Hey Joe, Keep the Switch On

[joethefan]

I'm beginning to get a mentality that thier is a majic switch in Ashburn that is in Gibbs' office. I know you may say "what is Joethefan talking about Now?"


Let me share my theory. This is what I think:

I think that Joe thinks he is in the old days when the internet and The NFL Network didn't exist. The fan is very knowledgable of the game and the access that we have now just doesn't add up to what we're seeing on the field. Now just because I question Joe doesn't mean that I'm blaspheming the REDSKIN Nation. I had to say that. But it seems to me that this team is only about making money. Why I say that, well every year we play the Giants at thier home we look the same. And the story is the same. "Tiki to the left Tiki to the right..Run Tiki Run all damn night".
Now if the Giants have the 29th ranked pass defense in the league and we have recievers that are supposed to stretch the field, why didn't we try to exploit thier Secondary? Portis had 61 yards in the first half, why didn't we stick with the run? I don't understand. Then we get in front of the camera and say "we don't know what's going on.. It starts with me and we've gotta figure it out. We gotta play better....(Pharaphrasing). I'm a little league coach, and even I know to scout and try to exploit an opponent. Not one 30 yard one pass down the field. And please don't say "Well Brunell was pressured" not the entire game. Eli was pressured too, but he finds a way to get it downfield.

I'm getting the feeling that I'm beginning to feel sorry for you season ticket holders..because it seems to me that Danny's make all the money theory is taking over and the fans are the ones that suffer. Why do I say that? No one seemed to have an attittude about the fact that we loss the game. It was just "It wasn't a good day, We couldn't get anything started, we have a long season". No you don't. But when the cameras are on and we lose, no one wants to talk, but when we win everyone has something to say.

I just wish Joe would get aggressive for one game. Why does it seem that we punk out when we go to another division rivals' stadium? Especially the Giants.

Maybe we think that since we ran the table after being 5-6 last year we can turn the switch on after losing another 3 games. I say keep the switch on and play hardnosed football. But it seems to me that Redskin football is about marketing "throwing fans bones" and everyone getting paid. And until they begin to use thier minds towards winning games it'll be a long few seasons to come.....Joe keep the switch on. Sorry to post and run I'll be back tommorrow. I pieced this together throughout my full day at work.....would love to hear your comments.

[Axegrinder]

I would say that they only perform when they have their backs up against the wall.This team continuously does things the hard way.We don't have the killer instinct.

[Skins57]

I also think the team not talking after a loss is a reflection of Joe himself. Joe will not tolerate someone bad mouthing anyone on this team. It will be kept in house.

[The Jake]

I've had my own conspiracy theories about snyder and the whole nfl myself, but I think the Giants may be better than us. They certainly looked it sunday and they won the division last year. Our team isn't the same mentally as it was at the end of 2005 and until it becomes that way we'll see moments of greatness (Jags) and moments of ugliness (Giants, Cowboys, Vikes). We need to win our next 2 or we'll really be against the wall. So frustrating with these guys. At least I can get tickets to a winning team in New Orleans.

[skinfanjon]

As I understand your argument, you are implying that Snyder doesn't care about winning, which is absolutely untrue. In an indirect sense, you seem to be saying that Gibbs plays tight becausee he feels we will get on a roll, or something to that affect. Neither of these things could be farther from the truth. Snyder wants a winnner as badly as anyone, and it has been proven over and over by his willingness to invest in the team and his reactions to the games themselves (rememeber Dallas?). Gibbs is conservative by nature, that is his style, but either way this is Saunders offense and it shouldn't matter if Gibbs is passive or not in his ideaology of playcalling. He's not the one picking the plays.

Where I do agree with you is in the overall attitude of the players. Many of them seem to posses a casual approach to the season, as if the high expectations assured thm of a place in the postseason. The team has an overall lackidasical presence to it right now, and that can and should be traced back to the coaching staff. They seem to only play their best when they have no room for error, but that sort of approach is what has put us in a hole to start the season and is paid for dearly if the team can even make the postseason. Those early losses are avoided by teams that earn bye weeks and host playoff games, and it is incresaingly difficult to advance through the postseason without either of those advantages working in your favor. So, to an extent, I agree with what you say.

