Jay Mariotti's Bash Bears/Praise Skins Article...

[superskin]

This article is more of an Anti-Bears than Pro-Redskins article, but we get alot of indirect praise for all of our free agent additions. When you read it, you would swear that Da Bears had the EXACT same shopping list that we had this offseason.

It's as if the Bears and the Skins were two children lined up in front of a toy store at 6am (or in this case, midnight) waiting for it to open. We just ran through the aisles alot quicker, and the rich father we had waiting near the cash register didnt hurt either.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/mariotti/cst-spt-jay141.html

[bgforever]

Or they were reading Redskins.com, Hailredskins.com, Extremeskins.com, and Warpath.com a lot to get an idea. That was TOO exact. Like somebody don't know what to do there. It's a compliment if it was the case (peeking around), but not likely. However, you have to wonder how they just happened to suddenly be on the exact same page at the exact moment as us.

In two cases, they delayed our interaction, (Randle El) and I believe they had an interest in Carter.

[GreenspanDan]

i'm glad some writers are beginning to credit snyder with actually wanting to win, rather than just blasting him for overpaying.

[redskinz#1fan]

This is actually a very good article, because it points out the difference between the owners that are trying to win and the owners that are just trying to collect a check. Once again we should be very proud to have an owner that is willing to do whatever it takes to put the super bowl back in DC! HTTR!!!

[PennSkinsFan]

Pompei at the Sporting News

Free-spending 'Skins are doing it right
March 13, 2006

The Redskins are spending like drunken sailors again, but at least they're buying good players. They're paying way more than the players are worth, but at least they are identifying and signing players with ability who can help them win.

No team was helped more by the collective bargaining agreement than Washington. This was a team that was in cap hell just one week ago. With the extension, they were given a new credit card. Now they can keep making big purchases and pushing the cap hits a few years down the road, when they could be saved by another CBA extension.

Antwaan Randle El is a good little player who will be a dangerous weapon in the game plans of Al Saunders and Joe Gibbs.

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will understand exactly how to use safety Adam Archuleta -- look for the former Ram to be playing in the box quite a bit.

Andre Carter was miscast as an outside linebacker in San Francisco. He has pass rush ability, and in the right scheme he can blossom. Don't be surprised if he takes his game to the next level in Washington.

No team has improved itself as much as the Redskins so far in the offseason. And the Skins may have been on the verge of excellence even before these moves.

[PA Skins Girl]

It seems that Washington is one of the few teams willing to put in the EFFORT that it takes to get these guys signed. The money is one thing, but kudos to us for having a game plan and executing it perfectly!

[bgforever]

It seems that Washington is one of the few teams willing to put in the EFFORT that it takes to get these guys signed. The money is one thing, but kudos to us for having a game plan and executing it perfectly!

That's what Pompei is saying. To him its a bit steep, but you can't argue about the "quality". What we bought was time, if they don't understand. Its the hardest thing to get these days, with players testing FA in yr 2 or 3. We have them committed for now, past that! So if there's more production, like his regard to Carter at DE, as opposed to being LB, its a BONUS to us anyway!

Many lips move now, but they will be still when the season starts.

[redskinz#1fan]

Pompei at the Sporting News

Free-spending 'Skins are doing it right
March 13, 2006

The Redskins are spending like drunken sailors again, but at least they're buying good players. They're paying way more than the players are worth, but at least they are identifying and signing players with ability who can help them win.

No team was helped more by the collective bargaining agreement than Washington. This was a team that was in cap hell just one week ago. With the extension, they were given a new credit card. Now they can keep making big purchases and pushing the cap hits a few years down the road, when they could be saved by another CBA extension.

Antwaan Randle El is a good little player who will be a dangerous weapon in the game plans of Al Saunders and Joe Gibbs.

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will understand exactly how to use safety Adam Archuleta -- look for the former Ram to be playing in the box quite a bit.

Andre Carter was miscast as an outside linebacker in San Francisco. He has pass rush ability, and in the right scheme he can blossom. Don't be surprised if he takes his game to the next level in Washington.

No team has improved itself as much as the Redskins so far in the offseason. And the Skins may have been on the verge of excellence even before these moves.

