Is It Just Me, Or ...

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Is there virtually no enthusiasm for the Redskins off-season, including the draft, this year? I'd like to care. Really I would. But I've officially reached the "Who gives a crap?" portion of our program. My mind simply refuses to allow me to care about what happens with this franchise this season, because whatever it is it won't be good. The team signed for all intents and purposes nobody in free agency and the draft isn't going to fix arguably the league's most porous defense. The offense is going to take a step backwards, because replacing both primary receivers and doing nothing to upgrade the offensive line or rushing game in free agency does that. This team needs a draft like the one they had in 1981 and we can pretty much guarantee that isn't happening. I feel like no matter what this team does between now and September it's going to be a bottom feeder. I feel like it's going to be another miserable year to be a Redskins fan. I'll still be watching but my expectations are so low the enthusiasm is gone.

[riggofan]

I don't know. I'm always pretty enthusiastic about the draft, excited to see these young guys some of whom will become the Redskins of this era. It doesn't happen overnight, and you're right that it will probably have a limited effect on this season. Look at the 2014 draft though: Murphy, Moses, Long, Breeland, even Ryan Grant. Even with no first rounder that year, that was a decent haul adding to the team. No quick fixes though.

The funny thing to me about what you wrote is that I think a lot of fans probably feel that way, but for a number of different reasons. Some people might be bummed about lack of impact FA moves like you. A lot of people are pissed about McCloughan or Snyder. I'm personally frustrated by the Cousins thing, wish it would just be resolved one way or the other.

It looked like there was a plan a year or two ago. Hard to see what the plan is currently, and easy to doubt that there is one at all.

I hope its a good draft this year. If there are a lot of WTF picks, especially early, I think its going to be hard for fans to care.

Out of curiosity, with #17 and #34, are there two realistic picks the team could land that might make you feel differently?

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I don't know. I'm always pretty enthusiastic about the draft, excited to see these young guys some of whom will become the Redskins of this era. It doesn't happen overnight, and you're right that it will probably have a limited effect on this season. Look at the 2014 draft though: Murphy, Moses, Long, Breeland, even Ryan Grant. Even with no first rounder that year, that was a decent haul adding to the team. No quick fixes though.

The funny thing to me about what you wrote is that I think a lot of fans probably feel that way, but for a number of different reasons. Some people might be bummed about lack of impact FA moves like you. A lot of people are pissed about McCloughan or Snyder. I'm personally frustrated by the Cousins thing, wish it would just be resolved one way or the other.

It looked like there was a plan a year or two ago. Hard to see what the plan is currently, and easy to doubt that there is one at all.

I hope its a good draft this year. If there are a lot of WTF picks, especially early, I think its going to be hard for fans to care.

Out of curiosity, with #17 and #34, are there two realistic picks the team could land that might make you feel differently?

I feel like the team needs a lot more than two picks, even if those two are immediate starters. It felt like we were finally headed in the right direction and then, as per usual, the team yanked the rug of joy right out from under our feet.
They make it damned difficult to be a fan. I'd rather perpetually suck and expect to suck than think we're going to compete every year and regress.

[riggofan]

I feel like the team needs a lot more than two picks, even if those two are immediate starters.

I'm sure they do. But hasn't that always been the case? Nobody watched the defense last year and thought we could "fix" that mess with one off season and a draft.

It felt like we were finally headed in the right direction and then, as per usual, the team yanked the rug of joy right out from under our feet.

Because they fired McCloughan you mean?

My question was more about would there be two picks that would make you interested in the off season?

So here's a two pick scenario. REUBEN FOSTER slides to them at #17. DL CHRIS WORMLEY at #34. Add legit young talent to the defense. Would the team look headed in the right direction again?

How about this one. Skins take CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY at #17 and guard DORIAN JOHNSON at #34. Admit they're not going to significantly improve the defense right away, so try to bolster the offense to stay competitive this year.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

My question was more about would there be two picks that would make you interested in the off season?

So here's a two pick scenario. REUBEN FOSTER slides to them at #17. DL CHRIS WORMLEY at #34. Add legit young talent to the defense. Would the team look headed in the right direction again?

How about this one. Skins take CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY at #17 and guard DORIAN JOHNSON at #34. Admit they're not going to significantly improve the defense right away, so try to bolster the offense to stay competitive this year.

