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

What is the best way to build a winning franchise? The Patriots, Colts, Steelers, Eagles and Packers have the best records for the 2000's decade. If they miss the play-offs one year they bounce back the next.

What do these franchises have in common that keeps them winning year after year?
1. A strong FO - they always have a plan - long range and short range. They stress continuity.
2. They grown their own players - Almost all of their starters for 2010 were either drafted by them or were UDFAs. Indy only had one starter drafted by another team (Justin Tryon). Packers had 4, Pats- 3, and Steelers 3. Eagles had 5. They are not big players in the free agent market - they concentrate on signing their own. Once again, Philly is a bit different. Perhaps this is why they have not won a Super Bowl like the others and are not perceived as a top Franchise like the others.
3. Excellent Coaching Staff ( not just the the HC but the Coordinators as well)
4. Try to avoid overpaying players that aren't key to the team's success - they know when to let players move on.
5. Top 10 Talent at Key positions especially QB.

Look at the Redskins Front Office concernng the draft and free agency.
1. Our FO has a plan both short run and long run and they are stressing continuity. Put us in great position for free agency. Did a lot with so little for the draft.
2. It looks like we are in the beginning stages of growing our own players.
3. Coaching Staff? Leaving my bias out - we have something to prove here
4. We aren't overpaying players - We didn't chase after the big name players with money. We have learned to use free agency to fill needs. We allowed our free agents to test the market so we pay market value.
5. We lack top 10 talent at key positions especially QB - but there is next years draft.

Despite fans wishes to make the big splash in free agency, the Redskins have stuck with the plan to be a winner throughout the next decade. Shanny says 3-4 years. This is just year 2 of the Mike and Bruce Show.

Now let's tackle the MTYH of talent - having the best players at each position.

I have heard a lot of arguments on this site that the best talent is needed to win. That is not the case. The top decade teams don't necessarily draft the most talented guys at their positions. They target guys that fit their scheme and can be coached - they often produce the most talented at their positions. I looked at the starters of the 2010 versions of these teams and I found no more 1st round and 2nd round talent than the other teams. The difference in the starters on these teams is almost all of them are home grown, fit the scheme and are well coached. The Skins actually led the way with 12 former 1st rounders as starters. Pittsburgh - 9, GB - 7, Colts and Eagles - 6, NE-5.
Eagles and Redskins led the way with 7 UDFA starters. NE - 6, Colts - 6, GB-4, Pit - 4.

Translate all of that to Pro Bowl player for 2010:
Atl - 9 (Tops in the NFL), NE- 8 (2nd in NFL), GB-6 (tied for 3rd with KC and Dallas), Colts-5, Eagles-5 (NYG and NO had 5), Steelers-4 (6 other teams had 4) and Redskins - 3 (one less than the Steelers). Even though the Steelers had the most first round talent of the top decade teams, they had the fewest Pro Bowlers and still went to the Super Bowl.
Cowboys were tied for third with 6 Pro Bowlers yet finished with a 6-10 record and split with the Redskins. It ain't all about talent.


Below is a breakdown of starters by rounds they were drafted. There may be more than 22 starters because the injury replacement player was included. Also, UDFA may or may not have been home grown.
Along with the top five decade teams, I included the 2010 New Orleans Saints and the 2010 Redskins just to have as a comparison. Included the 1991 Redskins for comparison. The 1982 Redskin team was an anamoly with only 8 players in the top 3 rounds compared to the 1982 Dolphins with 14 which around what all of other sample teams have (I did not include the 1982 Dolphins as a sample team but include the link)
Why didn't the Redskin dynasty last into the 90s?

