The Return Of Dan Snyder

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.

During this dismal period known as the NFL off-season, many sports fans relish anything that resembles exciting sports news. Any semblance of controversy between February and September seems to serve as a precursor to an electrifying season. For example; try to imagine an owner giving up two first round picks (2008 and 2009) for a wide-receiver that’s thirty years of age. I know, it sounds so ridiculous and unrealistic doesn’t it?

Well guys this nonsensical and obviously absurd proposal actual took place on yesterday. The cast list in this low budget melodrama includes, Redskins Owner Dan Snyder (and trusty sidekick Vinny Cerrato), the Cincinnati Bengals and disgruntled Bengals wide out Chad Johnson.

But wait, wouldn’t everyone like to have Chad Johnson on their team? I couldn’t think of a reason why they wouldn’t, however the primary factor that could create an impasse would be the cost. Chad is one of the top receivers in the league and justifiably demands a hefty contract. The monetary cost for Chad could pose a problem but the long-term ramifications for the Skins could loom even larger. Honestly, how many years can Chad play at a high level? Even if he played for the next four or five years at an All-Pro level for the Skins, would it be worth it? Though many sports pundits claim drafting in the first round can be hit or miss, so can going after an aging free agent. The Redskins need a big, talented wide receiver to complement mighty mites, Randel El and Santana Moss. This receiver could come in the form of James Hardy, Malcolm Kelly, or Limas Sweed. None of these receivers will require as much money as Chad and get this; they’re all in their early twenties. The Redskin’s may decide to wait and draft a receiver in the later rounds but if they trade away their picks, they would forfeit many of their options.

After a quiet offseason, Skins owner Dan Snyder has finally resurfaced. For the first time during his tenure with the Redskins, “Danny” has remained disciplined or at least made an effort to suppress his penchant for overspending and giving away draft picks. After a few months of this uncharacteristic change, Snyder finally appears to have returned to his old form. Of course Vinny Cerrato has a major role in this but Snyder is the CEO of the club and therefore should bear the brunt of the responsibility. If anyone was concerned that the Snyder we knew was no more, they can now be assured he’s back and here to stay. It’s almost as though, he took a sabbatical to brainstorm about what he could do to execute the ultimate “bonehead” move. This time, the Bengals management declined Snyder’s offer, thereby temporarily supplanting Snyder as the worst decision maker in football history. But never fret, Snyder supporters and Redskin’s enemies alike can find solace in the fact that he’s back. It’s highly unlikely the Redskins will make it past Draft Day without executing a trade that most teams would vehemently refuse. It’s like Snyder and Cerrato saw the Redskin’s had nine Draft picks this year (the most since 2002) and decided this is an opportunity to trade for more free-agents.

The names of wide receivers, Anquan Boldin (Arizona) and Roy Williams (Detroit) have been floating around through NFL rumor mills regarding interest from the Redskins. These two receivers are younger than Johnson but might require comparable compensation. So we can expect to hear soon that more teams will toy with Snyder and Cerrato until they receive the deal of their dreams. As a Redskin fan I would love to find out that I’m wrong. But as a Redskin fan (repeated intentionally) I seriously doubt that I will be. None of the aforementioned Wide Receiver’s talent is not in question, only the will to give other teams more than they’re likely to receive in return for them. This is one thing that Snyder will continue to do and that’s a testament that he’s here to stay.


Hail To The Redskins!
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Redskins Fantasy Draft: Fantasy or Reality?

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.


We’re already a week and a half from Draft Day 2008 and I’ve noticed something. There seems to be an eerie stillness in the air that suggests something extraordinary may happen soon. This serene vibe wouldn’t seem too odd under normal circumstances but this one’s a little different. This peaceful tranquility has traveled through Redskins Park and as a result, it remains quiet just under two weeks before Draft day.

What could bring about this unusual practice? Is the Redskin’s front office tired of being burned by making so many compulsive decisions? Or have they learned the habit of trading their Draft picks for players that may never play a down, is utterly ridiculous? Maybe this is all a dream and we’ll all wake up and realize nothing’s changed. The alternative reality would be too extreme to even fathom.

Imagine the Redskin’s addressing their Defensive End, Cornerback and Wide Receiver situation in the first three Rounds. They could use the remaining picks to balance their roster with quality depth. The talent pool seems to be relatively deep at the three aforementioned positions. This could be the year the Washington Redskins could turn everything around. Or this could be another year of poor personnel decisions that leads to an underachieving, talented team.

The Skins may be able to pick up Defensive Ends Calais Campbell, Phillip Merling or Quentin Groves. At receiver, the names James Hardy and Malcolm Kelly have been floating around in conversations regarding Redskin’s first round possibilities. Zach Bowman, Antwaun Molden or Simeon Castille are possible pick ups at the cornerback spot.

Any combination of these young players could have a major impact on the Redskins this year and beyond. Are we talking about the next Dexter Manley, Art Monk and Darrell Green? Maybe or maybe not. What the Washington Redskins do on Draft Day will go a long way in determining their near future and beyond.

The fact the Redskins have so many draft picks going into Draft Day seems so surreal. After April 27, we’ll know whether or not this dream correlates with reality.


Hail To The Redskins!

