Rick Snider Q&A Transcript 8/28/06

[MTK]

Much thanks to Rick as always for participating in these Q&A sessions with us!



Rick, it seems like this is a popular topic every year around this time. What's your take on the NFL preseason? Should it be shortened to 2 games?

I think two would be perfect. Of course, the NFL doesn't want to do it because it makes a ton of money on these games. Unlike regular-season games where even lowest-paid players make about $13,000, every player earns a flat fee in the preseason, which last time I checked was $500. Yet, the NFL still charges the same ticket prices and makes a lot of TV money. That's why the NFL doesn't want to go to 18 regular-season games. I think there won't be a change until after the 2012 labor pact ends.

How do other teams in the league view Ladell Betts? Does he have any real trade value?

Not really. I've always liked Betts and think he could be a decent back in the league, but he's already getting older and there are always shiny new players behind him. He's a role player and no one trades for that.

Stud RB Clinton Portis was hurt in the first quarter of a meaningless game. He later commented that He shouldn't have been in there, and that the preseason is too long.

My question is this. Do the Redskins have a reasonable expectation that Portis's preseason would exceed a dozen plays? He got injured on the eighth offensive snap, and while I don't want him hurt ever (because of my man-crush), his complaint seems invalid, unless he's advocating a seven snap pre-season.

Portis was just angry at the time. It was a fluke play and shouldn't dictate anything, really. Just bad luck.

Rick, what's your take on the Redskins secondary. It seems like the starting four have the potential to be the best corner/corner/saftey/saftey combination in the NFL, but if one of them (especially/specifically at the corner position) do you see the Redskins defense taking a big step back?

I worry Shawn Springs won't be 100 percent this season and that hurts. They are a solid foursome when healthy, but Arch is still learning the system and they don't have a backup corner to use in the nickel and dime packages, much less start.

Rick, is there enough depth in camp this year backing up the current "Hogs"?

Probably not. They had a couple veterans last year who are gone and now they're down to kids, which you never know how they'll do. Then again, the starting five hasn't looked good in the preseason.

How badly does Collins have to play and how well does Campbell have to play in order for Campbell to move up to #2 on the depth chart?

I'm with you on this. Gibbs is very reluctant to play someone with no experience, though Collins sure doesn't have much recent experience. I think Collins is No. 2 for the simple reason that in an emergency situation, Gibbs feels Collins wouldn't lose a game. That's more important than winning one in you understand that. Campbell is turnover-prone like any other unplayed player. From what I've seen of Campbell on the practice field, he can be something special.

If Shawn Springs has lingering injuries all season long, will the Skins safeties still be able to blitz and/or play close to the line of scrimmage? Overall how will his injury effect the entire defense?

His absence leaves them very vulnerable. Don't be surprised if the Redskins sign a corner in the next week. Obviously, the safeties can't blitz as much if the team lacks confidence in the corners.

I have three serious questions and one kind of silly one.

Is it proper form to put mayo on a cheesesteak?

Absolutely, but understand this is coming from somewhat who suffered a heart attack in 2002 so take that advice for what it's worth. Actually, I no longer use mayo on anything unless it's fat free, and the latter really isn't that bad.

What condiments are on a Rick Snider hot dog?

OK, I don't really eat hot dogs anymore because of the heart attack (and bypass surgery) aside from a fat free one. And guys, they really aren't so bad. But I always loved ketchup and yellow mustard. No relish or onions or chili or cheese. Keep it real, baby.

Pizza: Deep Dish or Thin Crust?

I love answering food questions. As Spurrier always said, it's all good. I can eat both, but I guess deep dish in the end. I was in Chicago last week on vacation (first one during football in 23 years since I'm now a columnist who doesn't have to see every sunset at Redskin Park anymore) and ate lunch at the very first Uno's. Place was very small and the pizza crust was like pie crust, which I didn't like as much but did feel me up.)

What is the minimum that must happen this season for it to be considered a successful season?