What needs to happen in orde rto fix this season is a transformation in attitude more than anything else. This team has felt both lazy and energized, so it is up to the coaches to bring out the energy in these guys. The players need to accept more accountability for their own mistakes, and we need to start playing as if we think we can dicate the outcome of the game on both sides of the ball, rather than passively accepting whatever the defense or offense gives us. In other words, we have to start playing like a team that enjoys kicking the crap out of its opponents. I don't care who we play this week, we need to get focused and fired up, and come out and beat the SPENCORED out of the TItans like we did the 9ers last year. Then we need to get back to practice to start next week, leave our costumes and compliments at hoome, and work harder than we ever have before. If we can do those two things, we will play the Colts tight, and I will feel MUCH better about this team overall.

[skinfanjon]

I've had my own conspiracy theories about snyder and the whole nfl myself, but I think the Giants may be better than us. They certainly looked it sunday and they won the division last year. Our team isn't the same mentally as it was at the end of 2005 and until it becomes that way we'll see moments of greatness (Jags) and moments of ugliness (Giants, Cowboys, Vikes). We need to win our next 2 or we'll really be against the wall. So frustrating with these guys. At least I can get tickets to a winning team in New Orleans.

They aren't that much better than us. That was actually a pretty close game until the end of the thrid quarter. We lost because we got whipped on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. We couldn't stop Tiki early, and it softened up the pass D. We couldn't protect Brunell early to take advantage of the yardage Portis was giving us, and they stuffed our running game in the second half beacuse we became one dimensional. Losing the line of scrimmage is more an indication of heart that talent, in my opinion. At least when the talent level of both teams is comparable, which it is. They just wanted it more, and they pulled away because of it.

[Charlz]

I would say that they only perform when they have their backs up against the wall.This team continuously does things the hard way.We don't have the killer instinct.

The ONLY beef that I have w/the Redskins is that they do not bring their A-game to the Meadowlands or Texas Stadium. This was alluded to on another thread. I am not so much dissapointed in the loss as I am in the pitiful performance they put on.

[LATrueRedskin]

I would say that they only perform when they have their backs up against the wall.This team continuously does things the hard way.We don't have the killer instinct.

That's what really irritates me. It happens every game, and it happened all last season. We don't put teams away, and we don't show up until we're mathmatically up for elimination. It's time to win when winning doesn't really matter much. Let's make it easier on ourselves so everybody, the team and fans included, isn't sweating until the very last second of each game and each season.

[Skinz4lyfe]

Hhmmm. I'm gonna have to agree that it seems like we don't really like to play until our backs are against the wall. I was screaming at the TV watching the offense nonchalantly walk up to the line on a 3rd down. The desire doesn't seem like its there. Also, the Springs injury excuse is getting tired IMO. The Eagles were missing their 2nd and 3rd CBs last week and they didn't get gashed for big plays like we did. We need to find a way to stop the bleeding, get out there and make some plays. I have no doubt we'll turn it around but winning the division just got a whole lot tougher now.

[HOGHEAD4Life]

I'm beginning to get a mentality that thier is a majic switch in Ashburn that is in Gibbs' office. I know you may say "what is Joethefan talking about Now?"


Let me share my theory. This is what I think:

I think that Joe thinks he is in the old days when the internet and The NFL Network didn't exist. The fan is very knowledgable of the game and the access that we have now just doesn't add up to what we're seeing on the field. Now just because I question Joe doesn't mean that I'm blaspheming the REDSKIN Nation. I had to say that. But it seems to me that this team is only about making money. Why I say that, well every year we play the Giants at thier home we look the same. And the story is the same. "Tiki to the left Tiki to the right..Run Tiki Run all damn night".
Now if the Giants have the 29th ranked pass defense in the league and we have recievers that are supposed to stretch the field, why didn't we try to exploit thier Secondary? Portis had 61 yards in the first half, why didn't we stick with the run? I don't understand. Then we get in front of the camera and say "we don't know what's going on.. It starts with me and we've gotta figure it out. We gotta play better....(Pharaphrasing). I'm a little league coach, and even I know to scout and try to exploit an opponent. Not one 30 yard one pass down the field. And please don't say "Well Brunell was pressured" not the entire game. Eli was pressured too, but he finds a way to get it downfield.

