The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Keep reading, the part that deals with the Skins is in this post, I PROMISE!!

I am currently reading a book called Next Man Up: A Year Behind the Lines in Today's NFL written by John Feinstein. Basically what he did was request all access to the Ravens inside workings during the 2004-2005 season (his request was obviously granted) so that he could chronicle the inner workings of a franchise. He covers a lot of sacred ground in the book, including players only meetings, coaches meetings, sideline interactions, the draft room (ESPN wasn't even allowed in there), production meetings, etc etc.

The reason I bring this up is twofold:

1. It is a FANTASTIC read and is a bargain buy at Barnes and Noble. If you are a hardcore football fan and want to know what goes on inside an organization, this is one of the best books I've seen about that topic.

2. Since the book takes place during Steve Bisciotti's first year as Ravens owner and Mike Nolan was still D-Coordinator for the birds, Feinstein often references interactions they had with Daniel Snyder, whom he portrays to be a complete egotistical freak. There are several stories in the book about him and what he did to Mike Nolan during the years he was with us, including one incident which happened after Nolan's defense gave up massive yards and scores (don't remember the game, specifically). Snyder sent Nolan a canister of 31 flavors ice cream with a note that said "I like it like this, not vanilla." A couple of games later, after another especially awful game, Snyder sent 3 more canisters which melted all over Nolan's desk, with another note to the effect of, "I was serious."

There are several more stories in this book about Snyder's behavior towards the media (in essence, he is his own "source close to Dan Snyder, and he simply leaks information in quiet quarters to select members of the media), and how Vinny Cerrato is his fall-guy (he took the blame off of Snyder and onto himself for the Ice Cream Incident, even after the incident was corroborated by Norv Turner, who was asked by Snyder at one point, "Do I have to send you Ice Cream too?")

After reading these stories, I have found myself to be disgusted with Daniel Snyder backhanded tactics in dealing with his staff. It is no wonder that many do not like to work with him.

Hahah. I find that Snyder ice cream story both evil and hilarious at the same time.

If I'd had access, I would have sent ice cream to Nolan, as well. His defenses were pathetic.

riggofan wrote:Hahah. I find that Snyder ice cream story both evil and hilarious at the same time.

Lol exactly. Totally evil, but funny as hell at the same time.

And yeah, I don't have good memories of Nolan, either.

skinsfano28 wrote:Keep reading, the part that deals with the Skins is in this post, I PROMISE!!

I am currently reading a book called Next Man Up: A Year Behind the Lines in Today's NFL written by John Feinstein. Basically what he did was request all access to the Ravens inside workings during the 2004-2005 season (his request was obviously granted) so that he could chronicle the inner workings of a franchise. He covers a lot of sacred ground in the book, including players only meetings, coaches meetings, sideline interactions, the draft room (ESPN wasn't even allowed in there), production meetings, etc etc.

The reason I bring this up is twofold:

1. It is a FANTASTIC read and is a bargain buy at Barnes and Noble. If you are a hardcore football fan and want to know what goes on inside an organization, this is one of the best books I've seen about that topic.

2. Since the book takes place during Steve Bisciotti's first year as Ravens owner and Mike Nolan was still D-Coordinator for the birds, Feinstein often references interactions they had with Daniel Snyder, whom he portrays to be a complete egotistical freak. There are several stories in the book about him and what he did to Mike Nolan during the years he was with us, including one incident which happened after Nolan's defense gave up massive yards and scores (don't remember the game, specifically). Snyder sent Nolan a canister of 31 flavors ice cream with a note that said "I like it like this, not vanilla." A couple of games later, after another especially awful game, Snyder sent 3 more canisters which melted all over Nolan's desk, with another note to the effect of, "I was serious."

There are several more stories in this book about Snyder's behavior towards the media (in essence, he is his own "source close to Dan Snyder, and he simply leaks information in quiet quarters to select members of the media), and how Vinny Cerrato is his fall-guy (he took the blame off of Snyder and onto himself for the Ice Cream Incident, even after the incident was corroborated by Norv Turner, who was asked by Snyder at one point, "Do I have to send you Ice Cream too?")

After reading these stories, I have found myself to be disgusted with Daniel Snyder backhanded tactics in dealing with his staff. It is no wonder that many do not like to work with him.

If true, what an arse! What a childish, petty thing to do. If The Danny wants to coach the team, fine - fire the coaches and do that. Otherwise, shut up and enjoy the food in your owner's box! The Danny is no JKC. That man knew how to run a team. Put good people in charge, and then stand back!

What's this Ice cream stuff?

I must have missed something, as usual.

BnGhog, read through the post and you'll find a story about Snyder sending Mike Nolan ice cream.

I have no doubt the story is true, and Mike Nolan is not vindictive about it in the book, which at least to me furthers his credibility in telling the story.

seems to me like Snyder is a better owner now and has most likely learned from his mistakes - by all accounts it also seems to me that Nolan has not learned from his mistakes I'll put it in a slightly different way - do you think Snyder is a better owner than he was then and do you also think Nolan's a better coach than he was then?

The fact remains that Feinstein's piece is very interesting from some aspects but the information about Snyder is just ancient history. I think we have all seen a big change with both Cerrato and Snyder but that is just not as interesting to the muck rakers.

So what, I don't like Dan Snyder but Nolan was a long time ago and the Danny may have grown some since then. And, the guys defenses sucked. Who cares.