Sorry, I have to say I'm still a little worried

[DEHog]

Ok I’ve been quiet long enough

While I’ll admit that Clinton Portis is a top flight RB, I still am worried about the defensive side of the ball. I was comforted by the fact that we were going to get some defensive help with the money we didn’t give Champ. The argument here was we don’t need a great CB if we have a great pass rush…I have to disagree with that thinking. Having one great corner makes your second corner better and allows you to do more up front. In the glory year we had a great CB and great D-line and average LB’s.

A lot of joy has been spread with the acquisition of Portis, but I have to agree with Scooter on this one.. we should have just said no. When I think of RB in the NFL I can rattle off a dozen or so, good to great backs…Holmes, Portis, Green, Lewis, Davis, Alexander, Tomlinson, McAllister, R. Williams, Henry, C. Martin, James, and Barber. All these guys have 1200+ yards and provide their team with a more then enough ground game. Now when I think of CB I can only think of 3-4 great corners and then there’s the rest. Of the 18 backs that got 1000 yards 8 of their teams made the playoff so another 8 teams without a 1000 yard back made the playoffs. My point is a great RB is not a necessary for success in the NFL but a great D is.

Honestly if you had to build a SB team with all things being equal who would you pick a great defensive player or a great offensive player. Championships are won with defense, great pitching has always beat great hitting…ask the Yankees!! Ok I know we’re talking about football and yes you need a good ground game to go with you D, not a great ground game. Look at the last 3 SB champs…they didn’t exactly have a great rushing game. I think this is the main reason Shanahan made the deal for Champ.

As for our FO and the cap, I think we’re starting to feel the effects of our owners free wheeling spending. We were so busy locking up other team’s best players that we failed to keep arguably are best player in Champ Bailey, talk all you want about the offers made to him but in the end we saw what his worth was, I’m not saying we should have paid that much…but what if we’d has tried to secure him say two years ago?? Champ may have sign for less and a more cap friendly deal. At some point money will come do and the Skins have done an admirable job of reworking contracts and staying under the cap all be it, not to far under the cap. Which brings us to this year? We now have to rework Samuel’s contract and we just lost out on Kearse to a division foe no less and the Eagles can still go out and get T.O.!! I look at team like the Eagles and Ravens there’re others who have built their team through the draft and have had success and are well under the cap, allowing them to fill the void in their roster.

After what we have been though as Redskins fans the past few years I will not allow myself to get to excited about the players we get this off-season. I am however totally excited about the return of Joe Gibbs and I will bow to his greatness he knows how to get the most out of some very vanilla players. I guess that why I’m little confused over the big contract for Portis. Surely we could have gotten a few picks (1st and 2nd) for Champ that Joe would turn into superstars I Know it’s only March…I’ll be patient!! Guess I’m just asking for some reassurance for my hogs.net brethren here….tell me I completely wrong…I can take it!!

[Countertrey]

Looking for reassurance? Well, you said it...

IN GIBBS WE TRUST

What more do you need?

[floridaskinsfan]

I will not allow myself to get to excited about the players we get this off-season.

I feel your pain but in being a Redskins fan I have to get excited about the off season and everything that goes on. I may be wrong but I cannot help but to think every player we sign will somehow come through and be better when they play for us--call me naive. Either way, when it is kick-off of the first game, there is nothing more exciting!!! Let the season begin!![/quote]

[Fios]

