu birdied the 17th, then hit an amazing pressure-packed shot to within 2 feet at 18, then sank the putt that gave the USA the Solheim Cup for the first time in seven years. We witnessed that shot with hundreds of others who were gathered around a big screen in the vendor area near the exit of the Robert Trent Jones course.

The cherry on the sundae was listening to the Commander’s win on the way home. And I didn’t see a second of it.

Until the next visit from The Booth…USA, USA, USA!

RW

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Sports Dogs Podcast: LLWS & Commanders Notes

In this edition of the SDPC, The Dogs’ make mention of the iconic Little League World Series, and look ahead to the Commanders’ preaseason matchup with the Fins. Will this be the “dress rehearsal” game for Jayden Daniels? How much will the starters play? Who is in the Commanders’ doghouse? The Dogs are barkin’!