bubba9497 Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 The Chat House Sports News Michael Wilbon http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2005/08/18/DI2005081802047_pf.html _______________________ Arlington, Va.: Yo Mike ... I have been a big fan of P.Ramsey, but slowly I am losing faith ... how realistic is it that the rookie will get a legit chance to play this year? Do we have to have at least one injury at the QB position ... Michael Wilbon: Don't expect me to ever endorse rooting for a quarterback to get hurt so that your favorite guy gets to play...I don't go there. But I do think Patrick Ramsey will be on a short leash this fall, that he has about six weeks to show what he can do before Gibbs goes to Brunell. Do I expect to see Jason Campbell in his rookie seasson? Perhaps. Week 10, maybe? We can only guess. He's sure as hell not ready to play in the NFL at this moment. But I understand losing faith...Used to be that QBs weren't expected to be any good until their 4th, 5th seasons. But with the money they're being paid now, and with salary cap issues and the "win-now" mentality that greets every team in every sport, QBs have to excell by their third seasons or people get edgy...Ramsey isn't the only one in that position this season. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: So, do you think next year the Nationals will be able to make the playoffs before football season starts? Michael Wilbon: Football season begins Sept 11. At least, that's the first Sunday of the season. The regular season baseball finale isn't until the first day or so of October...So, no, the Nats will not have a 10-game lead in the wild card by Sept. 11. Anyway, why would that matter? I'm confused. _______________________ Newark, Del.: Michael -- With this defense and running game, do you think the Redskins make the playoffs if the QB position is even average and we cut down on turnovers? Michael Wilbon: The defense would have to be Ravens-like and the QB would really, really have to be error-free and just sort of stay out of the way. I don't know how feasible that is. But the defense would have to be smothering, and get help from special teams...It HAS happened, but it's awfully hard to count on. _______________________ Potomac, Md.: You working Tony's shift today? Michael Wilbon: I'm working the shift I work every Monday. What is Tony's shift? _______________________ Washington, D.C.: The Post had an article this weekend about how the Redskins revenues have increased to $300 million because Dan Snyder has managed to squeeze money out of Fed Ex Field like no one else. Same page had a headline: Redskins lose to Bengals. I would love to see a story that shows the parallel COMPLETE LOSS of home-field advantage that has accompanied Mr. Snyder's turning the stadium into an entertainment casino with fans even subjected to blaring ads during commercial breaks instead of music or stats or other things to get the spirit going. And most people leave after the third quarter because of the parking nightmare so there is no one to root the team on for a last-minute surge. Michael Wilbon: Sometimes, I simply turn the Chat over to you, the Chatters...not that I'm making this a habit, mind you... _______________________ Richmond, Va.: Gibbs seems to liking Ladell Betts more and more. Does he have the potential to be a 1,500 yd. per season back or not? And do you think Betts is a better fit in this offense? Michael Wilbon: 1,500 is a whole lot of yards...I don't know that we want to go that far, but there's no reason to dislike Betts, who seems pretty darn good to me...But I'm not going to argue against Clinton Portis...He had 1,300 last year in what everybody, him included, considered an "off-year." _______________________ Allen, Tex.: Is LaVar going to be healthy? I think there is something wrong with his knee? Michael Wilbon: Really? YOU think there's something wrong? Thank you, Doctor. _______________________ Olney, Md.: Did you catch any of the Little League World Series this weekend? Michael Wilbon: Good question. Bada answering coming: I didn't. I hardly ever do...And I'm not sure why that is. I played Little League baseball for 3 years...Little League ball is so fabulous. Maybe I can't watch it because I get too lost in the fantasy of it...too much memory lane...But there's also the golf factor. I love to watch golf...any golf, golf all the time. PGA, LPGA, Nationwide, Champions Tour...Golf Channel infommercials...Maybe that's more the reason I miss the weekend. _______________________ Dallas, Tex.: I'm a Redskins fan in the Big D. Do you see the Skins beating the Cowboys at least once this season? Michael Wilbon: I don't think either team is particularly formidable as we set here, 20 days before the start of the season...I'm not a crystal ball NFL fanatic who "sees" the matchups a month early...You'll have to watch all the ESPN football fanatic shows for that. But I know that for the Redskins to become a force in the division again they can't keep going 0-2 against the Cowboys every season. _______________________ Silver Spring, Md.: Michael - How do you see da Bearsss finishing this year? Michael Wilbon: Somewhere in the 7-9 range...Good defense, shaky situation at quarterback...Sort of like the Redskins, huh? _______________________ Rockville, Md.: Wilbon you crack me up with your smart answers to people's stupid comments they make in here (See Arrington's knee). I think people make too much of what Ramsey has or has not done thus far in the preseason. As long as he learns from the mistakes he has made he will be better when the season gets here, but