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Washington Redskins: Draft '08

In a little more than two weeks the Washington Redskins will have added new players to their roster. This annual ritual that we know as the NFL Draft can bring along unexpected gems, busts and plenty of surprises. Most of the time the value of draft picks isn’t revealed until the middle or even the end of the season. Some Draft Day decisions can leave us scratching our heads. This year let’s hope that’s not the case for the Washington Redskins.

Assessing the Skins weaknesses last year, it’s fairly easy to identify their deficiencies. The primary problem has been simply not being able to generate a respectable pass-rush from the Defensive Line. Andre Carter gave the Skins the best individual pass-rusher they’ve had since Dexter Manley last season but when Carter was double teamed, the pass rush was nil since the opposing team only had Carter to worry about. Reserve Defensive End Chris Wilson proved to be very adept at getting to the quarterback on obvious passing downs. Wilson however, is undersized for NFL standards (6’4 240) and as a result is too small to play every down. The Redskins could also use a Defensive Tackle that’s adept against the run and can provide a push in the middle to flush Quarterbacks into the Defensive Ends. Cornelius Griffin could be that guy if he stayed healthy but that’s like saying Porky Pig would be a great spokesperson for Looney Toons if he didn’t stutter. Griffin has been oft-injured since he’s been with the organization. The Skins could use a prospect like Calais Campbell (6’8 280) out of Miami to play opposite of Andre Carter. Campbell along with young overachievers Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston could provide a big-boost to an aging line.

The second most pressing issue in my opinion may be the cornerback situation. Overall the safeties are solid and the cornerbacks have the potential to be the best trio in the NFL. However, Shawn Springs is getting older and slower while Carlos Rogers has yet to become the “shut down corner” he was expected to be. Rogers is also coming off of a season ending injury and may not be fully recovered by Week 1. Fred Smoot is tough and plays hard but he’s not the type of corner you want on the opposing team’s top receiver. So what did I just say? If the cornerbacks can start the season healthy and remain that way throughout, this unit could be one of the team’s strongest. Also, a strong pass-rush can mask any weaknesses that may exist in the secondary. However, in case the recent trend of injuries continues the Skins should proactively go after a cornerback as a secondary or primary pick. I think Nebraska’s Zack Bowman or Alabama’s Simeon Castille are two good candidates. Both have good size and are pretty physical. If Springs, Rogers or Smoot are out with injuries, the Skins will have a qualified backup that’s ready to step in. After all they’ll need someone to supplant Springs pretty soon.

The tertiary need has got to be wide-out. A big, tall, fast receiver with good hands can open up the running game and give Jason Campbell more options than Wilt Chamberlain at a bachelor party. Did someone say tall receiver? Ok, well how about James Hardy (6’7 220) out of Indiana. I think Hardy or Limas Sweed would provide the big target for Jason Campbell that will improve his passing percentage and help to move smallish Randle El or Santana Moss into the slot where their speed could prove to be more effective. If Jim Zorn favorite Anthony Mix pans out the Redskins could boast a receiver corps to reckon with.

The remaining picks should be used to shore up depth on the Offensive line and other non-glamorous areas that are essential to a winning team. It appears the Redskins are attempting to buck a recent trend of trading away their Draft picks for nothing in return. Could this be the Draft that turns the Redskins around? After the 2008 Draft we should at least have an idea.


Hail To The Redskins!

The Zorn Identity

By John D. McKinnon, Jr.

These days it seems that sports fans, news mediums and the general populace are in need of legends. We give our favorite athletes and entertainers labels such as “great” or “legendary” sometimes before they’ve proven anything. Let’s be honest, we do this because it adds an element of fun and most of us enjoy tracking the progressions of our heroes. Many of them will fly under the radar and are acknowledged only after years of success. Jim Zorn, the new Head Coach of the Washington Redskins has the opportunity to do just that.


Since Zorn has arrived he’s been active in determining which prospects would be the best fit for the current roster. He’s spoken highly of his predecessor, Joe Gibbs and has become an active participant in accessing player’s skills. Zorn told former Seahawk receiver D.J. Hackett, he’d like to have him for the right price but wouldn’t over-pay for him. He also recently placed a collage of Sean Taylor’s pictures in his office, which shows he’s establishing a connection with Redskin community. He’s even alluded to giving unheralded players like receiver Anthony Mix playing time instead of letting him waste away on the bench. Forgive me if this comes off as premature but Zorn seems to be moving in the right direction and has the preliminary makings of a great coach. There goes that word again, “great”.

I’ve fully taken into account that saying this could make me appear to be either a genius or a goat. However, based on what I’ve seen thus far, it’s certainly worth the risk. Zorn hasn’t had the opportunity to do much at this point of the off-season but the few things he’s had an opportunity to do all seem to be correct. Later this month at the Washington Redskin’s annual draft day party, Zorn will address the fans at Fed Ex Field. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say. Will he try to remain politically correct and say all the right things? Or will he continue the trend he’s already started and speak the truth? I’m positive that the latter scenario would be welcomed by all Redskins’ fans.

Some of my readers may be wondering why we should get excited about Zorn so quickly. What he’s done so far is actually very simplistic, however it’s a-typical of the quandary the Skins have been in since ’93. So with that said, let’s sit back and enjoy watching Zorn’s identity unfold. Zorn may never be a legend but if he ever is, just remember who told you first.


Hail to the Redskins!