Reese is Skins’ missing piece

jeremyroyce · Post by **jeremyroyce** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 2:44 pm

http://www.examiner.com/a-574785~Reese_ ... piece.html

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Rick Snider, The Examiner
Read more by Rick Snider
Feb 20, 2007 3:00 AM (10 hrs ago)
Current rank: # 12 of 14,838 articles

WASHINGTON - The answer to the Washington Redskins front office woes is right in front of their face: The NFL Network — channel 154 or 212 on your dish. Former Tennessee Titans general manager Floyd Reese is available after losing a power struggle with coach Jeff Fisher. In 13 years, Reese drafted more playmakers than the Redskins braintrust will find in a century.

Reese is analyzing the draft for the NFL Network, a way station for coaches and execs awaiting their next job. Redskins owner Dan Snyder plucked his best coach off the dial when hiring Marty Schottenheimer in 2001. Now the Redskins have a rare chance to gain a top-notch personnel director.

If the Redskins don’t want to rehire former GM Charley Casserly, that’s fine. Sometimes relationships can’t be rekindled. However, the Redskins need a personnel director far more than they admit — which is one of their problems — and Reese is a standout.

Tennessee won an NFL-best 56 games from 1999-2003 and was just one yard short of possibly winning Super Bowl XXXIV. Nearly half of the players Reese drafted from 1999-2006 finished the season with the team, third only to Cincinnati and Baltimore. Twenty-seven of 43 picks are still on the team.

Last year, 12 of 13 draft picks made the Titans. The Redskins have barely seen a dozen draft picks make the team over the past decade. And at the rate they trade picks away, that’s a good half-decade of choices.

Reese overruled Fisher to draft quarterback Vince Young instead of Matt Leinart. Who’s better needs a few more seasons to decide, but Young was a great rookie.

Free agency? Tennessee safety Chris Hope, center Kevin Mawae and linebacker David Thornton were sharp 2006 signings. The Redskins? For every decent player they overpaid, two more failed.

The Redskins always win the offseason headline chase, but it’s time to find the right GM to set up the real victories in the fall. Not many superb personnel men come available. Let Washington be the benefactor of someone else’s stupidity for once.

Snyder seems tiring of his football toy. With the purchase of the Johnny Rockets restaurant chain (Does this make him Dan “Rocket Man” Snyder?) along with the Six Flags theme parks, the owner has other agendas. He didn’t even raise ticket prices for once after a 5-11 season. Oh thank you, gracious one. I bet hamburgers soon jump a buck, though.

If a full-time opening isn’t possible, maybe Snyder can hire Reese as a consultant. You don’t have to pay medical that way.

Free agency starts March 2. The Redskins shouldn’t miss this deadline.

Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at rsnider@dcexaminer.com.

What do you guys think about this article?

Fios · Post by **Fios** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 2:48 pm

I would dearly love to see the Redskins adopt a competent GM, I am almost certain it will not happen as long as Snyder runs the team

Houligan26 · Post by **Houligan26** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:48 pm

I thought it was a great article and real passionate. I am all for bringing in Reese and deporting Vinny C

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:53 pm

Please don't tease us.

fleetus · Post by **fleetus** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 4:10 pm

I applaud the idea. Question would be, how would a guy like Reese fit in the picture with Cerrato? I'd personally just fire Cerrato but it seems apparent that he has pictures of Dan-o naked in a Bangkok brothel or something. So how would the two personnel guys co-exist?

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 4:26 pm

fleetus wrote:I applaud the idea. Question would be, how would a guy like Reese fit in the picture with Cerrato? I'd personally just fire Cerrato but it seems apparent that he has pictures of Dan-o naked in a Bangkok brothel or something. So how would the two personnel guys co-exist?

I think they're secret lovers.

UK Skins Fan · Post by **UK Skins Fan** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 4:39 pm

Move along people. This won't be happening, but if only wishing made it so...

spenser · Post by **spenser** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 5:46 pm

I like the idea and the article.. however im not to sure about this quote

"Dan Snyder plucked his best coach off the dial when hiring Marty Schottenheimer in 2001"

I think Joe Gibbs may have somthing to say about that...

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:01 pm

Last year, 12 of 13 draft picks made the Titans. The Redskins have barely seen a dozen draft picks make the team over the past decade. And at the rate they trade picks away, that’s a good half-decade of choices.

The ONLY reason 12 draft picks made the Titans roster last year is because they ended up in "cap hell" and had to release damn near half the team. Reese was mostly responsible for all those signings that put them in cap hell.

So I like the idea of having a GM but I'm not sure Reese is the answer. He might be good, but he ain't that good.

IMO, this article is just more Snyder bashing.

