Page 1 of 1
USAToday: Inside Slant
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:45 am
by ANT7088
The sharks are circling outside Redskin Park, where the loss of Antonio Pierce, Fred Smoot and Laveranues Coles in the first week of free agency had fans and media commentators going wild.
The tension was palpable at the team's headquarters. At one point, coach Joe Gibbs even called a news conference to sooth the masses.
"Fred and Antonio were important players to us," Gibbs said. "We wanted to keep them. ... We made a commitment and part of our commitment as I stood up in front of the players and everybody else is that we (would) do our absolute best to keep our players together."
The prices on those two simply didn't make sense in the club's new cost structure, Gibbs explained.
"If it comes to a point where we feel like as an organization that you are going to pay somebody substantially more than somebody else is paying a similar type position on the team, obviously that would affect the team," he said.
In Pierce's case, Washington didn't want to bid higher than Marcus Washington's six-year, $22.5 million deal (Pierce got six years, $26 million from the Giants). As for Smoot, his pact could go no higher than the six-year, $31.3 million one that Shawn Springs got (Minnesota lured Smoot north with a six-year, $34 million offer).
Beneath such reasoning also is the internal thinking that assistant head coach for defense Gregg Williams can find or develop a pair of players to take over for Pierce and Smoot, and that the real money in Washington needs to be spent on offense.
The fact that the Redskins finally might be getting some fiscal discipline, though, doesn't settle the natives. People outside the organization are wondering whether Gibbs needs a true general manager, and even inside the club there are surprising pockets of doubt where Gibbs once went unquestioned.
Each of the three moves could be defended on a case-by-case basis (money, money and a two-year toe injury that sapped Coles' big-play ability). But put together, they've created the first real crack in Gibbs' previously impervious CEO armor.
NOTES, QUOTES
—One big question in the wake of WR Laveranues Coles' departure is whether Gibbs set himself up for problems the next time a player gets cranky about his role. After all, if Washington was so quick to trade Coles, hasn't it established a precedent of rewarding bad behavior?
"I have a confidence that that's not going to happen very often," Gibbs said. "Our locker room, our guys—I have a very good feel for that. It's a great group of guys. ... That may be something you can't work your way through it. But that's part of life. ... But to be quite truthful, I have a confidence that's not going to happen here."
—Gibbs took the high road when asked about Coles' comments in the wake of the deal. Coles had said Redskins owner Dan Snyder, when the trade was held up by Coles' contract demand, threatened to buy Coles a TV to watch all the games because he wouldn't be playing in Washington.
"I am aware (of Coles' accusations)," Gibbs said. "The most important thing for me is not to address anything from that situation other than, we wish him the best."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I had to laugh the whole time we were trying to coordinate this. Clinton would call me—sometimes from Las Vegas, from Miami, from the Bahamas. I said, 'How come I'm doing all the hard work and you're running all over the world?' But in any case Santana's got some buddies here." — Coach Joe Gibbs on RB Clinton Portis' efforts to prod along the trade for WR Santana Moss.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
NEEDS/DRAFT PRIORITIES
1. Cornerback. The Redskins might use the ninth overall pick on a cover corner now that Fred Smoot is gone and Walt Harris is slated to start opposite Shawn Springs. The depth chart is very uncertain after Harris.
2. Defensive end. The club survived without a true pass-rusher in 2004 and is content to go without one again. But RDE Phillip Daniels spent much of last year injured and it would be a good idea to plan for the future.
3. Wide receiver. Smallish Santana Moss and David Patten are slated to start, with James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs coming off the bench. Darnerien McCants is also in the mix. Nowhere is a bona fide potential No. 1 target.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OL Ray Brown; S Pat Dennis; S Jason Doering; S Todd Franz (not tendered as RFA); TE Brian Kozlowski.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Rock Cartwright; DE Demetric Evans; QB Tim Hasselbeck; S Andre Lott; DE Ron Warner.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: PK Jeff Chandler; LB Chris Clemons; LB Devin Lemons.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: LS Ethan Albright; DL Cedric Killings; LB Lemar Marshall; DT Joe Salave'a; TE Mike Sellers; RB John Simon.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED: WR Santana Moss; WR David Patten; C Casey Rabach.
