State of the Redskins

[JonC56]

First off, the majority of the coaching staff is returning including the likes of Bugel and Danny Smith. Its not like the new coach is going to bring in "his guys" when virtually the entire staff is in place.

Why do people think that we cant be successful with the coach Snyder chooses. We have one of the most physically talented teams in the league and the core group of solid veterans are all returning with maybe the excpeption of springs and rock, which is due to the nature of the salary cap era.

If we do hire a coach from one of the super bowl teams, why is that so terrible, hey, they have first hand super bowl experience, and they will be one year removed from the game(super bowl). Isnt the goal to get to the Super Bowl, so coaches who have lived the experience understand exactly what is takes to do so.

Do peolple think that are team is going to lay down for our next head coach and refuse to compete? Joe Gibbs instilled in them the TEAM CONCEPT and veterans like Jansen and Fletcher are going to make sure that mindset stays with players here.

Also the media has time and time agian falsely reported information about the coaching search. WHo knows truly what has transpired over the last 3 weeks besides the people involved. Gibbs never said a negative thing to the media about anyone ever in his stint as head coach. How do we know he may have privatly had his reservations about williams as A HC. I understand that that last comment is specualtion but so are most of the media reports(Jason La Canfora for one) that are coming out pertaining to the HC search.

I truly beleive that the Redskins have the talent on the field to be a great team, and that there is no reason why we can't suceed with any of the coaches that are left in the Coaching search. Why jump to these ridiclous ideas of turinng in your season tickets before we see what the end result is for the 2008 season. Who knows, it could be our most successful in a long time. I am going to reserve my judgement until after the 2008 season because assuming that anyone but gregg william's will fail is ludicrus.

I am excited for next year, and excited about what this redskins team can do.

[1niksder]

The Washington Redskins seem to have a whole lot of their coaching staff in place for next season -- except for the head coach.
I'll take that over this ...

Wade Phillips left the Senior Bowl on Wednesday with more work to do regarding his coaching staff.

Phillips, who needs to fill coaching vacancies at secondary, linebacker and defensive line, talked to several coaches about those jobs the last two days.

Any day.

[Snout]

I am happy to see that there is at least one other voice of reason in Redskins Nation. If things were as bad with the organization as many suggest, I don't think that Blache, Smith, Breaux, Bugel and others would be staying on.

[PigSkin]

I’m optimistic too. After all, it’s the postseason. But one thing is obvious: the Joe Gibbs’ era is over.

Though a humble, unassuming man, Joe Gibbs had a powerful presence in the Redskins’ organization. With his departure, the strongest link to Gibbs, for players and fans alike, would have been Gregg Williams. Joe’s legacy could have had continuing influence through Williams. But with them both gone, and with new coordinators hired directly by Daniel Snyder, the owner will have the dominant influence on the team. Make no mistake: the Skins’ new head coach will not have the level of authority that is typical – and essential – to that position.

Case in point: It has already been determined that the Skins’ will run a “modified” West Coast Offense under Zorn. The spread formation and pass-oriented attack (a la “the ole ball coach”) are Snyder’s preference.

Could this be why Jim Fassel and Rex Ryan (and perhaps others) are not here now – because of the realization that they will be too beholden to Snyder in the day-to-day management of the team?

[DEHog]

I hope the next HC is one of the candidates that DS has interviewed..hate to retro-fit a HC??

[PulpExposure]

Case in point: It has already been determined that the Skins’ will run a “modified” West Coast Offense under Zorn. The spread formation and pass-oriented attack (a la “the ole ball coach”) are Snyder’s preference.

There's a big difference between a spread offense and the West Coast offense.

Could this be why Jim Fassel and Rex Ryan (and perhaps others) are not here now – because of the realization that they will be too beholden to Snyder in the day-to-day management of the team?

Rex Ryan didn't come here because it's a lateral move, and he had no interest in a lateral move (and besides, he is still under contract with the Ravens).

Fassel wants to come here, but for whatever reason, Snyder hasn't hired him (yet, presumably).

[jazzskins]

I am happy to see that there is at least one other voice of reason in Redskins Nation. If things were as bad with the organization as many suggest, I don't think that Blache, Smith, Breaux, Bugel and others would be staying on.

Thank you! These are guys who don't really need this job. They can work elsewhere, or happily return to retirement in the case of Bugel and Breaux. If GW was treated so horribly as it is suggested, if the front office is as awful as everyone is saying, then why are they still here?

[PigSkin]

Case in point: It has already been determined that the Skins’ will run a “modified” West Coast Offense under Zorn. The spread formation and pass-oriented attack (a la “the ole ball coach”) are Snyder’s preference.