2010 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers
Decade Record: 105-71
Starters on Roster By Round
1 RD - 7
2 RD - 5
3 RD - 1
4 RD - 1
5 RD - 2
6 RD - 2
7 RD - 3
UDFA - 4

4 draftees drafted by other teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

2010 AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 115-60-1
RD
1 -- 9
2 -- 2
3 -- 3
4 -- 3
5 -- 1
6 -- 1
7 -- 2
UDFA - 3

3 draftees drafted by other teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

2010 New England Patriots
Record: 126-50
RD
1 -- 5
2 -- 5
3 -- 1
4 -- 2
5 -- 2
6 -- 1
7 -- 1
UDFA - 6
3 draftees drafted by other teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

2010 Indianaplis Colts
Record: 125-51
RD
1 -- 6
2 -- 4
3 -- 2
4 -- 5
5 -- 2
6 -- 3
7 -- 1
UDFA - 6
1 draftee drafted by another team

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

2010 New Orleans Saints
Record: 94-82
RD
1 -- 7
2 -- 5
3 -- 3
4 -- 3
5 -- 2
6 -- 0
7 -- 3
UDFA - 3
9 draftees drafted by other teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

2010 Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 113-62-1
RD
1 -- 6
2 -- 5
3 -- 2
4 -- 5
5 -- 3
6 -- 0
7 -- 2
UDFA- 7
5 draftees drafted by other teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

2010 Washington Redskins
Record: 76-100
RD
1 -- 12
2 -- 3
3 -- 2
4 -- 1
5 -- 1
6 -- 3
7 -- 0
UDFA - 7

12 draftees drafted by other teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

1991 Super Bowl Champion Washington Redskins
RD
1 -- 5
2 -- 5
3 -- 2
4 -- 1
5 -- 0
6 -- 2
7 -- 0
8 -- 0
9 -- 1
10 -- 4
11 -- 1
12 -- 1
UDFA - 3

11 draftees drafted by other teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

1982 Super Bowl Champion Washington Redskins
RD
1 -- 4
2 -- 3
3 -- 1
4 -- 4
5 -- 1
6 -- 2
7 -- 2
8 -- 1
9 -- 0
10-- 0
11-- 1
12 -- 0
UDFA - 7

7 draftees drafted byother teams

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

1982 Dolphin's link:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/t ... roster.htm

Pro Bowl selections for 2010 by team:

AFC Team Selections NFC Team Selections
New England Patriots 8 Atlanta Falcons 9
Kansas City Chiefs 6 Dallas Cowboys 6
Baltimore Ravens 5 Green Bay Packers 6
Indianapolis Colts 5 New Orleans Saints 5
Miami Dolphins 4 New York Giants 5
Oakland Raiders 4 Philadelphia Eagles 5
Pittsburgh Steelers 4 Chicago Bears 4
San Diego Chargers 4 Minnesota Vikings 4
Tennessee Titans 4 Arizona Cardinals 3
Houston Texans 3 Carolina Panthers 3
Jacksonville Jaguars 3 Washington Redskins 3
New York Jets 3 Detroit Lions 2
Cleveland Browns 2 San Francisco 49ers 2
Denver Broncos 2 St. Louis Rams 1
Buffalo Bills 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1
Cincinnati Bengals 0 Seattle Seahawks 0

It's really fairly easy - we do not need to do anything like any other franchise - just because what worked for them does NOT mean it will work here

WE JUST NEED TO STOP DOING WHAT WE WERE DOING

AND

GIVE THIS FO TIME TO FINISH WHAT THEY'VE STARTED



like the ad says - "that was easy"

although it is fun for some to over analyse EVERYTHING

Yeah, I am not expecting much of an improvement over last season, but I do think the FO is building a younger team with a long term philosophy.

They might win 6 games again, but they're going to come out of it with some long lasting role players (Hankerson, Jenkins?) and hopefully a star or two (Kerrigan, Williams)

Once next season comes I think we'll be poised to add a few more role guys, put together a nice draft and add a QB to be playoff contenders.

Skinsfan55 wrote:Yeah, I am not expecting much of an improvement over last season, but I do think the FO is building a younger team with a long term philosophy.

They might win 6 games again, but they're going to come out of it with some long lasting role players (Hankerson, Jenkins?) and hopefully a star or two (Kerrigan, Williams)

Once next season comes I think we'll be poised to add a few more role guys, put together a nice draft and add a QB to be playoff contenders.