I'm getting the feeling that I'm beginning to feel sorry for you season ticket holders..because it seems to me that Danny's make all the money theory is taking over and the fans are the ones that suffer. Why do I say that? No one seemed to have an attittude about the fact that we loss the game. It was just "It wasn't a good day, We couldn't get anything started, we have a long season". No you don't. But when the cameras are on and we lose, no one wants to talk, but when we win everyone has something to say.

I just wish Joe would get aggressive for one game. Why does it seem that we punk out when we go to another division rivals' stadium? Especially the Giants.

Maybe we think that since we ran the table after being 5-6 last year we can turn the switch on after losing another 3 games. I say keep the switch on and play hardnosed football. But it seems to me that Redskin football is about marketing "throwing fans bones" and everyone getting paid. And until they begin to use thier minds towards winning games it'll be a long few seasons to come.....Joe keep the switch on. Sorry to post and run I'll be back tommorrow. I pieced this together throughout my full day at work.....would love to hear your comments.

I agree with you... It seems to me that Joe has turned soft.... I like Joe but for some reason he is not himself this season.

Now on the other hand, what's up with MR. WILLIAMS? He has turned into the biggest bust of all. How could we have a top ranked defense last year and just fall apart this year........

Somebody needs to step up to the plate and grab the bull by the horns and play FOOTBALL....

[FunBunch5]

I would say that they only perform when they have their backs up against the wall.This team continuously does things the hard way.We don't have the killer instinct.


That is the difference between mediocrity and contender. Contenders bring it every week whether their suppose to win or not (See Wilbon's column, where he says we were suppose to lose).

[shally]

I would say that they only perform when they have their backs up against the wall.This team continuously does things the hard way.We don't have the killer instinct.

that is perilous... if one bad break goes against a team in that kind of run, it is all over... no reason to let it get to that..

[joethefan]

I also think the team not talking after a loss is a reflection of Joe himself. Joe will not tolerate someone bad mouthing anyone on this team. It will be kept in house.


badd mouthing is not saying hey we all need to step our game up.....It seems like no one says that. And if they do, is anyone listening?

[joethefan]

I've had my own conspiracy theories about snyder and the whole nfl myself, but I think the Giants may be better than us. They certainly looked it sunday and they won the division last year. Our team isn't the same mentally as it was at the end of 2005 and until it becomes that way we'll see moments of greatness (Jags) and moments of ugliness (Giants, Cowboys, Vikes). We need to win our next 2 or we'll really be against the wall. So frustrating with these guys. At least I can get tickets to a winning team in New Orleans.


But how can they do the same thing every year for the past three years....being non comptetitive....explain that!

[wewantdallas]

<<I just wish Joe would get aggressive for one game. Why does it seem that we punk out when we go to another division rivals' stadium? Especially the Giants.>>

That sums up how I feel perfectly. I've just had enough of this team embarrassing itself and the fans when we have these big divisional games. It's happened for a LONG time now, with very few exceptions. It just really built up for me after Sunday's debacle. I'm still sick over it. It's humiliating to see your team play that pathetically in such a big game. And I've seen it TOO OFTEN over the last 15 years.

I love that Joe doesn't throw people under the bus, but I would LOVE to hear him get a little tougher in some of his comments. He doesn't have to guarantee wins or belittle another team - just act like you have some confidence in your guys and stop saying, "Oh, this next opponent will be a nightmare," etc., etc.

It just sickens me that we honestly could've just about ended the Giants' season on Sunday with a win and no one seemed to understand that, and now we've got huge odds against us making the playoffs and it's not even the halfway point of the season yet.

