Tag: The Hogs

John Riggins is expected to attend the Commanders’ Week 1 opener vs. Cardinals

The times are changing.

John Riggins is one of the greatest players in the rich history of the Washington NFL franchise. Riggins played 14 NFL seasons, nine of those in Washington, finished his career with over 11,000 rushing yards, 104 touchdowns, a Super Bowl champion — and MVP — and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Yet, over the years, Riggins has had a contentious relationship with the franchise with whom he is beloved. “Riggo” was one of the former players who never shied away from his disdain for former owner Dan Snyder. Riggins once said Snyder had a “dark heart.”

When the franchise was rebranded to the Commanders in 2022, Riggins was outspoken about the name.

“I feel completely disenfranchised,” said Riggins. “I can’t understand how anyone who once played under the old franchise name could possibly want to be a part of anything to do with the Washington Commanders.”

In December, the Commanders honored “The Hogs,” the team’s legendary former offensive line in which Riggins is an honorary member. Several members of the group, including Riggins, did not attend the celebration.

However, things have changed. Snyder is gone. Yes, the Commanders’ name remains — for now — but new owner Josh Harris has made it his mission to right many of Snyder’s wrongs. One of those wrongs is the fractured relationship between the team and its alums.

On Wednesday, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., hosted Harris and one of his partners, Mitchell Rales, for an interview. Riggins was in attendance and was seen speaking with Harris and Rales.

This was a big step for Riggins and the franchise. But that’s not the end. Sam Fortier of The Washington Post revealed that Riggins “is expected” to attend Washington’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

The times are indeed changing.

Former Washington offensive lineman is a big fan of Saahdiq Charles

Saahdiq Charles received some high praise.

Mark Schlereth played the first six seasons of his NFL career with the then-Washington Redskins. A 10th-round selection in the 1989 NFL draft out of Idaho, Schlereth appeared in 75 games for Washington, making 59 starts. He earned a Super Bowl ring from his time with Washington as a member of “The Hogs.”

Schlereth left Washington for Denver, where he would spend the final six seasons of his NFL career, winning two more Super Bowls. After retirement, Schlereth joined the media world, appearing on ESPN for years before moving to FOX Sports in 2017, where he remains today.

Schlereth will be on the call for Washington’s Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, something for which he is excited. Schlereth has spoken out in support of Washington’s new ownership group since Josh Harris took over as owner in July.

In studying for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Schlereth did what all good analysts do: He watched the tape. Which Washington player stood out on tape? Fourth-year guard Saahiq Charles.

Of course, Schlereth would choose a guard.

He explained what he saw in Charles, noting Charles was “absolutely freaking killing people.”

Here’s further context, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Charles was in competition with Chris Paul to start at left guard this offseason. Charles missed some time with injury, but it was clear Washington wanted Charles to win the job. Head coach Ron Rivera has always praised Charles, noting his biggest obstacle has been his health.

If Charles can remain healthy this fall, he could finally solidify what has been a revolving door for the Commanders at left guard.

As for Schlereth, he knows what good guard play is supposed to look like. The Commanders enter Sunday’s game with two former drafted tackles — Charles and Sam Cosmi — now the team’s starting guards.

Joe Jacoby falls short again in bid for the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Another disappointing day for Jacoby and Washington fans.

There was real momentum this summer for legendary Washington offensive tackle Joe Jacoby to finally take his rightful place in the Pro Football of Fame in 2024.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be — again — as the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee trimmed the list of finalists for 2024 from 12 down to three. Jacoby was excluded, while former Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar, former Bears defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael and former Eagles, Raiders, Vikings and Bills wide receiver Art Powell were named as finalists.

Somehow, Jacoby continues to be left out of the Hall of Fame.

This isn’t to diminish the three finalists. Gradishar, McMichael and Powell all belong, too. And we aren’t going to run down Jacoby’s list of accomplishments — again. Do we even need to at this point?

Does the Hall of Fame committee recognize the importance of offensive line play? Did they skip the 1980s? Do they remember “The Hogs?” We would really like to hear their “arguments” for continuing to deny Jacoby.

It’s honestly a joke at this point. Congrats to Gradishar, McMichael and Powell. But Jacoby belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Joe Jacoby named one of the 20 best players not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Is 2024 finally the year for Jacoby?