Super Bowl appearance. I'm not kidding. Anything less would be a disappointment despite the preseason. I see the team going 10-6 and then Gibbs gets them to the finals only to lose (sorry) to Indianapolis.

Do you see the Skins making a move to aquire a more experienced and capable backup OT than is currently on the roster? I know they signed Folau, but he just seems like another name on the roster. Since coming back Bugel hasn't really found or taught any of the OL to be any good (except for one Ray Brown), so that's a spot i'm a bit worried about.

If someone comes loose on the final waivers, it's possible another OT, but I doubt it.

Could losing any one other player than jansen or samuels be a worse loss? And why didn't the Skins try to at least pretend to bring in competition at punter?

Punter? How about another kicker? I really think they should cut Hall if possible. It has always been one thing or another. Great guy, but no long kickoffs and injuries make him expendable. OK, back to your question, they did bring in a free agent to punt, but nothing happened. I would be shocked if the team doesn't sign a new punter this week, though. As for losing one of the tackles, no one on the OL would be worse, but certainly there are others like Brunell and Portis who would be worse losses.

Rick, where do you see Duckett fitting in? Does he bump Betts from the main backup, or is he mainly a short-yardage and goal line back?

I think Duckett becomes the main backup.

Rick, how should we read into this miserable preseason? Is the season really in jeopardy or is this going to be just another losing preseason under Gibbs that turns out to mean nothing in the long run?

That's the question we've been arguing for a week with no answer. Who knows? We've seen Gibbs win three titles after 0-4, 1-3 and 1-3. I think anything can happen, but never judge the preseason too harshly.

Hey, it has been lots of fun. Love the food questions. I hope you'll read me most days in the Washington Examiner at dcexaminer.com. -- Rick

[ArtMonkDrillz]

There was one quote from Rick that concerns me. In regards to the deep dish vs thin crust question he said, "Place was very small and the pizza crust was like pie crust, which I didn't like as much but did feel me up."
Uno's should use that quote in their fall ads.

[illdefined]

can we get another good corner PLEASE?

[SmootSmack]

Great stuff. And he answered my food questions! Much to the chagrin of many on the board he likes mayo on a cheesesteak and ketchup on a hot dog.

I think he may have divulged too much information with this

Originally Posted by Rick Snider

Place was very small and the pizza crust was like pie crust, which I didn't like as much but did feel me up.)

I really don't need to know about him being felt up by anything, let alone some deep dish pizza crust.

I agree with him on Redskins vs. Colts in SB XLI. With a different result, however. Though it wouldn't surprise me if the Pats go back

[TheMalcolmConnection]

You damn right! Ben Watson all day and all night baby!

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

There was one quote from Rick that concerns me. In regards to the deep dish vs thin crust question he said, "Place was very small and the pizza crust was like pie crust, which I didn't like as much but did feel me up."
Uno's should use that quote in their fall ads.

Haha! We saw the same thing. It could be like those Herbal Essences commercials...but with pizza instead

[TheMalcolmConnection]

That's the first pizza place I've ever heard that offers a happy ending.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Uno's Founder...

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Nah, he just gives happy endings with Happy Meals.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

That's the first pizza place I've ever heard that offers a happy ending.

So when he says he likes "mayo on a cheesesteak"....never mind. Not gonna go there.

I am worried about Hall. If there is one thing that concerns me it's having a flashback to 2000, when we went through kicker after kicker and loss game after game in large part due to a lack of a kicking game.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

We'll be last year's Dallas!!

[davy]

"I think anything can happen, but never judge the preseason too harshly."

This comes from the same guy who wrote this...

Rick Snider: It may be preseason ... but it smells bad - Examiner.com

:confused:

[JWsleep]

Good chat--Thanks to Rick and the Mods.

Is that a deep dish pizza in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

[That Guy]

good stuff

[MTK]

Originally Posted by davy

"I think anything can happen, but never judge the preseason too harshly."

This comes from the same guy who wrote this...

Rick Snider: It may be preseason ... but it smells bad - Examiner.com

:confused:

His job is to sell papers. Drama sells.