Week One Defensive Starters

Like I said in my last post, trying to name the Redskins day one starters before the draft or free agency is over is hard, but because of the lack of cap room and lack of high draft picks we can assume most of the week one starters are already on the team.  This week I will list the week one defensive starters.

Left Defensive End (LE) - Adam Carricker - Our defensive took a big hit when Carricker pulled his triceps in the first game last season.  He is very good against the run and is a better than average pass rusher.  I think he will come back to his performance in 2011.

Nose Tackle (NT) - Barry Cofeild - Cofeild is one of our most consistant starters the last two years.  He had played defensive tackle the first five years of his career and last year was his second year as a nose tackle.  You could tell that during the last half of last season he was finally feeling comfortable with the new position.  I believe he will have a break out year next year.

Right Defensive End RE) - Stephen Bowen - Bowen is a more then serviceable defensive end.  He is really good against the run and has a decent passrush and can occupy blockers so others can get to the quarterback.  

Left Outside Linebacker (LOLB) - Ryan Kerrigan - I feel this year will be Kerrigans break out year.  No one in the league put more pressure on the quarterback last year than Kerrigan. He will get quicker off the snap and develop a counter move and will be unstoppable.  And with Orakpo on the other side he won't face many double teams.

Middle Linebacker (MLB) - London Fletcher - Mr. Ironman.  Never missed a game in his career.  He is getting old but his football knowledge more than makes up for it.  He will have another solid year before he retires.

Middle Linebacker (MLB) - Perry Riley - Riley had a good year last year.  He needs to get better at shedding blocks outside the tackle box and get better in coverage.  He made great strides last year and I believe he will continue to do so.  He will be our starter for years to come in the middle.

Right Outside Linebacker (ROLB) - Brian Orakpo - I pray that he can stay healthy all year.  He is an amazing talent but needs to stay on the field.  I think he can surpass 15 sacks this year and will drastically improve our defense.

Corner Back (CB) - DeAngelo Hall - Hall took a lot of heat last year for poor play.  But if it wasn't for his steller game against the Cowboys we wouldn't have made the playoffs.  I think that he has rededicated himself and with more help at the safety position I think he will have a decent year.

Corner Back (CB) - Josh Wilson - Like Hall, Wilson took a lot of heat as well.  He was burned a lot last year but as fans we do not know who's fault it was, his or the safeties.  My bet is the safeties.  I think he bounces back and has a decent year.

Free Safety (FS) - Phillip Thomas - The first and only rookie that I predict we will draft and start.  Thomas is a ball hawk.  He led the NCAA in interceptions last year and displays great ability to play the safety position.  And to top it all off he is a life long Redskins fan.

Strong Safety (SS) - Brandon Merriweather - We didn't get to see much from Merriweather, but the half of a game he played last year before injury he was all over the place.  If healthy I believe he can contribute a lot to our defense.  He is very aggressive and really good against the run.  Hopefully he just stays healthy.

Week One Offensive Starters

Trying to name the Redskins day one starters before the draft or free agency is over is hard, but because of the lack of cap room and lack of high draft picks we can assume most of the week one starters are already on the team.  This week I will list the week one offensive starters.  And next week I will list the week one defensive starters.

Quarter Back (QB) – RGIII – If not for his injury, this would be a now brainer.  But I still think that week one he will be ready to go and start the game. 

Half Back (HB) –Alford Morris – Definitely a no brainer, second in the league in rushing last year and has more rushing yards in one season that any other Redskin. 

Full Back (FB) – Darrell Young – Becoming one of the best blocking full backs in the league.  Considering he didn’t even start playing full back until he came to the NFL that is pretty impressive.

Wide Receiver (WR) – Pierre Garcon – When Garcon was healthy last year, we won games.  When he was injured we lost.  He is a game changer and will be out there week one catching passes from RGII.

Wide Receiver (WR) – Joshua Morgan – Morgan was a very dependable receiver last year and I don’t think any of the young guys take his spot yet.  He is reliable with good hands and size.  Depending on how the young guys play during the season he could loss his starting position but I think he will start week one.

Tight End (TE) – Fred Davis – Fred Davis is one of the most talented tight ends in the league.  And if he can stay healthy he will show the rest of the league what us Redskin fans already know.

