WITH THE START of both the NFL and NHL seasons, sports in the nation's capital are in full force--and the action has yet to take a pause.
As expected, the Washington Redskins have run themselves into their usual midseason troubles, leaving both a coach and an owner with a lot to think about.
Problems with fourth-year quarterback Jason Campbell arose at the start of the last year of his current contract with the 'Skins.
The typical downfall of the quarterback has come about early this year, and Redskins fans are not happy with results so far. After a shaky 2-3 start for the Redskins and Campbell, coach Jim Zorn decided it was time to call it quits during halftime when he pulled Campbell and replaced him with veteran of the second-string quarterback position Todd Collins in their week-six game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Collins went six of 14 passing for 75 yards and no touchdowns while the Redskins found themselves their fourth loss.
Many expected Zorn to be fired immediately after the game--something that some fans have been waiting weeks for--but instead of firing him, owner Dan Snyder decided to strip him of his offensive play-calling duties and give them to offensive consultant Sherman Lewis.
Almost immediately following the decision, Hall of Famer Steve Largent, a former teammate and friend of Zorn's, told a Seattle radio station that Zorn did not want to give up the play-calling responsibilities and considered taking a walk from the 'Skins organization--an act some would love at this point.
However the plays are being called on the offensive side of the field, the Redskins organization has decided that Jason Campbell will still be the starting quarterback, in a way implying that once again Campbell is getting a "second chance" at making his way in the NFL.
Whether the Redskins can figure out their problems and quit their high school drama style of business will rest in the hands of the front office, the coaching staff and the players as one. But whatever they do, the NFL is not waiting.
On the more successful side of Washington sports, the Capitals are off to another great start with a healthy lineup, and the last time I checked they still have the "Great Eight"--left wing Alex Ovechkin--at the helm.
The Caps are looking to pick up where they left off last season, when they dropped a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the playoffs.
The catch so far this season has been just one problem, and it lies with the position of goalie.
Last season Semyon Varlamov was handed the starting job in the first round of the playoffs after Jose Theodore gave up four goals in game one against the New York Rangers.
At the start of this year, however, coach Bruce Boudreau has decided to alternate Theodore and Varlamov at the starting position to get a feel for whom he may want as a permanent starter.
While I consider Varlamov to be the young talent that the Caps need, some consider Theodore the experienced veteran who will fulfill the needs as the net-minder. Varlamov is more versatile and has the ability to keep his eye on the puck at all times, but may have a problem when it comes to producing in big games. Theodore has the experience under his belt to win big games--but he carries a problem of giving up nearly three goals per game.
The Capitals have a lot of support coming from the offensive end, and whether the position at goal can be filled correctly will lie in the hands of Theodore and Varlamov to push the defense to its potential.
Once the small problems are fixed the Caps will be on their way to restoring the glory in Washington hockey--and this year they have a chip on their shoulder.
Jim Swing is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University.