Mursilis · Post by **Mursilis** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:03 pm

spenser wrote:I like the idea and the article.. however im not to sure about this quote

"Dan Snyder plucked his best coach off the dial when hiring Marty Schottenheimer in 2001"

I think Joe Gibbs may have somthing to say about that...

Hopefully he will in the future, but he hasn't so far. Marty hit .500 in the one season he worked for Snyder. Gibbs is 22-28 (.440) since the comeback.

SkinsJock · Post by **SkinsJock** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:13 pm

I would love to see us with a decent GM but I think it is very unrealistic to think that there will be a change for the next 11 months.

Fun to speculate and hognosticate but not going to happen.

BTW - Gibbs is the best coach and gives this team the best chance to win - that may change but right now there is no other choice.

PulpExposure · Post by **PulpExposure** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:05 pm

I think Snyder is more open to a GM than many people suspect. Remember even back when he hired Spurrier, he tried to get Beathard to come to DC to be the GM. And he asked Gibbs specifically if he wanted a GM, but Gibbs chose not to pursue that avenue.

I think Gibbs really enjoys the player acquisition portion...and won't let the Skins get a GM. Don't get me wrong, I worship Joe, he's the finest coach I've ever had the privilege of watching, but I think he's set on being the Head Coach/GM. I think he can remember when he was Coach and Beathard was GM, and I can recall how rocky that relationship sometimes was.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:16 am

The Redskins DON"T need a GM. We just need Vinny to fall of the Earth and everything will be fine. In the end we'll find out he has been working for the 4 letter network the whole time.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:43 am

In all fairness Gibbs has already made some spectacular additions to the team.
1. Clinton Portis
2. Chris Cool

ey
3. Santana Moss
4. Greg Williams {this one I am half hearted because Lavar situation}
5. Brandon Lloyd {yet to fullfill potential}
6. Sean Taylor {outstanding safety}

Bad moves
1. Mark Brunell {in my humble opinion}
2. Letting Lavar go!

Maybe bringing in Reese and having Gibbs and him work together with Gibbs and Reese working in harmony may be just what the Skins need. Heck if it gets us a Championship why not.

spenser · Post by **spenser** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:03 pm

Mursilis wrote:
spenser wrote:I like the idea and the article.. however im not to sure about this quote

"Dan Snyder plucked his best coach off the dial when hiring Marty Schottenheimer in 2001"

I think Joe Gibbs may have somthing to say about that...

Hopefully he will in the future, but he hasn't so far. Marty hit .500 in the one season he worked for Snyder. Gibbs is 22-28 (.440) since the comeback.

I dont care how you compare it, wheather its All time wins or winning percentage, or if its marties vs Joes 2nd tenure in D.C. or whatever metric your using... there is NO way that you will convince me or the majority of this board that marty is a better coach than 3 time superbowl champion Joe Gibbs... sorry

Mursilis · Post by **Mursilis** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:33 pm

spenser wrote:
Mursilis wrote:
spenser wrote:I like the idea and the article.. however im not to sure about this quote

"Dan Snyder plucked his best coach off the dial when hiring Marty Schottenheimer in 2001"

I think Joe Gibbs may have somthing to say about that...

Hopefully he will in the future, but he hasn't so far. Marty hit .500 in the one season he worked for Snyder. Gibbs is 22-28 (.440) since the comeback.

I dont care how you compare it, wheather its All time wins or winning percentage, or if its marties vs Joes 2nd tenure in D.C. or whatever metric your using... there is NO way that you will convince me or the majority of this board that marty is a better coach than 3 time superbowl champion Joe Gibbs... sorry

Why would I try to convince you of that, when I never said it in the first place? :roll:

PulpExposure · Post by **PulpExposure** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:43 pm

HEROHAMO wrote:Bad moves
1. Mark Brunell {in my humble opinion}
2. Letting Lavar go!

At first I thought you were just a huge fan. Now I think you're crazy.

Are you related to LaVar by any chance?

Houligan26 · Post by **Houligan26** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:25 pm

Agreed I think you are little out there, I imagine your bedroom looking a lot like ray finkles except there are lavar posters instead of marino. Also did you just put Lloyd under the spectacular signings list?

Mursilis · Post by **Mursilis** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:31 pm

Houligan26 wrote:Also did you just put Lloyd under the spectacular signings list?

He does a great podcast!! :lol:

SO. CAL. SKIN DUDE · Post by **SO. CAL. SKIN DUDE** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 6:34 pm

PulpExposure wrote:
HEROHAMO wrote:Bad moves
1. Mark Brunell {in my humble opinion}
2. Letting Lavar go!

At first I thought you were just a huge fan. Now I think you're crazy.

Are you related to LaVar by any chance?

Ask the Gnats if we should have let him go?

A lot of talent gone to waste, I say.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:54 pm

PulpExposure wrote:
HEROHAMO wrote:Bad moves
1. Mark Brunell {in my humble opinion}
2. Letting Lavar go!