It is nice to know that we are starting to get what we deserve! People can talk all the smack that they want, but they can't deny what we are doing over here. People are upset that we are signing all the players, only because they weren't able to lure them to their teams!

[Ibleedburgundy]

That was a good article and I agree, the Redskins pro-active recruitment scheme is making other NFL teams look like a bunch of slackers. This ain't even about us having more money, just more brains.

Marrioti, you are forgiven for your ridiculous comments about Joe Gibbs last year.

[joethefan]

LOVE THE ARTICLE.....NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN DANNY IS SIGNING GREAT PLAYERS...THAT FIT INTO OUR SCHEME...

[Keino]

That was a hilarious read.....

[PyroGenic]

man, i love this joe gibbs era :)

[Biggie]

We're not doing anything different than we did in 2000. We did the exact same thing then: Smelled the Super Bowl, got excited, signed everybody in sight.

The difference?

We're actually signing players we need to fit roles we lacked last year.

Oh yeah, and we have a coach now.

[SkinsASchamps]

I cant stand Mariotti. He bashes the skins on Around the horn and then writes an article that more teams (bears) need to be like them. What an idiot.

[dj_stouty]

This quote simply kills me! LOL

"Snyder has a private plane, a distinct advantage when Halas Hall counters with a stagecoach."

[S.Taylor36]

Good article. Our Front Office really has it down to a science. And it's not only them, our coaches care about this team. Gibbs we know, but Williams and Saunders act like head coaches. You can feel it, everyone is buying in. We as fans feel it. Now all we have to do is go out on the field and earn it. It's gonna be a fun season.

[RedskinRyan]

This quote simply kills me! LOL

"Snyder has a private plane, a distinct advantage when Halas Hall counters with a stagecoach."

lol yeah, i got a kick outta that one too. not a bad article. it is praising the skins quite a bit, a first for mariotti...

[skins111111]

quote=No team has improved itself as much as the Redskins so far in the offseason. And the Skins may have been on the verge of excellence even before these moves.-quote

my thoughts exactly except for the "may" word

[garedskin]

LOL.That was very funny.Funny thing though,all these guys usually blast Snyder about his free spending.Now when it is time for all the team owners too put up or shut up for free agents,Snyder does not just put up, he climbs up the other guys back and stands proudly on top of there heads.Too bad we have been stuck in cap hell since 2000 by ALL the the experts thinking:rolleyes: .Then Snyder really could show the league how to spend.:lol1:

[lsuredskin]

I love the fact that when everybody will predict us being in cap hell in 6yrs the cba will be re-done again and we will get another get out of jail free card. I wonder how long it's gonna take the rest of the league to figure out what Danny boy is doing.

[smoak]

Unfortunately, I feel the Bears deal was closer to El's true worth. But I am glad he is a Redskins and I'll just hope we figure out the cap voodoo on the backend.

Not only did Snyder wine and dine them, he offered $11.5 million in bonuses and a seven-year deal worth $31 million. The Bears were left to look like cheap wannabes with an offer that wasn't even close: $8 million bonus, $18 million over six years.

[PA Skins Girl]

We're not doing anything different than we did in 2000. We did the exact same thing then: Smelled the Super Bowl, got excited, signed everybody in sight.

The difference?

We're actually signing players we need to fit roles we lacked last year.

Oh yeah, and we have a coach now.
The biggest difference is in the age of the guys we are signing.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Wow, I feel like I haven't been watching Around the Horn the past few days.

[skinswin]

It seems that Washington is one of the few teams willing to put in the EFFORT that it takes to get these guys signed. The money is one thing, but kudos to us for having a game plan and executing it perfectly!


Snyder has guidance now on how he spends his money. Young players in areas that are needs. Not guys who are over the hill (Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith). With Gibbs and Williams making the decisions and Snyder footing the bill, we are headed to Miami at the end of this season. We are the favorites in the NFC now.

