5000th Post

[SKINSnCANES]

Well, the time has finally come for me to make my 5000th post. I remember when I joined the board many years ago...after Matty switched to a different format that reset everyones post counts. I was the first over 4000 posts, with Matty a distant second with 3000 and most well below 2000...

Then I moved to Jersey...got a job...and for whatever reason decided it was OK to read the board everyday at work but not post. I grew frusterated with the Gibbs because of my desire to see an offense that opened up more. I hated being able to call every play we ran on offense knowing that the defense also knew what we would do. But at the end of the day I was always a fan, always hoped it would work. And more importantly I realized I work for the government and if Im on here all day anyways I might as well post my opinion!

Its been a great few years for me as a Skins fan...referring to my screen name. The trade to get Clinton Portis, later Santana Moss. The signing of Barrow (though he never played). The drafting of Taylor and McIntosh... Maybe Im biassed in saying this but the face of the Redskins has a Hurricane type feel too it. Largely because of Clinton Portis and hes strong connection with speaking to the media.

And now another draft rolls along...it a weak comparrison to when I was help inform everyone about the Taylor or Winslow debate. This year its Campbell and Phillips. While the desire to pick one of those two is no where near as strong, and definitly not a sure thing like it was before...theres still hope in this fans heart we land one of the two.

Id rather have Phillips because I think he has the potential to be a star in this league...but at the same time Id almost rather us draft Campbell. Being the 'next great hurricane safety to follow in the footsteps of Bennie Blades, Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Brandon Merriwhether...' comes with the territory when you come from one of the big schools that produces much of the NFLs talent. But to be the next next safety from the U, and try and replace your former friend that died is a large set of shoes to fill. Ill go on record as saying Phillips will turn into one of the top 5 safeties in this league. But hes replacing a guy that could have been the greatest ever. The comparrissons are going to haunt him his whole career. Everything he says to the media will be put under a microscope.

With that being said, Phillips would be joining a group of Hurricanes that are leaders on this team. Im sure Portis would stand up for him and welcome him, and make sure he creates his own identity. Even if that means giving him one of his constumes and nick names!

Ive been in the minority recently with trade speculation. I would love for us to draft Campbell or Phillips with our first pick. Trade our second pick for Chad Johnson. Still have two third round picks to go oline and dline. And trade our 5th for Pac Man jones to sure up our corner situation.

For anyone thats ever wondered why I have a different icon, its because I won the Warpath Fantasy Football $ league the first year. It was one of the prizes offered, which I suggested so it worked out well.

So...with great honor I make my 5000th post. And I must also say goodbye for a month. After the NFL draft concludes on Sunday I drive to the airport for a much needed 28 day vacation! Ill be in Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Greece and for one day, Jordan to see Petra. Hopefully this will make the first game of the season come that much faster. Im going to be out of touch with the western world for a long time. So when I come back Ill have lots of reading to do on here, espn.com and other sites. Ill probably have no idea who won the NBA finals, the Stanley cup... who ended up trading for Pac Man and CJ... I wont be here when my May comes and the Orioles realize they only win in April...

Its been a great pleasure virtually hanging out with all of you on here. Heres to us winning the Super Bowl next year!!