Big News: Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III, or RG3 as media calls him, has officially signed with the Washington Redskins last week. He has fallen under that same old caption that other new quarterbacks or free agents get tagged with when they come to D.C. Expectations are always high to bring this team back to its glory days.

That's right, there was a time when the Redskins WERE ACTUALLY GOOD! I don't remember it, because I was too young. They've won 3 Super Bowls, the most recent one being in 1991. I was...5. Since that time over 20 years ago, they've barely made it to the playoffs...hell they've barely had a winning record.

Each off season they seemed to have brought in the savior, the one that will bring them back to Super Bowl contenders. Names such as Donovan McNabb, Albert Haynesworth, Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, Heath Shuler and Patrick Ramsey make me cringe, remembering not only how much they disappointed but how much I gave into the hype of these players.

But there is something different about this kid. This guy is not only a mobile quarterback like McNabb but he tries to throws the ball first...he also has a wonderful arm. He isn't arrogant, cocky and selfish like Albert Haynesworth or Deion Sanders, he knows this is a team sport and he put his Baylor teammates before him many times in his college career. He is also a very likable kid, he has a great personality that has got him on the Jay Leno show twice and commercials with Subway, Adidas and Gatoraid...all before he throws his first NFL pass.

The hype going into this season with a kid like RG3 under center is making fans go crazy. Super Bowl chants have begun, even before preseason. He is the second coming of Jesus to Redskins fans...Listen, I'm not going to buy into the hype this time around. I'm going to let his NFL play get me excited. Or at least, that's what I'm trying to do. It's hard when I see him on three different commercials and he is saying all the right things leading up to camp. I mean, he wears crazy Superman socks (to the right) saying that he is only the cape, leading his team, who are the real Supermen where they need to be. He really puts his team before himself, and that is a big change in most of those names I listed above.

Robert, play as well as you are "playing" this offseason, and I'm going to worship you as most Redskins fans have already started doing. But, I've been burnt so many times by Redskins' "Saviors" that I hope you don't blame me for being a bit cautious to jump on the ship just yet. I'm expecting big things, big things like you did in College last year (below), show me that and I'm all in.

2011 Redskins Season Highlights

How did we end up 5-11 after watching this?! Haha. Hopefully RG3 will bring some highlights for next year.

Catching Up...

Well, I let this blog fall behind again. So lets hit some key points since my last post:

• Micah's new parenting plan finally got finalized with his father. (That was a lot of Fs...) Things really worked out and I believe we are in a place where we can limit the amount of flareups between both sides. But most importantly, I believe Micah will be happier once we settle into the new agreement.
• I got a new job! That's right! Still with HCA, but I'm the new Communications Coordinator on the HCA Rewards/Benefits team. So far it has been incredible, finally being able to tap into my creative side and really feel like I'm making a difference in the work I do. I put together several newsletters, design posters and fliers, design for web, write content, etc. etc.
• Penny is going to be 2 years old in 4 days...It is unbelievable to say that. She has gotten so big. I can't believe she will be so old...it really makes you think about how fast time moves when you babies are so big. Micah will be 8! 8! I met him when he was just over 2 years old...crazy that little man has been in my life for almost 6 years.
• Penny turning 2 isn't always a great thing...she definitely has hit the terrible 2. Though, we have a system...when she throws a fit Brittany or I will ask to have her hands and for her to look at us. Then we calmly explain to her the situation and she replies with "Okkkay...I sorrryy Daaa-yee" (That's how she says Daddy.)
• The photography business has taken off this wedding season. We don't remember being this busy in previous years. Totally a great thing, but definitely takes us away from the kids more than we want. 
• I've gotten more involved with the church. Brittany and I taught a children's class on Wednesday nights. We went to Gatlinburg with the Youth Group in February. We've been asked to help out more with the Youth Group, and we are getting excited for the possibilities. 
• Lots of new stuff happening with our house. We have hardwood floors now! Well, actually they are vinyl flooring panels that look and feel like hardwood but cost WAY less. We love them.
• We finally repaired our fence, for the most part.
• We turned our backyard into a cool hangout spot for kids and adults, with firepit included! Hopefully we don't burn the neighborhood down.
• We are still getting harassed by the HOA. I'm never going to move into another neighborhood with an HOA.
• We have been living with only one car...kind of rough, but it saves us from having a second car payment. Big shout out to my parents, Jason and Hope, Raleigh and Brooke and whoever else have been chauffeuring me around when I need rides to work or practice.
• Practice? What have I been practicing? Well, my old band, Circean, is putting together a reunion show. We've been practicing over the past few months and it has really came together. Good timing too, since the show is actually this Friday.
• We just got back from our yearly trip to Destin, FL. Had such a wonderful time, I think I want to move there...so laid back and a wonderful environment. 
• Tons of new movies are out that I want to see, many of them from my most anticipated movies of 2012 post several months back. I will write some reviews of the movies I've seen.
• Ummm, the Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III...excited would be an understatement for Redskins fans right now.
• Titans missed out on the Peyton Manning Sweepstakes...we still have Jake Locker waiting on the bench, though.
• Ravens just re-signed my favorite running back, Ray Rice to a 5 year deal. 
• Fantasy Football starts up soon, I'm in 4 leagues, running 2 of them and co-running another...Can't wait!
• I'm still madly in love with my wife, even if she does give me a lot of honey-to-dos. She is my best friend and I don't know where I would be without her. We will be married for 4 years this October.

