Top GM's

[mastdark81]

I think it is somewhat fair. Scot is respected around the league.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/04/ranking-2016-nfl-general-managers

[DarthMonk]

Feeling pretty good about having a top 10 GM who might be ranked even higher in terms of talent evaluation.

[SkinsJock]

me too DM - Scot has certainly helped turn this franchise around - there's a noticeable change in attitude

nice for Scot to get some recognition

[riggofan]

me too DM - Scot has certainly helped turn this franchise around - there's a noticeable change in attitude

nice for Scot to get some recognition

I think the frustrating part though is to see how much of a positive effect he seems to have had in the short time he has been here. Was it really so hard for Snyder to realize he should hire and empower a smart, football guy for one of the most important off the field positions in the organization? I wonder if he ever actually came around to that or if he just dumb lucked his way into McCloughan by trying to buy his way into replicating the Seahawks' success.

2016 will be a big test for the team. I think most of us agree that the team overachieved to a certain extent last year. Not to take anything away from what they did, but there's no doubt the weak division helped some. If we don't do as well this year, Snyder needs to stick with McCloughan's plan and allow him to continue to build this team up.

[DEHog]

I think the frustrating part though is to see how much of a positive effect he seems to have had in the short time he has been here. Was it really so hard for Snyder to realize he should hire and empower a smart, football guy for one of the most important off the field positions in the organization? I wonder if he ever actually came around to that or if he just dumb lucked his way into McCloughan by trying to buy his way into replicating the Seahawks' success.

That’s an interesting question; I go back to the 2014 season’s end. I already had purchased tickets for the last game against Dallas… Coming off two half-filled stadium home games (I got tickets downstairs for $27 for those games), now listening to 30K Cowboys fans in your stadium chants “Let’s Go Cowboys” it was a surreal moment in FedEx. I remember saying to my son I would love to be in the owner’s box right now to see the expression on his face!!! He had no choice!!

[SkinsJock]

I agree with both of you - Snyder should have done this a long time ago and the absolute mess that was this franchise at the end of 2014 had to have been the last straw - Snyder did not go out and hire the best available GM or even try and 'buy' the GM with the best reputation - Bruce and Dan came up with Scot McCloughan who was not exactly the hottest commodity and his reputation was not exactly un-tarnished ...

I think Scot came in and saw an opportunity despite all the negativity surrounding himself, his wife and this franchise

Scot made it all work ...... after a while he even got Snyder to let his biggest mistake go


we are in for an interesting time because as riggofan alluded to, this franchise benefitted a lot from being in the NFC East and it will be interesting to see how we handle this next season - I look for this FO to add a bunch of new players but it's not like we're going to suddenly become a perennial playoff franchise - it will take a little time and hopefully Snyder let's Scot keep running things here

Scot is a highly regarded GM - if he can continue to improve this franchise there is no way that even stupid Dan Snyder will let him go

[riggofan]

Bruce and Dan came up with Scot McCloughan who was not exactly the hottest commodity and his reputation was not exactly un-tarnished ...

Yeah agreed. Its just a guess, but I think we kind of lucked out that McCloughan was in that situation. Not as likely a guy like him would have come to work for Snyder otherwise IMO.

He seems to be doing great here. Just hoping Snyder can let him continue to do his thing. Kick back, count your money and enjoy watching the team.

[Irn-Bru]

That Snyder landed McCloughan seems to me to have been total blind luck. We were lucky that McCloughan was in a bad place and not sitting at the head of a great organization as his skills and talent warrant. And we were lucky that Snyder's management hit the particular low that it did in Shanny's last year.

Still, Snyder deserves at least some credit for not screwing it up so far. McCloughan even managed to send RG3 packing under Snyder's watch. That's something. And I suspect that Scot's going to have a few years at least to work his plan.

[riggofan]

That Snyder landed McCloughan seems to me to have been total blind luck. We were lucky that McCloughan was in a bad place and not sitting at the head of a great organization as his skills and talent warrant. And we were lucky that Snyder's management hit the particular low that it did in Shanny's last year.

This exactly.

Still, Snyder deserves at least some credit for not screwing it up so far. McCloughan even managed to send RG3 packing under Snyder's watch. That's something. And I suspect that Scot's going to have a few years at least to work his plan.

