Deron Snyder
Articles by Deron Snyder
SNYDER: Doing what ‘we do well’ enough for Nationals to win
The 2012 season represented uncharted territory for the Washington Nationals, as the vast majority of players had never experienced the pressure of pennant races or the joy of first-place finishes. Published October 7, 2012
SNYDER: Nationals actually had quick rise to postseason
The Nationals played seven forgettable, regrettable seasons in Washington before establishing themselves among the majors' best teams this year. It seems like only yesterday that they compiled back-to-back 100-loss campaigns, while finishing last in the NL East five times in their first six seasons in D.C. There were times when you wondered if the Nats ever would field a winner. Published October 4, 2012
SNYDER: Wizards try to put best foot forward
The Wizards' path to respectability is littered with land mines, potholes and other assorted obstacles in the Eastern Conference. But at least Washington seems headed in the right direction, having jettisoned the goofballs and blockheads who steered it off course the past few seasons. Published October 2, 2012
SNYDER: Finally, Nationals can pop the cork as division champs
As the home team prepared to bat Monday night in the bottom of the eighth at Nationals Park, the video screen flashed a favorable update from the Braves-Pirates game. A rousing cheer rose from the slightly-chilled crowd of 35,387 fans, one of the few chances they had all evening to fully exercise their vocal chords. Published October 1, 2012
Nationals write new chapter in D.C. baseball history with NL East crown
Already assured of a playoff berth, the Washington Nationals made history Monday night by clinching first place in the National League East. Published October 1, 2012
SNYDER: Bo Porter eager to relaunch Astros
The good news for Bo Porter: He landed one of only 30, highly coveted big-league managerial jobs. Published September 30, 2012
SNYDER: Wizards need to conjure up a potion for relevance
No one would suggest that D.C. has suddenly morphed into the nation's sports capital. The city has too much losing in the rearview mirror — and too many transient fans on the side — to make a grand proclamation just yet. But Washington clearly has been a center of attention lately in the world of professional fun and games. Published September 27, 2012
SNYDER: With replacement officials, NFL has become a joke
Headed into Week 4 of the NFL season, the national conversation is all wrong. Our football discourse is out of sorts and off course. Published September 25, 2012
SNYDER: Shootouts shine a light on Redskins’ lackluster defense
The good news for the Washington Redskins is their newfound scoring punch, largely due to Robert Griffin III's impact as franchise quarterback and savior. Washington has scored at least 28 points in each of its three games this season. Published September 23, 2012
SNYDER: For Vince Young, a tale of fame, fleeting fortune
HBO's Emmy-winning newsmagazine, "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," returned Tuesday night to open its 18th season. The lead story was a feature on Magic Johnson, the NBA great-turned-businessman whose net worth is estimated at $750 million. His famous smile was bigger and brighter than ever in the piece. Published September 20, 2012
SNYDER: With replacement refs, danger to players is steadily rising
Friends, football fans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to praise the NFL's replacement officials, not bury them. I compliment them for accepting the challenge and allowing the games to continue. Published September 18, 2012
SNYDER: Heart of the matter is, NCAA needs one
What do Ebenezer Scrooge, the Grinch and torturers of small animals have in common? Published September 16, 2012
SNYDER: At long last, feel free to dream big with Redskins
In the NFL, lasting impressions have a seven-day shelf life. Seasons can soar and swoon from week to week, careening through the levels of ecstasy to the stages of grief. We know we shouldn't put too much stock into any given Sunday, but we do it anyway. Published September 13, 2012
SNYDER: No Strasburg for Nats, no stress for Lannan
The Washington Nationals' 2-0 victory over the New York Mets basically was like any other game for all but two of Washington's players — Stephen Strasburg, the phenom whose season was shut down last week, and John Lannan, the one-time rotation stalwart now filling the gap. Published September 13, 2012
SNYDER: A bit of Baylor in RG3’s offense
Running quarterbacks were oxymorons in the NFL, as curious a term as "blocking offensive linemen." Running was the nature of each back in the backfield -- whether he was a quarter, half or full -- until a metamorphism began about 75 years ago. Published September 11, 2012
Stephen Strasburg shutdown right move for future
Based on my totally unscientific measurements, about 90 percent of the national media have blasted Washington for Project Shutdown Stephen Strasburg. But of the 10 percent that support general manager Mike Rizzo's decision, the overwhelming majority is based in the D.C. metro area. Published September 9, 2012
SNYDER: Nationals’ fan plan set, down to the letter
Letters from team management can mean bad news for Major League Baseball fans. Published September 6, 2012
SNYDER: Different paths are taken at Maryland
There's quite a drama playing out in Maryland's athletic department, where it's the best of times and worst of times in the Terrapins' "Tale of Two Programs." Published September 4, 2012
SNYDER: In expelling Dezmine Wells, Xavier commits intentional foul
In cases involving a man, a woman and a closed door, the difference between accusations and actualities can be difficult to assess. Verdicts rendered by the criminal justice system aren't always accurate, no matter which side they favor. Unfortunately, regardless of who's lying and who's not, both parties are stained. Published August 30, 2012
SNYDER: Air show should be fun to see for Redskins
Robert Griffin III wasn't seen on the field Wednesday in Washington's preseason finale, but all eyes will be on him once the season starts. Published August 29, 2012