Archive for April, 2010

Extreme Makeover: Burgundy & Gold Edition

For 11 years the site of this…

made me want to do this!

It’s amazing how far a new wardrobe can go.

Photo via Redskins Blog

He looks leaner, faster and almost like he won’t throw passes at receiver’s ankles. Yep, I’m drinking the kool-aid and have a roll of quarters in my pocket, wearing my Nikes…I’m fully on board with #5. Minicamp starts today, check back in October to see how I’m feeling then!

Cheers and Hail

Redskins Of Lore: Neal Olkewicz

From 1979 to 1989 the heart of the Redskins defense was found right in the middle of the field, wearing #52. Neal “Olk Dog” Olkewicz appeared in 150 regular season games and although tackles were not an official stat at the time, Neal surpassed (at least) 1,500 tackles in his career. Yep, Neal averaged over 10 tackles per game.

The Redskins dynasty era of 1982-1991 was not comprised of flashy free agents who commanded $100 million dollar contracts and huge signing bonuses. The Redskins roster of that era was made up of a lot of guys who were low round or undrafted players who worked hard and got every ounce out of their ability and more. Neal was undrafted out of Maryland, but started for 11 years in the NFL, winning 2 Super Bowls and he’s one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.

While I was recently thumbing thru my old Redskins photos and autographs, I came across the above picture. The picture came from a 1987 commemorative magazine celebrating the Redskins Super Bowl win. The short story talks about how Neal made 2 of the biggest defensive plays the Redskins had during the playoffs, plays that enabled the Skins to make it to the Super Bowl. It also talks about how Neal, the team’s player rep, kept the Skins together during the strike. Although Neal seemed to be in the twilight of his career, he came back in 88′ and was the named the team’s defensive MVP. He was…a bad-ass.

I did find Neal’s autograph, it’s on a regular piece of paper. Simple, straight forward and after nearly 25 years, still holding up strong…just like old #52. Thanks Neal.

Cheers and Hail

4/8-4/12 Happy Bdays

Happy birthday Charles Mann. Charles played defensive end for the Redskins for 11 seasons from 1983-93. #71 was a 4-time Pro Bowler who appeared in 163 games as a Redskin. Charles finished his Skins career with 82 sacks and 784 tackles. Charles also is a member of the Redskins Ring of Fame and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins. In retirement Charles started a business with Art Monk. Happy 49th Mr. Mann.

Happy birthday Mike Nelms. Mike played 5 seasons for the Redskins from 1980-84. Mike was an excellent punt/kick returner and backup defensive back who wore #21. Mike appeared in 68 games as a Redskin and was a 3-time Pro Bowler. Mike’s best season came in 1981 when he averaged 29.7 yards per kick return and 10.9 per punt return including 2 TD’s. Mike was also a member of the NFL’s 1980’s All Decade Team and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins. In retirement Mike was the long time owner of a Toyota dealership in Culpepper, VA. Happy 55th Mr. Nelms.

Happy birthday Mike Devereaux. Mike played 7 seasons for the Orioles over 2 separate stints between 1989-96. #12 came to the Orioles from the Dodgers in exchange for Mike Morgan and appeared in 878 games during his O’s tenure. Mike hit .251 with 94 HR’s and 403 RBI’s playing mostly CF for the Orioles. His best season came in 92’ when he hit .276-24-107. In retirement Mike now serves as a coach for the Orioles single A affiliate the Delmarva Shorebirds. Happy 47th Mr. Devereaux.

Happy birthday Lee Lacy. Lee played 3 seasons for the Orioles from 1985-87. #27 appeared in 338 games for the O’s, batting .280 with 27 HR’s and 123 RBI’s. Lee retired after the 87’ season, his 16th season in the bigs. Happy 62nd Mr. Lacy.

It’s Dallas Week!

Per Tory Aikman’s interview on ESPN radio, the Dallas Cowboys are set to take on the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field at 4PM Week 1 of the 2010 NFL Season…it’s officially Dallas Week!

The official 2010 NFL schedule hasn’t been released, so at this point it’s strictly rumor. However, if the guy who’s going to be announcing the game knows the week, location and time…it’s safe to speculate it’s the truth. Let’s get it on. Besides having a chip on his shoulder for the Eagles, Donovan should be seeking some retaliation against the Cowboys.

Here’s a little something to get us Skin’s fans in the mood, the demolition of Texas Stadium. The hole was still in the roof so god saw it…and RFK is still standing nearly 15 years after the Redskins last played there…RFK wins!!!

Cheers and Hail

McNabb Press Conference

What’s JC Worth?

With Donovan McNabb set to be introduced as the Redskins new QB tomorrow afternoon and talks of a contract extension immanent, the question is what do the Skins do with Jason Campbell?

I guess the obvious thing to do is trade him…but you have to get value in return. I’ve read reports today that put his value anywhere between a 2nd to 5th round pick. I would run around my neighborhood buck naked in a Shanahan mask if they could get a 2nd rounder for JC. That would basically mean that you traded McNabb straight up for JC and I think anyone would sign off on that deal. If JC’s value is a 5th rounder, then you keep him as a backup. I think the over/under is a 3rd rounder, if you can get a 3rd rounder or better you gotta pull the trigger.

Thru all the shit JC has been thru over the past year, he’s been a true gentleman. He’s never had a coach or front office executive stand behind him and say “this is our guy.” Instead he’s remained professional as countless names were rumored to replace him. My hope is that JC can be moved to another team where he’ll get a shot to remain a starter in the NFL.

Cheers and Hail