Deron Snyder
Articles by Deron Snyder
Closing time gets more comfortable for Washington’s defense
After beating Carolina last week, Washington cornerback Josh Norman noted that the home team started the game on defense and ended the game on defense. "That's what you want," he said. Maybe that's what HE wants. I think most fans would prefer a series of kneel downs from Alex Smith in victory formation. Published October 22, 2018
Gruden needs more up his sleeve than Peterson
Who needs drive, ingenuity and coaching creativity, when you can trade those in for the luxury of handing off to an age-defying runner who's turning back the clock? Published October 21, 2018
Wizards see hopes rise with door cracked open in East
At least LeBron James isn't blocking upward mobility back here anymore. That's good news for all parties involved. The Wizards aren't among the favorites to replace the Cavaliers, but at least the stone wall has become a cracked door. Published October 17, 2018
Tommie Smith, John Carlos protests over social issues still resonate a half-century later
It's a lesson worth learning, especially now, as some of the same issues still resonate. A half-century before Colin Kaepernick took a knee and put his NFL career on the line, Smith and Carlos raised their fists and put the world on notice. Published October 15, 2018
Washington’s timing just right to overcome adversity
For most teams, overcoming adversity means conquering troublesome circumstances and bouncing back after heartbreaking defeats. But in Washington, overcoming adversity means riding out good times and preventing victories from bringing you down. Published October 14, 2018
Jay Gruden era sees its clock ticking
It appears that Jay Gruden's tenure in Washington won't end well. At least he'll have plenty of company to commiserate with. Published October 10, 2018
You call it a brawl, UFC just calls it marketing
There are two schools of thought about the fracas that ensued following UFC 229's main event Saturday night in Las Vegas. Published October 8, 2018
NCAA’s policies on amateurism should be the real federal fraud case
Here we are, forced to endure the charade as federal prosecutors put recruiting tactics on trial in New York, where the first of three cases off an FBI probe of college basketball's so-called underbelly has begun. But the real fraud is wasting our tax money on what's essentially a matter between the NCAA and its member institutions. Published October 3, 2018
Bryce Harper’s, Le’Veon Bell’s next contracts keep us guessing
Why the Nationals should overpay Bryce Harper and why strangers care about Le'Veon Bell's contract are two of the many things in sports that are tough to figure out right now. Published October 1, 2018
Safety concerns eat at football from top to bottom
Roughing-the-passer penalties have more than doubled though three weeks compared to last season (34-16). The controversy is dominating discussions about the league in derogatory fashion. Meanwhile, at the youth level, where there can't be too much safety talk, participation continues its drop. Published September 26, 2018
Tiger Woods still worthy of emulation, admiration
Neither marketing executives, pro golfers nor golf fans, imagined Woods would go through everything he's endured to wind up again in the winner's circle at age 42 after a five-year drought. None of us is Tiger Woods. And I'm not sure, notwithstanding his fortune, we'd want to be. Published September 24, 2018
Washington’s offense shows just how dangerous it could be
Coach Jay Gruden and quarterback Alex Smith assured us that the unit is capable of more than intermediate strikes. They said the lack of downfield passing and the wideouts' MIA status was a function of the defenses, not Washington's philosophical approach. Trust us, they said. More is coming. They didn't waste time making good on their word. Published September 23, 2018
Protect the QBs, sure, but this is ridiculous
Once again, the NFL has demonstrated its uncanny inability to find the sweet spot between extremes. On some of the most pressing issues the league faces, its judgment either caroms off the left pole or ricochets off the right one, as if splitting uprights is equivalent to splitting atoms. Published September 19, 2018
Vontae Davis retiring from Bills at halftime just makes him look like a sore loser
Play football and enter halftime with your team trailing, 28-6? Uh, no, that is NOT the time to announce you're done. Published September 17, 2018
SNYDER: Week 2 like Week 1 will not define season
Why oh why do we fall for the fake-out every single time? We're like Charlie Brown, believing we'll finally enjoy a chance to kick the football, only to fall flat on our back as Lucy pulls it away. Published September 16, 2018
Kirk Cousins’ departure puts Redskins’ focus on football, not contracts
The difference is what's missing, thankfully and good riddance. I don't mean Kirk Cousins' presence, just the nagging questions about his future. With the weight removed, we can appreciate how heavy it was. Published September 12, 2018
Adrian Peterson looks like a steal for Redskins
You never know what you might find on the NFL scrap heap. Perhaps a serviceable body for special teams. A solid reserve for situational rotations. Maybe an upgrade at kicker and punter, as there's always some of those to choose from. Published September 10, 2018
SNYDER: Distractions aside, still reason to cheer football’s return
This season opens like every other season and like no other, at the same time. Published September 5, 2018
Nick Saban created Alabama’s QB controversy
Who starts under the center is the No. 1 question fans have when the answer isn't obvious. Published September 3, 2018
Jerry Jones and others owners’ greed fuels push for more NFL games
Maybe it's time for Dallas to put Jerry Jones in the concussion protocol. Published August 29, 2018