The Redskins, Panthers and Rams have made the biggest steps in the NFC. The Seafrauds have taken two hits with the loss of Hutchinson and Jeravicious. Plus..we all know the loser of a SB doesn't even show up the next season 80% of the time.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Snyder has guidance now on how he spends his money. Young players in areas that are needs. Not guys who are over the hill (Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith). With Gibbs and Williams making the decisions and Snyder footing the bill, we are headed to Miami at the end of this season. We are the favorites in the NFC now.

The Redskins, Panthers and Rams have made the biggest steps in the NFC. The Seafrauds have taken two hits with the loss of Hutchinson and Jeravicious. Plus..we all know the loser of a SB doesn't even show up the next season 80% of the time.

The Seahawks have absolutely zero chance of winning more than 11 games next year, due to the improvement in that division. Actually, I'd be surprised if they even win it. The Rams have made big moves to improve their defense, and Scott Linehan can create just as much scoring as Mike Martz did, with better clock management to boot.

[whistleandthumb]

I almost feel bad for the Bears.



Almost.

[Rabid_Redskin]

The Seahawks have absolutely zero chance of winning more than 11 games next year, due to the improvement in that division. Actually, I'd be surprised if they even win it. The Rams have made big moves to improve their defense, and Scott Linehan can create just as much scoring as Mike Martz did, with better clock management to boot.


I still think the NFCW is Seattle's to lose. The Ram's definitely improved but they are also a team in transition and teams with new head coaches typically start off slow. SF may have actually taken a step back if that is even possible. I'm guessing they are looking to start fresh with young draft picks and work their way into something resembling a football team... possibly a field hockey team. Arizona is going to be the team to watch IMHO. Now that they have a proven running back it's all up to the coaches to put it together. Having said that, their mascot is a little red bird. Not even a cool bird like a Falcon or an Eagle. Nope a freaking Cardinal. They deserve to suck. If it was my team I'd rename them the Arizona Asskickers.

Seattle lost Hutchinson and Jeruvicious (did Bernard go too?) but they still have their #1 and #2 recievers, as well as Alexander and Hasselback. I think they can pick up some cheap depth at OL and WR in the draft as well as some mid-level free agents later in the offseason when the values drop and players get a bit desperate. They should do well enough to win the West.

[The Skinsinator]

I have to respect Mariotti manning up and giving us the credit we deserve for our moves vs. his Bears. I even like the details about the "wine n dine." NFL Network also reported that they were taken around in a limo. Bottom line: There is a salary cap that all teams must abide by. We are taking full advantage of that and not outta line at all. Every team in the league has the exact same opportunities. This is the nfl not mlb.

[danny's stogie]

A similar article from Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News:

Tim Cowlishaw: Cowboys already playing catch-up

Still plenty of dealing to do, but 'Skins stacking the deck in their favor

The NFL's free-agency signing period is barely under way and already the Washington Redskins have taken significant steps in moving toward Seattle as the cream of the conference.

Their local rivals also have taken steps, it would seem, toward becoming the second-most relevant professional team in Texas.

Let's see if we have this straight.

The Redskins get the multitalented Antwaan Randle El, an impressive receiver-return man whose touchdown pass to Hines Ward broke open the Super Bowl for Pittsburgh. For a couple of mid-round draft picks, the Redskins get 49ers receiver Brandon Lloyd, who set career highs in catches and yards last year pretty much by burning Cowboys corner Anthony Henry (albeit an injured Henry).

The Redskins get Pro Bowl safety Adam Archuleta from St. Louis either as insurance against Sean Taylor spending time in the iron hotel for assault charges in Florida or to team with Taylor as the NFC's best pair of safeties.

The Cowboys get Kyle Kosier, a guard from Detroit, which could lead to the release of the most unloved 10-time Pro Bowl player in league history.

If Larry Allen goes, and with La'Roi Glover already released and scooped up by the Rams, the Cowboys may have their eye on the league mark for Pro Bowl trips released in one off-season.

The Cowboys also signed linebacker Akin Ayodele from Jacksonville to replace Dat Nguyen, who has retired. Or Scott Fujita, who is a Saint.

But not both.

Right now there's more talk around the country about the Houston Texans and what they will do with Reggie Bush and his impact on that team than there is about what Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells are up to as they approach Year 4.