Left Tackel (LT) – Trent Williams – Another no brainer, he is arguably the most athletically gifted tackle in the league and with another year under his belt he will be even better than last year.

Left Guard (LG) – Kory Lichtensteiger – Just signed a five year deal with us.  I thought that with his back up Leribeus being a third round pick and playing well when asked to last year that they would let Lichtensteiger walk.  But apparently the coaches know something I don’t and I don’t think you resign a guy to a contract like that unless he is going to be the starter.

Center (C) – Will Montgomery – Had his best year as a pro last year.  He is big and strong and athletic for his size.  I think he can possibly make a pro bowl with another big year.

Right Guard (RG) – Chris Chester – After a disappointing first year in Washington he played a lot better last year.  He was one of our most consistent linemen all last year.  He may face some competition from Leribeus but I think he beats him out and starts week one.

Right Tackle (RT) – Tyler Polumbus – As much as it pains me to say this, but I think he will be our week one starter.  He is a more than serviceable back up but not a good starting option.  Unfortuneatly I think he is our best option and if he starts week one than our whole offensive line will be the same from last year, which helps with continuity.  Let me know who you think should be the starting right tackle above.

2014 Redskin Pro Bowlers

This is a list of Redskins that I think will make the Pro Bowl next year:

Robert Griffin III (QB) - He made the Pro Bowl last year but could not participate because of his knee injury.  Next year he will not only be voted in to the Pro Bowl but he will be voted the starter (the best QB in the NFC) and actually play in the game.  I don't think he will have a sophomore slump like most second year QBs do.

Alfred Morris (HB) - He was second in the league in rushing last year and somehow didn't get invited to the Pro Bowl.  But he will make it in his second year.  A lot of commentators say that you earn your first Pro Bowl appearance the year before you go.  He will follow up a solid rookie season with a great sophomore season again surpassing 1600 yards.

Pierre Garcon (WR) - He was healthy for only half of the season and still lead the team in receiving   He has all the talent in the world and if he can stay healthy this year he will double his statistics.  If he does that he becomes a top 10 receiver in the league, but I think with another year of chemistry with RGIII he will more than double his production from last year and will easily make the Pro Bowl.

Trent Williams (LT) - Last year he made his first Pro Bowl of his career.  Unfortunately he did not get to play in the game because he was assaulted the Friday before at a night club.  But he will get the opportunity to play next year.  Last year he was dominating at times, and is one of the most athletic left tackles in the league.  He will dominate his opponents again this year and make his second Pro Bowl.

Brian Orakpo (OLB) - Last year he only played in one in a half games before he was injured and because of that our defense struggled mightily.  He is a game changer, he has already made the Pro Bowl twice in his four year career.  He will finally take the next step and become a super star in this league.  I can see him getting close to 20 sacks next year and drastically helping our defense and easily making his third Pro Bowl.

Ryan Kerrigan (OLB) - Mr. Ironman for the Redskins hasn't missed a single play on defense in his two year career due to injury or fatigue.  The only time he was taken out of the game was during a blow out of the Eagles last year.  He made his first Pro Bowl last year and with Orakpo back and demanding double teams, Kerrigan will find more one on one situations and will get to the QB more often.  While he is not the pass rushing talent that Orakpo is he is better against the run and more durable.  I can see him getting around 12 or 13 sacks next year and making his second Pro Bowl.

Other Possibilities:  London Fletcher, Fred Davis, Will Montgomery, Perry Riley, and DeAngelo Hall.

Should the Redskins Change Their Name?

The Washington Redskins are facing some recent criticism over their mascot and nickname "Redskins." Every 5 or 10 years some journalist writes an article about how the Redskins need to change their name because it is racist and a derogatory term used for Native Americans. I do not believe they need to change their names for a couple reasons; the purpose of a mascot or team nickname, and the history behind the name.


First, the purpose of a mascot or team nickname is to instill fear and superiority over their opponent For example, a sports team will never be called the Dandelions. A team nickname is supposed to be respected, feared and looked at as inspiration for the players and fans. If someone were to nickname a sports team the Crazy Carl's I would be honored, not offended. And for this reason I believe that Native Americans should be honored that the Redskins choose them as a team nickname.


