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Zac Boyer

Zac Boyer

zboyer@washingtontimes.com

Zac Boyer is a sports writer at The Washington Times. Before joining in October 2013, he covered the Washington Redskins for The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, Va. for parts of three seasons and spent the previous five years at the Hartford Courant. A University of Connecticut graduate, he can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.

Articles by Zac Boyer

Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz stands in the bench area in the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Washington. The Capitals won 1-0. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Capitals’ Barry Trotz excited to begin journey with new organization

For the better part of the past month, Capitals players have had time to form their judgments. Casual conversations before training camp built them up. A grueling testing day and a strenuous first practice tore them down. And, over the next three weeks, nine preseason games gradually warmed their spirits. On Thursday night, the Capitals will begin their 40th season and their first under Trotz.

October 8, 2014
Washington Capitals forward Liam O'Brien (87) and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Ron Hainsey (65) battle for the puck in the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Liam O’Brien makes Washington Capitals roster after amateur tryout

O'Brien was twice bypassed in the NHL Entry Draft, was returned to juniors twice by the Pittsburgh Penguins and was even traded in May from his previous team, Rouyn-Noranda, to Sherbrooke. But he'll be with the Caps when they open their season Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens.

October 7, 2014
Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) can't get to a pass in the red zone in the third quarter as the Washington Redskins play the Seattle Seahawks in Monday Night Football at FedExField, Landover, Md., Monday, October 6, 2014. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

Redskins’ field position woes spell doom on both sides of ball

"When you're backed up like that against a great defense, the odds are stacked against you," said quarterback Kirk Cousins. "When you get down in the strike zone, you get down in the red zone, you want to come away with touchdowns instead of field goals."

October 7, 2014
Washington Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) takes off to the backfield against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FedEx Field, Sept. 14, 2014. (Preston Keres/Special for The Washington Times)

Brian Orakpo: ‘I just can’t get frustrated’ with lack of production

A three-time Pro Bowler, including after last season, the Redskins' outside linebacker was given the franchise designation by the team in March instead of a long-term contract. That gave Orakpo an $11.455 million base salary for this year, which is the highest of any linebacker in the league.

October 3, 2014
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson passes under pressure from Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Russell Wilson, Seahawks always find a way to make opponents nervous

"Smart. Detailed. He has a plan," said Redskins defensive backs coach Raheem Morris. "They give him simple reads, and he does a great job of figuring them out. You know, if you go out there and give him a great look and he knows exactly what to do with the football, he's gonna execute and get it done."

October 2, 2014
Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL Thursday night football game against the New York Giants in Landover, Md., Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Kirk Cousins trying to remain level-headed, regardless of performance

After throwing four interceptions in the Redskins' last game, the quarterback vowed to improve. That performance is not a reflection of who he is, Cousins said, but the limited opportunities he's had over three seasons don't lend themselves to an accurate assessment.

October 2, 2014
Washington Redskins tackle Trent Williams (71) sits injured on the bench as the Washington Redskins play the New York Giants in NFL football at FedExField, Landover, Md., Thursday, September 25, 2014. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

Redskins refreshed, refocused as practice resumes after humiliating loss

A day after the Redskins were embarrassed by the New York Giants on national television, players were given simple marching orders from coach Jay Gruden: Escape for a few days, he told them, get your minds and your bodies right, and return on Tuesday ready to work to get better.

September 30, 2014
**FILE** Washington Redskin defensive lineman Barry Cofield speaks with reporters during their NFL training camp at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Barry Cofield eager to return, help Redskins defense

"You get down at times, but you've just got to think, 'I've been lucky,'" Cofield said. "I've been lucky that it's been this long before somebody fell on my legs. That's the norm in this league, so you know, I'm just taking it in stride, and I'll come back in the second half of the season the freshest person on the field."

September 30, 2014