I think we'll do better then 6. 7. Maybe even 8. But I think it's more important that we develop and start to establish some of the young players. Even if somehow we lucked into the playoffs we're not going to go anywhere. Better to build and improve this year.

SkinsJock wrote:

It's really fairly easy - we do not need to do anything like any other franchise - just because what worked for them does NOT mean it will work here

I am glad that Shanny does not agree with what you are saying here, SkinsJock. Guess what two teams Shanny visited during his year away from Football? Pats and Steelers? Why? This is a copy cat league. The model of the Pats, Colts and Steelers has continued through QB changes, Coaching changes and player changes, but the formula has stayed the same - Have A Plan and Grow your Own. Let me add another - No Drama within the team and FO- Philly continues to wrap itself in drama. Philly had constant drama with McNabb and it seemed to follow him here.
The Top 5 team records of the decade - 1.NE 2. Indy 3. Pit 4. Philly and 5. GB - only Philly has not won a SB even though they have followed the model.

WE JUST NEED TO STOP DOING WHAT WE WERE DOING

AND

GIVE THIS FO TIME TO FINISH WHAT THEY'VE STARTED

We have stopped what we were doing. The draft and free agency startegy proved that. Shanny will get his time to finish. It may not look like the model now, but it will. *Growiing our own talent - Starting next year. *Free agency-- Not for overpriced players making much more than others - it will be for filling holes - Started both counts. *Only over the market priced vets to be signed in FA are key personnel ie. Colts signing Veneteri. - No over the market price signings as of yet for us. *Let talent go that is disruptive to the team and wants more money i.e. Carlos Rogers. - Started. *We will re-sign our talent - Moss and Brown - Started. *Our identity will be work ethic guys working toward the goal of winning - Started. *No Drama - Haynesworth and McNabb - gone - Started. *Franchise QB - Looking. *Strong FO - Started. You might not recognize it, but this is the model. What you see Philly doing is breaking ranks from the model. Even if they do win this year, they may have mortgaged the future. That is a gamble that a coach on the last year of his contract will take. This is not the sign of a strong FO.

like the ad says - "that was easy"

although it is fun for some to over analyse EVERYTHING

Yeah, it sounds so easy and it should be and when the Skins improve this year and contend for a play-off next year, we will see just how easy it is when the model is followed, but my question, why is it taking so long for other frranchises to learn what 4 out of our top 5 best record of the decade teams have learned.

Up and coming:

Baltimore - may be a Franchise QB away - solid FO

Can they sustain it?:

Atlanta - They have the QB
Giants - Were on the cusp, but seem to be faltering

Couldn't sustain it (Had a SB appearance in the 2000's)

Titans, Seahawks, Bears, Panthers, Bucs, Rams, Raiders and Cardinals

im with others up here i like what they are starting to do with this front office as compared to the past. i hope it continues and patience is the key for the organization and fans .
we are getting closer now with the moves they made this year thru the draft and free agency and if they stay the course we will se consistency on the field too.

first off - I do NOT ascribe to "it's a copy cat league" - these guys learn from the mistakes of other franchises, MORE THAN what worked elsewhere

I think that Mike's 'visits' and 'information gathered' from other franchises is ONLY important as to what he can gain from that as it applies to our franchise and not so much as to what "works" for them

I'm looking forward to this FO & this coaching staff producing on the field with our guys - NOT what they could do with another teams guys

we need to add some pieces but we also are trying to overcome years of BAD management by dumb & dumber



it will take time - we all are just fans and are not very patient



this FO is getting this franchise back together again - I'm looking forward to this season

SkinsJock wrote:

first off - I do NOT ascribe to "it's a copy cat league" - these guys learn from the mistakes of other franchises, MORE THAN what worked elsewhere

Point noted, but when a team wins a Super Bowl especially multiple ones.. Other teams often show up with the same kind of offense or defense. 49ers - West Coast Offense is an example. Other teams - Let's hire a coach from Bill Walsh and get our own WC offense. Is that copy catting? Depends on how you define it. I define it that way. Why did Shanny switch to the 3-4, I believe that it was as a result of his visits with Pitsburgh and NE. Copy Cat.

