News of the Week for the Washington Redskins, July 1 Edition: Fred Davis waits for new deal, ‘Skins linebackers are pretty good

Fred Davis

Tight end Fred Davis is not likely to receive a contract extension before the July 16 deadline. The Redskins franchised Davis this offseason and are believed to have extended an offer that reflects the risk to his availability. Davis was suspended four games last season for violations of the NFL substance abuse policy. One more violation and he will be suspended for a season. He is also involved in a weird lawsuit embarrassing to him and to the team.

SBNation.com’s Ryan Van Bibber ranked the Redskins linebacker corps 4th in the NFL. The group is led by ageless veteran London Fletcher and includes rising stars Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. Coaches think highly of Perry Riley who replaces Rocky McIntosh. Van Bibber ranked the ‘Skins higher than any of their Beast rivals. The 49ers, Ravens and Steelers topped the list.

Kyle Shanahan expects the Redskins to make the playoffs this year. Either Shanahan or his dad expected the Redskins to make the playoffs every year since they arrived in Washington. It’s what they’ve said every summer during ticket-selling season.

ESPN NFC East blogger Dan Graziano defends the notion that Pierre Garćon can be a No. 1 receiver. This much-talked-about post was in answer to a skeptical fan. The Shanahan’s “think they’re getting someone who’s about to ‘pop’ as a No. 1 receiver. Seems like a lot of money to gamble on that, but they feel good about the gamble.”

Mike and Kyle Shanahan are placing big bets on young talent. That is not typical of coaches under the gun to “win now or else.” I don’t buy the notion the Redskins have to make the playoffs or Shanahan is outta here. They have to show enough progress to show that 2013 can be a playoff year. All bets are off if Washington finishes 4-12.

The Redskins were 3-1 with G Kory Lichtensteiger in the line-up, and 2-10 when he was lost for the 2011 season. Is he the most critical player for the Redskins? No, but it is evidence that it’s still an O-line driven league.

Hall of Famer Sam Huff has been involved with the Washington Redskins since the 1960s, joining them in the broadcast booth in 1975 with teammate and HOF colleague Sonny Jurgensen. The pair provides color commentary on the radio during Redskins game, but Huff is cutting back to 12 games this season due to the rigors of travel according to ESPN 980’s “Redskins Radio” Facebook page.

In this four decade-old scheme, Sonny comments on the offense, and Sam covers the defense play. Like your favorite old uncle at Thanksgiving, Huff’s commentary now consists of clichéd stories you’ve heard before. You love what your uncle has done for you, so you put up with it, and you tune him out. Comments on the Redskins Radio page suggests the time for Sonny and Sam may be in the past.

It’s the Age of the Internet and Nike Combat Uniforms. Those things were unheard of when Huff and Jurgensen prowled the field.

About Anthony Brown

Lifelong Redskins fan and blogger about football and life since 2004. Joined MVN's Hog Heaven blog in 2005 and then moved Redskins Hog Heaven to Bolguin Network. Believes that the course of a season is pre-ordained by management decisions made during the offseason. Can occasionally be found on the This Given Sunday blog and he does guest posts.

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