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The Washington Redskins
With Kenard Lang
Redskin Defensive Lineman
Friday, Jan. 4, 2002; 1:30 p.m. EST
The Washington Redskins will go into their last game of the season on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Although statistically eliminated from the playoffs, a win this weekend would give the team a .500 season.
Washington Redskins defensive lineman Kenard Lang was online to take your questions and comments on the
team, the season and the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
washingtonpost.com:
Kenard Lang is just getting out of a meeting and will be online shortly to answer your questions. Thank you for your patience
Kenard Lang: Yo! What is up? Today is my last day this season, so lets get on with the get on and get down with the get down!
Alexandria, Va.:
What do you think you should do to improve your pass rush? I am asking because I have seen it on TV and found it wanting.
Kenard Lang: Use better technique when rushing the passer and blitz some.
Fairfax, Va.:
What do you intend to do in the off-season? Will you be staying in the area?
Kenard Lang: No I am heading back to my home town, Orlano, Fla., to enjoy the beautiful weather and palm trees and play hopscotch with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Arlington, Va.:
Kenard! Why so late? You scared us!
Kenard Lang: I am sorry, but good things come to those who wait. Plus I had a meeting with my coach. I think my coach comes first in this situation.
Washington, D.C.:
Do you think Daniel Snyder has ever played footbal at any level? Either way, what position do you think his personality fits?
Kenard Lang: Yes, I think he has played. I think he will play quarterback because he is a field general.
Phoenix, Ariz.:
Kenard,
What is the atmosphere like around there knowing we can't get into the playoffs? What positives will you take from this season to next season?
Kenard Lang: We have a lot of heart and a no quit attitude and determination that will carry on.
The atmosphere is enjoyable and family-like. everybody is trying to make it through.
Burke, Va.:
I hope you're telling Big Daddy that the reason he made third alternate to the Pro Bowl is that other teams have to stack their blocking to stop you.
Kenard Lang: Thank you for your generosity and comments. Your Christmas gifts are in the mail.
Silver Spring, Md.:
If you were asked tomorrow by the management to assume the position of General Manager and find a wide receiver to sign for next season who would you sign?
Kenard Lang: Well, I would look for a wide receiver who has great hands and I would look for someone with good character and great work habits. For example Chris Carter.
Washington, D.C.:
Kenard,
How can we know what kind of outing we'll get from the Skins from week-to-week? You guys looked so good on Sunday; is the intensity in practice the same this week, or are some guys looking ahead to the end of the season?
Kenard Lang: The attention in practice is the same. If it is off at all it is because of the cold weather. Everyone is enthusiastic and ready to go.
Arlington, Va.:
Have the Redskins had time to visit and encourage young college players to go on professionally?
Kenard Lang: No we haven't. Unless they are a Senior that would be against NFL policy.
Phoenix, Ariz:
Hey Kenard, Are there any Husker fans on our team you are harrasing?
Kenard Lang: Yes, The head strength and conditioning coach. I made him wear my jersey. After he put it on it was like the Exorcist Part 5 - his head started spinning.
Vienna, Va.:
If you were looking at all defensive lineman, who would you most like to play with at either side of you at defensive tackle and defensive end whom you haven't played with before? Out of the college crop as well, who would you like to play with at both positions? Thanks and Kenard please stay with us here in Washington.
Kenard Lang: Hmmm
Probably Bryant Young, Jevon Kearse and Hugh Douglass.
Arlington, Va.:
Kenard, how do you feel about this season in retrospect. It certainly didn't end on the same note it began on.
Kenard Lang: I feelt like a roller coaster. We had our ups and downs, thrills and chills, spills and wills, etc. It was confusing that we played so well some weeks and so bad the next.
Arlington, Va.:
Kenard, what did you think about the Rose Bowl and Miami crushing Nebraska? Would the Bowls be a likely place where the Redskins might be looking to recruit? Also, any gossip on any Maryland players that you might be looking at to bring in?
Kenard Lang: Watching Miami crush Nebraska was like watching the birth of my first child. This is no insult or a slap in the face, but after watching the Florida and Maryland game it is going to be hard for those guys to go anywhere.
Silver Spring, Md.:
Big Daddy looks like he's losing some weight, any diet tips he can pass on to the rest of us that you are aware of?
Kenard Lang: Yeah, just say no to Little Debbie and her cousin Hostess.
Fairfax, Va.:
Is there comaradery or competition between the Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens? When will the Skins play the SuperBowl?