If they don't get moving, the Cowboys also are approaching Year 10 without a playoff victory. This already is a franchise record for longest lull between postseason wins.

Maybe it's not as bad as it looks for the future Arlington's Team. It is early in the signing period. Undoubtedly, the Cowboys will be players at some point, although one has to say the $28 million splash on Henry, Marco Rivera and Jason Ferguson did not achieve its intended result.

It's simple. The Cowboys missed the playoffs (again) because they weren't as good as Washington. A split with the Redskins would have put Dallas in and Washington out.

Instead, the Redskins won at Tampa Bay and hung in rather gamely in Seattle, at least gaining a taste of what it takes to get it done in January.

The Cowboys went through the motions against St. Louis on their final night and went home.

A year ago, the Redskins lacked explosion on offense outside of Santana Moss, who developed into a Pro Bowl wide receiver. The additions of Randle El and Lloyd (four catches for 142 yards against Dallas) change that.

Now, Washington has more speed at receiver than Dallas in addition to a better running game with Clinton Portis more reliable than Julius Jones.

The Redskins were slightly better than Dallas on defense in 2005. The addition of Archuleta on one side and subtraction of Glover on the other certainly has done nothing to change that.

It's early, of course, and Redskins owner Danny Snyder has been known to miss on some previous money-for-nothing shopping sprees.

But this time he has added three quality players and three players that Dallas could have used. Instead, they'll be used twice against the Cowboys next season.

On top of that, the Redskins have added offensive coordinator Al Saunders, probably the best in the game. He made the Kansas City Chiefs into the most dynamic offense in the league, and that was without quality at wide receiver, which he now has.

The Cowboys saw their play-caller, Sean Payton, go to New Orleans to serve as head coach, so the offense again figures to be a mixed bag headed by Bill Parcells.

For now – with a long way to go in free agency and, of course, a draft to follow – the top of the NFC looks like Seattle-Carolina-Washington. Not necessarily in that order, either, as maybe Edgerrin James helps Arizona take a game from the Seahawks and costs Seattle its precious home-field advantage.

All we know about the Cowboys is that when it comes to the best in the NFC, on paper, they have not yet joined the discussion.

http://www.dallasnews.com/ (registration required)

[FanFromArizona]

A similar article from Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News:



http://www.dallasnews.com/ (registration required)


Deion is available if they want to bring him back as a nickel corner to cover Randel or Lloyd. :lol1:

[DoGood]

Bears fans must be pissed! Quick! Give me some MB links so that I may humor myself with their anguish.

[The Skinsinator]

Bears fans must be pissed! Quick! Give me some MB links so that I may humor myself with their anguish.Check their boards and there were something like 6 threads on what we are doing. No, they aren't happy at all. Our offseason moves have been the talk of the nfl since FA began and I love it.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

if i was a bears fan, i would hate mariotti like we hate sally jenkins

[skinfan43]

...if you hate Jay Mariotti, the Bears-Biased-Around-The-Horn-Chump-And-Subpar-Writer-Guy. Shows why we're lucky to have have Snyder, and EXACTLY why he's so successful and EXACTLY why we're happy to be Skins fanatics!

http://www.suntimes.com/output/mariotti/cst-spt-jay141.html

[FanFromArizona]

And for a bigger laugh: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

49ers | Harris to visit
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 14:28:08 -0800

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports free agent CB Walt Harris (Redskins) is expected to visit with the San Francisco 49ers soon.


We take their best players and ship them our throwaways!

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

there is another thread on this same article on the loser bears.

[santanadasavior]

Our signing of coaches and players is being envied by the whole league.

[GoDannyBoy]

That Cowboys article was hilarious.

[skinfan43]

there is another thread on this same article on the loser bears.
Whoops, my bad R!!! Thanx:)

[Skins57]

It seems that Washington is one of the few teams willing to put in the EFFORT that it takes to get these guys signed. The money is one thing, but kudos to us for having a game plan and executing it perfectly!


I think that is the biggest difference since Joe has come abroad. Dan was spending like crazy before the Marty era started( ok one year is not an era..) but spending wisely is the plan now. Joe had a 3 year plan, and thanks to the CBA extension he is getting the right tools to get it done