Preseason is winding down to a close and the Bucs are getting themselves geared up for the Lions. Before the kitties come to town, the Pewter Pirates are hopping on a plane for one last warm-up match, this time against the Washington Redskins. We are joined this week by Anthony Brown of Redskins Hog Heaven for this edition of Fire the Cannons.
Cannon Shot 1: The last preseason game is normally a time for the lesser-known players to shine. Who are three Redskins that we should keep our eyes on this game?
Anthony: I think the Redskins will start the starters for as long as a quarter in this game, thanks to the lockout and no off-season minicamps. The quarterback race holds national attention although I can’t imagine why. John Beck will start for two series, then alternate with Rex Grossman for two series through the first half. Rookie first-round Draft choice Ryan Kerrigan shows potential converting from college DE to pro OLB. I will be watching for his progress. Watch for whether free agent pick-ups Barry Cofield at nose tackle and DE Stephen Bowen continue to add anything to pass pressure.
The Redskins have a revamped running game with Tim Hightower and rookie Draft pick Roy Helu (Nebraska). Ryan Torain, a Shanahan hold-over, should see his first action of the preseason after missing most of training camp with an injury.
Cannon Shot 2: How confident are you in the Redskins quarterback situation leading into 2011?
Anthony: More than you might guess. Mike Shanahan has become a laughing stock for even hinting that John “Who He?” Beck might
Will Skins fans think the QB situation is plain Gross man? Stay Tuned. start. Well, stop laughing. Either Beck or Grossman can get through the season as effectively as Donovan McNabb did last year when the Redskins were the eighth-ranked passing offense in yards. How that translates to wins remains to be seen. Key message: Washington did not get worse at quarterback. For us, that’s a positive.
Cannon Shot 3: What have the Redskins done to improve on their 6-10 season from 2010?
Anthony: See response to Cannon Shot 1. Washington’s running game fell off a cliff last year, thanks to a lot of injuries. This year the team has younger legs to carry them through now and in the future. (I’m excited.) The team swapped out two interior linemen, and the offensive line and defense has a year under the Shanahan plan. The defensive front seven is better and the O-line appears to “get” Shanahan’s zone-blocking schemes in preseason games.
The ‘Skins could be a better team even if they finish with the same record as last year. But I expect one or two more win.
Cannon Shot 4: Daniel Snyder is one of the most intriguing personalities in all of football. What do Redskins’ fans and media think of Snyder as “that owner” who will sign any and all high-priced free agents?
Anthony: Sigh! They say Snyder has faded to the background on football decisions. I’m skeptical. Every big decision in 2010 followed Snyder’s M.O. Mike Shanahan is the chief spokesman now.
I love, absolutely love, the moves Shanny and ex-Bucs GM Bruce Allen made this year. They acquired Draft picks and used them on rookies rather than trade them for big name stars from other places. Free agent contracts bear some semblance to value. Perhaps nothing proves that better than who is NOT here. With Blaine Gabbert sitting right there at the Redskins draft spot (10th pick), Washington traded out of the position for more picks, then selected a defensive end (Kerrigan) in the first round. We are all amazed.
With Snyder, you have to see how long it lasts. Ask me again next season.
Cannon Shot 5: (Writer’s note: I normally ask a Michigan question here, but the closest thing that the Redskins have to a Michigan alum is Matt Gutierrez, a former Michigan backup quarterback who transferred after being beaten out for starting job by Chad Henne. As I write this note, I shake my head in disappointment)
When I say the name Albert Haynesworth, what is the first word that comes to mind?
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Anthony: I will tell you the second thing I think when you say Albert Haynesworth. I wish him well with his new team.
The next earthquake to hit Washington will be in November when the Patriots visit Fed Ex Field, if Big Al isn’t injured, or out of shape, and off the field except for third-and-long plays.
Cannon Shot 6: The Bucs and Redskins have a pretty thick history. A few playoff matchups have taken place. A former Buccaneer quarterback took the Redskins to the Super Bowl while another former Buccaneer Quarterback became a Redskins head coach. What is your favorite Bucs-Redskins memory? Personally, my favorite was Brad Johnson (as a Redskin) dropping the snap of a game-tying field goal attempt in the 2nd round of the 1999 playoffs.
Anthony: Is it too impolite to mention the late Sean Taylor’s spitting incident? He was innocent, I tell ya, despite the video evidence.
I like the Buccaneers, especially the Tony Dungy-Jon Gruden-Mike Alstott Bucs (See how I worked that Big Ten reference in?) If they ever re-align NFL divisions, I’m voting for the Bucs to join the NFC East. They are, or were, the only team physically tough enough to stand up to The Beast.
Extra Point: What is your favorite color dress to wear to Fedex Field when you put your hog-nose on?
Anthony: I’m trying to work in a goldenrod with burgundy trim this year. And thank you for not calling the Hogettes a group of cross-dressing, pig-nosed men.
Check out Anthony Browns work on Redskins Hog Heaven…best of luck to you Anthony (from Friday on)!
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