[openallnight]

Now if the Giants have the 29th ranked pass defense in the league and we have recievers that are supposed to stretch the field, why didn't we try to exploit thier Secondary?
There's a very disturbing trend developing right now for our offense. We are not throwing the ball downfield because everyone is afraid of our speed on the perimeter. You hear Brunell, Lloyd, Moss everyone saying the same thing after every game. "Well, they were playing cover 2, so we couldn't get the ball downfield".
When asked how to you beat the cover 2, again the answer seems unaminous, "You run the ball, to bring the safeties up. We need to be able to run the ball better."

Maybe I'm imagining this but, hasn't cover 2 been around for quite awhile? Don't quarterbacks routinely beat cover 2 by splitting the zone. The key to beating cover 2 is to recognize it and throw behind the backers in front of the safeties. Well, here in lies the problem. I'm afraid Brunell either won't or can't make the throws necessary to beat this coverage scheme. Obviously, that's what everyone we're playing seems to think and it sounds like even our own players recognize it.

Sorry, didn't mean to turn this into a brunell thread. But, I think teams have a blueprint for dealing w/ our O because, of our QB tendencies.

[redskinz#1fan]

I haven't been posting much on here since the lost, because I have been too pissed. This team needs to stop complaining or trying to find excuses for their play, and just go and play damn football. It hurts me to the bone to see my boys go out and not even show effort in any game, but especially a damn division game. Does rivalries or hatred for other teams no longer exsist? It doesn't seem like it! I have teams that I played in highschool and little league, that I still hate to this day......and I'm damn near 31 years old! (ok maybe I'm just a little crazy when it comes to me and playing sports) My point is, that our guys need to have a little hate in the blood for these other teams and some fire under their :moon1: ! This season is far from over, but with a couple more game like this past week.....and I'm going to need some serious counseling! I have put blood..sweat...and tears (literally) into this team, and damnit I EXPECT the same in return from these guys.

This team needs to start playing aggressive. They need to attack the ball from both sides (Offense/Defense)! They need to bring the game, rather then being brought the game! If they would go out and attack, attack, attack....and they still lost, then I would respect them like there is no tomorrow. But that is a hell of a lot better then this BS read & react stuff that we have been doing!

I'm out!

[joethefan]

IThis team needs to start playing aggressive. They need to attack the ball from both sides (Offense/Defense)! They need to bring the game, rather then being brought the game! If they would go out and attack, attack, attack....and they still lost, then I would respect them like there is no tomorrow. But that is a hell of a lot better then this BS read & react stuff that we have been doing!

I'm out!

Good post yea you're right on the little league hatred thing....There are still clubs that when someone mentions the name I get a badd taste in my mouth and that was 22 years ago.....my point is just that they have to come up with something more than what they've been saying to the media and the fans because information that the fans now have access to just doesn't show where thier arguments hold water......

But wait oh they will tear the titans up. They'll put up 40 against them then they'll even beat the colts then let us down again...watch.

[starkiller]

Would be rolling in his grave at this team's punkiness.Boy I would love to have him as coach right now to put some fire and heart into this team.

[joethefan]

I just think we need an attitude.....they already broke Sean T. It seems like even he's not playing with attitude....and that should be a crime. He used to play with a stinginess and stinkiness about him. I sure hope that he at least get's it back.....

[Skinz4lyfe]

I just think we need an attitude.....they already broke Sean T. It seems like even he's not playing with attitude....and that should be a crime. He used to play with a stinginess and stinkiness about him. I sure hope that he at least get's it back.....

You are right. Even though we stunk in 2004, you were sure to get our maximum effort. You could tell we were going to get better. I especially loved the way we flew around the ball on defense. I don't see that on a consistent basis anymore. It almost seems like we expect to beat people. Even the divisional games lack the "hatred" for the other teams. Do we even have a rival anymore?

[Dolla Bill]

I just think we need an attitude.....they already broke Sean T. It seems like even he's not playing with attitude....and that should be a crime. He used to play with a stinginess and stinkiness about him. I sure hope that he at least get's it back.....