I'll be disgusted if they draft McCaffrey. I just don't see him amounting to anything at the NFL level. Not sure Dalvin Cook will either but at least he played in the SEC.

In a perfect world they take the top offensive lineman (Forrest Lamp?) and turn him into a left guard. Lauvao is about $5 million more expensive than his production justifies.

If they could manage to upgrade left guard and the defensive line I suppose I'd at least pay attention. It would show they have some clue what they are doing.

[ferryrich]

I really can't be bothered explaining how I feel about things. I think that says enough.

[riggofan]

In a perfect world they take the top offensive lineman (Forrest Lamp?) and turn him into a left guard. Lauvao is about $5 million more expensive than his production justifies.

I'd be thumbs up on a pick like that. Can't deny how those o-line picks have paid off for the Pukes, and I've seen Lamp being compared to Zach Martin.

If they could manage to upgrade left guard and the defensive line I suppose I'd at least pay attention. It would show they have some clue what they are doing.

This is exactly what I'm thinking about the draft. I hope they draft some good players, but we won't really be able to judge these guys for a year or two at best. Looking like they have some clue in the draft though is still important.

I've been pretty down on the Christian McCaffrey talk to date, mostly because I don't think we can afford that pick and I have the perception he's not an every down guy. But I've also seen him described as a real "football player" - like McCloughan was always talking about, and maybe a legit special, impact player. He's not my first pick, but if Gruden really wanted him there, I'd be at least curious to see it.

[Countertrey]

This is exactly what I'm thinking about the draft. I hope they draft some good players, but we won't really be able to judge these guys for a year or two at best. Looking like they have some clue in the draft though is still important.

I've been pretty down on the Christian McCaffrey talk to date, mostly because I don't think we can afford that pick and I have the perception he's not an every down guy. But I've also seen him described as a real "football player" - like McCloughan was always talking about, and maybe a legit special, impact player. He's not my first pick, but if Gruden really wanted him there, I'd be at least curious to see it.

I agree, it's a luxury pick... but if they take him, they will find a way to keep him on the field for 3 downs... He'd be very successful behind the O-line we have, even with it's faults... but he'd also be pretty scary out of the slot, or even wide. He is just a dangerous player... and is the real deal...

I don't think he'll be there... and I don't think we can afford him, as you. We desperately need defensive help.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I've been pretty down on the Christian McCaffrey talk to date, mostly because I don't think we can afford that pick and I have the perception he's not an every down guy. But I've also seen him described as a real "football player" - like McCloughan was always talking about, and maybe a legit special, impact player. He's not my first pick, but if Gruden really wanted him there, I'd be at least curious to see it.

This is probably going to sound racist, but White running backs scare the hell out of me. Very few become four or five year starters. Not many more become solid role players.

I think it's not only a luxury pick but a risk a team with a dozen needs shouldn't take. Get a football player at a low risk position of need.

[HEROHAMO]

Is there virtually no enthusiasm for the Redskins off-season, including the draft, this year? I'd like to care. Really I would. But I've officially reached the "Who gives a crap?" portion of our program. My mind simply refuses to allow me to care about what happens with this franchise this season, because whatever it is it won't be good. The team signed for all intents and purposes nobody in free agency and the draft isn't going to fix arguably the league's most porous defense. The offense is going to take a step backwards, because replacing both primary receivers and doing nothing to upgrade the offensive line or rushing game in free agency does that. This team needs a draft like the one they had in 1981 and we can pretty much guarantee that isn't happening. I feel like no matter what this team does between now and September it's going to be a bottom feeder. I feel like it's going to be another miserable year to be a Redskins fan. I'll still be watching but my expectations are so low the enthusiasm is gone.

There is plenty of enthusiasm amongst fans. Just maybe some members on this board are still angry at Snyder and Allen. There are also many members here who are optimistic.

I don't blame some fans for being angry it's certainly not unreasonable after 20 years. It's there right.

But lately I've been on other blogs. But this site is my original.

I'm sure come draft week enthusiasm will ramp up.

This time of year is a dead zone for most fans it's normal.
Come draft day is when you'll really see everyone either approving or questioning the draft picks.

