Bright Future for DC Sports

In a time where our baseball team just lost one of the most heart breaking, unbelievable, "I can't believe it" games there is some excitement in DC. Yes, this game will be tough for DC sports fans to get over and will take a while to swallow, but the future looks bright in DC. Not only for the Nationals, but for almost every major sports team in the area.

The Redskins have a quarterback that is playing like he should when the Rookie of the Year, if not the MVP of the NFL right now. The Washington Wizards and their new draft pick Bradley Beal look surprisingly good in their first couple pre-season games. The Washington Capitals are in a lock out but they will continue to be a contender for years to come. And finally the Nationals will be back to playing baseball in October next year.

The Nationals loss may be a turning point for not only the Nationals, but the rest of the area teams to begin to make a statement. I think the Nationals are the closest to bringing home a Championship to the area, but are followed closer than you think by the Redskins. After all they can take hold of first place in the NFC East if they win this weekend against the Giants.

Hold on DMV sports Fans you will have quite the ride coming up!

@DMVsportsFan

Washington Nationals NL East CHAMPS!

DC has finally done it! There is finally a playoff feeling in the air. This town finally has a team in a big time sport that they can call the champs! The Washington Nationals won the NL East last night after an Atlanta Braves loss. The people of this area deserve to finally get a chance to feel what it is like to be in a playoff series and how intense it really is.

This team has come a far way from first being the Expos, then owned by the Major Leagues, and now they are Champions. It feels great for guys like Ryan Zimmerman who have been there every step of the way through both the ups and downs. You can tell this team is special and all of these guys have contributed to this unbelievable season from Stephen Strasburg to Steve Lombardozzi. I don't think it stops here either. Its one celebration down and three more to go.

So, start preparing yourself DMV Sports Fans we haven't experienced this in a long time. Its going to be intense starting this weekend when the Nationals hit the field for PLAYOFF baseball in October. Your Natitude should be on an all time high!

@DMVsportsFan

RG3 and the Washington Nationals

RG3 is coming of his first game in the NFL, where he finished with a QB rating of near 145, 320 yards and two touchdown passes. The Washington Nationals still hold the best record in Major League Baseball and are in the middle of a Pennant race. What more could this town ask for? Sports in this town has made a complete turn around. Last year we were going into a season with the Redskins QB was Rex Grossman and the Nationals were trying to break a .500

This is our time to stand up to those Philadelphia, New York and Dallas fans and truly be proud of what our teams are doing right now. Its time for you to eat, sleep, and talk DC sports. You should be coming home from work and turning on the Nationals Game to see how close they are to locking up the NL East. You should be watching every second RG3 takes a snap on Sundays. It is time to show how great and loyal of fans we really are! Get your Burgundy and Gold on we may be in for a surprise NFL season! Your Natitude should already be very high. We are a couple weeks away from playoff baseball in the Nation's Capital! Go DC! Keep it going!

@DMVsportsFan

To Pitch or Not To Pitch..That is the Question...

Stephen Strasburg has become not only the top story in Major League Baseball but, in all of sports. The controversy over if Strasburg will be shutdown before the Nationals make a playoff run has been the talk of this town...Watch these guys Debate on PTI

Other former pitchers and medical experts have said, coming of a surgery like this, you must be monitored really closley and you can not over do it. You will run the risk of ruining your entire baseball career..

While teamates, Strasburgs father, and other analyst have said, there is no way that Strasburg can't be on the mound if the Nationals make a playoff push..

The person we havent heard from is Strasburg himself. I think this decsion should be left up to him. he is the only one that will really know how he and his arm feels. While Strasburg can continue to get different opinons, the final decsion should come down to the Nationals ace and how it feels finishing up the regular season..

I dont see how the Nationals could not have Strasburg if they make the playoffs..Stay tuned to Nationals Baseball. This will make the Franchises first playoff chances since 1981 even more interesting.

@DMVsportsFan

Evan Royster Getting Back on the Winning Track

After Evan Royster heard about the Penn State Scandal he immediately tweeted out, "Ah crap..so I lost every college football game I ever played". I'm sure Penn State's all-time leading rusher had a hard time believing everything that was happening to his beloved university. I'm sure a lot of players in Roysters position would be furious and not be able to put this behind them but, Royster is not like most....

Royster has started Redskins training camp with a bang. He looks like a beast out there. His work ethic is like nobody else and you can see its starting to pay off. Royster is number 1 on the Redskins running back depth chart and is taking a majority of the reps with the first team. Mike Shanahan said, "Royster is our running back right now, I like what he is doing out there".  As a long time Redskins fan, I like what Royster is showing so far and would love to see him as the starting running back.

