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

I think it's very important that we all accept the fact that Joe Gibbs is taking over a 5-11 team.

As someone who witnessed his first term, I am realistic about what the future holds for the Redskins. Most people know that Gibbs went 0-5 in his first five games, and then it turned around. As Gibbs has said, when he was 0-5 he had to regroup and adjust his planning. Obviously, it worked. Therefore, with so many people saying that the NFL is different now than when he first coached, Gibbs will again find the need to adjust. Those that say he can't adjust to the "new" NFL are either fooling themselves or just wishing that to be the case. As a fan, and especially as Redskins fans, we have to be patient for the results that are undoubtedly coming. I know I won't, but people can NOT give up hope if we have a sub-.500 season.

I would hate to think that if the Redskins have a sub-.500 season, people would start saying "I told you so" etc... It will be o.k. for the media to say such things, but as Redskins fans we can not question his abilities based on an initial season of below .500 football. I see a lot of comments in the forum about how we're going to "whoop up" on the Cowpukes or stuff like that. That's fine to talk like that, but in reality, we have to be realistic.

I think Joe Gibbs himself is realistic about our chances, but he wouldn't take this job if he wasn't confident he could turn this club around. I guess I'm kind of rambling, but what I really wanna say is that if we go 0-5 we have to be patient. Let the media say what they want. But, WE know that Gibbs will flourish. If he starts out 0-5 again, he'll be able to adapt and move on. I have no doubt that Joe Gibbs will be able to adjust to the new NFL as he goes along. If he's 0-10 and we're getting blown out, we have to BE PATIENT.

Having said that, the fact that Gibbs is taking over a team that is not short on talent, I am confident that we have a good chance at a winning season. If we do not have a winning season, I will not be pushing the panic button. Joe Gibbs is a legend!!

Just my thoughts for the day.

Just turnaround and hand it to Portis. Having him on the team is worth an additional 3 to 4 wins each season. I would be very surprised if the Redskins weren't playing some meaningful games in December this season.

I want to win NOW!!!!!

Sorry, I feel better now and will try not to let that happen again.

yes i,m there too jpfair.this teams attitude will be the biggest change along with the direction our coach will lead them into.i do remember that slow start and the rest is history.come christmas time this team will be playing some hard football.talking about not being really patient thats something i,m still trying to teach myself. and the games in december will be meaningful.

i,m just glad he,s back where he truly belongs in burgundy and gold.

Yeah, I know, Rome wasn't built in a day, and I will be behind the Skins after this season the same as I have been the last 35 years, but I can't help but feel giddy and impatient. That's what Gibbs coming back and 12 years of mediocre teams will do for ya.

Points are all well taken tho brothers.

Therefore, with so many people saying that the NFL is different now than when he first coached, Gibbs will again find the need to adjust. Those that say he can't adjust to the "new" NFL are either fooling themselves or just wishing that to be the case

In addition to that many people are forgetting who Gibbs has in his corner to help him adjust to today's NFL--Greg Williams...Greg Williams will help Gibbs in the sense of helping Gibbs form gameplans around the defenses of the league today--seeing how Williams always has a top 5 defense..Transition?? Adjusting?? Don't think that'll be too much of a concern

Hey, we lost 6 games last season by a touchdown or less. That will flat out not happen to a Joe Gibbs coached team. We will go 11-5 or better this year. You heard it here first.

Echoing JSPB22's comment, when you look at the talent on the team, and the fact that we did lose the close games, you have to attribute it to a lack of coaching and a lack of heart. I have no doubt that Joe Gibbs is so vastly superior to the previous "coach" that we've had for the last two seasons, and has the ability to infuse a burning desire to win into the players, that we will have a marked improvement, likely this season. Will we be a playoff team? I don't know, but I will be happy if in the year RG (Return of Gibbs), we see a team that actually looks upset if they lose, and one that actually plays to win, not play to not lose.

Good points, all. As much as I want and hope we win immediately. Patience is key this year. I think we have a strong chance to play meaningful games in December; however, I sure as hell won't be booing if it doesn't happen. Gibbs will make it work, hopefully sooner rather than later but I'm not going to build myself up for another setback like the past 12 years! I'm going to see how training camp/preseason progress' (hopefully with a losing record in the preseason - that's when Gibbs does best in the regular season ...Check the history - in other words, he won't show his cards until the real season begins). Anyways, he will make it work and we will win again whether it's this (hopefully!!) or next year.

Redskins1974 wrote:I'm not going to build myself up for another setback like the past 12 years!

