Changing a Culture

[DEHog]

This is my take on the things that have happened over the past few days. The Washington Redskins have come to stand for one thing as far as NFL players are concerned…Money!
Free agents don’t come here to play because we are a great team, they come to get paid. I truly believe Gibbs is trying to change that mentality. Look at what Gibbs has had to deal with in the time he’s been back. Bailey, Arrington, Smooth, Pierce,Coles and now Taylor. Look at the free agents who have scored big paydays here…Sanders, George, Canidate, Smith, Carrier, Shade, Morton, the list goes on and on. This has been the Redskins MO since Snyder brought the team.

When you win, players want to play for you, some will even change…look at Cory Dillion with the Pats. Why is it that the Colts kept their star players? Because they’re winning! Now look at what Gibbs did over the weekend…the one common thing you keep hearing about the players that we took is, “they’re all good character guys” Gibbs wants guys that want to play football first.

[Manchester_Redskin]

Gibbs was in charge when we drafted Taylor, presumably they looked into his character as well?

The thing is that players have agents and agents have no character (decent anyways). The players do what the agents tell them.

[Long-Time Skins Fan]

I think Taylors action has a lot to do with his agent. It seems anyone that guy touches has disputes about money and holds out. Essentially he poisons the character of the players he represents.

[JPFair]

Very good observation DE, and I couldn't agree anymore. The job that Gibbs has in reversing that culture is a MONUMENTAL one, but he's giving it everything he's got. And, I gotta say, what he's got is a lot. If anyone can reverse that culture that you mention, it's Joe Gibbs. But, unfortunately, it takes more than just one or two seasons.

[1niksder]

Atleast the reversal as finally started.
Getting into a free spending, pay what ever you're asking for wheeling and dealing, and overlooking character issuses doesn't take anytime to accomplish.
We as fans must remember Gibbs can not undo five years of irresponsiblity in 1-2 years we have to get him time.

[patjam77]

This is my take on the things that have happened over the past few days. The Washington Redskins have come to stand for one thing as far as NFL players are concerned…Money!
Free agents don’t come here to play because we are a great team, they come to get paid. I truly believe Gibbs is trying to change that mentality. Look at what Gibbs has had to deal with in the time he’s been back. Bailey, Arrington, Smooth, Pierce,Coles and now Taylor. Look at the free agents who have scored big paydays here…Sanders, George, Canidate, Smith, Carrier, Shade, Morton, the list goes on and on. This has been the Redskins MO since Snyder brought the team.

When you win, players want to play for you, some will even change…look at Cory Dillion with the Pats. Why is it that the Colts kept their star players? Because they’re winning! Now look at what Gibbs did over the weekend…the one common thing you keep hearing about the players that we took is, “they’re all good character guys” Gibbs wants guys that want to play football first.

oh and that's why moss is here? cause he wants to play here? why do you think he was so excited to be here?? because he is going to get paid!!! the skins are going to overpay for this guy that can't even show up for "voluntary" workouts. i understand what you are trying to say but moss will be a prime example of why alot of what you say won't happen.

[vife]

We took Moss cuz no one would take Coles for what we wanted.

[Redskin in Canada]

DE, you are right that this is his intention. But the well has been poissined for a while now thanks to Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato.

While all Iask from Dan Snyder is to shut his mouth and do as he is toild by Joe, I want Vinny Cerrato gone in the next plane, train or car out of Washington on his way to San Francisco to do his damage as far as possible from us.

Joe will purge bad characters from the team. If Moss wishes to be stupid, he will get his wish and seat. If Rod Gardner wishes to do the same, he will also get his wish. Let them go to hell. A few good examples need to be set for the rest to see. Until then ... it is going to be tough to go against an established culture of high salaries and poor performance and accountability.

[NikiH]

I've been around long enough to know that DE knows football and knows Joe Gibbs. I am considering the possibility that the draft has changed since Gibbs came back. And last year he learned something. He didn't pick the high profile, big ego person. I think that alone tells us he's trying to change things.

And compare Santana Moss to other receivers out there, his behavior is tame in comparison. I think you are not only right Dan but I think that this needed to be brought to alot of people's attention.

[DEHog]

This is my take on the things that have happened over the past few days. The Washington Redskins have come to stand for one thing as far as NFL players are concerned…Money!
Free agents don’t come here to play because we are a great team, they come to get paid. I truly believe Gibbs is trying to change that mentality. Look at what Gibbs has had to deal with in the time he’s been back. Bailey, Arrington, Smooth, Pierce,Coles and now Taylor. Look at the free agents who have scored big paydays here…Sanders, George, Canidate, Smith, Carrier, Shade, Morton, the list goes on and on. This has been the Redskins MO since Snyder brought the team.