Royster may now have 0 wins in his college career but, I see him helping the Redskins start to pile up a lot of wins in his NFL career . Penn State fans now may have a new favorite NFL team and a guy to stand behind. Its stories like this that make the NFL so exciting. I'm just glad we have Royster in Burgundy and Gold! HTTR...Hail!

@DMVsportsFan

Nationals making National News

The Washington Nationals are currently tied with the MLB power house, New York Yankees with the best record in baseball. The Nationals have finally been getting the National attention they deserve. There are actual pretty fair odds in Vegas on the Nationals winning the World Series this year, Ian Desmond has been briefly mentioned as an MVP (his chances will really be hurt after his recent injury), Baseball Tonight's John Kruk likes the Nationals chance to come out of the NL this year, and Sportscenter always has a segment on the Nats. They even got national attention when their great pitching staff had a little fun reading Fifty Shades of Grey.

This has been a long time coming for the Washington Nationals. Believe it or not all of the losing the Nats did in previous years may be a key to their winning. In back to back years they picked up to young All-Stars in Strasburg and Harper. These guys have proven to be the leaders on this first place team and will be stars for years to come for Washington.

As a Nationals fan and a MLB fan I love to see this team getting what they deserve. It is still early, but I feel this team will have a lot more attention coming their way as this season gets more interesting. See where the Nationals stand on the latest power rankings: MLB Power Rankings.

@DMVsportsFan

Redskns Football is Here

The time is finally here to put your burgundy jersey back on and order Sunday NFL package. It's also time when Redskins fans are known for making the statement "this is our year". Well, I love the enthusiasm football fans around here have, this is the year I'm going to take a realistic approach to the season. RG3 is an incredible talent and will show some flashes of greatness, but he still is a rookie NFL quarterback. Remember Cam Newton from the Carolina panthers last year.. The offensive line did bulk up with some offensive linemen but is still pieced together with some no name players. The wide receiver will definitely be upgraded from last year. If Piere Garçon can break through with Hankerson as the number 2, look for some good numbers.. The Defense will be solid again this year and will no question be a top 10 defense this year. Look out if your on offense against this Defensive line! So, that being said, my realistic outlook for this years team is 8 wins. The schedule looks pretty tough and the skins are still in one of the tough divisions in the NFL.

The Latest from the DMV

Redskins: RGIII wins best college male athlete at the ESPYS - RGIII Already a winner

Nationals: Harper, Strasburg, and Gio head back from All-Star game where the NL won 8-0. Check out Adam Vingan's story Nationals Hold Their Own

Capitals: Signed Florida Panther Wojtek Wolski - Washington Caps

Wizards: John Wall makes the most of his time with the USA Select team

Another Sweep by the Nationals

The Washington Nationals did it again! They came from behind and used their offensive surge to comeback and sweep the first place San Francisco Giants. The Nationals offense continues to produce with the continued success of Harper, Zimmerman, Morse, Desmond and LaRoche. Not to mention the pitching continues to get it done.

Who would have thought the Nationals would be sitting in first place atop the NL East at the All-Star break. If the Nationals continue to play like this, then I do not see anyone in the NL East being able to keep up.

Although Harper did not make the All-Star game, he continued to show why he will be an All-Star for many years to come, with his game tying RBI in the 9th of last nights game. The Nationals skipper on Haper not making the All-Star team, "Good, I think he could use some time off, catch his breath, rather than have the all-day excitement of the All-Star game".

The Nationals are having all the success without their 100 million dollar man Jayson Werth and standout closer from last year, Drew Storen. Davey Johnson, will soon be faced with a tough decision of where to put Werth with the recent success of players like Steve Lombardozi and Tyler Moore. I think Storen will be a nice addition and give the Nationals depth in the bullpen when it comes late August and September.

It is still early, but this team looks like it could be inching closer and closer to its first playoff berth!

Watch tonight as the Nationals Ace Steven Strasburg takes on the Colorado Rockies tonight at 7:05PM! Nats Game Preview

Washington Capitals NHL Draft

For all of you die hard Washington Capital Fans, here is a very quick recap of the first night of the NHL Draft that took place in Pittsburgh yesterday:

Washington Capitals:
#11 Overall: Flip Forsberg - Highly touted Swedish center, that will bring depth to the organization
#16 Overall: Thomas Wilson - Gritty, hard nosed winger that will get in your face

But the biggest news of all came when the Capitals traded for the Dallas Stars veteran center Mike Ribeiro. The caps had to give up Cody Eakin and the 54th overall pick. This deal will add a verteran playmaker that could be the final link Ovi and the Caps need to get over the hump. This is only the start of what should be a pretty entertaining off-season for the Caps. Next up is a new head coach!