There's a big difference between a spread offense and the West Coast offense.

Point taken. The larger issue however is Snyder's favoring a pass-first offense and, moreover, his Jerry Jones-like ownership style. How long before we see him walking the sidelines at games?

[aswas71788]

I am happy to see that there is at least one other voice of reason in Redskins Nation. If things were as bad with the organization as many suggest, I don't think that Blache, Smith, Breaux, Bugel and others would be staying on.

It may not be that it is bad, just confusing. The selection process seems to be disfunctional and without clear direction to get to the goal. Granted, most of that perception is because of the media going one way and then another, reporting first this coach is at the head of the line and then that coach is at the head of the line. ??????

We shall have to wait and see what the end result is, It is just that I have never seen a team select the coaching staff and then select a Head Coach. This has got to be a first.

Regardless of the outcome, I shall be watching each and every game next year expecting to see a win.

[CanesSkins26]

The larger issue however is Snyder's favoring a pass-first offense

If Snyder favors a pass-first offense, then that might be the only thing I agree with him on. Our passing attack has been lacking for years and the NFL is turning into a pass-first league. The Gibbs/Saunders offense still relied too heavily on jumbo packages and wasn't aggressive enough.

[jeremyroyce]

First off, the majority of the coaching staff is returning including the likes of Bugel and Danny Smith. Its not like the new coach is going to bring in "his guys" when virtually the entire staff is in place.

Why do people think that we cant be successful with the coach Snyder chooses. We have one of the most physically talented teams in the league and the core group of solid veterans are all returning with maybe the excpeption of springs and rock, which is due to the nature of the salary cap era.

If we do hire a coach from one of the super bowl teams, why is that so terrible, hey, they have first hand super bowl experience, and they will be one year removed from the game(super bowl). Isnt the goal to get to the Super Bowl, so coaches who have lived the experience understand exactly what is takes to do so.

Do peolple think that are team is going to lay down for our next head coach and refuse to compete? Joe Gibbs instilled in them the TEAM CONCEPT and veterans like Jansen and Fletcher are going to make sure that mindset stays with players here.

Also the media has time and time agian falsely reported information about the coaching search. WHo knows truly what has transpired over the last 3 weeks besides the people involved. Gibbs never said a negative thing to the media about anyone ever in his stint as head coach. How do we know he may have privatly had his reservations about williams as A HC. I understand that that last comment is specualtion but so are most of the media reports(Jason La Canfora for one) that are coming out pertaining to the HC search.

I truly beleive that the Redskins have the talent on the field to be a great team, and that there is no reason why we can't suceed with any of the coaches that are left in the Coaching search. Why jump to these ridiclous ideas of turinng in your season tickets before we see what the end result is for the 2008 season. Who knows, it could be our most successful in a long time. I am going to reserve my judgement until after the 2008 season because assuming that anyone but gregg william's will fail is ludicrus.

I am excited for next year, and excited about what this redskins team can do.

I completly agree with you. I am excited about next season and I hope out offense can finally SCORE some POINTS.

[yupchagee]

Case in point: It has already been determined that the Skins’ will run a “modified” West Coast Offense under Zorn. The spread formation and pass-oriented attack (a la “the ole ball coach”) are Snyder’s preference.

There's a big difference between a spread offense and the West Coast offense.

Point taken. The larger issue however is Snyder's favoring a pass-first offense and, moreover, his Jerry Jones-like ownership style. How long before we see him walking the sidelines at games?

DS has long preferred a run 1st style, remember Spurrier? I think he'd rather have an exciting team than a winning team.

[1fan4ramsey]

I am happy to see that there is at least one other voice of reason in Redskins Nation. If things were as bad with the organization as many suggest, I don't think that Blache, Smith, Breaux, Bugel and others would be staying on.

Are you sure these coaches are stayng? When a new HC comes in he usually changes atleast some of these coaches with his own personel.

[chiefhog44]

I am happy to see that there is at least one other voice of reason in Redskins Nation. If things were as bad with the organization as many suggest, I don't think that Blache, Smith, Breaux, Bugel and others would be staying on.

Are you sure these coaches are stayng? When a new HC comes in he usually changes atleast some of these coaches with his own personel.

Why would any of them leave right now? They're under contract and if they leave, they lose out on money. Why not stay and get canned by the new coach...then go into retirement? They're no dummies.

[Snout]

I am happy to see that there is at least one other voice of reason in Redskins Nation. If things were as bad with the organization as many suggest, I don't think that Blache, Smith, Breaux, Bugel and others would be staying on.