[DEHog]

No it’s not you; I don’t see or hear the enthusiasm that I normally do around this time of the year leading up to the draft. I think most of it revolves around the organizations handling of SM; I've got friends that have been season ticket holder for 20 plus years giving up their tickets! I think the enthusiasm is down across the board, lots of changes in the game and the stadium experience is not what it used to be?? It’s going to be interesting to see how the NFL responds to it. I think the Chargers playing in a small stadium this year is a calculated experiment by the NFL to see if that is the way of the future?? As for the Skins, I’ll get excited for the start of the season as I also do, I won’t have high expectations, I never do with this team, but I’d like to see us playing meaningful game in December…that’s all I ask. As for the draft, I’ll watch with interested, but selflessly I want to see where Chris Godwin goes, coached against him when he was in high school. ..Phenomenal athlete and a better young man! It will be cool to have Chris join Duron Harmon to have two players from our small community in the NFL. I know we aren’t looking for a WR but I’d love to see him in B&G!!

[DEHog]

This is exactly what I'm thinking about the draft. I hope they draft some good players, but we won't really be able to judge these guys for a year or two at best. Looking like they have some clue in the draft though is still important.

I've been pretty down on the Christian McCaffrey talk to date, mostly because I don't think we can afford that pick and I have the perception he's not an every down guy. But I've also seen him described as a real "football player" - like McCloughan was always talking about, and maybe a legit special, impact player. He's not my first pick, but if Gruden really wanted him there, I'd be at least curious to see it.

I agree, it's a luxury pick... but if they take him, they will find a way to keep him on the field for 3 downs... He'd be very successful behind the O-line we have, even with it's faults... but he'd also be pretty scary out of the slot, or even wide. He is just a dangerous player... and is the real deal...

I don't think he'll be there... and I don't think we can afford him, as you. We desperately need defensive help.

Cooley and Sheehan are singing the praises of McCaffrey …said he would be as impactful as Elliott
This tells me the Skins are very interested in him…I’m sure they have their marching orders!

[riggofan]

I agree, it's a luxury pick... but if they take him, they will find a way to keep him on the field for 3 downs... He'd be very successful behind the O-line we have, even with it's faults... but he'd also be pretty scary out of the slot, or even wide. He is just a dangerous player... and is the real deal...

I don't think he'll be there... and I don't think we can afford him, as you. We desperately need defensive help.

Agree with this exactly. I think adding a guy like that to what's already a pretty good offense would be exciting to see. The lack of elite talent on the D side isn't going to correct itself though if we don't invest some first round picks.

[riggofan]

This is probably going to sound racist, but White running backs scare the hell out of me. Very few become four or five year starters. Not many more become solid role players.

Guess it might be unusual these days, but not something I'm concerned about. 1) I don't think he'd be used as just a traditional running back and 2) His dad played what 13 years in the NFL?

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

No it’s not you; I don’t see or hear the enthusiasm that I normally do around this time of the year leading up to the draft. I think most of it revolves around the organizations handling of SM; I've got friends that have been season ticket holder for 20 plus years giving up their tickets! I think the enthusiasm is down across the board, lots of changes in the game and the stadium experience is not what it used to be?? It’s going to be interesting to see how the NFL responds to it. I think the Chargers playing in a small stadium this year is a calculated experiment by the NFL to see if that is the way of the future?? As for the Skins, I’ll get excited for the start of the season as I also do, I won’t have high expectations, I never do with this team, but I’d like to see us playing meaningful game in December…that’s all I ask. As for the draft, I’ll watch with interested, but selflessly I want to see where Chris Godwin goes, coached against him when he was in high school. ..Phenomenal athlete and a better young man! It will be cool to have Chris join Duron Harmon to have two players from our small community in the NFL. I know we aren’t looking for a WR but I’d love to see him in B&G!!

I think it's everything combined. I never thought I'd see the day where families who held season tickets for 50+ years were giving them up. I didn't think anything or anyone could kill the enthusiasm of being a Redskins fan but twenty-five years of mostly abject failure on the field combined with 18 years of mostly ineptitude in ownership and management has done it for a lot of fans.

I really wish they had done more in free agency. Even a 1981 type draft wouldn't fix all of the holes on this team. It would sure as hell help, though.

I don't know a thing about Godwin but I know you can never have too much talent at any position. Or in our case, enough talent at any position.

[riggofan]

I really wish they had done more in free agency.

I don't, and I don't think Redskins fans should be complaining about that. The team is following the same FA strategy that McCloughan did. Don't reach and overpay for guys whose previous teams didn't think enough of them to do what it takes to keep them.