we will not know that until four or five games in so people should stop worring about it! Michael Wilbon: Thanks...you and I seem to see this in the same light, but not many others do. _______________________ The Tiger Scram: I really like this phrase ... Really, do you think he split because he knew the players ahead of him would come through in the clutch? How many times can you remember golfers just hacking it up when Tiger's close? I remember quite a few. Will we be seeing Tiger on PTI? Michael Wilbon: Hopefully. We've invited him. I don't know Tiger well. But I've been around him a little. I've told him I'd love for him to be on and he didn't tell me "no" which is probably at least not a terrible reply to hear. I would not have been leaving Baltusrol if I was in that situation. Goodness, mercy suppose the leaders had indeed falling back to minus-2? But, I think some decisions are result-oriented. Did you get it right? In this case, risky as it might have seemed to you and me, Tiger was right. _______________________ Pittsburgh, Pa.: Do you believe in sophomore jinks, because Big Ben Rothleberger sure has set himself up for one with all his after season activities? What do you think? Michael Wilbon: To what "activities" are you referring. I know Big Ben a little. He played some golf this summer, dated a golfer(Natalie Gulbis) and hug out at the ESPYs...But I didn't read where he submarined his entire season with some off-field antics...He can't possibly go 13-1 again, or whatever it was last season. So there's bound to be a "sophomore slump" of sort...He could play well, say, lead the Steelers to a record of 10-6, and still not play up to last year's standard...I like Ben. I think he's going to be fine and that the Steelers are lucky to have the kid. Are you a Redskins fan? If so, tell me who you wouldn't trade to get him right this second? _______________________ Towson, Md.: Thanks for your professional insight in professional sports. I think the media is creating a quaterback controversy where none exists. Patrick Ramsey is a very durable quaterback at the down swing of learning curve. This is the first season he has been given the mantle as the starter and I believe he will come around if the fans will give him the chance and not destroy his confidence by booing. Remember Mark Brunnel showed the same performance in preseason last year and bumbed out when the regular season came around. What's your take? Thanks. Michael Wilbon: I'm not as pessimistic as some, who want Ramsey out now based on two preseason games. But I'm not one who thinks he's simply a late bloomer. I think there's a possibility it won't work out for Ramsey as a No. 1 guy, the starter on a year-after-year playoff team. But my mind certainly isn't made up yet. Nobody's mind should be made...We don't know the ending to this. But the first six weeks are crucial to his career, absolutely critical. _______________________ New York, N.Y.: Your answer to the first question of the day about how much early money rookies are getting begs the question: are you in favor of scaled salaries and bonuses for first round draft picks? This would eliminate all of the rookie hold outs and get those guys in camp on time. Michael Wilbon: You know, I think I am in favor of that system, like the NBA has. But maybe I'm blinded because MY TEAM (that would be the Chicago Bears) are the only team that hasn't signed its first-round pick, Cedric Benson...$%@*&%*$!!! _______________________ Dudalk, Md.: Wilbon, Are you mailing this one in or what? Twelve questions in 45 mins. Commercial breaks must be good for answering questions. Michael Wilbon: Your point would be what? Is that a lot or not enough in your mind? Not that it really matters. _______________________ Olney, Md.: How much credence should be put in the persistent rumors that there are additional MLB positive steroid test results in the pipeline, involving some well-known names? Just Internet rumor mill, or is there something to this? Thanks for taking time to chat. Michael Wilbon: I asked Bud Selig that direct question two weeks ago on PTI. He said he had heard the same rumors and inquired with the league's drug testing people but that no swarm of positive tests was forthcoming. Still, the rumors persist even now. I don't know what to think really...How could we know if the Commissioner--and I believe Bud on this--doesn't even know yet? _______________________ Portland, Ore.: I hate to interrupt any of the Redskins mania back in D.C., but did you happen to catch any of the tennis this weekend in Cincy? Quality stuff. Roddick finally beat Hewitt on Saturday night after losing six of seven to him. Roddick also looked pretty good against Federer before he hurt his foot. Any update on the foot injury and if he is healthy what do you think his chances are in winning the Open? Michael Wilbon: No update on Roddick's foot, but I think he's 1-10 against Federer...Ouch! I like Roddick a lot and I root for him to win, but he can't touch Roger, can he? Yes, I pay attention to tennis because I played competitively growing up. But I can't make the case that people are clamoring for more tennis chat because they aren't...I think it'll heat up when we get closer to the U.S. Open. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: Will Frank Robinson be manager of the year in the NL? Do you think the Nats will be in the playoff hunt 'til the end> Michael Wilbon: I've said for six weeks I think the Nats will hang in until the end, and that (for me) would make Frank Robby one of the leaders in the manager of the year voting. If the Nats get in, put me down for an F. Robby vote...How can you not when his team has the worst offense in baseball, when the team spent no money on salaries, relative to the other contenders, when the team is owned by baseball and not real owners. F. Robby has done a pretty damn good job overall, a great job under the circumstances if the Nats hang in there. _______________________ Alexandria, Va.: "The media are creating a quarterback contraversy when none exists". Pulling out the media card? That guy must be a Republican. Michael Wilbon: You guys are fesity today...I love it! _______________________ Washington, D.C.: Jay Mariotti was great during Tony's absence. It's nice to have two people, including you, who actually travel to games and gets direct reports from the experience rather than forming opinions from the sofa. Michael Wilbon: Thank you...We'll keep that feedback between me, you and the Chatters. Tony hates Mariotti...or did you already know that? I like Jay a lot. We came into the business at the same time. He works in my hometown. I enjoy sitting and arguing with him in press boxes and on media buses...We have a good time. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: Is Federer approaching Sampras status? He's becoming more and more dominant all the time. Michael Wilbon: The McEnroe Brothers say that Federer is the most talented player ever. I asked Patrick Mac again two weeks ago and he said, again, that Federer is probably the most talented player ever. He says some of the all-time greats were primarily defensive playes (Borg and Connors, for instance) and others were primarily offensive players (his brother, John, for instance) but Roger F. is both. Liz Clarke, my friend and colleague who covers tennis for The Post, says Borg painted in two colors, Federer paints in an entire spectrum of color...Great description...I'm more fascinated with Federer now because so many people think he's so talented... _______________________ Washington, D.C.: The D-Train is going for # 17 as we speak. Is he still in the Cy Young hunt? Michael Wilbon: Yeah, boy-eeee! D-Train is still in it. And Clemens (who I certainly do not dislike one bit) is out because he's gotten so little run support he can't possibly win enough games. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: What is going on with Sean Taylor. He seems like he could be the second coming of Ronnie Lott. But his attitude is driving me up the wall. Should/can the Skins trade this guy before he ends up in prison? What's your take on him? Michael Wilbon: I'm starting to think Redskins fans are the most ridiculous people on the planet...A guy plays one year, has some stunning bits of success in that year based on the havoc he causes, gets into some off-field stupidity, and all of a sudden you want to trade him? He could be the next Ronnie Lott and you want to trade him? Off one off-season summer of stupidity? Do you follow sports? Do you follow pop-culture? This is why, in part, I can't take Redskins questions 12 months a year, because people have no context, no perspective. Do you think the Giants would have been better off trading L.T.? Okay, I'm worked up now...But I have to stop because Tony and I have the old Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier, coming on the dish as a guest for today's PTI. Thanks much, gang...'Til next week. MW _______________________ Washington, D.C: Did Snyder yank your seat too? Michael Wilbon: Uh, no. I pay for my own seats, two of them, on the club level...Yank them? I don't think so. _______________________ Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimFolk Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I hope Wilbon wrong about Jason. He needs to work on reading Defenses and working on his long throwing motion. He doesn't need to see the field until week 1 in 06. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truant Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Wilbon seems to dislike football, but i can sympathize with him often... some Redskins fans ask the worst/most paranoid questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard saunders Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Wilbon seems to dislike football, but i can sympathize with him often... some Redskins fans ask the worst/most paranoid questions. Completely agree. But, I think it has more to do with the way the media covers a team more than anything. I was talking to a professional athlete recently that has played in multiple cities and he said that no other city covers their team like Washington...No One! Maybe it's all of the politics in this town., I dunno. Wow, I guess i'm as bad as the Post...Unnamed Source Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost of Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I love his response to the question about Lavar. That chatter sounded like someone from this board(or any other Skins board.) So did the lame-o who talked about Patrick getting injured so Jason Campbell could start. Edit: Check that, his best response was the last one. Reminds me of my daily experience on Extremeskins, KFFL and CPND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eparadox Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Whatever, 7-9 from the bears without their starting QB? Now, who's the Homer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenster95 Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Wilbon's comment on 'Skins fans was right on. Sometimes, I think I'm sitting at some on-line Jacobin convention rather than a cyber-community of dedicated football fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted August 23, 2005 Author Share Posted August 23, 2005 Completely agree. But, I think it has more to do with the way the media covers a team more than anything.I was talking to a professional athlete recently that has played in multiple cities and he said that no other city covers their team like Washington...No One! Maybe it's all of the politics in this town., I dunno. Wow, I guess i'm as bad as the Post...Unnamed Source I have never seen a city in all media outlets, maintain mostly negative "anti-homer" stance..... maybe because most are not hometown guys. But every sense of optimism is quickly shot down. you have to turn the smaller news outlets for any in depth coverage... and objective reporting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scruffylookin Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 With all due respect to Wilbon. The Bears 7-9? Bears=Redskins? Ramsey is light years better than anyone the Bears have (including Grossman). The Bears don't have a Clinton Portis. The Dirt Bags are better than the Bears O-line. Our D is better than the Bears (though the Bears are good) Joe Gibbs vs. Lovie Smith If the Bears are 7-9, the Skins are 10-6 easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 The Bears 7-9? Bears=Redskins? Ramsey is light years better than anyone the Bears have (including Grossman). The Bears don't have a Clinton Portis. The Dirt Bags are better than the Bears O-line. Our D is better than the Bears (though the Bears are good) Joe Gibbs vs. Lovie Smith If the Bears are 7-9, the Skins are 10-6 easy. Well, the Redskins had all those pieces last season (albiet the OL was banged up), and finished 6-10. Point being, until Washington finishes with a winning record -- which they haven't done in 5 years -- conservative win/loss predictions are the prudent choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilbur58z Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Almost every game we played we lost by 10 points or less. Three games we literally gave away: at NYG, at CLE, and at DAL. If we had just won those games we would have been 9-7 last year. That's what the knee jerk national media (which Wilbon seems to be joining lately) lacks awareness of when it comes to this Redskin team. Either that or they just don't want to talk about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forbeskin Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Washington, D.C.: What is going on with Sean Taylor. He seems like he could be the second coming of Ronnie Lott. But his attitude is driving me up the wall. Should/can the Skins trade this guy before he ends up in prison? What's your take on him? Michael Wilbon: I'm starting to think Redskins fans are the most ridiculous people on the planet...A guy plays one year, has some stunning bits of success in that year based on the havoc he causes, gets into some off-field stupidity, and all of a sudden you want to trade him? He could be the next Ronnie Lott and you want to trade him? Off one off-season summer of stupidity? Do you follow sports? Do you follow pop-culture? This is why, in part, I can't take Redskins questions 12 months a year, because people have no context, no perspective. Do you think the Giants would have been better off trading L.T.? This was his best reply, some of us are retarded. I would go crazy if I got emails like this asking stupid axe questions all day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsNatsFan Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 This was his best reply, some of us are retarded. I would go crazy if I got emails like this asking stupid axe questions all day. If he'd just qualify it with "some Redskins fans", I'd agree. He has a tendency to bash Redskins fans period. Which may be the reason that the stupid questions keep getting public attention by him, rather than just being ignored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Jones Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Michael Wilbon: I'm not as pessimistic as some, who want Ramsey out now based on two preseason games. But I'm not one who thinks he's simply a late bloomer. I think there's a possibility it won't work out for Ramsey as a No. 1 guy, the starter on a year-after-year playoff team. But my mind certainly isn't made up yet. Nobody's mind should be made...We don't know the ending to this. But the first six weeks are crucial to his career, absolutely critical. Pretty good analysis and how I think currently at the moment. Ramsey needs to start putting the pieces together. I have faith that he will, but he needs to start showing that he can. He will not be able to simply turn it on when Sept 11 rolls around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwebst1 Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Wilbon had his panties in a bunch yesterday. I agree with him on stupid questions... but if he is going to cover this city and this team, he needs to realize that the Skins are a year-round topic here.... he should know that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky21 Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 You guys, Wilbon doesn't really like the Redskins. He is all about the NBA first and is a true Chicago homer. He would **** Michael Jordan if he could! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funkyalligator Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Wilbon is a joke when it comes to his coverage of the redskins and he certainly shouldn't be looked at for his insites on the team..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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