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Washington Redskins
The Redskins plan on starting Robert Griffin III from day one of the 2012 season, which is a pretty defensible position considering he's probably their best quarterback right this minute. Still, it's worth wondering what this will mean for his development. Other successful quarterbacks have had time to build up their confidence and learn the system before being thrown into the mix; Griffin will have to perform from the get-go. Is this the right decision?
Griffin's outlook?
Griffin seems to have it all together, but Redskins quarterbacks haven't exactly had a great deal of success in recent years.
Redskins' outlook?
The Redskins aren't looking to make waves just yet, but Griffin's presence could improve their 5-11 record from 2011.
Preferred method?
Some quarterbacks have a kind of apprentice period before taking the reigns -- Tom Brady being the most notable (but unplanned) example.
On Thursday, "First Take" debated whether or not Mike Shanahan is the right coach for Robert Griffin III. The Redskins are likely to take Griffin with the second pick in the 2012 NFL draft, and Shanahan will have to groom Griffin into an elite quarterback. Visiting analyst Donovan McNabb, who played under Shanahan before, doesn't think the pairing would work out. What's your take?
Today: The Cowboys and Redskins will take a cap hit because of front-loading contracts in an uncapped 2010.
- bubbaamy: "They played within the rules at the time. This is making up the rules as you go along. This is wrong is every possible way. "
- BucktheYankeeandSox: "Roger Goodell is the only person on earth who could unite Redskins and Cowboys fans. "
- Romosapien247: "Something is really sketchy here. The NFL imposes this sanction one day before FA begins, and both teams seem to be caught completely off-guard by it. So did the other owners know about it before-hand?"
- Hooza Whatsit V: "Could be a blessing in disguise for the cowboys if they are forced to cut romo."
- Giuseppe Gatto: "For those of you who keep saying they cant punish these teams for their actions during the uncapped year. You are exactly right they cant because there was no cap and the NFL had to approve those contracts; however, what you are all missing is that these are not violations or penalties or punishments. The NFL is using a very nifty move to get back at those teams that did not comply. "
- tiberyc: "This is not about cheating! This is about 2 owners who were trying to make their respective teams, "winning" teams, and doing whatever it took to try and make that happen."
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The Rex Grossman era, such as it was, appears to be over in Washington. Coach Mike Shanahan has decided to start John Beck in place of Grossman. The 30-year-old Beck is a career journeyman, but Grossman seems to have reverted to his reckless gunslinging ways. With the Redskins at 3-2 and still in contention for the NFC East title, it may not be the right time to wait for Grossman to figure it out all over again.
More polls: Are the Redskins playoff-bound with Beck? Is Grossman done?
Right decision?
Rex Grossman played admirably for the first few games of this season, but his Total QBR has plummeted in recent weeks.
The first game of the NFL season kicks off in a little more than 24 hours, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't at least a little excited. Pro football can be a messy affair at times -- see the entire labor battle during the offseason -- but it's a glorious sport at its heart. Most every team's fan base has something to look forward to this weekend, although Colts fans may be dreading a future without Peyton Manning after the news that he'll miss at least his first game with a neck injury.
- Rank: Is Peyton Manning still in the MVP race? | Which are football's best teams?
- Vote: Which teams are the favorite to win each division?
Best game?
There are a lot of good matchups in Week 1 of the NFL's 2011 regular season. Steelers-Ravens, for example, could be a preview of a future AFC playoff game.
Colts without Manning?
Peyton Manning is out for an undetermined amount of time. This could be a prime opportunity for other teams to break Indianapolis' stranglehold on the AFC South.
AFC East
The Patriots responded to their 14-2 record last season by signing or trading for several marquee names. Are they good enough to beat the Jets?
AFC North
The Steelers fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season, as their vaunted defense wasn't able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
AFC South
Peyton Manning took a pay cut in order for the Colts to keep some of their key players, but is it enough for Indianapolis to win the AFC South?
AFC West
There's a brewing quarterback controversy in Denver, with Kyle Orton delaying the seemingly inevitable succession of Tim Tebow to the starting job. Can the Broncos compete with Orton?
NFC East
The Eagles made a number of humongous moves this offseason, including trading Kevin Kolb and signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Are they the team to beat in the NFC East?
NFC North
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on an incredible run to a Super Bowl title last year. Are they the favorites in the NFC North once again?
NFC South
The Saints looked to make another deep run at a Super Bowl, but were stunned by the lowly Seahawks. Are they still an elite team?
NFC West
Speaking of the Seahawks, they won the NFC West despite a 7-9 record. Will they sneak into the playoffs once more?
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
The NFC East was a division of surprises and disappointments this season: The Eagles surprised everyone by running roughshod over the league, while the Redskins and Cowboys both failed to live up to expectations. What grade would you give each NFC East team? Cast your vote now!
AFC Grades: East | North | South | West | NFC Grades: North | South | West
Washington Redskins
Donovan McNabb was supposed to bring stability to the quarterback position, but he found himself benched twice in favor of Rex Grossman.
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo's injury helped lead to Wade Phillips' firing, but replacement Jason Garrett seemed to have Dallas moving in the right direction.
New York Giants
The Giants nearly made the playoffs, but a few big-time mistakes -- like kicking to DeSean Jackson -- gave them an early vacation.
Philadelphia Eagles
There was no quarterback controversy in Philadelphia: Kevin Kolb performed well, but Michael Vick was at an MVP level for most of the season.
Vote: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks
1. Has Sam Bradford exceeded expectations?
2. Which quarterback helps the Seahawks more?
3. Which team would be harder to beat at home?
4. Should a losing division winner make the playoffs?
5. Which team will win in Seattle?
Have your say on Rams at Seahawks
Vote: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
1. Is this a fair quarterback fight?
2. Does Lovie Smith deserve a new contract?
3. How should the Bears play this game?
4. Are you buying the Bears?
5. Which team will win in Green Bay?
Have your say on Bears at Packers
Vote: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
1. Do the Saints need to go all out?
2. Is Drew Brees regressing this season?
3. Which rookie running back is a bigger find?
4. Has Josh Freeman proven himself?
5. Which team will win in New Orleans?
Have your say on Buccaneers at Saints
Vote: New York Giants at Washington Redskins
1. What is the Giants' biggest flaw?
2. Is Eli Manning more problem or solution?
3. Who starts at quarterback in D.C. next season?
4. What grade does Mike Shanahan get?
5. Which team will win in Maryland?
Have your say on Giants at Redskins
Vote: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
1. Are the Colts Super Bowl contenders?
2. Is Peyton Manning starting to decline?
3. Are the Colts really improving against the run?
4. What will Jeff Fisher do next season?
5. Which team will win in Indianapolis?
Have your say on Titans at Colts
1. Is Mike Shanahan failing Redskins 101?
In less than a full season, Mike Shanahan has already benched Donovan McNabb, dusted off Rex Grossman and kicked Albert Haynesworth to the curb. Who says one person can't shake things up in the nation's capital? But while Haynesworth sits, what grade does Shanahan deserve for his first season on the job? PollCenter.
- "'Hang in there Albert. ... Fear not though, you'll be on another club without the mini-dictator Shanny there to make an example of you. You'll be better off out of Washington playing for a non-washed up coach living on the fumes of his success a dozen years later." -- SN commenter Br0nc0s23
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