Bryce Harper a National League All-Star??

MLB All-Star voting has started and one of the biggest questions has come about 19 year-old Bryce Harper. Should Bryce Harper be voted in as an NL All-Star? Is he too young? Has he done enough yet? Well, all those questions can be answered when you go to cast your NL League ballot this year. There you will not see the Nationals outfielder even as an option on the ballot. According to the MLB Haper has not done enough to deserve a chance at the All-Star weekend festivities.

Bryce Harper has had a steller year this year with an outstanding .367 OBP as a 19 Year-old. He is batting .288, has 3 triples, and 17 RBI's. Those numbers are not crazy impressive, but the thing that does standout is the kid is 19 and he plays harder and more intense than any other player, when he is between the white lines. Check out the Bleacher Report on Harpers season so far.

I think this may be a big mistake for the MLB and may miss the chance for one of their rookie phenoms to help bring excitement and ratings to All-Star weekend. Not to mention, I'm sure the NL team would love to have him to help secure home field advantage for the NL World Series contender.

The only way we are going to see Harper in the All-Star game this year is if fans write him in. So, start writing MLB Fans All-Star Game 2012 Ballot ! 

Offensive Impact Players for the Burgundy & Gold

Here is my take on who will make the biggest offensive impact for the Burgundy & Gold:

Biggest Offensive Impact - Robert Griffin III
The #2 pick overall will have the biggest impact on the Redskins upcoming offense. He will finally bring some excitement and shine to the QB position for DC.

Offensive Impact - WR
Pierre Garcon - Must step up and become the Redskins #1
Leonard Hankerson - Will recover from injury and emerge as a standout WR for the skins
Santana Moss - He will finally be placed in the slot and have an another 1000 yard season with Garcon getting a lot of the attention from defenders
Josh Morgan - Still not totally sold on him yet, we will see how he performs in training camp

Offensive Impact - RB
Roy Helu - Stand out running back this year, he will be close to an 1000 yard rusher, May come up just short because RGIII will be doing some of the running. Dont forget this guy can catch passes out of the backfield
Evan Royster - Will be a very good compliment to Roy Helu
Tim Hightower - I like his chances to score a lot of Touchdowns this year if he can stay healthy. He will be the power back

Offensive Impact - TE
Fred Davis - This is his breakout year. Look for this guy to be headed to the Pro Bowl this year
Chris Cooley - He will be the biggest surprise on offensive with a standout year, look for a lot of two TE sets for the Skins this year

*Up Next my take on the Defensive Impact Players..@DMVsportsFan

Future DC Stars

Recently a 19 year old and a 22 year old have been taking DC by storm. Both of these guys have been lead stories on Sportscenter and have even made apperances on the Jay Leno show. If you havent figured it out yet I'm talking the Washington National's Bryce Harper and the Washing Redskins newly drafted RGIII. These guys have already made huge impacts on this city that has recently struggled in almost every major sporting league. These guys have brought hope back into the city for their perspective teams. Bryce Harper has been making the most recent impact so far keeping the Nationals atop the NL East. Not to mention he will get his first taste of one of the best rivalries in the MLB when the Nationals take on Beltway rival the Baltimore Orioles this weekend. RGIII impact has been mostly off the field at this point. With Recent appereances on Sportscenter and on late night television, he is helping put the Washington Redskins name out there.

I think when it is all said and done RGIII will have the biggest impact on this city. I do think Bryce Harper and the Nationals will be the first DC team to make it into the playoffs and may even go pretty far into October. I just think the Washington Redskins are the premiere team in this area and after it is all said and done RGIII will take the Skins to a surprising Super Bowl Championship. It may be 5 or so years down the road but I think with RGIII's mature attitude and leadership he will take this team to a level that they have never been. Remember this is a Heisman trophy winner. Hold on tight DC Sports fans we have some exciting years ahead....

Washington Nationals in the spotlight on Sunday Night Baseball

This is more than just a national audience for the Washington Nationals. This is a chance for a team that has been just okay for the past 5 years to make a statement. They can sweep their division rivals, increase their 1st place lead in the NL East, and make a statement to the Major Leagues. With a win tonight it secures that this team is forreal and is a legitamate playoff contender this year. What better way to make a statement then on Sunday Night Baseball under the lights on ESPN with commentators such as Buster Olney and Oral Hershiser. Not to mention this will be 19 year old Bryce Harpers first opportunity to be in the big spot light in front of the ESPN cameras. So, with the Washington Capitals with a day off today, rock the red tonight with the curly W and tune in tonight on ESPN at 8pm ET.

