Hogs Haven

He Said, She Said: The Youth Movement (Part I)

2012-05-16T18:56:25Z

"Well, that's debatable."

Watch national media coverage of the Redskins and you'll have that thought every 30 seconds. And that's why I'm pleased to welcome you to the inaugural installment of He Said, She Said--a back-and-forth discussion of "That's debatable" topics in DC sports.

So, without further adieu, I give you Ken and I yammering about DC rookies, part I:

Who will make the biggest impact as a rookie, Braden Holtby, Bryce Harper, or Robert Griffin III? Note the intentionally open-ended phrasing.

Ken: There's no question in my mind that the biggest impact will be made by RG3. It is my sincere hope that this impact will take place primarily on the field, but we have already seen the impact of his arrival on the collective psyche of an entire fan base. Griffin's arrival has signaled a turning of the page from the train wreck at the quarterback position that we have all been fixated on for a very long time.

In Washington, DC, there is little that trumps the situation surrounding our starting quarterback. In RG3, we have a player with immense talent and upside, as well as a man who seems very comfortable in his skin. This all matters.

Bryce Harper and Braden Holtby have proven they can play at the pro level. They have already been tested and have succeeded to varying results, but none of that experience can compete with every fan's imagination when it comes to RG3.

Keely: I agree that the biggest symbolic impact has to go to RG3. The fans have been waiting for the franchise to draft talent instead of trying to lure it in free agency. RG3 isn't just a good QB prospect; he's the anti-Deion Sanders, the anti-Albert Haynesworth, and the anti-Donovan McNabb.

That said, Bryce Harper is going to give RG3 a run for his money here. The Nationals have never been more relevant than they are now, thanks in large part to Harper, a.k.a. the second coming of Charlie Hustle. Harper has attracted national attention to a new baseball team without the benefit of a rich history or massive fan base. Are more people excited about RG3? Yes, because there are more Skins fans than Nats fans. But, more people will become Nationals fans because of Bryce Harper than will become Redskins fans because of RG3.

Harper will also impact the game’s culture because he's such a throwback. RG3 is so unique, it will be difficult for others to follow him. Bryce has all the snarling swagger, in-your-face attitude, out-of-the-park talent to shake up baseball for years to come. Which leads me to...

What could RG3 learn from Bryce Harper and Braden Holtby about handling the DC-sports spotlight? And what could they learn from him?

Ken: First of all, Bryce Harper has to be the most exciting .232 player ever. And let's not sell Holtby short--he was electric between the pipes. But, RG3 is aided by the magic of the NFL. It brings its own base level of hysteria that a player like Griffin multiplies.

RG3 needs to feed off of Harper's untethered effort and Holtby's uncharacteristic resolve. Reckless abandon will get him killed, but if Griffin keeps plays alive with his mobility, then cashes in with huge throws, the spotlight is going to shine incredibly brightly. If anything, Bryce and Braden will be taking notes from RG3.

Will Braden Holtby be eligible for rookie of the year next season?

Keely: Spoken like a man who wasn’t watching Harper’s first major league homer out to center field. And I agree, Holtby was at times a one-man show while sharing the ice with stars like Ovechkin, Thomas, and even Lundqvist, though I fear that the team’s uncertainty at head coach and lack of direction could bog Holtby down.

~~I'm not clear on the ROY eligibility rules for the NHL, but the other candidates better hope he doesn't qualify.~~ Update: To be eligible for the Calder Memorial Trophy, candidates cannot have played more than 25 major-league games in any single preceding season or more than six major-league games in any two preceding seasons. Holtby, like Wayne Gretzky before him, is not eligible. Bummer.

Ken: But I was watching! I was being serious—he IS the most exciting .232 player ever!

To be continued... The Youth Movement, Part II will be coming to a post near you later this week. In the meantime, feel free to offer your two cents in the comments (she says like you needed an invitation).