DEHog: It would be rather disingenuous of me to pretend as if I'm not concerned about the cap situation come 2006. The simple fact is that a lot of money comes due that year and the Redskins are going to have to make some cuts. But I have rationalized my fears in this way. First, Snyder has proven himself to be inept when it comes to many aspects of NFL ownership. However, he has a savant-like ability to manage the cap. Remember, this is not the first time Skins fans have been warned the sky was going to fall. As has been pointed out by others, the Skins were supposed to implode 49ers style around 2000-01 after the Sanders, Smith, Carrier, et al, spending spree. And while it had some ramifications, they were not nearly as dire as predicted. Now, it can be fairly said that there are some large differences in the money spent then as opposed to now. But Snyder did not make the money he made by being unprepared. If we as fans are cognizant of 2006 than one can imagine he is even more so. I recognize the philosophy of "don't worry, they've got it all figured out" isn't entirely comforting, but it is a start.
Further, while the Redskins are essentially devoid of draft picks this year, that won't be the case next year or the year after that or the year after that ... etc. Gibbs is not about to start auctioning off future draft picks in order to plug every hole with the best player in the league every time. The Redskins are not going to win the Super Bowl next year, well, they are not likely to anyway. So the lack of a dominant pass rusher this year doesn't mean they can't get one down the road. By the time 2006 hits, Gibbs will have assembled a stable of draft picks and other team's "junk" that will enable the team to absorb some losses that would have been fatal in the past.
And when 2006 does hit, the Skins will probably have a core of players they want to keep for the forseeable future, a la Arrington, Coles, Ramsey, Portis, Jansen, etc. No, the team is not going to keep all of it stars but nor are they going to find themselves suddenly devoid of them either. And don't underestimate Gibbs ability to convince players to do things for the good of the team. He has a proven track record in that arena.
Lastly, you can't worry on one hand about the overspending and regret the loss of Kearse on the other. That is sort of wanting to have your cake and eat it too. Gibbs is going to build a team for the Redskins future, not just for next year or the year after that. And in the end, that is the biggest reason to have some faith. Joe Gibbs is back. He may not be perfect but he's close.
I hope that helps.

[JPFair]

DE,

In some ways, I share your concerns. But, there are a lot of reasons to be a little more optimistic. One of them being, is Smoot is still very young and has gotten better each year. Who's to say that he won't get even better, and become one of those 3-4 CB's that you mention? I firmly believe that Smoots best days are ahead of him. If you don't believe me, just ask HIM. Also, Springs might surprise everyone as well, and have a great season. I think with Springs and Smoot there, we have every reason to be confident. Plus, we have yet to see the "final product". Griffin, Daniels, and possibly Holdman, in my opinion, are going to prove to be very cost effective additions. Their salaries are not overly high, and their potential is enormous. If they don't realize their potential, Gibbs will have no problem in letting them go. I was worried about it too, but when I hear Gibbs say something like "We have a master plan" or "We have it all laid out", there's something incredibly re-assuring about it. If that came from Spurriers mouth, I would still be worried. But, hearing it from Gibbs, makes it that much more credible.

Now, offensively, we have the potential to be one of the great teams next season. Talent wise, we're all set. The only thing preventing us from being great, right now, is team chemistry. And, Gibbs is a master at building that. I have no doubt that he'll be able to build the kind of chemistry that's required. People talk about the Patriots and how they utilize the "team" approach. What a load of crock!! What about the Gibbs teams of the early 80's and even the late 80's. They were true "teams". In fact, the Patriots are a replica of a Gibbs team.

Having Portis is going to be a fantastic addition. We had to get a RB, and he's the cream of the crop. His salary really isn't much of an issue. The media might say things like "the richest contract in history" and "monster deal for Portis". That's all hogwash. We're sitting quite nice with the salary cap. Portis, aside from being a great runner, is also custom made for a Gibbs style offense. He's going to grind out the 3rd and 2 first downs for us, move the chains, control the clock late in the game, and allow Gibbs to do his thing.

There's a reason why Gibbs wanted Williams so bad, and in time, we'll all find out why he did. But, for now, I trust Joe Gibbs and any decision he makes.

I know that might not be the re-assurance you want, but like you, we all have faith in Joe Gibbs and we definately are all excited about what's ahead.

[Fios]

Ah, one more thing, 1,200 plus backs may be plentiful but 1,500 plus backs are few are far between. See my "Clinton Portis counter-arguments" posts from yesterday.

[JansenFan]

You can't help but be concerned, but atleast we are getting better at this. We aren't signing the big-name has-beens any more. We are signing young guys, who have proven they can play in the league and still have their prime years ahead of them. I think we will be just fine. In today's salary cap NFL, you can't worry about 2006. You have to hope you get the right people to win it this year because you never know what will happen next year. Cheer up! This is the time of year that everyone is undefeated and on track for the super bowl!

[Countertrey]

You could be a Red Sox, or a Cubbies fan!

[FootLongHog]

the portis is "custom-made" remarks smell like hubris to me. portis is a great back, who played in a great TWO back system. He comes to washington at a smallish 205 lbs and will now play in a ONE back system. Not to mention he has a penchant for picking up injuries here and there his entire career (college + pros). Springs is also an injury waiting to happen. C. Griffin was an underachiever who was dropped from an DL that was only adequate in NY (even with Strahan). Daniels, as most bears fans will tell you, is at best a solid backup. The iggles got Kearse and might pick up TO too, and the cowboys might end up with garcia(lisp included). Our FO is the antithesis of the Pats (best team in football) and several other successful franchises. we have just 2 picks in the draft this year.

