Commanders' Joe Jacoby is closer to joining his 'Hogs' teammate in HOF
Washington Commanders fans hoping that the glimpse of 1991 glory seen in the 2024 roster would continue into 2025 have been left unsatisfied through seven weeks of NFL play.
In order to have hope for the past returned, however, there has to be history to look back on, and the Commanders have plenty of it.
This week, one member of that history, offensive lineman Joe Jacoby, advanced one step further in the Hall of Fame process, where he hopes to become the next legendary member of Washington football enshrined among the game's best to ever do it.
One Step Closer to Canton
“Following a second reduction vote of candidates in the Seniors category, 34 former players remain under consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT,” the NFL announced.
“Members of the Hall of Fame's Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee produced the list from the 52 names they had received after a screening committee cast the initial ballots in the highly competitive selection process. Each of the 162 former players nominated for election and screened in the opening round of voting last could have appeared in a professional football game in the 2000 season.”
A Pillar of 'The Hogs'
Jacoby first suited up for the franchise in 1981, starting 14 games that year and becoming a Pro Bowl and All-Pro left tackle by year three, earning four straight trips to the NFL’s All-Star game in the mid-80s.
One of the key members of the offensive line that became known as “The Hogs,” Jacoby made the move to right tackle in 1989, where he continued to be a critical part of the team’s success throughout the heydays of the franchise.
As a three-time Super Bowl Champion, four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, and member of the Hall of Fame’s All-1980s team, Jacoby would be the second member of “The Hogs” enshrined if he does indeed join teammate Russ Grimm, who received his gold jacket and bust in 2010.
The Next Hurdle
Clearing this hurdle is key, but it only gets harder from here as he now competes with 33 other legends for just three finalist spots.
Among those competing for finalist positions are other linemen like Mike Kenn and Bob Kuechenberg, former MVP quarterback Ken Anderson, and revolutionary running back Roger Craig.
Before three finalists are named, however, the list of 34 will next be trimmed to nine semifinalists, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s far overdue to put Jacoby in the hall. After all, there are no “Hogs” without multiple linemen who helped create the most dominant frontline unit in NFL history.
Alvin Kamara Defends Himself Against Criticism as "Most Disappointing Player" of the Saints
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has fired back after being labeled the "most disappointing player" of the season by critics. Kamara, who has been a key figure in the Saints' offense for years, responded to the criticism with strong words, defending his performance and emphasizing his commitment to the team.
“It’s frustrating to hear that kind of talk, especially when I know how hard I’m working,” Kamara said in a recent press conference. “Everyone has their own expectations, but I’m focused on what I can control. I’ve been doing everything I can to help this team win, and I’m not going to let anyone’s negativity affect my game.”
The criticism stems from Kamara's perceived struggles this season, with some fans and analysts pointing to his lower-than-expected production compared to previous years. However, Kamara was quick to remind everyone that football is a team game, and individual performances can be influenced by many factors, including offensive line play and game scripts.
"I’m not about to sit here and make excuses, but the reality is, football is a team sport," Kamara continued. "I’ve always given my best, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. But that doesn’t mean I’m disappointing anyone. I’m still here, and I’m still fighting for my team.”
Kamara’s strong response reflects his determination to prove his critics wrong and remind everyone of his track record of success with the Saints. As the season continues, Kamara is focused on getting back to his playmaking ways and showing that he remains a valuable asset to the team’s offense.