I think that Mike's 'visits' and 'information gathered' from other franchises is ONLY important as to what he can gain from that as it applies to our franchise and not so much as to what "works" for them

What works for "them" is growing your own talent and that applies to everyone if they can stay away from throwing money at the big stars. When Shanny was with Denver, at one point 3/4 of his D line was from Cleveland and none of them panned out. Watch him now. Seeking young second tier FAs and virtually standing pat with his O line so they can grow and jell together. These young guys will now develop under Shanny's system and they should be here for awhile. He is also signing his own guys back, at least the ones that fit his work ethic AND were key like Moss who isn't old but is certainly key.

I'm looking forward to this FO & this coaching staff producing on the field with our guys - NOT what they could do with another teams guys

This statement seems to tell me that you are misinterpreting what I said. (My bad for not being more precise) We need to grow our own and not deviate like Philly is doing this year. That is one of the two main ingredients. The other is a strong FO with a plan that they stick to. I think we are in agreement here.

we need to add some pieces but we also are trying to overcome years of BAD management by dumb & dumber

And we will watch the process get even better next draft and next free agent period - of course with free agency first, it will be better.

it will take time - we all are just fans and are not very patient

this FO is getting this franchise back together again - I'm looking forward to this season

Yes, it will take time, but you and I and others on this site will not be shocked if the Skins do better than expected this year.

Remember as George Allen said as the Skins were about to face Dallas for the NFC Championship, "Forty guystogether can't lose!" Shanny is preaching to his players - 53 strong work ethic guys whose goal is to win will win. It's still a team game.

no worries - we're 'together' on the FO and progress so far

I will add that the lockout and the time lost really affected a lot of the decision making and that has contributed to these guys sticking with some players and not being able to fully check out some prospects


all I'm looking for this season is more progress and I think that we'll be a lot happier with the status of our franchise as these guys (both players and coaches) develop together


I am totally in favor of developing our own players

SkinsJock wrote:I will add that the lockout and the time lost really affected a lot of the decision making and that has contributed to these guys sticking with some players and not being able to fully check out some prospects

Love to have a do over and had free agency before the draft. I think we would have seen a different approach from Mike. He could have been more willinging to spend on some free agents because they would have been worth the investment given the time to learn the system. What would have been interesting to know is would Mike have gone after a vet QB to get us through this season. We will never know.

The beauty will be, after our surprisingly good performance this year, is the off-season next year. It should be a more meticulous pick the pieces - more quality than quantity.

Red_One43 wrote:What would have been interesting to know is would Mike have gone after a vet QB to get us through this season. We will never know

You make good points in other areas, but on this one I think we do know. He wasn't enamored with what he could get either in the draft or in free agency for what it costs and compared to what we have. I don't see how reversing the order would change that.

KazooSkinsFan wrote:

Red_One43 wrote:What would have been interesting to know is would Mike have gone after a vet QB to get us through this season. We will never know

You make good points in other areas, but on this one I think we do know. He wasn't enamored with what he could get either in the draft or in free agency for what it costs and compared to what we have. I don't see how reversing the order would change that.

I think that you are right. Shanny needs to know what Beck can do it and this is the year to find out. Most likely he was committed to this regardlesss of the lockout. My comment above is a classic case of wanting to find Shanny an excuse for what seems like for us a risky venture going into the season with Beck and Grossman as the leading candidates to start. Fact is Shanny knows what he is doing and he does have this year to tinker with to find out what he has and what he still needs to build that foundation.

Easy said than done .

This article is abbout the difference in the way the Colts were build vs. the Saints. With no disrespect to the Super Bowl winners for Super Bowl XLIV, I am focusing on the Colts because the have the second best regular season record of the decade. There is an interesting fact concerning the Patriots ( the number 1 team regular season record) in this article.

Colts, Saints took different routes to building Super Bowl rostersBy Steve Wyche NFL.com

The Colts are the standard bearers in drafting players and finding those who have been overlooked to fit their schemes. They develop players who aren't ready, and they don't use free agency or trades to significantly alter their roster. And even though there was a change at head coach from Tony Dungy to Jim Caldwell, just about everything has stayed the same for a franchise that has spoiled itself with success.


