Redskins Organization Keeps Embarrassing Themselves

Bad publicity continues to plague the Washington Redskins organization—just ask head coach Jay Gruden. His 22-year-old son, Jack Gruden, was arrested early Sunday morning for public drunkenness.

The arrest occurred at 2:15 a.m., after Gruden had engaged in multiple confrontations at a restaurant in One Loudoun. According to the police report, a deputy broke up the initial argument between Gruden and another male, but Gruden was involved in two more confrontations leading to his arrest.

Gruden has been a part of the Redskins staff for two seasons. He started out by volunteering the first year, and then more recently, served as a video assistant. His court hearing is scheduled for March 21.

Tony Wyllie, the team's senior vice president of communications, said in a statement, "We are aware of the arrest of Jack Gruden. We are gathering more information and will not comment until we have further details." Wyllie is a busy man, having to constantly address the media regarding the black cloud—namely Bruce Allen—hovering over Redskins Park.

Alcohol seems to be a culprit, though. Two months ago, Redskins safety Montae Nicholson was arrested for—stop if you've heard this one before—public drunkenness around 2 a.m. at One Loudoun. Unlike Gruden, Nicholson was also charged with assault and battery, effectively ending his season. Wyllie, in a statement verbatim to the one above, said, "We are aware of the arrest of Montae Nicholson. We are gathering more information and will not comment until we have further details."

Maybe they should quit playing Redfoo's song "Good Things Happen When Ya Drunk" at Redskins Park.

More Coaching Changes in Washington

The Washington Redskins have filled their coaching void at the inside linebacker spot, hiring the notorious Rob Ryan.

Ryan, 56, returns to coaching after a two-year hiatus, with his most recent stint being the assistant head coach for the Buffalo Bills. His more accomplished twin brother, Rex Ryan, was Buffalo's head coach at that time. Both of them openly support President Trump, so how bad can they be?

Despite never being a head coach like his brother, Ryan does have 20 years experience as an NFL assistant. He previously held defensive coordinator roles with the New Orleans Saints (2013-15), Dallas Cowboys (2011-12), Cleveland Browns (2009-10), and Oakland Raiders (2004-08). 

Washington circled back to Ryan after interviewing him for their defensive coordinator spot two years ago. One could speculate that if Greg Manusky—the current defensive coordinator—continues to underwhelm, Ryan may very well be waiting in the wings.

The Redskins also retained Jim Tomsula, guaranteeing another season of him coaching the defensive line. Tomsula unequivocally transformed Washington's linemen into a fearful unit, making his retainment a no-brainer... even for the Redskins.

Redskins Make Coaching Changes

At last, the Washington Redskins are doing something positive this offseason. The team has promoted Kevin O'Connell to offensive coordinator, replacing the previous incumbent Matt Cavanaugh, who was demoted to senior offensive assistant.

The 33-year-old O'Connell previously held the roles of quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator—the latter of which was to prevent him from accepting UCLA's offensive coordinator vacancy.

O'Connell's biggest fan might be veteran receiver Torrey Smith, who praised the move on his Twitter account, declaring, "The next [Sean] McVay." Minutes later, he elaborated with another tweet, "He is legit. One of the sharpest dudes I've been around. He is also great at communicating which is half of the battle when leading a team. Plenty of folks know ball but can you lead?"

Smith's comparison of course, is referring to former Redskins offensive mastermind Sean McVay, who started out as their assistant tight ends coach in 2010. Four year later, McVay was promoted to offensive coordinator where he transformed an anemic offense into a dynamic one. After three seasons in that role, McVay got the opportunity of a lifetime—becoming the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams at just 30 years old. Fast forward to now, where his team will square off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. So, naturally, there will be McVay-like expectations for O'Connell moving forward.

While Smith's comments should be taken with a grain of salt, it is notable that Washington had some competition for O'Connell's services, with other teams attempting to hire him. Unfortunately for him, the talented players on offense lie few and far between. Quarterback, the most important position on any team, is stamped yet again with a large question mark. Adrian Peterson, the future hall of fame running back, is set to become a free agent, while prospect Derrius Guice is still recovering from injury. The left guard position remains a revolving door, the wide receiver corps is weak, and the tight end duo of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis has fizzled out.

O'Connell certainly has upside, given his age and high football IQ, which should bode him well. Over the last few seasons in particular, the NFL has seen a youth movement in hiring coaches. Whether O'Connell can develop into a head coach himself one day remains to be seen. Meanwhile, a head coach of Mike McCarthy's pedigree—13 seasons, 125-77-2 record, nine playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl win—is still without a team.

2018 Washington Home Opener Recap

Tickets won't sell
Washington smells
The running game laid an egg
Coach Gruden, what's the deal?
At least they didn't kneel



Final Score: Colts - 21, Redskins - 9

(Photo: Comedy Central)

Caleb Brantley Signs With Redskins

The Washington Redskins' much-improved defensive line just got even better.

Only two days after being released by the Browns, Caleb Brantley found himself signing in Washington.

Brantley, a projected second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, dropped to Cleveland in the sixth round. The University of Florida product watched his draft stock fall due to a prior misdemeanor battery charge in Gainesville, Florida.

(Photo: redskins.com)

While at a bar, a woman claimed that Brantley punched her in the face, knocking her unconscious. Brantley pleaded with officers that she attacked him first, which led to his use of self-defense. Charges were not pursued because of lack of evidence and the accuser being intoxicated while under age.

At 24 years old, Brantley provides the Redskins with another young piece to build around. 

"I can add pressure up the middle and just be a disruptive force. That's what kind of player I am. I just get in there and get vertical and penetrate. And I feel like I can be that kind of player here," Brantley said.

In order to make room for Brantley, the Redskins had to release someone. That someone was defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II. With Lanier gone, the new-look defensive line will feature Jonathan Allen, DaRon Payne, and Matt Ioannidis as starters, with Brantley, Tim Settle, and Ziggy Hood as backups.

53-man Redskins Roster Projection for 2018

Quarterback (2): Alex Smith, Colt McCoy

Running Back (4): Adrian Peterson, Rob Kelley, Chris Thompson, Kapri Bibbs

Tight End (3): Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Jeremy Sprinkle

Wide Receiver (7): Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, Jamison Crowder, Brian Quick, Trey Quinn, Cam Sims, Simmie Cobbs Jr.

Offensive line (8): Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses, Ty Nsekhe, Kyle Kalis, Geron Christian Sr.

(Photo: princewilliamtimes.com)

Defensive line (7): Jonathan Allen, DaRon Payne, Matt Ioannidis, Anthony Lanier II, Tim Settle, Ziggy Hood, Phil Taylor Sr.

Linebacker (9): Ryan Kerrigan, Zach Brown, Preston Smith, Ryan Anderson, Mason Foster, Pernell McPhee, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Martrell Spaight

Cornerback (6): Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Fabian Moreau, Greg Stroman, Danny Johnson, Adonis Alexander

Safety (4): D.J. Swearinger, Montae Nicholson, Deshazor Everett, Troy Apke

Special Teams (3): Dustin Hopkins, Tress Way, Nick Sundberg

Redskins Sign a Future Hall of Famer

The Washington Redskins finally have their starting running back for the upcoming season.

Shortly after hosting free agents Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, and Orleans Darkwa, the front office decided to roll with Peterson. The seven-time Pro Bowler has signed a one-year contract worth $1.015 million; the veteran minimum.

Peterson, 33, provides the Redskins with a first and second down runner, while Chris Thompson remains engraved as the third-down back.

(Photo: NFL Instagram)

Most NFL pundits will say Peterson is washed up—Trent Williams politely disagrees.

"I don't understand the stigma when people get 31, 32, 33 — they somehow just slow down?" Williams said, per The Washington Times. "You don't. That's a gifted athlete, you know? He has a gift. Did Darrell Green ever lose his speed? He didn't. Some things are just always with you. It's you, it's your makeup, it's your DNA... So, no, he's the same athlete that you're used to seeing."

Depending on how the final preseason games play out, the running back depth chart, in order, could be: Adrian Peterson, Samaje Perine, Chris Thompson, Kapri Bibbs.

Running Back to the Drawing Board

After losing future star Derrius Guice to a season-ending ACL injury, the Washington Redskins will now host some notable free agent running backs.

Headlining the group of veterans are Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson, and Orleans Darkwa. Among those, Peterson has had the most successful career—12,276 rushing yards and 99 touchdowns—but he is now 33 years old.

(Photo: foxsports.com)

Originally, head coach Jay Gruden was against rummaging the bargain bin for outside help. That stance changed when Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall both limped off the field in the second preseason game versus the Jets.

At this stage, though, beggars can't be choosers. The Redskins need running backs to put on the field for the remaining preseason games. Otherwise, a recovering Chris Thompson, unproven Kapri Bibbs, and the so-called slimmer "Fit Rob" Kelley would have to shoulder the workload.

In honor of schools back in session, here is a simple math example: Peterson > Charles > Darkwa > Kelley.

First Unofficial 2018 Redskins Depth Chart

Keep in mind here, the key words are unofficial and first! The depth chart shows which players are starting at each position, and it will look drastically different before September 1.

Quarterback:
(1) Alex Smith
(2) Colt McCoy
(3) Kevin Hogan

Running Back:
(1) Rob Kelley
(2) Chris Thompson, Kapri Bibbs
(3) Samaje Perine, Byron Marshall
(4) Derrius Guice, Martez Carter

Fullback:
(1) Elijah Wellman

Wide Receiver:
(1) Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, Paul Richardson Jr.
(2) Brian Quick, Maurice Harris, Robert Davis
(3) Trey Quinn, Cam Sims, Simmie Cobbs Jr.
(4) Darvin Kidsy, Shay Fields

Tight End:
(1) Jordan Reed
(2) Vernon Davis
(3) Jeremy Sprinkle, Matt Flanagan
(4) Manasseh Garner, Garrett Hudson

Left Tackle:
(1) Trent Williams
(2) Geron Christian Sr.
(3) T.J. Clemmings

Left Guard:
(1) Shawn Lauvao
(2) Kyle Kalis
(3) Isaiah Williams

Center:
(1) Chase Roullier
(2) Tony Bergstrom
(3) Demetrius Rhaney
(4) Casey Dunn

Right Guard:
(1) Brandon Scherff
(2) Tyler Catalina
(3) Cameron Jefferson

Right Tackle:
(1) Morgan Moses
(2) Ty Nsekhe
(3) John Kling
(4) Timon Parris

Defensive End:
(1) Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis
(2) Ziggy Hood, Anthony Lanier II
(3) Ondre Pipkins, Tavaris Barnes Sr.

Nose Tackle:
(1) Da'Ron Payne
(2) Tim Settle
(3) Phil Taylor Sr.

Strongside Linebacker:
(1) Preston Smith
(2) Ryan Anderson
(3) Pete Robertson
(4) Vontae Diggs

Middle Linebacker:
(1) Zach Brown, Mason Foster
(2) Martrell Spaight, Zach Vigil
(3) Josh Harvey-Clemons, Shaun Dion Hamilton
(4) Jerod Fernandez

Weakside Linebacker:
(1) Ryan Kerrigan
(2) Pernell McPhee
(3) Dadi Nicolas

Cornerback:
(1) Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar
(2) Fabian Moreau, Orlando Scandrick
(3) Danny Johnson, Adonis Alexander
(4) Ranthony Texada, Greg Stroman

Strong Safety:
(1) Montae Nicholson
(2) Deshazor Everett
(3) Quin Blanding
(4) Prince Charles Iworah

Free Safety:
(1) D.J. Swearinger
(2) Trop Apke
(3) Kenny Ladler
(4) Fish Smithson

Alex Trebek Predicts the Redskins' Future

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek recently stopped by ABC7 Studios to discuss warm weather and D.C. sports—which included the Redskins.

The game show icon had praise for the Burgundy and Gold, stating, "I'm gonna make a prediction now about my favorite football team, the Washington Redskins."

*cue dramatic look at the camera*

"Redskins, this is your year. You're not gonna win the Super Bowl, but you're gonna get closer than you've been in a long, long time," continued Trebek.

A pessimistic fan would view Trebek's prediction as a letdown season for the Redskins. A diehard fan, however, would embrace a deep playoff run with open arms; considering the team has only made two playoff appearances in the last decade.

Later on, when asked about keeping his beard for good Redskins fortune, Trebek gave his take on the matter.

"No. In football, there's no such thing as a playoff beard, and to be honest with you, I don't know how that started in hockey. Is it supposed to be for good luck? Because what you have to realize is that all of the other teams have players who grew their playoff beards, and they all lost. So it is not a luck thing."

Trebek is a known supporter for keeping the supposed controversial Redskins name.