PLAYERS LOST: WR Laveranues Coles; DT Jermaine Haley; OT Vaughn Parker; LB Antonio Pierce; CB Fred Smoot.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football ... s/home.htm
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:06 am
by JPM36
I know a lot of you feel we are fine with Harris as our #2 CB, and a lot of you seem to think Garnell Wilds is a capable 3rd corner for reasons I have not seen yet. However, in my opinion we must take a CB with our 1st round draft choice to play opposite Springs. Corner is such an important position, especially in the type of blitz happy scheme Gregg Williams is running. If Antrell Rolle is there, we need to take him.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:54 am
by doctordrew
I disagree slightly. As Tony Dungy stated, the new rules on pass defense really defeat the purpose of a true shut down corner. I would like to have a corner for more depth, however, I would prefer to enhance our weak offense with some talent before signing more defensive players.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:48 pm
by cvillehog
At one point, coach Joe Gibbs even called a news conference to sooth the masses.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that press conference was scheduled in order to introduce Moss. The only reason Moss wasn't introduced then is because Coles was delayed in getting his physical for NY.
Also, if I had to guage the temperment of the Skins fans I know thos offseason, it would be "cautious optimism." We've seen that Willams can get great production out of rag-tag defenders, and we see that the O-line has improved greatly. So, now we just hope the offensive scheme can fully evolve into a productive unit.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 1:41 pm
by skinsfan#33
cvillehog wrote: At one point, coach Joe Gibbs even called a news conference to sooth the masses.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that press conference was scheduled in order to introduce Moss. The only reason Moss wasn't introduced then is because Coles was delayed in getting his physical for NY.
Also, if I had to guage the temperment of the Skins fans I know thos offseason, it would be "cautious optimism." We've seen that Willams can get great production out of rag-tag defenders, and we see that the O-line has improved greatly. So, now we just hope the offensive scheme can fully evolve into a productive unit.
Cautious, yes. Optimistic, no!!! The ONLY thing that gives me optimisim is Joe Gibbs is back! We improved at Center (maybe, never heard of Raybach before we signed him and all I know about him is he started last year for the "Charm City Crows" and was a backup before that). We got worse at WR. I know most of you say we got better, but Moss is a big down grade from Coles and Patten is a down grade over Gardner. We're worse at CB and LB (I don't think anyone will argue that) We are stuck with $9M for a thief (but a better WR) and we set the precedent that if you're unhappy you can force a trade.
SO, I AM FAR FROM OPTIMISTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:32 pm
by The Hogster
Well you need therapy then...that is what the term Fan means..Fanatic, not Pessimistic. We haven't made the playoffs for over 5 years, does that mean you dump the season before it is even played? If so, then don't cheer for the Skins when they win.
I disagree with just about all you said:
1. Just because you did not hear of Casey Raybach does not mean he is a stud...I think Buge's and Gibbs know O-Linemen when they see them.
2. With our passing ranking last year, how in the heck can you say we got worse already? It doesn't get much worse than last in the NFC...and just because you know more about Coles than Moss, does not make Coles a better player for this offense. Maybe a better overall player, but obviously not in this type of offense.
3. Whether Patten is a down grade from Gardner also remains to be seen. Patten was the 3rd wideout for the Pats last year, he will be the #2 guy for us, you can't compare him on stats alone.
4. How are we worst at LB? Sure we lost Pierce, BUT WE RE_GAIN LAVAR...we played all year without him in the LB corps, now he is back, I wouldn
t write them off yet.
5. You have a point as far a corner goes, but you can't say that the backups (Wilds, Harris, Possibly a draft pick) are a downgrade...you haven't seem them play in this system yet.
Im sure you are a good guy, and a devout Skins fan (as evinced by your Sammy Baugh Logo) but as a fan the worse thing you can do is lose optimism. If your outlook is a downgrade from 6-10, why even bother tuning in.