At first I thought you were just a huge fan. Now I think you're crazy.

Are you related to LaVar by any chance?

HA HA very funny. You guys just seem to have a hate for Lavar. Unmitigated at that. You guys see talent wasted. I see untapped potential that could be harnessed. Lavar gave everything he had to the orginaztion. If he would come back under the Vet minimum why not give him a chance?

What did Lavar do that was so bad?
Its not like he shot someone. Yet some of u fans just keep bashing him.
He gave his heart and soul to this team and the community. Yet people still bash him. So he didnt stay with his assignment, also was hurt for the past three years. Can a player help it if he gets injured?

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:59 pm

Houligan26 wrote:Agreed I think you are little out there, I imagine your bedroom looking a lot like ray finkles except there are lavar posters instead of marino. Also did you just put Lloyd under the spectacular signings list?

Ha ha real comedian. I grew up a young skins fan just when Lavar joined the team. Went through the tough years watching Lavar and Champ keep the team respectable, went through the Spurrier days when Lavar was the only one representing a decent football player on the squad.
So yes when u favorite player on your favorite football team gets axed then yes I guess I am a huge fan. But crazy Id say I am a little crazy as well. I know Lavars presence would benefit the team though.

I just think its not out of the question to bring him back if he can work hard in the offseason and come back for a price that wouldnt hurt the Redskins Financially.

Whats so out there? Bringing Lavar back may not be realistic but is not impossible.

Let me ask this. If we brought back Lavar and he had an outstanding year would u still knock him?

jeremyroyce · Post by **jeremyroyce** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:10 pm

HEROHAMO wrote:
PulpExposure wrote:
HEROHAMO wrote:Bad moves
1. Mark Brunell {in my humble opinion}
2. Letting Lavar go!

At first I thought you were just a huge fan. Now I think you're crazy.

Are you related to LaVar by any chance?
HA HA very funny. You guys just seem to have a hate for Lavar. Unmitigated at that. You guys see talent wasted. I see untapped potential that could be harnessed. Lavar gave everything he had to the orginaztion. If he would come back under the Vet minimum why not give him a chance?

What did Lavar do that was so bad?
Its not like he shot someone. Yet some of u fans just keep bashing him.
He gave his heart and soul to this team and the community. Yet people still bash him. So he didnt stay with his assignment, also was hurt for the past three years. Can a player help it if he gets injured?

Do you remember that LaVar took us (The Redskins) to court over 6.5 million? So, quick to forget. How about when he called Daniel Snyder the Devil, and a thief. We don't need LaVar, and I'm glad that they got rid of him.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:53 pm

jeremyroyce wrote:
HEROHAMO wrote:
PulpExposure wrote:
HEROHAMO wrote:Bad moves
1. Mark Brunell {in my humble opinion}
2. Letting Lavar go!

At first I thought you were just a huge fan. Now I think you're crazy.

Are you related to LaVar by any chance?
HA HA very funny. You guys just seem to have a hate for Lavar. Unmitigated at that. You guys see talent wasted. I see untapped potential that could be harnessed. Lavar gave everything he had to the orginaztion. If he would come back under the Vet minimum why not give him a chance?

What did Lavar do that was so bad?
Its not like he shot someone. Yet some of u fans just keep bashing him.
He gave his heart and soul to this team and the community. Yet people still bash him. So he didnt stay with his assignment, also was hurt for the past three years. Can a player help it if he gets injured?

Do you remember that LaVar took us (The Redskins) to court over 6.5 million? So, quick to forget. How about when he called Daniel Snyder the Devil, and a thief. We don't need LaVar, and I'm glad that they got rid of him.

That was money he deserved. It was in the contract.

PulpExposure · Post by **PulpExposure** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:19 pm

HEROHAMO wrote:What did Lavar do that was so bad?

So he didnt stay with his assignment

You answered your own question. LaVar never improved as a football player from when he got to Washington. He arrived as an explosive athlete with tremendous athleticism and very poor football IQ.

He left with a busted knee that robbed him of much of his explosiveness, and still had a poor football IQ.

While some of that can be attributed to the Redskins defensive coordinators switching every 2 months or so...a lot more has to do with LaVar not being interested in working hard to improve. I mean Antonio Pierce dealt with the same revolving defco door, and worked hard to improve himself (and continues to do so, from undrafted free agent to Pro bowler).

That was money he deserved. It was in the contract.

Actually, it wasn't. That's the whole point. And his idiot agents and LaVar initialled all of the pages of the contract, which means it was a finalized contract.

They argued it should have been in the contract. But in law, you can try to make almost any argument you want, the only thing is you want to make a good argument. Once the fully integrated contract was shown, they lost their argument.