‘BIG PAYBACK #27’
courtesy of ‘Danilo.Lewis|Fotography’

Redskins
Record: 1-2
Last Two Weeks: 0-2
Place: Tied for second with Dallas & New York

Play not to lose, and you end up doing exactly that. The Redskins have played not to lose for the last three weeks, and their 1-2 record is reflective of a franchise that has yet to play to win a football game. The Skins’ on-field presence has been lackluster, and their off-field shenanigans, with the battle over Albert Haynesworth’s heart and “mind” still proceeding, and a number of player shakeups.

This is a team that is going to dominate the news cycle despite not deserving an iota of your attention, so get used to it, unless they can find a way to put together the will to win. I’m not saying that can’t happen, I’m saying that they don’t seem to have it at this point.

‘A lone bottle’
courtesy of ‘lonny.gomes’

Nationals
Record: 67-89
Last Two Weeks: 7-6
Place: Last in the East

With just six games to go in their season, and last place in the NL East assured at this point, there would seem like little to play for in Washington. That message hasn’t yet gotten to the Nationals, though, as they’re playing strong baseball down the final stretch. This weekend they played spoiler for the Braves, taking two of three and reducing Philly’s magic number to 1.

That’s pretty solid for a team that’s been without their franchise player since last Wednesday. Ryan Zimmerman has an intercostal strain on his right side, and may not play again this season, manager Jim Riggleman said on Saturday morning. They’re going to be very careful with the face of the franchise even though we’re to the end of the season. While they’re missing his .300 bat, Alberto Gonzalez has been an incredible defensive replacement, making a number of strong defensive plays in this weekend’s series against Atlanta.

The Nationals have a chance to win 70 games this year, something they haven’t done since 2007. If they can come up with four wins in the next six, they’ll match the record of the 2007 team. They face a dedicated Phillies squad for three games, and the equally hapless Mets for three games to close out the season. Expect Nats Park to be Citizens Bank South for the next few games, as the Phillies’ magic number is 1, and they’re likely to clinch with a win. Personally? I’m hoping for a rainout tonight, and a Braves loss, so that we’re spared the on-field celebration in the event of a win.

‘DSC_0010’
courtesy of ‘A. L. Huber’

Capitals
Record: 2-0 (Preseason)

The return of hockey season is like greeting a good friend who went away to camp for the summer and has come back better, stronger and faster. Saturday night’s 2-1 pre-season victory over the Preds was just enough of a taste to be reminded why it is that you love and adore this friend, and you just don’t understand why everyone’s focused on their worthless cousin that can barely win a game. While Ovi sat out on Saturday, the Caps still put together a fine game in this pre-season tuneup. Training camp continues this week, and HBO cameras are due to arrive at Kettler IcePlex this morning for the first day of filming as part of the Road to the Winter Classic series. Look for more from the We Love DC Sports team this week as we get ready for the Caps’ season.

Ticker

D.C. United dropped a home match 3-1 against Houston on Saturday night, in a crazy match that included 10 minutes of injury time, and saw both managers sent off the pitch when they had the gall to apologize to each other and shake hands. Andy Najar continues to rack up Rookie of the Year credentials, with another goal. Kevin Payne is interviewing coach candidates. Washington Freedom didn’t make it out of the first round of the playoffs, dropping a 1-0 match against Philadelphia. Maryland beat FIU 42-28 on Saturday, but that the game was so close was a bit of an indictment of the Terps. Navy prevailed 37-23 against Louisiana Tech.