I don't think things are that bad ... Our roster has good depth and viable starters at many positions. I can't think of more than 1-2 overpaid old guys on the team, for example, and it won't hurt us to get rid of them (as I expect we will this offseason). Compare that with any year from when Snyder bought the team until Shanny's last couple of seasons — yes, even when Gibbs was here.
Yes, we lost the high picks when RGIII didn't work out, but the team has drafted at least at a league-average level of acquiring decent talent — I'm tempted to say higher than league average, but I don't know other teams' depth well enough.
It looks like Haslett needs to go. We need a few new starters in key positions on the OL, DL, and DBs, and we are also missing one or two true playmakers — guys like Jackson who can turn the tides in a game almost single-handedly.
We need a QB, obviously. That's our biggest challenge, as it is for the 15 other NFL teams that don't have a legit starter in their lineup. It's always hard being a fan when you don't have a real general calling the signals.
But, here's the thing: the distance separating solid teams from mediocre teams is not that great. People look at what we'd have to change to be the Broncos or Seahawks, but the reality is that we only need to be the Colts, Chargers, or the Chiefs to be pushing for a late-season run — all teams with obvious flaws but who are doing a good job implementing the strategy and identity they have set for themselves.
We are not far from being competitive if Gruden is the right guy and if he is given the space needed to work his plan. We do not need a total overhaul; in fact, I think that kind of approach would set this franchise back another 4-5 years. Take what Shanahan built from the ashes of Cerrato/Zorn and go from there. That's what I see Gruden doing so far, and what I'd like to see him continue to pursue.
recently, I was convinced that we would end this season and the familiar "we are not that far off ..." refrain would begin ... "we just need to add a safety and coach up some of these other guys ... " etc...
I am going to try and be a little more optimistic but it's only because there are a couple of guys here whose opinion I value
and FFA is one of them
OK - FFA's right, we are not far off and rather than think that the only way things get better here is for Snyder to stay out of things completely (that is about as possible as him selling the franchise - ain't happening) ... so, I'll go with the idea that if Snyder allows the FO and Gruden to do their thing without him interfering (too much), these guys might be able to use the draft and free agency to continue to add to the group of players we have here that look like 'keepers'
there are obvious areas of concern - we do not have an offensive line that fits Gruden's offense, we need a safety and we need to get rid of Haslett and find a DC that can find a way to get more from our defense than we've seen here the past few years
I can't believe it but I'm going to try and be a little more positive about our future if only because I refuse to give up ...
and
there's really no way that Snyder is likely to stop being the stupid owner he is - hopefully his stupidity is minimized by our FO