Kenard Lang: There is more camaraderie because I have three good friends who play for the Ravens who I played in college with and whom I still hang around with.
2003.
district heights md:
Just wondering, how do I go about getting an autographed photo for my son who is a big fan of yours?
Kenard Lang: By contacting the Redeskin office at 703.478.8900. Tell them Kenard Lang sent you.
washington dc:
What do you think of Steve Spurrier resigning today as head coach of Florida?
Would he be a good coach for the redskins
if for some reason Marty were to leave?
Thanks
Kenard Lang: I think that he is resigning because Florida has to play the University of Miami next year.
One thing I do know about Spurrier is his killer instinct. When he beats a team he lets you know that you have been beaten.
New Carrollton, Md.:
Kenard, who was your role model?
Kenard Lang: My role model is my uncle and my dad.
Virginia Fan:
Kenard, will Stephen Davis be back next year?
Kenard Lang: Yes. He is still under contract so he has no choice but to be back.
Matt, Tuscaloosa, Ala.:
Spurrier just quit. Is he the new Redskins coach?
Kenard Lang: I do not know. Like I said before, the reason he quit was because he saw the 2002 schedule.
Phoenix, Ariz:
Hey Kenard we will miss you till next year. Have a great offseason. Go Skins!!!!
Kenard Lang: Thank you very much. I plan on being back next year to put on another show.
Silver Spring, Md.:
What team has the hottest cheerleaders? I know you only look at your girlfriend, but from what the other guys tell you, who are the hottest?
Kenard Lang: I do not know any of that information because I for one do not look at the menu. Guys have tendencies to look at the menu wanting to order, so I don't. Next question.
Bethesda, Md.:
How do you feel about the crushing of the Terps? Sad, sad, sad day.
Kenard Lang: To be honest with you, I believe the best football is played in Florida and Maryland never faced a team like the Gators. It seemed like men among boys watching the game.
Maui, Hawaii:
The autographed photo. Is it real? I just don't want my son telling his grandkids after of course you make it into the "Hall" only to find out it's not. Thanks
Kenard Lang: The autograph is real as a three dollar bill! Just kidding. Yes. It is very real.
Waltham, Mass.:
Mr. Lang,
I am a die-hard fan of the Skins and was
really impressed with your perserverence
and motivation to turn around an
otherwise disastrous start of the
season. However, I am concerned about
our future as a successful franchise. Do
you feel that Tony Banks is the one who
can lead the team to a Superbowl given
his track record? Also, what happens at
DE when big Bruce decides to hang it
up? Who really impresses you on the
team and in the NFL?
Good luck Sunday. I'll be rooting you on!
Get the "Snake" for us!
Bryan
Kenard Lang: I think Tony Banks can lead us. He is still gelling with the offensive scheme.
When it is Bruce's time to hang up his dusted cleats I think that we have good people who can take his place.
Silver Spring, Md.:
No Pro Bowl for you after this year?! You was robbed dog! Ever been to a Pro Bowl?
Kenard Lang: My honest feeling is that if I was supposed to be there, I would have been named. But thank you for the comment. Hopefully I will be there next year.
Vienna, Va.:
If you didn't play football, what would you think you would be doing?
Kenard Lang: I would be a school teacher for either second or third graders.
Washington, D.C.:
When will the decision makers of Redskins learn that you do not trade good talent just because they had a bad year? Is it not why Brian Mitchell is in Philly leading them to the Super Bowl? What happened to patience and loyalty or just good scoutism?
Kenard Lang: What happened to patients an loyalty is not just hurting in football. It is a dog eat dog world. We really should be asking people not "what have you done lately" but "what can you do for me tomorrow."
Fairfax, Va.:
What's your reaction about Mr. Green departure from Viking club, after so many years of success?
Kenard Lang: The way I see it is that they want to go in a new direction as an organization and start off fresh with new personnel on the coaching staff.
Somewhere, USA:
Kenard, what about the take from a lot of people that the Redskins only played well this year when nothing was at stake?
Kenard Lang: Honestly, I don't care what you think because you don't coach me, you don't talk to me or pay my bills. So ta-ta and carry on.
Somewhere, USA:
Kenard, what about the take from a lot of people that the Redskins only played well this year when nothing was at stake?
Kenard Lang: Honestly, I don't care what you think because you don't coach me, you don't talk to me or pay my bills. So ta-ta and carry on.
Wilmington, Del.:
Hi Kenard,
I had two questions I was hoping you could answer:
1. What are your thoughts on the Redskins biggest needs in the draft this year?
2. How would you compare playing defensive tackle with defensive end, and which would you prefer, given the choice?
Thanks and congratulations on a great season, I can't wait until next year!