Second, if you know the history behind the Redskins, the nickname actually doesn't represent Native Americans. The Redskins football franchise actually were called the Boston Braves after the Patriots involved in the Boston Tea Party. These Patriots dressed like Native Americans and dumped English Tea into the Boston Bay. The team later relocated to Washington and was renamed the Redskins. But the initial name was in-regard to the Patriots that took a stand against the very powerful British.


Over all if the majority of Native Americans find this nickname offensive then I believe the Redskins should change their name, but as time has shown, most Native Americans could care less if there is a team named the Redskins. Therefore the Redskins should continue to be called the Redskins and not give in to the media by changing their name.

Here is a link to redskins.com blog with a video on what other fans think about the Redskins changing their name.
http://blog.redskins.com/2013/02/13/fans-comment-on-redskins-name/#more-19995903

All Redskins Defensive Team

This is a list of the best offensive players in Redskin history.

Defensive Ends:
Dexter Manley, Charles Mann, Gene Brito, Ron Mcdole

Manley is the career leader with 97.5 sacks as a Redskin.  Manley was an absolute beast who was a Pro Bowler and two time All-Pro.  He averaged almost 15 sacks a season over a four year stretch in the 80s.  Also he is a member of the 80 Greatest Redskins and Ring of Fame.

Mann played more games than any other DE in Redskins history, amassing 163 over his 11 seasons.  Mann was a four time Pro Bowler who forced 17 fumbles and had 82 sacks and 784 tackles during his Redskins tenure.  Mann is a three time Super Bowl Champion, one of the 80 Greatest Redskins and a member of the Ring of Fame.

  

Brito was a five time Pro Bowler and four time All Pro who played all 84 possible games during his seven seasons as a Redskin.  NFL player of the year in 1955 and one of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

Mcdole was another incredibly durable defensive end who never missed a game due to injury.  ‘The Dancing Bear’ played 114 games during his eight seasons in the burgundy and gold.  Sacks weren’t an official stat during his era so we are left guessing as to how many he had, however he did have six INT’s and seven fumble recoveries.  One of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

Defensive Tackles:
Dave Butz, Diron Talbert, Darryl Grant

Butz played 14 seasons for the Redskins and is a two time Super Bowl Champion.  Butz played in 203 games and is the Redskins all-time sack leader for a defensive tackle with 35.5 (sacks were kept for only half his career).  A Pro-Bowler and All-Pro, Butz is a member of the NFL 80’s All-Decade Team and one of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

Talbert played 10 seasons with the Redskins, playing in 142 games and earning a Pro Bowl trip.  Sacks and tackles were not an official stat during his era.  Missed only two games during his Redskins career.  One of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

Grant played 141 games for the Redskins and is a two time Super Bowl Champion.  Had several seasons with 100+ tackles, unheard of for a defensive tackle in this day and age.  Finished with 27 career sacks and high stepped his way to one of the biggest plays in the history of the Redskins against the Cowboys to get to the Super Bowl. 

  

Linebackers:
Chris Hanburger, London Fletcher, Monte Coleman, Wilber Marshall, Lavar Arrington, Neal Olkewicz

Hanburger played in 187 games over 14 seasons for the Redskins.  Sacks and tackles were not official statistics during his playing era but one can assume he is the Redskins all-time leader in tackles and near the top in sacks.  He was a nine time Pro Bowler, four time All-Pro, 1972 NFC Defensive Player of the Year, one of the 80 Greatest Redskins and a Hall of Famer.

Fletcher has been with the Redskins for six years.  He has lead the team in tackles each year.  He has made the Pro Bowl four times and been a two time All Pro.  Fletcher has also been the heart and soul of the team for six years.  He has solidified himself as a future hall of famer while with the Redskins.

Coleman played 215 games over 3 separate decades and 16 seasons for the Redskins.  First in career sacks for a linebacker with 43.5 and also had 1000+ tackles.  Is a three time Super Bowl champion and one of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

Marshall played 5 seasons for the Redskins, averaging 5 sacks, 5 turnovers and 125 tackles a season, Super Bowl Champion, Pro-Bowler and one of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

Arrington was an freak of nature at the linebacker position.  He was bigger, faster, and stronger than any linebacker before him.  He made three Pro Bowls with the Redskins and three All Pro teams.  Unfortunately a series of disagreements with a pompous, full of himself, defensive coordinator derailed his career.  In six short years he made a lasting impression and is one of the 80 greatest Redskins.

