Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Quoth the Cravens, Nevermore

The Su'a Cravens experiment in D.C. may soon come to an end.

Wasting no time after Cravens' NFL reinstatement, Redskins brass is discussing a trade that would send their perplexing 22-year-old safety to the Mile-High City. Further details of the potential trade are unknown.

After playing just one season for the burgundy and gold, Cravens tallied 33 combined tackles, one interception, and one sack. He left a sour taste in the mouths of many after his ill-timed retirement—just one week before the 2017 season opener. Washington later placed him on the reserve/left squad list.

Questions regarding his love for the game have been brought up over the years, which could also factor into his trade value.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Kirk Cousins in the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is a time for gathering around the television; watching two teams (that suddenly everyone is a fan of) go to battle, and, of course, the much-anticipated commercials.

Seemingly each year, however, those commercials become less memorable—lacking creativity and/or embedding political agendas. Gone are the days of the Budweiser Wassup ads. 

Super Bowl LII was not immune to this downfall, save for one local ad that was a treat for Redskins fans to see.

Cyprus Air, a fireplace retailer, ran a commercial that featured Kirk Cousins and a President Trump impersonator.  The skit was not only hilarious, but also showcased the company's product (unlike most) and was up to date regarding the Cousins saga.

In all likelihood, that will be Captain Kirk's last advertising gig in the area before Washington cuts him loose.


Thursday, February 1, 2018

Washington Has a New Quarterback in Town

The Washington Redskins had a lingering illness, and on January 30th, 2018, that illness got the best of them. Time of death: 7:00 PM.

Any successful NFL franchise knows that having a great quarterback is crucial for winning games. Finding said quarterback is one thing, but actually having one on the roster, with the ability to sign them long-term, is another.

Washington struck oil when they drafted Kirk Cousins No. 102 overall in 2012. Since then, Cousins has broken numerous long-standing team records, while remaining a humble guy in the process. Everything he has done regarding the Redskins has been handled with class. After years of yearning for a franchise signal caller, their prayers had been answered.

Yet somehow, the dysfunctional think tank at Redskins Park found a way to destroy a good thing. The team swung a trade for Kansas City's Alex Smith. In return, the Redskins shipped rising star Kendall Fuller and this year's third-round pick.

Further raising eyebrows, the Redskins gave Smith a four-year extension with $71 million in guarantees. The 33-year-old quarterback is now under contract for five years at $111 million.

On the semi-bright side, the Redskins will receive a third-round compensatory pick in next year's draft for losing Cousins. The trade is not official until March 14, when the new league year begins.

(Photo: SI.com)

Friday, January 5, 2018

Money Cannot Buy Grace

Being wealthy does not equate to having class, necessarily. Former Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke's daughter, Jacqueline Kent Cooke, is a prime example of this.

The 29-year-old was arrested following a New Year's Eve outing that involved her physically and verbally assaulting lawyer Matthew Haberkorn.

Haberkorn, 52, had been waiting in line at Caravaggio with his family—wife, four daughters, and elderly mother—when Cooke became impatient and said, "Hurry up, Jew" to Haberkorn's mother.

Cooke's boyfriend then antagonized Haberkorn's daughters by saying, "Happy bat mitzvah."

Outside the restaurant, where Haberkorn confronted Cooke about her comments, she used her $300 mirrored clutch to attack him, causing a bloodied head wound.

Cooke was arraigned the next day following the arrest and charge of second-degree assault.

This was not her first-ever run-in with authorities, though. In 2008, she was arrested for DUI and asked the cops if they knew who her father was, and then demanded their badges.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Getting to Know Brandon Scherff

Brandon Scherff, the Washington Redskins' fifth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, is quite the outdoorsman.

Pop Quiz! Is the following statement fact or fiction regarding the 25-year-old lineman?

When not mauling opponents' defensive linemen, Scherff enjoys time with Mother Nature; bird watching, smelling flowers, and wine tasting at local vineyards—among other things of that nature (excuse the terrible pun.)

The correct answer is both: fact and fiction. Though it has not been verified that Scherff actually enjoys birds, flowers, and vineyards, it can be confirmed that he's an avid hunter and fisherman.

Proof?

While many would describe an ideal vacation as somewhere tropical; relaxing on the sand, overpaying for hotels, and sipping out of coconuts, Scherff envisions a different scene. His ideal getaway is a Texas hunting excursion where he can shoot wild boars from a helicopter.

Further proof?

The Iowa Hawkeye skipped his college graduation to go deer hunting.

More recently in Scherff's outdoor adventures, he and fellow teammate Tress Way were out golfing. Seems safe, right? Wrong.

Thanks to Way and his savvy Twitter skills, he displayed a photo of Scherff holding a large snapping turtle by its tail. Not only that, but Scherff looks perfectly calm in doing so.

Perhaps the prehistoric-looking creature heard what Scherff is capable of, and decided to play dead.


Good thing he's not holding a watermelon.

Friday, June 16, 2017

Kirk Cousins' Cousin Drafted by Washington

Kirk Cousins confidently calls cousin Jake Cousins, congratulating him on being drafted.

How is that for a tongue-twister?

Number 2 (Jake's new nickname as of right now) was selected in the 20th round of the MLB draft, by none other than the Washington Nationals.