It was Hall of Fame induction weekend in Canton, Ohio. The Hall of Fame enshrined nine new members to the class of 2023 on Saturday, and now the countdown to the 2024 class is underway.

One of the players who could be enshrined in 2024 is former Washington offensive tackle Joe Jacoby. Jacoby was one of 12 players recently named a semifinalist in the Seniors’ category for 2024.

Is 2024 finally the year for Jacoby?

It feels impossible we are still at this point 30 years after Jacoby last played. We’ve mentioned Jacoby’s list of accomplishments each time his name is mentioned. A three-time Super Bowl champion, a three-time first-team All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 1980s All-Decade team.

Ask Lawrence Taylor — the most feared defensive player of all-time — about Joe Jacoby. Taylor had tremendous respect for Jacoby over their competitive battles.

In addition, Jacoby was one of the leaders of “The Hogs,” quite possibly the greatest offensive line ever. Russ Grimm is the only “Hog” in the Hall of Fame.

With it being Hall of Fame weekend in the NFL, CBS Sports named the 20 best players currently not enshrined in Canton.

Jacoby was ranked No. 15:

A key member of the “Hogs,” Jacoby helped Washington win each of its three Super Bowl titles. A Pro Bowler each season from 1983-86, Jacoby’s blocking helped John Riggins rush for a then Super Bowl record in Washington’s win over Miami in Super Bowl XVII. A member of the NFL’s All-1980s Team, Jacoby helped protect Super Bowl MVPs Doug Williams and Mark Rypien in Super Bowls XXII and XXVI.

It’s beyond time for Jacoby.

On Saturday, Joe Klecko and Ken Riley were inducted into the Hall of Fame after waiting for 35 and 40 years, respectively. Klecko was on hand to celebrate his enshrinement; unfortunately, Riley was not.

Is 2024 finally the year for Jacoby?

Is this the year Joe Jacoby finally enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Joe Jacoby moves one step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Every year, there are snubs for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Almost every NFL team will tell you they have players who should be enshrined in Canton, whether it is true or not.

For fans of the Washington NFL franchise, there are multiple players who have arguments for entry into the Hall of Fame. The most glaring is offensive tackle Joe Jacoby.

This week, Jacoby got one step closer to entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame as he entered the next stage of consideration for the Hall’s 2024 class. Jacoby was one of 31 senior candidates selected for Hall of Fame consideration earlier this month, and that list was trimmed to 12 players Thursday.

The committee will next meet in August, where they will select up to three senior candidates. The seniors will then be a part of the 2024 Hall of Fame class if they receive at least 80% of the votes in January.

Jacoby was undrafted out of Louisville in 1981 by Hall of Fame general manager Bobby Beathard and Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs. Jacoby became a starter at left tackle during his rookie and was an original member of the famed “Hogs.”

He would go on to play 13 NFL seasons — all with Washington — playing in four Super Bowls, with three championships. Jacoby was a three-time first-team All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team. He started 148 games for the Redskins, appearing in 170 games over the course of his career.

The Hall of Fame process has been disappointing for Jacoby and his longtime supporters. Hopefully, this is the year they do the right thing and make him a part of the class of 2024.

Commanders season opener in 53 days: Washington’s best No. 53

Some excellent players have worn the No. 53 for Washington over the years.

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Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 53days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 53?

Marcus Washington (2004-08) came to Washington following his four NFL seasons with the Colts (2000-03). In his very first season in Burgundy and Gold, Washington was a Pro Bowler, leading the team in tackles (107), including 15 tackles for a loss. When the linebacker drafted out of Auburn had completed his five seasons in Washington, he had started 66 of his 68 games, defended 20 passes and forced ten fumbles, recovering five. He was credited with 382 tackles, 37 for a loss, 14 QB hits and 19.5 QB sacks.

Harold McLinton (1969-78), out of Southern, was drafted 139th by Washington in the 1969 NFL draft. McLinton split the starts with Myron Pottios (8-6) during the 1972 Super Bowl run for Washington. He became the full-time starter in 1974 and remained so his last five seasons with Washington (1974-78). He started 104 of 127 games played, intercepted four passes (one TD), recovered six fumbles and collected four quarterback sacks. The run-stuffing middle linebacker was affectionately called “tank” by his teammates. McLinton was struck by a car on Oct. 1, 1980, and died on Oct. 31. He was only 33 years of age. Harold was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002.