Man I'm reluctant to give Snyder credit for anything anymore. I really thought he'd learned his lesson when he put Shanahan and Allen in place and gave him too much credit then.

Even if Snyder isn't completely sold on McCloughan's plans, I hope he sees how much good will, patience and respect that guy has brought the team. Its a real opportunity to get this team on the right track finally.

[SkinsJock]

I think that with what Scot's done in the short amount of time, Snyder would look really silly if he got rid of him anytime soon + the better we get the less likely we'll see that happen - Scot seems like he's really establishing himself - I see him only becoming more important here

[riggofan]

I think that with what Scot's done in the short amount of time, Snyder would look really silly if he got rid of him anytime soon + the better we get the less likely we'll see that happen - Scot seems like he's really establishing himself - I see him only becoming more important here

Not so worried about him getting rid of Scot. Just don't want to see him undermining him or getting in the way. It would be great to see McCloughan have another successful year and make that even less likely.

[mastdark81]

I always thought we should have axed Bruce when we hired Scott. Bruce is essentially Snyder's voice. He never have been too keen in evaluating talent and seem to be on the cheaper side of contract negotiating (which is good for the most part but bad sometimes too).

Would like to see Scott get more of his crew in as far as the scouting staff but I'm happy we have him! I think he is a top 5 gm and have a real eye for certain positions.

[riggofan]

I always thought we should have axed Bruce when we hired Scott. Bruce is essentially Snyder's voice. He never have been too keen in evaluating talent and seem to be on the cheaper side of contract negotiating (which is good for the most part but bad sometimes too).

Would like to see Scott get more of his crew in as far as the scouting staff but I'm happy we have him! I think he is a top 5 gm and have a real eye for certain positions.

I think Bruce Allen is in the perfect position with the team now. You're right that he's not a talent evaluator, but he is a good contract and salary cap guy. We should give him credit for getting us out of a lot of bad contract practices since he came here.

He's good in that team President role. Obviously loves the team given his background. Organizes all of the former player day stuff. Decides when they wear gold pants. hah. And whatever your position is on the team name, he's been a strong defender in that battle.

[SkinsJock]

I'm just holding my breath and hoping that people at the top stay the same ...

[Irn-Bru]

I think Bruce Allen is in the perfect position with the team now. You're right that he's not a talent evaluator, but he is a good contract and salary cap guy. We should give him credit for getting us out of a lot of bad contract practices since he came here.

Yes, we haven't had any cap shenanigans since Shanahan was coach. The clean house we've kept since then is what's letting us build a team now without additional drama.

He's good in that team President role. Obviously loves the team given his background. Organizes all of the former player day stuff. Decides when they wear gold pants. hah. And whatever your position is on the team name, he's been a strong defender in that battle.

Yes to all that. He also does a good job appearing in public and representing the team, keeping Snyder's face off camera. He handles the endless blah-blah about the team name very well. He's basically a politician, which is what you need at that position for a DC football team named the Redskins.

[DEHog]

Winning off the field

[Countertrey]

Winning off the field

Did we just win the off season again?

[Irn-Bru]

I'm kinda worried that we did . . .

[Countertrey]

I'm kinda worried that we did . . .

You do wonder... otoh, I have a feeling that this year, it carries over.

[SkinsJock]

I'm kinda worried that we did . . .

You do wonder... otoh, I have a feeling that this year, it carries over.

there's a big difference between adding great players that don't fit (or will not play hard) and adding good players that make your team better

[Irn-Bru]

I'm kinda worried that we did . . .

You do wonder... otoh, I have a feeling that this year, it carries over.

there's a big difference between adding great players that don't fit (or will not play hard) and adding good players that make your team better

Well, I hope Scot is right. After sleeping on it, I've still got a bad feeling about this signing. Like DEHog said, this one feels like a Snyder move.

[SkinsJock]

if Snyder is involved at all we're really screwed and it does not matter

Snyder helps! He let's these guys run the franchise and make the decisions - he supports them - THAT IS ALL

[riggofan]

You guys are suffering from battered wives syndrome.

[Irn-Bru]

You guys are suffering from battered wives syndrome.

I won't deny it!

[DEHog]

You guys are suffering from battered wives syndrome.

Ha…no doubt I filched when I heard we signed him!! I’m just from the school of thought that you build your front seven (i.e. like Carolina and Seattle have done) and it makes your corners look much better . Hopefully we got a good one in Norman!