Military Appreciation Week: Hogs Haven Salutes Those That Wear the Greatest Jersey Ever Made

2012-05-16T15:29:24Z

Alright, I have no idea what the Hogs Haven salute looks like. It's certainly never been given to me, unless that is what all those horns I always hear honking on the road are about, or all those punches in the face from random strangers. (Hmmmm...I think I am going to stop letting Kevin do my PR.)

You can't live in or represent the Washington, D.C. area without being touched in some way by our nation's armed forces. (Don't do it, Kevin...resist...the...urge...to knock that softball out of the park.)

There is not a finer group of Americans than the ones that suit up everyday for Uncle Sam and represent our interests domestically and abroad. The fact of the matter is that they are, for the most part, better than all of us. Our debt to them is beyond calculation. Don't forget to take the opportunity this week to say, "Thank You."

I'll get things started by thanking my two grandfathers, Vic Fortwengler and Al Meringolo. Vic is an old salty dog (Navy) and a World War Two veteran who joined the rest of his generation in the heroic response to a call to arms. Al is a Marine (once a Marine, always a Marine...there is no such thing as "retired") who served in Korea and is a member of the revered "Chosin Few." If you want to understand what being a badass really means, look up who the Chosin Few are and learn about the battle that took place on and around the Chosin Reservoir. Granddad & Granddad--thank you for your service and dedication to your country and your family.

I could spend hundreds, if not thousands, of words individually thanking my friends and family members that wear or have worn the greatest jersey ever made. Please know that you are very much appreciated. I would like to thank our own Ronnie Adkins for his service in the Army. Ronnie very much appreciates extended hugs when you see him. You'll know you have hugged him for the appropriate amount of time when you begin to feel uncomfortable. As far as I know, that has NOTHING to do with why he is no longer on active duty.

Here are a few things going on with the Redskins that tie into this theme (this list is by no means exhaustive):

--Lorenzo Alexander supports the Healing Heroes folks with his Ride to Provide.

--Darrel Young has also been active in supporting the troops overseas.

--The Redskins organization is running a season-long program called Operation Salute Our Troops.

Last, but not least, I know we have MANY readers who are part of military families. To all those people right now whose loved ones are currently in harm's way, I would first like to say thank you for your family's sacrifice, and would also like to make sure you know that your families remain in all of our thoughts and prayers. Here's hoping that a place like Hogs Haven offers you momentary escapes from an otherwise difficult experience.

Editor's note: I love how Parks writes an article about players that "have to go"--an article I very much enjoyed reading by the way--and I follow that up with a salute to our military. It almost isn't fair. I guess I just love my country and Parks just hates on players. Hahahaha. Keep up the great work, Parks. Next week when you write about how Joe Gibbs was an awful coach, I will be sure to follow that up with a fluffy public service announcement about kittens.

Three Redskins That Need to Go

2012-05-16T14:01:16Z

Time is moving fast and training camp will be here before we know it. There continues to be many youthful components of this team ready to step up and make some other players expendable. But who are those players that could become expendable? Who are some established Redskins that the Turk should visit this August or earlier?

Brandon Banks KR/PR: Truthfully I just have a bunch of "Brandon Banks Haters Not-So-Anonymous" t-shirts I need to get rid of. But seriously, how can anyone justify a spot for this guy any more? He can't play wide receiver and he's not dynamic in the return game. Sure, he's fun to watch but the Skins would benefit more from an intelligent, straight-line return guy, in my opinion. Many have signaled the end for Banks on and off this site, but truthfully I still think he finds a way to sneak on to this squad. He must have some interesting pictures of Danny Smith.

Lorenzo Alexander, Utility: Let me lay this out, I love Lorenzo Alexander, I think he's been a great Redskin. But in terms of football decision making, I don't know if I like him taking up a spot or spots that we can be utilizing younger players. LoAx is a great special teams player but when does that well run dry for a 29 year old veteran? It seems like Mike Shanahan is reaching for away to keep him on this squad by making him into a human Swiss Army knife, but I'm not comfortable with Alexander coming in as a back up especially at the inside linebacker position. What Alexander lacks in athleticism he makes up for in heart, but that can only get you so far especially in a key backup role if asked to play. I feel better about Johnathan Goff, Keenan Robinson, Bryan Kehl, and even DJ Holt coming in in a pinch rather than LoAx. Like I said, I love the guy, but I don't know if he will continue to have a spot on this squad.

