Wizards' Mason Finds a Home in the NBA

What's Going On?

It's my view that Redskins fans need this bye week to catch their breath as much as the Redskins players need to see the movie "Invincible" for inspiration.

Some observations on the Redskins (2-5) at the break:

· I know about all the injuries, but the defense under Gregg Williams has gone from very good the past two years to very bad. Who would have figured that?

· The offense under Al Saunders, the associate head coach, has been a bust. Joe Gibbs should reclaim the offense and give Saunders another job. Right now, the Redskins can't run or pass.

· If Jason Campbell isn't ready to replace Mark Brunell now , why did the Redskins draft him in 2005 in the first round at such a high price?

· The most embarrassing moment of the season: The Redskins took the lead against Indianapolis in the second quarter last Sunday, but a personal foul against touchdown scorer Antwaan Randle El (for hugging the goal post) cost them 15 yards. Sean Taylor was offside (five more yards) on the kickoff, and then Derrick Frost, who was kicking off in place of Nick Novak, removed his helmet in a hissy-fit and the Redskins were penalized five more yards for his unsportsmanlike conduct. All that resulted in Novak reentering the game to kick off at his own 5-yard line and my thinking about the late Vince Lombardi's favorite question: "What's going on around here?"

· Finally, Gibbs is too generous when he says, "There's no one he'd rather be in this mess with than these players" when in truth "these players" put him in this mess.

A Cut Above

· Today, D.C. United looks to advance to the MLS Eastern Conference final at RFK Stadium with a win or tie against the Bruce Arena-coached New York Red Bulls. My soccer consultant, Demetris Spanou, who cuts gray from my head every three weeks, predicts United will win today and capture the MLS Cup next month. "United is the best soccer team in the U.S.," said Spanou, who correctly predicted Italy to win the World Cup. He likes forward Alecko Eskandarian, defender Bobby Boswell and goalie Troy Perkins and believes Freddy Adu has improved.

· I would not be surprised if the Washington Nationals announced their managerial choice this week. Joe Girardi withdrawing his name from consideration didn't bother me; he seems very tightly wound. Some of the other candidates mentioned in the Post's Barry Svrluga's reporting are interesting, although I'm surprised Bobby Valentine, managing in Japan, hasn't been mentioned. Valentine also is tightly wound, but good.

Have a question or comment? Reach me at talkback@washpost.com.