Having to cover up for an entire secondary has done that to him. No one else has stepped up to even help him.

[The Jake]

But how can they do the same thing every year for the past three years....being non comptetitive....explain that!

You know I wish I could but it's like clockwork with the skins. last year was the first time they've circled the wagons as they say and made the playoffs. If that's the exception to the rule or a pattern will be decided by the end of this season.

[bgforever]

Collectively as a team, including coaching staff, for the most part, maybe they are in a "Relaxed" mode to try not to be too emotionally overhyped. This may backfire and they play a "flat" game. Technically going through the motions and in retro being the very thing they hoped they wouldn't. A sitting duck.

[BandWagon]

A couple thoughts and I'm really glad my bud WWD chipped in...I was worried about him....

First thought. Going downfield isn't a Gibbs problem of being too conservative. If you watch games from 85 and 86, he let Schroeder go crazy. That team threw downfield a TON. Same with 91 except Rypien never got his shirt soiled, so that's not as good an example.

Second thought: I wonder if the lack of fire, care, malaise, what have you is a product of the modern game. Free agency, money, exposure, etc. Seems like in the good "ole" days they played for the love of the game, rather than wealth per se. Remember Joey T. pumping the team up before the Super Bowl...I believe he said something like "this one is for $70,000!" Times have definitely changed.

Third thought: Joe, your whole post/theory sounds exactly what LaVar said the team is all about. Marketing. Making a splash. As a ticket holder, I really hope that's not true. But sometimes you do wonder. But even given that, underneath it I think Snyder wants to win. He goes ape in the booth. We all saw him last year in the first Dallas game. That was unbridled emotion coming out there.

Fourth thought: While I quasi back the idea of being aggressive in free agency with younger veterens, I wonder if the entire reason for much of this is because we don't build from within with the draft. That's a flip flop for me, but the point about the Eagles is well put. They were playing several guys off the bench at key positions. Clearly they're finding gems throughout the draft because they've been consistently good with veterens moving on for a number of years now. Especially along the lines and in the secondary.

[redskin_rich]

A couple thoughts and I'm really glad my bud WWD chipped in...I was worried about him....

First thought. Going downfield isn't a Gibbs problem of being too conservative. If you watch games from 85 and 86, he let Schroeder go crazy. That team threw downfield a TON. Same with 91 except Rypien never got his shirt soiled, so that's not as good an example.

Second thought: I wonder if the lack of fire, care, malaise, what have you is a product of the modern game. Free agency, money, exposure, etc. Seems like in the good "ole" days they played for the love of the game, rather than wealth per se. Remember Joey T. pumping the team up before the Super Bowl...I believe he said something like "this one is for $70,000!" Times have definitely changed.

Third thought: Joe, your whole post/theory sounds exactly what LaVar said the team is all about. Marketing. Making a splash. As a ticket holder, I really hope that's not true. But sometimes you do wonder. But even given that, underneath it I think Snyder wants to win. He goes ape in the booth. We all saw him last year in the first Dallas game. That was unbridled emotion coming out there.

Fourth thought: While I quasi back the idea of being aggressive in free agency with younger veterens, I wonder if the entire reason for much of this is because we don't build from within with the draft. That's a flip flop for me, but the point about the Eagles is well put. They were playing several guys off the bench at key positions. Clearly they're finding gems throughout the draft because they've been consistently good with veterens moving on for a number of years now. Especially along the lines and in the secondary.

On the first point, Gibbs had QB's that could get the ball down the field. I'm not so sure Brunell can, unless he can set and load, which he will rarely have the time to.

Second point, I wonder the same thing myself. It is different now. I could go on but that is for another time, another thread.

Third point, it does pertain to a lot of things as far as the fan experience, Snyder is turning us over and shaking the change out. But the team is under the direction of Joe Gibbs, make no mistake about it. The only thing that Danny is guilty of there, is being an enabler.


