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.

Redskins Partake in Supplemental Draft

For the first time since 2009, the Washington Redskins have selected a player in the NFL Supplemental Draft.

Virginia Tech cornerback Adonis Alexander was the apple of Washington's eye, and to get him, they forfeited a sixth-round pick in next year's draft. Standing at 6-foot-3, Alexander brings the height and physicality the team lacks at that position.

(Photo: usatoday.com)

Talent-wise, he was pegged to go higher in the draft, but due to a marijuana arrest in 2016, and his academic ineligibility, Alexander's stock fell. With some mentoring from defensive backs coach Torrian Gray—whom he played his freshman season under at Tech—Alexander has all the traits to be successful.

Only 21 years old, Alexander fits the Redskins' blueprint to get a younger roster to build around. Fingers crossed he will pan out better than Washington's last supplemental pick, Jeremy Jarmon, a third-round pick who retired at age 24.

Redskins Still Have Money to Spend

One thing the Washington Redskins have been efficient with in recent times is winning... free agency. While many teams lose talented players, due to salary cap restraints, Washington has been able to re-sign their own, in addition to adding key free agents.

Some could argue that Washington's free agent finds don't always pan out. At least, however, they have sufficient funds to be active in the market.

This year, for instance, the Redskins have approximately $13 million remaining after 'free agent frenzy' and draft pick signings.

There is still a void at the wide receiver position, and Dez Bryant happens to be unsigned. Bryant, 29, made it clear that he would like to stay in the NFC East, and the Redskins happen to be in the NFC East. No inside rumors have linked the two sides together since April, when Bryant became a free agent.

Assuming the Redskins pass on Bryant, it begs the question of why bulk at Kirk Cousins' asking price when they had every chance to keep him?

Supposedly, the idea was to save cap space by letting Cousins walk, and to use that saved money toward other positions. The problem is, by the time they (handsomely) paid Alex Smith—their new starting QB—and made some lesser-known signings, they could have simply extended Cousins after all. Not to mention, they would still have slot cornerback Kendall Fuller had they not traded for Smith.

Perhaps the team's front office knows exactly what they are doing. Perhaps, and more likely though, they are pawns in a twisted game played only in the Twilight Zone.

Number Change for Quinton Dunbar

After three seasons of rocking ex-Redskins player Chris Cooley's No. 47, Quinton Dunbar is changing numbers.

The young cornerback will now don No. 23—Deangelo Hall's longtime number, who recently retired after 14 NFL seasons.

(Photo: nbcsports.com)

As an undrafted wide receiver in the 2015 NFL Draft, Dunbar signed with the Redskins. He transitioned to cornerback after injuries decimated the team's secondary.

Dunbar is expected a larger role after Washington lost two of their top corners in Bashaud Breeland [free agency] and Kendall Fuller [trade]. The Redskins rewarded his improved play by giving him a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension this offseason.

Washington Redskins 2018 Draft Class

Round 1, Pick 13
Da'Ron Payne (DT) Alabama

Round 2, Pick 59
Derrius Guice (RB) LSU

Round 3, Pick 74
Geron Christian (T) Lousiville

Round 4, Pick 109
Troy Apke (S) Penn State

Round 5, Pick 163
Tim Settle (DT) Virginia Tech

Round 6, Pick 197
Shaun Dion Hamilton (LB) Alabama

Round 7, Pick 241
Greg Stroman (CB) Virginia Tech

Round 7, Pick 256
Trey Quinn (WR) SMU

Jonathan Allen Changed His Digits

Jonathan Allen will be sporting a new jersey number on the field.

The 23-year-old defensive end is switching from No. 95 to No. 93, which he wore playing for Alabama. With the departure of Trent Murphy this offseason, Allen was finally able to pounce on retaining his former number.

While this is not breaking news, it could have a domino effect in various ways.

Changing to a sexier number should lead to increased Allen jersey sales. Now that No. 95 is up for grabs, perhaps free agent Johnathan Hankins will be more inclined to sign here (95 is his current number.) Furthermore, depending on how superstitious Allen is, he could see the number switch as a fresh start. After all, wearing No. 95 last season was not exactly lucky—he suffered a Lisfranc injury and was placed on injured reserve.

You heard it here first, at Burgundy & Gold News.

Deshazor Everett Staying in D.C.

Following the formula of reward your own players first, the Washington Redskins re-signed Deshazor Everett to a multi-year deal.

(Photo: Washington Times)

Coming off a productive season of 62 tackles and a forced fumble throughout 14 games, Everett showed much improvement filling in for Su'a Cravens.

Having just turned 26 years old, Everett will provide quality depth at the safety position. His contribution on special teams did not go unnoticed, as he led the unit with tackles.

The Redskins now have Everett, D.J. Swearinger, and Montae Nicholson to work with at the position, not including any future signings.

Ryan Kerrigan Ties the Knot

Washington pass-rush specialist Ryan Kerrigan will now be sporting a ring on his finger.

Much to the dismay of some Redskins fans, Kerrigan's bling is not Super Bowl related, but in fact wedding related.

No. 91 married fiancé Jessica Mazura in Huntington Beach, California this past weekend. Mazura grew up in nearby Newport Beach—only a six mile distance.

The newlyweds got engaged at the end of January 2017.

Most likely, it was Kerrigan's stellar performance in Sharknado 3 that caught her attention.

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.

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.

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)

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.