I think that's about it! I'm sure I left out a lot of things, but I'll add those when I get to them. :)

Hopefully my lack of updates haven't lost some readers! <3

Grading the 2011 NFL Season

Well, the 2011/2012 NFL football season is over. All in all, actual football was pretty dull throughout. Fantasy football on the other hand was awesome! I won two leagues!

But, the Redskins still suck, the Titans were almost playoff contenders and the Ravens were one game away from the Super Bowl.

Sound familiar?

Then, add that Eli Manning and his Giants beat Tom Brady and the Bradettes and everything sounds so 2007. I was rooting for the Giants in the SB, but honestly that’s not saying much. I haven’t been a fan of the Patriots since they won their three super bowls in the 2000s. Tom Brady is a bit into himself and his wife is a bit too outspoken about Brady’s teammates.

The Giants on the other hand are one of my team’s biggest rivals. Eli is as interesting as a dust bunny blowing in the wind. But, I was going for the baby Manning to receive more rings than Peyton, especially in Peyton’s house.

But overall, the season was pretty dull for a hopeless Redskins fan...though this was pretty awesome:


This guy is always good as always:


And this was just straight cool:

Let’s look at my favorite teams and how they did this year:

Redskins

Rex Grossman and John Beck are making Donovan McNabb look like superman. Really, what was Shanahan thinking going with Grossman and Beck this year? We need a QB and we need it bad. I only see two options that I’d be happy with: 1. They pursue Peyton hard and get him here, then spend their draft picks and a little more moola to get him weapons on offense. 2. They trade up and get Robert Griffin III and use free agency to bring in some weapons for him. They need a QB, and need it bad, I’m tired of being in the NFC East cellar and I know Daniel Snyder is too.

Titans

Well, Chris Johnson really screwed up his season this year eh? Where did he go? Did he finally get his payday or was he just out of shape all season? Jake Locker was brilliant when he was in, but looks like Hasselbeck will continue to drive the offense. Kenny Britt got hurt, yet again, but was a shining star before the injury. He needs to stay healthy this year if the Titans have any hopes on building on this season. I think they will contend for the playoffs again – but will fall short due to inconsistency with Hasselbeck.

Ravens

They are aging and aging fast. Ray Rice can only carry the team so far. Other people have to step up and turn their game face on in the playoffs. I don’t think this squad will ever make it to the big game. They do continue to pop out great seasons consistently and as long as Ray Lewis breaths purple and black, the Ravens will have a least an opportunity to make it to the super bowl. Ray Rice is the reason for the success though, without him this team would be trembling in the AFC North.

Predictions for the Redskins in the 2012/2013 season:

Redskins will pursue Peyton Manning hard, but will come up short and he will land in Miami. This will lead the Redskins to consider Kyle Orton (ew) or trading a lot to get RG3. They will do the latter and grab the likes of Pierre Garcon or Vincent Jackson to help the young rookie out. Leonard Hankerson will develop as the WR2 and Santana Moss will find consistency as a WR3. The defense will continue to progress and Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo will dominate the league in sacks. They will fall short of the playoffs however. 2013 will be their playoff return.