Go Skins
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:35 pm
by edgardiner
What everyone seems to froget is last years injurys. In all my years on watching the redskins, I can,t remember loseing so many df starters before. If this year is more normal we should still be a top 5 df. It's the WP that has gone over the edge, and Their must be more going on their beside football. Also let me thank Bosshog for the best redskin site anywere. We plain on comming back to MD this summer to attend training came. Hope to see youall there.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:01 pm
by SO. CAL. SKIN DUDE
I am optimistic about next season. My reasoning is simple:
1. On Defense: Gregg Williams is still there. He was the primary reason we led the NFC in defense. Losing Smoot & Pierce hurts, no denying, but Williams created the higher level of play... or do we forget that these two guys were there before Williams came and our D stunk. Secondly, we'll have Lavar back, Lamar and Taylor have one good year under their belt and C. Griffen/Salava are studs on the line.
2. On Offense: Loosing Coles is tough. But look at what we were doing with him in the line up... NOTHING! Don't know if it was the toe, weak QB play, O-line; what ever, point is we were not very good down field. This comment that we're loosing w/Patten in our midst as opposed to Gardner is rediculous. Have you seen 50/50 catch passes on a consistent basis like Patten has?
Moss WILL stretch the fieled for Ramsey/Gibbs. Having Jensen back will be big. Samules now signed and comfortable in his longevity will be huge. Portis/Gibbs more used to each other will be nice.
I definately see more than 6 wins next year. And all these people that complain about not spending money, I just say, have we not been complaining about how Danny just opens the check book without rhyme or reason?
Now that we have Gibbs being a little more conscientious about our spending habits, we complain about this too.
Let's just get a grip on what has happened so far this offseason.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:35 pm
by John Manfreda
We need a big physical reciever that we can throw to on third and 5 or 6 and inside the red zone they have to get Mike Williams or corners were fine without Smoot against the Vikings. Drafting a corner would be stupid.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:04 pm
by The Hogster
I agree with your reasoning John, but the overwhelminmg information shows that it is very very possible that Williams and Edwards would be gone by nine....I watched the College season and the combine, and there is a guy named Vincent Jackson from Northern Colorado...he is 6-4, 241 and ran a 4.5...he also impressed at the Senior Bowl. Also, the kid from West Virginia is 6-5, 205 and ran in the low 4.4 range at his school...they should be avaialable later the first day...
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 7:59 pm
by WshSkins22
I dont understand why yall want a corner...dont u kno how hard it is for a corner to adjust as a rookie...name me a corner that has done well as a rookie...none
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:09 pm
by Chris Luva Luva
WshSkins22 wrote:I dont understand why yall want a corner...dont u kno how hard it is for a corner to adjust as a rookie...name me a corner that has done well as a rookie...none
Name me a veteran or a rookie corner who can consistenly shutdown WR's without a good pass rush?
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:05 pm
by The Hogster
To the first Post:
1. Charles Woodson (5 Ints his rookie year, most of his career)
2. Champ Bailey (5 Ints his rookie year, also most of his career)
3. Anthony Henry (11 Picks his rookie year, most of his career)
I could go on...there are plenty of corners who make immediate impact. Granted, many don't (remeber Tom Carter, he was suppossed to be a beast) I feel you on not wanting to take a corner. I also have faith in Wilds, and Harris, but there are many corners who come in and make plays.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:08 pm
by CcHhDd
The guy for the texans had a great year. So did smoot and bailey their first years. As much as i want us to pick up a WR in the draft, I think its easier for a corner to adjust than it is for a WR. I mean terell owens took years in San Fran to become a great player.
I was all about drafting williams (and still am if we can trade gardner to tampa or cleveland and move up) but it we stay at 9 and he's gone, we have to look at Rolle or Pac Man. Look what happened to us last year at safety. What's to say this year it isn't CB. Harris and Springs have a history of injury problems, and after those two guys its a huge drop off. We need depth and I say we pick up a CB.
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:53 pm
by C'fieldSkin
The guy for the texans had a great year.
That was Dunta Robinson, he was a Gamecock. Just thought I'd throw that in. Go cocks.