The common denominator of those past 12 years? No Joe Gibbs!

JSPB22 wrote:

Redskins1974 wrote:I'm not going to build myself up for another setback like the past 12 years!

The common denominator of those past 12 years? No Joe Gibbs!

I totally realize that - I grew up watching the man and have nothing but faith in the guy. I saw my first game his first year as coach. However, patience is key. We're in a very tough division now; therefore, if it does take a season to adjust, be patient. He'll make it work.

I just don't see anything that stands in our way to keep us from having a great season. The only thing that could stop us would be massive injuries. And I say massive, because we seem to be pretty deep at most positions except DL and CB. But I'm pretty confident in the coaching staff's ability to scheme around injuries, and play up to the strengths of the players on the field.

JSPB22 wrote:I just don't see anything that stands in our way to keep us from having a great season. The only thing that could stop us would be massive injuries. And I say massive, because we seem to be pretty deep at most positions except DL and CB. But I'm pretty confident in the coaching staff's ability to scheme around injuries, and play up to the strengths of the players on the field.

I hear you - I'm just being cautiously optimistic out of the gates. He'll definitely make it work.

JPFair wrote:I think it's very important that we all accept the fact that Joe Gibbs is taking over a 5-11 team.

I'd say 8-8 is definately a possible goal for them this year. And if they can do that, that's fine for them for year one.

I was listening to an interview of Tom Coughlin talking about how important it is in the NFL to be able to rotate your defensive linemen in and out to keep them fresh, something that is done by all 32 teams.

I thought about the Skins and I realized not only do they have probably somewhere between the 28th-32nd ranked defensive line in terms of starting talent, they also have zero depth. Zero. And that's not counting any inevitable injuries. What *if* Brandon Noble cannot play? What happens if/when a starter goes down? (very common in the NFL on the defensive line).

If you cannot stop the run, you will not win, period. With that said, taking everything into account, all their other players at other positions, I think they can make it to 8-8 this year which would be a nice season for them.

i agree. 8-8.

The defensive line is the Redskins only section that is actually worse than average. In addition, Williams (a great defensive coach) is going to be able to use Taylor and a strong linebacking corps to contain the run.

I think the skins defense might be ranked between 10-20th this year, but the offense much better. If you always lose when you cant stop the run then shouldnt you always win if your opponents can't stop YOU from running? We have Portis now and Bugel coaching the OL. I'm realistically looking for a 9-7 or 10-6 year in 04, then better next year. Go Gibbs!

Skins04-BackToWinning wrote:If you always lose when you cant stop the run then shouldnt you always win if your opponents can't stop YOU from running?

Good defenses can stop the run. Some people are in fantasy land thinking they're gonna impose their will with the running games for 16 games next season.

Got news for you, it aint gonna be that easy. There's gonna be games where the Redskins won't be able to stop an opponent's running attack because of their weak defensive line and not be able to run it either because of that opponent's strong defensive front. They'll lose those games.

I think week one is a very interesting game by the way. That is going to be a really tough game for the Redskins.

But through it all, they are certainly are in a much better position than they were, say, last December under Steve Spurrier.

I see no reason why the Redskins can't become a professional, competitive team with a very plausible shot at winning 8 games.

I just wanted to re-post this thread that I wrote on July 26th.

Very interesting, JP! I'm still in the same mindset as your original posting. Patience is definitely key no matter what happens this season. Thanks for re-hashing this one!

Tried to read the post, didn't have patience.

I like the thread. I feel the crowd came around since Monday...

I agree with most, -except- when you spea about a weak DL. These guys were maligned by several of us -prior- to the start of the season. While thay may not be super-stars, I am convinced they have done the job just fine so far.

Several people speak about bringing this or that additional player, free agent or the draft. I, for one, disagree at this stage of the season. How about some good -stability-. How about putting the best strategy and plan for the players that we have, not the ones we -might- get some day?

I like our DL. They are minding the trench just great and I am cheering for them every game.

JSPB22 wrote:Hey, we lost 6 games last season by a touchdown or less. That will flat out not happen to a Joe Gibbs coached team.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't we already lost for games by 7 or fewer points? It took us until late in the season to do that amazing feat last year, but then again, we had a QB that could stretch the field.

This thread is about p.a.t.i.e.n.c.e

We need to s l o w down and let it happen!

We are not going to get there this week!

We are establishing the foundation for our future.

That's my man Jock talkin', people. Listen up, because he's been around a while.
So we're not an instant Dynasty. Was anybody, ever ?
Nope.