Are you sure these coaches are stayng? When a new HC comes in he usually changes atleast some of these coaches with his own personel.

Why would any of them leave right now? They're under contract and if they leave, they lose out on money. Why not stay and get canned by the new coach...then go into retirement? They're no dummies.

Quote from the press release: "During our interviews with prospective head coaches we heard time and again how highly respected some of our 2007 assistant coaches were and who they would select to fill out their staffs. That intelligence is helping guide our hiring decisions." If true, that means that they already know who their potential head coaches would want to keep, who they would want to hire, and who they would want to fire. I do not think there will be any big changes to the coaching staff after they name the HC.

[CanesSkins26]

If true, that means that they already know who their potential head coaches would want to keep, who they would want to hire, and who they would want to fire. I do not think there will be any big changes to the coaching staff after they name the HC.

That quote really doesn't mean anything. They have yet to interview Spagnuolo and/or McDaniels, so how could they know what assistants they would want to keep?

[jazzskins]

If true, that means that they already know who their potential head coaches would want to keep, who they would want to hire, and who they would want to fire. I do not think there will be any big changes to the coaching staff after they name the HC.

That quote really doesn't mean anything. They have yet to interview Spagnuolo and/or McDaniels, so how could they know what assistants they would want to keep?

I really don' think that they have any intention of landing either of those two guys. I think that they are red herrings. Then why the wait? Marriucci.

Check out the thread on Marriucci. It's speculation, but lets face it all of it is speculation. This speculation at least makes sense. Will it happen? I doubt it, but it makes more sense than wating for Spagnolo when you seem to be set up for an Offensive coach, or for McDaniels who states that he wants to stay in New England.

[CanesSkins26]

If true, that means that they already know who their potential head coaches would want to keep, who they would want to hire, and who they would want to fire. I do not think there will be any big changes to the coaching staff after they name the HC.

That quote really doesn't mean anything. They have yet to interview Spagnuolo and/or McDaniels, so how could they know what assistants they would want to keep?

I really don' think that they have any intention of landing either of those two guys. I think that they are red herrings. Then why the wait? Marriucci.

Check out the thread on Marriucci. It's speculation, but lets face it all of it is speculation. This speculation at least makes sense. Will it happen? I doubt it, but it makes more sense than wating for Spagnolo when you seem to be set up for an Offensive coach, or for McDaniels who states that he wants to stay in New England.

Yea, that's a good point. JLC made a pretty good argument for Mariucci being a serious candidate.

[welch]

DS has long preferred a run 1st style, remember Spurrier? I think he'd rather have an exciting team than a winning team.

I had my eyes closed most of the time, so I don't remember much about Spurrier. Just a lot of big talk that sounded like the 1991 Falcons.

However, I do remember Otto Graham, who liked the pass, didn't care about the run, and hardly noticed the defense. Graham ran a great passing scheme, one that he learned from Paul Brown, who also taught Bill Walsh. It could be fun.

Graham also had the best passer in modern football, the best receiver, one of the best receivers (a guy named Mitchell, and not Brian), as well as the best pass-catching tight-end of the time. Three of them are in the Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, Graham never had a winning record.

Does anyone think that Campbell can pass like Jurgensen? That Santana Moss, who is really good, is a match for Bobby Mitchell? ey is also good, but Jerry Smith could fake a DB into the ground. And Jerry Rice is the only recent player who comes close to Charley Taylor.

So, if Otto couldn't do more than let Sonny dazzle us with his passing, what can Snyder's pet do? Sonny: bend a pass left or right, complete a pass thrown behind his back, throw 80 yards in the air if he wanted, throw with perfect touch on shorter passes, throwl with the quickest release ever.

[VetSkinsFan]

LIVE IN THE NOW!!!!!



I'm going to try to stay optomistic in my knowledge of nothing that is going on with the 'skins coaching this post-season.

[JPFair]

The way Snyder makes all these ridiculous moves, he should consider hiring himself to be the next Head Coach. He knows absolutely nothing about how to run a football team, yet he acts like he knows exactly what he is doing. He wants to be so involved in the way things are conducted on the field, he should just hire himself. That'll be the only way he's ever going to get the kick in the rear end that's needed to show him that he should just let football people run the show, and not him. Having him, a fan, run the team is aking to having ME run the team. I'm not a football person, other than being a fan, and as such, am not a good candidate to run the team, so WHY would he want to run the team when he is NOT a football person!