Much like Kirk, Number 2 is a strong-armed thrower and well-respected teammate. He grew up in Chicago before attending the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as the ace on their pitching staff.

During his senior year, Number 2 was a First-Team All-Ivy League selection, boasting a 3.15 ERA with 59 strikeouts and 7-2 record on the season. Number 2 holds a career 2.91 ERA—good for sixth best in the history of the university's baseball program.

While not likely that Number 2 is big-league ready this season, the Nationals bullpen needs a major overhaul. When he does make his debut, with any luck, fans will chant, "Who does Number 2 work for?"

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Doug Williams Earns New Role With Redskins

After starting this offseason with more questions than answers, the Washington Redskins' scattered puzzle pieces have finally begun to take form.

The firing of Washington's then-general manager, Scot McCloughan, created media frenzy and, to put it nicely, a total [expletive]storm. Instead of letting the pressure affect their decision making, however, the Redskins marched on and promoted several names from within. The most prominent name being Doug Williams, who is now senior vice president of personnel.

Photo: WJLA.com
Williams, 61, has been a personnel executive with the Redskins since rejoining them in 2014. Both he and Bruce Allen served on Tampa Bay's staff from 2004-08, with Williams as their personnel executive and Allen as the general manager.

Most known for his Super Bowl XXII heroics, Williams made history in 1988 as the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Only Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks has won the Big Game since then.

Meanwhile, Allen's role as Redskins team president will not change—Williams and head coach Jay Gruden will report to him.

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Washington Redskins Jersey Number Updates

Several returning Redskins players have changed their previous jersey numbers; ahead of the upcoming season. Additionally, this year's free agent newcomers and those who signed Future/Reserve contracts have been given new numbers.

INCUMBENT VETERANS

Colt McCoy: Quarterback
No. 16 to No. 12

Robert Kelley: Running Back
No. 32 to No. 20

Kendal Thompson: Wide Receiver
No. 87 to No. 10

Su'a Cravens: Safety
No. 36 to No. 30

Kendall Fuller: Cornerback
No. 38 to No. 29

Josh Evans: Safety
No. 45 to No. 39

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

Terrelle Pryor: Wide Receiver
No. 11

Brian Quick: Wide Receiver
No. 83

John Kling: Offensive Lineman
No. 69

D.J. Swearinger: Safety
No. 36

Zach Brown: Linebacker
No. 56

Chris Carter: Linebacker
No. 55

Stacy McGee: Defensive Lineman
No. 92

Terrell McClain: Defensive Lineman
No. 97

FUTURE/RESERVE SIGNINGS

Khairi Fortt: Linebacker
No. 46

Phil Taylor: Defensive Lineman
No. 99

Tharold Simon: Cornerback
No. 37

Earl Wolff IV: Safety
No. 32

Pete Robertson: Linebacker
No. 45

Friday, April 28, 2017

Redskins Extend Contract with Key Offensive Lineman

The Washington Redskins quietly made an impact move that was overshadowed by Day 1 of the NFL Draft.

Morgan Moses, the team's starting right tackle, agreed to a five-year extension to stay in Washington. At 26 years old, Moses is now the second-highest-paid right tackle in the game. The new deal prevents the humble Virginia native from hitting the open market next offseason.

"I look back at three years ago where I was at the draft—to be here where I'm one of the first guys in my class to sign a big extension, it just shows you that if you stay blessed and you stay true to your process, anything can happen," Moses said in a team-released statement.

Photo: The Washington Post
Moses, selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, has been a key contributor to Washington's improved offensive line over the past two seasons. His emergence as a starter allowed the team to shift last year's first-round pick, Brandon Scherff, to right guard.

The ability to stay healthy, though, was a concern for Moses after missing half of his rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. After landing on injured reserve, he was determined to bounce back and brush himself off.

Since the foot injury, Moses has not missed a regular season game. In 2016, he received the Ed Block Courage award, which honors one player from each team who displays professionalism, courage, and sportsmanship while facing adversity.

Off the field, Moses stays busy with charitable work in the community. A strong believer in education, he created the Morgan Moses Foundation, which strives to motivate children through fun and educational activities.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Khairi Fortt Coming to a Small Screen Near You

Washington Redskins linebacker Khairi Fortt may not be a household name to NFL fans, but he will soon tackle a big endeavor. No, the second part is not copied from a fortune cookie.

Fortt, 25, will portray the late Redskins legend Sean Taylor on an Investigation Discovery program. He auditioned for the part last year, and ironically, the role of Taylor's father (Pedro) will be played by Fortt's father, Guy Fortt. The show, titled "The Perfect Murder," incorporates real-life interviews and reenactments of homicide cases to detail how detectives solve intricate mysteries.

Photo: washingtontimes.com
Taylor's death occurred nearly a decade ago, on November 27, 2007, when intruders entered his Miami home attempting to steal money. Taylor and his girlfriend, Jackie Garcia Haley, were awakened by loud noises, which prompted Taylor to grab a machete for protection. Garcia Haley and their then-18-month old daughter hid under the bedding. An armed intruder broke into the bedroom, confronting the NFL star by firing two shots—the first one missed, but not the second.

The femoral artery in Taylor's leg was severely damaged from the bullet, leading to significant blood loss. He went into a coma and never regained consciousness; dying one day later. Only 24 years old, Taylor was a family man with a promising football career ahead of him.