RICHMOND — Derrius Guice sauntered down the field after practice, smiling at cameras and reaching out to sign autographs. But he wanted to be closer to the action.
The running back swooped under the rope and made himself comfortable on a chair as a crowd of some of his biggest fans surrounded him.
Thousands of football fans gathered for fan appreciation day at Redskins training camp Saturday. Some believed they were supporting a playoff team — or even a challenger for Super Bowl LIV.
“I feel like we’re going to be one of the playoff contenders, as long as we build up the chemistry, we all hold each other accountable as men,” said Jeffery Goode, 24, of Hopewell, Va.
Eric Fauth, 38, of York, Pa. walked around the training campus, with two of his buddies, Jeff Rinehart and Chris Bryant. The trio resembled a human photo booth, decked out in matching burgundy and gold overalls. The superfans call themselves the “Hog Farmers.”
Fauth put his faith in the players. He thinks he’ll see offensive tackle Trent Williams, a holdout from training camp, back in time for the season.
“With Landon Collins coming in, we’re going to get Trent back by week one. I strongly believe that,” Fauth said. “I’m expecting big things this year.”
Several national outlets are not nearly as high on the Redskins. USA Today’s Nate Davis recently ranked the Redskins among the worst teams in the league, predicting a 3-13 season.
“They crazy. They out they mind,” Fauth said. “I don’t even know what else to say about that but that’s not happening. If that happens, what are you doing to do, Jeff?”
“I mean, I would have to cancel my reservations in February in Miami,” Rinehart responded, referring to the Super Bowl.
Goode wasn’t quite that optimistic, predicting a nine- or 10-win season for Washington.
“Whatever way we practice out here is going to show on the field,” Goode said.
District native Jimmie Hamilton, 25, estimated a few more wins, based on the quarterback strength.
“I see them getting 11 games this year, especially with standout quarterback Dwayne Haskins,” Hamilton said. “He’s got great support and great leadership and that’s helping him out along the way.”
Hamilton, who stood with Goode for a corner view of the field, said fan day was about more than just the players on the field.
“It’s good to see all of the true fans out here,” he said. “That brings the camaraderie back in, you know, just trying to build the legacy and build D.C. back up.”
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