Evan Royster, RB: This is more of a prediction than a guy I see as a need to get rid of. Royster certainly filled in well for Roy Helu last year, but at the same time we must temper our expectations in regards to a Mike Shanahan running back. I still don't see "it" with Royster and I think Alfred Morris will outplay him and displace him by mid-season.

Daily Slop : Hightower Says He'll be Ready for Opener; Adam Carriker Says NFL Taking Concussion Issue 'Very Seriously'

2012-05-16T11:03:03Z

2011's Best Performances: 3-4 Outside Linebackers | ProFootballFocus.com
1. Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins: Week 4 at St Louis (+8.1) Three sacks (including a forced fumble) and seven more hurries are always going to earn you some praise. It was thus proven as it pushed Orakpo to this No. 1 spot in our Top 10 individual 3-4 OLB performances of 2011. Rodger Saffold was the primary victim as Orakpo was near unstoppable rushing the passer. He also added some good work in the run game to beat out the competition and top this list.

Washington Redskins: Adam Carriker Says NFL Taking Concussion Issue 'Very Seriously' " CBS DC
Washington Redskins defensive end Adam Carriker believes the NFL is taking the concussion issue very seriously.

Redskins trying to find their role | Washington Examiner

The Redskins Blog | College Football Hall Honors Art Monk
Art Monk, the Redskins’ legendary receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion, on Tuesday was named one of 14 players chosen to enter the National Football Foundation’s Football Bowl Subdivision Hall of Fame.

Kedric Golston on his run-in with a shark - DC Sports Bog - The Washington Post
If there’s one thing Redskins defensive end Kedric Golston is not willing to mess around with, it’s a shark. Especially when he’s convinced that one knocked him off his jet ski in the Potomac river.

The Redskins Blog | 10 For 80: Sam Baker
Sam Baker is one of the greatest punters in team history, but it was actually one of his field goals that might be his best moment in a Redskins uniform.

Former Redskins QB Jay Schroeder joins the Fix to look back on his time in Washington

Remembering The 60th Anniversary Season
With the Redskins' 80th Anniversary Campaign fully underway, it's an opportunity to reflect on the storied history of the franchise. Today, a look at the team's 60th Anniversary season.

Rookie preview: Josh Leribeus - Rich Tandler's Real Redskins
The fit: LeRibeus is not as athletic as the prototypical Shanahan offensive lineman. He generally looks for linemen who run the 40 in the 5.0-second range. LeRibeus ran it in 5.37 at the combine. Still, he has both a good motor and a nasty streak and he generally finds a way to get his man blocked. He also practiced as the backup center at SMU and Shanahan has said that position flexibility will help players make the team.

Who Will Be The Redskins Offensive X-Factor (outside of RGIII) | Fanspeak Washington Redskins Blog

What offensive player will have the biggest impact this season for the Redskins outside of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III? It’s a question with a lot of possible answers but few certainties. I’m going to only focus on skill position guys (mainly as to not get depressed with the state of the offensive line). Now while it might be simple to say that the player with the most yards or catches has the biggest impact, but that isn’t always the case.

Redskins in-depth chart: Running back

We know who the Redskins quarterback and fullback will be, but running back is up in the air. An in-depth look at the offensive backs.

Late Growth Spurt Assists Rookie CB

Rookie Redskins’ cornerback Richard Crawford was 5-foot-7 when he graduated from El Camino High School in Oceanside, Calif. The major college football programs, in turn, passed on offering Crawford — a short-but-speedy defensive back and kick returner — a spot on their teams.

