Why the upcoming season has me excited...

[Jero]

Because for the first time in as long as i can remember, the Redskins will be flying in "under the radar". Many "prognosticators" (i prefer to call them HATERS) that i've heard are saying that the Skins aren't going to have a very good team this year, blah, blah, blah. So in essence, the Redskins won't have to live up to any preseason, big acquisition hype that they've gone through for so many years. There's really not any pressure on them this year (except from us, of course) and i think this will be a good thing. Sure they've had their offseason problems, and i hope this Sean Taylor situation turns out OK, but maybe, just maybe, the Skins will be this years, last years San Diego Chargers.

[skins4life24]

it is nice that we don't have to defend our team nearly as much as we do in most off seasons this year . . . altho with the coles and moss trade there still is a little of that offseason money well spent type talk.

[SkinsKY]

That's a good point, but I don't feel much differently about this team than I did the last couple of seasons. I think this is a team with plenty of talent, but it depends on whether we use that talent of squander it. I think most other people think this offseason proves them right that we were only offseason kings and that we're not even that anymore. I doubt we're under the radar, but rather we have a host of reporters waiting to declare that we suck again. If we don't play better, we will and our critics will be right. If we improve, we'll turn heads. We've been in this same position for the last few years.

[BurgundyNGold]

it is nice that we don't have to defend our team nearly as much as we do in most off seasons this year . . . altho with the coles and moss trade there still is a little of that offseason money well spent type talk.
Don't forget trading away a 1st rounder in 2006 for QB when we already had Ramsey. There's been plenty of hate spouted about that one.

[redwolf1218]

maybe, just maybe, the Skins will be this years, last years San Diego Chargers.

The old guys have a pretty good history of eventually doing well when they return, if you use Vermeil, Parcells and Schotty as examples. I see no reason for Gibbs second term to be any less successful.

[GWBlitzST]

Bottom line is this--it's Joe Gibbs' second year back, he has made unprecedented adjustments, and the game hasn't "passed him by." He's watched tons of film, saw what worked and what didn't, and brought in Musgrave so we can throw some damned swing passes to Portis instead of the receiver at the line of scrimmage with no blockers in front of them (Coles). We have the best and most exciting defense in the NFL, it's amazing how well they did in their first year together with all those injuries. We are very much focused on the TEAM mentality that Redskins teams of years past have lacked. This is the first time in as long as I can remember when our team was this deep at every position, even though I think we could use another OLineman. We lost games last year by 3 or 4 points, and if anyone honestly thinks our team isn't going to be better than last year, especially on offense, and make the difference up in those close games, then I want to hear why.

[whistleandthumb]

I'll say it again. Our defense will not change much... we're still going to be a top 5 defense. All we need is 7 more points out of our offense, and we're going to steamroll our way into the playoffs. Just think - one big play for a TD per game, and we're there. THAT'S why you should be so excited.

As bad as 6-10 looks, with 7 more points/game, we would have been about 13-3.

[GWBlitzST]

I'll say it again. Our defense will not change much... we're still going to be a top 5 defense. All we need is 7 more points out of our offense, and we're going to steamroll our way into the playoffs. Just think - one big play for a TD per game, and we're there. THAT'S why you should be so excited.

As bad as 6-10 looks, with 7 more points/game, we would have been about 13-3.

And as many times as we drove it down to the red zone and failed to score, 7 points isn't a huge difference. That would be a very average amount of points to score per game. I haven't checked the stats, but I believe if we would have scored as many points per game than we have in any of the last 10 years we would have gone to the playoffs .

[CarMike]

Because for the first time in as long as i can remember, the Redskins will be flying in "under the radar". Many "prognosticators" (i prefer to call them HATERS) that i've heard are saying that the Skins aren't going to have a very good team this year, blah, blah, blah. So in essence, the Redskins won't have to live up to any preseason, big acquisition hype that they've gone through for so many years. There's really not any pressure on them this year (except from us, of course) and i think this will be a good thing. Sure they've had their offseason problems, and i hope this Sean Taylor situation turns out OK, but maybe, just maybe, the Skins will be this years, last years San Diego Chargers.

Welcome back Jero! Good to ya bro. ;)

[BurgundyNGold]

I'll say it again. Our defense will not change much... we're still going to be a top 5 defense. All we need is 7 more points out of our offense, and we're going to steamroll our way into the playoffs. Just think - one big play for a TD per game, and we're there. THAT'S why you should be so excited.

As bad as 6-10 looks, with 7 more points/game, we would have been about 13-3.
I'll settle for 10-6 this year and a playoff berth. However, 14-2 with the division crown and SB XL rings wouldn't hurt either ;).

[GreenspanDan]

man it is hard to be around all you pessimists! 10-6! 14-2!

LOSING games?!?!?! i'd be surprised if any other teams even scored on us this season.

now i'm not crazy, i'm not saying we'll score a touchdown on every play. i'm sure we'll have a couple of second downs here and there, but for the most part our offense is going to be very tired from running up and down the field all day. Gibbs should probably call a lot of kneel-down plays early in the season so we don't wear ourselves out before the playoffs.

[BandWagon]

And remember too, that if we don't get burned on that absurdly lucky bomb in the Dallas game we finish the year winning 4 or our last 5 games. That's a really strong finish to an otherwise pretty awful year.

[redskin_rich]

Its Redskins Football dammit, I am excited before every upcoming season!!!

[The Skinsinator]

I believe the defense should be very good again as long as we stay healthy and Williams maintains his creativity with our def sets. The offense should be improved, but I will totally believe when I see it. I am typically a very optimistic person, however until I see the Redskins offense perform well in a consistent manner I shall reserve judgement. Up to this point, I am happy with what Gibbs has done and 2005 should be a very exciting season.

[The Skinsinator]

And remember too, that if we don't get burned on that absurdly lucky bomb in the Dallas game we finish the year winning 4 or our last 5 games. That's a really strong finish to an otherwise pretty awful year.

The general NFL media public is completely ignorant and naive on how close Washington was in so many games. They simply saw it as a usual Redskin loss.

[redskinz#1fan]

man it is hard to be around all you pessimists! 10-6! 14-2!

LOSING games?!?!?! i'd be surprised if any other teams even scored on us this season.

now i'm not crazy, i'm not saying we'll score a touchdown on every play. i'm sure we'll have a couple of second downs here and there, but for the most part our offense is going to be very tired from running up and down the field all day. Gibbs should probably call a lot of kneel-down plays early in the season so we don't wear ourselves out before the playoffs.

Now that is exactly what I was thinking! Damn, good minds think alike! :Partyup:

[redwolf1218]

And remember too, that if we don't get burned on that absurdly lucky bomb in the Dallas game we finish the year winning 4 or our last 5 games. That's a really strong finish to an otherwise pretty awful year.
i think once Bowen went down and we had to rely on a bunch of untested young guys like Taylor, Clark, Lott & Franz, even though Taylor is a physical specimen, we were just so inexperienced at safety. i thought that was the only weakness on D. several times we'd play a heckuva game defensively, only to give up a couple of huge plays like that.

i dont think it will be a problem at all this year with Bowen and Lott (hopefully) back from injury, Clark and hopefully Taylor in their 2nd years, some added experience with Prioleau and Dixon, and depth at corner with Springs, Harris, Hawkins, Wilds, Rogers. What was a weakness last year should be a strong point this year. that's a lot of guys to rotate, and most of those guys should be good on special teams too.

[Kope65]

Special teams will be much improved as well this year also. How many games would we have have won if we just didnt give up silly plays on ST and offense...I think it was enough to get us in the playoffs. Add to that the O getting better...that is several wins as well. Hard not to get exited ...what's not to like :)

[Axegrinder]

Welcome back,Jero!!! :)
How's it going buddy?
It's nice to know that with all those life changing experiences,you still have the nose for football season.
We're glad to have you back posting,hopefully more frequently.
By the way,I agree with your assessment on this season.

[ryflan47]

Many "prognosticators" (i prefer to call them HATERS)
"Hater in the house" ~ Stewart Scott

This is our season. Lets give people a reason to fear us.

[bgforever]

Excited because its a new season, a new day, a new beginning.

Nothing like proving the naysayers wrong.

[HanburgerBum]

Because for the first time in as long as i can remember, the Redskins will be flying in "under the radar". Many "prognosticators" (i prefer to call them HATERS) that i've heard are saying that the Skins aren't going to have a very good team this year, blah, blah, blah. So in essence, the Redskins won't have to live up to any preseason, big acquisition hype that they've gone through for so many years. There's really not any pressure on them this year (except from us, of course) and i think this will be a good thing. Sure they've had their offseason problems, and i hope this Sean Taylor situation turns out OK, but maybe, just maybe, the Skins will be this years, last years San Diego Chargers.


I sure hope the Skins this year are better than last year's Chargers, at least as far as the playoff performance is concerned. Same old Marty. Play it really close to the vest in the playoffs. Trust a rookie kicker to win it for you in bad weather, don't take any chances. That's the way he has always coached, that's why he has a miserable playoff record and will never win the SB. We want to win in the playoffs, not just get there.

[RedskinsReaper21]

Reading this thread is making me impatient for the season to start...Damn it I can't wait! My optimistic prediction is 12-4. My realistic prediction is 10-6. We have a tougher schedule than last year, and the Cowgirls are now assuming the role of Paper Champs!

[ppease]

Last season I was excited just because of Joe Gibbs return. When Jon went down I was hopeful that a really good backup player would step-up; but that didn't happen. I was also hopeful at the start of last year because we got Mark Brunnel as I used to live in Jacksonville Fla. and followed the Jaguars somewhat (but am a Redskins fan). But what happened with Mark? He looked really bad.
So, last year at this time I was real excited and was quite disappointed in how the offense played.

Last year the defense played exceptional and I never dreamed they would be that good. I thought our DL was suspect; but the team defense played really good.

This year I think our OL will be good (as long as they can stay healthy) and that will greatly improve both our running game and our passing game. Patrick Ramsey showed signs of being good after spending his career under duress from a pass rush that our OL couldn't prevent.

I have faith in Joe Gibbs and Greg Williams and their ability to have the team playing hard the entire game and that they will be well prepared for each team we face every week.

I have faith in our Defense that they will be just as good as last year and very likely create more turnovers with LaVar healthy and Sean Taylor more experienced. Our defense kept us in every game last year and I believe that will be true this season too.

I think with improved OL and quicker receivers and a second year of playing together under Joe Gibbs system they should easily average 10 points more per game than last year.

I also think that our special teams play will be better this year as I think we have more young big and fast players.

So overall I think we will have much more success this season because our offense will move the ball and score consistently and that we didn't do last year.

[redwolf1218]

Last year the defense played exceptional and I never dreamed they would be that good. I thought our DL was suspect; but the team defense played really good.
This year I think our OL will be good (as long as they can stay healthy) and that will greatly improve both our running game and our passing game. Patrick Ramsey showed signs of being good after spending his career under duress from a pass rush that our OL couldn't prevent.


you were not alone. last year before the season we had a thread about nicknames for our defense. most here thought we'd be terrible on D and the nicknames were hilarious, but harsh. no one would have thought they were going to be as good as they were. i have a feeling this year our offense will be so good we'll be saying the same thing, that no one would have though they could be that good.

[BurgundyNGold]

you were not alone. last year before the season we had a thread about nicknames for our defense. most here thought we'd be terrible on D and the nicknames were hilarious, but harsh. no one would have thought they were going to be as good as they were. i have a feeling this year our offense will be so good we'll be saying the same thing, that no one would have though they could be that good.
I hate to be negative here, but other teams watch film too and we have a glaring lack of talent on the DL. I hope you're right, but NFL still stands for Not For Long.

[redwolf1218]

I hate to be negative here, but other teams watch film too and we have a glaring lack of talent on the DL. I hope you're right, but NFL still stands for Not For Long.
i thought we were too small in the middle with no one over 300 pounds (except for Cedric Killings at 325), but on the ends we have big run stopping guys like Wynn, Evans, Boschetti and Phillip Daniels returning. Pierce led the team in tackles, mostly in run support. i hope we can replace his production at stopping the run.

[openallnight]

i thought we were too small in the middle with no one over 300 pounds (except for Cedric Killings at 325), but on the ends we have big run stopping guys like Wynn, Evans, Boschetti and Phillip Daniels returning. Pierce led the team in tackles, mostly in run support. i hope we can replace his production at stopping the run.
That was my biggest worry last year as well. Although, Griffen and Salavea
played TREMENDOUS. They're the real reasons for Pierce's production. If these two guys continue their high level of play we'll be fine with any of the guys vying for the MLB job.

On the other side of the ball it ALL comes down to the oLine.

I think Samuels, Rabach and Thomas will be solid.
The keys to our offensive success come down to the following 3 guys:
1. Dockery: Can he step up his game and drop all the mental misqueues?
2. Jansen: How's the ankle? What impact has the year off had? Can he return to preinjury form?
3. TE: Royal? Can someone please block?

[EagleAye]

man it is hard to be around all you pessimists! 10-6! 14-2!

LOSING games?!?!?! i'd be surprised if any other teams even scored on us this season.

now i'm not crazy, i'm not saying we'll score a touchdown on every play. i'm sure we'll have a couple of second downs here and there, but for the most part our offense is going to be very tired from running up and down the field all day. Gibbs should probably call a lot of kneel-down plays early in the season so we don't wear ourselves out before the playoffs.
:lol1: Thanks.....I needed that.

[redskinz#1fan]

Gibbs should probably call a lot of kneel-down plays early in the season so we don't wear ourselves out before the playoffs.


:lol1: Thanks.....I needed that.

Maybe McNabb should try this also. At least that is what T.O thinks!

:eaglesuk:

[frenchskinsfan]

It's so nice to read all this bad stuff. At last they stopped the traditional preseason hoopla around the Redskins. At least the team can stop looking like shiny movie stars surrounded by photographers and reporters waiting for them to do their show. At least we can look at this team starting a new season as a true football team beginning a season quietly to do what it's made for : winning.

[mtyquinn]

I think the return of Jansen will be a big part any improvement from last year. If the team can score 1 more touchdown per game compared to last year 9-7 or 10-6 is possible. I am extremely excited for the upcoming season because after being a Redskins fan for my entire life, this will be my 1st season as a season ticket holder.

[NamVet4]

I think the return of Jansen will be a big part any improvement from last year. If the team can score 1 more touchdown per game compared to last year 9-7 or 10-6 is possible. I am extremely excited for the upcoming season because after being a Redskins fan for my entire life, this will be my 1st season as a season ticket holder.
Congratulations mtyquinn on being a season ticket holder and

Welcome :welcome: to the best Redskins Fan site in the World!
Glad you joined us and look forward to your posts! :)

[skins74]

Because for the first time in as long as i can remember, the Redskins will be flying in "under the radar". Many "prognosticators" (i prefer to call them HATERS) that i've heard are saying that the Skins aren't going to have a very good team this year, blah, blah, blah. So in essence, the Redskins won't have to live up to any preseason, big acquisition hype that they've gone through for so many years. There's really not any pressure on them this year (except from us, of course) and i think this will be a good thing. Sure they've had their offseason problems, and i hope this Sean Taylor situation turns out OK, but maybe, just maybe, the Skins will be this years, last years San Diego Chargers.


Well, I am always excited this time of the year but I totally agree with you. Hopefully we will suprise everyone, starting with the BEars.

[PennSkinsFan]

I think the return of Jansen will be a big part any improvement from last year. If the team can score 1 more touchdown per game compared to last year 9-7 or 10-6 is possible. I am extremely excited for the upcoming season because after being a Redskins fan for my entire life, this will be my 1st season as a season ticket holder.

Welcome to hR. Glad you joined us and we look forward to your particpation.

I think the offensive line will be absolutely critical. Jansen's return should be a tremendous boost, granting the fact he will return 100%. BUT, the addition of Casey Rabach is perhaps the biggest move on offense. Yes, we reworked the entire receiving corp. BUt the presence of Rabach in the middle and the job he did in baltimore last season demonstrates a significant upgrade in the middle. Rabach's other major asset is his ability to block onthe run, on the move, which will be critical in moving Portis out of the line of scrimmage and breaking gaps open. I tend to think his ability to block on the move was a major apsect that Bugel found when deciding where to go with Center. Ramsey will be a major beneficiary as well with rabach in the middle. Rabach will not give up blitzes nor will defenses over load blitzes in the middle like they did last year. Last years was easy for opoposing Defenses, because you could see that, combined with the loss of Jansen and the sub-par performance of Raymer, the middle was weak and therefore susceptible to break downsm, which became reality.

The interesting thing to watch in camp is Tight End and if Palmer or Baber arise as a true blocking TE to handle outside blitzes.

[redwolf1218]

Welcome to hR. Glad you joined us and we look forward to your particpation.

I think the offensive line will be absolutely critical. Jansen's return should be a tremendous boost, granting the fact he will return 100%. BUT, the addition of Casey Rabach is perhaps the biggest move on offense. Yes, we reworked the entire receiving corp. BUt the presence of Rabach in the middle and the job he did in baltimore last season demonstrates a significant upgrade in the middle. Rabach's other major asset is his ability to block onthe run, on the move, which will be critical in moving Portis out of the line of scrimmage and breaking gaps open. I tend to think his ability to block on the move was a major apsect that Bugel found when deciding where to go with Center. Ramsey will be a major beneficiary as well with rabach in the middle. Rabach will not give up blitzes nor will defenses over load blitzes in the middle like they did last year. Last years was easy for opoposing Defenses, because you could see that, combined with the loss of Jansen and the sub-par performance of Raymer, the middle was weak and therefore susceptible to break downsm, which became reality.

The interesting thing to watch in camp is Tight End and if Palmer or Baber arise as a true blocking TE to handle outside blitzes.

Billy Palmer, 6'-3, 277, the biggest TE on the roster, probably would have been drafted if blocking TE's were thought of as a premium commodity, but with all the pass catching guys like Heap, Gates, Gonzales, Shockey...a pure blocker is probably going to slip thru the cracks without being noticed. Some interesting facts:

... grew up as a rugby and hockey player in his native Canada and is still learning the game ... equally valuable as a blocker or receiver ...

... asserted himself as a great blocking tight end ... also played extensively on special teams ...

... played 173:14 (most of any Irish tight end) and made 132 special teams appearances on the season.

[Redskin4Life]

Because for the first time in as long as i can remember, the Redskins will be flying in "under the radar". Many "prognosticators" (i prefer to call them HATERS) that i've heard are saying that the Skins aren't going to have a very good team this year, blah, blah, blah. So in essence, the Redskins won't have to live up to any preseason, big acquisition hype that they've gone through for so many years. There's really not any pressure on them this year (except from us, of course) and i think this will be a good thing. Sure they've had their offseason problems, and i hope this Sean Taylor situation turns out OK, but maybe, just maybe, the Skins will be this years, last years San Diego Chargers.
I know what you mean. Remember when expectations were high:

This isn't how the NFL is supposed to work. Teams that finish 10-6, win their division and come within a botched field goal snap of a conference title game appearance aren't supposed to wake up on draft day and find themselves sitting on a pair of winning lottery numbers....Sndyer was the wallet behind the deals that brought Pro Bowl Buffalo defensive end Bruce Smith, Detroit safety Mark Carrier, Arizona running back Adrian Murrell and Minnesota quarterback Jeff George to town. And it's a good bet that soon-to-be-former Dallas cornerback Deion Sanders will be wearing burgundy and gold before the 2000 regular season is out.

Throw in the impact that Arrington and Samuels should have and the Redskins look to be a team that has fully separated themselves from the rest of their NFC East rivals.

"They're going to be good. They're going to be damn good," said New York Giants coach Jim Fassel of the Redskins, in the days leading up to the draft. "They're going to have all the bases covered. If they get Deion, they're going to have an all-star defense."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2000/nfldraft/news/2000/04/13/banks_redskins/

Painful to read... so many bad memories. Time for some karma to come back to us and on the Eagles....

[redwolf1218]

I know what you mean. Remember when expectations were high:



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2000/nfldraft/news/2000/04/13/banks_redskins/

Painful to read... so many bad memories. Time for some karma to come back to us and on the Eagles....
wow that is tough to read. if we had anyone other than Ron Lynn or Mike Nolan back then we might have been more successful.

[Redskin4Life]

wow that is tough to read. if we had anyone other than Ron Lynn or Mike Nolan back then we might have been more successful.
We might still have been coached by Norv too....

[REDMAN]

Sure hope we have a big year so I can gloat a bit........at least a couple of wins over the boys would make it a great season!

[redwolf1218]

We might still have been coached by Norv too....
true, and Gibbs might have scratched the itch for coaching by going to Carolina or Atlanta. everyone works for a reason sometimes.

[whistleandthumb]

true, and Gibbs might have scratched the itch for coaching by going to Carolina or Atlanta. everyone works for a reason sometimes.
THAT would have been the most painful thing EVER to watch. I can't imagine our coach on the sidelines with anyone but us. It just looks... right, seeing him on the sidelines with that hat and the headset.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

the upcoming season has me excited because its right around the corner.....:awesomewo

[redskin_rich]

the upcoming season has me excited because its right around the corner.....:awesomewo
The Lady speaks for me as well.

[EagleAye]

Maybe McNabb should try this also. At least that is what T.O thinks!

:eaglesuk:
Ahh ok, I discuss that with him when we have lunch.....

[Skins57]

the biggest thing I am excited about is the fact this team is that much closer to being a Joe Gibbs team and that alone excites me