Follow me @dmvsportsfan for your in game updates

Caps head for a game 7 vs Bruins

What a game it was today. Once again the Caps will keep DC on the edge of its seats for at least one more game. The game today was very encouraging except for the final result. The Capitals put up a huge fight and showed me that they really want this series. Pucks were hitting in the back of the net and guys were flying around on the ice.

A few key turnovers cost the Caps this game. Backstrom's turnover in over time was very costly and will be an even bigger turnover if the Caps do not prevail in game 7. The Caps will have their backs up against the wall on Wednesday night and must come out swinging to shut up the Boston faithful right out of the gates. Washington has all of the right pieces to get this win and move onto the next series. With a couple of lucky bounces added in, I feel that the Caps will come out with a huge victory, not only for the team, but for all of Washington DC. Buckle up DC sports fans it will be another close one in game 7...

See what fans are saying about this series Yahoo NHL Fan Reaction

Great to be a DC sports fan!

This is the first time in a while I can remeber being excited to be a sports fan. I was at Nationals Park yesterday and could feel and exciting vibe in the air that has been around this area in a while. I was standing at the Red Porch in center field watching the Nationals close out another victory, when all of a sudden a heard a huge roar from the fans behind me. The Red Porch was showing the Caps game on all 5 flat screens and the Caps had just scored the game winner to even the series with the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs! I don't know how long the feeling will last but it is awesome to have a first place baseball team and a hockey team that is playing quite well against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Can't wait for another exciting game on Monday night C-A-P-S! Who knows how long the excitement will last with a guy like RGIII coming to the Redskins...

Washington Nationals to the Playoffs

Yes, thats right! I said it the Nationals will get one of the Wildcard spots and bring playoff baseball to the Washington DC area. Here is why I'm so high on the Nationals this year:

1. Pitching Staff - With Stephen Starsburg back from injury and the additions of Gio Gonzales and closer Brad Lidge, this staff is just as good as any team in the NL East.

2. Offense - I think right out of the gate the Nationals offensive production will be slow but once they get back Mike Morse and Bryce Harper gets called up from AAA you will see the production rise. I also think this is the year Jayson Werth shows the MLB why he is an All-Star. Keep an eye on Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa this year as well.

3. Expanded Playoff Spot - The MLB has added another Wildcard spot to the playoffs this year. Giving the Nationals an even better chance to make it in October.

Check out the Nats opening day roster! Get your hats, jerseys, and gloves out this year is going to be a fun one Nats Fans!

RGIII sits down with John Gruden

RG3 sits down with John Gruden at Gruden QB camp. Takes him through his college highlights, asks him the tough questions and how he feels about how much the Redskins gave up to move up in the draft. See what RGIII says about being the number 1 draft pick. He continues to impress me about his smarts and athletic ability! T-Minus 24 days until RGIII becomes a Skin! RGIII and John Gruden

Monday Morning Coffee Break...

Your just getting into work and turning on your computer. Your thinking about all the other stuff you would rather be doing right now. Before you get your day started grab a cup of coffee and watch this video with ESPN's kenny Mayne: The 19th Hole.

Tweet me your thoughts @DMVsportss and look for next weeks Monday Morning Coffee Break!

Final Four vs the NFL...

Has the NFL overtaken even March Madness? In recent weeks the NFL has had their own version of March Madness and has been the head story on almost every sports station. With the recent newsworth breaking stories from Peyton to RGIII to the Saints to Tim Teabow the NFL is becoming too powerful for any other sport. We are not even in the middle of the NFL season and it has command of all sporting fans. March Madness is supposed to be the craziest time of the year for all sports fans but it seems to me that it has taken a backseat to the NFL. Has money been lost from this years NCAA tournament due to the NFL? Check out some of these eye opening NCAA statistics.

I hope we are in for a thrilling Final Four this weekend. I will be watching, will you?

Tweet me @DMVsportss

Rex Grossman going to be the Redskins Starter?

Not so fast! There is no way Grossman will be under center for the first game. If he is then Shanahan can pack his bag and book his flight out of town. The Redskins starting QB will be RGIII. The Colts have hinted that they are still in the process of deciding who they will take number one overall but my sources tell me that they are 99% for sure takiing Luck. See what outspoken Jim Irsay has to say on RGII or Andrew Luck.

