Redskins #4 in ESPN's Most Improved Teams

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

4. Washington Redskins. Dan Snyder's best money was spent on head coach Joe Gibbs, who brought much needed structure to the franchise. Snyder also bought some quality along the way -- halfback Clinton Portis, quarterback Mark Brunell, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, cornerback Shawn Springs and linebacker Marcus Washington. First-round choice Sean Taylor may be one of the impact rookies to start. James Thrash was a sleeper acquisition in a trade from the Eagles.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

1) Lions
2) Raiders
3) Falcons
4) REDSKINS
5) Buccaneers

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=1794386

[PennSkinsFan]

I think they had a terrifc off-season, addressed nearly every weakness, except DE. But again, just Joe Gibbs and Gregg Williams make a world of difference compared to the SEC staff we had here before.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

The Eagles are #9, despite Owens and Kearse. Seems fair IMO. I'm still not happy about that #18 in roster strength, but I'm sure Gibbs will take the best out of this one. BTW, I think Fatsquarelli wrote that article, this one seems a little better IMO.

[TwistyNiblet]

I agree that we had a great offseason, but what about the dline? I know LaVar will be playing DE on 3rd down, but what about the other 3 downs?? We can't expect to go far with the line we have. If we're going to win games, we'll have to win them by scores like 35-31!! (2003 KC Chiefs, anyone?)

[CarMike]

I agree that we had a great offseason, but what about the dline? I know LaVar will be playing DE on 3rd down, but what about the other 3 downs?? We can't expect to go far with the line we have. If we're going to win games, we'll have to win them by scores like 35-31!! (2003 KC Chiefs, anyone?)

With all due respect TwistyNiblet, I disagree. Our DL may not have been addressed as we would have liked. But our defense will be fine. Our LBers and DBs will be making most of the plays. As long as our DL takes up the OL and lead blockers we'll be okay. Arrington and company will be blowing things up....

[TwistyNiblet]

With all due respect TwistyNiblet, I disagree. Our DL may not have been addressed as we would have liked. But our defense will be fine. Our LBers and DBs will be making most of the plays. As long as our DL takes up the OL and lead blockers we'll be okay. Arrington and company will be blowing things up....
Yeah, I guess you're right. I apologize for my little rant, I just needed to say it and purge it from my system, you know?

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

If we had addressed the DLine, this thread would be named: Redskins #1 in ESPN's most Improved Teams, but I agree with Carmike. Our DLine will be a lot better than a lot of people expect. We at least won't be giving up 30 points every game.

[CarMike]

Yeah, I guess you're right. I apologize for my little rant, I just needed to say it and purge it from my system, you know?

TwistyNiblet, you NEVER have to apologize for your thoughts dude. I'm not trying to change your mind. Just trying to shine some positive light on the subject.

Heck, you could end up being right. I'm just trying to look at the glass as half full. Instead of half empty. :D

[CarMike]

We at least won't be giving up 30 points every game.

Especially when our offense will be having the ball forever. Thats the one thing that I hope Portis will be able to help in. If we can hold onto the ball for 35-40 minutes a game our defense wont have to win the games for us....

[redwolf1218]

Especially when our offense will be having the ball forever. Thats the one thing that I hope Portis will be able to help in. If we can hold onto the ball for 35-40 minutes a game our defense wont have to win the games for us....
you're right. the funny thing about defense is, if they arent on the field, their stats will look great. the ravens impressed me when they led the league in defense without scoring an offensive touchdown in something like 5 games straight a couple of years ago, but gibbs trade mark is controlling the clock. add to that, special teams winning the filed position battle, which gibbs will emphasize, and i think our d will have good stats.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Wow... How a coach like Joe Gibbs can change everything around a place.... I now can't imagine with Fassel, Green or Rhodes around here.

[funnyperson1]

I agree that we had a great offseason, but what about the dline? I know LaVar will be playing DE on 3rd down, but what about the other 3 downs?? We can't expect to go far with the line we have. If we're going to win games, we'll have to win them by scores like 35-31!! (2003 KC Chiefs, anyone?)
I have full faith that if a need for DLineman can't be fulfilled this year (which it probably can't) that by next year it will.

I think a lot of people have the idea that we must win the Super Bowl this year. Really, I wouldn't mind being a Kansas City for a year after being 5-11. In the words of JoeDaSchmoe in another thread "Oh please no don't let us go 13-3 and have a playoff bye week." Not to mention that our defense is a whole lot better than theirs. Sure, noone has heard of our DLinemen, but everyone knows our LB core and our backfield, in those categories we greatly outshine the Chiefs. The only thing they have on offense that is better than our counterpart is Tony Gonzalez(sp?). If we can get anywhere near that record this year (granted they don't play in the NFC Beast) I will be ecstatic.

Do not worry though, the DLine will be adressed next year. Then we make our Bowl Run :D. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was the Washington Redskins!

[kastofsna]

The Chiefs did pretty well with no defense. At least the Skins have a good linebacking corps and Taylor. A good scheme from Gregg Williams should make up for any deficiency of talent up front.