WP: Gibbs adresses issues

ArmyHog · Post by **ArmyHog** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:25 am

Gibbs Says Redskins Hampered in Signing Free Agents
Wednesday, February 16, 2005; Page D02

Washington Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs discussed a wide range of topics concerning his team last night during a one-hour radio show on WJFK-FM, mainly by taking questions from callers.

Among the highlights: The Redskins have been hampered in signing their own free agents because players are reluctant to finalize deals before free agency starts March 2. Gibbs added that, although the wide receiving corps will undergo changes -- including the departure of Rod Gardner -- the Redskins are unlikely to land any elite free agents at the position because of salary demands.

Nonetheless, the Redskins will focus on acquiring players through free agency because of the uncertainty of the draft, to be held in late April.

"We would like to solve everything that we could on our football team in free agency," said Gibbs, whose club picks ninth in the first round. "That way you go into the draft and you're freewheeling."

The Redskins have not signed any of their impending free agents -- there are 20 -- or reached agreement on restructuring tackle Chris Samuels's contract.

"The problem with signing our guys right now, almost none of the agents want to sign right now," Gibbs said. "They are afraid now if they go out and do a deal, they are going to get criticized for it. It's driving me crazy."

One caller asked Gibbs about pursuing Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad or Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress. "The problem is he's 31 [32], and basically what his agent said is: 'Show me the money,' " Gibbs said of Muhammad. "With him and Plaxico, what you're talking about is big bucks."

When Gibbs was asked if he had any regrets from last season or things he would have done different, the coach mentioned the offense while laughing heartily: "Yes, yes and yes. There's a lot that I would have done differently."

-- Nunyo Demasio

Here is the link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27494-2005Feb15.html

Smithian · Post by **Smithian** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:35 am

Hm... Someone have a transcript or something?

skinsfan308 · Post by **skinsfan308** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 3:26 pm

"When Gibbs was asked if he had any regrets from last season or things he would have done different, the coach mentioned the offense while laughing heartily: "Yes, yes and yes. There's a lot that I would have done differently." RIGHT ON that was me asking that question!

Wilson
sec 308

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:52 pm

One caller asked Gibbs about pursuing Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad or Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress. "The problem is he's 31 [32], and basically what his agent said is: 'Show me the money,' " Gibbs said of Muhammad. "With him and Plaxico, what you're talking about is big bucks."

I'm so glad he's steering us away from stupid signings! If he doesn't do another thing, I'll be grateful for that.

tcwest10 · Post by **tcwest10** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:42 pm

Gibbs already had his one big mistake in Brunell. He needs to be very careful in what he does this year. There's no Bobby or Charley to blame if it goes south this time.

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:57 pm

If he does not want to spend big bucks on a receiver, M. Williams will not be picked up with the 9th pick.

I insist that if Smoot does not sign, the Skins will pick A. Rolle.

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:59 pm

tcwest10 wrote:There's no Bobby or Charley to blame if it goes south this time.

If it goes South? Meaning South of Canada? :lol:

tcwest10 · Post by **tcwest10** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:37 pm

Euphemism for "takes a dump".

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:46 pm

Go to Redskins.com and you can download the entire 37 minute interview without commercials. Its a quick Real Player download!

Chad

cvillehog · Post by **cvillehog** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:27 am

chaddukes wrote:Go to Redskins.com and you can download the entire 37 minute interview without commercials. Its a quick Real Player download!

Chad

Except the audio level is crappy. You have to turn it way up to hear gibbs, then you get deafened by the announcer on the cut-in from the (now missing) commercial break.

Skins4ever · Post by **Skins4ever** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:09 am

Thanks cville

Skins4ever · Post by **Skins4ever** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:02 pm

I just finish listening to the recorded interview and was very please with what was discussed. I am relieved to hear there wasn't any tremendous interest in signing Muhammad or Burress, which kind of worried me because I was wondering if we were going to be able to afford either of them and make improvements in other areas at the same time. I also like the fact that he addressed all three phases of the game especially special team, which could use a little tweaking. Overall I thought the interview was great and it answered a lot of questions. IMO things are looking up for the Skins.

HTTR

4bz · Post by **4bz** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:05 pm

I agree, it's nice to hear we are not going after the "biggest" name in FA, like we have in the past. You can def. tell Gibbs is back and is trying to bring back the redskins organization. Core players, no more broken promises, we have got a great core, now like Gibbs said it's time to tweak some areas!

Skins4ever · Post by **Skins4ever** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:22 pm

4bz wrote:I agree, it's nice to hear we are not going after the "biggest" name in FA, like we have in the past. You can def. tell Gibbs is back and is trying to bring back the redskins organization. Core players, no more broken promises, we have got a great core, now like Gibbs said it's time to tweak some areas!

Alright someone agrees with me! :celebrate: