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!