Olkdog appeared in 141 games for the Redskins, good for third all-time.  Tackles were not an official stat when he played but it’s been reported he had nearly 1,500 during his career.  He is a two time Super Bowl champion and one of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

  

Cornerbacks:
Darrell Green, Pat Fischer, Sammy Baugh

Darrell Green is arguably the best Redskin of all time.  He played for 20 years in the NFL and all for the Redskins.  He was a seven time Pro Bowler, four time All Pro, and is on the 1990s all NFL team.  He is also in the Hall of Fame and one of the 80 greatest Redskins.

Pat Fischer was a very small good corner for the Redskins.  He only made one Pro Bowl while with the Redskins.  But he is seventh all time on the Redskins interception list.  He is a member of the 80 greatest Redskins.

Baugh makes the all time list for offense and defense.  He lead the league in passing, interception made, and punting all in the same year.  Not only was he a great passer but he was a great defender.

Safety:
Sean Taylor, Ken Houston, Paul Krause

Taylor could have been the best Redskin of all time.  Unfortunately his career was cut short because he was killed during a home invasion.  He was the size of a linebacker but was as fast and had the cover abilities of a corner.  He was just hitting his prime before he was murdered.  He made two Pro Bowls and one All Pro team and a member of the 80 greatest Redskins. 

Houston was one of the best safeties to every play the game.  He had tremendous ball skills and had a knack for where the ball was going.  He was a seven time Pro Bowler, member of the 70s decade team, a member of the 75th NFL anniversary team, hall of famer, and member of the 80 greatest Redskins.

Krause was a great young player for the Redskins unfortunately we let him go and he continued his great career with the Vikings.  But he did make one Pro Bowl with the Redskins and was the rookie of the year.  He is also a member of the 80 greatest Redskins. 

All Redskin Offensive Team

This is a list of the best offensive players in Redskin history.

Quarterback:
Sammy Baugh
Sonny Jurgensen

Both are Hall of Famers and deservedly so.  Sammy Baugh revolutionized the game with his deep, accurate passes and some say that Jurgensen may be the best pure quarterback of all time.  I don't see this changing any time soon, but RGIII has a chance if he continues to play like he did as a rookie to surplant one of these guys.

Running Back:
John Riggins
Clinton Portis

John Riggins is a Hall of Famer and Clinton Portis only trails Riggins in rushing yards while a Redskins.  John Riggins is maybe the best Redskin of all time.  He lead the Redskins to two Super Bowls in the 80s.  He was the Super Bowl MVP.  And anyone that is a true Redskin fan loves him.  Portis was a great running back that coach Gibbs traded for to be the next Riggins.  And he came pretty darn close.  I don't see either of these guys getting supplanted anytime soon but Alfred Morris has a chance is he continues to play like he did during his rookie year.

Wide Receiver:
Charley Taylor
Ark Monk
Bobby Mitchell
Gary Clark

Taylor, Monk, and Mitchell are all Hall of Famers and great Redskins.  Clark is the 3rd leading receiver in Redskins history only behind Monk and Taylor.  It is amazing that Mitchell and Taylor played together but still had amazing success.  And Monk and Clark played together and saw similar success.  The only Redskin that is knocking on the door on this list is Santana Moss.  If he has a couple more good years I could see him on this list.

Tight End:
Jerry Smith
Chris Cooley

Jerry Smith was one of the best tight ends in the 60s and 70s.  He held the record for most touchdown catches by a tight end for over 25 years.  I think the only reason he isn't in the Hall of Fame is because there is a rumor that he was gay.  I don't care about his sexual orientation; I care if you can play, and he was one of the best and should be in the Hall of Fame.  Chris Cooley is 5th on the all time receiving list for the Redskins.  He is a great Redskins and the fans love him.  Every time he would make a play the whole stadium would shout, "Coooooooooley."  I loved hearing that.  Fred Davis, if he stays with the Redskins, has a chance to supplant these guys but he needs to stay healthy and out of trouble.