Be an owner, Dan....go to all the committee meetings, schmooze with all the other owners at the League meetings and express your opinion on issues like expansion teams, bringing a team to Los Angeles, rule changes, instant replay, and all the stuff that owners of teams do, but DO NOT get involved in running the day to day operatoins of a football team...you're not good at it!!!

[HitDoctor]

I think he might as well bring in L. Ron Hubbard and let the wacky scientologists figure it out since they have the answer to everything and Snyder's good buddy is the right hand Grand Puba, Tom Cruise!!

[Skinsfan55]

We backed into the playoffs this season and people are talking about us like we're a legit playoff team who is on the way up, sadly, I disagree.

On offense we've got Jason Campbell who has a ton of talent but that talent may never be realized because he's learning ANOTHER new offense and not being allowed to build on his progress from previous seasons.

We have one of the best running backs in the league in Clinton Portis but he's going to be 27 next year and we haven't found a way to build around our running game.

Mike Sellers is a good fullback because he can block, catch passes and run for short yardage. He's 33 though, and probably won't be able to contribute much longer at a high level.

We have a very good offensive line when they're on the field at the same time, but not ONE starter is under 30. How much longer can they be a good unit?

Chris ey is a star tight end and at only 26 next season he's got a few more years of star quality play. Like Portis, I hope we don't waste his prime on mediocre seasons.

Our receiver corps is the worst feature on offense. Moss is the lone "star" but he's injury prone and has had two straight years of <1,000 yards. He's also only caught 6 and 3 touchdown passes the last two years. Speed is Moss' game and it's possible he's losing a step as he approaches 29 years of age.

Antwaan Randle El is basically a joke as out #2 receiver. One touchdown reception this season, and he lacks the vertical speed to stretch the defense and the height and strength to be a possession guy. He's a decent slot receiver and he's failed in Washington as a kick returner.

We still have Brandon Lloyd under contract and he has been a TOTAL bust in Washington. His lack of effort and quickness to blame teammates for missed catches and poorly run routes have defined him here. He's a waste of a roster spot and he'll be 27 next season... also of note, he's NEVER caught a TD pass for the Redskins.

So the offense is old, and expensive. IMO we need to do a total rebuild. Take two to three years trying to build a winner and leave one offensive system in place for at least 5 years. Continuity is what players need, if they know their specific role and how to carry it out we'll be a stronger team.

[Skinsfan55]

The defense seems to be in better shape than the offense, but it's still not a great outlook for the future.

On the defensive line we have Phillip Daniels who I would guess is gone after this season. He's past his prime. The other end is Andre Carter who has really blossomed as a defensive end in a 3-4 system. He's going to be 29 next season so he may only have a few more years as an elite end.

The tackles are Griffin, Montgomery and Golston. Golston provides decent depth but does not seem capable of starting. Montgomery looks like a star in the making and Griffin is getting a little older and may be let go soon.

The linebacker corps is great in the short term but Marcus Washington and London Fletcher are both over 30 and Washington has been slowed by injury problems. McIntosh looks like a future star but he was also injured this season. There's little to no depth as far as linebackers go.

Carlos Rogers, Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot are the corners and we have Landry backing them up. We have no idea who will be joining Landry in the defensive backfield.

Rogers has never found his full potential but he has plenty of talent. Springs is getting older and may be gone next season and Smoot just played inspired towards the end of last season. It's hard to imagine Smoot being anything more than a nickel back here in Washington though and a team of he and Rogers next year would be very underwhelming. LaRon Landry looks like a star for years to come and will only get better.

Building through the draft and then supplementing your young core through free agency seems like the way to build ANY team in any sport IMO. The Redskins seem to disagree completely and building through free agency has cost us a lot of depth and a lot of wasted time where we've refused to face the music by rebuilding.

In a lot of ways Dan Snyder is like the late 80's George Steinbrenner. Just a lot of free agent prizes and no real team building existed. It was only in the early 90's when George Steinbrenner was banned from baseball that the Yankees could build through the draft, and oversees scouting. Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Ramiro Mendoza, Mariano Rivera... those guys were homegrown and were the nucleus for a consistent championship team. Guys like Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Scott Brosius and others were undervalued players who they got in trades or free agency to build around the young core of players. It's the blueprint for building a champion that impatient owners and GM's oftentimes ignore.

I firmly believe that with a consistent approach to team building any sports franchise could be a serious contender for a title in 5 years. It's just too bad that very, very few franchises actually try to build a TEAM.

[PulpExposure]

I feel like I've read those posts before, Skinsfan55.

Oh that's right, they're exactly replicated from a topic you created right here...still on the first page of this forum.

Why would you do that?