If you followed FA too, it wasn't a great year for free agents.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I really wish they had done more in free agency.

I don't, and I don't think Redskins fans should be complaining about that. The team is following the same FA strategy that McCloughan did. Don't reach and overpay for guys whose previous teams didn't think enough of them to do what it takes to keep them.

If you followed FA too, it wasn't a great year for free agents.

Oh, I don't mean done more as in paying premiums for players. If they were going to do that they could have kept Jackson and Garcon. I just mean I wish they had filled more needs.

Going into a draft with more needs than draft picks is no bueno.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I really can't be bothered explaining how I feel about things. I think that says enough.

Lethargy. I get it. I think it's contagious and going around.

[riggofan]

Oh, I don't mean done more as in paying premiums for players. If they were going to do that they could have kept Jackson and Garcon. I just mean I wish they had filled more needs.

Ok but what needs didn't they fill?

They signed or resigned three OLs: Kling, Painter and Nsekhe. Vernon Davis. Lost two DLs, but signed McGee and McClain and Phil Taylor. Lost two WRs but signed Pryor and Quick. Signed LBs Carter and Zach Brown. And DJ Swearinger at S.

I think they filled needs in FA. I don't know out of those guys which ones might make a huge impact, but nobody is going to be costing them a bunch.

It seems like the needs we have are for actual impact players at these positions, and I don't expect that to happen in FA - Josh Norman being a rare exception.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Oh, I don't mean done more as in paying premiums for players. If they were going to do that they could have kept Jackson and Garcon. I just mean I wish they had filled more needs.

Ok but what needs didn't they fill?

They signed or resigned three OLs: Kling, Painter and Nsekhe. Vernon Davis. Lost two DLs, but signed McGee and McClain and Phil Taylor. Lost two WRs but signed Pryor and Quick. Signed LBs Carter and Zach Brown. And DJ Swearinger at S.

I think they filled needs in FA. I don't know out of those guys which ones might make a huge impact, but nobody is going to be costing them a bunch.

It seems like the needs we have are for actual impact players at these positions, and I don't expect that to happen in FA - Josh Norman being a rare exception.

There are a bunch of veteran players still looking for jobs who would probably come cheap at this point. There are especially a lot of defensive linemen under 30 but with experience.

I don't know. The more I look at their roster the less I like it.

[riggofan]

I think the word for your condition is "malaise".

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I think the word for your condition is "malaise".

Does malaise taste bitter and back up into the throat from the esophagus? Or is that bile? I suppose bile is not a condition.

[welch]

Is there virtually no enthusiasm for the Redskins off-season, including the draft, this year? I'd like to care. Really I would. But I've officially reached the "Who gives a crap?" portion of our program. My mind simply refuses to allow me to care about what happens with this franchise this season, because whatever it is it won't be good. The team signed for all intents and purposes nobody in free agency and the draft isn't going to fix arguably the league's most porous defense. The offense is going to take a step backwards, because replacing both primary receivers and doing nothing to upgrade the offensive line or rushing game in free agency does that. This team needs a draft like the one they had in 1981 and we can pretty much guarantee that isn't happening. I feel like no matter what this team does between now and September it's going to be a bottom feeder. I feel like it's going to be another miserable year to be a Redskins fan. I'll still be watching but my expectations are so low the enthusiasm is gone.

I will pay attention on draft day(s), but the Caps and Wizards are in the playoffs, and the Nats are doing well. Bryce Harper hit rtwo hime runs tonight, including a gland slam. I won't use every ounce of my energy considering who the Redskins might draft, or reading about off-season workouts.

And...yes, it's hard to keep hoping that Snyder has decided to run the Skins like a normal team.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I will pay attention on draft day(s), but the Caps and Wizards are in the playoffs, and the Nats are doing well. Bryce Harper hit rtwo hime runs tonight, including a gland slam. I won't use every ounce of my energy considering who the Redskins might draft, or reading about off-season workouts.

And...yes, it's hard to keep hoping that Snyder has decided to run the Skins like a normal team.

Yes, and the Capitals and Wizards both won playoff games tonight, which makes it even harder to care about a team that won't see the playoffs this year.

[SkinsJock]

I'm enjoying the baseball, hockey and basketball ...

and reading some of the posts here ... mostly B&G biased with a refusal to acknowledge reality ..