Left Tackle:
Joe Jacoby
Chris Samuels

Joe Jacoby should be in the Hall of Fame and I believe Chris Samuels eventually will be.  Jacoby was one of the few Tackles that could block Lawrence Taylor, arguably the best defensive player to ever play the game, one on one.  He also won three Super Bowls with the Redskins.  Chris Samuels was a technician at the left tackle spot.  He made the Pro Bowl 6 times.  His career was cut a little short because of a spinal cord injury but he still is one of the all time greats.  Trent Williams has a chance to be on this list as long as he stays out of trouble and continues to play like he did last year.

Left Guard:
Russ Grimm
Mark Schlereth

Russ Grimm is a Hall of Famer and one of the best guards in history.  Sometimes he would tell the defense where the ball was coming and he still would dominate his player.  Mark Schlereth won one Super Bowl with the Redskins and later won two more with the Broncos.  His Redskins career was short but impactful.  There is no one on the roster that can get take one of these guys spots.

Center:
Len Hauss
Jeff Bostic

Len Hauss was a great center in the 50s and is in the Hall of Fame.  Jeff Bostic was one of the original Hogs and played for three Redskin Super Bowl teams.  He was a little undersized but had a lot of heart.  There is not one on the roster that can take these guys spots on this team.

Right Guard:
Raleigh McKenzie
Mark May

Raleigh McKenzie was a very good guard and was very versatile for the Redskins as he played every position on the line.  Mark May was kind of a disappointment at the tackle position but played a lot better when he was moved to guard.  Both are members of the Hogs and great Redskins.

Right Tackle:
Turk Edwards
Jim Lachey

Turk Edwards was Sammy Baugh's blind side protector in the 40s.  He is in the Hall of Fame. Jim Lachey would have been in the Hall of Fame if he could of stayed healthy.  But when healthy he was one of the best in the league.

Wins and Losses in 2013

The Redskins have the hardest schedule in there division next year (based on 2012 opponents records) but I still believe they can win the NFC East. Here is a break down of their opponents in 2013:


Home Games:


Dallas - We had no problem with the Cowboys in either of our two games against them this year and in the last game our quarterback wasn't even healthy. With a heathy RGIII we should have no problem beating the Cowboys at home and in Dallas in 2013.


N.Y. Giants - We split with the Giants last year in the two games against them but got robbed with a last minute 75 yard TD pass in the game we lost. So with an improved secondary in 2013 and a weaker Giants team I believe we can win both at home and in NYC in 2013.


Philadelphia - We destroyed the Eagles in our two games against them and they are obviously rebuilding there team with a younger roster as well as a rookie coach. I don't see us having any problem winning both at home and in Philadelphia in 2013.


Chicago - The Bears were decimated by injuries in the second half of the season and missed the playoffs as a result, but, when healthy, they are a very good team. I think we loose a close game.


Detroit - Calvin Johnson is an amazing player, but one player doesn't make a team. I think as a team we are more talented than Detroit and we win a close game.


Kansas City - I believe the Chiefs will be a much improved team in 2013 but not good enough to beat us at home. Redskins win.


San Diego - San Diego is in a bit of a rebuilding year and I don't think they are all that talented. I think we win a close game.




San Francisco - The 49ers are coming off a Superbowl season and are a very young talented team and I think they beat us bad.


Away Games:


Dallas - see above


N.Y. Giants - see above


Philadelphia - see above


Green Bay - The Packers are a very talented team and has the best quarterback in the league in Aaron Rodgers. On top of that we have to travel to Lambeau Field, I think we loose a shoot out.


Minnesota - The Vikings made the playoffs last year but their quarterback, Christian Ponder, is not very good, and to win in this league consistently you have to have a good quarterback. The Redskins win a close game.


Denver - The Broncos had the best record in the league last year and have arguably the best quarterback to every play the game behind center in Peyton Manning. They also very seldom loose in Denver so I think the Redskins loose a good game.


Oakland - The Raiders are not a very good team. They aren't very good on defense or offense. I think the Redskins handle them and win the game.


Atlanta - The Falcons were tied with the Broncos with the best record in the NFL last year and they do not loose in Atlanta. The Redskins loose this game.


If my predictions are correct than we finish the year 11-5 and win the division and go back to the playoffs. All this is pending on RGIII coming back healthy and ready to go. I can't wait until next season. Hail to the Redskins!