Hightower says he'll be ready for opener - Rich Tandler's Real Redskins

After re-signing with the Redskins, Tim Hightower told Comcast SportsNet's Kelli Johnson that he wasn't sure if he'd be fully healthy for minicamp or even training camp but he vowed to be ready for the season opener in New Orleans on Sept. 9.

Chat wrap: Claiborne-RG3 comparisons - NFC East Blog - ESPN

We had our chat. It was a fine way to pass part of a rainy afternoon. These are some of the highlights, in case you missed it, or you could just click

The 10 players your team can least afford to lose to injury, Redskins edition – Blogging the bEast

NFC East roundup: Jerry jabs Redskins offense?

Plus Eagles left tackle re-injures Achilles and Osi Umenyiora stirs up beef with LeSean McCoy and ....

NFL, NFLPA help launch new helmet initiative for youth football players | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports

One of the more far-reaching ramifications of America's increasing concern with football safety is the increasing percentage of parents -- including former NFL players -- who would hesitate to let their sons play football.

RGIII Draft Night Socks for Sale Now

2012-05-15T19:01:53Z

RGIII Draft Night Socks for Sale Now

Adidas just put them up....I imagine they'll pretty much be all over Fedex Field this fall.

Tim Hightower Talks About RG3 and His 1-Year Contract with the Redskins

2012-05-15T16:38:30Z

Tim Hightower was on Lavar and Dukes yesterday talking Redskins and his one-year contract with the Redskins:

How's the rehab coming?

"Good. Good. It's...I am definitely on the better end of it. I'm able to do some things on the field now with running around and cutting. You know getting back to doing what I do. It's definitely a good feeling."

Do you feel like you'll have a better opportunity this year with Robert Griffin III as the quarterback?

"That's not guaranteed. I'm optimistic from that standpoint that he is very talented and he's a playmaker. Anytime you are around playmakers it's not going to do anything, but help, but that is not guaranteed.

I don't think I made my decision based off anyone else versus any other player per say. It was more of me and sometimes you understand being a player you gotta make the decision that are the best for you. This system was a great system for me. The coaching staff was a great coaching staff. The fan base. The community. It was good for me. Again I did build that great relationship with Mike Shanahan and I felt like it was going to be a great situation and a great fit. I liked the direction they were heading in and I think that was the majority of the reason why I made the decision and I'm glad that it worked out here. The RGIII thing and the rest of the guys they brought in? That is just a bonus on top of it."

Are you going to have to change the style of running back you are now coming off the knee surgery?

You can read the rest of the interview here....

Daily Slop: Redskins Media Links Roundup

2012-05-15T11:01:24Z

The Redskins Blog | Anniversary Uniforms: 1994 Version
When the Redskins take the field this season for two games wearing their 80th Anniversary Uniforms, it actually won’t be the first time a version of that uniform has been worn in recent memory. The team also wore a version of the same uniforms Sept. 25, 1994, in a home game vs. the Atlanta Falcons at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, and we’ve dug up photos from that day.

Real talk: Keenan Robinson - Rich Tandler's Real Redskins
Keenan Robinson speaks after last week's rookie minicamp"

Mike Shanahan on his ‘franchise quarterback’ - DC Sports Bog - The Washington Post

"And the reason I’m so high on him is I’ve studied him, I’ve watched him, day in, day out. Not only is he a great athlete, a great thrower and a great runner, but he’s a natural leader. He has the things that you look for, and that’s how you build a franchise. So if you can surround a quarterback with people that believe and work extremely hard, you have a chance to do something special."

Rookie preview: Josh Leribeus

LeRibeus is not as athletic as the prototypical Shanahan offensive lineman. He generally looks for linemen who run the 40 in the 5.0-second range. LeRibeus ran it in 5.37 at the combine. Still, he has both a good motor and a nasty streak and he generally finds a way to get his man blocked. He also practiced as the backup center at SMU and Shanahan has said that position flexibility will help players make the team.

Hightower is back with Redskins, and has a point to prove - Washington Times
Tim Hightower lives by the motto "Purpose Driven," and right now his purpose is returning from a serious knee injury and being a productive running back in 2012.