Jeff Bostic (1980-93) was an undrafted, undersized, unheralded center out of Clemson. His older brother Joe (G/T) had been good enough to have been drafted by the Cardinals 64th overall in 1979. After not starting a game in his rookie season, Jeff became the starter for Washington in 1981, starting every game until injured in 1985. Much smaller than the other Hogs, Jeff was listed at 268 pounds. He was the starter for four Washington Super Bowl teams (1982, 1983, 1987, 1991), including being a Pro Bowler in 1983. His 1992 season was cut short to only four games due to injury and he retired after the 1993 season. Jeff was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002.

You can follow Ivan Lambert on Twitter @IvanLambert18 and Commanders Wire @Washington_Wire

Commanders season opener in 79 days: Washington’s best No. 79?

Remember when Washington stole Jim Lachey in a trade with the Raiders?

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Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 79 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 79?

Ty Nsekhe (2015-18) was a good swing tackle for Washington. At 6-8, 325 Nsekhe was massive at either tackle position. In 2016 he was forced into action as a starter four straight games during another suspension of starter Trent Williams. Though not Trent Williams, Nsekhe performed admirably.

Coy Bacon came to Washington in 1978, but couldn’t wear jersey No. 79 because Ron McDole was playing his last NFL season in No. 79. Bacon then wore No. 79 his last three NFL seasons 1979-81, generating an impressive 13.5 and 11.0 sacks in ’79 and ’80. At age 39, in 1981, Bacon had three sacks in three games before an injury cut his season short, ending his NFL career.

Ron McDole was one of the original “Over the Hill Gang” brought to Washington by George Allen in 1971. McDole played through the 1978 season. The former Nebraska Cornhusker collected 42.5 sacks in his eight seasons in Washington, including his career high of 9.5 in 1976 at the age of 37. Almost magically, the defensive end in a four man front, intercepted six passes with Washington, including a touchdown in 1971. He is the second-best to wear No. 79 in franchise history.

Jim Lachey is the best Washington player to have worn No. 79. The former Ohio State Buckeye was traded to Washington in the Jay Schroeder trade to the Raiders. Lachey was instantly a starter at left tackle, as Joe Jacoby was moved to right tackle. Lachey was a Pro Bowler three consecutive seasons 1989-91 and first team All-Pro in 1990 and 1991. Sadly in 1993 a bad knee injury forced out the entire season and limited him to three games in 1995, having played his last at age 32.

 

The Commanders’ attendance improved in 2022

But it’s not all good news.

For a while in the 2022 NFL season, the Washington Commanders were in an excellent position to earn a postseason berth. When Washington defeated the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 27 to improve to 7-5, the Commanders held the NFC’s No. 6 playoff spot with five games to play — three at home.

When Washington tied the New York Giants in Week 13, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen told fans how much the team needed them in the Week 15 rematch, promising to buy at least 100 tickets for fans.

Allen followed through, giving tickets away to fans on Twitter.

Fans showed up. Unfortunately, the Commanders didn’t, falling 20-12 to the Giants. Two weeks later, Washington was eliminated from postseason contention with an embarrassing home loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Speaking of the fans, Washington’s home attendance at FedEx Field improved by 10.15% from the previous year, according to the Sports Business Journal. That was the third-largest improvement in the league behind the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.

That’s the good news.

Now for the bad news, 31 of the 32 NFL teams sold at least 92% of their stadium’s capacity. The only team that didn’t? You guessed it, the Washington Commanders, who sold 85.9% of their capacity.

Overall, it was a good year for the NFL.

The average NFL crowd grew by 3.25% to 69,442 per game in 2022, the second-largest figure in the last 19 years, according to an SBJ analysis of published box score attendance.

Throughout the year, Washington was encouraged by the increase in ticket sales. The Commanders also honored multiple stars from the past, including Sean Taylor, The Hogs and Sonny Jurgensen during games, hoping to encourage fans to return to FedEx Field.

With a potential new owner in 2023, it will be interesting to see if that translates into more fans returning to support the franchise.

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Commanders introduce ‘Major Tuddy’ as the new mascot

Yet, the Commanders are whipped on the field with Joe Gibbs in attendance.

At halftime of the Washington Commanders’ Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, the team introduced their new mascot.

Welcome aboard, Major Tuddy.

