Washington Redskins By the Numbers: #20 - Tiger Woods, Chad Johnson, Lindsay Lohan
by Ken Meringolo on Jun 16, 2009 11:00 AM EDT
in Redskins By The (Jersey) Numbers
33 comments
Answer: Tiger Woods, Chad Johnson, and Lindsay Lohan
Question: Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen? (long live Cliffie)
It has been a while since the Skins had a truly great player wear #20. Alvoid Mays, Justin Tryon, Skip Hicks...we'll let history judge each of these men. One man who has already been judge by history and his peers is our choice for #20:
Cliff Battles
He was a running back for the team back when they were the Boston Braves, and had an incredible (albeit short-lived) run. In 1932, Battles captured the rushing title as a rookie. During his second year, he dropped 215 yards rushing on the Giants, becoming the first player to go over 200 yards in a game. The dude was a beast. When the team finally got to D.C., and Sammy Baugh was added to the lineup, the two became an unstoppable duo. In 1937, they owned the league, winning the first NFL title for the franchise.
Battles was a six-time All-Pro selection (1932-1937), a member of the NFL's All-decade team of the 30's, and of course was included on the 70 Greatest Redskins list. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
An old-school player out of the far away past, but the story has a very modern ending. He wanted more money out of the Redskins' owner, George Preston Marshall. When the owner refused to go any higher on his offer, Battles hung up his cleats and went on with his life.
#20
Cliff Battles
*****
I found myself talking to a Ravens fan last week and despite the usual lack of any reason or logic in his arguments, I was yet again amazed at the lovefest that town has with its owner, Steve Bisciotti. And it got me wondering...
Think about how much you WANT to love the owner of our team, just in general. I am not saying Snyder is a douchebag because I don't know the guy and there could very well be a dude in there somewhere that is lovable. But we simply can't ignore what amounts to the "perceived douchebaggery" in his Reign of Zero Championships, right?
It seems in recent years--most notably the Second Coming of Joe Gibbs era--Snyder has figured some things out. In addition to at least appearing to take a more back seat approach to the management of the team, he has quietly engaged in massive charitable efforts over the years. My question to you out there:
When do we love our owner like Baltimore loves theirs? Is it as simple as winning a championship? Is it tied to the level of patience he has with Zorn, and the extent of the success Zorn enjoys? Will it ever happen? I am not suggesting he gets Ted Leonsis-love, or even Abe Pollin-love (a lesser love to be sure, but not the creepy old-man love that Kevin envisions when he reads this.) But certainly Snyder is crawling out of the Peter Angelos category right? I would love to hear you guys ring in on this one.
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Snyder
The reason they love their owner so much is that their team does things correctly. Ozzie Newsome is one of the best in the business drafting talent and the team is always in contention. They also have an amazing stadium. If it wasn’t for that run of 10 straight schmoe QBs, who knows howmany Super Bowls they’d have.
Compare that to Snyderrato with the Coach carousel and all the free agent signings that leave us continually at the salary cap line.
by KevinE on Jun 16, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Is there anything wrong with being at the line?
I’m warming up to Snyder, and I think this year’s team looks great. Obviously, it’ll depend on how they all perform, but I’m not going to blame Snyder for not putting the right pieces together. He’s been improving as manager (maybe in his ability to give up control), and he’s always been a good businessman (top 5 richest sports franchise in the world).
Also, I can’t wait for tomorrow’s By the Numbers.
by SSBlitz on Jun 16, 2009 11:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yea, we have some good stuff for #21
We’re thinking about pushing it back a day or two as we’re still waiting to hear back from some players.
As for Snyder, the team is definitely going in the right direction. When he brought in Gibbs and agreed to step out 100%, I instantly warmed up to him. Seeing him stay out with a young, unproven coach speaks volumes. Bob Dylan, “Times they are a changin.”
by KevinE on Jun 16, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the next big milestone for Snyder will be whether he can fire Cerrato again (if the situation calls for it), this time without a pushy personality (Shottenheimer) putting him up to it.
Also I’m not nearly as convinced as some of you are that Snyder is hands off.
The Jay Cutler & Mark Sanchez debacles were all him, not Cerrato.
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where did you hear that?
The Jay Cutler & Mark Sanchez debacles were all him, not Cerrato.
From everything I have heard, I completely disagree….DEFINITELY on the Sanchez draft he had no part of. Snyder has said, when his staff tells him to go get a player, he does it. He is not in the draft process what so ever, Vinny and Zorn just tell them who he likes and he agrees or disagrees…but it’s not his call unless its a personality disorder.
by KevinE on Jun 16, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would not call it a debacle either. It shows that the FO recognizes the value of a stud QB, but learned that overpaying for a potential stud is not the right thing to do. The end result is that JC now has a fire under him and seems to be inspired. I think I’m going to see JC yell at someone or let loose after a TD this year….that would be a good thing. The FO may have even discussed impacts to JC when the news got out that they tried to get cutler or sanchez and decided that his reaction would help them decide on his expiring contract. I have way more respect for JC now, I bet he has a great year.
by liger99 on Jun 16, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would not call it a debacle either. It shows that the FO recognizes the value of a stud QB, but learned that overpaying for a potential stud is not the right thing to do.
One of the main rumors was that the only reason we didn’t get Cutler for two first rounders is that McDaniels likes Orton more than JC (which incidentally makes McDaniels certifiably insane).