So yeah DEHOG, I am a little worried too.

However, we do have Gibbs...so there is hope.

[cjpck44]

I agree with you that it would have been nice to re-sign Champ two years ago, and hopefully we get into that practice.

However, I hear a lot about giving up too much to get Portis when Champ was probably the best corner, at worst in the top too, in the NFL.

Defense does win championships, but it's not because of one player (excepting Ray Lewis). TEAM defense wins championships, not one great cornerback. If we stretch it a bit futher, Team defense and running the ball wins championships. Where else were we going to get someone to run the ball and make the other team worry like a Clinton Portis? I like Steven Jackson and Greg Jones, but there are no guaruntees in the draft. Not like a Portis. One running back can bring an offense to greatness (Stephen Davis last year, Jamal Lewis, Priest Holmes-where were the Chiefs before him- L.T.) I don't ever think a team has been said to be one cornerback away from a superbowl.

Some of the great/good ones that have never one a superbowl, what has been said about them? They never had a running game. Dan Marino, Donovan McNabb, we all watched Cunningham back then. The Eagles are a great example: Two great corners, a good cornerback and great defense (in the early nineties and now) but no running game.

I will miss Champ, but I think it more likely he will be missing the Lombardi. Numbers 4,5,6 (maybe just 4 and 5) are on there way to Washington.

[skinsfaninroanoke]

Guys - suggestion - debate all you want to, but don't panic until you see what we field. For example - we don't know Gibbs won't modify his system to a two back system. He has changed before - he came to the Skins trying Air Coryell from San Diego and changed to the grinding run attack with Riggo.

He changed with Joe Washington, a small scat back. Same with Timmy Smith - a change up cause he knew teams wouldn't expect him.

Byner was in between Riggo and Washington. Gibbs suceeded with him.

Then we could go over the QBs, but I know you guys know that story.

Point is, we don't know what he will do, which is what is scaring the living bejeezus out of the teams who have to play him. With Zampese helping design the playbook, I would be fainting were I a DC. Especially with a DC like Williams showing Gibbs how teams will defense his offensive plays - Gibbs will adjust his stuff to the new day and age.

I think we will be better with the cap than you think, especially since most of these contracts are deliberately set for shorter term. A reporter talked about that stating that a lot of teams do that to be able to gauge performance, injuries, speed, etc. before committing to the bigger dollars later in the contract. The contracts won't be dead money - the bonuses will - that is why we are signing these guys to longer contracts - we are spreading out the cap hit and working on not having the dead cap money hit so bad later.

It doesn't matter if you get cut with no signing bonus to your name - no dead money.

The signing bonus only hits hard if you cut before June 1st and if you haven't played a number of years. If Portis gets cut after 4 years, and he gets cut after June 1st, his dead money hit will be 4 mil each year or if we cut him before June 1st - 8 mil... see the diff?

Plus, I bet, like someone else said - with the new TV contracts and collective bargaining to be agreed to in 2006, I bet we see close to 100 mil in cap space if not over.

[gibbsfan]

You can't help but be concerned, but atleast we are getting better at this. We aren't signing the big-name has-beens any more. We are signing young guys, who have proven they can play in the league and still have their prime years ahead of them. I think we will be just fine. In today's salary cap NFL, you can't worry about 2006. You have to hope you get the right people to win it this year because you never know what will happen next year. Cheer up! This is the time of year that everyone is undefeated and on track for the super bowl!

thank you!well said there.in today,s nfl you can,t worry about 2006.

[JansenFan]

Guys - suggestion - debate all you want to, but don't panic until you see what we field. For example - we don't know Gibbs won't modify his system to a two back system. He has changed before - he came to the Skins trying Air Coryell from San Diego and changed to the grinding run attack with Riggo.

He changed with Joe Washington, a small scat back. Same with Timmy Smith - a change up cause he knew teams wouldn't expect him.

Byner was in between Riggo and Washington. Gibbs suceeded with him.

Then we could go over the QBs, but I know you guys know that story.

