February 20, 2012
By Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
While the Wizards started their long road trip strong with wins against Detroit and Portland, they were unable to keep the momentum and dropped their last three. Their chance to record their first winning road trip in seven was spoiled when they lost to the Suns in Phoenix last night. Washington started the game strong, scoring 25 points in the first quarter and trailing by just five by the half. But they struggled after half-time, getting outscored by the Suns 32-13 in the third quarter. While they rebounded in the fourth, it wasn’t enough to overcome their poor third quarter showing and they fell to Phoenix 104-88. The Suns’ defense was key to winning the game, as they shut down the Wizards’ biggest x-factor, Nick Young, limiting him to just six points. His average is 17.5.
Despite their struggles, the Wizards are getting some national recognition. John Wall has once again been chosen to compete in the Skills Challenge competition during All-Star weekend. Wall finished in fourth place last year. Golden State Warrior point guard Stephen Curry took top honors, followed by Derrick Rose and Chris Paul, respectively. The Skills course is an obstacle consisting of basic basketball skills such as passing, dribbling and shooting and Wall will have a chance to improve last years’ time of 39.3 seconds and show what he’s got next Saturday in Orlando.
While Wall will be at All-Star weekend to showcase his skills, teammate JaVale McGee will not. As the first Wizard ever to be chosen to participate in the Slam Dunk contest during the All-Star festivities in 2011, he was not invited back this year.
Capitals
The Caps’ tentative hold on first place has broken; after a rough week, they find themselves trailing both the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets. At 3-6-2 in their last 10 games, the Caps are struggling to stay competitive as they enter in the final five weeks of the season.
Their latest attempt to propel themselves back into the Eastern Conference playoff race was an embarrassment. After a 2-1 loss against Tampa Bay, the Caps hoped to rebound when they faced the Carolina Panthers. Instead, they got shut out, 5-0, and looked inferior to a team that ranks last in their own division.
The Panthers had first three period goals, and by the end of the first had outshot the Caps 16-5. Things never got better for the Caps, as they were plagued by sloppy plays and unnecessary turnovers, unable to score even one goal. Washington center Jeff Halpern summed up the Caps’ performance best, telling reporters afterwards “We were just bad all night.” The loss keeps the Caps in third place in the division, and 10th overall in the Eastern Conference. With just 23 games left to play in the regular season, the Capitals need to turn it around fast if they have any shot at a playoff berth.
Redskins
While the football season may have (technically) just ended, preparation for next season can never come soon enough. Rumors have been swirling this off-season that the Redskins are very interested in courting quarterback Peyton Manning, if he were to become a free agent. Manning is due a $28 million signing bonus by March 8 by the Indianapolis Colts, or he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Even with his future plagued by doubts — is he healthy enough to play or, will he be the same hall of fame quarterback he once was — he is the hottest commodity on the market. The list of interested teams never seems to end, with the Dolphins, Jets, Seahawks and Cardinals all rumored to be interested. But no team seems to be as quarterback starved as the Redskins, and no owner is as known for big name signings as Dan Snyder.
The Peyton Manning speculation is just one factor for the Skins to consider. As of yesterday, they can put a franchise tag on any impending free agent, ensuring they have them for another year and cannot go to another team. They have between now and March 5 to use the franchise tag; free agency begins March 13. Tight end Fred Davis and safety LaRon Landry are the players most likely to be tagged – though if the Redskins let linebacker London Fletcher, go they are obviously blind to talent.
Additionally, the scouting combine begins this Wednesday, where Redskins personnel will have the opportunity to evaluate and interview the top prospects of the NFL’s April draft.
