Hail to the Fill-in-the-Blanks

So, the Artists Formerly Known as the Washington Redskins are inching closer to announcing their new name and logo.  They unveiled eight potential names, three of which are finalists, but they didn't say which three.  They also unveiled some of the potential logos, which leads me to believe they've gone through the branding process with all of them.  Which means that it'll almost certainly be one of the logos they showed in their YouTube video making the announcement.

And, when they said they were considering making "Washington Football Team" the permanent name, they were evidently serious.  Because it's one of the options.  Should they pick it, their application to join DC United as Washington's second MLS team should shortly follow!

Anyway, my preferred nickname "Red Tails" is NOT one of the remaining options!  Too bad, because "Red Tails" is very similar to their former name, so they would've been able to keep the song while just changing the one lyric.  The Red Tail is also the World War II-era plane flown by the Tuskeege Airmen, so it would've accomplished Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera's preference to have the new nickname honor the military in some way.  The plane logo would've been pretty sweet too!

Some of the eight remaining candidates are better than others, but overall, none of the other seven are all that bad.  And, interestingly, while they're all plural, there are two that don't end in an S, which would make them the only team in the NFL and only one of a handful across the four major men's sports not to end in S.  They also, for the most part, did keep that idea of honoring the military.  Half of the remaining names have some sort of military affiliation.

Regardless of which name they choose, as long as they don't keep "Washington Football Team" whatever they pick will be better than "Guardians."  I still have favorites, though.  Here's how I rank them, from 8-1.

8. Washington Football Team: I think I've been pretty clear the whole time how I'm not a fan of their current name.  It's too bland and generic.  And the blank burgundy helmets with the gold numbers in the middle look like something a high school team would wear!  I do like the font they write "Washington" in, so if they do keep it, they should at least put the stripes back down the middle with a gold W on either side.

7. Defenders: This was the name of Washigton's XFL entry, so I have no idea how they'd even be able to get the trademark!  That team was also called the DC Defenders, which rolls off the tongue so much better!  Seeing as they aren't changing the "Washington" part of the name, "Defenders" just doesn't work.

6. RedHogs: The shout out to their offensive line in the 80s is a nice touch!  And going with "RedHogs" would also probably result in the return of the "Hogettes," those big guys who dressed up like Miss Piggy for every game, which would be awesome.  But, alas, there are better choices out there than "RedHogs."

5. Brigade: Frankly, there isn't much difference between "Brigade" and "Armada."  I just happen to like "Armada" a little better, so that gets the 4-spot while "Brigade" slots in at No. 5.  If this wasn't an NFL team, I'd like them a little more.  But the not-ending-in-S thing really bothers me for some reason!

4. Armada: Again, the difference between "Brigade" and "Armada" is so slight that they're basically interchangeable.  I really like the sound of "Washington Armada" though.  I also think a logo with some sort of ship imagery would look really cool!  Kinda like the Toronto Argonauts' logo!

3. Red Wolves: Apparently there were either no licensing issues with Arkansas State or they were resolved.  Because "Red Wolves," one of the early favorites, is still among the options.  As it should be.  Because it works.  My only issue is I'm not crazy about the logo.

2. Commanders: "Washington Commanders."  That just sounds like a football team!  And "Commander" can be taken several ways, too.  Every military, air or naval unit has a commander, and the President, of course, is the Commander-In-Chief of all U.S. forces.  It's a very D.C. name, which is why I like it!

1. Presidents: Speaking of D.C. names, is anything more D.C. than "Presidents?"  Sure, it sounds like it could be the name of the football team at a high school named after George Washington, but it definitely works.  Plus, the logo is outstanding!  That logo alone is enough of a reason for them to go with "Presidents."

There's another reason why I like "Presidents," too.  It goes so well with Washington's other teams.  You could only have a Nationals or a Capitals in Washington.  Same with the Presidents.  Sure, they're keeping the burgundy and gold when ideally they'd be red, white and blue like the others.  But "Presidents" fits right into that patriotic theme and is so distinctly Washington.  Plus, what's the song they play when the President enters the room?  "Hail to the Chief!"  Another sign!  Hail the Presidents, the pride of all DC!