When you win, players want to play for you, some will even change…look at Cory Dillion with the Pats. Why is it that the Colts kept their star players? Because they’re winning! Now look at what Gibbs did over the weekend…the one common thing you keep hearing about the players that we took is, “they’re all good character guys” Gibbs wants guys that want to play football first.

oh and that's why moss is here? cause he wants to play here? why do you think he was so excited to be here?? because he is going to get paid!!! the skins are going to overpay for this guy that can't even show up for "voluntary" workouts. i understand what you are trying to say but moss will be a prime example of why alot of what you say won't happen.

Coles forced the issue in this case...and as of this date we haven't given Moss any $$$ I hope we don't we have enough WR's to go into the season with now that Gardner is back in the mixed. Moss has no leaverage here, he has two subpar seasons under his belt and needs to have a big year if he wants a big payday.

[patjam77]

This is my take on the things that have happened over the past few days. The Washington Redskins have come to stand for one thing as far as NFL players are concerned…Money!
Free agents don’t come here to play because we are a great team, they come to get paid. I truly believe Gibbs is trying to change that mentality. Look at what Gibbs has had to deal with in the time he’s been back. Bailey, Arrington, Smooth, Pierce,Coles and now Taylor. Look at the free agents who have scored big paydays here…Sanders, George, Canidate, Smith, Carrier, Shade, Morton, the list goes on and on. This has been the Redskins MO since Snyder brought the team.

When you win, players want to play for you, some will even change…look at Cory Dillion with the Pats. Why is it that the Colts kept their star players? Because they’re winning! Now look at what Gibbs did over the weekend…the one common thing you keep hearing about the players that we took is, “they’re all good character guys” Gibbs wants guys that want to play football first.

oh and that's why moss is here? cause he wants to play here? why do you think he was so excited to be here?? because he is going to get paid!!! the skins are going to overpay for this guy that can't even show up for "voluntary" workouts. i understand what you are trying to say but moss will be a prime example of why alot of what you say won't happen.

Coles forced the issue in this case...and as of this date we haven't given Moss any $$$ I hope we don't we have enough WR's to go into the season with now that Gardner is back in the mixed. Moss has no leaverage here, he has two subpar seasons under his belt and needs to have a big year if he wants a big payday.

DEHog.. i'll make a gentlemens bet with you and bet you that the contract they give moss will make your eyes bug out as you read it.

[JPFair]

Patjam,

If DE doens't want in on that bet let me know. I wouldn't mind a little of that action.

I think that the contract that Moss gets might be lucrative, but it'll be nowhere near the mind boggling one you're anticipating. The overspending habits of the Snyder/Cerrato duo are now in the more capable and frugle hands of Joe Gibbs. I think Gibbs is starting to assert his authority from a financial standpoint, and he will not overpay. When he first came back, he made the mistake of giving Brunell the lucrative deal that he did, and I think Joe Gibbs will not make the same mistake twice. While I'm sure the contract that he gets will be substantial, but it won't break the bank.

Just my .02

[OCSkins]

Ever since Gibbs left in 1993 teh redskins have stooped to Cincinnati Bengal level in developing a culture of losing. I know we don't want to think about it but that's the truth, we hired Norv turner who always had an excuse for his blunders and stupididty. We signed Jeff freaking George who has a million dollar arm and a 10 cent brain. We had one winning in 1999 and that was because Brad Johnson and the redskins Offense bailed out a pathetic defense week in and week out. We hired Schottenheimer who's notorious for his play off choke jobs, we fired him after one year to pursue Steve Spurrier. We brought in non-Redskins like Deion Sanders (I want the memory of that piece of trash in BG out of my mind) Bruce the crybaby Smith who would undermine the coach by going to the owner. Dung Candidate, Chad Morton, and Lavernsous Coles who all wanted the payday. Now Gibbs comes in and because we don't follow the same pattern people whine. Quick name one SUPERSTAR from a Joe Gibbs coached team. Arguably its Darrell Green , but you could make the argument that he wasn't a superstar, he was the best CB in the game but no t a superstar. What Gibbs is building is a TEAM, and that's something we lacked in Redskinland for eleven years

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

I've been around long enough to know that DE knows football and knows Joe Gibbs. I am considering the possibility that the draft has changed since Gibbs came back. And last year he learned something. He didn't pick the high profile, big ego person. I think that alone tells us he's trying to change things.

Very true, NikiH. As a matter of fact, I cannot recall one time beofre or after last year's draft that Gibbs addressed Sean Taylor as a "character" guy. On draft day, he said they went after the most talented player available, which was true. Sean Taylor is a beast, only he's not alright upstairs.

Joe is definitely putting "his team" together now. It'll have some eccentric individuals, but he certainly won't follow the hype of today's athletes.

[SKINZ_DOMIN8]

Taylor is in a league by himself. So long as he doesn't run someone over or get caught with a kilo of marijuana, he is fine by me.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Taylor is in a league by himself. So long as he doesn't run someone over or get caught with a kilo of marijuana, he is fine by me.