Washington’s unveiling of the new mascot came on the same day that the Commanders honored the legendary “Hogs” with several former players in attendance. In addition, the most important figure in team history, former head coach Joe Gibbs was in town as an honorary captain and watched the game from the press box.

Several of “The Hogs” were not in attendance for the game, such as John Riggins, Joe Jacoby, Rick “Doc” Walker and others, due to their ongoing dispute with the team over the trademarking of “The Hogs.”

Unfortunately for fans, the Browns whipped Washington in the second half, potentially eliminating the Commanders from playoff contention.

 

Washington football’s great history with ‘The Hogs’

A historical perspective on “The Hogs.”

Just when you think it is just about all over, the negative news regarding the Washington football franchise and Daniel Snyder continues.

Washington football’s great history with “The Hogs”

Apparently, the “Hogs” themselves have threatened Daniel Snyder with a lawsuit. Who were the “Hogs?” How did the “Hogs” launch?

Joe Bugel who named his offensive lineman the “Hogs” had come to Washington in 1981 as part of Joe Gibbs’ original coaching staff for the Redskins. Washington drafted Mark May (1st round) and Russ Grimm (3rd round), and grabbed Joe Jacoby an undrafted lineman out of Louisville. They were in the lineup early in that first season as the team struggled to an 0-5 start; however, progressed wonderfully to finish 8-8.

From there the foundation was laid; Washington would win the NFC East the next three seasons, and it would win the NFC four times and three Super Bowls over Joe Gibbs’ first reign as head coach (1981-92).

Joe Gibbs led Washington to three Super Bowl victories, each time with a different quarterback and featured running back. Yet, the constant was Gibbs himself and several original “Hogs:” Russ Grimm, Joe Jacoby, Jeff Bostic and Don Warren (tight end). Tight end Rick “Doc” Walker, guard Fred Dean, guard Mark May and tackle George Starke were the other original members in 1982.

John Riggins’ rugged style led to him being an honorary “Hog” and over the years as linemen and tight ends retired, new members were brought into the “Hogs” family.

Starke, the eldest of the original “Hogs”, retired following the 1984 season while Dean had been the first to depart, his last game as a “Hog” being Super Bowl XVII. May was moved from guard to Starke’s right tackle position, and Washington obtained guard R.C Thielmann.

1985 was Walker’s and Riggins’s last NFL season. And when Russ Grimm went down in the 1987 season, Raleigh McKenzie was ready to step right in at left guard as the team won the NFC and Super Bowl XXII over Denver 42-10.

Without question, the best of the Hogs, who was not an original member was tackle Jim Lachey. Lachey would come in 1988 in the trade of Jay Schroeder to the Raiders. He originally played right tackle, moving May back to right guard. Later, Lachey was moved to left tackle, with Jacoby switching to right tackle.

May’s last season in Washington was the ’89 season; McKenzie’s versatility meant he played right guard, and Ed Simmons started 11 1990 games when Joe Jacoby was injured.

The best performance by the unit occurred in the 1991 season when Washington was 14-2, then won each of their playoff games by multiple scores and SB XXVI 37-24 over Buffalo after leading 37-10 and celebrating on the sidelines.

That ’91 team had added Mark Schlereth at right guard, and the flexible McKenzie was most often at left guard when Grimm suffered injuries. Yet the Hogs led Washington to be the highest-scoring team in the NFL; Mark Rypien passed for 3,564 yards, 28 touchdowns, and in all 16 regular season games was sacked only seven times!

After Gibbs retired following the 1992 season, the winning decreased, and the “Hogs” were retiring, but there were some other notable additions as “Hogs” over the next few years such as Ray Brown and Tre’ Johnson.

Yes, the “Hogs” were awesome; they brought Washington fans so much joy, so much winning, the Hogettes, and even Hogfarmers Charitable Foundation, supporting families who suffer from pediatric cancer.

In fact, there were some fans that desired the name “Hogs” over the “Commanders” as the franchise was rebranding.

Now, we have the very unfortunate news that the attempt to provide the team a mascot (a hog) is going to be met with a legal suit by some of the original “Hogs?”

The original “Hogs” feel the Commanders have no right to profit off of the name given to them some 40 years ago by Bugel. I loved the “Hogs” and still love the “Hogs.” Yet, honestly, did the group ever pursue legal standing over the last 40 years? Why only now?