JP, the fact that gibbs tried to pass on several 3rd and shorts suggests that he does NOT have confidence in the players to pick up 3.3 yards. even if he DID have that confidence, that would be a further indictment of his coaching. it isn't your job to call the game based upon some idealistic principles of how football should be played with some ideal team- you have to call the plays that YOUR ACTUAL TEAM can win with.
That's your opinion, but I think you're wrong. I'm of the opinion that the flow of the game dictates whether you throw on 3rd and short or not. In the last series, the "flow" of the game called for the running game, in my opinion. I think he did the right thing.
i don't deny that i enjoy watching lots of offense. who doesn't?
Offense comes in many forms, not just downfield passes. Offense is also running the ball up the middle. That being said, there is more to a football game than what a fan wants to see. There's defense, strategy, coaches system, etc... If a fan wants to see "lots of offense" in the form of downfield passes, etc... they're not going to get it just yet. It takes time for Joe Gibbs to be able to implement that type of offensive system. You have to crawl before you can walk, walk before you can run, etc...
i didn't say i wanted the skins to pass down the field in that situation- i wanted them to actually try to get a first down!
Well, then what ARE you trying to say? Are you suggesting that they weren't trying for a first down? Were they deliberately trying to give the ball back to Dallas with time on the clock? That's a very strong allegation to make, if in fact that's what you're saying.
which means probably trying a SHORT pass (off play-action)-- especially since the defense was sure we would just run into the pile
Again, the risk of an incompletion is there which stops the clock without burning a timeout. Sometimes you have to play the averages. As for running into the pile with the defense knowing it was coming.. Did you ever hear the story about how the Redskins ran Riggins up the gut NINE straight times, and each time they did the offensive line (I think it was Bostic, though I'm not sure) told the defense what they were doing? It doesn't matter whether the defense knows it's coming or not. If the play works, it works with or without the defense knowing it. In this situation, I agree with Gibbs' call to run it up the middle and try and get a first down that way. At least that way, the worst case scenario is that we rely on a No. 2 ranked defense to hold them. Using your short pass philosophy, what would the worst case scenario be? Give it to Dallas with one timeout left, and still rely on the defense? As Joe Gibbs said, he consulted with Greg Williams and they felt it was the right thing to do. ENOUGH FOR ME!!! I have no doubt that the coaches consider the "worst case scenario" and I'm sure they considered a short pass, and what the situation would be if they threw an incompletion. So, it boiled down to two scenarios:
1- Run the ball up the middle and possibly get a first down, but if not, rely on the defense to hold Dallas. In this case, Dallas have no timeouts left.
2- Try a short pass, possibly off of play-action, and run the risk of an incompletion. In the event of an incompletion, then what? Give it back to Dallas WITH a timeout left. And, of course, rely on the defense.
In either of these situations, the coaches have to assume more than just what might happen if the play is succecsfull. They have to plan on what to do if the play does not work.
the reason to not ask them to do it again is because 2 of the CBs got injured and wouldn't be able to play. it makes no sense to put a decimated secondary out there to stop what will surely be a bunch of long pass attempts.
Again, Joe Gibbs consulted with Greg Williams and they felt they could do it. What a brilliant show of confidence in not just the starters, but also the players who make up the "depth" of this team. If I was a second string player in that situation, I'd take a pay cut to play for these type of coaches. Our second and third stringers have been doing a great job all year long. What about Taylor? Where was he? 9 times out of 10, Taylor levels that guy and the guy drops the ball. It didn't happen this time. Time to move on!
what on earth does anger have to do with being correct or incorrect??
In theory, nothing. But, in your case, it has everything to do with it. Because, whether you know it or not, every time the Redskins lose a game, you run to this board and rant and rave about "inexcusable" and "amateurish" coaching that our coaching staff makes. I don't doubt your passion and need to "rant", but as I said, do it in a professional, tactful, and more importantly, accurate manner. These coaches are NOT amateurish, nor do they do anything "inexcusable". Your accuasations of amateurish and inexcusable decisions are borne more out of anger than fact. IMO, you should see this team for what it is, not what you want it to be RIGHT NOW!!! Myself, I prefer to watch the progression that's taking place rather than be satisfied with instant and temporary gratification. You should too!