Judging by the way he's been acting recently, I wouldn't be surprised if he really wanted to play in a league all by himself. That way he could be the highest paid player forever!!! Hopefully, his performance sat training camp and in the upcoming season help us forget this offseason. He's truly a great talent, but he's got too much baggage right now.

[DEHog]

This is my take on the things that have happened over the past few days. The Washington Redskins have come to stand for one thing as far as NFL players are concerned…Money!
Free agents don’t come here to play because we are a great team, they come to get paid. I truly believe Gibbs is trying to change that mentality. Look at what Gibbs has had to deal with in the time he’s been back. Bailey, Arrington, Smooth, Pierce,Coles and now Taylor. Look at the free agents who have scored big paydays here…Sanders, George, Canidate, Smith, Carrier, Shade, Morton, the list goes on and on. This has been the Redskins MO since Snyder brought the team.

When you win, players want to play for you, some will even change…look at Cory Dillion with the Pats. Why is it that the Colts kept their star players? Because they’re winning! Now look at what Gibbs did over the weekend…the one common thing you keep hearing about the players that we took is, “they’re all good character guys” Gibbs wants guys that want to play football first.

oh and that's why moss is here? cause he wants to play here? why do you think he was so excited to be here?? because he is going to get paid!!! the skins are going to overpay for this guy that can't even show up for "voluntary" workouts. i understand what you are trying to say but moss will be a prime example of why alot of what you say won't happen.

Coles forced the issue in this case...and as of this date we haven't given Moss any $$$ I hope we don't we have enough WR's to go into the season with now that Gardner is back in the mixed. Moss has no leaverage here, he has two subpar seasons under his belt and needs to have a big year if he wants a big payday.

DEHog.. i'll make a gentlemens bet with you and bet you that the contract they give moss will make your eyes bug out as you read it.

OK...your on. I just can't see giving a guy who's done nothing a big payday...we took him because we had to. I think he's one and done, and I think he knows that. That's why he wants a contract now, I pray we don't give him squat!! I'm so tired of guy no playing out their contract. I think those days are over now that Gibbs is in controll. Hopefully he'll adopt a policy similar to the Broncos where we don't redo contracts until the contract year. I can think of 15 WR off the top of head that are better than Moss, I'm sure there're 5 more...so now way Moss should get top money!

[gilbertarenas]

If Moss doesn't show up for training camp, he would be extremely stupid since he'll most likely be sitting on the bench the whole year, and he'll make virually nothing as a free agent. The Jets considered him a 3rd option in years to come before trading him. He has much to prove before demanding a new contract.

[EasyMoney]

I've read way too many "I don't understand why they did this or that" posts today. I can understand that people have their own opinions but the draft is ALWAYS iffy.

I'm not going to lie, the Campbell pick surprised me too. I was thinking White at that pick but it didn't happen. I was more pissed that Len P. was right over us drafting a QB. After reading into it a little bit more, we sacrificed three picks for an important position. Not a position where it's easier to flop. The first QB with the first pick is usually expected to start from day one. Although Marvin Lewis and Tom Coughlin handled theirs the right way. Campbell will not be expected to start nor was he drafted first overall. I don't understand why a lot of people are saying this is going to put pressure on Ramsey. It's not. We drafted Rypien when we had Schroeder and Williams on the team. Rypien started because of injuries to Williams the following year. That was the only reason he started.

Comparing the first tenure with the current one isn't really fair, I know. But the fact of the matter is that not a single person on this site (as far as I know) has ever drawn a paycheck from an NFL team. What do any of us know? I'm certainly a fan but I'm clearly not a talent scout or a coach.

The second day picks make even more sense. Bottom round trench players hardly ever make an impact. I would've liked to see a DE somewhere in the draft. But what could we have taken in 4 through 7 that were better than what we already have on the roster?

As far as not drafting a receiver at all. I think Gibbs kind of alluded to this a week prior. Youth isn't something the WR corps are lacking. Why draft more young receivers? Granted if we had moved up to take Edwards, that would've really made me shake my head. But we didn't... so all is well. I don't care what anyone says not taking Williams at 9 was the smart move. As much as I'd like to see him in B&G, Rogers was the smart pick. I think a lot of that had to do with not being able to trade away RG. A lot of posters on this site wanted to bring up the youth in the secondary, a lot of posters wanted to bring up the youth in the wr's. It could really go either way but db was the smart move. We're kind of old at corner.

We filled a need in a replacement for Smoot. Williams will bring him along the same way he did with Sean. We drafted strong blockers/goal line backs/reserve lb's all of which are excellent bodies for special teams. That's what they are right now, who knows what they'll turn into in the future. It was an influx of youth for the bruising positions in the league. I'm actually even more anxious for preseason so I can see some of these guys get some playing time. Not that my anxiousness is any different from any other season.

What would you rather have? Rookie skill position players expected to start from day one or rookies that add depth? Which makes more sense? I get the feeling that some people would (if they could) take picks 1-52, form a team out of that and try to march them directly to the super bowl.

The sky is not falling and I think we're in pretty good hands.