P.S. As a Maryland transplant to the Philadelphia area,I loved watching the Skins beat the Eagles in Philly the last two years!
Kenard Lang: We need offensive linemen and defensive linemen in the draft. The difference between defensive tackle and defensive end is like having collard greens with no hot sauce and having collard greens with hot sauce and peppers. Defensive end is a little more difficult.
Somewhere, USA:
Did you ever like any of the old Redskins players when you were a kid? Charles Mann, Riggo, Sonny, Gerald Riggs?
Kenard Lang: When I was growing up I liked Wilbur Marshal and Riggins. Actually the tight end Warren too.
Washington, D.C.:
Have to ask. What do you feel happened at the start of the season for the team to go 0-5? Was is the coaching style or what?
Kenard Lang: We weren't playing as a cohesive unit. The offense, defense and special teams weren't clicking together. That was the problem.
Arlington, Va.:
What is the hardest thing for a player to overcome when leaving college for the NFL? Speed, size, experience?
Kenard Lang: The mental aspect of the game is the biggest difference. And the size of the players as well.
Richmond, Va.:
You've been one of the most consistently productive players on defense this year. With that being said, it seems like everyone has picked up their level of play during the last half of the season. How confident are you that the defense will carry the momentum over to next year?
Kenard Lang: I am real confident. We are all confident because we know what we can achieve as a group. We started off slow, but we picked it up at the end and I think we can carry that over.
Washington, D.C.:
Have you talked to any other former Hurricanes in the NFL about last night's blowout of Nebraska?
Kenard Lang: Yes, I talked to Kenny Holmes, who plays for the New York Giants, and Ryan Collins, our former QB.
Stanford, Calif.:
How do you like the atmosphere at Redskins Stadium? Do you think that something was lost after the move from RFK?
Kenard Lang: I don't know because I never played at RFK, but I have heard that it was a great stadium to play in.
Fairfax, Va.:
I really think Spurrier should be considered to replace Marty. Wouldn't you love to play under Steve?
Kenard Lang: Well
I played under too many coaches already. Whatever happens, happens, and whatever Snyder wants to do, he will do. I just go with the flow.
Mechanicsville, Md.:
They say your natural postion is end but you play so well at tackle do you see yourself as an end or a tackle?
Kenard Lang: I would like to go back out at end but whatever I have to do to be on the field and play I will do.
Falls Church, Va.:
Kenard, first of all, congratulations on your best season to date, you were a beast this year.
Secondly, what happened to your little pelvic thrust celebration after sacks or big plays? That was awesome.
Kenard Lang: I still have it, but they are only for really special occasions. I am saving it.
Washington, D.C. :
Who on the team has the best car? Does Smoot still drive that gold Caddy? I heard Stephen has a Bentley, any other notables, what do you have?
Kenard Lang: Bruce smith has a convertible Gremlin and Marco's got an '83 Ford Escort station wagon.
Washington, D.C.:
After a full season of his coaching how does the team, and you, feel about Marty Schottenheimer now?
Kenard Lang: He is the man who believes in his system and he believes that it leads to victories. We all believe that.
Silver Spring, Md.:
How will you look back on the season?
Kenard Lang: I will look back at it with greatness, humility and as a little kid who is lost in a forest.
Arlington, Va.:
Kenard--
Longtime Redskin fan (born and raised in D.C.)... just want to say that despite the ups and downs this year, I thought you guys were beginning to look like the Skins of old. Keep up the good work and best of luck to you in your career!
Kenard Lang: Thank you for the comment. We will return the Skins back to their glory days.
washingtonpost.com:
"Spurrier Resigns"
Any comments?
Kenard Lang: You have to remember that there are more NFL jobs other then the Redskins. Lets not forget that the Vikings job is open and there are a number of others who are on the hot seat.
Los Angeles, Calif.:
How much does Kenard eat on an average day during the football season?
Kenard Lang: During the season I eat three times a day. Usually bagels and orange juice for breakfast. For lunch I eat rice and vegetables. For Dinner I eat half a slab of ribs with baked beans and french fries.
Arlington, Va.:
Kenard,
What movie actor do you look like?
Kenard Lang: Some people say I look like Jahiem and Shamar Moore. My pictures up top too.
Kenard Lang: This is my last quote of the year
Another year has passed, another season has changed, one thing that will remain is K Lang. I will be here once again, at this thang!
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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