The Redskins Blog | Kerrakpo Digs Anniversary Uniforms
Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan just couldn’t resist quoting Deion "Primetime" Sanders when asked about the team’s 80th Anniversary Uniforms. "I like them a lot," Kerrigan told CSNWashington.com. "Like Deion Sanders said, ‘Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good.’ So hopefully that amounts to us this year."

RT's 5: A muddled picture at cornerback - Rich Tandler's Real Redskins
Rich Tandler’s five things possibly related to the Washington Redskins and other matters.

The Redskins Blog | 10 For 80: Pete Wysocki
The Redskins Blog will be profiling several former players, coaches and team officials eligible to be voted by you, the fans, in this year’s Redskins 80th Anniversary celebration. To vote for Pete Wysocki or your 10 other all-timers to join the already-chosen list of the 70 Greatest Redskins, go to http://www.redskins80th.com/

Redskins’ starters shaping up - The Insider - The Washington Post
Most competition for the upcoming season will be at running back, wide receiver and safety.

Washington Redskins: Projected 2012 Starting Lineups | Football Nation
Hopes are high in D.C. but who will be seeing the most time on the field? FN Contributor Shawn Kopf gives us his projected starting lineup for the Washington Redskins.

2011 Redskins had more injuries than average, but not much more - Rich Tandler's Real Redskins

Injuries are often cited by both coaches and fans as a reason for the Redskins’ 5-11 record in 2011. According to statistics compiled by the folks at Football Outsiders, that excuse holds water to an extent but there are some major leaks in it.

NFC East: Remaining needs for each team - NFC East Blog - ESPN

Thanks for the feedback on the last post. I have been reading through the comments there, and I appreciate the suggestions. Most of them, anyway. Mea

NFL Videos: Rookie starting QBs

Should Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III start for their respective teams in 2012? What about Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weeden? Marshall Faulk and Warren Sapp share their thoughts.

Donovan McNabb loses 20 pounds to get back in the league | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports
The three biggest reasons that Donovan McNabb is not employed as an NFL quarterback right now are 1) his age, 2) the fact that he hasn't performed that well in recent years, and 3) he's not willing to play anywhere …

Darrell Green Recognized As A Home Town Hall-Of-Famer; Weighs in on RGIII

2012-05-15T00:52:11Z

Darrell Green was very easily one of the greatest Redskins to ever grace the gridiron. A Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back, Darrell spent all of his illustrious 20-year career with the Redskins. I had the chance to speak with Mr. Green over the phone on Monday evening. For those that don't know what the "Home Town Hall of Famer" program is is; Allstate Insurance Company and the Pro Football Hall of Fame recognize Hall of Fame players as heroes in their home town. You can read all about it by clicking any of these colored words.

Darrell will be recognized at Jones High School, where he graduated from in Houston, Texas. He'll also have a road sign displayed in his honor. I can only imagine how Cowboy's fans might feel about that. To see a sign honoring a lifelong Redskin, right smack dab in the middle of Cowboys territory, makes me giddy as a schoolgirl.

"This is what you dream for... this is what hall-of-famer's should be doing" Said Green."...This is something very special that will be going on for a long time"

"It takes us back to our roots...the streets, the schools, the doors we walked through as young men... in my case over 30 years ago"

After a while, of course, the subject turned to Robert Griffin, III. "...He's definitely a quality football player. I know personally he's definitely a quality human".

Robert Griffin's personality traits can be somewhat compared to Darrell Green's some 30 years ago. Darrell was touted as not only a force to be reckoned with on the field, but a powerful personality off of it. "I love this, this is great. I think I like it because they started with character, and then the kid has got superstar character.."

Darrell has also started his own company, Walk Fit Health Nation. Walk Fit Health promotes fitness through one of the easiest exercises one can do, walking. "Basically, you wear a pedometer and it wirelessly captures my steps, my calories, my distance... I have it on every day of my life. I have it on right now".

You can find more information on their website WalkFitHealth.com.

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