Nothing about the Cutler Crisis tells me that Danny or the FO has changed for the better. If that deal had happened we’d be right back to square one with burning draft picks, giving out maximum contracts, and building a group of individual stars, not an actual team.
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats a good point
They were about to unload the farm. Dan Snyder doesn’t watch film so there’s no way he would come to a conclusion we should draft Sanchez….Zornerrato were pushing that.
As for Cutler, yea, that was a mess.
by KevinE on Jun 16, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The cutler thing alone does not show FO improvement, throw in no trade for sanchez, cutting older injury risk players like Washington and jansen, signing younger impact players, and letting Orakpo fall to them in the draft is a trend in the right direction IMO. Of course this can all be derailed if they go after Vick or Plax.
by liger99 on Jun 16, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nothing to write home about...
But does show a step in the right direction, because the FO before if they had “wanted” someone it happened no matter the cost or consequences. Some reports had the Redskins out of the running for Haynesworth too…but then they got back in….while providing a 100 M contract, it’s really only 43M which is about right for the caliber of player Haynesworth can be in the right system.
by dr WNC on Jun 16, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody knows what really happened, I’m just telling you where my assumptions lie.
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I stopped being a blind apologist for Snyder
Because that was just getting way too old. But I must admit, that while I am not at all quick to defend him, I am not at all as quick to criticize as I was a couple years ago (specifically, right before Joe Gibbs came back).
by Ken Meringolo on Jun 16, 2009 12:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he has really learned guys and he doesn’t bother me near as much the past couple of years like you said. He is willing to do whatever it takes to win but seems like he using his brain more than his wallet now. I can’t really criticize any move that he has made recently, i like DHall and i’m more than happy to have Haynesworth.
by pas493 on Jun 16, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gibbs II
was the turning point for me. That’s the point where I went from loathing disdain to tolerable irritation. Over the years since, my irritation has softened for the most part and now I actually like the direction we are headed. I think Gibbs and the loss of 21 had a profound affect on Snyder, and I respect the way he responded to both. If our franchise can ever get back to being great again, I might grow to even like the guy.
RAK EM UP!
by VA_Skin on Jun 16, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am the proud owner of a replica #20 Skip Hicks jersey
$6 on ebay a couple years ago.
best purchase I’ve made.
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that’s hot. didn’t he never play a down?
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
Tre Johnson played for us for 7 seasons and made the pro bowl in 1999
by pas493 on Jun 16, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not to mention his amazing post-game interviews
he was awesome. when he tried to come back, he fell a little short, but in his prime, he was a true Redskin.
by Ken Meringolo on Jun 16, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In that case my Skip Hicks jersey is awesomer, for being randomer.
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking of some other first round pick who never played a down for us.
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there are other aspects to consider.
I have never met Mr. Snyder either, but my dislike for him goes beyond his mismanagement of the team and his love affair with Cerrato. Lets start with the fact that he requests that people call him Mr. Snyder, including members of the media. To me, that sounds pompous. Also, as a former season ticket holder, I think he abuses his power to bilk the fans out of their money. I understand it is a business, but I think he goes to extremes with his price gauging, especially when it comes to parking and stadium experience. That alone should be enough reason to not like the guy. Finally, he hired Steve Spurrier a month after he ran up the score on our Terps and humiliated the fans and team. Then, he kept him as the coach for two years. Some mistakes are unforgivable.
by Roastbeef on Jun 16, 2009 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well..
Most of your arguments are from the Spurrier era, in which case we will all let loose. He hasn’t raised the price of tickets for 3+ years now, which, well, really is probably more of a fear of a lash back, sputtering team, and the economy.
Either way, as people, all we can do is learn from our mistakes. A lot of things are rumored, but in the last few years, it’s quite clear he is a much different guy than the one we know from the Spurrier era. Baby steps.
The experience at Fedex tho…I def cant let him off the hook for that. You’re right, the parking every year gets worse (high-priced purple lot now extends almost to where the orange used to END) and the whole day is a 7 hour commercial. I should make a point to count the # of ads I see and hear (without explicitly trying to look for them)…I’d bet it be over 200. Every timeout on the field is 2 ads.
by KevinE on Jun 16, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don’t forget his efforts to prevent fans from taking PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION and WALKING to the stadium.
by smutsboy1 on Jun 16, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buses wasn't him
State changed the law that he HAD to use private bus companies (to stimulate the economy) so Metro bus was out…no company has that many buses to handle that kind of crowd. Most asinine law I’ve ever heard.
by KevinE on Jun 16, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok...
True, we can all learn from mistakes, but being arrogant and pompous is not a mistake, it is a personality trait. Those traits seem to be the same, from what we have heard in the media and what we see from his personality. He still says that the Washington Post is too critical of him. I still have yet to hear an interview with him where he states the mistakes of the past. Sugar’s question is an interesting one. I just dont think skins fans will ever love Snyder, even with a championship. Some people appear likeable and respectable, like our own Ted Leonsis. Some people just seem like short little pricks with inferiority complexes because of their diminutive size, like Napoleon.
by Roastbeef on Jun 16, 2009 5:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
makes sense
I’d really like to interview Snyder and get this all straightened out…whichever way the apple falls.
by KevinE on Jun 16, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dan Snyder Love
I started to turn the corner a bit on Dan the way he handled the Sean Taylor incident. But much remains to be seen. I hope he really is learning something about how to be an owner in the Kraft and Rooney model and not compete with Jerry Jones for the NFC East Butthead Award.
by Scott E on Jun 19, 2009 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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