Getting excited Skins fans! Rex Grossman will be #2 on the Depth chart and this organization final found a franchise quarterback for years to come, even if it is Andrew Luck...

Redskins Starting Wide Receivers

With the recent addition of wide receivers this is how I see the depth at this position lining up by kickoff:

WR 1: Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson
WR 2: Josh Morgan, Jabar Gaffney
SLOT: Santana Moss, Terrence Austin

I think the redskins will do a lot more of the three WR sets and will have good flexibility with Garcon, Morgan, and Moss as the stating three. I think the depth at this position will be solid and all six of these guys will see a lot of time on the field throughout the season. I do think by opening day we will see Anthony Armstrong no longer with the Redskins. I have this feeling Brandon Banks will still be on the squad and the opening day kick returner.

Tweet me your thoughts @dmvsportss . Tomorrow I will take a look at the Redskins QB position. 

Inside the Life of Nationals Outfielder Bryce Harper

I don't know about you but I'm excited about this young kid Bryce Harper. He is going to be an exciting player and a future MLB great. How cool is it that Harper plays for our very own Washington Nationals. I dont mind the Twitter comments about how the Dallas Cowboys are his favorite team. You have to realize Harper hasn't even experienced DC for that long. We can soon brainwash him into becoming a Skins fan and thinking we are going to win the Super Bowl year after year.

Bryce Harper has grown up in baseball and has pushed himself to become the best throughout his entire career. I think this effort will translate to the pros and make him a future leader for the Nats. Not to mention too, this guy is built like Lebron James! (He may even be a sleeper Fantasy Baseball pickup) This kid has all the attributes and looks like he will be getting a lot of chances to shine this spring. My predictions is that Harper will make the team and by the All-Star break he will be the Nationals full time right fielder. If he can keep his head on his shoulders he could be a big part of the Nationals run for the Wildcard this year. After all the MLB did add another Wildcard spot.

Redskins Bounty run Defense the start of Peyton Manning Neck Injuries?

After all this recent talk of Manning to the Skins..It now comes out from NFL.com that the Redskins could have been the cause of Manning's neck injuries from the beginning! Must Read..NFL Traces Manning's Injuries back to the Redskins.

Peyton Manning plays at Duke University...

Peyton Manning has taken his rehab to Duke University. Reports have said that Manning was throwing with his former QB coach, who now coaches at Duke and looked better then he has in a very long time..

This kind of thing scares me as a long time Redskins Fan. Reports have already been circulating about how Dan Snyder will be the first to call on Peyton. We can not let another old broken down quarterback come to the Redskins just to get a good pay day!

The only way I could see this situation working is if the Skins can some how get both Manning and RGIII. RGIII could then compete and learn from Manning until he is ready to step in as the Redskins Franchise player.

The Redskins should be in for another interesting and hopefully "Smart" off-season. HAIL!

Redskins should draft Robert Griffin III in the upcoming NFL draft...

There should be no more debating or questions asked..

The Washington Redskins front office needs to make the right move and move up in the upoming NFL draft to get Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin. The Skins biggest need is QB and this is our guy. He is an all around great player. Aside from being a great player, he is smart and has his head on his shoulders. He can be the new face of this franchise for years to come. I could see Griffin fitting in perfectly with the Redskin offense, a lot like rookie Cam Newton did with the Carolina Panthers.

The time is now! Stop the discussion and lets go get RG3! The burgundy and gold can not stand another season with a terrible QB that leads the league in turnovers. I feel the Skins will make the right move come April, but who knows with this front office...

At least it will make for another exciting off season for Skins fans.

Virginia Tech Kicking Themselves out of the Sugar Bowl?

In recent weeks Frank Beamer's usually spectacular special teams unit has been kicking themselves...

Virginia Tech has recently lost both of it's place kickers. One earlier this month for a drug altercation and the second one just recently missed a curfew during the teams preperation in New Orleans.

This has got to frustrate teamates, coaches, and your average college football fan. How do jeopardize your full scholarship to a top 25 college football program?

This has not only put these individuals in jeopardy, but it has put the entire team in jeopardy. I feel that this game will be close and could come down to a clutch field goal kick from the Hokies. I hope Virginia Tech's kick-off man Justin Myer has been practicing more than just kick-offs.

Despite all of this, I think Logan Thomas and Virginia Tech will be able to hold off the Wolverines in a close one at the Sugar Bowl. Virginia Tech's fan base will travel well. I expect the atmosphere to be exciting and Michigan will get its first taste of Enter Sandman...