That path has led to this heading into Super Bowl XLIV: Of the Colts' 22 starting position players, all but nine were drafted by the team. Of those nine, seven were signed as undrafted rookies or picked up on waivers after other teams signed them as undrafted rookies and quickly released them. Only defensive tackles Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir played for other teams, the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, respectively, before signing with the Colts as free agents.

The Colts' biggest free-agent signing the past few years? Kicker Adam Vinatieri, who, because of injuries this season, is backing up street free-agent signee Matt Stover.

Led by team president Bill Polian, Chris' father, the Colts' staff has a tried and true formula that has bred constant success.

"With our continuity, everybody understands what our philosophy is and how the roster is going to be built," Chris Polian said. "We know what the limitations are and what the strengths and weaknesses are in terms of building rosters. Everybody -- including the players -- is accepting of that and takes responsibility of getting guys going, getting guys indoctrinated in our ways and how we do things to be productive NFL players."

Although the Colts have been strong in finding undrafted talent and selection well in the later rounds -- safety Antoine Bethea (sixth) and wide receiver Pierre Garcon (sixth), for example -- their star players, the guys who hold others to a high standard, are the first-round draft picks who have delivered to expectations.

Everything starts with quarterback Peyton Manning, the first overall pick in 1998. The majority of the other top offensive skill-position players -- running back Joseph Addai, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark -- were first-rounders. Defensive end Dwight Freeney is the only first-round starter on defense, hence the tilted balance of the Colts' strength toward offense.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas is one of 36 undrafted players from the two Super Bowl teams.

Most undrafted players combined in Super Bowl (since 1980)

Game Team (No.) Team (No.) Total
SB XLIV Colts (19) Saints (17) 36
SB XXXIX Eagles (17) Patriots (14) 31
SB XXXVI Rams (15) Patriots (15) 30
SB XLIII Steelers (16) Cardinals (13) 29
SB XLII Patriots (15) Giants (14) 29

The Saints' recent first-round picks, Bush, wide receiver Robert Meachem, Ellis and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, have shown flashes, but all are still evolving and none has consistently started, although all but Jenkins are huge parts of the rotation

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/0900 ... wl-rosters

CHART OF THE DAY: How The Draft Created The NFL's Final FourCork Gaines

In the NFL, there may be no more exciting day than the first day of the NFL Draft. That is the day that dreams are made and every team has hope. But how much does the draft influence the rosters of the best teams in the league?

If we look at the four teams that are still alive on the road to the Super Bowl Game-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, we see that 49.5% of the 212 active players were acquired through the draft. Of the remaining players, 27.8% were never drafted, and 22.6% were drafted by other teams and acquired through trade or free agency.

And if we look at the rosters of the four remaining teams (below), we see some stark differences in how those teams were built.

The Steelers are the most home-grown team, with 57% of their players acquired through the draft. (Packers 53%, Bears 51%) The Jets have the fewest active players that came via the draft (36%).

If we look at the scrap-heap players, we see that the Jets have the most players that were never drafted (36%) and the Bears have the fewest number of players that never heard their name called on draft day (17%).
(Packers 34%, Steelers 24%)

(Drafted by other teams - Packers 13%, Steelers 19%, Jets 26%, Bears 32%)

Both the Packers and the Steelers have the least amount of players drafted by other teams and they both are in the top 5 teams with the best regular season records of the decade. The Bears and Jets are in the top 20 teams of the decade.


http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of ... aft-2011-1

The Steelers Approach to Free Agency

Steelers approach free agency. That is, don't overpay for big name guys past their physical primes, and instead find underutilized guys coming off their rookie contract that are inexpensive and versatile

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... eyaron-fox

Red_One43 wrote:CHART OF THE DAY: How The Draft Created The NFL's Final FourCork Gaines

In the NFL, there may be no more exciting day than the first day of the NFL Draft. That is the day that dreams are made and every team has hope. But how much does the draft influence the rosters of the best teams in the league?

