Happy Wednesday morning, folks. You're halfway done with your first week of the new year.
Let's get right to it.
Good morning to everyone but especially to...
Getty ImagesTHE (SOON TO BE FORMER) WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
The name "Washington Football Team" will soon be gone, and I won't miss it one bit. On Tuesday, the franchise announced it will reveal its new name on Feb. 2.
Here are the potential options:
AdmiralsArmadaBrigadeCommandersDefendersPresidentsRedhawksRed HogsSentinelsWhile there had been some thought that sticking with "Football Team" was an option, I'm really glad that doesn't seem to be on the table.
"What team do you root for?"
"Oh, I root for THE team!"
*groans*
Plus, it was tough to hear free agent acquisitions and draft picks awkwardly work around the issue, saying something like, "I'm so excited to be a... uh... Team member? I mean, I'm so excited to head to Washington!"
NFL expert Cody Benjamin ranked the contenders, and here's his top choice:
Benjamin: "1. Red Hogs — Is it a coincidence Washington will be unveiling its new name on Groundhog Day? Hopefully not. 'Hogs' has long been a nickname in and around the franchise, so it'd only be fitting to see a promotion here. Cutting 'Red' from the name would actually make it better, but still, this is clearly the best way to pay tribute to team history while embarking with a new identity."Personally, I like the Admirals most out of the ones listed above. First off, it's plural, just like... every other team in the NFL. I think there could be some cool logo possibilities, and "Washington Admirals" rolls off the tongue decently (and much better than "Football Team.")
For what it's worth, WashingtonAdmirals.com actually redirects to the team's official website. Did the organization accidentally leak its choice? Maybe. Maybe not. For a team that has repeatedly embarrassed itself on and off the field for the past several decades, I wouldn't rule it out. But if that is indeed the name, I wouldn't be too upset, either.
Regardless of the choice, the point remains: It will be an improvement over "Football Team," which was already a massive and necessary improvement over the previous name.
Honorable mentions:
And not such a good morning for...
USATSIBAKER MAYFIELD
Last season, Baker Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff win since January 1995 -- three months before Mayfield himself was born. Fast forward a year and things couldn't be more different with the Browns eliminated from postseason contention by Week 17.
After announcing Monday night he will undergo surgery to repair the torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, Mayfield will not play in Cleveland's regular-season finale. Now a long offseason of questions begins.
Mayfield never got the long-term contract extension that looked likely last offseason, which means he's a prime candidate to start the 2022 season somewhere other than Cleveland. I'm not quite sure it's the right decision to move on. Here are a few reasons why:
Mayfield's injury, suffered all the way back in Week 2, was significant and shouldn't be minimized among the reasons his play dropped off.Cleveland's wide receiver corps left a lot to be desired. Browns WRs are last in receptions, second-to-last in receiving yards and 25th in average yards after catch.Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt -- the two best offensive skill position players on the roster -- both missed significant time.The Browns weren't as far away as people think this season. Only Minnesota has more one-possession losses than Cleveland's six.But my biggest issue with moving on from Mayfield would be this: Who is going to be better?
A list of veteran QBs potentially on the move this offseason shows few answers. Luring Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson seems unlikely, should either even be available. Matt Ryan or Jimmy Garoppolo? Meh. The draft class isn't particularly strong, either.
Mayfield, at $18.9 million, is cheaper than almost any outside veteran option and better than any incoming rookie, at least for 2022. The Browns would be better off proceeding with Mayfield and improving other parts of the roster than looking for an expensive, aging option. Should Mayfield not be part of Cleveland's plans next year, NFL scribe Cody Benjamin has a list of potential landing spots.