Point is, we don't know what he will do, which is what is scaring the living bejeezus out of the teams who have to play him. With Zampese helping design the playbook, I would be fainting were I a DC. Especially with a DC like Williams showing Gibbs how teams will defense his offensive plays - Gibbs will adjust his stuff to the new day and age.

I think we will be better with the cap than you think, especially since most of these contracts are deliberately set for shorter term. A reporter talked about that stating that a lot of teams do that to be able to gauge performance, injuries, speed, etc. before committing to the bigger dollars later in the contract. The contracts won't be dead money - the bonuses will - that is why we are signing these guys to longer contracts - we are spreading out the cap hit and working on not having the dead cap money hit so bad later.

It doesn't matter if you get cut with no signing bonus to your name - no dead money.

The signing bonus only hits hard if you cut before June 1st and if you haven't played a number of years. If Portis gets cut after 4 years, and he gets cut after June 1st, his dead money hit will be 4 mil each year or if we cut him before June 1st - 8 mil... see the diff?

Plus, I bet, like someone else said - with the new TV contracts and collective bargaining to be agreed to in 2006, I bet we see close to 100 mil in cap space if not over.

Excellent point and one that gets overlooked. We are all looking for the guys that fit the Gibbs system, when in reality, the Gibbs system is adapt to best utilize the players you have.

[skinsfaninroanoke]

And God help those who don't expect ANYTHING out of Gibbs - when everyone got used to his grinding it out - wham - in the 92 season we led the league in 40+ yard pass plays.

Don't fret my brothers and sisters of the Hog - we will be fine in the long run.

[JPFair]

I have no doubt!

[skinsfaninroanoke]

Oh - and think about this little nugget - Ramsey has a better arm by far than Rypien... he could repeat the same thing with Portis as a decoy and blowing defenses away with Coles and say, oh, Jacobs or Russell down the field.

I love this - the mind that man has is incredible...

[Countertrey]

JansenFan:

the Gibbs system is adapt to best utilize the players you have.

THANK YOU!!!! How many times have I said this? I keep seeing "Gibbs system" this, and "Gibb's power running game" that. The myth is that Gibbs is tied to the Riggo Drill. NO!!! Gibbs does whatever will work with the people he has. People forget that Gibbs was a product of "Air Coryel". The fact that he was never limited by that is frequently forgotten.

[skinsfaninroanoke]

Not that he was just a product of Air Coryell - between he and Zampese - they designed it

[JansenFan]

Do you thik the two of them here, as well as the personnel we have will see the rebirth of Air Gibbs?

[BigCarter28]

yeah everything is nice and dandy, But we still dont have a PASS RUSH and it seems that about everysingle team is going to be bidding for the services of Winstrom...crap

[FootLongHog]

yes Big Boy...our D right now bites terribly. We still have no DL, our secondary is only average and LB's are a dime a dozen anyway (unless you have an ex-con named Lewis on the team). Wistrom is probably gonna get overpaid anyway(he's only a 7, maybe a 7.5).

Our offense, most likely, will be fine (gibbs is the man), but our defense, my god, it looks like it's still one of the worst in the league right now.

[gibbsfan]

ilook for more things to happen this offseason.
Dline is a concern no doubt about it.
we shall see what happens as the offseason moves along.

[Countertrey]

Scott (JansenFan)... who knows what we will see. With the potential that is being developed fo this offense, you will probably see vastly different game plans tailored to the strength of the defense we are playing. So, lot's of you are saying "Well, no duh". Every coach tailors his game plan. The difference is, Gibbs can do it. No one, not even the great Tuna, can out coach him. Sure, you can point out that the Tuna won more than he lost to Gibbs... but that was largely the doing of one player... LT. Tuna AIN'T GOT LT NO MORE!!!!

Gibbs would love to make it impossible to nail down his offense. If he sees the opportunity to get two or three quick scores, he'll take it. If he wants to control the ball to keep the other offense off the field, he'll do that, too. One week, you'll see an explosive vertical game, the next, a ball control game. It WILL be fun to watch. The question will be the defense.

The D-line continues to need to be addressed. I think our ability to control the run has improved with the aquisitions of the last couple of days. But, until they can establish a productive pass rush, the db's will continue to live on the edge. Champ is one of few players who could be asked to provide coverage for 7 or 8 seconds, but he's gone. We need at least one DE who can consistently demand double coverage. Gibbs says there's a plan, and he certainly has a strong D-coaching staff. I'm still optimistic there.