If we look at the four teams that are still alive on the road to the Super Bowl Game-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, we see that 49.5% of the 212 active players were acquired through the draft. Of the remaining players, 27.8% were never drafted, and 22.6% were drafted by other teams and acquired through trade or free agency.

And if we look at the rosters of the four remaining teams (below), we see some stark differences in how those teams were built.

The Steelers are the most home-grown team, with 57% of their players acquired through the draft. (Packers 53%, Bears 51%) The Jets have the fewest active players that came via the draft (36%).

If we look at the scrap-heap players, we see that the Jets have the most players that were never drafted (36%) and the Bears have the fewest number of players that never heard their name called on draft day (17%).
(Packers 34%, Steelers 24%)

(Drafted by other teams - Packers 13%, Steelers 19%, Jets 26%, Bears 32%)

Both the Packers and the Steelers have the least amount of players drafted by other teams and they both are in the top teams with the best regular season records of the decade. The Bears and Jets are in the top 20 teams of the decade.
http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of ... aft-2011-1

There are only 32 teams. Top 20 includes several that are below average.

yupchagee wrote:

Red_One43 wrote:CHART OF THE DAY: How The Draft Created The NFL's Final FourCork Gaines

In the NFL, there may be no more exciting day than the first day of the NFL Draft. That is the day that dreams are made and every team has hope. But how much does the draft influence the rosters of the best teams in the league?

If we look at the four teams that are still alive on the road to the Super Bowl Game-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, we see that 49.5% of the 212 active players were acquired through the draft. Of the remaining players, 27.8% were never drafted, and 22.6% were drafted by other teams and acquired through trade or free agency.

And if we look at the rosters of the four remaining teams (below), we see some stark differences in how those teams were built.

The Steelers are the most home-grown team, with 57% of their players acquired through the draft. (Packers 53%, Bears 51%) The Jets have the fewest active players that came via the draft (36%).

If we look at the scrap-heap players, we see that the Jets have the most players that were never drafted (36%) and the Bears have the fewest number of players that never heard their name called on draft day (17%).
(Packers 34%, Steelers 24%)

(Drafted by other teams - Packers 13%, Steelers 19%, Jets 26%, Bears 32%)

Both the Packers and the Steelers have the least amount of players drafted by other teams and they both are in the top 5 teams with the best regular season records of the decade. The Bears and Jets are in the top 20 teams of the decade.
http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of ... aft-2011-1

There are only 32 teams. Top 20 includes several that are below average.

True, I left out "5" in top 5 for the Packers and Steelers. I corrected that. Thanks. The the point that I am making is, the Packers and Steelers way of doing business - large percentage of their guys are either drafted by them or are undrafted guys that they developed - is proving to be the best way of having long term success. The Patriots, Colts and Eagles, also top 5 teams, do the same (Although the Eagles deviated from this this year). While the Jets and Bears have seen success during the decade of the 2000's, they have not been consistent, thus they are only top 20 and at the bottom of that.

NOTE* This link does not include 2010 results.
http://www.aolnews.com/2010/01/07/nfl-s ... best-lion/

For the 2011 Free Agency Period, the Colts, Pats and Eagles are going against their history and signing multiple vet free agents from other teams.

Green Bay and the Steelers are staying the course.

Let's see, Green Bay and the Steelers were in the Super Bowl last year and Pittsburgh last won in 2009.

The Pats won since 2005
Colts haven't won since 2007
Eagles haven't won ever and haven't been since 2005

Looks like the other three Top 5 decade teams are getting a little impatient.

We are just trying to get back to the play-offs and these guys are just trying to get back to the Super Bowl. Now, that's how standards!

Pats

Chad Ochocincio
Albert Haynesworth
Shaun Ellis
Andre Carter.