Fourth and lastly, I think we have to wait and see. You bring up Philly, sure they have been good but what have they won? Take away McNabb and how good are they? Same goes for the Patriots. In this era of fee agency, there has been no proven method of success other than snagging a franchise QB.

[bgforever]

There's a very disturbing trend developing right now for our offense. We are not throwing the ball downfield because everyone is afraid of our speed on the perimeter. You hear Brunell, Lloyd, Moss everyone saying the same thing after every game. "Well, they were playing cover 2, so we couldn't get the ball downfield".
When asked how to you beat the cover 2, again the answer seems unaminous, "You run the ball, to bring the safeties up. We need to be able to run the ball better."

Maybe I'm imagining this but, hasn't cover 2 been around for quite awhile? Don't quarterbacks routinely beat cover 2 by splitting the zone. The key to beating cover 2 is to recognize it and throw behind the backers in front of the safeties. Well, here in lies the problem. I'm afraid Brunell either won't or can't make the throws necessary to beat this coverage scheme. Obviously, that's what everyone we're playing seems to think and it sounds like even our own players recognize it.

Sorry, didn't mean to turn this into a brunell thread. But, I think teams have a blueprint for dealing w/ our O because, of our QB tendencies.

valid point. When we beat Tampa Bay both times, especially that old "Deion" game, we split them with (safeties) with Alexander. He was faster than Cooley and it helped to force the safeties back further when he came off the line.

[shally]

Having to cover up for an entire secondary has done that to him. No one else has stepped up to even help him.

agree.. they are really tentative in their play..

[shally]

On the first point, Gibbs had QB's that could get the ball down the field. I'm not so sure Brunell can, unless he can set and load, which he will rarely have the time to.

Second point, I wonder the same thing myself. It is different now. I could go on but that is for another time, another thread.

Third point, it does pertain to a lot of things as far as the fan experience, Snyder is turning us over and shaking the change out. But the team is under the direction of Joe Gibbs, make no mistake about it. The only thing that Danny is guilty of there, is being an enabler.


Fourth and lastly, I think we have to wait and see. You bring up Philly, sure they have been good but what have they won? Take away McNabb and how good are they? Same goes for the Patriots. In this era of fee agency, there has been no proven method of success other than snagging a franchise QB.

the presumption is that we have that player in campbell.. if so, let's get him on the field.. if not, we might as well know it as soon as possible and face the ugly truth.. it is time to move on to chapter next...

[joethefan]

the presumption is that we have that player in campbell.. if so, let's get him on the field.. if not, we might as well know it as soon as possible and face the ugly truth.. it is time to move on to chapter next...


well if cambell is the one..my fear is that he won't have the talent that brunell had, thus setting him up for a fall....if they keep waiting to put him in we won't ever know what he has....he has to play through his mistakes and on the field issues....that comes from being on the field.

[redskinz#1fan]

well if cambell is the one..my fear is that he won't have the talent that brunell had, thus setting him up for a fall....if they keep waiting to put him in we won't ever know what he has....he has to play through his mistakes and on the field issues....that comes from being on the field.


This is the biggest thing. I would really love to see him on the field and see exactly what we got. I would love to see him in some games, so I can either get that warm & fuzzy feeling, or start looking at other possibilities for QB. He's going to take his lumps, no matter what. He has to, but that will only make him stronger and a better player. Just make sure that we get him on the field when there is talent around him, because anything short of that would put him at a disadvantage.

[redwolf1218]

This is the biggest thing. I would really love to see him on the field and see exactly what we got. I would love to see him in some games, so I can either get that warm & fuzzy feeling, or start looking at other possibilities for QB. He's going to take his lumps, no matter what. He has to, but that will only make him stronger and a better player. Just make sure that we get him on the field when there is talent around him, because anything short of that would put him at a disadvantage.
i was thinking the same thing. no matter how long he sits and waits, he's still going to go thru the normal struggles and growing pains of a young QB trying to assimilate the speed and athleticism of the NFL. however i also agree that he should not be thrown to the wolves. Gibbs has already stated that he will play only if he gets a full week of practice under his belt.