Colts

Jamaal Anderson
Tommie Harris
Ernie Sims

Eagles

too many to name

I totally agree that there are a number of franchises that have recently established themselves as VERY viable candidates to be considered as Super Bowl participants each and every year and staying in that category is a lot easier than it is for the 18 - 20 franchises that have little hope of CONSISTENTLY putting a consistently competitive product on the field

This off season's activities have been VERY different because of the lockout - I am sure these top franchises will just go back to what works for them as soon as things settle down again - those "formulas for success" will vary a little from franchise to franchise but they all will "work" because the FO's are managed by NFL people who understand that in order to have a consistently good 'team' on the field they need a good team in the FO


We are rebuilding this franchise and I hope that Snyder let's these guys continue down that path

I know that football fans and management can be very impatient - these guys have a plan and unfortunately (for some here) that will take time

I have a lot of confidence that the plan that this FO is taking on will work because the guys in charge here know what they are doing


some here are like Snyder and just want to win a Super Bowl - this FO, IMO, will rebuild this franchise and give us a 'team' that might not win a Super Bowl but will be consistently competitive each and every week

I would prefer a franchise like that than what we have had here since Snyder took over

that will be their 'plan' and will most likely be a compilation of what works everywhere else



I'm planning on being patient and letting this FO find a way to get things running well here - it will take a while

SkinsJock wrote:This off season's activities have been VERY different because of the lockout - I am sure these top franchises will just go back to what works for them as soon as things settle down again - those "formulas for success" will vary a little from franchise to franchise but they all will "work" because the FO's are managed by NFL people who understand that in order to have a consistently good 'team' on the field they need a good team in the FO

Good point. I didn't consider that as one of the possible reasons that they deviated from the "formula."

No worries - I just think that it's worth noting because essentially the coaches did not get the chance to evaluate some players that they might have with a 'normal' off season

coaches are normally going to favor the players they know and this would be especially true of the 'better' teams

what the Patriots are doing this year is a little strange for them but I'm sure they will go back to their 'normal' strategy

The Eagles on the other hand are not IMO a really good or V successful franchise and they are basically going "all in" in the hopes of this working for them - I think the moves will help but I do not think they paid as much attention to the positions that they needed to upgrade as just getting players who were highly rated - a la Cerrato/Snyder

we could see 2 new coaches in the NFC East at the end of this season iof the Giants and Eagles do not perform up to expectations - especially the Eagles


I think the lockout favors the better franchises because they will have better continuity with the lack of practice & OTAs

it all starts pretty soon

Packers,Steeler's D's Will Inspire Imitators
D's will inspire imitatorsTeams thriving with 2-4-5 schemes, though each has subtle differences

On the surface, the Packers and Steelers have similar defenses: dangerous linebackers, crazy personnel groupings, all-angles blitzes.

Scratch the surface, and you find that they are still pretty similar.

Dick LeBeau and Dom Capers designed the basic scheme both teams use when they coached together for the 1990s Steelers. Both refined the system at other coaching stops, though LeBeau’s Steelers and Capers’ Packers still do many of the same things. Both coaches also took note of the other’s innovations and integrated them into their own defenses

.


http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/41378216/ ... _bowl_xlv/

Haslett's Skins D is modeled after his Pittsburgh D. Of course, he has his own tastes added to it to make it his own.

During the season he spent out of football, Haslett spent time with Shanahan. The two men studied film together in Denver. They discussed the principles and details of the 3-4 defense. Their time together turned into an unintentional job interview. And the more it went on, the more Shanahan knew he had the man he wanted to lead his defense.

What Haslett demonstrated last season is what has been on display this summer. He has instilled his aggressive attitude into the Redskins. Haslett also has personally looked out for Haynesworth and tried to prevent the organization from losing him mentally.

But it's not just what Haslett -- the former Saints and Rams head coach -- can do. It's also the personnel he has.

Washington's linebackers are as good, if not better than, the unit that Haslett fielded in Pittsburgh from 1997 to 1999, when he was the Steelers' defensive coordinator. His linebackers were Jason Gildon, Levon Kirkland, Earl Holmes and Greg Lloyd.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingc ... id=5450534

+1

I really think the D will be a lot better off this season after last year's 'experience'

we have also added some key 'ingredients'